Brother and Sisters,

Communication and information is such an important part of us getting through this crisis. I’m sure you are all glued to the news, whether it’s on your tv or phone, I know I am. When it comes to the local union, I don’t have a platform to get information out to you, so in the interim I’ve worked with our web developer to set up this platform so I can get information out to you all in a timely fashion.  So please check this site often as I will be posting information and updates as often as I get it.

It’s important for you all to know that this virus has created an ever-changing landscape and our responses are changing just as rapidly. Just when you think you’ve developed a response for the current landscape, it shifts into a different direction. And keep in mind our responses are directed specifically for this membership and how government agencies mandates affect this membership. So with that, we are going to continually update you with our progress here on the COVID-19 page.  On a daily basis we are:

• Communicating with the UA, other Business Managers, our legal counsel, local and state building trades, and other local union crafts to keep the flow of information as up to date as possible, and our responses as universal and consistent through these times.
• Assessing what the “essential” jobs are and making plans to continue keeping staff available to support those jobs. Basically, the business office, TFO, and credit union will remain open as long as our members are out there working
• Exploring all options on how to improve our situation moving forward on a variety of topics, including benefits, training, document transmission, and more.

I hope you all continue to stay safe, maintain social distancing, and follow all other preventative contamination guidelines. Keep in contact with your brother and sisters and help them out when needed, especially our retirees. And most important, stay strong for your loved ones and keep them safe through this crisis.

Fraternally yours,
Che Timmons
Business Manager

May 18, 2020



RE: UA Local Union 342’s Position Concerning Members’ Privacy

Dear Members:

Thank you for your patience as we continue to monitor and make adjustments to accommodate our membership’s needs, while also focusing on a safe re-opening of construction in both the Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. As both counties are trying to limit the spread of COVID-19 within our community, you are most likely aware that they will be utilizing Contact Tracing, which will allow them to identify individuals who could have had possible exposure to the virus. While this will help minimize the transmission of the virus, it also comes with privacy concerns. We understand these concerns regarding our members’ privacy and we have addressed those concerns with the County and our contractors. 

In order to comply with the current Shelter In Place Orders imposed by the County, it is important to know that in order to enter any job site, employees and visitors will be required to provide their name, phone number, home address, and personal email address. Please know that if you decide not to provide this information due to privacy concerns, you will potentially limit your access to work on that job site.

While we understand that this may be frustrating for some, it is important that we maintain compliance with the directive of the Public Health Officers in our counties to ensure we continue to move forward for everybody’s safety.  We continue to take the needs and concerns of our members seriously and appreciate your cooperation with this matter.  

Fraternally,



Che Timmons
Business manager

Brothers and Sisters,

We as a Local Union recognize the changing landscape of how we go through life. What used to be quick trips to the store are now laborious adventures. We recognize we have our own brothers and sisters who may have limited ability to perform such tasks. Whether you are a retiree, physically unable to withstand the long lines out the doors, have small children you cannot leave behind, or are without necessary resources, we want to remind you we are UNION STRONG; you are not alone. If there are any members who need assistance with these efforts, please do not hesitate to call the business office and we will wholeheartedly explore options on how to best accommodate you.

Franternally,

Your Local 342 Business Officers

Today the Contra Costa Health Services issued a new "Cover Your Face" Order regarding new Face Mask requirements for the public and essential workers which takes effect on Wednesday, April 22. Make sure that you are prepared and review the full order here:  

CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE to access the UA COVID-19 Guidelines to Protect Workers in Plumbing and HVAC systems

CLICK HERE to access the Stimulus Guide for the CARES Act

Brothers and Sisters,

Last week, I wrote about exploring options for those affected by COVID-19 by having a way to access their 401 accounts to help with the financial burdens of unemployment. Well, after a lot of conversations with legal counsel and our professionals, we have come up with a pathway which still adheres to our plan, rules, and IRS guidelines.

Effective today and through the end of June, members who have been adversely affected by job shutdowns and/or reduced hours due to COVID-19 will be able to make a one-time emergency distribution from their 401 account. This one-time emergency distribution can be obtained through one or two payment installments of up to, but not exceeding, $20,000.

