Union News Archives
When the NJ Regional Council
of Carpenters and it's Union Contractor Employers decided to create a
labor-management cooperative four years ago, their primary mission was to
develop a vehicle that would share the story of their spirited partnership
and assist in explaining
the value of union construction to the industry at large...
There is something truly special
about the volunteer spirit of union carpenters and contractors. Attend a
union meeting at any hall across the State and chances are there is a
request for assistance for someone in need. It might be the building of a
wheelchair ramp or repairing a home with storm damage, whatever their
request, hands are raised in the air and volunteers line-up. "There is a
longstanding history with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters of giving
back to the communities we help build.
Every Local does its part to preserving this legacy by sharing its craft
through volunteerism," explains Frank Spencer, Executive Secretary-Treasurer
of the New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters.
The New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters, New Jersey
carpenter Contractor Trust (NJCCT) and Building Contractors Association of
New Jersey (BCANJ) have developed a Safe Workplace Program that
will address Homeland Security requirements for outside contractors and
their construction employees entering sensitive facilities. In addition to
safety and security measures, the program aims to save New Jersey businesses
money on future construction projects. Refineries, military bases,
pharmaceutical companies and public transportation centers have ongoing
needs for construction services.
With that need comes the process of hiring outside construction companies
and their employees to perform work.
On it's surface, it shouldn't work. In fact, it almost
sounds as if an unnatural act is being committed. Two groups - labor versus
management, negotiating over wages, benefits, and work rules, often times at
extreme odds. Then the dust settles, and together they go from the rigors of
the bargaining table to an amicable place known as a Labor Management
Cooperative.
While the concept seems too juxtaposed to succeed, both parties know it is a
necessary business strategy. It truly is a working anomaly.
The gap between architectural design vision and practical
application by Carpenters on a job-site can be a challenge. Efficiency
on-site is key to timely completion of any project and a comprehensive
relationship between designer and build team can dramatically increase
productivity.
New Jersey Carpenter Contractor Trust (NJCCT) has created a unique
scholarship opportunity for young Architects and Design professionals - on
that not only supplements their education, but provides them with a one week
internship at a union Carpenter Training Facility.
To many architects, Millshop
Carpentry is an enigma. What is it that Millshops do? How do they
operate? What do they contribute to my design specifications?
On October 13, 2004, forty architects found out exactly what a Union
Millshop is all about in a special Carpenter Workshop event
entitled: Carpenter Workshop: On the Road.
In 2006, the New Jersey Carpenter Contractor Trust will
reach our five year anniversary serving the NJ Regional Council of
Carpenters and their Union Employer partners. Since our inception, we have
delivered a well-rounded approach to marketing and public relations
initiatives seeking to share the message of a productive labor-management
partnership with the construction industry at-large.
While we have implemented many important programs that have positioned this
special partnership to our industry - we are particularly excited about the
direction we are headed this next year and beyond.
Thank you from New Jersey Contractor. |
