Business Manager

May 11, 2020 Business Manager Updates

MAY 11TH, 2020

Membership of Plumbers Local 98

Brothers and Sisters,

Some of this may be repetitive but please read the whole article as things are changing by the minute. Your officers and I are in hope this letter finds you and your family safe during these strange times. The Governor has now extended the stay at home order until the end of May, even though the CDC and our affiliated Governmental agencies have seen the epidemic peak in Michigan it still has a chance for a resurgence, so please stay safe.

At this time, your officers are working together on gathering information on updates to the historic changes, to unemployment and all possible grants to businesses across the country. With their help and yours, 98 has donated food to ER’s (our contractors are donating with us I will report on this at a later date), handed out food to the needy. Dropped off masks to job sites and police departments. We have dropped off coffee to area hospitals, volunteered our services on anything we can do to help.

Our members are working selflessly along the side of Doctors and Nurses in our hospitals, we went to work in Detroit returning water to over 100 residents.

*FaceBook Posts, this may come as a shock to some of you, if you need help on anything job related, safety conditions, Insurance questions, Benesys issues or unemployment problems please pick up the phone and call any of your officers. We do not police the FaceBook page, we cannot help you nor can I dispatch an agent to a job we have zero knowledge of. If you do not notify us directly.

* The return to work guidelines is published on the Mi. Department of Labor and Economic opportunity web site for the State of Michigan. Please take some time to review these before returning to work.

*Many of you are trusting your contractor to report you back to work, they are forgetting to do so, when you return to a job call the hall or any officer to report your status.

* Our auto plants as well as construction sites are starting their work up again. There are many changes now for entrance to these facilities. 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 going to be acceptable, you must be reimbursed for your time. You will be asked medical questions on your health and your immediate family contacts. You will have your temperature taken before work. The use of 4-10s may be used at first. Shifts may be staggered for a while, watch the start times, as overtime may apply. You will no longer be allowed to leave the plant or job sites, this means going out for lunch or cashing a check and then return, they will not let you come back the same day. You will need to pack food and water for the hours the plant is working, pack a big lunch this is the new normal. The 6’ rule “when possible” must be adhered too and face masks will be supplied to you as you enter the jobs. Don’t be the guy who refuses to wear a mask and the PPE provided, you have no right to endanger your partner, the owner may have you removed for non-compliance.

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 wrong doing by the owners we all work for, the number is 313-340-7339.

This is a chance for the whole Building Trades to fight for a sanitary job site, no one person needs to be the only one bitching of poor conditions of Porta Jon’s and a clean place for lunch. All of you need to talk as one voice and help yourselves on this issue.

* Until further notice all E-Board meetings, Union meetings and Retiree meetings, will be cancelled. The Union Hall and our Training Center have been shut down to all foot traffic.

* We are working on a virtual meeting with some basic information for you in the near future.

* In the meantime, any pertinent information can be found on our new web page, yes 98 has a Web Page (not Face Book) your officers can individually report on upcoming work in their areas or issues and a whole list of information is now available to you under the member only section. https://ualocal98.com

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

* Jon has the new Out of work list available to access there as well, just follow the instructions on the top of the web page. Please be patient as we are working out the bugs on the system.

*Any Must/Most, upgrades, continuity’s or letters of certifications will still be taken care of by Paul Baker 248-585-1435, our Officers or Jean at 248-307-9800. The school will remain closed until we figure out a black board procedure or the state pulls restrictions. While I am here, I recommend to the apprentices get your classes caught up at Washtenaw Community College, this virus may hamper going to school but not your obligation to the training center.

All 2nd thru 5th year Apprentices should have received a new open enrollment package to change your options on Insurance coverage to a different plan. If you are happy with your current coverage you do not have to do anything. Benesys is still your plan manager but if you have questions please call Jon, Jean or myself and we can help you. Please check our media outlets like the 98 Web page, Face Book or call the hall to see if there is any new information.

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.

Our Local 98 PAC committee has come out in support of past V.P. Joe Biden for President of the United States , with all the twisted things that Washington and our great state has done to the working class and every Local Union in this country, it did not take long to come to this conclusion . That does not mean in any way shape or form we have shut the door on the Republican Party. We will work on a list of candidates your PAC committee is recommending soon on our web page, we will always back anyone who stands with the working people of our state of Michigan and this country just like we have done in the past. You stand with us or against us!

