News archives
Find links to recent Local 3 news posted on this website.
December
Dec. 22, 2011:Local 3 continues rallying for jobs
Local 3 members and representatives joined other labor organizations at a recent rally in front of San Rafael City Hall to show support for the Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit (SMART) train.
The station at Atherton Avenue in Novato was put on hold in early 2011 because of budget problems but has since been re-introduced. Local 3 Political Director Mark Kyle spoke to the more than 70 people gathered, explaining that construction of the train system would create needed jobs for local workers.
For the full article and photos, click here
Dec. 16, 2011: Surveyor Negotiations & Courier Update
Negotiations began on Monday, Nov. 21 and have continued thru Wednesday, Dec. 14. The Courier report has been updated on the Members Only page. Contact the Technical Engineers for more information.
The ‘American Way’ is the Local 3 way
The hunting television program “The American Way,” which began last July, featured Local 3 during the second episode’s Blue Collar Spotlight. This segment features union members across the country doing what they love and doing it well.
Local 3 is also a sponsor of the show, which shares outdoor adventures, fishing and hunting successes and working-class heroes on the Pursuit Channel network (Dish Network: Channel 240; DirecTV Channel: 608). The show airs Fridays at 6 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Saturdays at 4 p.m., EST. Check it out!
Click on the link to learn more. www.theamericanwaytv.com
November
7th Annual Pancake Breakfast and Toy Run
Don't miss this annual event that benefits disadvantaged children in Solano County. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy on the day of the event. Toys may also be dropped off at the Fairfield Hall prior to the event. Get more information.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, 8:00 am
Where: Cordelia Fire Station, 2155 Cordelia Road, Fairfield
Other details: Motorcycle Run departs at 10:00 a.m.
Call the Fairfield Office at (707) 429-5008 for more info.
November 21, 2011: Let's move forward with High-Speed Rail - We've been talking about High-Speed Rail (HSR) for years (its cost; its environmental benefits; the jobs it will create for our industry, etc.), and finally, with the release of the new California High-Speed Rail Authority's business plan, we are much closer to the project becoming a reality. Read story full story now. Read other eNews exclusives here.
November 21, 2011: Scholarship Applications now available
Beginning in 2012, a total of six academic college scholarships of varying amounts and twenty-five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded be awarded to sons, daughters, stepchildren and foster children of Local 3 members. Read the rules. Applications are accepted from January 1 - March 31, 2012 so download the applications now and fill them out online. Get more details and the applications now.
- Nov. 16, 2011: Surveyor Agreement Negotiations
Negotiations begin on Monday, Nov. 21 and continue on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Watch for an updated Courier report for Members Only. Contact the Technical Engineers for more information.
Made in America - Ever wonder what a house might look like if all of the parts were "Made in America?" Although it is getting hard to find items completely manufactured in one country or another, this report tried just that. Log in to your members only account to read this Special Report. Not registered yet on the Local 3 members only site? Do it now.
- November 2, 2011: Stanford Medical and Anthem sign new multi-year agreement
The Local 3 Trust Fund Office is pleased to announce that Stanford University Hospital, Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford Medical Group and Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital Medical Group have reached a multi-year agreement with Anthem Blue Cross and have rejoined Anthem Blue Cross's network with an effective date of September 1, 2011. Get all of the details now.
November 1, 2011: Exploring the Exploratorium project - The Exploratorium project in downtown San Francisco is profiled in the November edition of Engineers News, but the operators working there didn't just catch our attention. Check out the ABC 7 News coverage that includes scenes of our members in action, as they upgrade historical Pier 15.
October
- October 24, 2011: Tech Engineers Courier
Get the latest news from the Tech Engineers on our members only site. The Courier keeps you informed about what is happening on all aspects of the Technical Engineers so log onto the members only website and get caught up on the new Courier. Not registered on the website yet? Register now to gain access to the courier and other members only information. - October 14, 2011: Letters to the Editor Rules
Letters to the Editor should be 200 or fewer words, should reference articles previously published in Engineers News and are subject to editing. The use of offensive language and unsubstantiated, personal accusations will not be permitted. Letters must include your name and registration number.
Send letters to:
Letters to the Editor, Operating Engineers Local 3,
3920 Lennane Drive,
Sacramento, CA 95834
By fax: (916) 419-3487 By e-mail: newsletters@oe3.org
October 12, 2011: 3D Laser Scanning Class
Classes are underway for the 27 Hour Comprehensive Training Program. Class locations can be found throughout Northern California and there is No Charge to OE3 Members, Signatory Firms and their Staff. If you are interested in attending, call the Northern California Surveyors Joint Apprenticeship Committee (NCSJAC) right away. Don't wait, call them now at [510] 748-7413. Click here for more details.
