LIUNA, the Laborers International Union of North America, long has been an advocate for greater investment in critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water systems, and schools.On February 15, 2017, LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan shared the Union’s vision on energy during his testimony before the United States House of Representatives hearing on modernizing energy and promoting infrastructure improvement and expansion. O’Sullivan noted that an “all of the above energy policy that

creates middle class jobs, meets America’s growing energy needs, fosters independence, protects the environment and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions” is what America needs.An “all of the above” strategy will create jobs for Americans, while making the U.S. less dependent on energy from hostile nations. It means maintaining, and tapping further into, all of our nation’s energy resources, including wind, solar, oil, gas, coal, and nuclear.

I n M i n n e s o t a a n d North Dakota, LIUNA m e m b e r s a n d t h e i r s i g n at or y contractors work in a l l areas of energy production, i n c l u d i n g traditional sources

such as nuclear, coal, oil, and gas; to newer sources such as solar and wind power. “Un le ash ing t he wealth of a l l of America’s energy resources wil l create economic opportunities in communities across the country,” remarked O’Sullivan. “This isn’t a Republican issue or a Democratic issue; it’s an American issue. Ever y American benef its from good roads, safe bridges, clean drinking water, and affordable energy.”

LIUNA’s “All of the Above” Energy Policy Fits the Times

December 2017ISSUE HIGHLIGHTSu Construction Forecast | Page 4u $1.5B Approved for Schools | Page 5

LABORERMINNESOTA & NORTH DAKOTA

MINNESOTA & NORTH DAKOTA

A Minnesota Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust Publication

The Skilled Construction Craft UNION

Promoting the benefits of Union construction in MN & ND

LIUNA supports all sources of energy infrastructure such as solar and wind energy, which are growing energy sources in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Pipeline construction is important to MN/ND for the jobs provided and the energy independence America needs.

Mark Ryan, ChairCarl Bolander & Sons Inc.

Dave Borst, Co-ChairLaborers Local 405

Chris Born PCL Construction Services

Mike BubaloLaborers Local 563

Steve BuckLaborers Local 563

John KittlesonBituminous Roadways Inc.

Dan Olson Laborers Local 1091

Rick Peper Ryan Companies US Inc.

Tim McCauleyLaborers Local 1097

Denise WoodsAGC of Minnesota

Dwight EngenLECET Construction Marketing Director

Facebook.com/MinnesotaLECET

Facebook.com/LIUNAMinnesota

Minnesota LECET Board of Trustees

LECETMissionThe Minnesota Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust (LECET) fund was created in 1992 as a non-profit joint Labor/Management cooperation effort affiliated with the Minnesota Laborers Union. LECET aims to promote the many benefits of Union construction while addressing a number of initiatives that are of mutual benefit to both signatory Union Contractors and LIUNA members.

Welcome New Contractors!Aaron Enterprises IncAny Installation LLCBluemedia IncNo Limit CleaningUltra Bright Cleaning Service

MINNESOTA & NORTH DAKOTA

MINNESOTA & NORTH DAKOTA

Successful Open House Held October 13The Laborers Training Center (LTC) and LECET were pleased to successfully host their 6th Annual Fall Construction Industry Open House at the LTC in October for Union contractor representatives, state and local legislative officials, government leadership, school representatives and others from all corners of Minnesota.

Back for the second year in a row were a series of three workshops covering construction industry topics put on by industry experts. The training sessions covered Apprenticeships/ Union careers, Minnesota’s Prevailing Wage Law history and perspectives on school construction opportunities.

“The Building Trades Unions have a lot to be proud of,” said Don Mullin, Executive Secretary of the St. Paul Building & Construction Trades Council. “The Minnesota Laborers Union does a great job every year with this event that not only showcases the value of Union training and Apprenticeship, but also offers a forum for educating leaders about the numerous benefits our organizations bring beyond the quality work we are known to do.”

Minnesota Prevailing Wage LawFAST FACT #1

The State of Minnesota adopted its own Prevailing Wage Law for state-funded construction in 1973 as the 31st state to adopt such laws. The Law effectively serves as a minimum wage for construction and is the hourly basic rate of pay plus fringe benefits.

