THETHE BUILDINGBUILDING TRADESMANTRADESMAN Official Publication of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council

VOL. 69, NO. 21 Since 1952 • Serving the highly skilled men and women in Michigan’s building trade unions 65 Cents October 16, 2020

By Marty Mulcahy sued last month, it’s titled 50 sion of the $600 increase of un- EPI’s senior fellow. “This report 50 ways to leave U.S. Editor ways the Trump Administration employment insurance (UI) ben- shows the real record and ex- SHORT workers in the lurch – The Trump Administration has eroded workers’ rights while efits – which will cost 5.1 million poses Trump’s repeated attacks “has systematically promoted the bolstering corporate power. jobs – and additional aid to state on workers.” interests of corporate executives The EPI au- and local governments, which Without space for listing all CUTS Trump sustains and shareholders over those of thors, who also will cost 5.3 million jobs. This is 50, some of the lowlights in the working people and failed to pro- include Margaret at a time when more than 20 mil- report include preventing millions long record tect workers’ safety, wages, and Poydock and lion jobs evaporated during the of workers from receiving over- Amazon becoming rights,” said Celine McNicholas, Lynn Rhinehart, COVID crisis. time by lowering the overtime of appeasing the Economic Policy Institute’s said Trump’s most recent affront “President Trump claimed he threshold, proposing a rule to al- COVID distributor director of government affairs and against workers is an error of would fight for workers, but his low employers to capture work- WASHINGTON (PAI) – his corporate labor counsel. omission, refusing to adequately actions and policies have cost ers’ tips which would cost work- New data forced out of the gi- That’s the first broadside address the coronavirus pan- workers wages, undermined their ers more than $700 million annu- ant retailer Amazon shows partners from McNicholas, part of a trio of demic and its economic shock. right to organize unions, and ally, and denying workers a mini- 19,816 of its workers, principally co-authors of a report by the la- The Trump administration has failed to protect their health and mum wage increase. in its warehouses, have tested bor-backed policy group, EPI. Is- vehemently opposed the exten- safety on the job,” said Rhinehart, (Continued on Page 3) positive for the coronavirus in the last six months. That’s 1.46 percent of its workers, and it did not say how many have died. But advocates for workers, including the United Food and Commercial Workers union, say that number may be low. That’s Vote in the statewide because Amazon, notoriously Michigan General Election. anti-union, has fired at least For Building Trades Endorsements: See Page 4 seven whistleblowers about the virus threat, intimidating others, AFL-CIO has endorsed Biden for President and because its worker count does not include 85,000 drivers for subcontractors. ‘Strengthening unions It also comes after three of the fired whistleblower work- and empowering workers ers, all Somali natives who toiled at Amazon’s Shakopee, Minn., is essential to our recovery’ warehouse, sued the firm in By Joe Biden and Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President June. And on Sept. 24, a non- (The General Board of the AFL-CIO, and umbrella of 55 unions profit investigatory firm, KKS, representing 125 million members, has endorsed Joe Biden for U.S. issued a report, Covid-19 & President). Inequality: A Test Of Corporate Fifty-five years ago, in a speech to the convention of the Illinois Purpose, ranking Amazon in the WE ASKED THIS GROUP of electricians at the end of their shift to stand next to an original “boiler AFL-CIO, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. laid out with characteristic bottom quarter of all large com- skin” inside the former Shaw Lane Power Plant on the Michigan State University campus. A moral clarity the essential role of unions in American life. panies in handling the portion of the first- floor boiler works, dating to when the plant was in service from 1947-75, will be “The labor movement,” he explained, “was the principal force pandemic’s outbreaks among retained as part of the plan’s renovation and expansion. The IBEW Local 665 electricians include that transformed misery and despair into hope and workers. (l-r) Allen Lepard, Mitch Frankovich and Tom Densmore. They’re employed by Hayes Electric. progress … (When) the wave of union organization And KKS noted that while crested over the nation, it carried to secure shores Amazon reported 400 workers not only itself but the whole society. Civilization be- tested positive for the virus New MSU STEM building gan to grow in the economic life of man, and a decent from March through mid-May, life with a sense of security and dignity became a reality rather than a before Amazon stopped releas- distant dream.” ing cumulative figures, comb- rises from old power plant shell The words of Rev. King are as true today as they were back then ing through local data and re- By Marty Mulcahy – and more urgent now than ever. After generations of sweat and ports yielded a 900-person vi- Editor sacrifice, fighting hard to earn the wages and benefits that built and rus total by that same date. EAST LANSING – Born and raised as a sustained the American middle class, unions are under siege. As Amazon’s own figures coal-burning powerhouse to serve Michigan workers struggle against a deadly pandemic, a painful recession and were posted on Facebook and State University, the long-shuttered Shaw Lane deep racial disparities, the labor movement also faces an additional picked up by CNBC and other Power Plant is getting new life, with its struc- burden: a union-busting president. media. It also