Business Manager

Business Manager Update 5/3/2021

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Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of your officers and staff I’d like to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there. Please continue to wear your mask, wash your hands, and be safe.

MEETINGS

The Special Called Meeting for Wage Allocation is on May 13th at 7:00 pm. This meeting will be held OUTSIDE at our Union Hall and all Covid restrictions are in place using SOCIAL DISTANCING and MASKS.  Please contact your Business Agent and give them insight on the possible ideas you may have for new monies.

Please note June’s Monthly Meeting will be on the third Thursday of the Month due to the State Convention. June’s meeting will take place on Thursday, June 17th at 7:00 pm in person, outside at our Union Hall and all Covid restrictions will be in place using social distancing and masks.

E-Board meetings

E-Board meetings are the first and second 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.                

Retiree Meetings: The President of the retiree association has worked out a detailed plan for restarting these meetings. All Covid-19 protocols and distancing will be adhered to. They are are exercising extreme caution so everyone can remain healthy and safe. The next Retiree meeting will be Wednesday, June 9 from 12pm – 2pm at the hall.

 OTHER EVENTS

As of this moment, the State Pipe Trades Convention is on for the second week in June. Your delegates have met and are ready to represent us.  It has been presented that the convention centers in both Michigan and California are requiring attendees to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Therefore, in order for our delegates to attend these functions, it will be mandatory for them to be vaccinated. If this is a problem for any delegate they must contact the Business Manager as soon as possible as the unfortunate outcome is going to be having another delegate take their place. As for the National Convention, we should be hearing news by the end of the month as to whether it will be taking place.

 LICENSE RENEWAL

If your State of Michigan Plumbing License was due for renewal this year, it is now expired. You must renew your license immediately by going to https://aca3.accela.com/LARA (note mobile devices may not work with new site). Failing to renew so in a timely manner could result in a fine and having to retake the Plumbing Examination.  If you are a Master and a Contractor for the same company, you may be able to have your fee waved. Any other questions EMAIL [email protected].

For all continuing education opportunities or classes, call Training Coordinator Ryan Lyle at 248-585-1435.

BAs Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams are admins on the Must/Most program, contact them if you need help.

DUES

You can pay your dues online, over the phone, or by mailing in a check. You can also set up auto-payments. If you have any questions or need to pay dues, please contact Kristina Lodovisi at (248) 307-9800 ext. 4 or on her cell at (248) 331-7232.

COVID-19 Information & Vaccine

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 you can go to the website Michigan.gov/protectmicommision. Or, if you would like to be a part of the conversation and join a workgroup, you can reach out to [email protected] or michigan.gov/covidvaccine for locations or information regarding COVID-19 updates. WEAR YOUR MASKS!  Any concerns with COVID-19 safety protocols or lack of PPE contact the Business Agent in the area or the Union Hall.

Additional information on vaccination sites is available on our website, please visit ualocal98.com/covid.

UNION HALL

The Union Hall is Open by APPOINTMENT ONLY.  Properly worn masks are required. There is a COVID-19 questionnaire that MUST be filled out by everyone entering the Union Hall.

SUB APPS/OOW CHANGES/BENEFITS

Due to influx of travelers, SUB pay is closed to all except for medical or COVID related injuries. It is your responsibility to fill out a SUB App when you are laid off. SUB Apps should now be filled out electronically. 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 issues that are unresolved at BeneSys, please get the name of the person you are dealing with and contact Carlo, Jon, or the Union Hall immediately.

Insurance Pharmacy Drug Card Change

Our new prescription Benefit Manager is Costco Health Solutions. They will provide you with full-service pharmacy benefits at more than 64,000 retail Pharmacy stores Nationwide. You DO NOT have to use a retail COSTCO pharmacy. However, you do not need to be a member to use their pharmacy. To find an in-network Pharmacy near you, please visit: www.costcohealthsolutions.com. We still exclude the use of Wal-Mart or Sam Club’s for our prescriptions. Your Pharmacy benefit allows you to fill your 90-day generic medications at any retail Pharmacy. If you have further questions call customer care hot line at-1-877-908-6024.

