MCAA Regional Report, Region H

CALIFORNIA

Economic Climate & Market Expansion
The state has regained some economic stability and construction in the state is very positive at this time. Schools and prisons are leading the way with several multi-year building programs in progress. Commercial and residential jobs are also holding steady.

The workers compensation rates have come down again this year and is fast becoming less of a negative factor in the construction industry in Califomia.

Workforce Development
California still has a number of union and open shop programs available for workforce development in California. The issue of recruitment is still the most significant obstacle relating to workforce development.

The state legislators have stopped blocking vocational education in high schools realizing that only 30% of the students in Califomia go to College. The schools are now accepting bricklayer classes and other vocational trades in their cuniculum. The union and nonunion groups are tryng to fill these needs.

Finally, the legislators are now recognizing that vocational training, and hence construction workforce recruitment, are valuable and profitable options for those who choose not to seek white collar careers.

OSHA & Safety
California has always been in the forefront with respect to safety and regulation of the workforce. At times, the regulations may seem overkill, but it has put employers and contractors in a safety conscious position. This, in turn, has been a benefit to the employees in safer jobsite conditions.

Unfortunately, Cal-OSHA has passed new rules for the issue of Heat Stress to employees, they apply to temperatures above 90 degrees and require monitoring and shaded areas for rest. They are also considering hourly rest breaks during heat waves (above 90 degrees). We are monitoring this very closely.

Membership Development
As with any membership organization, membership is always a struggle. The average age of members is increasing and many contractors prefer not to be involved with the association. The California CCMCA is trylng to be proactive by making our insurance programs available to other trades which would increase our income to provide other services for our members. We are also t y n g to provide more benefits and expanded newsletters to keep our members informed of industry news thus providing more reasons to become a member of the organization.

As this is always an uphill battle we are constantly reminded that unless we fight the battle we automatically lose the war.

NEVADA

No report.

HAWAII

Economic Climate & Market Expansion
The overall economic climate for Hawaii is very good. Increase tourism is leading the way, while construction and the military presence are adding to overall positive impact to the Hawaiian economy.

The construction market in Hawaii is very healthy at this point. The residential new home market has continued to be vigorous due to low interest rates. The navy, Army and Air Force have awarded projects exceeding $4.0 billion in the next ten years to buildlrenovate existing housing units for our military troops. Although most of these residential units will be wood or steel stud building, a significant amount of masonry projects will come on line. These projects will further boost the construction market in Hawaii.

Workforce Development
With the announcement of large contracts being awarded for military housing, the mason union together with the labor union is working to bring more training programs for apprentices into the field. The availability of experienced masons is ok for now, but a significant number of masons are close to retirement age increasing the need for more new skilled bricklayers.

OSHA & Safety
As reported previously, the safety practices dealing with the use of harness on military projects is adding to our cost of construction and does not seem warranted most of the time. Some military projects are requiring workers to perform stretching and warm-up exercises before beginning working and this cost again is absorbed by the masonry contractor.

Membership Development
As our organization implements more programs to benefit the masonry contractors, our hope is more new members may be anticipated.