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2/18/08
980 Quick Update
Work has been slow but steady so far in 2008. Historically,
this is usually a slower period for the Local with the work
picking up more in the late Winter and early Spring of the year.
This year should be no different. We are currently looking to
pick up more work in all areas of our craft including general
construction, pipeline, demolition, and heavy and highway work.
Currently, work is spread all over our large jurisdiction of
the western halves of Virginia and North Carolina. These Laborers
are doing everything from pipeline work to hazardous waste abatement
to general construction work and everything in between.
Recently
we have had meetings with the Virginia Building & Construction
Trades Council discussing upcoming work in Wise County, VA,
and will update our members as more information becomes available.
In North Carolina we are currently working with the Building
& Construction Trades Council to start work on a large project
in Lake Norman, NC. The first phase of this construction should
start in early Spring.
With this work just around the corner, the Spring of 2008 looks
to be a busy part of the year for 980. It is important for all
members to get to our meetings and be more active as we step
forward together.
1/28/08
Statement
of Terence M. O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA,
On the President’s State of the Union Address America
Needs Sustainable Economic Stimulus
Washington, D.C. (January 28, 2008) – Tonight the President
will tout short-term economic stimulus that will help ease the
pain of many working Americans, but it will not cure what is
afflicting workers and our economy.
America’s workers are facing growing insecurity as the
housing market crisis deepens and joblessness increases. In
the construction industry alone – a powerhouse of the
economy with 10 million workers who produce 5 percent of the
nation’s economic output – 195,000 jobs were lost
in 2007. While job losses were initially in the residential
construction sector, December’s job report showed losses
spilling over into commercial construction as the economy weakens.
Quickly putting money in the pockets of consumers will provide
a short-term, modest stimulus, but it will not create good jobs
or meet our nation’s needs in the way true investment
can.
We need comprehensive and sustainable economic stimulus that
primes the economy, creates jobs and builds our country. One
piece of that must be a commitment to rebuild America’s
crumbling infrastructure.
For every billion dollars in federal infrastructure spending,
48,000 good jobs are created. The need for jobs is clear, as
is the need for investing in America: 27 percent of America’s
bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete;
the number of unsafe dams has risen by more than 33 percent
in the last ten years; 34 percent of our major roads are in
a less than satisfactory condition; and traffic congestion costs
American drivers $63.2 billion a year in wasted time and fuel
costs.
All over the globe, countries competing with the U.S. are investing
in the basics. For America to continue competing in the global
economy, we must do the same and strengthen our infrastructure.
 12/15/06
Laborers Honor Robert H. Myers
This year’s annual Laborers
Local 980 Retirees Council Christmas Dinner was held on December
15, 2006. Many retirees and their spouses were present as well
as many other guests, making it a well attended and festive
event.
This year at the dinner, we took time to honor our newest retiree,
Robert (Bobby) H. Myers. Bobby served as Business Manager of
Local 980 from 1982 to 2001. In August 2005 he came back to
the Local once again as Business Manager. He took on this task
while serving the Virginia / North Carolina District Council
as Business Manager and LIUNA as a Special International Representative.
In 2006, Bobby stepped down from his position of President of
the Virginia State Building & Construction Trades Council.
At the end of September Bobby officially retired from Local
980 and LIUNA.
 Bobby
served during some difficult times for Union Labor. We all have
him to thank for his time served and his fight for worker justice.
Bobby worked hard not just for members of our Local but for
all working families across the Commonwealth. This is demanding
work and, as Bobby himself said, “It is a burden that
takes its toll.”
The true test of a labor leader is to leave your organization
better than you found it; Bobby has done that and more. And,
with his input as a trustee, he will continue to better this
organization. He, like all retirees, will always be welcome
here at Laborers’ Local 980. We members of Laborers’
Local #980 owe him a debt of gratitude for his dedication, commitment,
and loyalty throughout his time with the Laborers. He is a Laborer
who is truly worthy of his hire.
 4/4/06
Remembering
Brother Kevin Forbes
On March 12th, Local 980 lost one of its most dedicated servants
when former Business Manager Kevin Wayne Forbes passed away.
He was 46 years old.
Brother Forbes was initiated into the Local Union October 9th,
1985 while working for various signatory contractors. Business
Manager Bobby Myers asked Forbes to work with him as Field Representative
because of his obvious interest in the affairs of Local 980.
He served in this capacity until November 2001 when he became
Business Manager when Myers was chosen to represent the Mid-Atlantic
Region as an International Representative. They continued to
work closely together on matter of importance to 980 members.
