Some Concerns

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

I hope every member and their families are having a great summer. It is hard to believe that summer is already almost halfway over. Graduations are finished, vacations have either happened or are being planned, and the Fourth of July holiday has come and gone. It seems like summer is moving faster every year.

One of the major concerns we have during the summer months is water safety. If you are spending time at a river or lake, it is extremely important to know your surroundings and understand the dangers that can be present. Make sure you and your family wear life jackets, when necessary, especially when boating or participating in water activities. Taking a few extra precautions can make all the difference in keeping your family safe.

We also need to talk about safety on the roads. As you travel with your family this summer, please slow down, stay alert, and make sure everyone gets to their destination safely. As a Business Representative, one of the most important things to me is making sure every member and their family returns home safely. Please take every precaution when traveling and enjoying outdoor activities. We want everyone to have a great summer and make memories with their families while staying safe.

Now, let’s talk about the work outlook.

Work throughout the region has been slow, and we continue to have a large Out-of-Work List. Sacramento has had a large number of projects, but the amount of work available has not been enough to put everyone to work. Looking ahead, some of the larger projects I see coming up include the Kaiser Railyards project and the Sky River Casino project.

Enclos has also talked about bringing on a new crew around the middle of August. We will have to wait and see how that development progresses, but hopefully it will provide additional opportunities for our members.

Once again, I cannot stress enough how important it is for every journeyman to keep all certifications and training up to date. Having your required certifications current can make a difference when you are eligible to be dispatched to a job. If you are out of work, make sure you put your name on the Out-of-Work List on the first working day of the month. This has become an issue again, and I want to remind everyone to make sure they follow the proper procedure so they do not miss an opportunity for work.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate all of the apprentices who became journeymen this month. I am very proud of each of you and the commitment, hard work, and dedication you have shown to achieve this important goal. Becoming a journeyman is a major accomplishment, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of you.

Please be safe out there—whether you are on the roads, at the river, on the lake, or enjoying time with your family. Take care of yourselves and each other. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Fraternally,

John Tweedt
Business Representative
DC16/ Local 767