We have currently frozen any new apprentice applications at our Training Center as we try to figure out a potential start date for a new class.

Superintendents and Forman if you have laid off Pre-apprentices send the information to the agents with a letter pertaining to their work efforts, someday we will get back to normal and to lose these young men and women would be an injustice.

We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time, when we get the green light to return to work, 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.

The new U.A. Union cards are available at the hall when you pay your 2020 Union dues, these cards are good for 2020, 2021 and 2022. If by chance you are in arrears and you are struggling financially, please contact the hall and make arrangements. We do not want to fine anyone for something that can be avoided. If you are thinking of retirement or are having any issues relating to SUB, Unemployment or Benesys please contact Jon on his cell phone or at the hall at 248-762-9238. Sorry to say but we have run into problems with the new UA cards as there is no way to know if a person is current. We have made a second card to be carried to our meetings as well as job sites, this second card can now be stamped monthly or yearly as we have done in the past. Now all of our members and stewards on the jobs will not have to waste time calling the hall to see if another member is current. Our hope is this will not only stop accidental reinstatement fee’s from occurring but this will help examining board members at union meetings who are at the door checking cards to lessen any confusion.

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.

The new Log books and new Contract books are in, so grab only what you need for your job. It figures now that work is slow the new contract books have arrived, agents can distribute to a parking lot or open area if needed.

In Brotherhood,

Carlo Castiglione

Business Manager Plumbers Local 98

Faceboook

 

Retiree Meeting
Cancelled

Northern Retiree Meeting
Cancelled

Thumb Area Meeting
Cancelled

Workers Assistance Program, Recovery and Relationship/Divorce Support Groups
This program is not only for medical and/or personal issues, please call C.J. Harrison, Work Life Strategies at 248-545-8301 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 to ensure placement on the Out of Work List. If you are out of work due to Unemployment, Disability or Workers Compensation, please contact Jon DeRoo first at 248-762-9238 first than BeneSys at 248-813-9800 to verify your continued Insurance eligibility.

May 2020 Business Manager Updates

Membership Meetings

The next Regular Union Meeting “ maybe “ at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 18 , 2020., at 555 Horace Brown Drive, Madison Heights, MI 48071. We are still unsure at this point.

Brothers and Sisters,

Some of this may be repetitive but please read the whole article as things are changing by the minute. Your officers and I are in hope this letter finds you and your family safe during these strange times.  The Governor has now extended the stay at home order until the 15th of May, even though the CDC and our affiliated Governmental agencies have seen the epidemic peak in Michigan it still has a chance for a resurgence, so please stay safe.

Local 98 has done its share during this virus by completing a 1,100-bed facility at TCF Center (COBO Hall) in Detroit, then again in Novi at the Suburban Showcase. I believe our training and the hard work you do in the field where the only reason an out of state contractor, with almost zero experience in plumbing or building a hospital, could hire direct from the hall and smash any myths about hiring SKILLED UNION WORKERS.

At this time, your officers are working together on gathering information on updates to the historic changes, to unemployment and all possible grants to businesses across the country. With their help and yours, 98 has donated food to ER’s (our contractors are donating with us I will report in the next paper ), handed out food to the needy, dropped off masks to job sites, and police departments. We have dropped off coffee to area hospitals, volunteered our services on anything we can do to help.

Our members are working selflessly along the side of Doctors and Nurses in our hospitals, we went to work in Detroit returning water to over 100 residents.

* Our auto plants are moving, closer to starting their work up again. There are many changes now for entrance to these facilities. You will be asked medical questions on your health and your immediate family contacts. You will have your temperature taken before work. The use of 4-10s may be used at first. Shifts may be staggered for a while, watch the start times, as overtime may apply. You will no longer be allowed to leave the plant this means going out for lunch or cashing a check and then return, they will not let you come back the same day. You will need to pack food and water for the hours the plant is working, pack a big lunch this is the new normal. The 6’ rule “when possible” must be adhered and face masks will be supplied to you as you enter the jobs. Don’t be the guy who refuses to wear a mask and the PPE provided you have no right to endanger your partner.

If you are not supplied with 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 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.

This is a chance for the whole Building Trades to fight for a sanitary job site, no one person needs to be the only one bitching of poor conditions of Porta Jon’s and a clean place for lunch. All of you need to talk as one voice and help your selves on this issue.

* Until further notice all E-Board meetings, Union meetings, and Retiree meetings, will be canceled. The Union Hall and our Training Center have been closed to all foot traffic.

