There’s No Stopping Local 1 Florida

On the job, from left, Local 1 FL President Robert Blanco with members Julio Diaz, Barry Smith, and Eric Smith.

Local 1 Florida members are not about to let a fluctuating economy and non-union contractors take their work away. According to the Local’s President Robert Blanco, “Local 1 has been very successful in regaining market share by using its pension resources to invest in prudent investments that generate jobs and solid returns, and organizing techniques tailored for a right-to-work environment.”

The Miami Performing Arts Center, scheduled for completion in 2006. Photo courtesy of Miami Performing Arts Center, ©KMCA

Members Bring Art to the Miami Community

Local 1 members Gary Smith, front, and Jimmy Grant on the Miami Performing Arts Center job.

Located on more than 5.9 acres of donated property, the Miami Performing Arts Center is being built 80 percent union in a right-to-work state due to determination and skillful business tactics on the part of Local 1.

At a cost of $225 million, the project is scheduled for completion in 2006. Roughly 150 Local 1 FL members have worked on this project, accumulating more than 800,000 hours performing granite installation, and concrete placing and finishing. The BAC contractors on the job include AWSI Masonry, Overnight Success Masonry, Mellow Concrete, and Titan Stone & Marble.

Local 1 member Johnny Peterson.

The Miami Performing Arts Center will serve as home to five resident companies, the Concert Association of Florida, the Florida Grand Opera, the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, the Miami City Ballet, and the New World Symphony.