Laborers LifeCast

In the second episode of our two-part Laborers LifeCast series, Jose continues the conversation with LIUNA Local 67, joined by the interns working alongside the Local to better understand mental health awareness, challenges, and access to resources among Laborers.

Building on Part 1, we take a closer look at the member survey developed through this partnership, including how it was created, what questions were asked, and what the responses reveal about mental health within the Laborers community.

We discuss key findings, emerging themes, and how members' experiences compare with broader mental health trends across the construction industry. The interns share their insights from the research, while Local 67 reflects on what the findings mean and how they can help shape future outreach, education, and support for members.

Most importantly, we explore why continuing these conversations matters and how understanding members' experiences can help reduce stigma, improve awareness, and connect Laborers and their families with the resources available to them.

Missed Part 1? Listen to our conversation with Local 67 about the LEAN LIUNA program, the importance of mental health awareness, and the work underway to better support members.

We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

Spring Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Confidential mental health support, including therapy and coaching, is available to eligible Northern California Laborers and their families.

Website: https://lfao.springhealth.com

Phone: 1-855-629-0554 (press 2 for crisis support)

Laborers Trust Fund Office

Phone: (707) 864-2800 or 1 (800) 244-4530

Website: https://lfao.org

Host: Jose Gamez
Producer: Sara Ruiz
Editor: Vanessa Atkinson
Music: Andrew Franco
Executive Producer: Bryan Berthiaume
Support: Laborers Trust Funds Board of Trustees

The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice or medical advice. Please consult a qualified legal or medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.

In this episode, Jose sits down with Brian and Fabian from LIUNA Local 67 for the first of a two-part Laborers LifeCast series focused on mental health in the construction industry and the work underway through LEAN LIUNA to better support Laborers.

We discuss why mental health has become an increasingly important issue in construction, some of the barriers that can keep Laborers from seeking support, and how LEAN LIUNA is working with partners and members to build greater awareness and access to mental health resources.

Brian and Fabian also share how Local 67 is supporting this work, including a partnership with an intern program that is developing member surveys, measuring awareness of available resources, and gathering data to better understand how mental health trends among Laborers compare with the broader construction industry.

We also talk about the importance of peer support, reducing stigma, and connecting members with professional care when they need it, including Spring Health EAP, which provides eligible Northern California Laborers and their families with confidential access to mental health support.

And this is only Part 1. In Episode 2, we'll hear directly from the interns about their work and take a closer look at what they're learning from the member survey.

We want to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected]

Member Resources

Spring Health EAPWebsite: lfao.springhealth.comPhone: 1-855-629-0554

Laborers Trust Fund Office
(707) 864-2800 or 1 (800) 244-4530

• Host: Jose Gamez
• Producer: Sara Ruiz
• Editor: Vanessa Atkinson
• Music: Andrew Franco
• Executive Producer: Bryan Berthiaume
• Support: Laborers Trust Funds Board of Trustees

Disclaimer

The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice or medical advice. Please consult a qualified legal or medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.

En este episodio, José conversa con Connie Inczewski, una Obrera jubilada del norte de California y miembro de LIUNA Local 185, sobre lo que se necesita para construir una carrera larga y exitosa en el sindicato y prepararse para la vida después de la jubilación. Connie comparte cómo comenzó en los oficios, las lecciones que aprendió a lo largo de los años y por qué mantenerse conectado con el sindicato y planificar con anticipación puede marcar una gran diferencia.

También hablamos sobre la importancia de asistir a las reuniones del sindicato, conocer sus beneficios, aprovechar los recursos disponibles a través del Fondo Fideicomiso y comenzar a planificar su jubilación mucho antes de su último día de trabajo. Ya sea que apenas esté comenzando su carrera o que la jubilación esté cada vez más cerca, la experiencia de Connie ofrece consejos prácticos para cada etapa del camino.

¡Queremos saber de usted! Escríbanos a: [email protected]

Llame a la Oficina del Fondo Fideicomiso:(707) 864-2800 o al 1 (800) 244-4530

Visite nuestro sitio web:
https://lfao.org

Si está pensando en jubilarse o tiene preguntas sobre sus beneficios, comuníquese con la Oficina del Trust Fund para hablar con un representante del Departamento de Jubilación.

Conductor: José Gamez
Productora: Sara Ruiz
Editora: Vanessa Atkinson
Música: Andrew Franco
Productor Ejecutivo: Bryan Berthiaume
Con el apoyo de la Junta de Fideicomisarios de los Fondos Fideicomisos para los Obreros de Norte California.

La información compartida en este episodio tiene únicamente fines educativos e informativos. No constituye asesoramiento legal ni médico. Consulte con un profesional legal o médico calificado para recibir orientación específica sobre su situación.

Recursos para MiembrosCréditosAviso Legal

In this episode, Jose sits down with Connie Inczewski, a retired Northern California Laborer for LIUNA Local 185, to talk about what it takes to build a long, successful union career and prepare for life after retirement. Connie shares her journey into the trades, the lessons she learned over the years, and why staying connected to your union and planning ahead can make all the difference.

We discuss the importance of attending union meetings, understanding your benefits, using the resources available through the Laborers Trust Fund, and starting your retirement planning long before your last day on the job. Whether you're just beginning your career or retirement is on the horizon, Connie's experience offers practical advice for every stage of the journey.

We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

Call the Laborers Trust Fund Office at (707) 864-2800 or 1 (800) 244-4530

Visit us online: https://lfao.org

If you're thinking about retirement or have questions about your benefits, contact the Trust Fund Office to speak with a Retirement representative.

• Host: Jose Gamez
• Producer: Sara Ruiz
• Editor: Vanessa Atkinson
• Music: Andrew Franco
• Executive Producer: Bryan Berthiaume
• Support: Laborers Trust Funds Board of Trustees

The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice or medical advice. Please consult a qualified legal or medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.

En este episodio, José conversa con Dora Diaz, Gerente del Equipo de Jubilación del Fondo Fideicomiso, y expertas en beneficios de jubilación. La conversación de hoy se enfoca en la Auditoría Bienal de Laborers Trust Fund, un formulario enviado cada dos años a ciertos miembros jubilados para verificar su estado de jubilación, revisar cualquier empleo posterior a la jubilación y ayudar a garantizar que los beneficios de Pensión y Salud y Bienestar (Health & Welfare) continúen sin interrupciones.

Hablamos sobre quiénes reciben la auditoría, qué jubilados están excluidos de este ciclo, cómo completar correctamente los formularios requeridos, las opciones de notarización, incluyendo citas en persona y por Zoom, cómo enviar la documentación y qué sucede si los formularios están incompletos o no se entregan antes de la fecha límite. También explicamos las reglas relacionadas con el empleo prohibido después de la jubilación y por qué es importante responder a tiempo.

Fecha límite importante: Los formularios completos de auditoría deben entregarse antes del 5 de junio de 2026.

Para recibir ayuda con su carta de auditoría, comuníquese con la Oficina del Fondo Fideicomiso.

¡Queremos saber de usted! Escríbanos a: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Oficina del Fondo Fideicomiso:
(707) 864-2800 o 1 (800) 244-4530

Envíe los formularios completos por correo o entréguelos en persona a:

5672 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 100Pleasanton, CA

Envíe copias completas por correo electrónico a: [email protected]⁠

Créditos
Conductor: José Gamez
Productora: Sara Ruiz
Editora: Vanessa Atkinson
Música: Andrew Franco
Productor Ejecutivo: Bryan Berthiaume
Apoyo: Junta de Fideicomisarios de Laborers Trust Funds

Aviso Legal:
La información compartida en este episodio es únicamente para fines educativos e informativos. No constituye asesoramiento legal ni médico. Consulte con un profesional legal o médico calificado para recibir orientación específica para su situación.

In this episode, Vanessa Atkinson sits down with Dora Diaz, Diane Jinks-Kikkert, and Geazul Quiroz, members of Pension Leadership at the Laborers Trust Fund and subject-matter experts on retirement benefits. Today’s discussion focuses on the Laborers Trust Fund Biennial Audit—a form mailed to certain retired members every two years to verify retirement status, review any post-retirement employment, and help ensure pension and Health & Welfare benefits continue without interruption.

We cover who receives the audit, which retirees are excluded this cycle, how to complete the required forms correctly, notarization options including in-person and Zoom appointments, how to submit your paperwork, and what happens if forms are incomplete or not returned by the deadline. We also explain prohibited post-retirement employment rules and why it’s important to respond on time.

Important Deadline: Completed audit forms must be returned by June 5, 2026.

For help with your audit letter, contact the Trust Fund Office.