claimed it met test- ture being incorporated into a campus hub for When he isn’t calling to boycott Goodyear and its thousands of ing standards for the the school’s STEM (Science, Technology, En- union workers for petty personal reasons, Donald Trump is actively coronavirus, which has killed gineering and Math) curricula. fighting against working people. That’s because, like so many CEOs 207,816 people in the U.S., be- The renovated power plant, which was in (Continued on Page 3) ginning on March 13, when the service from 1947 to 1975, is being renovated pandemic was declared, with modern additions on its north and south through 8:30 am Oct. 2. And 7.27 sides. Slated to be complete in February, the re- GOP’s prevailing wage million have tested positive. purposed plant and its expanded space will re- “The pandemic...is bringing tain and display numerous original artifacts from repeal obsession out the worst in companies like the original plant, as well as bring in a number Amazon that are willfully choos- of new architectural features that will make the ing to ignore their responsibil- plant one of a kind. is costing workers ity to keep workers and their “As this project has moved along, you see Studies finds dips in struction projects. Repeal of the communities safe,” said UFCW the condition of elements of the existing plant state’s prevailing wage laws has President Marc Perrone. that will be kept exposed,” said Nestor construction wages: led to a host of consequences for “Amazon’s belief that workers DeOcampo, with MSU’s Office of Planning and Wisconsin, -6%; workers and the construction in- are machines, and the Budget. “The steel isn’t being taken down to Indiana, -8.5% dustry – including lower incomes company’s ruthless obsession raw metal, sealed and painted, we’re leaving it. and more inequality – while fail- with speed, is forcing these men The shell of the boiler will remain. It’s going to Michigan, ? ing to deliver any meaningful and women to run around make for a unique building. The whole damn By Marty Mulcahy cost savings or increased bid stores and completely ignore thing is cool.” Editor competition.” the safeguards essential to pro- We last visited the project a year ago. The There haven’t yet been any Prevailing wage in Wiscon- tecting them and preventing schedule took a hit earlier this year, when the AT WORK IN THE south annex of the STEM studies released on the effect of sin was repealed for projects another COVID-19 outbreak.” COVID crisis shut the project down for two project at Michigan State University are (l-r) Ken repealing Michigan’s Prevailing funded by local governments ef- months, pushing the completion date into next Stevenson and Jeremiah Ramsey of Plumbers and Act, an action taken by a Repub- fective Jan. 1, 2017, and for Get registered, year. Managed by Granger Construction, Senior Pipe Fitters Local 333. They’re employed by lican-dominated Legislature in (Continued on Page 13) then vote! Project Manager Matthew Bort said in recent Gunthorpe, working near a lattice of engineered, June 2018. Still not registered to vote? weeks, “nearly every aspect of construction has exposed, old-growth timber that will add a tremen- But there has been plenty of U.S. employment It’s not too late to register (Continued on Page 2) dous amount of character to interior. chatter by our neighboring states, to vote in Michigan – in fact, it in the form of studies which have numbers reveal a won’t be too late shown what unions have main- to vote at your tained all along: that prevailing struggling economy local city or wage repeal drives down con- On Oct. 2 the Bureau of La- township clerk’s struction workers’ wages and bor Statistics (BLS) reported an office until 8 p.m. makes it more difficult for local increase of 661,000 U.S. jobs in on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. contractors to compete for jobs. September, “representing a no- 3. The latest evidence comes table slowdown in regaining the To register in person at from the Dairy State, where the massive amount of jobs lost dur- your clerk’s office, according to left-leaning Midwest Economic ing the coronavirus pandemic,” the Michigan Secretary of Policy Institute on Oct. 2 released said Elise Gould of the labor- State, you must show proof of The Effects of Repealing Prevail- backed Economic Policy Institute. where you live. Documents ing Wage in Wisconsin: Impacts The jobs recovery has been must have your name and cur- on Ten Construction Market declining: the economy added 4.8 rent address. You can show a Outcomes. million jobs in June, followed by digital copy of any document. In 2017, the study said, an 1.8 million in July and 1.5 million Acceptable documents in- effort led by Wisconsin’s Repub- in August. clude: Michigan driver’s license lican lawmakers “repealed the And while the the national FLANKED BY ITS NORTH AND SOUTH annex additions, the original brick 1947 Shaw Lane state’s prevailing wage laws, or state ID card; a current util- coal-burning power plant on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing is undergoing unemployment rate declined to which established minimum ity bill, a bank statement; a pay- an unlikely, and remarkable renovation into a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) 7.9 percent in September, “the wages for skilled construction check or government check, or hub for the school. U.S. economy is still down 10.7 other government document workers employed on public con- million jobs from where it was in After registering, you can February, before the pandemic vote an absent voter ballot at hit,” Gould said. the clerk’s office or you can U.S. construction spending, jobs remain lackluster The pre-pandemic U.S. un- vote at your polling place on U.S. construction spending impressive period of post-COVID