As always please get the name or badge number of any representative you may talk to.

IN MEMORIAM

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of our Brothers who have recently passed away. Brother Richard Copes passed on April 12, 2021. Brother James “Jimmy” Earles passed on April 16, 2021. Brother Scott Rouse passed on April 21, 2021.

GOOD/WELFARE

We are currently looking for Residential and Service Plumbers. This is a great opportunity to expand and grow, as many members are looking to retire. If you know anyone working Non-Union or is a past member that may be interested, have them call Organizer Rob Moses at 248-763-2187.

In solidarity I remain, Carlo Castiglione Business Manager Plumbers Local 98

Business Manager Update 4/19/2021

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Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of your officers and staff, we hope everyone is healthy and staying vigilant. Please continue to wear your mask and wash your hands. There is less than a week left to renew your State of Michigan Plumbing License. Failing to do so could result in a fine and having to retake the Plumbing Examination.

MEETINGS                                                            

****Special Called Meeting*** for wage allocation is scheduled for Thursday, May 13th at 7:00 pm. This meeting will be held outside at our Union Hall and all Covid restrictions are in place using social distancing and masks.  Please contact your Business Agent and give them insight on the possible ideas you may have for new monies.

Please note June’s Monthly Meeting will be on the third Thursday of the Month due to the State Convention. June’s meeting will take place on Thursday, June 17th at 7:00 pm in person, outside at our Union Hall and all Covid restrictions will be in place using social distancing and masks.

E-Board meetings

E-Board meetings are the first and second 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.

Retiree Meetings remain cancelled: The President of the retiree association is still working on a detailed plan dealing with restarting these meetings back up.

OTHER EVENTS

As of this moment, the State Pipe Trades Convention is on for the second week in June. Your delegates have met and are ready to represent us.  We continue to wait for an update on the National Convention.

LICENSE RENEWAL

Almost out of time to renew your State of Michigan Plumbing License! If it’s due for renewal this year, it will expire on 4/30/21. It is online and you can renew by going to https://aca3.accela.com/LARA (note mobile devices may not work with new site). If you are a Master and a Contractor for the same company, you may be able to have your fee waved. Any other questions EMAIL [email protected].

For all continuing education opportunities or classes, call Training Coordinator Ryan Lyle at 248-585-1435.

BAs Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams are admins on the Must/Most program, contact them if you need help.

DUES

You can pay your dues online, over the phone, or by mailing in a check. You can also set up auto-payments. If you have any questions or need to pay dues, please contact Kristina Lodovisi at (248) 307-9800 ext. 4 or on her cell at (248) 331-7232.

NOTE ON DISABILITY/RETIREMENT

If you are filing for Social Security Disability you will need to file for your Local 98 Disability Pension at the same time in order to make sure you get all of your pension checks. Social Security normally takes at least a year and sometimes a lot longer. If you file for your Local 98 Disability Pension at the same time, when you receive your award from Social Security, we will be able to pay you all the retro money owed. If you are less than a year from retirement, we suggest you set up a meeting with Jon DeRoo prior to your retirement date.

COVID-19 Information & Vaccine

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 you can go to the website Michigan.gov/protectmicommision. Or, if you would like to be a part of the conversation and join a workgroup, you can reach out to [email protected] or michigan.gov/covidvaccine for locations or information regarding COVID-19 updates. WEAR YOUR MASKS!  Any concerns with COVID-19 safety protocols or lack of PPE contact the Business Agent in the area or the Union Hall.

Additional information on vaccination sites is available on our website, please visit ualocal98.com/covid.

UNION HALL

The Union Hall is Open by APPOINTMENT ONLY.  Properly worn masks are required. There is a COVID-19 questionnaire that MUST be filled out by everyone entering the Union Hall.

