Business Manager

September 14th Business Manager Update

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Brothers and Sisters,

 

As summer comes to a close, your officers and I hope this letter finds you and your families happy and healthy.

 

MEETINGS                                                           

We are having a “Special Called Meeting” September 24th at 6:00 pm. Please notice the time change.  Our parking lot is starting to take shape and we will be able to put a tent outside if the weather will just cooperate. We will vote to ratify our past wage and fringe allocation. You are required to wear a mask and social distance as per our State’s orders. Please keep an eye out for an email blast. All distributed allocations are posted on our UA Local 98 web page (UALocal98.com) and went into effect the first week of June 2020. All Retiree Meetings are cancelled until further notice. E-Board meetings are getting back underway on 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.

 

ELECTIONS

Our Biden/Harris signs arrived at the hall on 9/9/20. The Agents and Officers did their best to dispatch them to the job sites. If you haven’t received one and would like one you can contact the Office Administrator, Kristina, at [email protected] or 248-331-7232.

Are you registered to vote? You can check your voting status by logging on to the Secretary of State website mvic.sos.state.mi.us. We are currently updating our list of candidates we are supporting. The list can be found under the About section under Political Action on our webpage. Local 98 will continue backing both party’s candidates who have proven to be true Union supporters. We will continue to update our endorsement list as the election nears.

 

COVID-19

Anyone that knows of a Local 98 member or spouse that has died of Covid-19, please have the surviving partner or family member contact the Union hall as the U.A. has an extra bereavement fund to assist unfortunate families in their time of need. Due to HIPPA laws we cannot make first contact with the families ourselves. So please help out our member’s families.

Any concerns with COVID-19 safety protocols or lack of PPE contact the Safety Hotline number at 313-340-7339.

Michigan residents have access to free with no copay required COVID-19 testing for members and family. Located at the old State Fair Grounds on Woodward and 8 Mile Road in Detroit, you must call for an appointment at 313-230-0505, our code is 289488PL.

 

UNION HALL

The Union Hall is open to essential foot traffic only and we are continuing to use the West doors as our main entrance. Masks are required and you need to make an appointment to visit. Remember, the Training Center can be used.

 

 

SUB APPS/OOW Changes

SUB is still closed until our travelers or job calls slow down. Please fill out SUB Apps electronically now. 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 call Training Coordinator Paul Baker at 248-585-1435. BAs Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams are now admins on the Must/Most program, contact them if you need help.

 

RETIREES

We would like to congratulate all of our Brothers and Sisters who have retired this year:

1/1/20 Richard Michael and Michael Whitson 2/1/20 Preston Banks, Jeff McMahon, Michael Burgin, and David Puvalowski 3/1/20 Tim McCabe 4/1/20 Mitchall Conn and Donald Baloh 5/1/20 Gerald Kulka 7/1/20 Scott Hawkins, Dawn Melancon, and David Thibodeau 8/1/20 Jeff Wacker and Daniel Becker 9/1/20 Thomas Hamann and George Kopy.

 

Good/Welfare

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 Brotherhood, Carlo Castiglione Business Manager Plumbers Local 98

 

August 31 Business Manager Update

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Brothers and Sisters,

 

On behalf of the officers and staff, we wish you all a safe and happy Labor Day.

 

LABOR DAY

Just a reminder that the Labor Day Parade and Rally are canceled this year. Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894 to pay tribute to the American Worker, such as all of our brothers and sisters in Local 98. The office will be closing at noon on Friday and reopening on Tuesday morning in observance of the holiday.

 

MEETINGS

We hope to have a Special Called meeting sometime in September.  Please keep an eye out for an email blast. All distributed allocations are posted on our UA Local 98 web page (UALocal98.com) and went into effect the first week of June 2020. All Retiree Meetings are cancelled until further notice. E-Board meetings are getting back underway on 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.

 

ELECTIONS

Are you registered to vote? You can check your voting status by logging on to the Secretary of State website mvic.sos.state.mi.us. You can’t bitch if you don’t vote! The candidates we are supporting and, most importantly, who will support us are now found under the About section under Political Action on our webpage. Click on either the Build Trades List or our Local 98’s list. Local 98 will continue backing both party’s candidates who have proven to be true Union supporters. We will continue to update our endorsement list as the election nears.

