March 16, 2006: Hite Discusses UA Priorities With Union-Affiliated Contractors
LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. - Finding and training skilled workers to help address the industry's labor shortage is a top priority for the United Association (UA), UA General President Bill Hite told members of the Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC) at UAC's recent Unity Meeting here.
Hite said the UA locals will be increasing the number of apprentice classes, and will be "thinking outside the box" to recruit people with special skills, such as welding, as soon as possible. The UA also is reaching out to various welding schools and has started its own intense welder qualifications to fill demand. In addition, the UA will give the apprentices OSHA training and workplace awareness classes to get them ready for the workforce. "We are determined not to be caught off guard and fail to have people who possess the skills necessary to get the job done," he said.