A Journeyman Tilesetter since 1981, Tim Paulson previously served as Vice President of the SFBCTC starting in 1997. He was a principal officer and business agent for the Bricklayers, Tilelayers, and Allied Craftworkers Local 3, and an Apprenticeship Coordinator for the Northern California Tilelayers and Tile Finishers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. As the Executive Director of the San Francisco Labor Council from 2004 to 2018, Paulson coordinated political activities, organized events and rallies, and supported affiliated unions in bargaining and contract negotiations. Prior to working for the SF Labor Council, Paulson worked as the Political Director and Assistant Executive Officer of the San Mateo County Central Labor Council. He previously held the position of Organizing and Political Director for SEIU’s Justice for Janitors campaigns in Northern California, and led successful campaigns organizing security officers at Bay Area office buildings. A San Francisco resident, Paulson holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science.
I didn’t have the time (or stomach) to listen to Trump’s speech to Congress earlier this month, but I have since digested his words and the circus he created. He began by an act of disrespect and lack of class by refusing to shake the hand of Leader Pelosi, a normal procedure given to the Vice President and Speaker who represent Congress at the dais before the “speech.”
Samuel Gompers, as I wrote last month, was the long-time President of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Over a hundred years ago, many national unions were sick of their umbrella organization, the Knights of Labor, who were more than willing to accommodate the employers.
As most of us know, Stan Smith, former Secretary-Treasurer of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council, passed away recently at the age of 89.
The Berlin Wall came down 30 years ago. I was there. I was on vacation and having a great time and then WHAM! Reagan told Gorbachav to “tear down this wall,” but I didn’t know it would happen when I was on vacation. (Can’t believe the anti-worker Reagan gets some praise in this article….)
Recently, I have begun to dread waking up and reading a newspaper, flipping on the TV or opening some of my social media applications. The waves of stories about the Democratic nominees for President and the constant childish, leaderless tweets and pronouncements by Donald Trump have become boring and tiresome.
Last week I was honored to speak at the Executive Board of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers International Union at the St. Francis Hotel at San Francisco Union Square.
The media bombards us with stories about all the candidates vying for the Democratic Party nomination for President. There are lefties and moderates and conservatives. There are men, women and people of color from diverse backgrounds. There are Senators, Congress folks, mayors and business people.
What?! Paulson wants to talk about interest rates? Give me a break…..
At the California Democratic Party Convention in San Francisco last week most of the candidates for President flew into California and the Moscone Center to push their case to represent us.
This calendar year has been challenging for building trades unions in San Francisco.
