As the city and the world prepare for returning to work, one thing we can be certain of is there will be a new normal. COVID-19 training has already begun to be required by some of our signatory contractors. We strongly urge every single member of Local 79 to take the COVID-19 – INFECTIOUS DISEASE TRAINING and the ICRA AWARENESS TRAINING for Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA), which are now [...]

Op-Ed in the New York Daily News byLocal 79 Business Manager Mike Prohaska   Workers in hospitals, grocery stores, transit, warehouses, construction sites and elsewhere have been rightly deemed essential. But a tale of two cities is playing out before our eyes: The privileged shelter in place, while others put their bodies on the line to provide healthcare, food, housing and infrastructure. Unfair working conditions have long existed, but [...]

Through the Zoom platform, members can enter a virtual classroom with a live video view of their Instructor and other class participants, interact with them, ask questions, and more.  In effect, you are in the classroom. And, you can use your home computer, iPad or other tablet, or even your cellphone!  All of these devices work with Zoom. All class registration will be done via email NO TELEPHONE REGISTRATIONS Do [...]

Brothers & Sisters, As you know, I have been working with the Funds to develop options for you to access your annuity. The Funds work hard to protect and grow your investments.  But I understand that these are difficult times and some of you may need to access these assets, and now you have the ability to do that. The following information outlines the details and deadlines. While I consider [...]

We know there is a lot going on, but it is even more important now to fill out the Census to make sure our state gets the funding it needs. Every household can take the census by phone, mail, or computer. Click liuna-ny.org/mycensus to fill out.

Brothers and Sisters, Governor Cuomo’s directive to close all non-essential construction sites is a gamechanger. We anticipate that the situation regarding construction may get worse before it gets better. As I write this, there has been no definitive response to questions that are being raised regarding SCA work and there is much debate on the definition of what is essential Affordable Housing. The Union cannot maintain its current level of [...]

Brothers and Sisters, Today, March 27, 2020, Governor Cuomo directed all non-essential construction sites to close, joining Local 79 in prioritizing the safety and health of our members and our families. This directive means that some of you will be laid off, and I know your first thoughts are how you’ll support your families and what the future will look like. Please know your concerns are MY first thoughts, too. [...]

Brothers and Sisters, For more than 24 years, the men and women of Local 79 have defined the meaning of “stronger together.” Together, we have fought for fair wages and safe working conditions. We have overcome challenges and faced down difficult times. We rebuilt our city in New York’s darkest days after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. We are strong, we are resilient and we are united – never forget [...]

Unfortunately, under the requirements of the Governor’s Executive Order, it would seem that the Training Fund is obligated to comply with the 100% staff reduction mandate in the Order, effectively closing the Long Island City facility. In an effort to assist our participants in receiving training in “Infectious Diseases” we’re happy to direct you to a new LIUNA Training online course by going to: www.liunatraining.org/infectiousdisease · Click on the link [...]