North America's Building Trades Unions

Centrus Begins Enrichment Operations in Ohio

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 11, 2023

PIKETON, Ohio, Oct. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Centrus Energy announced that it has begun enrichment operations at its High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) facility in Piketon, Ohio, and expects to begin withdrawing HALEU product later this month.  It is the only NRC-licensed HALEU facility in the United States and the first new U.S.-owned, U.S.-technology uranium enrichment plant to begin production since 1954.  

Key Points: 
  • PIKETON, Ohio, Oct. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Centrus Energy announced that it has begun enrichment operations at its High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) facility in Piketon, Ohio, and expects to begin withdrawing HALEU product later this month.
  • It is the only NRC-licensed HALEU facility in the United States and the first new U.S.-owned, U.S.-technology uranium enrichment plant to begin production since 1954.
  • The capacity of the 16-centrifuge cascade is modest – about 900 kilograms of HALEU per year – but with sufficient funding and offtake commitments, Centrus could significantly expand production.
  • With appropriate support, Centrus could add a second HALEU cascade six months later and subsequent cascades every two months after that.

Bechtel: Commercial Operations at Vogtle Unit 3 is an Important Milestone for US Nuclear Industry

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 31, 2023

WAYNESBORO, Ga., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bechtel, the engineering, procurement, and construction company brought in to complete construction on new Units 3 and 4 at the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia, today issued the following statement from Brendan Bechtel, Bechtel Chairman and CEO, marking the start of commercial operations for Unit 3:

Key Points: 
  • "Today's start of commercial operations for Vogtle Unit 3 gives the Southeast a major new source of clean, reliable, carbon-free baseload energy.
  • And, as the first new nuclear unit built in the U.S. in more than 30 years, it helps put America back on the map as a leader in the global nuclear industry.
  • Vogtle Unit 3 comes online at a pivotal time when energy security concerns and the need to cut carbon emissions are driving growth in the world's nuclear fleet.
  • And thank you to Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear for the opportunity to bring this project over the finish line.

Bechtel: Commercial Operations at Vogtle Unit 3 is an Important Milestone for US Nuclear Industry

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 31, 2023

WAYNESBORO, Ga., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bechtel, the engineering, procurement, and construction company brought in to complete construction on new Units 3 and 4 at the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia, today issued the following statement from Brendan Bechtel, Bechtel Chairman and CEO, marking the start of commercial operations for Unit 3:

Key Points: 
  • "Today's start of commercial operations for Vogtle Unit 3 gives the Southeast a major new source of clean, reliable, carbon-free baseload energy.
  • And, as the first new nuclear unit built in the U.S. in more than 30 years, it helps put America back on the map as a leader in the global nuclear industry.
  • Vogtle Unit 3 comes online at a pivotal time when energy security concerns and the need to cut carbon emissions are driving growth in the world's nuclear fleet.
  • And thank you to Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear for the opportunity to bring this project over the finish line.

Vogtle Unit 3 goes into operation

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 31, 2023

ATLANTA, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power declared today that Plant Vogtle Unit 3 has entered commercial operation and is now serving customers and the State of Georgia. The new unit represents a long-term investment in the state's clean energy future and will provide reliable, emissions-free energy to customers for decades to come.

Key Points: 
  • New nuclear unit now serving customers with clean, reliable energy 24/7
    ATLANTA, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power declared today that Plant Vogtle Unit 3 has entered commercial operation and is now serving customers and the State of Georgia.
  • Vogtle Unit 3 is the first newly-constructed nuclear unit in the U.S. in over 30 years and can power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses.
  • The unit completed hot functional testing in May, in significantly less time than Unit 3 as the team continues leveraging best practices and learnings from the earlier unit.
  • The Vogtle site has also received nuclear fuel for Unit 4, with a total of 157 fuel assemblies necessary for the safe and reliable startup of the unit.

Constellation Partners with HIRE360 to Increase Diversity in Local Trades Through Workforce Development

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 27, 2023

The partnership, an expansion of Constellation’s $1 million Powering Change workforce development initiative, will help HIRE360 launch a program to train people in historically underserved communities for family-sustaining union jobs in the building trades.

Key Points: 
  • The partnership, an expansion of Constellation’s $1 million Powering Change workforce development initiative, will help HIRE360 launch a program to train people in historically underserved communities for family-sustaining union jobs in the building trades.
  • (Photo: Business Wire)
    HIRE360 provides training programs, connects workers with mentors and offers direct support to help build stronger families and communities.
  • Constellation’s support will help HIRE360 launch a new program this fall, designed to foster economic equity by introducing Chicago area students to different trades and skills, and providing access to good-paying, long-term careers.
  • “We are excited to partner with Constellation to increase opportunities in construction and the trades to those populations who are currently underrepresented,” said Jay Rowell, Executive Director, HIRE360.