*Any Must/Most, upgrades, continuity’s or letters of certifications will still be taken care of by Paul Baker 248-585-1435, our Officers or Jean at 248-307-9800.  The school will remain closed until we figure out a blackboard procedure or the state pulls restrictions. While I am here, I recommend to the apprentices get your classes caught up at Washtenaw Community College, this virus may hamper going to school but not your obligation to the training center.

All 2nd thru 5th-year Apprentices should have received a new open enrollment package to change your options on Insurance coverage to a different plan. If you are happy with your current coverage you do not have to do anything. Benesys is still your plan manager but if you have questions please call Jon, Jean, or myself and we can help you. Please check our media outlets like the 98 Web page, FaceBook or call the hall to see if there is any new information.

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.

Our Local 98 PAC committee has come out in support of past V.P. Joe Biden for President of the United States , with all the twisted things that Washington and our great state have done to the working class and every Local Union in this country, it did not take long to come to this conclusion. That does not mean in any way shape or form we have shut the door on the Republican Party. We will work on a list of candidates your PAC committee is recommending soon on our web page, we will always back anyone who stands with the working people of our state of Michigan and this country just like we have done in the past. You stand with us or against us!

We have currently frozen any new apprentice applications at our Training Center as we try to figure out a potential start date for a new class.

Superintendents and Forman if you have laid off Pre-apprentices send the information to the agents with a letter pertaining to their work efforts, someday we will get back to normal and to lose these young men and women would be an injustice.

We had started to clean up the Out of Work List and we are back to over 400 Brothers and Sisters out of work. I have informed our contractors when they are given the green light you may return for that same contractor you were laid off from. “Your only responsibility is to notify the Union upon returning to work.” If you were unavailable to work or did not return a call you have been moved to the stay list or injured list.

We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time, when we get the green light to return to work, 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.

The new U.A. Union cards are available at the hall when you pay your 2020 Union dues, these cards are good for 2020, 2021 and 2022. If by chance you are in arrears and you are struggling financially, please contact the hall and make arrangements. We do not want to fine anyone for something that can be avoided. If you are thinking of retirement or are having any issues relating to SUB, Unemployment or Benesys please contact Jon on his cell phone or at the hall at 248-762-9238. Sorry to say but we have run into problems with the new UA cards as there is no way to know if a person is current. Jon has been able to make a second card to be carried to our meetings as well as job sites, this second card can now be stamped monthly or yearly as we have done in the past.  Now all of our members and stewards on the jobs will not have to waste time calling the hall to see if another member is current. Our hope is this will not only stop accidental reinstatement fee’s from occurring but this will help examining board members at union meetings who are at the door checking cards to lessen any confusion.

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.

The new Log books are in so grab only what you need for your job. It figures now that work is slow the new contract books have arrived, agents can distribute to a parking lot or open area if needed.

Last note I saved the best for last; I would like to personally thank Brother Mitch Conn who is retiring this month from our training center. It was an honor working with you. When we needed a welding instructor he stepped up and really put our young Men and Women on the right path. On behalf of all the Officers and Members, we wish you a great retirement to you and your wife.

We also would like to thank Brother Chris Opalka for stepping in and is now our new welding instructor for 98, I’m sure you will continue teaching our members this well needed skill.     

In Brotherhood,

Carlo Castiglione
Business Manager, Plumbers Local 98

Retirement

Attention Members: Any member considering retirement please contact Financial Secretary Jon DeRoo at (248) 762-9238 or email him at [email protected]. He will schedule an appointment for you and, if your married, your wife to come in and go over all the necessary documents to explain everything in detail.

Ideally, a member should start this process a year from his/her intended retirement date. Also, I am still encouraging the members to contact Jon for any issues with their benefits (Pension, Insurance, Health, and Welfare, etc.) or if you are going on disability. Jon will follow every issue through to resolution and document it all in case something comes up in the future. I put this process in place to save the members from having to spend countless hours on the phone with BeneSys. I meet with Jon weekly to review all the issues he is working on.

Condolences

Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of 67-year member William Prytula, who passed away April 11, 2020.

Our sincerest sympathies go to the family and friends of Barbara Snyder who passed recently. Barbara is the wife of member Brian Snyder.

Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Susan Patton who passed away April 25, 2020.  Susan is the mother of member Ron Cope.

