December 7th Business Manager Update
Brothers and Sisters,
On behalf of all your officers and staff we hope you and your family are safe and healthy this Holiday Season! I would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding during this insane year. This is not how I envisioned this chapter of our lives. We have a new system in place for union dues, you should have received a letter informing you of your dues payment(s). The only way this will work is, if you move or change your address, please call down here and update your address. Otherwise, this system will fail. A very nice 98 nylon jacket is available if you pay for the full year up front. Call the hall for details.
MEETINGS
Union Meetings have been moved to video due to the hall being closed. The next video will be posted on Thursday, January 14th at 7:00 pm. At that time the old video from December 10th will be pulled down. You can access this video on our Local 98 website at the member section under Member Zone. The next video Union Meeting after that will be February, 11th at 7:00 pm. This will be the unfortunate norm until April 1st (hopefully) unless we get a break and the virus leaves or a vaccine is released. For virtual meetings we will follow the same rituals and officer reports as usual. The confidentiality of our business matters has to be our priority. We will have to trust our elected officers, E-Board, and Committees to keep a transparent look at things down here. If you would like something added please call down and leave your suggestion. All bills will be previewed by the Finance Committee. Or, if you feel a need, you can set an appointment to ask questions.
A reminder that our annual kids “Christmas Party” is cancelled, unless a miracle happens and the Coronavirus dissipates. Our awards ceremony will be put off until next year if you are due a pin please call the hall if you would like it now, we can mail it to you.
E-Board meetings
E-Board meetings are the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. If you need to contact or see the board please call V.P. Jim Cools at 734-307-9841.
Retiree Meetings remain cancelled at this time.
COVID-19
So, it has become obvious that some of you fall short on direction. If you test positive for Coronavirus STAY HOME until your results are NEGATIVE. The Training Center remains closed. For continuity or training questions contact Paul Baker at the center at 248-585-1435 ext. 123. When the center opens back up, Blackboard will be used by our apprentices unless a certification or hands on is required. We are into another outbreak bigger than earlier in the year. This is no drill. This is now a set reality of everyday life. WEAR YOUR MASKS! If you are fortunate enough not to have experienced a loss in your family, do the rest of us a favor and act like you have! Any concerns with COVID-19 safety protocols or lack of PPE contact the Business Agent in the area or the Union Hall.
UNION HALL
The Union Hall is CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC. You will need to schedule an appointment to come to the hall. The West doors will continue as our main entrance. Properly worn masks are required. There is a COVID-19 questionnaire that MUST be filled out by everyone entering the Union Hall. All the officers are working remotely at this time.
SUB APPS/OOW Changes
It is your responsibility to fill out a sub app when you are laid off. Please fill out SUB Apps electronically. This can be found on the web page under the OOWL section. If you’re still having unemployment issues call BAs Gary Glaser or Tom McWilliams. For any member issues dealing with benefits contact Jon DeRoo. If you are less than a year from retiring, please set a meeting with Jon today.
LICENSE RENEWAL
For all continuing education opportunities or classes, call Training Coordinator Paul Baker at 248-585-1435. BAs Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams are admins on the Must/Most program, contact them if you need help.
RETIREES
Congratulations to brothers Mark Baranski, Thomas Allard, and Robert George on their retirement. We all wish you the best in your next phase of your life.
IN MEMORIAM
Our deepest sympathies go out to the friends and family of our Brothers who have recently passed away; Leonard Bex and Marvin Young both passed away on November 13, 2020.
Good/Welfare
Special thanks to two of our Local 98 Retiree Association Executive Board members Dave Schroeder and Dominick Fanto, as well as Financial Secretary/Treasurer Jon DeRoo, and the MCA for all their hard work putting together our Christmas gifts to our Local 98 widows this year.
We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time. This is a great opportunity to expand and grow, as many members are looking to retire. If you know anyone working Non-Union or is a past member that may be interested, have them call Organizer Rob Moses at 248-763-2187.
In solidarity I remain, Carlo Castiglione Business Manager Plumbers Local 98