Business Manager Update 8/9/2021

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 if you are not vaccinated. 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.

RETIREES

Congratulations to Brother Robert Pummill and Brother Christopher Majewski on your retirement. Wishing you all the best in the next phase of your life.

IN MEMORIAM

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and family of Brother Stephen Medow who passed away on June 25, 2021, Brother Jerry Costa who passed away on July 8, 2021, Brother Alva Taylor who passed away on July 13, 2021, and Brother Raymond Nugent who passed away on July 31, 2021.

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

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