Jobsite Safety and Health
If you're working during the pandemic, these resources will help you identify the elements of a safe jobsite - and help you keep an eye out for unsafe conditions.
Remember that if you have ANY concerns about the safety of your jobsite, you should immediately either alert the steward or contact your Local Union.
CPWR's Guidelines for COVID-safe Construction Jobs
CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training - is a not-for-profit research organization with strong ties to BAC and other building trades unions.
CPWR researchers are North America's premier experts on construction safety, and have developed all sorts of materials concerning COVID-19 and construction - in English and Spanish - that they are updating regularly.
CPWR also established COVID-19 Construction Clearinghouse, a central resource for construction employers and workers to find the latest research, guidance documents, training and other resources to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Guidance from US and Canadian Governmental Experts
OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a vital resource for information regarding what employers in the US must do to keep jobsites safe. See OSHA's Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. Also see Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus in English and Spanish.
On April 3, OSHA published a guidance to Compliance Safety and Health Officers for enforcing the Respiratory Protection standard, with regard to supply shortage of disposable N95 respirators. See the Enforcement Guidance for Respiratory Protection.
CCOHS, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, maintains a COVID-19 information hub.
On May 29th OSHA released new recommendations for Construction workers
Key Resources for Unemployed Members
Many jobs are shutting down because of the pandemic, and even where work is continuing, many members are choosing not to work and stay home for the sake of the safety of themselves and their families. If you're not working, here are critical resources to help you through this difficult time.
NABTU Guide for Unemployed Members
If you're out of work, or if you've lost hours because of COVID-19, NABTU - the coalition of North America's Building Trades Unions - has a great guide to the benefits that are available to you, from enhanced unemployment to special sick pay and CARES Act direct payments.
Links to State Unemployment Resources
The National Employment Law Project has compiled an updated list of unemployment benefits and enhancements by state, available here.
The US Department of Labor has put together a comprehensive series of links to each state and territory's unemployment insurance portals, including special links to COVID-19-related state unemployment enhancements. This is the first place you need to visit to find out about all your state's unemployment resources.
Politics and Legislation
The COVID-19 crisis has spurred emergency legislation to help workers and employers in the US and Canada. To the right are are summaries of how some of these new laws and programs affect BAC members.
That said, there's a lot more work that legislators need to do to meet the real needs of workers. US BAC members can click the "Take Action"! link to send a message to Congress demanding more financial support for workers, relief for our health and pension plans, and a real infrastructure commitment that will put skilled union tradespeople to work.
Union Resources
BAC and its partner organizations can provide help during this difficult time. Below are two important union resources.
Member Assistance Program (MAP)
Our Member Assistance Program (MAP) recognizes the substantial emotional and behavioral impact of the Coronavirus pandemic for IUBAC members and their families, and is on the job during the crisis. Please click here for helpful links by state/territory to address mental health, substance abuse, and other social service needs.
You may also click here for COVID-19 stress management recommendations.
Union Plus
Union Plus is an organization under the umbrella of the AFL-CIO that provides benefits for union members and their families. If your family has been directly impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit their Hardship Help section.
International Pension Fund (IPF) Updates
The International Pension Fund (IPF) has adopted a remote work policy that began March 18, 2020, but its operations are continuing without a hitch. Participants and applicants can continue to communicate with the Fund staff by phone at 1-888-880-8222, and calls will be routed to the appropriate staff’s cell phones. The IPF group emails will continue to be monitored and responded in a timely manner.
Participants who are applying for their IPF pension can email: IPFPensionapplicantinfo@ipfweb.org; Participants who are applying or have applied for their BACSave Annuity can email: RSPwithdrawalapplicantinfo@ipfweb.org; Pensioners can reach the IPF Pension Payroll Department at: PensionPayroll@ipfweb.org; Participants who are interested in a future pension estimate can email: Pensionestimate@ipfweb.org
For more information about the IPF, please visit IPF's website.
