Member Spotlight: Ben Higginbotham
A member of Millwright Local 2232 since 2013, Ben Higginbotham will begin serving as national millwright and pile driver recruiter for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America on July 19.
New training center in Russellville, Arkansas, will triple training space, include wind-turbine training hub
Construction of a millwright and carpenter training center is underway in Russellville, Arkansas. Compared to the current facility, the 35,000-square-foot new center will offer additional classrooms with state-of-the-art technology and more training space.
Spradley named director of Arkansas-Oklahoma Training Program
Bryan Spradley is the new director of the Arkansas Oklahoma Apprenticeship and Training Trust Fund. Spradley has been a union carpenter for 16 years and began his instructor career in 2013.
June 2021 Member E-News
June Member E-News: Ground broken on Tennessee training center; Regional work updates; Union auto discounts; Member Spotlight; Community action; and more
COVID-19 vaccine information and resources
Much information and a wealth of resources surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations are now available. Check out some of them here.
Member Spotlight: Aaron Tapley
Twenty-nine-year-old Aaron Tapley has risen through the apprenticeship ranks and is now a foreman for industrial construction firm Milton J. Wood, based in Jacksonville, Florida.
Community Service Challenge winner: Dwight Murrah
Community service isn’t something Dwight Murrah does every now and then on a Saturday. It’s woven into his friendships, his marriage, his hobbies, and his relationship to the neighborhood where he lives.
SSMRC sponsors run benefiting Recovery Resource Council
The SSMRC was a major sponsor of the annual Unity Run, held in Whitney, Texas, and benefiting the nonprofit Resource Recovery Council, which provides mental and behavioral health care in 20 North Texas counties.
Millwrights and carpenters honor Arkansas’ fallen soldiers
Members of the Southern States Millwright Regional Council and the Central South Carpenters Regional Council helped create a tribute to fallen soldiers at the Veterans Memorial Park in Russellville, Arkansas.
SSMRC recruits at hot-rod-racing event
SSMRC staff operated a recruiting booth at a National Hot Rod Association event in Concord, N.C., in May. Business agents handed out hundreds of flyers and brochures.
May Member E-News
May Member E-News: Work updates; Mental wellness resources; Limetree Bay project profile; Ladder safety; Member Spotlight; Labor news; and more
Construction begins on $5 million training center near Nashville
Representatives of the Southern States Millwrights and Southeastern Carpenters, along with state and local officials, broke ground May 24 on a $5 million, 25,000-square-foot training center near Nashville.
Member Spotlight: April Crownhart-Swan
When April Crownhart-Swan was 7 years old, she told her mother she was going to be a race-car driver and a union member. She has accomplished both goals.
SSMRC millwrights play critical role in reopening Limetree Bay refinery after nearly 10-year shutdown
Work to bring the Limetree Bay refinery back online wrapped up the week of April 26, and millwrights are transitioning to long-term maintenance roles.
Governors ending extra unemployment benefits
Several governors in our jurisdiction have announced they will end participation in a federal unemployment program that gives workers an additional $300 per week.
To prevent falls, be aware of and correct hazards
During the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, we’re sharing information about fall hazard awareness in oil and gas industrial settings.
All U.S. residents 18 and older to be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine by April 19
Click above to read answers to frequently asked questions about the vaccine and to find out where vaccinations are available.
SSMRC launches mental-health wellness campaign
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the SSMRC is teaming up with Domain Wellness Partners to provide information, tips and guidance to help members stay strong mentally and live more satisfying and fulfilling lives.
Drugs, drug testing, and your union
From time to time in our union, issues involving drugs and the workplace come up. These issues affect our members, our contractors, and the end users – everyone that depends on our support within our Council.
How to get a good night’s sleep
Lack of sleep impairs concentration, productivity, and the immune system, and can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues.