WOMEN OF THE ALAMEDA COUNTY PS / CBA : JUANITA DOUGLAS
Rising Sun ’ s Opportunity Build Program Staff
It takes a year to build two tiny homes , so a lot of different construction skills are being learned during that process .” Participating in projects that benefit local disenfranchised populations also empowers students by showing them the tangible difference they can make through their work , especially in collaboration with others .
Although one of her biggest challenges has been knowing how many jobs are really available and convincing the “ old boy ’ s network ” to provide more opportunities , Juanita has found success in building a broad coalition to help address hiring inequities and has witnessed real improvements , especially among the unions . “ Although greater diversity is still needed , unions are getting better because as the older generation retires , the union reps and apprentice coordinators are getting younger . Since most placements and hires occur through unions , this means that things are also improving in the trenches . It is
now the minority not the majority of people who behave poorly .”
Juanita also points to the importance of local policymakers , developers and unions in closing loopholes to create more meaningful and enforceable Project Labor Agreements ( PLAs ), such as those used by the City and County of San Francisco , to ensure that contractors follow through with hiring women , people of color and other locals from underrepresented groups . “ Contractors cannot get away with using loopholes unless unions , lawmakers and project owners allow it , so when the loopholes are closed and compliance is enforced , contractors can get fined or have their contracts pulled , which incentivizes them to do the right thing .”
Leveraging her 40 years of construction experience , as well as her long-standing relationships with union and industry
FIRST QUARTER 2024 CTAP CONTRACTOR REPORT - 11