Business Manager

March 16th, 2020 Business Manager Update

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Membership Meetings
The next E-Board Meeting is the 2nd of April at 6p.m.and again on the 16th prior to the Union meeting.*

The next Regular Union Meeting will be at 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 16, 2020, we will start with the State of the Union address and then revert back to a regular meeting at 555 Horace Brown Drive, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

Brothers and Sisters,

I am terribly sorry for the short notice on the closing of the Union meeting last week, not even the government is 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 pompace set of morals. Proof that history will repeat itself everytime we choose to let it. Our next meeting is addressed above, please check all of our media outlets like the 98 Web page, Face Book or call the hall to see if there is no cancellation of that meeting. We will also have our Morgan Stanley Representative Jason May, come to speak to you on the changes to our Defined Contribution plan this summer. 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 go to 98 The 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 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 members and retirees 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.

We have started to clean up the Out of Work List and 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 Training Center is putting on some Med Gas and others classes soon as Detroit and the Ann Arbor areas are looking to do a lot of work in the hospitals this spring. As far as SUB pay goes it is assessed week to week, if we have work to man and have to find travelers or retirees, we stop it.

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. We are rounding home on the printing of new Contract books so hopefully, we will have them available soon.

THE APRIL UNION MEETING AND E-BOARD MEETING HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE 3RD Thursday, April 16th due to schedule conflicts.

The U.A. is conducting a new Contractor Seminar on March 25th and 26th at Local 636 Training Center. It is canceled and will be brought back when the green light is given to have meetings again.

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
Join the Retirees for their next meeting Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 12 pm at the Union Hall, 555 Horace Brown, Drive, Madison Heights. We encourage all retirees to attend our meetings held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Local 98 Union Hall.

Northern Retiree Meeting
We will meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month; the next meeting is Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 10 am at Wadham’s Country Kitchen, 2838 Stable Drive, Kimball 48074. For more info call Ron DeRoo at (810) 305-2781.

Thumb Area Meeting
There is a monthly meeting for Local 98 members in our Northern thumb area. The meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 6 pm at the Blue Water Convention Center, 800 Harker St., Port Huron 48060. For more info call Jon DeRoo at (248) 762-9238.

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.

February 26th Business Manager Update

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Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to congratulate Sister Adrienne Bennett who is a local 98 Member and owner of Benkari Plumbing and Water Conservation. Adrianne has come a long way since serving her apprenticeship here at 98, to her now employing Local 98 members today. She just received an award called the FAAN’s (Fords African Ancestry Network) by Ford Motor Company, they have given her the “Ground breaker Award” on February 21st. This award is in unison with Black History Month and Fords 39th Annual celebration. Her hard work and commitment to our industry speaks for itself and our local’s gratitude is 100% behind her.

We have received notice that our Director of Training and lead Instructor Paul Baker will be hanging up his bibbs in the fall, I cannot express our appreciation for his efforts and dedication to our program, I will yield my time of for giving praises to Paul when he actually does pull the pin.

In the meantime, we are looking for a Training Director who will continue to advance our program, so we are looking for a current UA member. Who can command respect, teach our Apprentices the trade, stay in pace with new technology and at the same time teach the core values we hold so dearly? This person will work for a trust, which the whole program is paid for by the negotiated efforts of the members of the Local Union. So yes, there is a great amount of accountability and stress involved.

I can assure you if you are currently a foreman, have run work either in the field or in the office you will have the ability to do this job, as you have already fought your way to the top and I am hopeful that you learned to take a beating and give one when needed. If you cannot use the words “NO” or do not know when a young man or woman needs help to stay in the program or when to help that person out the door, then this is not your job. This job is not something to take lightly, it is possibly the hardest job in this Local, one that helps make our future relevant, you will have a direct impact on these new members’ lives and all of our future. The resume application process ends March 6th, if you are interested, please send your resume to the Training center ASAP. Attention Plumbers Local 98 Industry Training Center 1901 Ring Drive Troy Mi. 48083

It’s that time again for your 2020 plumbing License renewal, it can be done online ONLY! For details and instructions please visit www.michigan.gov/bcc

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 and then start the interview process.