Helmets to Hardhats and Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones sign Memorandum of Understanding to increase pathways into skilled trades for Indigenous Veterans 

Retrieved on: 
Friday, June 30, 2023

This work includes ensuring Indigenous Veterans are employed at the same rate as the rest of the country.

Key Points: 
  • This work includes ensuring Indigenous Veterans are employed at the same rate as the rest of the country.
  • In honour of Indigenous History Month, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), James Hogarth, and President of Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA), Robert Thibeau, announce a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the next steps to help ensure that Indigenous Veterans across Canada are aware of the opportunities available to them in the skilled trades through Helmets to Hardhats.
  • Helmets to Hardhats is a national non-profit organization that supports the Canadian military community in finding meaningful careers in the skilled trades.
  • Helmets to Hardhats look forward to referring Indigenous military members to apprenticeship and career opportunities with Canada's Building Trades.

Statement by Canada’s Building Trades Unions on Sustainable Jobs Legislation

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 15, 2023

The legislation is aimed at addressing Canada’s transition to a carbon neutral economy, legislation Canada’s Building Trades Unions has been anticipating and advocating for.

Key Points: 
  • The legislation is aimed at addressing Canada’s transition to a carbon neutral economy, legislation Canada’s Building Trades Unions has been anticipating and advocating for.
  • “Canada’s Building Trades Unions welcome Bill C-50 tabled today in the House of Commons.
  • That is why Canada’s Building Trades Unions are pleased that this Government is conducting meaningful consultation with labour on the transition to net-zero, through the Sustainable Partnership Council included in today’s legislation, to ensure workers are front and centre during this transition,” stated Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions.
  • “Canada is executing its plan to become the clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a net-zero world.

Day & Zimmermann Maintenance and Construction Recognized as a Premier Vendor by Entergy

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 31, 2023

At an awards ceremony held May 8 in New Orleans, Entergy recognized D&Z's outstanding performance across Entergy's nuclear fleet in the category of Continuous Improvement/Innovation.

Key Points: 
  • At an awards ceremony held May 8 in New Orleans, Entergy recognized D&Z's outstanding performance across Entergy's nuclear fleet in the category of Continuous Improvement/Innovation.
  • "It's an honor to be recognized by Entergy with this important award for the excellence our site leadership and craft teams commit to every day."
  • The accomplishments Entergy recognized D&Z for included:
    Pathways to nuclear careers – Partnered with Entergy, the Building Trades, and local elected representatives to introduce local high school students to skilled craft careers.
  • Day & Zimmermann's Maintenance and Construction division helps plant owners in the nuclear, fossil, solar, government sector, chemical, pulp and paper, and other industrial markets lower their total cost of ownership by delivering innovative maintenance, construction, and specialty services and solutions.

LIUNA General President Terry O'Sullivan and General Secretary-Treasurer Armand E. Sabitoni Announce their Retirement

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Armand E. Sabitoni, LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer and New England Regional Manager of the union, also announced his retirement effective April 30 after serving as General Secretary-Treasurer for over 22 years.

Key Points: 
  • Armand E. Sabitoni, LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer and New England Regional Manager of the union, also announced his retirement effective April 30 after serving as General Secretary-Treasurer for over 22 years.
  • With these changes, the LIUNA General Executive Board unanimously elected Brent Booker as the new General President and Michael F. Sabitoni as LIUNA's new General Secretary-Treasurer.
  • "I look forward to working with General President elect Brent Booker as he takes the helm as LIUNA General President," Sabitoni said.
  • Terry O'Sullivan and Armand E. Sabitoni are the second-longest-serving officers in their roles as General President and General Secretary-Treasurer of LIUNA.

Government of Canada releases interim Sustainable Jobs Plan to enable the creation of good, middle class jobs across Canada

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 17, 2023

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the Canadian economy continues to lead as the world builds a net-zero economy.

Key Points: 
  • The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the Canadian economy continues to lead as the world builds a net-zero economy.
  • This interim plan for 2023-2025 sets an initial frame for the Sustainable Jobs Action Plans that will be released every five years starting in 2025.
  • This Plan is an essential component of the Government's strategy for building a sustainable, prosperous economy for years and decades to come.
  • The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers looks forward to continuing to work with the Government on the path forward for Sustainable Jobs."