As per Minnesota Statutes Chapter 724: “It is in the public interest that public buildings and other public works be constructed and maintained by the best means and highest quality of labor reasonably available and that persons working on public works be compensated according to the real value of the services they perform.

It is therefore the policy of this state that wages of laborers, workers, and mechanics on projects financed in whole or part by state funds should be comparable to wages paid for similar work in the community as a whole.”

Why Prevailing Wages Matter

• Keep construction jobs local• Train and retain our own

skilled workforce• Improve own economy by

keeping Tax $ right here

2

NAME CONTRACTOR NAMEMitchell Koebnick Ames Construction IncScott Wilson Aptim ServicesKevin Tschumperlin Bituminous Roadways IncDon Overton Carl Bolander & SonsJordan Schuver Casper Construction Inc Sergio Muniz Environmental Plant Services IncKyle House Four Star ConstructionJeremy Fogarty Fraser ConstructionJake Huotari Hammerlund ConstructionTom Pierce Knutson Construction Services

NAME CONTRACTOR NAMEEric Clausen Kuechle Underground IncDoug Hiedeman Lloyd's Construction Services, IncMark Mense Magney ConstructionJosh Sherman Mavo SystemsCarl Hunter Mortenson ConstructionJerry Wilcox Opus Design BuildDustin Seedorff PCL Construction Services IncPhilip Ruelle Jr Shannon's IncBrent Raths Standard ContractingFrank Soman Veit & Company Inc

Safety Driven Quarterly Award Winners3rd Quarter 2017

Safety Driven THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP

All winners receive their choice of a quarterly award prize and have been nominated by Union contractor Employers in accordance with the Safety Driven program rules. For more information contact Minnesota LECET.

Minnesota LECET has announced the 2018 lineup of seminars designed for signatory Union contractors and subcontractors. These seminars are intended to benefit small to medium sized contracting firms’ safety administrators, managers and project supervisors on a range of topics.

2018 Safety Seminar Schedule Announced for Contractors

*Seminar held in conjunction with Annual Contractor Open House event at the LTC.

Date/Time Location TopicJan. 30 10AM-1PM Radisson, Roseville MN Elements of a Respiratory Protection Program with 3M.

Feb. 15 10AM-1PM Eagles, Rochester MN Elements of a Respiratory Protection Program with 3M.

Feb. 21 10AM-1PM Giants Ridge Resort, Biwabik MN Elements of a Respiratory Protection Program with 3M.

Mar. 16 9AM-10AM *Laborers Training Center Fall Protection Drop test demo with DBI/SALA.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Minnesota LECET at (651) 429-1600 or visit www.mnlecet.org. Space may be limited. FREE Lunch included with your RSVP.

Contractors: Enroll in Lecet Safety Driven Program, Project Tracking Leads and Other Communications

Minnesota LECET offers a number of services for signatory Union contractors that benefit them in the areas of:

• LECET/LIUNA events and opportunities

• Project tracking

• Safety & health training seminars

• Construction industry news and events

To register or update your communication preferences, send an email to info@mnndlecet.org.

Successful Open House Held October 13

LECET SERVICES

Minnesota LECET Safety Driven Program

LECET Market Expansion Program (MEP) Free Project Leads*

School Construction Opportunities Alerts

Monthly Union Contractor Newsletter Email

Periodic North Dakota Newsletter Email***This is a new service offering to signatory contractors coming up in 2018.**Must be signed to the North Dakota Collective Bargaining Agreement to receive this communication.

3

The past two years have bode well for Minnesota LIUNA members – those skilled Laborers Union members called upon to work on infrastructure, two brand new bridges, schools, multi-residential units, the energy sector and more. This is good news coming off lean years from the recession. Good Years Ahead in MN & NDFrom information gathered by a number of sources, Minnesotan’s should expect similar work hours and opportunities ahead in 2018. LIUNA member’s work hour log books regressed a bit in 2017, but this is coming off 2016, one of the strongest years on record for work hours. In Minnesota we may even see a slight uptick in opportunities in 2018 overall compared to the 2017 season.