I hope that with this plan amendment, members will be able to utilize the withdrawal to help assist in their financial needs through this time of crisis. We will do our best to expedite the requests in a timely manner. If you have any questions about whether you qualify, please call your Business Representative or the Trust Fund Office. Visit the Supplemental 401k distribution page on this website to fill out an application online.

Fraternally yours,
Che Timmons
Business Manager

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We would like to assure you that UA Local 342 is constantly monitoring the situation with COVID-19
and how we can best serve and protect our members and staff to the fullest extent possible. We are taking
this matter very seriously and as a result, there will be some changes in the way business is conducted in
the upcoming weeks. With the announcement of a Shelter in Place Order affecting six Bay Area
Counties, we will be making the following changes at this time until things change:

• All business will be required to be conducted over the phone starting Tuesday, March 17,2020 at
12pm. Starting Wednesday, March 18, 2020, public access to both buildings will be restricted
from public access. At this time, normal business hours will remain the same.
o Business Office 925-686-5880
o Apprenticeship Training 925-686-0730
o Credit Union 925-686-1044
o Trust Fund 925-356-8921
• All offices will be operating with reduced staff to accommodate required social di stancing.
• Our Business Representatives will be available by phone to answer any job related questions.
• Dues can be paid online at www.ua342.org. with the ISAQR app, or by calling the Business
Office. Debit and credit cards are accepted.
• If you need to sign the Out of Work li st, please email trave l@ua342.com or call the Business
Office. In your email, please include your name, card #, and last contractor worked for, last day of
work and phone number. Please note, that this an exception being made only during this
extraordinary time.
• If you are laid off and have questions regarding unemployment, please refer to:
https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

We will continue to update you in regards to any changes we need to make in regards to conducting
business on our end in accordance to guidelines set by the Center for Disease Controls (CDC) and both
the Contra Costa and Alameda County Health Services. Please refer to www.ua342.org for future
updates. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter while we do what is necessary to do our part in
protecting our community.

Fraternally,
Che Timmons
Business Manager/Financial Secretary

CT/hz

Brothers and Sisters,

In an effort to address concerns regarding the COVID-19 Virus, UA Local 342 will do our best to keep
everyone updated on procedures that will affect the day to day operations of the UA Local 342 Business
Office and Apprenticeship. We take this issue with the upmost seriousness and are regularly monitoring the Center for Disease Controls (CDC) and both the Contra Costa and Alameda County Health Services
websites for any updates.

Currently the following precautionary actions are taking place to help prevent any contamination spread:
• Frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in high traffic areas, per the CDC guidelines.
• All Apprenticeship classes have been suspended pending further notice. The Pipeline School will
remain open until further notice.
• Installation of hand sanitation stations throughout our buildings.
• If you are sick, please call or email our office and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
• With the Apprenticeship classes suspended the business hours for the Union are SAM-5PM.
• The Membership Meeting for April 9,2020 is cancelled.

Please check the www.ualocal342.org website where we will post any changes.

Reminders:
• Wash your hands, frequently
• Don't touch your face, eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home from work if you are sick
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or the crook of your ann when you cough
• Knuckle bump in lieu of shaking hands
• Regularly clean high traffic surfaces
• When on the jobsite inform your employer and your Business Representative if you feel there is a
contamination issue

We will continue to respond to the latest on COVID-19 with the safety of all being the biggest priority. We will notify the Membership of any additional adjustments that may be necessary as the situation changes. We apologize any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for both the Membership and Staff of UA Local 342.

Fraternally,
Che Timmons
Business Manager/Financial Secretary

UA International

Guidelines for Worker Health in Plumbing and HVAC

Contra Costa County Health Services

Alameda County Health Care Services Agency

Contra Costa Labor Council

Government Resources 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
COVID-19 Information

NIOSH – National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
COVID-19 Main Page

OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Department of Labor (DOL) Coronavirus Resources
OSHA COVID-19 Overview
Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers during COVID-19 Response

World Health Organization (WHO)
Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Labor and Workforce Development Agency
Pandemic and Unemployment Assistance (PAU)