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Editorial: Exposing the ABC for what they truly are

By Mark H. Ayers

President

Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Ever since I assumed the presidency of the Building and Construction Trades Department in October, 2007, I have been very aggressive in trying to get our unions focused on “stepping out of the box” to confront a plethora of challenges – most prominently the need to establish a new brand identity for union construction that is based upon pride, performance and professionalism. 

It has been, and will continue to be, my goal to help position our industry in a manner to proactively demonstrate – to construction owners, contractors, public officials and the general public – the value of utilizing the safest, most highly trained and productive workforce in the world.

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Reyes launches 'Voices of El Paso's Uninsured' web video

Reyes web video

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) today launched 'Voices of El Paso’s Uninsured,' a web video profiling four local families struggling to pay for health care costs.  The House of Representatives is scheduled to debate health insurance reform legislation in the coming weeks.

“The compelling stories of these families and their financial struggles due to unexpected illness underscore the need for health insurance reform,” Congressman Reyes said.  “Unfortunately, these stories are not unique in our community.  With over 230,000 people without health insurance, thousands of El Paso residents experience financial hardship everyday due to medical costs.  Health insurance reform is vital for this community.”

Nationally, over 47 million people living in the United States lack health coverage.  Texas has both the highest number and percentage of people without heath insurance in the entire nation.  The state also has the dubious distinction of having both the highest number and percentage of children without health insurance.  El Paso has one of the highest concentrations of America’s uninsured population, with over 230,000 residents without health coverage, nearly one in three people.  The high rate of people without health insurance negatively affects the entire community, even those who do have health insurance.

“When people don’t have health insurance, they wind up in our emergency rooms and that’s the most expensive type of care possible,” Reyes added.  “When people don’t pay for treatment and services at University Medical Center, taxpayers are stuck with the bill.  We need to reform our health insurance system to ensure that companies cannot deny coverage to people who have preexisting conditions and serious illnesses.  The stakes for our community and our country are far too great.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming weeks on this vital issue.”

Journeyman Sheet Metal Exams - Ongoing

Contact Jerry Arms for dates, times, and more information about the JSM exams or call 505 266 5878.

apprenticeship Training - Thanks to Brother Joe for this Image

Executive board meeting, 3rd friday of the month

Executive Board meeting will be held at 5pm on the third Friday of every month.

union meeting , 3rd friday of the month

Union meeting will be held at 7pm on the third Friday of every month.

 

 

Current Boycotts

Hyatt Hotels

Spread the word: stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Massachusetts

Click here for the announcement

 

Announcements

Sheet Metal Training Institute Recieves Federal Grant - info here

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs Bill Passed - Click here

the Loop - SMWIA Leadership news

Click here for the AIL/NILCIO Labor Letter

Current Officers

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR OFFICERS/STAFF

Business Manager/Fianancial Secretary Treasurer:

Raymond N Diaz(I)

Business Representative/Recording Secretary:

Richard Espinosa (I)

President:

Jerry Arms (I)

Vice President:

Abel "Billy" Martinez (I)

Trustees:

Vince Alvardo (I), Annie Scoggin, Joseph Valdez

Executive Board:

Danny Avent        James Peralta

                                 Ted Clark (I)               Brian Montgomery (I)   

                                Mike Gomez                   Jim Wagner (I)

Warden:

Dominic Baca 

           

Conductor:

Mike Swisher (I)


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Achievements
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