Things weren’t as bright in North Dakota in 2017 as the state’s construction sector fell back significantly. However,

construction market predictions show a potential overall construction increase of around 15% in 2018.

Nationally speaking, Dodge Data and Analytics 2018 Construction Outlook is predicting that the U.S. construction industry has moved into a mature stage of expansion, forecasting a 3% climb in the U.S. in construction starts for 2018.

Heavy Highway Industry Slightly ImprovesIn the Heavy & Highway industry, Minnesota can expect an increase in the road, bridge and transit construction sector aided greatly by the passage of $235 Million in new revenue during the 2017 session and additional funding from the Capital Investment Bonding bill. Still of concern is long-term funding solutions to seriously address the unmet maintenance and expansion needs in Minnesota’s growing economy. Local experts report there is still about $600

million annual shortfall for the industry.

Projects on the HorizonThe industrial sector offers some hope as mining prepares for growth in 2018. Minnesota’s mining industry is poised to make an upward move, provided key legislation and various environmental and other required approvals take place. Polymet Mining is one significant project that is in need of those key final decisions.

Other major projects in the loop are: Southwest Light Rail Transit Green Line Extension project in the Twin Cities and Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project. Already underway are a number of projects at MSP Airport and the Minnesota United Football Club’s new Allianz Field Soccer stadium – in St. Paul, a project that will employ a high number of skilled Laborers and union contracting firms.

Construction Forecast for 2018 Looking Good

North Dakota 2018 Minnesota 2018Project Types $ Value % Change $ Value % Change

Bridges 79531 79.1% 314456 17.80%

Dams/Flood Control 85047 -27.0% 131981 24.60%

Dormitories 15905 114.9% 32395 -10.20%

Education 146899 5.5% 956041 -1.10%

Government Building 34201 -5.0% 141003 5.00%

Healthcare 130682 155.3% 364574 4.20%

Hotels 37168 21.3% 209476 -20.60%

Manufacturing 41646 178.2% 396914 0.70%

Multifamily Housing 266326 59.7% 1159146 6.80%

Office 133662 31.8% 374563 16.90%

Other Nonbuilding 520354 7.4% 586217 18.60%

Parking Gar/Auto Svc 20889 60.1% 331873 22.20%

Power Utility 335555 66.8% 415986 -67.00%

Recreation Building 58332 -0.4% 343535 47.00%

Religious Building 4957 197.9% 25952 41.80%

Retail 71284 222.5% 272096 11.80%

Sewers 75617 30.3% 210674 30.80%

Single Family Houses 422573 -15.7% 4249462 9.90%

Streets 554722 -12.3% 970151 2.00%

Transport Bldg/Other 23652 3.2% 232908 46.60%

Warehouse (non-mfg) 87696 48.7% 172451 51.60%

Water Supply 139817 22.3% 142852 23.00%

TOTAL 3286528 14.2% 12034717 1.9%

Dodge Construction Forecasts

Comparing Construction Starts & Forecast by Project TypeAggregated by Value (000’s) 4

Building Trades Assist in Passage of Nearly $1.5 Billion for SchoolsOn November 7, voters throughout the state of Minnesota approved a near record $1.5 billion for needed upgrades and expansions to public schools. LIUNA and the Minnesota State Building & Construction Trades Council actively worked with a number of districts to help them get successful passage.

Rising enrollment, aging facilities, creation of more modern learning environments and a need for safety and technology upgrades were attributed to

the approval voters had given.

The biggest successful winning Schools were Anoka-Hennepin, Mounds View, Roseville, Prior Lake and St. Louis Park. Other schools passing referendum were: Blooming Prairie, Brooklyn Center, Chisago Lakes, Hastings, Hill City, Hinckley - Finlayson, Hopkins, International Falls, Inver Grove Heights, Kenyon-Wanamingo, Lake City, Luverne, Maple Lake, Menahga, Mesabi East, Minneota, Mora, Morris Area, Murray County Central, North

Branch, Ortonville, Proctor, Richfield, Rocori, Sebeka, South St. Paul, South Washington County, St. Anthony – New Brighton, St. Francis, St. Michael – Albertville, Wadena and Wayzata.