- October 7, 2011: A message from Business Manager Russ Burns
"Operating Engineers Local 3 is greatly saddened by the tragic event that happened this week in Cupertino, resulting in the death of one of our long-time members. When a tragedy like this occurs, everyone is deeply affected – family members, friends and fellow Operating Engineers. We send our prayers and condolences to all who have been affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families of those directly affected."
- Local 3 Business Manager Russ Burns 
October 3, 2011: November 2011 General Election
Log on to the members only website to get a list of endorsements for a number of important races. If your district is holding a General Election on Nov. 8, 2011, then you still have time to register to vote in these elections. Check your state's political page (CA, HI, NV, UT) for information about registering to vote, voting early, voting by mail and more.- October 1, 2011: Stanford Hospital Coverage Terminated - As reported at the Sept. 18 Semi-Annual, Anthem Blue Cross notified the Local 3 Trust Fund Office that its agreements with Stanford University Hospital, Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford Medical Group, and Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital Medical Group terminated Sept. 1, 2011. All treatment at these facilities on and after Sept. 1, 2011 may be paid at the non-network benefit level. You will be responsible for any dollar amounts in excess of the "Allowed Charge" in addition to the non-network deductible and coinsurance. You can find a current list of participating providers on the Blue Cross website at www.bluecrossca.com. Please discuss this situation with your doctor and reschedule planned procedures at a network hospital if possible. If you have questions please contact the trust fund office at (800) 251-5014.
September
September 23, 2011:High Speed Rail Authority holds meeting in Fresno
A High Speed Rail meeting was held in Fresno this week. Most who addressed members of the High Speed Rail Authority and the Federal Railroad Administration touted the economic benefits of the system connecting northern and southern California through Fresno. Log on to the Members Only site to get details on this hearing.
- September 22, 2011: Scholarship Awards Increased for 2012
Here is some good news for members and their families. Beginning with the scholarships to be awarded in the summer of 2012, the number of awards and the amounts of those awards have been increased. These scholarships are awarded to sons, daughters, stepchildren and foster children of Local 3 members. Get all of the details now.Note: Scholarship Applications for the coming year will be available on Nov. 1, 2011 for application to the 2012 scholarship award consideration. Get more details on the scholarship programs now.
Semi-Annual Meeting, Sunday, September 18, 2011 - Don't miss the semi-annual this month. From Hwy. 16/Jackson Hwy, turn right on Murieta South Parkway (at light); follow Local 3 signs to parking.
It is at the same location (Crane Training area) as the Sept. 2010 meeting, so look for the cranes.
Nevada Special Election, Congressional District 2, Sept. 13
Nevada members, get details on this important race in Nevada. Early voting goes from Aug. 27 thru Sept. 9. If you missed the early voting, go to your polling center on Tuesday, Sept. 13. Log in to the Members Only website to see who Local 3 is endorsing.
Salt Lake City, Utah, Municipal Primary Election, Sept. 13
Utah members who are residents of Salt Lake City, don't forget to vote in the Municipal Primary Election for district 2 & 6. Get details now. Early voting goes from August 30 - September 2 & September 6- 9, so get out there and vote now. Log in to the Members Only website to see who Local 3 is endorsing in this important race for Local 3 and Salt Lake City residents.
August
Aug. 26, 2011: FAA Reauthorization bill set to expire on Sept. 16 - On Tuesday, Aug. 23, Senator Barbara Boxer addressed a crowd of construction workers, airport officials and the media at a press conference organized by the Oakland Port Authority. This press conference came three weeks after a similar press conference that helped put an end to the funding impasse and FAA shutdown resulting in a temporary extension signed by the president a few days later. Read this eNews story and watch the video.
Aug. 25, 2011: Think Before you Ink! - Don't be fooled by Paycheck Deception Initiative. Once again we are seeing deceptive tactics to undermine the working class. The most recent attacks in California are disguised as signature campaigns to get a ballot initiative on the 2012 ballot which would impose strict restrictions on the political monies of unions, but not on corporate profits. Get more details now.
Send letters to Kaiser Permanente
Are you a Kaiser Permanente member who is tired of the rising costs of health care? Write the Kaiser CEO and tell him how you feel. Click here to get started.
FAA projects to start up again after pressure
Congress passed an extension to temporarily end the funding impasse that put a stop to hundreds of airport projects across the country, putting 4,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers and thousands of others out of work. Read details and watch video of Oakland press conference.
Urge Senator Feinstein to be a
Champion For Social Security!
Join the labor community and the California Aliiance For Retired Americans in a San Francisco rally!
In spite of countless efforts to learn her position on Social Security, we still DO NOT know Senator Feinstein's position on: Privatizing Social Security, Raising the Retirement age. . . and much more. Get details now.