 

COVID-19

Any concerns with COVID-19 safety protocols or lack of PPE contact the Safety Hotline number at 313-340-7339.

Michigan residents have access to free with no copay required COVID-19 testing for members and family. Located at the old State Fair Grounds on Woodward and 8 Mile Road in Detroit, you must call for an appointment at 313-230-0505, our code is 289488PL.

 

UNION HALL

The Union Hall is open to essential foot traffic only at the West entrance. Masks are required and you need to make an appointment to visit. Remember, the Training Center can be used.

 

We would like to welcome our new office administrator Kristina Lodovisi. I believe with her technical skills, military service, as well as being well versed with politics in our area, she will be a big help once she is settled in.

 

SUB APPS/OOW Changes

Please fill out SUB Apps electronically now. This can be found on the web page under the Benefits section. The new OOW list is also available at the top of the webpage, just follow the instructions. If you’re still having unemployment issues call BAs Gary Glaser or Tom McWilliams. For any member issues dealing with benefits contact Jon DeRoo at 248-762-9238. If you are less than a year from retiring, please set a meeting with Jon today.

 

LICENSE RENEWAL

For all continuing education opportunities call Training Coordinator Paul Baker at 248-585-1435. BAs Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams are now admins on the Must/Most program, contact them if you need help.

 

Good/Welfare

We would like to congratulate Brother Ronald Hutchinson who completed his Apprenticeship and is now a Journeyman. Welcome Brother!

 

We would like to congratulate the 2020 scholarship winners Gary Glaser III, Erika Lindsay, and Katelynn Wiessner.

 

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 Memoriam

On behalf of the family of Joseph L Sposita on his passing August 12th , his surviving son Brother Tony Sposita and the rest of our family wish to thank you all for the condolences and phone calls.  A great write up was done by the Building Trades Editor Marty Mulcahy in the last paper. What can you say when calls and letters of sorrow are sent from the General Presidents office to the men and women working and retired across this great country. R.I.P. Joe you deserve it.

 

In Brotherhood, Carlo Castiglione Business Manager Plumbers Local 98

 

August 15th Business Manager Update

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Brothers and Sisters,

 

Your officers and I hope you and your families are all staying healthy and enjoying your summer.

 

MEETINGS

We hope to have a Special Called meeting sometime in September.  Please keep an eye out for an email blast. All distributed allocations are posted on our UA Local 98 web page (UALocal98.com) and went into effect the first week of June 2020. All Retiree Meetings are cancelled until further notice. E-Board meetings are getting back underway on 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.

 

ELECTIONS

The candidates we are supporting and, most importantly, who will support us is now found under the About section under Political Action on our webpage. Click on the 2020 Primary Election Endorsement List. If the candidate is not a labor friendly please do not vote for them. It’s not hard to look them up. A few examples of some resources are the website Vote411.org, your local newspapers, or even do a web search to find the candidates web page.

We are pleased to announce that both State Rep. Joe Tate and Oakland Co. Executive Dave Coulter won their Primaries. Local 98 will continue backing both candidates, who have proven to be true Union supporters. We will continue to update our endorsement list as the election nears.

 

We all know what a labor organization does to promote and support our members with great wages, education, safety, and informing our public on what we do to uphold our standards. When a politician does not understand the importance of what we bring to the table, and they cannot or will not be educated to this fact, that’s the person we do NOT need to be our watchdog; whether it’s in Washington, D.C. or here locally. Here are some things that should worry you:

  • if poisoning people in Flint is not a worry to them,
  • they put all non-union people on the National Labor Relations Board, thereby eating away on your rights to be Union or bargain collectively,
  • they tell you bleach is good for your soul,
  • they believe that we do not need Line 5, yet have no answer as to how we address the problem to keep our energy needs solvent.

 

If their campaign issues sound similar to any of the above, then we DO NOT need them. As your officers, we do the best we can to interview candidates for your election selection. We do not want the candidate chosen to be the lesser of two evils, but the right person for the job.  We will try to continue to update you here going forward until Election Day.

 

LABOR DAY

Unfortunately, the Labor Day Parade and Rally are cancelled this year. For the Labor Day Holiday the office will close at noon on Friday and reopen Tuesday morning. If you need to contact an officer, you can reach them on their cell phones.

