Organized Labor

On the Job Site

On the Jobsite with Sprinkler Fitters Local 483

Sprinkler fitters are among the few craftspeople who are happy never to see the fruits of their labor put to the real test. They are content if the miles of fire sprinkler pipe they install in modern skyscrapers appear merely ornamental. Occasionally they read a news story about a fire that was put out by a sprinkler system. Then they smile and take pride in knowing that, once again, their trade saved lives.

Sprinkler fitters’ work begins when construction begins and continues until the building is nearly completed. First, they run underground pipe to get the water from the street to the building. As the structure goes up, they insert and sleeve the floors before the concrete is poured.

Building the Trades

Don’t Stop at the Top of the Ballot

By Michael Theriault, Secretary-Treasurer
Don’t stop after voting for President Nov. 4. Keep working down the ballot. Well toward the bottom are issues vital for Building Trades members. Here are four:
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How Will Wall Street’s Financial Troubles Affect the Construction Industry?

Ullico’s CEO Mark Singleton Says Expect Tough Times in Near Future, But Better Days Ahead

Organized Labor caught up with union construction pension expert Mark Singleton, CEO of Ullico (Union Labor Life Insurance Co.), to get his thoughts on the country’s current financial crisis, the $700 billion bailout and its impact on the commercial construction industry.

Labor, Business and Civic Leaders Say YES to Prop A

Ballot Measure Would Save City’s Only Trauma Center

By Roy San Filippo Staff Writer

A broad coalition of labor unions, business leaders and city officials have come together to urge San Franciscans to vote “Yes” on Prop. A when they go to the polls on Nov. 4. The $887.4 million bond is vital to the survival of San Francisco General Hospital which must be rebuilt in order to meet state seismic safety regulations and to modernize the city’s aging public hospital.

Candlestick Cove Luxury Apartments Rising Along Monster Park Hillside

$64-Million Project by Hanover Co. to be Completed in 2010

By Paul Burton
Contributing Writer

Visitors to the SF Building Trades office on Executive Park Blvd. have seen the ongoing transformation of the hillside near Monster Park (formerly Candlestick Park) above the offices over the past several months. Along with the condos at Candlestick Point by developer Top Vision at the eastern edge of hill and townhouses to the west built by Signature Properties, new luxury apartments are rising between the two developments. The Hanover Company, located in Houston, Texas, with offices in Redwood City, is the developer and general contractor for the apartment complex.

Trades Headlines

San Francisco Rezone Plan Seen as Limiting Future Jobs

San Francisco's massive plan to encourage housing development and protect some industry in four east-side neighborhoods would limit the development of office space and jobs over the next several decades, according to a city controller's report.

Experts: McCain's Rescue Plan Unlikely to Aid Capital Much

Restrictions in a homeowner rescue plan proposed by Sen. John McCain would likely block thousands of struggling Sacramento-area borrowers from participating, analysts say.

GOP is Losing Ground in San Diego County

The electoral edge that Republicans have held in San Diego County for 24 years is slipping away, and the county may have more registered Democrats than Republicans by Election Day.

California's Prop. 12 Would Provide Mortgage Funds for Veterans

The $900-million bond measure would be available to those who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan even if they didn't actually leave the U.S.

Judge Orders Reforms for California Juvenile Parole Revocation

A Sacramento federal judge has ordered sweeping reforms to the parole revocation system for California juveniles, including an accelerated schedule of hearings to quickly determine whether revocation is merited.