Contractors interested in securing school construction work may attend a special workshop being held on January 16, 2018 and contact Minnesota LECET at (651) 429-1600 to enroll in strategic communication geared to school projects.

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTIONWORKSHOP AND NETWORKING LUNCHTuesday, January 16, 2018 | 8:00 AM - Noon

Voters approved $1.5 billion for school construction in 2017, adding to billions of dollars in the project pipeline. LIUNA and other Building Trades unions supported the push for funding, and now we want to make sure that districts have quality contractors and skilled labor to do the job. Join top contractors, consultants, and school representatives to discuss how our industry can best meet record demand.

WHO: GC’s, Subcontractors (abatement, concrete & masonry, demolition, excavation, utility and more), School District Representatives

WHEN: Tuesday, January 16, 8:00 AM - Noon including lunch.

WHERE: Radisson, 2540 North Cleveland Ave., Roseville, MN 55113.

AGENDA: Presentations and discussion with contractors, consulting firms, school representatives, LIUNA and others.

PLEASE RSVP at (651) 429-1600 or online at mnlecet.org

$1.5 BILLION

APPROVED

BY VOTERS

IN 2017!

MINNESOTA & NORTH DAKOTA

MINNESOTA & NORTH DAKOTA

5

We are proud to report the vast majority of LIUNA Minnesota & North Dakota endorsed candidates and ballot questions won on Election night 2017!

LIUNA played a major role in electing pro-jobs and infrastructure candidates for mayor, city council, school board and park boards. We had thousands of conversations with voters, completed more than 60 volunteer shifts and invested in citywide mail and digital in both Minneapolis and Duluth.

Working with school districts and the Minnesota State Building Trades Council, we played a major role in passing more than $1B in school construction levies across the state. In addition we assisted in the passage of

more than $175 million in much needed repairs for Duluth street construction over the next 25 years, which needs to be approved by the Legislature.

Thank you to the staff and volunteers who knocked on doors, made phone calls and got out the vote. Let’s keep up the momentum going into 2018!

LIUNA Members Make an Impact in November ElectionsBy Kris Fredson , Campaigns & Member Communications Director, LIUNA MN & ND

Get 1

Pick 3

W W W. M N L A B O R E R S H E A LT H . O R G

Incenctives provided by MN Laborers Employers Cooperation Education Trust (LECET)*Active members only, must be eligible for MN Laborers Health and Welfare Coverage. Program runs 4/8/17 – 4/30/18. All E.O.B’s and certificates of accomplishment must be submitted to the Fund and postmarked before 6/1/18.

Healthy Union. Strong Union.Preventive health care is the key to feeling your best, so why not let it help you look your best too? When you complete three of the approved preventive tasks, you’ll receive your choice of jacket, or a voucher good towards new Red Wing boots or shoes.*

/MNLaborersHealthWelfareFund

FOR AC TI V E MEMBER S

Saturday, April 21, 20188 am – 2 pm

SAVE THE DATEHE A LTH & BENEF IT FA IR, LLC PRESENTS:

Tour US Bank Stadium

The home of the Minnesota Vikings was Union Built. Take a tour to see what our strong,

healthy Union can do!

L A B O R H E A LT H

20 18

w w w.heal thandbenefitfair.org

New for 2017: Retirees are now eligible to earn this jacket by completing 3 helathy member tasks!

FOR ACTIVE RETIREES

LIUNA! PROUD MEMBERSIGN UP TODAY!

LiunaMinnesota.org

LIUNANorthDakota.org

Facebook: facebook.com/LIUNAMinnesota

Twitter: twitter.com/liunaminnesota

Get 1

Pick 3

W W W. M N L A B O R E R S H E A LT H . O R G

Incenctives provided by MN Laborers Employers Cooperation Education Trust (LECET)*Active members only, must be eligible for MN Laborers Health and Welfare Coverage. Program runs 4/8/17 – 4/30/18. All E.O.B’s and certificates of accomplishment must be submitted to the Fund and postmarked before 6/1/18.

