Bubba Chiles' sister needs help
Contract settlements in 2001 in the nation's unionized construction industry averaged an increase of $1.37 or 4.5 percent for the first year, the Construction Labor Research Council reported last month.

The average second-year increase for multi-year agreements was $1.56 or 4.7 percent.

"These amounts represent a continuation of a slow, but long-term upward trend in average annual settlement amounts that has been occurring since 1994," the CLRC report said. Pay hikes had averaged about 3 percent or less until the mid-1990s, when construction pay finally started to move.

About two-thirds of all settlements were between three and five percent. And, contract durations lengthened, with 25 percent of new contracts negotiated for four years or more.

Union wages continue to rise
Contract settlements in 2001 in the nation's unionized construction industry averaged an increase of $1.37 or 4.5 percent for the first year, the Construction Labor Research Council reported last month.

The average second-year increase for multi-year agreements was $1.56 or 4.7 percent.

"These amounts represent a continuation of a slow, but long-term upward trend in average annual settlement amounts that has been occurring since 1994," the CLRC report said. Pay hikes had averaged about 3 percent or less until the mid-1990s, when construction pay finally started to move.

About two-thirds of all settlements were between three and five percent. And, contract durations lengthened, with 25 percent of new contracts negotiated for four years or more.

636 BA Inman running for commissioner
Building trades workers and their families are urged to vote for Pipe Fitters Local 636 Business Agent Chuck Inman, who is running for Oakland County Commission, 4th District, in a special election.

The primary election will take place on Monday, Jan. 8; but the more important general election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5. Inman is running on the Democratic ticket in a heavily Republican area, which includes Clarkston and portions of Waterford and Independence Twp.

A 32-year member of Local 636, Inman has been an elected union official for the past 14 years.

"I am proud to be a part of the success my local has accomplished in keeping the membership of our union well informed on our issues," Inman said, "while providing a voice for the working men and women of our local."
If you can help by posting a lawn sign or in any other way, Inman can be paged at (248) 523-1841.