10 minute read
Carpenters Build More Housing
California Buildings News • Q4 2021
NorCal Carpenters Mobilizing to Build Housing
Ramped-Up Training Program Works to Ensure More Tech-Savvy Workers
With Jay Bradshaw Leader of the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council
Q: How is the pandemic affecting the carpenters? A: Since the beginning of the pandemic Carpenters have been put under tremendous pressure, on the financial, family life and health fronts. The uncertainty of unemployment and the concern for safety in the community and on the job was and is paramount. The NorCal Carpenters Union, from the very beginning of the pandemic, engaged government entities and health experts at both the state and local level to ensure our members were deemed essential; more importantly we worked aggressively with our employers to demand and ensure that all COVID 19 safety protocols were followed. In addition, we worked to ensure that all governmental COVID 19 benefits i.e. mandated sick leave were provided to our membership. Safety on construction sites was and remains our number one priority. Q: What role can carpenters play in alleviating California's housing crisis? A: We aim to mobilize the collective power of our membership to support development of housing at all levels, with a particular emphasis on work force housing that our members can afford. In addition, our membership is campaigning for both local and state legislation that ensures efficient housing production but not at the expense of construction workers. We plan to build on our already successful track record of staying ahead of construction technology and continue to ensure our members have the skills required for these new housing delivery systems. Q: In what way can local and state government remove obstacles to building development? A: We need our elected officials and bureaucracies to fix the broken project entitlement process that is too often used to block good projects by groups not acting in good faith. Enacting legislation that gives a “by right” pathway for developers who meet real labor, environmental and community standards would also remove procedural bottlenecks that impede development. We need to implement, as well as strengthen existing, apprenticeship and local hire requirements for project developers. This is a win, win for all as it allows the Carpenters Union to continue to provide the best trained craftspeople to deliver quality and efficiency on projects and creates opportunities for members of the community to become apprentices and build a viable career. With these requirements we can speed up housing production and also address in a real way recruitment of new craftspeople, with a focus on recruitment and retention of women and minorities, groups that have been and still are underrepresented in the trades. Q: You have said that the NorCal Carpenters Union must evolve to continue to be relevant. Could you explain? A: It is crucial that we stay ahead of construction technology and continue to have a robust and efficient training platform at all levels for our membership to develop these skills. In addition, the Union needs to be focused on leadership training, starting at the apprenticeship level on through the duration of an individual’s career. We have also established specific programs for the rank and file that empowers the membership to be involved in mentorship, diversity, recruitment, and political action and organizing. The NorCal Carpenters Union is currently developing programs that address the social challenges our membership face. It is imperative that the Union addresses the social crises affecting our membership; from the lack of affordable childcare to the crisis of depression, addiction and escalating suicide rates in our industry, it is crucial that we address these real social problems weighing on and worsening the lives of our members. We are building a Union that not only fights for our families’ wages and benefits but is putting into practice the imperative to be our “Brothers’ and Sisters’ Keeper.” Q: What issues do you foresee challenging carpenters in the future? A: The continued exploitation of non-union workers by unscrupulous contractors as well as the end users that engage these types of employers. We are and will continue to address this with a robust and effective organizing program, holding to account end users and politicians that enable this behavior.
the ART of Building Sustainability
Does your IoT vendor have a worldwide network of factory-certified service partners?
In addition to a high level of integration between HVAC, lighting, and security systems, green buildings demand other technological and supporting elements that will endure over the long term. At Reliable Controls, we provide nine important elements to help you create true building sustainability—now and into the future. One of these elements demands the use of technology supported by a global network of factory-certified local service partners. Reliable Controls technology is supported by a global network of knowledgeable, factory-certified service partners who invest in their people and understand the expectations of their customers. Building operators and owners know the importance of authorized local suppliers who can provide the consistent, high-quality support and expertise demanded in today’s built environment. Reliable Controls and our Authorized Dealers are with you for the long term. To learn more about the art of building sustainability please visit reliablecontrols.com/
California Buildings News • Q4 2021
COVID Is Changing Workspace Outdoor Settings
By Erika Egede-Nissen
COVID-19 has changed how we work. It’s not only that many workers now telecommute or work from home. There have been many other changes in the workplace. According to the CDC, the SARS-CoV-2 particles can spread more readily inside than outside. Improving ventilation can reduce the number of virus particles in the air. Although there are many ways to improve air quality inside, outdoor settings in commercial businesses can open up opportunities for people to gather safely while social distancing.
Open Common Areas Provide More Space
The common areas in buildings were the first to close when COVID-19 restrictions were made. Common areas were also the last to open. Parks and gardens opened much sooner because the virus can dissipate faster in open spaces. When your business invests in a rooftop garden or other outdoor setting, it gives workers a place to hold meetings, enjoy lunch or relax without as much concern over COVID-19 restrictions.