We want to hear from you! email us - [email protected]

Member Resources

• Trust Fund Office: (707) 864-2800 or 1 (800) 244-4530
• Submit completed forms by mail or in person:
  5672 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 100
  Pleasanton, CA
• Email completed copies to: [email protected]

Credits

• Host: Jose Gamez
• Producer: Sara Ruiz
• Editor: Vanessa Atkinson
• Music: Andrew Franco
• Executive Producer: Bryan Berthiaume
• Support: Laborers Trust Funds Board of Trustees

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice or medical advice. Please consult a qualified legal or medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.

En este episodio, José conversa con Michelle San Jose, Analista de Conducta Certificada por la Junta (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), Supervisora Clínica, educadora de ABA en Kadiant durante 17 años y creadora de la aplicación Memo-ries. En la conversación de hoy hablamos sobre la pérdida de memoria: qué es, por qué afecta a tantas personas y qué herramientas—tecnológicas y no tecnológicas—pueden ayudar a las personas y a sus cuidadores en la vida diaria.

¡Queremos saber de ti!
Envíanos un correo electrónico a [email protected]

Apple Store – https://apps.apple.com/sa/app/memo-ries/id6755133038
Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.base.memories&hl=en&pli=1

Presentador: José Gamez
Productora: Sara Ruiz
Editora: Vanessa Atkinson
Música: Andrew Franco
Productor Ejecutivo: Bryan Berthiaume
Apoyo: Junta de Fideicomisarios de Laborers Trust Funds

La información compartida en este episodio es solo para fines educativos e informativos. No está destinada a proporcionar asesoramiento legal ni médico. Consulte a un profesional legal o médico calificado para obtener orientación específica para su situación.

Descarga la aplicación Memo-riesCréditosAviso Legal

In this episode, Jose sits down with Michelle San Jose, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor, ABA Educator Kadiant for 17 years and creator of the Memo-ries app. Today’s discussion focuses on memory loss—what it is, why it affects so many people, and what tools (tech + non-tech) can support individuals and caregivers in daily life.

We want to hear from you! emails us - [email protected]

Download the Memo-ries App

Apple Store - https://apps.apple.com/sa/app/memo-ries/id6755133038

Google Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.base.memories&hl=en&pli=1

Credits

• Host: Jose Gamez
• Producer: Sara Ruiz
• Editor: Vanessa Atkinson
• Music: Andrew Franco
• Executive Producer: Bryan Berthiaume
• Support: Laborers Trust Funds Board of Trustees

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice or medical advice. Please consult a qualified legal or medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.

En este episodio, José conversa con la Dra. Katie Friederich, especialista en neurología infantil general en Kaiser Permanente. Hablamos sobre los dolores de cabeza: por qué ocurren, qué significan y cómo reducir su intensidad. También explicamos los diferentes tipos de dolores de cabeza, los desencadenantes más comunes, cómo manejarlos y su posible relación con la salud mental, además de otros temas muy útiles.

¡Queremos escucharte!
Envíanos tus preguntas por correo a: [email protected]

Recursos del episodiohttps://www.headachereliefguide.com/
https://americanheadachesociety.org/

CréditosPresentador: Jose Gamez
Productora: Sara Ruiz
Editora: Vanessa Atkinson
Música: Andrew Franco
Productor Ejecutivo: Bryan Berthiaume
Apoyo: Junta de Fideicomisarios de Laborers Trust Funds

Aviso importante:La información compartida en este episodio es solo con fines educativos e informativos. No sustituye el consejo médico ni legal. Consulta a un profesional médico o legal calificado para recibir orientación según tu situación.

In this episode, Jose sits down with Dr. Katie Friederich, who specializes in general child neurology at Kaiser Permanente. We talk about headaches - why they happen, what they mean, and how to reduce their severity. We go over the different types of headaches, common triggers, how to manage them, and potential mental health connections; as well as many other really helpful topics.

We want to hear from you! emails us - [email protected]

Episode Resources

https://www.headachereliefguide.com/

https://americanheadachesociety.org/

Credits

• Host: Jose Gamez
• Producer: Sara Ruiz
• Editor: Vanessa Atkinson
• Music: Andrew Franco
• Executive Producer: Bryan Berthiaume
• Support: Laborers Trust Funds Board of Trustees

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice or medical advice. Please consult a qualified legal or medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.