Recently AEP Ohio issued two separate Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the new construction of wind and solar energy generation facilities in Ohio. The two facilities will produce up to 250 megawatts (MW) of wind energy resources and 100 MW of solar energy sources respectively. AEP Ohio is seeking to place these facilities in Southeastern Ohio. Collectively the projects will produce enough energy to power 350,000 homes.
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The Columbus Building & Construction Trades Council (CBCTC), its affiliated unions and...
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Last night, the Ohio General Assembly came to an agreement on unemployment compensation. Unemployment compensation reform has been a critical issue to ACT Ohio’s membership since reform measures were proposed last year.
Read MoreThe 70th quadrennial Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council (“OSBCTC”) Convention was held November 20th through the 22nd in Columbus, Ohio. An estimated 160 building trades members from across the state attended the convention, along with 14 sponsors of the event. Dennis Duffey was unanimously reelected to his role as Secretary Treasurer of the OSBCTC.
When asked about the convention, Duffey remarked “The convention was a success. Issues of importance were vigorously debated, yet resolution was found on all items before the convention. The delegates left feeling accomplished and ready to move forward together.”
Read MoreThe oil and gas boom in Eastern Ohio has brought significant work opportunities for many building trades members. In addition to the pipeline and processing facility projects being constructed by the industry, roadway construction and maintenance in these areas has significantly increased to handle the influx of heavy equipment and increased traffic. Due to the increased usage of roadway’s by oil and gas firms, County Engineers and Township Trustees in Eastern Ohio began to enter into Road Use Maintenance Agreements (RUMAs) as early as 2010.
RUMAs are a contract between a county or township and an oil and gas firm to repair any damage to roadways, bridges or other public infrastructure due to their drilling activities. RUMAs have been viewed by many as an example of successful public private partnership.
Read MoreVolunteers from various Columbus/Central Ohio Building Trades locals, in conjunction with the AFL-CIO, The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, and The City of Columbus Recreation & Parks Department helped to rebuild Antrim Park’s pier.
Antrim is a nearly 120 acre park, which sits on a lake and the Olentangy Greenway Trail. The 2,400 square foot deck had fallen into disrepair and required renovations to its railing, decking, and benches. This volunteer project aimed to improve the structure and to add improvements such as benches and fishing rod holders. The project lasted two weeks, with a ribbon cutting and opening ceremony held on September 22, 2016, which featured remarks from Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga and the Mayor of Columbus Andy Ginther.
Read MoreOn September 8th, the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians Local 776 (“UA 776”) in Lima hosted a grand opening of their new state of the art apprenticeship training facility. This facility adds 8,000 square feet to the previous training center, and represents a $1.8 million dollar expansion. Discussions surrounding this expansion began three years ago, which was funded entirely through private dollars, with no taxpayer funds contributing to the project.
Read MoreA lawsuit filed Tuesday by the City of Cleveland challenges the constitutionality of a new law banning local hiring quotas that took effect earlier this year. The lawsuit filed in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, alleges that the law (HB 180) is a violation of home rule authority granted by the state’s constitution.
The bill was signed into law by Governor John Kasich on May 31, and will take effect Aug. 31.
Home Rule Authority is granted under the Ohio Constitution, and gives Ohio cities the power of local self-government. Because these powers originate in the Constitution, laws passed that interfere with them may be invalid.
Read MoreThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently increased its penalties for safety violations for the first time in over a decade. In November 2015, Congress enacted legislation requiring federal agencies to adjust their civil penalties to account for inflation. This change impacted OSHA, which last adjusted its penalties in 1990.
Read MoreLast week, the Columbus/Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council hosted a career fair for veterans. The fair aimed to educate attendees about the numerous career opportunities with the trades in Central Ohio. Representatives from various local building trades apprenticeship programs attended and eagerly shared information about their crafts. Crafts in attendance included: Bricklayers, Electricians, Glaziers, Laborers, Painters, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Sheet Metal Workers.
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