Union construction population higher
The percentage of U.S. construction workers who are union members rose slightly in 2001 to 18.4 percent, from 18.3 percent in 2000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.

In recent years in the construction industry, the union density for building trades unions was as low as 17.7 in 1995 and as high as 19.1 percent in 2001.

As we reported in our last issue, there were 16.3 million unionized workers in all industries in the U.S. in 2001, which was about even with the year before.

According to the BLS, membership in building trades unions increased by 44,000 to 1.264 million in 2001. No wonder: union construction workers in the U.S. earned an average of $864 per week in 2001, compared to $569 per week for nonunion workers.

Nation's building activity up in 2001
Construction activity in the U.S. fared well compared to most other industries, as spending advanced 3 percent in 2001 to $485.2 billion, marking the 10th straight year of expansion.

According to the F.W. Dodge Division of McGraw Hill, the 3 percent increase in construction followed jumps of 5 percent in 2000 and 11 percent in 1999.

"The construction industry slipped back during the first half of 2001, but then proved to be one of the more resilient sectors of the economy as the year progressed," said Robert A. Murray, vice president of economic affairs for F.W. Dodge.

The Midwest region, which includes Michigan, and the nation's South Central region registered five percent gains, the highest in the nation.

Bubba Chiles' sister needs help
Carolyn Chiles Collins, the sister of Iron Workers Local 25 member Tom (Bubba) Chiles, needs some help.

Carolyn, 35, was recently diagnosed with Esophagial, a very aggressive type of cancer. She was referred to the Cancer Treatment of America Clinic in Zion, Ill., where they have given her reason to hope. She must travel to the clinic once a month, and remain three or four days each time. Carolyn is the mother of Nathan, 8, and Kelsey, 7.

To help her with travel and lodging expenses to and from the treatment center - as well as expenses which are not covered by insurance - monetary donations would be greatly appreciated.

A mostaccioli benefit dinner will be held Sunday, Feb. 17 from noon to 5 p.m. at the St. Stephen Activity Center, 18800 Huron River Dr., New Boston, MI. For more information concerning the benefit dinner, contact St. Stephen School at (734) 753-4175.

To make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to Carolyn Collins, c/o 19250 Middlebelt Rd., Romulus, MI 48174. If you have questions, call Becky Chiles at (734) 753-4061 before 8 p.m. Or, Jodi Rec (734) 941-4995 or Patti Showler, (734) 753-3363.