SUB APPS/OOW CHANGES/BENEFITS

Due to influx of travelers, SUB pay is closed to all except for medical or COVID related injuries. It is your responsibility to fill out a SUB App when you are laid off. SUB Apps should now be filled out electronically. 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 issues that are unresolved at BeneSys, please get the name of the person you are dealing with and contact Carlo, Jon, or the Union Hall immediately.

Insurance Pharmacy Drug Card Change

Our new prescription Benefit Manager is Costco Health Solutions. They will provide you with full-service pharmacy benefits at more than 64,000 retail Pharmacy stores Nationwide. You DO NOT have to use a retail COSTCO pharmacy. However, you do not need to be a member to use their pharmacy. To find an in-network Pharmacy near you, please visit: www.costcohealthsolutions.com. We still exclude the use of Wal-Mart or Sam Club’s for our prescriptions. Your Pharmacy benefit allows you to fill your 90-day generic medications at any retail Pharmacy. If you have further questions call customer care hot line at-1-877-908-6024.

As always please get the name or badge number of any representative you may talk to.

IN MEMORIAM

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Brother Richard Yeager who passed on April 3, 2021

GOOD/WELFARE

Business Agents Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams, along with Organizer Rob Moses, would like to thank all the volunteers who showed up to support the community by removing 100 bags of trash from the highway for Macomb County’s Adopt-a-Highway week.

Cleveland Cliffs (AK Steel) update: No more onsite witnessed drug tests! Cliffs is now accepting offsite MUST drug tests administered within the last 6 months. They retired the old legacy AK Steek barred list. If you were previously banned from AK Steel, your name can be submitted for reinstatement. Any questions call BA Gary Glaser.

We are currently looking for Residential and Service Plumbers. This is a great opportunity to expand and grow, as many members are looking to retire. If you know anyone working Non-Union or is a past member that may be interested, have them call Organizer Rob Moses at 248-763-2187.

In solidarity I remain, Carlo Castiglione Business Manager Plumbers Local 98

Business Manager Update 4/5/2021

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Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of your officers and staff, we hope you are all doing well and enjoying your spring. Please consider joining us for some spring cleaning on April 17 for Macomb County Adopt-A-Highway week, see good and welfare for more details. Please continue to be safe, stay healthy, and wear a mask!

MEETINGS                                                            

****Special Called Meeting*** for wage allocation is scheduled for Thursday, May 13th at 7:00 pm. This meeting will be held outside at our Union Hall and all Covid restrictions are in place using social distancing and masks.  Please contact your Business Agent and give them insight on the possible ideas you may have for new monies.

Please note June’s Monthly Meeting will be on the third Thursday of the Month due to the State Convention. June’s meeting will take place on Thursday, June 17th at 7:00 pm in person, outside at our Union Hall and all Covid restrictions are in place using social distancing and masks.

E-Board meetings

E-Board meetings are the first and second 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.

Retiree Meetings remain cancelled: The President of the retiree association is still working on a detailed plan dealing with restarting these meetings back up.

Due to the surge of increased COVID cases, we will have an Awards Night with refreshments this fall. Please watch the paper for information.

OTHER EVENTS

At this moment, the State Pipe Trades Convention is on for this summer for our elected delegates. This will take place the second week of June. More information will be laid out April 8th at 5pm at the hall for delegates. We are still waiting for an update on the National Convention.

LICENSE RENEWAL

Time is running out to renew your State of Michigan Plumbing License. If it’s due for renewal this year, it will expire on 4/30/21. It is online and you can renew by going to https://aca3.accela.com/LARA (note mobile devices may not work with new site). If you are a Master and a Contractor for the same company, you may be able to have your fee waved. Any other questions EMAIL [email protected]. For all continuing education opportunities or classes, call Training Coordinator Ryan Lyle at 248-585-1435.