Retiree Meeting

Cancelled

Northern Retiree Meeting

Cancelled

Thumb Area Meeting

Cancelled

Workers Assistance Program, Recovery and Relationship/Divorce Support Groups

This program is not only for medical and/or personal issues, please call C.J. Harrison, Work-Life Strategies at 248-545-8301 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 to ensure placement on the Out of Work List. If you are out of work due to Unemployment, Disability or Workers Compensation, please contact BeneSys at 248-813-9800 to verify your continued Insurance eligibility.

April 13th Open Letter to the Membership of Plumbers Local 98

Brothers and Sisters,

Your Officers and I hope this letter finds you and your family safe during these strange times. I’m sure this will be one of those once in a lifetime memories of a holiday weekend none of us will soon forget.  I completely agree with our Governor’s decision to extend the stay at home order until the end of this month. Even though the CDC and our affiliated Governmental agencies have seen the epidemic peak in our state and have stopped the building of surge centers in our state or at least in our jurisdiction for now. The original plan to turn the Suburban Showplace into a surge hospital was originally planned for 1,100 beds has now been reduced to 200, just in case we get a resurgence of this virus.

Local 98 has more than done its share by completing a 1,100-bed facility at TCF Center (COBO Hall) in Detroit. I believe our training and the hard work you do in the field, where the only reason an out-of-state contractor, Johnson Controls, with almost zero experience in plumbing or building a hospital could hire direct from the hall and with the aid of our sister locals 190,370 671, C&R Plumbing and Conti Mechanical smash any myths about the value of hiring SKILLED UNION WORKERS.

At this time, your officers are trying and are still working together on gathering information on updates to the historic changes to unemployment and all possible grants to businesses across the country. With their help 98 has donated food to ER’s, delivered masks to sites, dropped off coffee to area hospitals, volunteered our services and anything we can do to help.

Our members are working selflessly along the side of doctors and nurses in our hospitals, we went to work in Detroit returning water to over 100 homes under the direction of Goyette, Benkari and Ben Washington and the great brothers from 370 that mixed with our own. More is to come when the workers from DWSD and GLWA can man the positions and reevaluate who to help next.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, our county executives, Oakland County Dave Coulter, Macomb County Mark Hackel, and Wayne County’s Warren Evans have been working tirelessly with their staff to get our members to anyone who needs us. I pray all these relationships here and across our country will continue and move our nation forward. This virus does not care if you are a Democrat or a Republican. If you are not working stay home.

Until further notice, all E-Board meetings, Union meetings, and Retiree meetings will be canceled. The Union Hall and our Training Center have been shut down to all foot traffic.

Any Must/Most, upgrades, continuities or letters of certifications will still be taken care of by Paul Baker or our officers or Jean. The school will remain closed until we figure out a black board procedure or the state pulls restrictions.

While I am here, I recommend to the apprentices get your classes caught up at Washtenaw Community College, this virus may hamper going to school but not your obligation to the training center.  At work I am in hope this social distancing and the constant scrubbing of hands, will help keep some of us safe. I realize this is sometimes impossible but do the best you can. I have to announce our training center is closed down as well, there is no foot traffic allowed. Please check all of our media outlets like the 98 Web page, Facebook or call the hall to see if there is any new information.

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.

Our Local 98 PAC committee has come out in support of past V.P. Joe Biden for President of the United States. With all the twisted things that Washington and our great state has done to the working class and every Local Union in this country, it did not take long to come to this conclusion. That does not mean in any way shape or form we have shut the door on the Republican Party. We will work on a list of candidates your PAC committee is recommending soon on our web page, we will always back anyone who stands with the working people of our state of Michigan and this country just like we have done in the past. You stand with us or against us!

All working 2nd thru 5th year apprentices should have received a new open enrollment form to change your insurance coverage to a different plan, if you are happy with your current plan you do not have to do anything. BeneSys is still our plan manager and feel free to contact Jon or myself at the hall for any questions you may have or that may arise from the mailing you received.

 We have currently frozen any new apprentice applications at our Training Center as we try to figure out a potential start date for a new class.

Superintendents and Foremen, if you have laid off Pre-apprentices, please send the information to the agents with a letter pertaining to their work efforts. Some day we will get back to normal, and to lose these young men and women would be an injustice.

We had started to clean up the Out of Work List and now not so much, we are back to over 400 Brothers and Sisters out of work. I have informed our contractors when they are given the green light you may return for that same contractor you were laid off from. “Your only responsibility is to notify the Union upon returning to work.”

