Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Supporters,

The Columbia River Crossing project is an important issue to our members. The state of Oregon has committed its half of the funding to get the bridge build, and now all eyes are on Washington. There are efforts to block the project by a minority of policy makers siting various reasons for their opposition, all of which are untrue. Read the facts here: CRC petition responses

The truth is that the current bridge is unsafe, and needs to be replaced. The bridge replacement will bring with it thousands upon thousands of work hours of good family wage jobs which are much needed to boost to our economy.

There are two days of actions surrounding the Columbia River Crossing project, and your help is both needed and appreciated.

April 8^th

The Carpenters are joining the proponents of the Columbia River Crossing in a day of action. We will be contacting our State Legislators and urging them to include the funding of the Columbia River Crossing in the upcoming Transportation Budget. To find your Legislator, please visit: http://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/

Call or Email on April 8^th to urge your Legislator to Build this Bridge! Talking points can include:

• CRC will create 4,200 jobs bringing $231 million in wages to boost our local economy by 2030
• The current project is built on wood pilings that are not deep enough to sustain the bridge should an earthquake hit
• If Washington does not commit, we will lose $850 million in federal funding and $450 million from Oregon

 April 9^th

On April 9^th the C-Tran Board of Directors will be holing their regular meeting at 5:30pm at the Vancouver Library located at Evergreen Blvd and C Street in downtown Vancouver. Opponents of the project are trying to pack the room for this televised meeting in an attempt to show that “most people oppose this project”. This is to try to sway those on the C-Tran Board who are in favor of the CRC, to vote against it. We know support of the CRC far outweighs the small minority of those against it, so lets show them. We need to fill the room, the hallways, and any other vacant space with those who know the CRC is good for jobs, good for Washington, and good for the local communities. Show up early, as space will be limited!

Thank you for your support of our economy, or community, labor, and the much-needed jobs the CRC will bring!

In solidarity,

Northwest Carpenters

Brothers and Sisters,

We needed you help on April 2nd, and the help you gave will protect our craft from being further undermined by under-the-table criminal contractors. Thank you to all those that contacted your legislators to urge support for Washington State EHB 1473. This is a huge priority for the Council, the membership, and upstanding contractors. We will continue to update on its status. Thanks again for the support!

 

Eric Franklin

May 18, 1952- March 28, 2013

 

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Eric Franklin. Throughout his life Eric lived as an activist for various causes, of which worker struggles and labor were a major focus. Eric joined Carpenters Local 1144 in April of 1993 and has been an advocate for Carpenters rights ever since. Working his way up through the Union as an organizer, Director of Organizing, and most recently Communications Director, Eric was a leader and mentor to many. The lives that he touched extended past just those he worked with, but those he worked for such as the thousands of unrepresented Carpenters who he may not have known personally, but worked tirelessly to make their lives better, and the thousands within the Brotherhood who benefited from the work he did for the Union. Eric will be greatly missed by so many people. Please keep his wife BJ, and his family in your thoughts. Services will be April 6th at 6pm at the Carpenters Hall located at 231 Burnett Ave N., in Renton, WA 

 

Carpentry Careers for Vets

Friday March 8th

9am- 2pm

Carpenters Specialty training Center

20424 72nd Avenue S in Kent, WA

This event is free!

 

Please see the attached flyer for full details.H2H Flyer

As of Monday February 4, 2013, the state of Alaska will be under the umbrella of the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters. We welcome the nearly 3000 brother and sister Carpenters from Alaska to our Council. Read the press release here: Alaska Release