News
September 19, 2011
This is only my second trip to China, and first to Japan and Korea, so I’m far from an Asian expert. But one theme and one observation seem pretty clear to me.
The theme is that there are opportunities to export more goods and services to these countries. I don’t believe that it’s easy- in fact it is apparent that it’s a long and difficult process. All successful relationships are built on trust and take time.
I think the fact that the Governor and key Legislators from both parties took this trip makes a big statement that we are serious about increasing our exports. But it will take a great deal of follow through and long term thinking, dedication, and action if we are to achieve this goal.
The observation is that our country is falling dreadfully behind in infrastructure investments. In all three countries we have visited we see new roads, bridges, high speed rail, and airports. Our national leaders are doing a huge disservice to our citizens in the short term, and our nation in the long term if they cannot come together and agree on a long term infrastructure funding program.
Infrastructure investments provide sorely needed jobs in the short term, and economic prosperity in the long term. The shameful bickering in DC must stop. Our future- and our children’s and grandchildren’s future- depends on it.
-John Mohlis
July 26, 2011
Construction Apprenticeship in Oregon
The data suggest that, in general, union apprenticeship programs continue to do a better job than non‐union programs in establishing large and stable training centers and in recruiting a diverse workforce. Furthermore, on a trade‐by‐trade basis, women and minorities in union programs tend to have higher graduation rates.
April 14, 2011
National Building Trades Legislative Conference Report
Last week I traveled to Washington, D.C. along with representatives from Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council to attend the 2011 Building and Construction Trades Department Legislative Conference from April 3–6.
On April 4th I had an energetic meeting with Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR). Congressman Walden has always been a strong supporter of the Building Trades and labor issues and this meeting was no different. We discussed budgetary issues and the potential of a government shutdown, Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), reauthorization of the transportation bill and most importantly job creation in Oregon.
Read the entire National Building Trades Legislative Conference Report.
December 3, 2010
20th anniversary B.U.L.L. Session a huge success
B.U.L.L. Session Invitational Charity Events Board Members, Tim Gauthier, Secretary/Executive Manager of the Oregon-Columbia Chapter NECA (pictured), Clif Davis, Business Manager of IBEW Local 48 (pictured) and John Mohlis, Executive Secretary of the Oregon State Building and Construction Trade Council (not pictured) are proud to be part of the B.U.L.L. Session’s success.
The B.U.L.L. Session Invitational Charity Events were a huge success this year. The B.U.L.L. Session was able to present $300,000 in donations to nine Portland area children’s charities.
The benefiting charities include Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Emanuel Children’s Hospital, Gales Creek Camp Foundation, Artz Center for Developmental Health & Audiology, March of Dimes, Providence Child Center, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Portland, Special Olympics Oregon and Wheel to Walk Foundation.
The B.U.L.L. session is proud of its 20 years of giving to local children’s charities. 2010 saw the cumulative giving reach over $4,000,000.
October 11, 2010
Building and Construction Trades Councils Elect New Executive Secretaries
Portland, Ore. ― The Oregon State Building and Construction Trade Council announced today the election of John Mohlis as the council’s new executive secretary. Mohlis comes from the Columbia-Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council, where he has been executive secretary treasurer since 2005. This opportunity was made available with the retirement of Bob Shiprack who led the council for the last 25 years.
Building Trades Council President John Endicott said, “Bob Shiprack has been an icon to the building trades unions in Oregon and his deep insight in legislative matters will be truly missed.” Endicott continued, “With John Mohlis filling Shiprack’s shoes, the hard-working tradesmen and women in this state will continue to have excellent representation.”
Mohlis began his career as an apprentice bricklayer in Montana at Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 5. Later in his career, he served as the business manager for Oregon and Southwest Washington’s BAC Local 1 from 1994 to 2005.
“I have been proud to have served Columbia-Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council over the last five years,” said Mohlis. “I hope through my work for the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council I’ll be able to continue making a positive difference in the trades.”
Mohlis went on to say, “I know that everyone associated with the building trades here in the Pacific Northwest recognize the leadership that Bob Shiprack has provided and that we are deeply appreciative of all his years of service. I clearly have some big shoes to fill, Bob’s institutional memory will be hard to replace, but I’m committed to working hard every day for the tradesmen and women of this state.”
Paul Riggs of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 48 has been elected to finish out the executive secretary term at the Columbia-Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council that expires Dec 2011.
The Oregon State Building and Construction Trade Council represents 36 different locals or councils in the State of Oregon and southern Washington. The council works as the voice of the building trades in the region, ensuring its tradesmen and women have fair labor agreements and the best continuing education and apprenticeship training available. It also serves as a resource for those seeking highly skilled trades people.