We have started to clean up the Out of Work List and 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 Training Center is putting on some Med gas and others classes soon as Detroit and the Ann Arbor areas are looking to do a lot of work in the hospitals this spring. As far as SUB pay goes it is assessed week to week, if we have work to man and have to find Travelers or retirees, we stop it.

We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time, so if you know anyone working Non- Union or 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 in at the hall and are available for pick up to you as your 2020 dues are being paid, these cards are good for years 2020 and 21. If by chance you are in the rears 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 now purchase a home or building in the Land Banks Holdings for half the list cost of a home. Go to www.buildingdetroit.org to see what this is about or contact the hall for details.

THE APRIL MEETING HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE 3RD Thursday which is April 16th due to schedule conflicts.

Have you have ever thought about being a contractor? Well the UA is putting on a new contractor seminar March 25TH and 26 at the 636-training center, it will address topics such as banking, bonding, accounting and the like. The center is located at 636 Executive Drive Troy Mi. 48083, You can RSVP by email to [email protected].

The new Log books are in so grab only what you need for the jobs. We are rounding home on the printing of new Contract books so hopefully, after next Friday we will have them available.

Just a reminder 98’s State of the Union Address will be at Marches meeting on the 12th.

In Brotherhood,

Carlo Castiglione
Business Manager, Plumbers Local 98

February 12, 2020 Business Manager Update

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Brothers and Sisters

We have received notice that our Director of Training and lead Instructor Paul Baker will be hanging up his bibbs in the fall, I cannot express our appreciation for his efforts and dedication to our program, I will yield my time of for giving praises to Paul when he actually does pull the pin.

In the meantime, we are looking for a Training Director who will continue to advance our program, so we are looking for a current UA member. Who can command respect, teach our Apprentices the trade, stay in pace with new technology and at the same time teach the core values we hold so dearly?  This person will work for a trust, which the whole program is paid for by the negotiated efforts of the members of the Local Union. So yes, there is a great amount of accountability and stress involved.

I can assure you if you are currently a foreman, have run work either in the field or in the office you will have the ability to do this job, as you have already fought your way to the top and I am hopeful that you learned to take a beating and give one when needed.  If you cannot use the words “NO” or do not know when a young man or woman needs help to stay in the program or when to help that person out the door, then this is not your job. This job is not something to take lightly, it is possibly the hardest job in this Local, one that helps make our future relevant, you will have a direct impact on these new member’s lives and all of our future.  If you are interested, please send your resume to the Training Center ASAP.   Attention: Plumbers Local 98 Industry Training Center, 1911 Ring Drive, Troy, Mi. 48083

It’s that time again for your 2020 Plumbing License Renewal, it can be done ONLINE ONLY! For details and instructions, please visit   www.michigan.gov/bcc

By now the working members and retirees 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 and then start the interview process.

We have started to clean up the Out of Work List and 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 Training Center is putting on some Med gas and others classes soon as Detroit and the Ann Arbor areas are looking to do a lot of work in the hospitals this spring. As far as SUB pay goes it is assessed week to week, if we have work to man and have to find Travelers or retirees, we stop it.

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 dues, these cards are good for years 2020, 2021 and 2022. If by chance you are in the 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.

THE APRIL MEETING HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE 3RD Thursday which is April 16th   due to schedule conflicts.    

The new Logbooks are in so grab only what you need for the jobs. We are rounding home on the printing of new Contract books so hopefully after next Friday, we will have them available.

Just a reminder Local 98’s State of the Union Address will be at the March 12th Union meeting.

