Business Manager

Business Manager – Update 3/22/2021

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Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of all your officers and staff, we hope you and your family have a happy Easter. Please be safe, stay healthy, and wear a mask!

MEETINGS                                                                    

Union Meetings are virtual/video due to the hall being closed. The next meeting is scheduled April 8th at 7 pm, please check the Member Zone on the website for the most current information. For virtual meetings we will follow the same rituals and officer reports as usual. We will have to trust our elected officers, E-Board, and Committees to keep a transparent look at things down here. All bills will be previewed by the Finance Committee and recently our Executive Board. If you feel a need, you can set an appointment to ask questions.

****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.

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: I will ask the President of the retiree association to present a plan, dealing with restarting those meetings back up again.

 In June we will have an Awards Night with refreshments, please watch the paper for information.

 OTHER EVENTS

At this time the Cincinnati Softball Tournament is cancelled.

At this moment, the State Pipe Trades Convention is on for this summer for our elected delegates. This is the second week of June. More information will be passed on as we get closer.

LICENSE RENEWAL

Time again to renew your State of Michigan Plumbing License. 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 www.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.

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 remotely.

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.

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.

POLITICS

The UA has launched a new grassroots activism tool. The new tool allows us to directly engage our elected officials on all kinds of issues. Right now, we have two campaigns open: one urging a comprehensive infrastructure package with strong labor protections, like prevailing wage and PLAs; and the other urging an all-of-the-above approach when it comes to energy.

You can find these campaigns and more tools to find your elected officials or pieces of legislation at www.uagetinvolved.org/take-action. We can’t hold our elected officials accountable unless we make our voices heard. It only takes a minute to take these simple actions to keep the UA strong.

GOOD/WELFARE
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

RETIREE ANNOUNCEMENT

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Brother and Sisters

Any Retiree that retired after November 19, 2019, unless you hear from a Local 98 officer or in a letter from the Pension Board. You will no longer be able to collect a pension check and work for a Signatory Contractor. Hopefully our Pension Board can come to an understanding, prior to March 31st. If not, you will have to stop your pension check or possibly pay back any collected checks.

 

In Solidarity,

 

Carlo Castiglione

Business Manager

 

UA Scholarship

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UA Scholarship Fund Information

We are pleased to announce that the United Association Scholarship Trust Fund is gearing up for the 2021-2022 academic year scholarship awards. Up to 112 scholarships totaling as much as $222,000 will be awarded this year, including 106 for students pursuing undergraduate studies and up to six for students pursuing graduate studies. Scholarships range from $1,500 to $5,000 each. Generally, dependents of UA members who are pursing a post-high school education at an accredited college or university may apply for a scholarship (please see eligibility requirements and award criteria in the detailed instructions found with the application). The deadline for submitting applications is June 9, 2021.

Applications are exclusively accepted electronically through https://uascholarshipfund.communityforce.com/. The application is now live and potential applicants can check that website and click on the “Login” icon at the top right corner for additional instructions to access and submit applications. Note that upon logging in, users should be sure to click on the scholarship titled 2021 United Association Scholarship.

Awards will primarily be based on academic achievement and potential, personal achievement, and community involvement. Financial need may also be considered. Scholarships will be awarded without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Applications will be judged by an independent and impartial Selection Committee, comprised of distinguished members of the community. The Selection Committee may request information concerning the financial circumstances of applicants and use this information in the award of scholarships. Also, note that because UA scholarships do not automatically renew each year, receiving an award in one year does not guarantee you awards in future years.

In addition, six scholarships will be given to “Second Chance” awardees. Those selected will be students whose academic achievement is not the best in their region, but who demonstrate they want another chance at an education to advance their potential for higher-paying employment.

We would like to thank everyone for supporting the Fund, and look forward to awarding our next round of scholarships to our deserving UA students.

March 8, 2021 Business Manager Update

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Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of all your officers and staff, we hope you and your family are safe and healthy.

MEETINGS                                                            

Union Meetings are still on video due to the hall being closed. The next video will be posted on Thursday, March 11th at 7:00 pm. This is the annual State of the Union address covering the past year. We hope when it’s done you have all the information that has been requested. At that time the old video from February 11th will be pulled down. You can access this video on our Local 98 website at the member section under Member Zone. The next video Union Meeting after that will be April 8th at 7:00 pm. This will be the unfortunate norm until May, hopefully we can be outside and try to get some time together by then. For virtual meetings we will follow the same rituals and officer reports as usual. We will have to trust our elected officers, E-Board, and Committees to keep a transparent look at things down here. All bills will be previewed by the Finance Committee and recently our Executive Board. If you feel a need, you can set an appointment to ask questions.

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.

OTHER EVENTS

At this time the Cincinnati Softball tournament has been cancelled.

At this moment, the State Pipe Trades Convention is on for this summer for our elected delegates. More information will be passed on as we get closer to the 2nd week of June.

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!

The most important web site we can give you for information pertaining to COVID-19 is as follows: Michigan.gov/protectmicommission. Or, if you would like to be a part of the conversation and join a workgroup, you can reach out to [email protected] or www.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.

