THIS EVENT IS INVITATION ONLY.
To request an invitation, please complete the form below or contact John Ferrante at jferrante@btea.com for more information
THIS EVENT IS INVITATION ONLY.
To request an invitation, please complete the form below or contact John Ferrante at jferrante@btea.com for more information
When we initially came up with the idea to host a first-ever Building Trades Recovery Week, we knew we were doing something historic — taking on a crisis that many have shied away from and few industries have addressed publicly. But we knew we had to step forward.
We must shine a light on this epidemic, which disproportionately affects the construction industry. Our workers are six times more likely to die from opioid overdose than any others in Massachusetts; 150 workers per 100,000 die from overdoses annually.
It’s important to let our peers know that it’s OK to ask for help. Addiction can happen to anyone — any worker, any family, and on any worksite. Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs, and many are prescribed prescription painkillers to cope with injury and everyday wear and tear. Many are prescribed opiate painkillers and due to the addictive nature of the medication, many find themselves struggling to cease usage after the injury subsides.
Addiction can leave a person feeling ashamed and helpless. So it’s crucial to show those workers that there are great lives — and careers — ahead of them once they get treatment.
We were overwhelmed with the positive response that Recovery Week received from across the industry. Sponsors from more than 12 New England contractor associations and 13 trades came together in solidarity with their workers. Together we worked to increase awareness and understanding of substance use and abuse, educate participants on how to recognize substance use on the job-site, reduce the stigma surrounding the opioid crisis and encourage workers to seek help when needed.
Forward-thinking contractors such as Karas & Karas Glass, Lee Kennedy Co, McCusker Gill, and Worcester Air Conditioning have committed to solutions – such as keeping Narcan on hand, in their fabrication shops and on all their jobsites to save lives in the event of an overdose.
The conference featured a number of inspiring speakers, including Congressman Stephen Lynch, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Charlestown Rep. Daniel Ryan, former Celtics player Chris Herren, BTEA’s Director of Labor Relations, Thomas S. Gunning, Harvard/MGH’s Dr. Gregory Acampora, John MaGahan of the Gavin Foundation, Frank Callahan of the MBTC, President & CEO of Modern Assistance Programs John Christian, and many more — all who offered a unique perspective on the subject of opioids and substance use.
The week culminated in a 150-second job site stand down to honor the 150 opioid-related deaths per 100,000 workers in Massachusetts annually. At two large worksites: M Block in the Seaport District and Lee Kennedy’s HOOD plant project in Charlestown, hundreds of workers and contractors came together, supported by Mayor Martin J. Walsh and other allies.
The media response was incredible. From the Boston Globe and Boston Herald, to public radio, to every local TV station in Boston, our message of hope–and real solutions–came through loud and clear.
The impact on workers’ lives was immediate. We couldn’t have imagined how many people we would touch and how quickly brave workers would step forward to acknowledge they have a problem and ask for help. For us, that is the true measure of success and we thank them.
We want to thank our sponsors and allies for helping to bring this conference to fruition.
By shining a spotlight on the opioid crisis, we are already changing, and saving, lives and we hope when we’re standing here next year during Recovery Week, we can say we made a real difference and gave someone a new beginning.
BTEA Recovery Week Media Round Up
Join hundreds of employers and thousands of union members for an industry-wide stand down to raise awareness about substance abuse and recovery.
In Massachusetts, 150 out of every 100,000 construction workers die an opioid-related death. Construction workers are 6x more likely to suffer an opioid-related death than all other workers.
Join our members, sponsors, and supporters as we conduct a 150 second (2.5 minute) stand down at 11:30 AM on Friday May 3rd, 2019. We ask that everyone pause work and observe a moment of silence as we reflect about the ongoing opioid epidemic and raise awareness for those struggling with addiction or in recovery.
Join BTEA for a reception to help close out Building Trades Recovery Week. Featuring a distinguished group of speakers as they discuss various initiatives both locally and nationally that they are using to address substance abuse issues.
Speaker Panel
Join the Building Trades Employers’ Association at IBEW Local 103 to kick off Building Trades Recovery Week. This event is a dinner reception featuring a roster of leading voices from the construction industry and all across the spectrum of addiction care. We will also feature a dual keynote by Mayor Marty Walsh and hear about Chris Herren’s experience as a leading advocate for substance abuse treatment and recovery.
Join the staff of the Building Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA) as they provide a general overview of the Building Trades Recovery Week.
Associate Executive Director John Ferrante will discuss the ongoing issues with substance abuse including the opioid epidemic and it’s impact on the construction industry. Director of Labor Relations Thomas S. Gunning will provide a basic rundown of the week’s agenda highlighting the various educational opportunities and programs being provided by the BTEA and various sponsors.
Register directly at this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6914236387338604300
The Massachusetts union labor and management communities came together for the 3rd annual “Girls in the Trades” conference. More than 500 young women came for a day of workshops, demonstrations, and a job fair to learn more about opportunities in the building trades. The goal is to increase young women’s interest in productive, rewarding careers in the trades, and to grow their ranks in the industry long term.
“Today was great! More than 500 girls got to hear from women in the industry that the trades are not just for the boys,” said Hannah LaCivita, of the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School.
(Jeff Sullivan, Business Manager of District Council #35, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, and Tom Gunning of the BTEA were all in attendance.)
In addition to sponsorship from the BTEA, our affiliate the Paint and Glass Employers Association of New England (PFEANE/GEANE) were well represented. Sharon Tankel, President of Hub Glass Services, a contractor member was invited to address the conference. “If girls are thinking of going into the trades, my message to them is simple: go for it! The industry is changing and more women are joining all the time,” said Ms. Tankel.
(Sharon Tankel of Hub Glass Services after her speech)
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito offered support on behalf of the Baker Administration. “The work that I can do along with Charlie Baker is to make sure that each one of you has the opportunity, equal to everyone else, to work at whatever career, whatever job, whatever industry, and at whatever place in this great Commonwealth.”
Find information below on the YouthBuild Pre-apprenticeship program and how to apply!
Continue reading “YouthBuild Boston Pre-apprenticeship Program Open!”
Dear Members and Job Seekers,
As you may know, each month brings new opportunities to apply for apprenticeships with different union building trades. Each of the 12 trades has its own timeline and procedure for apprenticeship applications.
The following trade(s) will be accepting applications for apprenticeship training:
WOMEN AND PEOPLE OF COLOR ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
*****Please be sure to call the union to confirm these details! ******
Local 33: Willie Hernandez
53 Evans Dr.
Stoughton, MA 02072
Requirements:
Requirements:
Requirements:
Requirements:
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Requirements:
In addition, Suffolk Construction and Wynn Casino are looking for active union members. They can submit an application for employment at the link below.
If you know of someone already in the union, please have them go to our website at www.surveymonkey.com/r/3WJRY66 to submit an application. We will notify unions and subcontractors of their availability. Help spread the word!