 

COVID-19

Now that we are back to work, if you are asked to do any pre-hire safety of any type prior to entering a plant or worksite on your own time, it is not acceptable. You must be reimbursed for your time. Contact the BA in your area if you have a problem.

 

If you are not supplied with PPE or feel the job is not properly addressing safety issues, you have the right to call your agent and leave the job. We have established an anonymous safety hotline call-in number for UA Locals 98 & 636 members and our Contractors to investigate any lack of protection or wrong doing by the owners we work for. The Safety Hotline number is 313-340-7339.

 

We have free access to COVID-19 testing for all Local 98 members at the old State Fair Grounds on Woodward and 8 Mile Road in Detroit. Prior to going you must call for an appointment at 313-230-0505.  No doctor note is needed, but they will ask you for a code. Our code is 289488PL. This is free with no copay required.

 

UNION HALL

With the work on the parking lot being done, the Union Hall is open to essential foot traffic only at the West entrance until further notice. Masks and gloves are required and you need to make an appointment to visit. Temperatures will be taken and a questionnaire must be filled out when you arrive. Although the Union Hall and our Training Center have been shut down to all unnecessary foot traffic that does not mean the officers cannot be reached or the center cannot be used. In the meantime, any pertinent information can be found on our new web page. A whole list of information is now available to you under the member only section.

 

 

SUB APPS/OOW Changes

Please fill out SUB Apps electronically now. This can be found on the web page under the Benefits section. The new OOW list is also available at the top of the webpage, just follow the instructions. If you’re still having unemployment issues call BAs Gary Glaser or Tom McWilliams. For any member issues dealing with benefits contact Jon DeRoo at 248-762-9238. If you are less than a year from retiring, please set a meeting with Jon, today.

 

LICENSE RENEWAL

For all continuing education opportunities call Training Coordinator Paul Baker at 248-585-1435. BAs Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams are now admins on the Must/Most program, contact them if you need help.

 

Good/Welfare

I would like to congratulate Brothers Kevin O’Neil and Kalvin Klein who have completed their Apprenticeship and are now Journeyman welcome gentleman!

 

Also, a big congratulations to Brother Darren Moose and family on the arrival of Dylan Elijah Moose July 21, 2020.

 

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.

 

WORKERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

I personally can’t tell you how lucky we are to have Work life Strategies, LLC. They are available to our members and their families to provide personal counseling services and, when needed, referrals to professionals in Recovery and Relationship/Divorce Support Groups/Child Custody/Criminal Defense. This program is not only for medical and/or personal issues, they also can steer you through governmental resources with any consumer rights or child disability and much more. Please don’t hesitate to call C.J. Harrison at Work Life Strategies at 313-580-6887 for an appointment.

 

In Brotherhood, Carlo Castiglione Business Manager Plumbers Local 98

 

GOLF OUTING

I want to extend a huge thank you to the following people who helped with the 2020 Local 98 Scholarship Golf Outing: New Local 98 Office Manager Kristina Lodovisi, Dominique Schroeder (member Bill Schroeder’s Daughter), William Jester, Ron DeRoo, Chris Wright, Trevor Dockham, Tyler DeFrank, Duane Tesch, Mike Muzzey, Jeremy Pitts, Wade Kovach and his son Hunter, Gary Glaser, Larry Delehant, Tom McWilliams, Rob Moses, Carlo Castiglione. Also, to my patient wife Carianne and daughters, Kaitlyn, Lauren, and Molly, for stuffing all the goody bags again this year. Thank you, as well, to all of our sponsors who make the day possible: Benesys, AsherKelly, Guideline Mechanical, American Graphics, Nickel Saph, Strategic Capital Investment Advisors, Bultynck and Co, Dan Allor Plumbing and Heating, W.J. O’Neil, Novara Tesija & Catenacci, PLLC, Macomb Group, FMG Concrete Cutting, Flint Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #370, Goyette Mechanical, Hoyt, Brumm, and Link, Health Plan Advocate, Paul Walter CPA, Metro Piping, Jills Genuine Care Pharmacy, Western Mechanical, The Local Credit Union, Morgan Stanley-Jason May, Michigan Building Trades, Michael Serling, Humana, HAP, Ullico, Fifth Third, Michigan Maritime Trades, Esper Aiello, Scott and Scott, Golden Dental, Med Tipster, Americare, Segal Consulting, Thronton Law Firm, TMR and Associates, MCA Detroit, and Pat Coleman.