Outdoor Gardens Have Been Part of Businesses Long Before the Pandemic
In 2010, the New York Times reported that PepsiCo turned over some of its outdoor space to gardens. Employees could take a break from work at the desk to work in a garden and reap the harvest. Google and Yahoo have organic gardens on their properties as well. Kohl’s headquarters features a garden that provides vegetables to a local food bank. Office gardening builds team morale and reduces office politics. Schools have long used gardens to teach children to use their classroom knowledge in practical ways. In medical offices and hospitals, a garden is a space to get away from the noises in the hospital to reduce stress and relax. Gardens are a healing environment, even for people who don’t enjoy gardening.
California Buildings News • Q4 2021
Design Considerations for Outdoor Spaces
It’s not enough just to consider social distancing when designing an outdoor workspace. Think about how people are going to work.
z Include power solutions in your design.
Workers will need outlets to stay plugged in. z Include heaters or fireplaces for cooler weather. z Consider the type of furniture. Avoid lawn or patio chairs and focus on seating designed for work. z Create a range of spaces to accommodate different work modes and styles. Offer solo stations and places for collaborative meetings. z Keep people protected from the sun and heat with umbrellas, trees, and shades. z Increase work surfaces to support computers or paper tablets. Think ergonomically, too. z Communicate paths by using pavers or rugs. z Help people understand the number of workers that can be in one area through visual cues, such as seating.
Redesigning the Office Workplace to Support Safety and Productivity
More businesses are trying to find ways to maximize their office space in the post-COVID-19 atmosphere. Many offices have had to reduce the number of staff in the building to fit recommendations to keep workers from sharing viruses. With room barriers and partitions to give workers protection, the office itself can seem smaller. Workers cannot connect as easily inside as they once did. Outdoor gardens and community space can bridge the gap to keep workers in communication while feeling safer about COVID-19.
Outdoor Gardens Open Up Space for Events and Activities
Outdoor spaces don’t have to be specifically designed for the workday. A rooftop garden can be used for evening or weekend events associated with your business. Having a rooftop garden could be a revenue stream to bring in rentals when the office isn’t open. Hosting events, such as corporate meetings, weddings or seminars could improve your bottom line or at least supplement your lease payments. Open concept gardens could be a place for workers to have a yoga session before or after work.
“Monarch Landscape Companies
has always been involved in many outdoor spaces in the building of great landscapes. If I look into my crystal ball, I see that many existing work campuses will undergo renovations to create even more of these type of areas for work or just taking a break away from the office as well as a continued focus to incorporate even more outdoor flex space in newer construction projects to continue in the efforts to create a safe work environment,” Jeff Colton, President Installation. Egede-Nissen is marketing director of Monarch Landscape Companies in Los Angeles. The company’s website is www.monarchlandscape.com Photos: Opposite page and office workers above: Adobe Stock. Above top: Outdoor tables offer collaborative space. Credit: Monarch Landscape Companies.
California Buildings News • Q4 2021
ELEVATORS THAT RIDE SO SMOOTHLY
a coin on its edge won’t fall
Elevators and escalators from Mitsubishi Electric demonstrate the world’s highest standards for innovation, effi ciency, safety and comfort. With a global reputation for smooth and sophisticated transportation due to ingenious engineering, energy-effi cient motors and carefully selected quality materials, our Quality in Motion® delivers an unmatched experience.
To learn more, visit MitsubishiElevator.com
© 2021 Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.
Supporting You From the Ground Up
Since the introduction of our ECB® membrane more than 35 years ago, we’ve worked to revolutionize the way decorative flooring is installed and specified.
ECB®
Crack Isolation Sheet Membrane Carpenters Q&A (Continued from page 10)
Q: Can you give us an update on your educational program? A: We are fully committed to training; the investment of the NorCal Carpenters Union and our signatory employers in training is upwards of $45 million each year. We have recently completed construction of two brand new, state-of-the-art Training Centers in Northern California. This now gives us the needed infrastructure to efficiently provide the relevant and needed training for our industry. We have also reenergized our recruitment platform for pre-apprentices based on community outreach. Working with the International Union, we are using the “Career Connections” program to bring vocational training back to the high schools in our communities. In addition, we are fully engaged with our International Training Center (ITC) in providing our membership with the latest skill sets in construction technology, as well as Foreman and Superintendent training. Each of our members also receives the opportunity to attend “soft skills” training at the ITC, ranging from communication skills, public speaking, mentorship and leadership. These trainings combine to maintain a skilled workforce, but also help our members succeed in every facet of their lives. n
