Extraordinary Service Program (E.S.P.)

     E.S.P was established by Business Manager Jim Homer to help members with their problems outside of those problems that are related to their jobs. Some typical problems that our program offers a solution too is along the lines of financial counseling, INS counseling, Social Security benefits, Legal Informational counseling, Health Plan problems, Temporary health insurance coverage, Credit Card Debt, Workers Compensation counseling, Canadian Prescription drugs, and Landlord-tenant relations. The services like these and many others that the E.S.P. offers the members and their families assist in trying to solve the living problems of our members lives. These problems may involve health, finances, or living conditions, call and ask for Al Bennett for further assistance or more information. The first step to a piece of mind is only a phone call away.  

Orientation Classes Going Strong

During the past 6 years over 1800  new members have attended Local 270's orientation classes. These classes are held on the last Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.. All classes are held in the conference room at Local 270. Classes are conducted in both English and Spanish by instructors. These gentlemen have done a superb job in covering such topics as: union constitution, membership meetings, dues, Laborers Master Agreement, training center, hiring hall procedure, proper work attire, on the job attitude and work habits, sexual harassment, duties of the field representative and the purpose of the Union. Each class includes a question and answer session, thereby giving each new member a heads-up on what to expect on the job. The presentation is also done in using state of the art technology. If you would like to attend one of these classes, please call the office at (408) 297-2620.

Food Bank EVERY Wednesday Morning

Every Wednesday morning we proudly provide our members on the out-of-work list with a large box of food. These boxes provided by the Local 270 in collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank, contain the essential nourishments needed to feed a small family throughout the week. This is just one of the many ways we help to show our members how important they and their families are to us.

You Have The Right

The National Labor Relations Act Says:

Section 7:
"Employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representation or their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining..."

Section 8 (a):
"It shall be an unfair labor practice for an employer... to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in Section 7...."

Your Legal Rights
You have the legal right under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act to join or support a union and to:

• Attend meeting to discuss joining a union
• Read, distribute, and discuss union literature (as long as you do this in non-work areas during non work times, such as during breaks or lunch hours.)
• Wear union buttons, T-shirts, stickers, hats or other items on the job.
• Sign a card asking your employer to recognize and bargain with the union.
• Ask other employees to support the union, to sign union cards or petition, or to file grievances.

Secret Ballot Elections
To establish a union in a workplace, a majority of employees must express support for the Union.
In most situations, the employees prove majority support through a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board.

"Good Faith" Bargaining
After the union's election victory is officially certified by the National Labor Relations Board, your employer is legally required to negotiate in "good faith" with the Union on a written contract covering wages, hours and other working conditions.

Protection From Employer Action
Under Section 8 of the National Labor Relations Act, your employer cannot legally punish or discriminate against any worker because of union activity.

For example...
Your employer cannot legally do the following:

• Threaten to or actually fire, lay off, discipline, harass, transfer, or reassign employees be cause they support the union.
• Favor employees who don't support the union over those who do in promotions, job assignments, wages, hours, enforcement of rules, or any other working condition.
• Shut down the worksite or take away any benefits or privileges employees already enjoy in order to discourage union activity.
• Promise employees a pay increase, promotion, benefit or special favor if they oppose the union.

Top 10 Reasons to Become a Union Contractor

1. Increased Quality of workforce

2. Better Health Benefits and Pension

3. Less administrative time spent on above

4. Greater pool of Contractor to work for and amongst

5. Training available almost anytime and anywhere by certified instructors @ no cost to the employer

6. Access to higher skilled foremen and superintendents

7. Lower workers compensation rates

8. Greater profitability

9. Protection from state and federal agencies risks as a member must use grievance procedure in the Collective Bargaining Agreement

10. Less payroll taxes would be paid as a result of benefits being paid pre tax

Trust Fund (LECET)

         Construction is perhaps the only industry where workers continuosly work themselves out of a job. When the building, tunnel or highway is finished, the inspections completed, and the ribbon cut, the men and women who worked on it need new work. LECET help Local 270 and our district council find work to keep LIUNA members employed. And LECET works to expand the market so that there is work for new members as well. Expanding our market share ensures a strong future for both laborers and contractors.

Laborers Health and Welfare Trust Fund for Northern California                 

Employee Assistance Program/Substance Abuse Treatment Benefits

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helps individuals resolve personal issues before they become more serious and difficult to manage. Employees and their family members living with them can receive professional, confidential counseling and life management service at no cost.  At Claremont EAP we understand the importance of maintaining your privacy. The EAP is a confidential service and your involvement is afforded the maximum confidentiality permitted by law.

COUNSELING

Most of us experience events, situations or issues in our lives that we are not always prepared to handle on our own. During these times, help from a skilled professional can provide support, direction, and focus. The EAP offers three, no-fee counseling visits with a participating provider for any personal issue including:

• Relationship / Marital Issues                          • Family Problems                               • Stress / Work Issues

• Life Challenges                                             • Alcohol or Drug Abuse                     • Anxiety / Depression

LIFE MANAGEMENT SERVICES