 

The day was very successful and because of our generous sponsors we will again be able to hand out multiple scholarships to Local 98 family members. The team representing Guideline Mechanical came in with the low score of the day at -15; the team consisted of Members Joe Carreri, Bryan Culver, Chris Shipp, and Dan Rotto. Member Chris Wright won the raffle for the golf clubs. There was 1 skin on the day and that went to the team representing Flint Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #370; the team consisted of LU #370 Business Manager Harold Harrington, Dan Gaudet, Jeremy Cook, and Paul Gonzales. Thanks again to everyone that came out and enjoyed a beautiful day with us. See you all next year!

 

In Brotherhood, Jon DeRoo Financial Secretary/Treasurer Plumbers Local 98

In Memory of Brother Joe Sposita

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Brothers and Sisters,

I am regrettably sorry to inform you of the Passing of One of our own, On Behalf of his Son and our Brother Tony Sposita, and the rest of our extended family we would like to thank you all for the heartfelt condolences we are receiving from across this great country. Also thank you Marty for the great eulogy you wrote below for our Trade Paper.

Brother Joe Sposita, an amiable Plumbers Local 98 member whose career included long terms as Business Manager of his local union and then United Association International Representative, passed away Aug. 13, 2020. He was 86.

Brother Sposita retired in 2001 after working as 48 years of active membership in Local 98. He began his apprenticeship in 1952, was elected to the local’s Executive Board in 1964, was elected Business Representative in 1967, then Business Manager in 1974 – an office he held for 15 years.

In 1989, Brother Sposita was assigned to represent the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin as a representative for the International Association of Plumbers, Pipe Fitters and Sprinkler Fitters, and in 1997, he was assigned to represent the State of Michigan.

“I can’t help but think of the good life the UA has given us over the years,” Sposita said during his retirement party in 2001, which was attended by 800 well-wishers. “There have been many challenges over the years, many tough times, but we always seemed to come out OK. For all building trade union workers, the most important thing that I have learned over the years is that if we stay together, we will prosper and continue to provide good jobs in this country.”

Mr. Sposita was a UA representative during a wrenching time in the organization when local unions in Michigan and across the country were consolidated.

“Joe has been an outstanding leader in Local 98 and in the United Association, and he’s built a lot of friendships over the years,” said Gary Young, then Business Manager and master of ceremonies at the party, and later a UA representative. “The 800 people in this room are proof of that.”

After his retirement, Brother Sposita went into the restaurant business, starting Sposita’s Ristorante in West Bloomfield.

Surviving Mr. Sposita are his wife Lois and son Tony. He is predeceased by his son Joe. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews in our local .

“There aren’t too many people who you can call a legend, but Joe was a legend,” he was known by every local union in the United States and Canada said Local 98 Business Manager Carlo Castiglione. “He had a great memory, he appreciated our history, and he never forgot a name or a face. Joe loved his union and was fierce advocate of the UA, he was very outgoing and friendly. If you were good to Joe, you had a friend for life. Many of us got the lecture starting with “ Believe you me, Joe Sposita knows that Local Union and…..” I will miss those the most, Joe died a husband, a father, and a restaurant owner – and a great union man. I think this quote suits him best, “ A man is the sum of his actions of what he has done , of what he can do and nothing else”.

R.I.P. Joe, you will be missed.

July 20th Business Manager Updates

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7-20-, 2020

Membership of Plumbers Local 98

Brothers and Sisters,

Your officers and I are in hope this letter finds you and your family well.

Sometime in August, we hope to have a Special called meeting please, keep an eye out for email blasts or further information. All distributed allocations are posted on our 98 Web page and went into effect the 1st week in June.

*What can I say, 19 and ½ years ago I was newly elected as an agent and walked in to meet a young gal who was just hired in the 98 office on 7 mile. We had gone to a new phone system just like we have recently (I thought that was rough) at the same time we moved away from beepers and quarters to new flip phones and I told her we got this. Since then she has helped with the local politics in our area, 98’s elections, the good times, and the bad dealing with many personalities along the way (that would be us, members). She knew almost every member and always had a smile to receive us unless you gave her grief. Seems just yesterday I introduced her to her now-husband, Ron Murley. If that does not tell you how tough she is, let’s just say this woman has put up with 5 different Business Managers, that’s worthy of any medal given by the Pope! This is the toughest news I can tell you, as Jean Murley is retiring from active duty at our hall. On behalf of all the members and officers, we wish you the best in your retirement, and if we do have an award banquet this year, I hope you can attend you will be a special guest. We hope the road rises to meet you, God Bless you and your family.