When: Wednesday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m.
Where: 1 Post Street, San Francisco (get directions)
- August 10, 2011: Technical Engineers & General Surveying Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) posted to website - [Members Only Content] - This MOU is intended to clarify the contract documents for the purposes of incorporating the modified language into the Master Agreement for Technical Engineers & General Surveying. This MOU is intended to modify and work with all previous Surveying MOU's and Agreements. Contact a Technical Engineers Business Representative for more information.
- August 8, 2011: Merit Scholarship Winners Announced - Congratulations to the twenty winners of the $500.00 Merit Scholarships. For details about the Local 3 Scholarship Foundation and awards for Local 3 member's families, visit the scholarship page now. Get the list of Merit winners now. Get the list of Academic winners now. And lastly, stay tuned for the school year applications coming out late this year.
Rally for Port Workers in Santa Cruz!
When: Wednesday, August 17
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Port of Santa Cruz, Harbor Office, 135 Fifth st.
Rally for the honest treatment of port workers. The safety of your Port is at risk. Come find out what the real story is behind the commissions cost reduction proposals. Download flyer now.
Redistricting – You've heard the term, but what does it mean?
Read the Political Perspective on page 20 of this month's Engineers News and find out more.
[Members Only] Check the political page for your state on the members only website to find out more about how it might impact your district. Not registered? If you are a member of Local 3, register now to gain access to the site.
August 1, 2011: Go Paperless - Chances are that if you are reading this, you are already reading the Engineers News online. If you don't read the Award Winning Engineers News when it comes to your home, why not go paperless and help the union save money. Get more information now.
July
July 25, 2011: Tech Engineers Courier [Members Only]
Log on to the members only website to get the new Tech Engineers Courier. NCTIA Master Agreement Negotiations have begun. Stay up on the latest information involving the Technical Engineers and read the Tech Engineers Courier for the latest on what is happening with the Technical Engineers. Log on now to see the breaking news. Not registered yet? Register now for your logon to the members only website.
Oakland City Hall - We Are One March and Rally
Friday, July 22, 11:30AM!
The Alameda Labor Council and Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) will march in solidarity through the streets of Oakland for good jobs, Wall Street accountability, and a labor community united for justice, health care, and fair immigration policies. Join over 1000 union and community activists to bring heat to the street!
To march, meet at 11:15am at 10th/Washington St.
outside the Marriot Hotel. Download flyer now.
July 14, 2011: Prevailing Wage Attack in Auburn, CA - A large crowd showed up at a recent Auburn City Council meeting to talk about the importance of prevailing wage and how prevailing wage impacts the quality of the work. Prevailing Wage laws continues to be attacked as a veiled attempt by cities to save money. What it really does is quicken the race to the bottom and impacts the quality of work. Click here to read the story. . . Check out Smart Cities Prevail for more information on prevailing wage.
July 12, 2011: NLRB Rules change would help streamline process.
It currently takes far too long after a petition is filed (average of 57 days) for a secret-ballot election to be held. Read a report about the impact of this proposal. The proposed change will shorten the time frame from filing and allow employees to make up their own mind instead of having others make the decision for them. So it is important to comment now on this appropriate change that will help even the playing field for workers. The public comment period of 60-days began on June 23 and is open until August 22, 2011. Click here to comment on the new rule change.
Union Night at the Rivercats - Download Flyer [Members Only] - Join your union brothers and sisters from Local 3 and all of the union trades in Sacramento at the Rivercats baseball game at the end of this month.
Log on to the members only site to get all of the details. Not registered? Register for the Local 3 Members Only website now
Fight United - Leadership Academy
Fri. July 15th 9am-5pm, Sat. July 16th 9am-1pm
8400 Enterprise Way (near Hegenberger Road), Oakland, CA 94621
Contact Liz Ortega-Toro @ (510) 632-4242, ext. 224 to register.
Are you ready to fight? We are calling all Local 3 activists to consider this leadership academy training. With employers and politicians using the economy as an excuse to cut workers, our paychecks, and our benefits, we need to fight back in a united way. With contracts for 35,000 members expiring, the Alameda Labor Council is holding its first ever Comprehensive Contract Campaign School to give union leaders and members the tools needed to develop powerful contract campaigns and organizing drives. Click here for more details.
July 1, 2011: LaborFest - Attend a labor event in your area - LaborFest is happy to present their 18th annual labor cultural arts festival in Northern California. This year in addition to commemorating the 1934 San Francisco general strike, they will commemorate and have events around the 150th anniversary of the U.S. civil war and the role of slavery in California, the 125th anniversary of May Day and the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Fire In New York where 146 mostly immigrant Jewish and Italian garment workers were killed. There is something for everyone so join the labor community for a LaborFest event near you. Get all of the details now.