Brothers and Sisters,

Have you checked out our website? Announcements, information on meetings, links to your benefits the Training Center, and more can be found there. Go to UALOCAL98.COM to see what’s happening.

Plumbing License. The State of Michigan renewal notices have gone out for Journeyman and Apprentices. It has moved to online for renewal, go to https://aca3.accela.com/LARA this site may not be compatible with some mobile devices. If needed you can receive help at the training center or the Union Hall (make sure to bring all your information).

MEETINGS & Union Hall

The next Union Meeting will be held-on Thursday, April 14th at 7:00 pm. The meeting will take place indoors at our Union Hall and all. We are currently reevaluating the mask requirements here at the hall.

Retiree Meetings

The APRIL RETIREE MEETING is Wednesday, April 13th from 12 pm – 2 pm. Please note, any existing Covid-19 protocols are still being adhered to for these meetings.

Education Opportunities

The Apprentice Applications process will open April 1, 2022. To learn more and apply please visit Plumbers98TC.org/Apprenticship.

For continuing education opportunities or classes, you can contact Training Center Coordinator Ryan Lyle at 248-585-1435.

COVID-19 Information

You can now get 4 free at home COVID-19 tests per residential address. Go to COVIDtests.gov to request yours today.

Please visit ualocal98.com/covid-update-3 for the most current COIVD-19 updates.

SUB Apps/OOW

You have 48 hours to report being out of work and to fill out a SUB App. Once you have proof of unemployment, please send that to the hall at [email protected] so we can set you up in the SUB system. We are now able to offer Direct Deposit on SUB Pay. You should have received a letter in the mail with the form for Direct Deposit on SUB Pay. Please return that to the hall and note that it takes 30-60 days to set up. It is your responsibility to check your location on the Out of Work List. Make sure your contact information is up to date as well as MUST and other certifications. If you have any problems with state agencies involving unemployment, or questions on MUST models and staying current, please contact Gary Glaser at 313-580-0148 or Dan Nixon at 248-752-3702 and hopefully they can help you get that resolved.

Benefits

We have exciting news as we now have a dedicated BeneSys employee at the Union Hall to help with benefit issues. His name is Andrew Hill and he will be at the hall daily. As we make this transition Financial Secretary Jon DeRoo will still be receiving the calls coming into the Union Hall benefits line and Andrew will be receiving the calls coming into the Local 98 dedicated number at BeneSys. That number is (248) 641-4988 for those members who may not have known. Andrew and Jon will be working together to create a process that assures members issues get addressed quickly and properly. Jon will report this progress at the monthly Union Meetings.

Dues

You can pay your dues online, over the phone, or by mailing in a check. You can also set up auto payments. If you have questions or want to pay your dues by phone, please call the hall at (248) 307-9800 ext. 4.

NOTE ON DISABILITY/RETIREMENT

If you are filing for Social Security Disability you will need to file for your Local 98 Disability Pension at the same time in order to make sure you get all of your pension checks. Social Security normally takes at least a year and sometimes a lot longer. If you file for your Local 98 Disability Pension at the same time, when you receive your award from Social Security, we will be able to pay you all the retro money owed. If you are less than a year from retirement, we suggest you set up a meeting with Jon DeRoo prior to your retirement date.

 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

All of the information regarding the scholarships available through Local 98 and the UA can be found on our website, ualocal98.com/scholarship. These scholarships are open to the dependents of our members who are seeking a higher education. Please note, the UA scholarship deadline is June 9, 2022. The deadline for the Local 98 Scholarship is June 30, 2022, but it is best to get your application submitted sooner rather than later.

In Memoriam

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Brother John Wathen who passed away on February 15, 2022.

Good/Welfare

Congratulations to John Bailey, Jonah Beisel, Justyn Bowels, DaMarius Copeland, Allen Ernst, Matthew Rembisz, and Davonn Walker who are now Journeymen Extraordinaires!

ATTN: HOCKEY PLAYERS!

Plumbers Local 98 is looking into forming a hockey team to play league and tournament hockey. Any member interested in playing hockey for Local 98 please contact BA Dan Nixon. Call or text 248-752-3702 or email [email protected] for more information.

Macomb County Adopt-A-Highway week is April 23rd thru May 1st. Join us on April 30th as we clean up our stretch of I-94. Please call BA Gary Glaser (313)580-0148 for more information and to sign up so we can assure we have adequate equipment for the number of volunteers. This is a great volunteer opportunity for any high schoolers in need of volunteer hours.

We are currently looking for Residential and Service Plumbers. 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