BAs Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams are admins on the Must/Most program, contact them if you need help.

DUES

You can pay your dues online, over the phone, or by mailing in a check. You can also set up auto-payments. If you have any questions or need to pay dues, please contact Kristina Lodovisi at (248) 307-9800 ext. 4 or on her cell at (248) 331-7232.

COVID-19 Information & Vaccine!

Registration is now open for the FEMA/State of Michigan Ford Field COVID-19 vaccine clinic! There are three options to register for a vaccine:​​

  • Go to https://clinic.meijer.com/register/CL2021or ​
  • Text “EndCOVID” to 75049​​
  • Residents who don’t have access to the internet or who need assistance navigating the vaccine registration process can call the MDHHS COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.​​

Vaccines are still available at the TCF Center. You can call 313-230-0505 between 9am & 8pm M-F to schedule an appointment at the TCF Center, or go to the website detroitmi.gov and click on the COVID-19 Vaccine Updates, for the most up-to-date information.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 you can go to the website Michigan.gov/protectmicommision. Or, if you would like to be a part of the conversation and join a workgroup, you can reach out to [email protected] or michigan.gov/covidvaccine for locations or information regarding COVID-19 updates. WEAR YOUR MASKS!  Any concerns with COVID-19 safety protocols or lack of PPE contact the Business Agent in the area or the Union Hall.

Additional vaccination sites are available on our website, please visit ualocal98.com/covid.

UNION HALL

The Union Hall is CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.  You will need to schedule an appointment to come to the hall. Properly worn masks are required. There is a COVID-19 questionnaire that MUST be filled out by everyone entering the Union Hall. If you do have an appointment at the Union Hall, please use the south entrance. All the officers are continuing to work.

SUB APPS/OOW CHANGES/BENEFITS

Due to influx of travelers, we are closing SUB pay to all except for medical or COVID related injuries. It is your responsibility to fill out a SUB App when you are laid off. Please fill out SUB Apps electronically. 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 issues that are unresolved at BeneSys, please get the name of the person you are dealing with and contact Carlo or Jon or the Union Hall immediately.

Insurance Pharmacy Drug Card Change

Our new prescription Benefit Manager is now Costco Health Solutions. They will provide you with full-service pharmacy benefits at more than 64,000 retail Pharmacy stores Nationwide. You DO NOT have to use a retail COSTCO pharmacy. However, you do not need to be a member to use their pharmacy. To find an in-network Pharmacy near you, please visit: www.costcohealthsolutions.com. We still exclude the use of Wal-Mart or Sam Club’s for our prescriptions. Your Pharmacy benefit allows you to fill your 90-day generic medications at any retail Pharmacy. If you have further questions call customer care hot line at-1-877-908-6024.

As always please get the name or badge number of any representative you may talk to.

RETIREES

Congratulations to Brother Edward Herczak on his retirement. We wish him a long and healthy retirement.

IN MEMORIAM

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Brother Michael Loftus who passed on March 25, 2021.

GOOD/WELFARE

Congratulations to Brother Zach Richardson and his wife Michelle on the birth of their first child, Thomas, on March 30, 2021.

Join us for Macomb County Adopt-A-Highway week on April 17th thru 25th. Please call BA Gary Glaser (313)580-0148 or BA Tom McWilliams (248)752-2994 for more information and to sign up so they can assure they have adequate equipment for the number of volunteers. This is a great volunteer opportunity for any high schoolers in need of volunteer hours.

Cleveland Cliffs (AK Steel) update: No more onsite witnessed drug tests! Cliffs is now accepting offsite MUST drug tests administered within the last 6 months. They retired the old legacy AK Steek barred list. If you were previously banned from AK Steel, your name can be submitted for reinstatement. Any questions call BA Gary Glaser.

