Southeastern Carpenters

Brothers & Sisters: Did you know that union members of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) deliver mail & packages to EVERY address in the USA? However, there is an effort to dismantle the Postal Service, & your fellow union brothers & sisters need your help. On Sunday, March 23, NALC branches across the USA are hosting local rallies to say "HELL NO!" to dismantling the Postal Service. We ask SECRC members to support the NALC efforts if you can. Click here for details on how to participate and to learn more about the NALC's fight: https://lnkd.in/esphxHm5

To close off Women in Construction Week, the Southeastern Carpenters invites any female in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, or South Carolina to seriously consider becoming a professional craftswoman. Get the wages, respect, and career support that you deserve. Check out NailMyCareer.com

Many thanks to Local 74’s Rodney Graham and Ronnie Campbell for spending the day at Sweetwater High School talking to about 150 students! Graham is the Business Manager for Local 74, and Campbell is a Construction Manager at Watt’s Bar Nuclear Plant for Day & Zimmermann. Graham also teamed with carpenter instructor David Hall to talk with another 300 students from six schools at a Jackson County career fair. Photo: Ronnie Campbell (far right), his son (black shorts), and his friends at Sweetwater High School’s career event. We are happy to report that Ronnie’s son is joining the UBC as an apprentice when he graduates! Great job, men!

#StopTaxFraud #TFDOA2025

Our web page for Tax Fraud Days of Action is up and running. Check it out. Stay informed. https://lnkd.in/gdXUDdJN #TFDOA2025 #StopTaxFraud

Attention all SECRC members: Are you REAL ID ready? If not, time is running out; you may need this for your job... The Department of Homeland Security is implementing the REAL ID Act, effective May 7, 2025. The official purposes covered by the Act and regulation are: - Accessing certain federal facilities; - Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft; and - Entering nuclear power plants (e.g., Visitor access and/or request for Unescorted Access). The Nuclear Access and Fitness for Duty Program requires, per 10CFR73.56, the verification of true identity by comparing a valid (not expired) government-issued official photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport, government identification) with the physical characteristics of the applicant. Effective May 7, 2025, using a driver’s license to request access to a nuclear facility will require it to comply with the REAL ID Act. For more information, including state-by-state information and instructions, visit the REAL ID website: https://lnkd.in/d4AX6jK As always, you can contact your Local Union’s Business Manager. Find that information here: https://lnkd.in/eeEqJsY3

During the latter half of 2024, the leadership team convened multiple times to prepare for a significant merger encompassing Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. This merger, which officially took effect on January 1, 2025, consolidated four training trust funds within the Southern District into a single entity, now comprising 28 training centers. The primary objectives of this merger were to pool resources, strengthen relationships with contractors, and standardize training across the district to develop well-rounded carpenters, millwrights, and piledrivers. The newly formed Southern District Training Trust Fund (SDTTF) is led by Executive Director Jimmie Jordan, based in Florida. The SDTTF is divided into two regions: the West, overseen by Director Eric Kastner, based in Texas, and the East, led by Director Rickey Moore, based in Tennessee. During the merger planning process, the need to enhance contractor relationships became evident, leading to the creation of a new Department of Outreach and Marketing. This department, headed by Director Mark Brown, is responsible for staff training and development, building contractor rapport, managing social media, developing journeyman upgrade programs, and formalizing processes such as apprentice intake, foreman training, recruiting, and mentoring programs within the apprenticeship.

Here’s a shout-out to Charlotte Instructor Justin Smith and Council Sisters in the Brotherhood Director Je Ann Will for spreading the word about the benefits of being a union carpenter. The two met with carpentry students at the BuildStrong Academy - Charlotte, part of the Home Builders Institute. These students represent a new learning environment that delivers industry-recognized skills training to a new generation of construction workers. Justin and Je Ann shared the benefits of a union construction career, including high wages, full benefits, job placement, career advancement, and more. If you know of anyone who may be interested in a career as a union carpenter, please send them to NailMyCareer.com!

Victor White, the Southeastern Carpenters’ Director of Organizing and Business Development, has retired after 37 years of service to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. Victor is a member of Chattanooga Local 74, where he served as president, vice president, financial secretary, and delegate over the years. Since 1999, Victor has also served as a Business Agent for the former Mid-South Carpenters Regional Council and the Southeastern Carpenters Regional Council after the two groups merged in 2018. He also has been a long-time member of the Council's Executive Board. At the national level, Victor was a frequent teacher and teaching fellow at the UBC’s intensive training for business agents. Before joining the carpenters' union, Victor worked as a residential carpenter for several years. He learned about the benefits and career advancement opportunities of union membership and worked his way into the organization as a journeyman, focusing on concrete work. Working with concrete forms at Arnold Air Force Base was his most memorable project. “I fell hook, line, and sinker for the Union and its commitment to making lives better for its members,” Victor said. “I didn’t just build a career; I built a life. I owe everything I have, and my ability to retire with dignity is because of the UBC. If I would’ve remained non-union, all I’d have is my social security check.” At the Southeastern Carpenters’ latest delegate conference, staff and delegates honored Victor for his unmatched work ethic and dedication to helping fellow members succeed in their career journey. “Don’t blink because it goes fast. Really fast,” Victor said to his mostly younger brothers and sisters. “This is a great time in your life. Be sure to stop and enjoy what you’ve achieved and what the years ahead will bring.” Victor was an integral asset to not just Local 74 and the Southeastern Carpenters, but also to every employer who received the signature outstanding workforce that Victor coordinated,” said Southeastern Carpenters’ Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Tom Jenkins. “Replacing someone like Victor will be difficult. He set the standard for dedicated union membership for everyone.” Victor said his retirement plans include tinkering with his properties and spending time with his wife of 50 years, Susan, and his family. Well done, Victor. We already miss you!

Our awesome delegates, staff, and EST Jenkins are working hard for a day-long meeting to address tons of council business. Great dedication on display. Stronger Together!