Dear Brothers, Sisters, & Retirees of Laborers’ Local #652:

I sincerely hope this letter finds you and your family doing well and in good health.  As we near the end of the year, I would like to provide you with some important information on a few items that have surfaced since my last newsletter.

Scholarships

I am very pleased and proud to announce that 15 sons and daughters of our member were recently awarded scholarships from the Mike Quevedo Sr. Scholarship fund (names & photo on page #5). Each young person was awarded $1,500.00 towards their college expenses.  These scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis and I encourage all of our member’s children preparing for college to apply for these scholarships in the future.  Remember, our Children are the future, and it is important that we provide them with the best chance for success by helping them further their education. Once again, to those Scholarship Recipients, you made your parents and your Union Family Proud!!!

Anti Project Labor Agreement (PLA) – County of Orange

The County Board of Supervisors led by Supervisor John Moorlach recently passed an ordinance prohibiting Project Labor Agreements (PLA) on any County Funded Project. What does this mean to you and your brothers and sisters? It means that the County has abandoned the requirement to have qualified labor (you) on their projects that they award. It means that your tax dollars can now go to some “out-of-state rip-off contractor” who steals from his workers to low-bid the job. It means that the work will not go to working families who live in the community.

I would like to thank those of you who turned out to help protest this move by the Board who could care less about the working men and women of this County and care more about their own political gain. I would like to point out that the majority of the members who attended the protest were members who have already retired. These members have given to the movement, and continue to give. I would ask those of you who may be temporarily out work, and have the time to please give your time when asked to. It is vitally important that these politicians see a show of strength from organized labor.

This is a prime example of why we need to be organized and have a strong effective voice at the Local political level as well as the Stat and Federal level. Today they went after the PLA’s, tomorrow it may be Prevailing Wage, or even Unions as a whole. If there ever was a time we need to stick together and fight, it’s NOW!!! Please become active in your Union and help us help you. Your future may depend on it.

Health Care Reform

This is another issue that I am asking you and your family members to become active in. I’m sure those of you who are out of work and may be uninsured or on the verge of losing your health insurance can understand how important an issue Health Care for Everyone is.  Please take the time to write or call your local Congressional and Senatorial representative to let them know that you support this issue. It would be even better if you could ask your friends and family to do the same.

Staff & Hours Reduction

Even though the economy continues to recover, I continue to look for ways to operate the local in as an effective fiscally sound manner as possible. To that end, I have reduced the field staff by one agent and have reduced the office staff hours in an effort to keep operating costs to a minimum and still provide the necessary services to our members.

Food Bank for Out of Work Members

For the past few months, a “Food Bank” has been held at the local during roll call on the third Wednesday of each month. If you are a member that is out of work, and wish to receive a small bag of assistance, please come by the local on the third Wednesday of the month during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Health Fair

The local has scheduled a “Health Fair” on Sunday December 13, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at the Local Union. Flu shots will be given to members of the local and medical staff will be on-site to answer general medical issues.

Current & Upcoming Projects

AS the economic situation continues its slow recovery, there are some jobs that have broken ground or are set to begin in the near future. I ask that you be patient and allow this recovery process to run its course. Below are some of projects underway when members from the out of work list have been dispatched.

• John Wayne Airport, McCarthy Construction - $200 million
• Waste Water Sanitation Project (Irvine), Filanc Construction - $90 million
• 91 Freeway Project, Brutoco Construction - $40 million
• Reservoir Project, Sukut Construction - $70 million (apparent low bidder, set to award after the end of the year)
• Alton Parkway Roadway Extension - $18.75 million
• Road work contractors continue to obtain work – All American, R.J. Noble, Excel Paving, and EBS.

The staff and I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family the best of Holiday Seasons. As always, if you plan to travel for the holidays, please be extra careful, and return safely. I thank you for your support throughout this year and look forward to a safe and successful 2010.

Feel the Power!!!

As always, I remain, fraternally yours,

Armando “Mando” Esparza

Business Manager – Laborers’ Local #652

President – Southern California District Council of Laborers