Healthy Union. Strong Union.Preventive health care is the key to feeling your best, so why not let it help you look your best too? When you complete three of the approved preventive tasks, you’ll receive your choice of jacket, or a voucher good towards new Red Wing boots or shoes.*

/MNLaborersHealthWelfareFund

FOR AC TI V E MEMBER S

Saturday, April 21, 20188 am – 2 pm

SAVE THE DATEHEALTH & BENEFIT FAIR, LLC PRESENTS:

Tour US Bank Stadium

The home of the Minnesota Vikings was Union Built. Take a tour to see what our strong,

healthy Union can do!

L A B O R H E A LT H

20 18

w w w.healthandbene�tfair.org

New for 2017: Retirees are now eligible to earn this jacket by completing 3 healthy member tasks!

FOR ACTIVE RETIREES

6

Train Up THE POWER TO EXCELTraining Calendar (651) 653-6710

Week of January 15, 2018Blueprint Reading Jan 15-19General Construction/Flagging/Pro-10 Jan 15-19Hazardous Waste Refresher Jan 15Heavy Highway Skills/MnDOT Flag - Duluth Jan 15-19Mason Tending Jan 15-19Pipelaying I Jan 15-19Safety Week/OSHA 30/CPR First Aid Jan 15-19Safety Week/OSHA 30/CPR First Aid-St. Cloud Jan 15-19Excavation Confined Space Jan 16CPR/First Aid Jan 17Hazardous Waste Refresher Jan 18Intro to Union & Apprenticeship Program Jan 18Asbestos Supervisor Refresher - Hudson Jan 19 Asbestos Worker Refresher Jan 19Asbestos Supervisor Refresher - Superior Jan 20

Week of January 22, 2018CP/First Aid - Evenings Jan 23-24 Flagging/MnDOT Jan 22General Construction/Flagging/Pro-10 Jan 22-26Pipeline Technology/MnDOT Flagging Jan 22-26Plaster Tending Jan 22-26Safety Week/OSHA 30/CPR First Aid-Bismarck Jan 22-26 Safety Week/OSHA 30/CPR First Aid Jan 22-26Scaffold Erecting Competent Person Jan 22-26Supervisor Training & Education Program Jan 22-26Flagging/MnDOT - Bismarck Jan 24 Safety Week/OSHA 30/CPR First Aid Jan 24-Feb 08Excavation Confined Space - Bismarck Jan 25 Asbestos Supervisor Refresher Jan 26CPR/First Aid - Bismarck Jan 26 Asbestos Worker Refresher Jan 27

Week of January 29, 2018Blueprint Reading Jan 29-Feb 02Excavation Confined Space - Rochester Jan 29 General Construction/Flagging/Pro-10 Jan 29-Feb 02Hazardous Waste Initial - Duluth Jan 29-Feb 02 Line & Grade Jan 29-Feb 02Mine Safety & Health Admin/CPRFA Jan 29-31Safety Week/OSHA 30/CPR First Aid Jan 29-Feb 02Hazardous Waste Refresher - Rochester Jan 30 Flagging/MnDOT - Rochester Jan 31 Plumbing Code - Rochester Jan 31 SWPP Installer Jan 31Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)-Rochester Feb 01 SWPP Manager Feb 01-02

CPR/First Aid - Rochester Feb 02 Asbestos Supervisor Refresher Feb 03Hazardous Waste Refresher - Duluth Feb 03

Week of February 05, 2018Asbestos Worker Initial Feb 05-08Blueprint Reading - Virginia Feb 05-09 Concrete Practices/Insulated Forms Feb 05-09Energy Coalition for Contractor Safety Feb 05Excavation Confined Space Feb 05-06Excavation Confined Space Feb 05Mason Tending Feb 05-09Pipelaying I Safety Week/OSHA 30/CPR First Aid Feb 05-09Torch Cutting Demo Safety - Bismarck Feb 05-06Hazardous Waste Refresher Feb 06CPR/First Aid Feb 07-08Excavation Confined Space Feb 07Torch Cutting Demo Safety - Bismarck Feb 07-08CPR/First Aid Feb 08Intro to Union & Apprenticeship Program - Feb 08 VirginiaFall Protection Feb 09Hazardous Waste Refresher Feb 09Torch Cutting Demo Safety - Bismarck Feb 09-10Lead Supervisor Refresher - Moorhead Feb 10Mine Safety & Health Admin - Virginia Feb 10