Right now, the world has learned about the world of sanitary conditions, when you do return to work don’t let the generals go back to unclean work conditions like overflowing Porta Jon’s or a lack of hand wash station by them. Don’t let just one person bitch – YOU all should be in unison.

If you were unavailable to work or did not return a call you have been moved to the stay list or injured list. Please keep your Safe to Work Modules current as we have a lot of automotive work on the horizon.

The first week of May, many of these plants will try and reopen, most of them will be on a 4-10 schedule in order to clean the facilities properly and the idea is to give us less exposure. I can’t hold a gun to your head but please wear a mask and gloves, I personally have seen many members who will not wear a mask, my hats off to Macomb guys whose wives all made them masks. Thank you ladies!

We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time, when we get the green light to return to work, it will be a great chance to expand and grow again as many members are looking to retire. So if you know anyone working nonunion 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.

The new U.A. Union cards are available at the hall when you pay your 2020 Union dues, these cards are good for 2020, 2021 and 2022. If by chance you are in arrears and you are struggling financially, please contact the hall and make arrangements. We do not want to fine anyone for something that can be avoided.

If you are thinking of retirement or are having any issues relating to SUB, Unemployment or Benesys please contact Jon on his cell phone or at the hall at 248-762-9238. Sorry to say but we have run into problems with the new UA cards as there is no way to know if a person is current. Jon has been able to make a second card to be carried to our meetings as well as job sites, this second card can now be stamped monthly or yearly as we have done in the past.

Now all of our members and stewards on the jobs will not have to waste time calling the hall to see if another member is current. Our hope is this will not only stop accidental reinstatement fee’s from occurring but this will help examining board members at union meetings who are at the door checking cards to lessen any confusion.

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.

The new Log books are in so grab only what you need for your job. It figures now that work is slow the new contract books have arrived, agents can distribute to a parking lot or open area if needed.

Last note I saved the best for last; I would like to personally thank Brother Mitch Conn who is retiring this month from our training center. It was an honor working with you. When we needed a welding instructor he stepped up and really put our young men and women on the right path. On behalf of all the Officers and Members we wish you a great retirement to you and your wife.

We also would like to thank Brother Chris Opalka for stepping in and is now our new welding instructor for 98. I’m sure you will continue teaching our members this well needed skill.

In Brotherhood,

Carlo Castiglione
Business Manager, Plumbers Local 98

 

Retiree Meeting. Cancelled

Northern Retiree Meeting. Cancelled

Thumb Area Meeting. Cancelled

Workers Assistance Program, Recovery and Relationship/Divorce Support Groups. This program is not only for medical and/or personal issues, please call C.J. Harrison, Work Life Strategies at 248-545-8301 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 to ensure placement on the Out of Work List. If you are out of work due to Unemployment, Disability or Workers Compensation, please contact Jon DeRoo first at 248-762-9238 first than BeneSys at 248-813-9800 to verify your continued Insurance eligibility.

 TRAINING CENTER NEWS. Phone # 248-585-1435

Check out The Training Center’s website: Plumbers98TC.org

The Apprenticeship Application process is closed until further notice.

Coronavirus (COVID19). Due the Governor Whitmer’s order that all non-essential persons stay at home The Training Center is closed until further notice.  All scheduled apprentice, journey plumber update and certification classes have cancelled.  Please call Paul Baker at 248-585-1435 ext. 123 if you have any questions.

The State of Michigan has mailed Plumbing license renewal notices. The Bureau of Construction Codes has transitioned to online license renewals. The Training Center computer lab is available for members who need computer access or assistance in renewing their plumbing license online. Training Center hours are Monday – Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. If you need assistance or access to the computer lab after hours (3:30 pm – 8:00 pm), please call the Training Center at 248-585-1435. You can reach Paul Baker at extension 123.

Payment options include credit, or debit card, electronic funds transfer or check. So be sure to bring a credit or debit card, or a blank check to process the renewal payment online. The fee is $40.00 for journey plumbers and $300.00 for master plumbers.

2020 Course Hour reimbursement forms are now available at the Training Center. You must have 8 hours (approved hours credited may vary from actual hours attended) of verifiable approved classes/training from Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2020 to be eligible for the $80.00 reimbursement. Deadline for 2019 reimbursement requests is March 31, 2020.

