February 12, 2020 Business Manager Update

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