July 20th Business Manager Updates

/in /by

7-20-, 2020

Membership of Plumbers Local 98

Brothers and Sisters,

Your officers and I are in hope this letter finds you and your family well.

Sometime in August, we hope to have a Special called meeting please, keep an eye out for email blasts or further information. All distributed allocations are posted on our 98 Web page and went into effect the 1st week in June.

*What can I say, 19 and ½ years ago I was newly elected as an agent and walked in to meet a young gal who was just hired in the 98 office on 7 mile. We had gone to a new phone system just like we have recently (I thought that was rough) at the same time we moved away from beepers and quarters to new flip phones and I told her we got this. Since then she has helped with the local politics in our area, 98’s elections, the good times, and the bad dealing with many personalities along the way (that would be us, members). She knew almost every member and always had a smile to receive us unless you gave her grief. Seems just yesterday I introduced her to her now-husband, Ron Murley. If that does not tell you how tough she is, let’s just say this woman has put up with 5 different Business Managers, that’s worthy of any medal given by the Pope! This is the toughest news I can tell you, as Jean Murley is retiring from active duty at our hall. On behalf of all the members and officers, we wish you the best in your retirement, and if we do have an award banquet this year, I hope you can attend you will be a special guest. We hope the road rises to meet you, God Bless you and your family.

* Due to our compliance with Mayor Duggan’s STEP program, we have been given access to free covid-19 testing to all Local 98 members at the old State Fair Grounds on Woodward and 8 mile in Detroit. Prior to going, you must call for an appointment at 313-230-0505. No Dr. note is needed, they will ask you for code and ours is 289488PL. This is free and zero copay.

*Our auto plants as well as construction sites are up and running again. 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 acceptable, you must be reimbursed for your time.

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

**I believe I must constantly reiterate the dangers of this disease to us as tradesmen we have seen small mistakes that can evolve into serious situations or missed time, there is no set pattern as it has gone from a killer of old and weak to now having no concern to age, race or creed. Please take caution and watch out for each other.

*The Union Hall is now open only to essential foot traffic, as the parking lot is being redone please use the West entrance until further notice, masks, and gloves are required. You need to make an appointment to visit. Temperatures will be taken and a questionnaire will be filled out when you arrive.

* Until further notice E-Board meetings are slowly getting underway, if you need to contact or see the board please call V.P. Jim Cools at 734-307-9841, Retiree meetings are still canceled.

*I repeat The Union Hall and our Training Center have been shut down to all unnecessary foot traffic, that does not mean the officers cannot be reached or center can’t be used.

* In the meantime, any pertinent information can be found on our new web page, a whole list of information is now available to you under the member-only section.

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

* The new Out of work list available to access there as well, just follow the instructions on the top of the web page.

* If your still having unemployment issues call BA’s Gary Glaser or Tom McWilliams

*Any Must/Most, upgrades, continuity’s or letters of certifications will still be taken care of by Paul Baker 248-585-1435, or our Officers at 248-307-9800.

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.

We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time, 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.

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.

In Brotherhood,
Carlo Castiglione
Business Manager, Plumbers Local 98

All Retiree Meetings canceled

**Golf Outing Detroit Plumbers Local 98 Scholarship Fund Golf outing will be held Saturday, August 8th at Oakridge/Marsh Oaks Golf Club. For tickets or sponsorship information call Jon DeRoo at the hall.
Workers Assistance Program: I personally can’t tell you how lucky we are to have Work-life Strategies, LLC, they are available to our members and their families to provide personal counseling services and when needed referrals to professionals in Recovery and Relationship/Divorce Support Groups/Child Custody/Criminal Defense

This program is not only for medical and/or personal issues, they also can steer you thru governmental resources with any consumer rights or child disability, and much more. Please don’t hesitate and call C.J. Harrison at Work-Life Strategies at 313-580-6887 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 on-line or in-person to ensure placement on the Out of Work List. If you are out of work due to Disability or Workers Compensation, please contact Jon DeRoo first at 248-762-9238 than BeneSys at 248-813-9800 to verify your continued Insurance eligibility.