Week of February 12, 2018Blueprint Reading Feb 12-16General Construction/Flagging/Pro-10 Feb 12-16Hazardous Waste Initial Feb 12-16Heavy Highway Skills/MnDOT Flag Feb 12-16Line & Grade Feb 12-16Mason Tending Feb 12-27Intro to Union & Apprenticeship Program - Feb 12 St. CloudRigging & Signaling Qualified - Bismarck Feb 12-14Safety Week/OSHA 30/CPR First Aid Feb 12-16Safety Week/OSHA 30/MSHA 24/CPRFA-Duluth Feb 12-16 Torch Cutting Demo Safety - Bismarck Feb 12-13Welding/Torch Cutting Air Arc Feb 12-Mar 16Intro to Union & Apprenticeship Program - Duluth Feb 13 Rigging & Signaling Qualified - Bismarck Feb 14-16Intro to Union & Apprenticeship Program Feb 15Plumbing Code Feb 15Rigging & Signaling Qualified - Bismarck Feb 15-17Silica Awareness Feb 15Asbestos Worker Refresher Feb 16

Apprentice of the Month AwardsSeptemberTimothy Schlossin

OctoberStacey Geers

NovemberMark Christensen

Note: Students are reminded that all day classes begin at 7:00 AM at the LTC. Trainees must come to class dressed as if they were reporting to work at a construction site. This includes appropriate work boots, long pants, and shirt. Failure to do so can result in being asked to leave and to reschedule the class at a later date.

• Adam Hutchens is a new Instructor at the Laborers Training Center. He is a member of Laborers Local 563 with a wide variety of work experience working on notable projects (I35W Bridge reconstruction, US Bank Stadium) and has worked in several countries and regions of the world. Adam has seen firsthand, the vast differences of projects and working conditions for workers and is excited to bring enthusiasm to the LTC and the LIUNA membership.

• Andrew Hanke is also a new Instructor hired on at the LTC. He started out as a Pipelayer Laborer for S.M. Hentges in 2000 and finished his Apprenticeship in 2003. Andrew has worked extensively in the sewer and water sector as an expert skilled Laborer and the last 10 years as Foreman/Superintendent of Labor crews.

• The first record of training for the Minnesota Construction Laborers Apprenticeship and Training Fund

was on Jan. 18, 1988, training on Asbestos with respect to new state requirements from the Minnesota Department of Health and licensure to work on Asbestos material. The class was held at the Construction General Laborers Local 132 Union hall on University Avenue in St. Paul (Frogtown). Today the LTC offers over 70 classes for skilled construction craft LIUNA members.

TRAIN UP Matters

www.ltcmn.org

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In the past three years LIUNA of MN & ND and the entire group of Minnesota Building & Construction Trades Unions have made significant efforts in construction career outreach to the younger generation. But as time goes on, the group has continued to step up their collective game further with newer programs, more outreach events, many with “hands on” experiences for prospective future construction career workers.

Why Union construction careers? Union careers offer Apprenticeship & training that equip people with skills for a lifetime of opportunity in the trades. And, there are good things to go with that like no college debt, sound earnings and pay, great benefits, opportunities to advance and work in a variety of sectors within the construction industry.

A listing of a few Building Trades and LIUNA supported career outreach programs:

• MN Trades Academy • Construct Tomorrow • Multi Craft Partnership Programs • Pines to Prairie Mobile Training Labs • Tribal Training Partnership Program• LRT Build Program • Construction Careers Foundation • Helmets to Hardhats

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT 27072

TWIN CITIES, MN

Stepping Up for Careers

MINNESOTA & NORTH DAKOTA

MINNESOTA & NORTH DAKOTA

Minnesota Laborers-EmployersCooperation & Education Trust-LECET81 East Little Canada RoadLittle Canada, MN 55117

P: 651.429.1600F: 651.653.9745 info@mnndlecet.orgwww.mnlecet.org www.facebook.com/MinnesotaLECET

LIUNA Career outreach efforts include many tools of the trade and some “hands-on” experiences for the younger generation.