March 28th Open letter to the Membership of Plumbers Local 98

Brothers and Sisters

I am terribly sorry for the short notice on the closing of the Union meetings last month, not even our government as we see every day on TV, can give the country an honest answer.  As more Americans die every day our President has no clue what he is up against. This can be seen in his complete lack of reality and insane attacks on our nation’s Governors to divert attention from his shortcomings. Like the rest of you, I have my issues with our State’s Governor but Gretchen and the others are only trying to head this disease off. This new Presidential Ostracism is proof he is not prepared to understand the full effect of this virus that is plaguing our world. My fear is this is just the beginning of a long battle with no quick end in sight.

It reminds me of another past President of our country who felt the Aids Virus was not a big deal, we all know how that went and the carnage that soon followed due to ignorance and a pomace set of morals. Proof that history will repeat itself every time we choose to let it.

* Until further notice all E-Board meetings, Union meetings, and Retiree meetings, will be cancelled. The Union Hall and our Training Center have been shut down to all foot traffic. Any Must/Most, upgrades, continuity’s or letters of certifications will still be taken care of by Paul Baker or our Officers or Jean. The school will remain closed until we figure out a blackboard procedure or the state pulls restrictions. While I am here, I recommend to the apprentices get your classes caught up at Washtenaw Community College, this virus may hamper going to school but not your obligation to the training center.  At work, I hope this social distancing and the constant scrubbing of hands, will help keep some of us safe, I realize this is sometimes impossible but do the best you can. I have to announce our training center is closed down as well, there is no foot traffic allowed please check all of our media outlets like the 98 Web page, FaceBook or call the hall to see if there is any new information.

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.

Our Local 98 PAC committee has come out in support of past V.P. Joe Biden for President of the United States, with all the twisted things that Washington and our great state have done to the working class and every Local Union in this country, it did not take long to come to this conclusion. That does not mean in any way shape or form we have shut the door on the Republican Party. We will work on a list of candidates your PAC committee is recommending soon on our web page, we will always back anyone who stands with the working people of our state of Michigan and this country just like we have done in the past. You stand with us or against us!

All working 2nd through 5th-year apprentices should 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.

Superintendents and Forman if you have laid off Pre-apprentices send the information to the agents with a letter pertaining to their work efforts, someday we will get back to normal and to lose these young men and women would be an injustice.

We had started to clean up the Out of Work List and now not so much, we are back to over 400 Brothers and Sisters out of work. I have informed our contractors when they are given the green light you may return for that same contractor you were laid off from. Your only responsibility is to notify the Union upon returning to work. Right now, the world has learned about the world of sanitary conditions, when you do return to work don’t let the generals go back to unclean work conditions like overflowing Porta Jon’s or a lack of hand wash station by them.

Don’t let just one person bitch YOU all should be in unison. 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.

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 Union dues, these cards are good for 2020, 2021 and 2022. If by chance you are in 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.

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.

The new Log books are in so grab only what you need for your job. It figures now that work is slow the new contract books have arrived, agents can distribute to a parking lot or open area if needed.   

In Brotherhood,

Carlo Castiglione
Business Manager Plumbers Local 98

Condolences

Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Norma Boyer, who passed away February 20, 2020.  Norma is the mother of Retiree James P. Boyer.

Hanging Up Their Bibs

Congratulations to the members who will retire effective March 1, 2020:  Tim McCabe, thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement.

Retiree Meeting

Cancelled

Northern Retiree Meeting

Cancelled

Thumb Area Meeting

Cancelled

Workers Assistance Program, Recovery and Relationship/Divorce Support Groups

This program is not only for medical and/or personal issues, please call C.J. Harrison, Work Life Strategies at 248-545-8301 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 to ensure placement on the Out of Work List. If you are out of work due to Unemployment, Disability or Workers Compensation, please contact BeneSys at 248-813-9800 to verify your continued Insurance eligibility.