Union Bricklayers to Picket Criterion Chemical Plant in Pittsburgh, CA

[Posted by a Wobbly in Solidarity - http://www.iww.org]:

Union Bricklayers to Picket Criterion Chemical Plant in Pittsburgh, CA


Oakland, CA March 30, 2005 - Union bricklayers representing the northern 46
counties in California will be picketing Recon Refractory Services at the
Criterion Catalyst Technologies Plant in Pittsburgh, CA on April 1, 2005 at
7:00 am, and again for the week of April 4, 2005, to express their concerns
that Recon Refractory Services does not meet safety, area wage, and benefit
standards. The Criterion Catalyst Technologies Plant in Pittsburgh is
located at 2840 Willow Pass Road off Highway 4 at Bailey Road.


The Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers Local #3 of Northern CA have a NLRB
Settlement (Case: 20-CA-31856-1) in regards to this contractor. RECON, the
contractor in question, is prohibited from performing work in this
jurisdiction without bargaining in good faith. The work being performed at
this time by RECON is in violation of the NLRB Settlement. The Contra Costa
Building Trades Council and the affiliates of the Council have granted BAC3
all possible lawful support. Historically, RECON has used day labor
resources on similar projects.


In light of the recent events at BP oil refinery in Texas City, Texas, we
contend that this practice could expose plant personnel and the local
community to unnecessary risk. "Fifteen people died and eight more are in
critical condition at area hospitals. At least 100 people were injured,
officials said. The massive blast shook buildings and broke windows for
miles around and sent a huge cloud of black smoke billowing into the sky.
Refinery equipment and buildings nearby were leveled, leaving a
rubble-filled landscape reminiscent of a war zone at the 1,200-acre complex
35 miles southeast of Houston" (Reuters, Mar 25, 2005). According to reports
on Labor Net, a spokesperson for the Pipefitters stated the tragedy was
caused by the use of non-union personnel who are untrained and unskilled for
this type of work.


BAC Local 3 Bricklayers attend a 4-year apprenticeship program that is
certified by the state of California. BAC members built the boilers, benzene
tanks, acid tanks, and catalytic crackers and had maintained them for many
years. This type of work is too dangerous to cut safety at the profit of
Recon.


Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers represent Bricklayers/Stonemasons, Tile
Layers and Finishers, Pointer Cleaner Caulkers, Marble Setters and
Finishers, Terrazzo Mechanics and Finishers, and Refractory Bricklayers who
work various aspects of the industry in the Northern 46 counties of
California. Refractory Bricklayers line the boilers, benzene tanks, acid
tanks, and catalytic crackers. This is one of the most dangerous jobs in the
world and poses the greatest risk to Refractory Bricklayers. It is a danger
for the untrained and unskilled workers as well as the community at large.


CONTACT INFORMATION:
James C. Bresnahan
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3
510-632-8781