OSHA Training – OSHA 10, available as on an online class for $25 at www.careersafeonline.com This OSHA 10 class is not affiliated with the UA or our Training Center. OSHA 10 and 30 Hour Training is also offered online through the MUST website. Go to www.mustonline.org. **Be sure to take the Construction Safety courses; not the General Industry courses.

It is each member’s individual responsibility to keep all their Certifications current.

If the person you are trying to reach at the Training Center is unavailable, please leave a message to ensure we can return your call. We attempt to return all messages by the end of the business day.

March 28th Open letter to the Membership of Plumbers Local 98

Brothers and Sisters

I am terribly sorry for the short notice on the closing of the Union meetings last month, not even our government as we see every day on TV, can give the country an honest answer.  As more Americans die every day our President has no clue what he is up against. This can be seen in his complete lack of reality and insane attacks on our nation’s Governors to divert attention from his shortcomings. Like the rest of you, I have my issues with our State’s Governor but Gretchen and the others are only trying to head this disease off. This new Presidential Ostracism is proof he is not prepared to understand the full effect of this virus that is plaguing our world. My fear is this is just the beginning of a long battle with no quick end in sight.

It reminds me of another past President of our country who felt the Aids Virus was not a big deal, we all know how that went and the carnage that soon followed due to ignorance and a pomace set of morals. Proof that history will repeat itself every time we choose to let it.

* Until further notice all E-Board meetings, Union meetings, and Retiree meetings, will be cancelled. The Union Hall and our Training Center have been shut down to all foot traffic. Any Must/Most, upgrades, continuity’s or letters of certifications will still be taken care of by Paul Baker or our Officers or Jean. The school will remain closed until we figure out a blackboard procedure or the state pulls restrictions. While I am here, I recommend to the apprentices get your classes caught up at Washtenaw Community College, this virus may hamper going to school but not your obligation to the training center.  At work, I hope this social distancing and the constant scrubbing of hands, will help keep some of us safe, I realize this is sometimes impossible but do the best you can. I have to announce our training center is closed down as well, there is no foot traffic allowed please check all of our media outlets like the 98 Web page, FaceBook or call the hall to see if there is any new information.

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.

Our Local 98 PAC committee has come out in support of past V.P. Joe Biden for President of the United States, with all the twisted things that Washington and our great state have done to the working class and every Local Union in this country, it did not take long to come to this conclusion. That does not mean in any way shape or form we have shut the door on the Republican Party. We will work on a list of candidates your PAC committee is recommending soon on our web page, we will always back anyone who stands with the working people of our state of Michigan and this country just like we have done in the past. You stand with us or against us!

All working 2nd through 5th-year apprentices should have received a new open enrollment form to change your insurance coverage to a different plan if you are happy with your current plan you do not have to do anything. BeneSys is still our plan manager and feel free to contact Jon or myself at the hall for any questions you may have or that may arise from the mailing you received.

We have currently frozen any new apprentice applications at our Training Center as we try to figure out a potential start date for a new class.

Superintendents and Forman if you have laid off Pre-apprentices send the information to the agents with a letter pertaining to their work efforts, someday we will get back to normal and to lose these young men and women would be an injustice.

We had started to clean up the Out of Work List and now not so much, we are back to over 400 Brothers and Sisters out of work. I have informed our contractors when they are given the green light you may return for that same contractor you were laid off from. Your only responsibility is to notify the Union upon returning to work. Right now, the world has learned about the world of sanitary conditions, when you do return to work don’t let the generals go back to unclean work conditions like overflowing Porta Jon’s or a lack of hand wash station by them.

Don’t let just one person bitch YOU all should be in unison. if you were unavailable to work or did not return a call you have been moved to the stay list or injured list. Please keep your Safe to Work Modules current as we have a lot of automotive work on the horizon.

We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time, 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 at the hall or on his cell phone 248-763-2187.

The new U.A. Union cards are available at the hall when you pay your 2020 Union dues, these cards are good for 2020, 2021 and 2022. If by chance you are in arrears and you are struggling financially, please contact the hall and make arrangements. We do not want to fine anyone for something that can be avoided. Sorry to say but we have run into problems with the new UA cards as there is no way to know if a person is current. Jon has been able to make a second card to be carried to our meetings as well as job sites, this second card can now be stamped monthly or yearly as we have done in the past.  Now all of our members and stewards on the jobs will not have to waste time calling the hall to see if another member is current. Our hope is this will not only stop accidental reinstatement fee’s from occurring but this will help examining board members at union meetings who are at the door checking cards to lessen any confusion.

