June 22nd Business Manager Updates
Brothers and Sisters
Your officers and I are in hope this letter finds you and your family well.
*SPECIAL CALLED MEETING July 16th at 7 pm for the purpose of wage allocation and approval will be held at the UFCW 876 (Food Workers next door) it may not look like a normal meeting but we will do our best to supply you with current information and allow you to regain some sense of normality. You will need to wear masks and keep social distancing to attend. I do not recommend anyone with a possible compromised immune system or older members to attempt to attend
*The job site return to work guidelines are published on the Mi. Department of Labor and Economic opportunity web site for the State of Michigan. Please take some time to review these before returning to work.
*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 a code and ours is 289488PL. This is free and zero copays.
*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 with 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.
*The Union Hall will be open only to essential foot traffic on July 13th please use West entrance until further notice, masks, and gloves are required.
*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.
* If your looking to retire or need help with Benesys call Jon DeRoo or myself, the union hall phone # of 248-307-9800 will direct dial our cells, agents Larry Delehant and Wade Kovach are there to help as well.
*Any Must/Most, upgrades, continuity’s or letters of certifications will still be taken care of by Paul Baker 248-585-1435, 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 have currently frozen taking applications for our apprenticeship classes until further notice.
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.
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.
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
Condolences
To the families of the following members we wish to share our sincerest condolences
In the passing of our members. Romaine Harris, Thomas Doyle, Donald Doyan, Charles Doyle, Rick Schoenherr, Dennis Dolan, Don Williams, Larry Zinberg
Hanging Up Their Bibs
Berrnie Kulka , Mitch Conn, Preston Banks, Don Baloh, Randy Johnson, Dan Chaffin, Tim McCabe, Frank McMahon, Paul Earforth. We thank you for your hard work and Commitment to our local, we wish you all the best in your future.
All Retiree Meetings
Cancelled
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.