California Construction Trucking Association (CCTA)

In this economic climate, there are so many lessons learned and so much to be thankful for. There were so many things that we just didn’t pay attention to when work was abundant and then some, and in times like this now they seem golden.

For the small amount of work that we get is like ‘glory days’ and mean so much more to us now. The people who work for us and with us are also like frosting on the cake, we need them as much as they need us.

Recently on a job there was a foreman who was relentlessly ill tempered, and generally disliked by most. He would pick out any flaw he could find on you and your equipment making the job a dreaded miserable work place with tempers searing. He constantly threatened to kick subcontractors off this otherwise ‘cake’ job that will go on for nearly three years. He knew the subs needed and wanted this job and used his authority and power to be “large and in charge!”

His seemingly very secure and well paid three-year job came to a shuddering halt today, and he is no longer on the job. Of course everyone else sighs in relief, but I wonder what his thoughts are while he sits at home no longer employed with the income he’s used to. Does he realize the harm and degrading insults that he spewed out were actually directed right back at him like a burning boomerang? Did he know that more workers will file workmen’s comp claims just to get away from him and get back at him;? What about the loss of business, and company reputation?  I wonder what life is like for this man’s wife, if he has one. 

Unfortunately in this day and age people like this can’t really be told the truth in why they were “laid off” and they may never see themselves as the monster that they can be. I wonder if he will ever realize it, and then actually change his ways. I truly pray for this man. It reminds me of the other CARB (oops did I say that word again!?) monster that’s much bigger and more powerful. Wouldn’t it be frontier justice if we could permanently lay them off and send them home then let them try to survive the trucking world just like many of us?

Emission Control Labels update

On to positive business, I have contacted Johnson Power Systems in Riverside, and they have agreed to lower their price for the Caterpillar engine labels to our members for $200 for the label and installed, down from $350. Confirmation of this is expected by publication date. Quinn Power Systems in Whittier was quoted at $125. Also, if you have any older Fords (older than 10 years), that don’t have a legible engine label, I have an e-mail from Ford headquarters in Dearborn, MI. that they are unable to get us the engine labels. This e-mail should be kept in the truck in case CARB requests to see the labels. I will make that available upon request to our members. CT stickers are still available for members at $10 a pair, and $20 for non-members.

Last and most importantly, I want to say THANK YOU to all of our military personnel, those who are with us and those who have died, in supporting our right to freedom. Life as we know it would not be the same without you. Hope you all had a great memorial celebration.