In Brotherhood Carlo Castiglione Business Manager Plumbers Local 98

February 3, 2020 Business Manager Update

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Membership Meeting
The next Regular Meeting will be at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 555 Horace Brown Drive, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

We ‘ve received notice that our Director of the Training Center and lead Instructor, Paul Baker, will be hanging up his bibs in the fall. I cannot express our appreciation for his efforts and dedication to our program. I will forego giving praises to Paul for when he actually does pull the pin.
In the meantime, we are looking for a Training Director who will continue to advance our program. We are looking for a current UA member who can command respect, teach our Apprentices the trade, stay on pace with new technology all the while at the same time teach the core values we hold so dearly. This person will work for the trust, which runs the whole program and which is funded through negotiations and the efforts of the members of our local Union. So, yes, there is a great amount of accountability and stress involved. I can assure you if you are currently a foreman or have run work either in the field or in an office you will have the ability to do this job, as you have already fought your way to the top. I am hopeful that you learned to take a beating and give one when needed. If you cannot use the words “NO”, do not know when a young man or woman needs help to stay in the program or when to help that person out the door, then this is not your job. This job is not something to take lightly it is possibly the hardest job in this Local. It helps make our future relevant, as you will have a direct impact on these new members, their lives, our lives and the future of our Industry. If you are interested, please send your resume to the Training Center ASAP, to the attention of the Plumbers Local 98 Industry Training Center, 1911 Ring Drive, Troy, MI 48083. Due to this impending change, 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 and then start the interview process.

By now the working members and retirees have received their new Open Enrollment form to change your insurance coverage to a different plan. If you’re happy with your current plan you do not have to do anything. BeneSys is still our plan manager and you should feel free to contact Jon or myself at the Hall with any questions you may have or that may arise from the mailing you received.

We have started to clean up the Out of Work List and if you were unavailable to work or did not return a call, you may have been moved to the Stay list or the Sick list. Please keep your Safe to Work Modules current as we have a lot of automotive work on the horizon. The Training Center has scheduled Med Gas and other classes as the Detroit and Ann Arbor areas will have hospital work this spring. Be prepared for this work when it is released. As far as SUB pay goes, it will be assessed week to week, if we have work to man and have to find Travelers or Retirees, we’ll stop it.

We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time. If you know anyone working Non-Union or a past member, that may be interested, have them call 98’s Organizer Rob Moses at the Hall or his cell 248-763-2187.

We have run in to problems with the new UA cards as there is no way to know if a member is current with their Union dues. Jon has printed a second card to be carried to our meetings as well as the job site. This second card can be stamped monthly or yearly as we’ve done in the past. Now all members and stewards won’t have to call the Hall to see if a member is current. Our hope is that this will not only stop accidental reinstatement fees from occurring, this will help examining board members checking cards at the door prior to Union meetings.

Some of you are in arrears, if you’re struggling, please contact the hall and make payment arrangements, I do not ever want to fine anyone for something that can be avoided.

The new 2020 Log books are in, grab only what you need for the jobs. The new Contract books hopefully will be available after February 7th.
Just a reminder, the March 12, 2020 meeting will be the State of the Union meeting.

On behalf of all of the Officers of Local 98, thank you and work safe!

In Brotherhood, Carlo

Hanging Up Their Bibs
Congratulations to the members who will retire effective February 1, 2020:
Frank McMahon, thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement.

Condolences
Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of 66 year member Alfred Storey, who passed away December 30, 2019.
Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of retiree Marvin Kuzma that passed away January 2, 2020. Marvin is the father-in-law of member Rick Taylor.

Retiree Meeting
Join the Retirees for their next meeting Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 12 pm at the Union Hall, 555 Horace Brown, Drive, Madison Heights. We encourage all retirees to attend our meetings held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Local 98 Union Hall.

Northern Retiree Meeting
We will meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month; the next meeting is Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 10 am at Wadham’s Country Kitchen, 2838 Stable Drive, Kimball 48074. For more info call Ron DeRoo at (810) 305-2781.

Thumb Area Meeting
There is a monthly meeting for Local 98 members in our Northern thumb area. The meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 6 pm at the Blue Water Convention Center, 800 Harker St., Port Huron 48060. For more info call Jon DeRoo at (248) 762-9238.
Workers Assistance Program, Recovery and Relationship/Divorce Support Groups
This program is not only for medical and 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.