* Due to our compliance with Mayor Duggan’s STEP program, we have been given access to free covid-19 testing to all Local 98 members at the old State Fair Grounds on Woodward and 8 mile in Detroit. Prior to going, you must call for an appointment at 313-230-0505. No Dr. note is needed, they will ask you for code and ours is 289488PL. This is free and zero copay.

*Our auto plants as well as construction sites are up and running again. If you are asked to do any pre-hire safety of any type prior to entering the plant on your own time that is not acceptable, you must be reimbursed for your time.

If you are not supplied any PPE or feel the job is not addressing these issues you have the right to call your agent and leave the job. We have established an anonymous safety hotline call-in number for our locals 98, 636 members and our Contractors to investigate any lack of protection or wrongdoing by the owners we all work for, the number is 313-340-7339.

**I believe I must constantly reiterate the dangers of this disease to us as tradesmen we have seen small mistakes that can evolve into serious situations or missed time, there is no set pattern as it has gone from a killer of old and weak to now having no concern to age, race or creed. Please take caution and watch out for each other.

*The Union Hall is now open only to essential foot traffic, as the parking lot is being redone please use the West entrance until further notice, masks, and gloves are required. You need to make an appointment to visit. Temperatures will be taken and a questionnaire will be filled out when you arrive.

* Until further notice E-Board meetings are slowly getting underway, if you need to contact or see the board please call V.P. Jim Cools at 734-307-9841, Retiree meetings are still canceled.

*I repeat The Union Hall and our Training Center have been shut down to all unnecessary foot traffic, that does not mean the officers cannot be reached or center can’t be used.

* In the meantime, any pertinent information can be found on our new web page, a whole list of information is now available to you under the member-only section.

* You now can fill out sub-apps electronically, this now can be found on the web page.

* The new Out of work list available to access there as well, just follow the instructions on the top of the web page.

* If your still having unemployment issues call BA’s Gary Glaser or Tom McWilliams

*Any Must/Most, upgrades, continuity’s or letters of certifications will still be taken care of by Paul Baker 248-585-1435, or our Officers at 248-307-9800.

It’s that time again for your 2020 Plumbing License Renewal, it can be done ONLINE ONLY! For detailed instructions and requirements, please visit www.michigan.gov/bcc. Or call 98’s training Center and they will assist you.

We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time, it will be a great chance to expand and grow again as many members are looking to retire. So, if you know anyone working Non- Union or is a past member that may be interested in us. Have them call 98’s Organizer Rob Moses on his cell phone 248-763-2187.

Don’t miss out on our agreement with the Detroit Land Bank Authority. Local 98 members can purchase home or building in the Land Banks Holdings for half the list cost. Go to www.buildingdetroit.org to see what this is about or contact the hall for details.

In Brotherhood,
Carlo Castiglione
Business Manager, Plumbers Local 98

All Retiree Meetings canceled

**Golf Outing Detroit Plumbers Local 98 Scholarship Fund Golf outing will be held Saturday, August 8th at Oakridge/Marsh Oaks Golf Club. For tickets or sponsorship information call Jon DeRoo at the hall.
Workers Assistance Program: I personally can’t tell you how lucky we are to have Work-life Strategies, LLC, they are available to our members and their families to provide personal counseling services and when needed referrals to professionals in Recovery and Relationship/Divorce Support Groups/Child Custody/Criminal Defense

This program is not only for medical and/or personal issues, they also can steer you thru governmental resources with any consumer rights or child disability, and much more. Please don’t hesitate and call C.J. Harrison at Work-Life Strategies at 313-580-6887 for an appointment.

Out of Work List Changes/ SUB Pay
All working members will be required to complete a SUB application within 48 hours of their lay-off on-line or in-person to ensure placement on the Out of Work List. If you are out of work due to Disability or Workers Compensation, please contact Jon DeRoo first at 248-762-9238 than BeneSys at 248-813-9800 to verify your continued Insurance eligibility.