Business Manager Update 8/23/2021
Brothers and Sisters,
The September Union Meeting is being moved to the THIRD Thursday of the month due to a State Pipe Trades Quarterly meeting. The meeting will be Thursday, September 16th at 7:00 pm.
Due to the cancelation of the Labor Day Parade, Local 98 will set up a drive thru distribution of hats and t-shirts on Monday, September 6. This will run from 8 am to 12 pm, or while supplies last. This is strictly first come, first serve. When we’re out, we’re out.
MEETINGS & Union Hall
The next Union Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 16th at 7:00 pm in person. The meeting will take place indoors at our Union Hall and all Covid restrictions in place will be adhered too. Masks are required WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE VACCINATED as too many of our members are not adhering to the CDC recommendations as I thought. We hope you will join us before the Union Meeting for our last summer BBQ starting at 5:00 pm. Thank you to Chef Wade Kovach and all the apprentices who help set up and breakdown afterward.
E-Board Meetings
E-Board meetings are the first and second Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm. If you need to contact or see the board, please call V.P. Jim Cools at 734-307-9841.
Retiree Meetings
The retiree meetings are back up and running. Please note, any existing Covid-19 protocols are still being adhered to. They are continuing to exercise caution so everyone can remain healthy and safe. The next Retiree meeting will be Wednesday, September 8th from 12pm – 2pm at the hall.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
For continuing education opportunities or classes, you can contact Training Center Coordinator Ryan Lyle at 248-585-1435.
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 any questions or need to pay dues, please contact Kristina Lodovisi at 248-307-9800 ext. 4 or on her cell at 248-331-7232.
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.
IN MEMORIAM
Local 98 wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to Examining Board Member Anthony Sposita and his extended family on the passing of his mother, Lois Sposita. She was married to International Rep. Joe Sposita, who preceded her in death last year.
COVID-19 Information & Vaccine
You can now enter the MI Shot to Win sweepstakes, worth up to $2 million, if you get (or have already gotten) the Covid-19 vaccine. More information, the link to enter, and other vaccination information can be found on our website. Please visit ualocal98.com/covid-july.
SUB APPS/OOW CHANGES/BENEFITS
SUB pay is hit and miss as we are experiencing manpower adjustments. It is always a go for medical or COVID related injuries. It is your responsibility to fill out a SUB App when you are laid off, you have 48 hours to report a layoff. Call the Agent on the Books or come down to the hall to fill out a SUB App. It is your responsibility to make sure you are on the out of work list and your contact information is correct . If you’re still having unemployment issues call BAs Gary Glaser or Tom McWilliams. Both officers are adminstrators on the Must/Most program, contact them if you need help.
For any issues that are unresolved at BeneSys, please get the name of the person you are dealing with and contact Carlo, Jon, or the Union Hall immediately.
GOOD/WELFARE
Join us for Macomb County Adopt-A-Highway week on Saturday, September 25. Please call BA Gary Glaser (313)580-0148 or BA Tom McWilliams (248)752-2994 for more information and to sign up so they can assure they have adequate equipment for the number of volunteers. This is a great volunteer opportunity for those in high school 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