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.

The new Log books are in so grab only what you need for your job. It figures now that work is slow the new contract books have arrived, agents can distribute to a parking lot or open area if needed.   

In Brotherhood,

Carlo Castiglione
Business Manager Plumbers Local 98


Condolences

Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Norma Boyer, who passed away February 20, 2020.  Norma is the mother of Retiree James P. Boyer.

Hanging Up Their Bibs

Congratulations to the members who will retire effective March 1, 2020:  Tim McCabe, thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement.

Retiree Meeting

Cancelled

Northern Retiree Meeting

Cancelled

Thumb Area Meeting

Cancelled

Workers Assistance Program, Recovery and Relationship/Divorce Support Groups

This program is not only for medical and/or personal issues, please call C.J. Harrison, Work Life Strategies at 248-545-8301 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 to ensure placement on the Out of Work List. If you are out of work due to Unemployment, Disability or Workers Compensation, please contact BeneSys at 248-813-9800 to verify your continued Insurance eligibility.

March 19th, 2020 Business Manager Update

Brothers and Sisters:

I would have thought by now our Federal Government and our 2-party system would have shut down the whole country but I see none of them can read a paper or watch the events unfold in the world around us or capitalize on other nation’s mistakes. Watching the Federal Government agree months after they should have acted together in January is not a surprise, that can wait for another time.

I want all of you to know we, your officers, are checking every angle we can to find answers to this outbreak and come up with the best answers to keep you safe. This is not Washington, we are together through this ordeal for the betterment of this Union. I also want you to know 98 and the MCA have been working diligently together as well and are changing with most issues that are arising daily.

I am not a doctor – none of us are but we have been on enough conversations with them to make an educated guess, this will be a long year as this virus eats through our society as a whole. No one sees a cure or preventive medicine until fall.

It has been explained to me this is a wet virus, not a complete airborne one, so the only way a mask can help you is if you are sick, this way you don’t sneeze or cough on a person or the equipment your crew is working on. Copper alone has a 3-4-hour life span, touch that then your face, food or eyes. you have the potential to kill a partner or a loved one. In one interview I have seen a mask may stop a person from touching their face so that is a good reason for it. Hand sanitizers, hand wipes, and porta johns our gift to the construction industry for years. God knows we don’t have the first one (sanitizers) on all sites and the porta johns, well… we all know better what a cesspool those are.

Many of you have been asked to fill out paperwork asking daily whether you are sick and do you have a fever. I may be a plumber but what are they doing to keep us safe? How about a report daily report on what our generals are doing to protect you?

As many of you have called me and asked what you should do, here is my take on it. If you have young kids, if you have any adults living in your home over 45 years old or if your over 45. I would consider asking for a layoff. As of now, no one has stopped a clean layoff from occurring, I can’t thank our contractors enough as I have stated earlier.

Our Governor asked for 2 weeks and well I hope in 2 weeks we get a handle on this situation. I promise you this, I will allow all members to go back to their current employer with no fear of a work rules violation. I do ask you do not apply for unemployment yet as Jon working our political angles to see if the 2/3rds payout on wages will apply to construction workers. If you need money now by all mean’s start your unemployment process immediately and send it to Jean or Jon at the hall. At these emails [email protected] [email protected].

Please call your agent in your area to fill out sub-apps as I have closed down the hall. The front lobby is open if you wish to fill a sub-app out on your own and leave it in the basket, we will grab it at the close of day. Make sure your layoff slip from the contractor refers to the virus if it becomes contentious call your area rep and he will handle it.

If your choice is to stay on-site please be careful to keep your area clean. Stay as far away from your work partner as possible, I realize this is impossible as you are joining pipe or working in tandem. Do not eat in the trailer and stay separated as the state has recommended 6 feet from the next person. If you are sick stay home. Bring in hand sanitizer and keep it on you, I expect Foreman to stay up on this and more information as it becomes available, all water should be bottled and not in coolers. If a porta Jon is unusable get an operator and a high low and run it up to an office. You must be vigilant, not passive any more. I believe the next virus down the road will be more powerful as this one and this is our future every so often. Jon has made a great web page and we will update you as often as we can. this is how you access it ualocal98.com and log in to the members-only section. It will explain to you how to use it by using your UA book number.

Any questions on the website please call Jon.

In Brotherhood,
Carlo Castiglione
Business Manager Plumbers Local 98