News from NUCA of NM

National Utility Contractors Association of New Mexico

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NUCA of NM Newsletter

June 2010

From the Executive Director's Desk

Greeting Members!

I am pleased to report that the New Mexico Regional Common Ground Alliance Expo and Conference was a success and was very worthwhile for all! This 3-day event, held at the Hard Rock Hotel, was packed full of classes, speakers, networking, product demonstrations, and vendors. I would like to personally thank all those involved in the Planning and also those who attended the conference:

AUI Inc.

RMCI Inc.

TLC Plumbing & Utility

Southwest Safety Services

Vermeer Sales Southwest

Your participation and support is appreciated! The 3-day Expo and Conference is already scheduled for 2011 and will be held in Farmington, NM September 13, 14, 15 - Hope to see you there.

Our volunteer instructors just wrapped up an OSHA 30 Hour and the Next Step Program, and I'd like to thank them for their time and efforts. NUCA of NM is able to offer free and low-cost training through the OSHA Alliance only because our instructors give their time to teach. Thank you!

Bill Devinney, AON Risk Services

Howard Gentry, NM OSHA

Jim North, Viscom, Inc.

L.D. Alexander, RMCI Inc.

Rick Montano, AUI Inc.

Steve Moore, RMCI Inc.

Happy 4th!

Jane Jernigan

July 2010 Dates

July 4th -- Independence Day
July 8th - Planning Committee 8am
July 8th - Last Ditch Open Committee 8:30am
July 8th - Education Committee 3pm
July 12th - NMRCGA Planning
July 13th - CICA
July 14th - Safety Committee 8am
July 16th - NMRCGA General Meeting
July 24th - Wildlife West
July 26th Board of Directors

Training for July:

July 6-8 Traffic Control
July 6-9 OSHA 510 Standards for Construction
July 15 Storm Water Qualified Person
July 20-21 MSHA 16 Hour New Miner
July 22 First Aid/CPR

4 Key Issues for Utility Contractors

1. Federal Estate Tax - The federal estate tax ("death tax") is fully repealed this year, but it's coming back in full force next year, meaning a 55% top estate tax rate unless Congress does something about it. Let's make sure they do. If the "death tax" makes you nervous, you should know that the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) is taking on the tax man.

2. Card Check Legislation - The so-called Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)-better known as "card check"-would require employers to recognize a union if a majority of workers signs union authorization cards rather than the currently required secret ballot process, where workers are given the right to cast their vote for or against unionization in private. Equally disturbing, the bill would force binding federal arbitration on both the employer and the union if agreement on an initial contract is not reached within 90 days. Keep in mind that arbitration would not be limited to wages and benefits. We're talking about federal representatives making decisions about a company's day-to-day operations. NUCA is fighting to preserve the secret ballot process in the workplace and keep the federal government out of your business.

3.Contractor Withholding - Are you aware that in 2012, all federal, state and local government agencies will be required to withhold three-percent of all payments to organizations that provide products and services to the government? If you do any public construction work, this means you. Think of what a 3-percent withholding on top of any existing retainage would do to your profit margins. NUCA is also fighting for repeal of this harmful provision.

4. Damage Prevention - Ever have problems with unwarranted claims for damages to an underground facility? As a NUCA member, you have free access to an expert in mitigating damage claims. NUCA's service provider offers members:

unlimited FREE advice on prevention best practices;
unlimited FREE advice on damage investigation (photography, evidence gathering, documentation, etc.); and
four hours of FREE evaluation and negation of claims (followed by a half price discount of only $75 per-hour).

It's about SAFETY

At the NUCA of NM Membership Meeting on June 24th, the Zia Partnership levels were announced and the 2009 NUCA of NM Excellence in Safety Awards were presented.

2010-2011 Zia Partners

Presented by Howard Gentry, NMOSHA