We are currently looking for Residential and Service Plumbers. This is a great opportunity to expand and grow, as many members are looking to retire. If you know anyone working Non-Union or is a past member that may be interested, have them call Organizer Rob Moses at 248-763-2187.

In solidarity I remain, Carlo Castiglione Business Manager Plumbers Local 98

COVID Vaccine Updates

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May be an image of text that says 'Ford Field Accpting Walk-ins Starting Tuesday, May 4 Walk-ins can get their second Pfizer dose (bring your vaccination card) or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Onsite Details Walk-in Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Location: Gate G at Ford Field Free Parking at 1902 St. Antoine A medical professional will be available to answer questions about vaccines. Note: While supply lasts. Registration is encouraged; text EndCOVID to 75049 or call 888-535-6136 (press 1).'

Starting this week, Ford Field will begin accepting walk-ins while supply lasts. Registration is still encouraged – text EndCOVID to 75049. For those receiving a second Pfizer dose, make sure it’s 21 days after your first dose and bring your CDC vaccination card if you have it. Patients under 18 must have a parent or guardian present.
For all walk-ins, transportation, ASL and Spanish translations, and wheelchair assistance is available. To request these ahead of time, call 888-535-6136 (press 1).
Click here to learn more.

Beginning next week, all Michigan residents 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. As Michigan faces increasing cases, Gov. Whitmer has urged all providers to not turn someone away who wants the vaccine.

“Because the quicker we can get to that 70 percent-plus (vaccinated) number, the 

better for every one of us,” said Gov. Whitmer.

Starting on Monday, April 5, all residents are encouraged to sign up for the vaccine:

  • Check the website of your local health department or hospital to find out their process or for registration forms (map of local health departments); or
  • Check additional vaccination sites, such as local pharmacies like Meijer, Rite Aid, Kroger, Walmart (Mid/Central and Northern MI) or Snyder Drugs (U.P. residents); or
  • Residents who don’t have access to the internet or who need assistance navigating the vaccine scheduling process can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Registration is now open for the FEMA/State of Michigan Ford Field COVID-19 vaccine clinic! There are three options to register for a vaccine:​​

  • Go to https://clinic.meijer.com/register/CL2021 or ​
  • Text “EndCOVID” to 75049​​
  • Residents who don’t have access to the internet or who need assistance navigating the vaccine registration process can call the MDHHS COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.​​

 

Vaccines are still available at the TCF Center. You can call 313-230-0505 between 9am & 8pm M-F to schedule an appointment at the TCF Center, or go to the website detroitmi.gov and click on the COVID-19 Vaccine Updates, for the most up-to-date information.

 

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 you can go to the website Michigan.gov/protectmicommision. Or, if you would like to be a part of the conversation and join a workgroup, you can reach out to [email protected] or michigan.gov/covidvaccine for locations or information regarding COVID-19 updates. WEAR YOUR MASKS!  Any concerns with COVID-19 safety protocols or lack of PPE contact the Business Agent in the area or the Union Hall.

Plumbers Local 98 Insurance Fund Plan Members

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Welcome to Costco Health Solutions, your new prescription benefit provider, effective 4/1/2021.

Costco Health Solutions is excited about the opportunity to provide you with our full-service pharmacy benefits, available at more than 64,000 retail pharmacies nationwide, including Costco pharmacies. You do not have to use a retail Costco Pharmacy to fill your retail prescriptions, but you are free to do so and a Costco membership will not be required. To find an in- network retail pharmacy, including Costco locations, near you, please visit: www.costcohealthsolutions.com.  Wal-Mart and Sam Club’s retail pharmacies are excluded.

Your pharmacy benefit allows you to fill your 90-day generic maintenance medications at any retail pharmacy. If you have questions regarding your benefit, please call Costco Health Solutions Customer Care at: 1-877-908-6024. For additional information about Costco Health Solutions and your prescription benefit please visit: www.costcohealthsolutions.com.

 

For future references, find this information on the Benefits page.