Vaccines!  Plumbers Local 98 is covered in Detroit as an essential worker. If you are job related to the city of Detroit (this means any plumbing job in the city you may be working on) 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.

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 remotely.

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.

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.

POLITICS

The UA has launched a new grassroots activism tool. The new tool allows us to directly engage our elected officials on all kinds of issues. Right now, we have two campaigns open: one urging a comprehensive infrastructure package with strong labor protections, like prevailing wage and PLAs; and the other urging an all-of-the-above approach when it comes to energy.

You can find these campaigns and more tools to find your elected officials or pieces of legislation at www.uagetinvolved.org/take-action. We can’t hold our elected officials accountable unless we make our voices heard. It only takes a minute to take these simple actions to keep the UA strong.

LICENSE RENEWAL

Time again to renew your State of Michigan Plumbing License. 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.

IN MEMORIAM

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of our brothers who we recently lost. Brother John Saie passed on January 13, 2021 and Brother Eugene Burke passed on February 9, 2021.

GOOD/WELFARE
We are pleased to introduce you to a new United Association Free College Benefit that is being offered as an additional benefit to our members and their families. We have partnered with Eastern Gateway Community College to offer our members and their families a way to work toward obtaining a college degree for free! Join us on Monday, March 15th at 7 pm for an informational virtual meeting. Keep your eyes out for an email, and we will also post the information on our website and Facebook. Please note: As of this time these classes have not been approved by the JATC Trust to take the place of the required Washtenaw Community College classes.

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. This is a great volunteer opportunity for any high schoolers in need of volunteer hours.

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

February 22, 2021 Business Manager Update

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Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of all your officers and staff, we hope you and your family are safe and healthy.

MEETINGS                                                            

Union Meetings are still on video due to the hall being closed. The next video will be posted on Thursday, March 11th at 7:00 pm. This is a State of the Union address covering the past year. I hope when it’s done you have all the information that has been requested by some of you. At that time the old video from February 11th will be pulled down. You can access this video on our Local 98 website at the member section under Member Zone. The next video Union Meeting after that will be April 8th at 7:00 pm. This will be the unfortunate norm until May, hopefully we can be outside and try to get some time together. For virtual meetings we will follow the same rituals and officer reports as usual. We will have to trust our elected officers, E-Board, and Committees to keep a transparent look at things down here. All bills will be previewed by the Finance Committee and recently our Executive Board. If you feel a need, you can set an appointment to ask questions.

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.

DUES

We are updating the systems at the hall to streamline the dues payment process. As of now you can pay 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. You should have received a letter about the status of your Union Dues and about the 2021 Dues Gift Program earlier in the year. For those of you who took advantage of this program, the 98 dues jackets are coming in weekly. Please call first to make sure we have your size available.

COVID-19 Information & Vaccine!

The most important web site we can give you for information pertaining to COVID-19 is as follows: Michigan.gov/protectmicommission. Or, if you would like to be a part of the conversation and join a workgroup, you can reach out to [email protected] or www.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.

Vaccines!  Plumbers Local 98 is covered in Detroit as an essential worker and if you are job related to the city of Detroit (this means any plumbing job in the city you may be working on) you can call 313-230-0505 between 9am & 8pm M-F to schedule an appointment at the TCF Center.

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. All the officers are continuing to work remotely.

SUB APPS/OOW CHANGES

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 member issues dealing with benefits contact Jon DeRoo. If you are less than a year from retiring, please set a meeting with Jon today.

NOTE ON DISABILITY

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 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, then when you receive your award from Social Security, we will be able to pay you all the retro money owed.

POLITICS

The UA has launched a new grassroots activism tool. The new tool allows us to directly engage our elected officials on all kinds of issues. Right now, we have two campaigns open: one urging a comprehensive infrastructure package with strong labor protections, like prevailing wage and PLAs; and the other urging an all-of-the-above approach when it comes to energy.

You can find these campaigns and more tools to find your elected officials or pieces of legislation at www.uagetinvolved.org/take-action.

We can’t hold our elected officials accountable unless we make our voices heard. It only takes a minute to take these simple actions to keep the UA strong.

LICENSE RENEWAL

Time again to renew your State of Michigan Plumbing License, It is online go 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.

IN MEMORIAM

Our heartfelt and deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of our brothers who have recently passed. Brothers William Pote and Ethridge Ford both passed on February 16, 2021.

GOOD/WELFARE

We all wish to congratulate Bother Ryan Lyle for taking up the challenge and become Plumbers Local 98’s Director of Training. We wish you the best in leading our future apprentices to a better way of life and Brother hood. Brother Paul Baker has agreed to stay on for a bit as we transition.

This month Plumbers Local 98 is partnering with Representative Lori Stone to promote her Diversity Toy Drive.  The goal is to provide toys that are inclusive to the diverse community that Beaumont serves.  As we know representation matters and children should have books, toys and dolls that represent them! You will find a link to an Amazon wish list on our Facebook page and the 98 websites with suggested items. However, all diverse and representative toys, dolls, books, and games are appreciated.  You can drop off your donation at the hall.

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