In August 2005, Brother Forbes suffered a stroke which prevented
him from fulfilling his duties as Business Manager. The Local's
Executive Board, with Forbes participating, installed Bobby
Myers back into the office he had held previously.
Brother Forbes suffered a massive heart attack on March 5th
and clung to life for a week thereafter. Says Myers, "
Kevin will be remembered for his genuine love of Local 980 and
each of our fellow members. He was a loyal friend and Brother
to me and I am going to miss him."
Brother Kevin is survived by his wife Bonnie; daughter Tammy;
son Harold Ray and special little buddy Gavin Duncan.
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Celebrating
50 Years with the Local
12/16/05
- At the 2005 Retirees' Christmas Dinner,
brother Archie Perkins received his Gold Card for 50 years
of membership with Local 980. |
Katie Lucille Rogers was also in attendance at the Retirees'
Dinner. Katie came on board with Local 980 before Robert
E. Myers. She served the local until 1982. |
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9/29/05
Former Business Manager Bobby Myers Installed at head of local
while Kevin Forbes Recovers from illness.
On
Sunday, September 11th, the full Executive Board of Local 980
met to take up some very important matters, not the least of
which is the ongoing business of this local union. However,
there was a matter of concern confronting the Board which was
not only professional but personal as well.
In early August, Business Manager Kevin Forbes suffered a stroke
while on the job. Since that time he has been under doctors
care and has recovered partially.
Bobby Myers, the Local's former Business Manager and current
President, stepped in immediately to lend assistance and give
direction to our ongoing efforts. Myers is currently the Business
Manager of the Virginia/North Carolina Laborers' District Council
and Special International Representative for LIUNA. At the September
11th meeting, with Brother Forbes in attendance and voting,
the Board unanimously approved a plan to formerly move Myers
into the position of Business Manager/President with Forbes
maintaining his position as Secretary-Treasurer.
In the meantime, Field representative McDowell Myers with a
big assist from Training Director Johnny Weaver has maintained
operations on the ground manning jobs and servicing our members
at those job sites. 980's office secretary Kim Silvey has pitched
in as well calling members off the list to fill job orders.
Regarding the actions taken by the Board, Brother Forbes stated
at the meeting that the needs of the Local came before his own
personal preferences. It is hoped that he can recover completely
from the stroke and its effects and come back to serve 980 in
some capacity in the future.
05/11/05
Work for 980 continues to increase steadily.
As we move through spring and into summer, work throughout the
980 jurisdiction is steadily increasing.
The work on the Coors Brewery in Elkton, Virginia has just begun
and the first laborers are already on the job. By the time the
project is fully underway we will need the skills of many of
our members for this one of a kind opportunity.
McKamish, Inc. has just employed several members on a demolition
job just outside of Charlottesville in Shadwell, Virginia. Several
more members are in a Torch Cutting and Burning class this week
and set to go to work on that job upon completion of the class.
Work in North Carolina should pick up considerably as summer
approaches.
LCM Corporation has just begun using more of our laborers that
were just trained and certified last month in our eighty hour
Hazardous Waste Worker Class.
For members that are currently out of work, training classes
like these are a great way to better prepare oneself for contractor's
needs and make you more employable.
01/31/05
The jobs outlook for 980 in 2005 looks promising.
In
North Carolina, work has already started with McAninch, and
L.A. Pipeline was awarded 38 miles of pipeline. Frank Lill &
Sons has work on the UNC at Chapel Hill campus set to begin
in April.
The North Carolina Building Trades is also gearing up for work
in Charlotte. This will be a unique opportunity as union pension
monies will be used through the Build Fund.
Speaking
of Unique opportunities, in Virginia 980 members and other fellow
tradesmen will be on the job at the new Coors brewery in Elkton.
This is a $180-$190 million project being worked under the National
Construction Agreement.
Other work up the Shenandoah Valley continues with United Pipeline
under the Distribution Pipeline Agreement.
In far southwestern Virginia work at the AEP Clinch River Plant
in Carbo is about to start. Matrix Service is the general contractor.
Other signatory contractors include Ferral Roofing, Enerfab,
UCCI, George P. Reintjes, and Nitro Electric.
Work throughout the region with LCM Corporation continues to
be steady.
04/23/04
Up Coming Work with AEP
Up coming work with AEP in Carbou and Glen Lynn. Other Projects
are being bid at Billsby Dam near Wytheville. Details to follow.
Shut downs at Mead-Wesvaco, Georgia Pacific, Virginia Power
have been completed. Additional outages may be available at
these facilities.
Contractors who have bid: Davidson Burton, Frank W. Sheesley
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