of Bureau of Labor Statistics justed annual rate, an increase of employment rate in February 2020 Election Day. increased a bit in August, up 1.4 shutdown activity in the early numbers on Oct. 1. “With steadily 1.4 percent from July’s upwardly was 3.5 percent. percent from the previous month, summer. rising business closures and revised total. Residential spend- President Trump and House but the modest gain was mostly “The August spending re- worker layoffs, and growing bud- ing jumped by 3.7 percent, while Speaker Nancy Pelosi, at press Quotable bouyed by residential construc- port shows a stark divide between get gaps for state and local gov- private and public nonresidential time, had not reached an agree- “We do not have govern- tion. Meanwhile, the latest fed- housing and nonresidential mar- ernments, project cancellations spending inched down by a com- ment on additional economic ment by the majority. We have eral numbers show that construc- kets that appears likely to widen are likely to mount and new starts bined 0.1 percent. stimulus to help the unemployed. government by the majority tion employment in West Michi- over the coming months,” said will dwindle.” Demand for nonresidential “At this pace of slowing job who participate.” gan continues at a healthy clip, Ken Simonson, the Associated The AGC said U.S. construc- construction was being negatively growth, it will take years to return –Thomas Jefferson, 1743- while the rest of the state is con- General Contractors’ chief econo- tion spending in August totaled impacted by broader economic to the pre-pandemic labor mar- 1826 tinuing to slide backward after an mist, releasing their new analysis $1.41 trillion at a seasonally ad- (Continued on Page 13) ket,” Gould said. 2 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN October 16, 2020 New MSU building rises from power plant (Continued from Page 1) Viewpoints been going on, except demo.” About 150 tradespeople are em- ployed at the site. Operators, UBC pick Biden The trades are grinding and The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) and polishing floors, performing rough- the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) ins in the penthouse, and install- together represent 900,000 working women and men across North ing all manner of plumbing, electri- America in a range of industry sectors and are two of the continent’s cal and other mechanical works. largest construction unions. On Sept. 30 they jointly issued an The cool factor of the build- endorsement of Joe Biden for U.S. President. ing doesn’t stop at the re-use of “The current public health and economic crisis has laid bare a grimy, abandoned power plant the deficiencies in our national infrastructure system,” they said – which almost never happens – jointly. “Rebuilding our country and creating career opportunities much less re-purposing the build- in the building trades will take clear-eyed, bold leadership from the ing for an academic setting. The next President. The Carpenters and Operating Engineers believe project began with significant the best person for that job is Joe Biden. demolition and removal of haz- “Joe Biden has been on the side of working people through- ardous materials. The 40,000 out his entire career in public service. Biden’s plan to make America square feet of renovated space competitive again starts by making real investments in infrastruc- inside the old power plant will cre- ture, mass transit, broadband and clean drinking water. These pri- atively retain one of the facility’s orities, coupled with the type of advanced training and collective three dead boilers, which will be bargaining agreements our unions are known for, will put Ameri- reused as part of conference PAINTERS Shawn Bartush and Kevin Bartush pause for a photo amid their five-gallon bucket collec- cans back to work in solid middle-class, family-supporting jobs.” space. Also being kept exposed tion while working at the Michigan State University STEM project. The Michigan Painters District • • • inside the building as items mark- Council Local 2553 members are employed by Detroit Spectrum Painting. “It is time to put more Americans to work rebuilding our roads ing the plant’s history are a coal The mass-timber product, project laboratories; and decking, the mechanical, how and bridges, strengthening our energy grid, and upgrading our silo, a water tank, structural steel, harvested from Canada, is ideal breakout space that will support everything was laid out – to have water systems. Joe Biden’s plan for long-term infrastructure in- piping and “artifact walls” that for its strength and fire-retardant gateway courses for biological folks able to see that exposed is vestments, expanding skilled training and apprenticeship, rigor- will permanent display mounted qualities. It is responsibly har- sciences, chemistry, computer going to have a big impact,” ous workplace safety protocols, and retirement security makes valve heads and other power- vested near the end of its 80- 120- science, physics and engineering DeOcampo said. “People will get him the best choice for working families. house hardware. year life cycle, and glued to- in a central campus location. a sense of how we created our “Construction careers open the door to the middle-class for The entire $100 million gether to form structural pieces. The former power plant, lo- own power in an old power plant, millions of Americans. As President, we know Joe Biden will stand project encompasses 175,000 Like most other architectural cated next to Spartan Stadium, will and then see elements of up for the policies that put us to work and the policies that bring us gross square feet. Space that’s elements of the building’s inte- house student commons and a sustainability – where we came home safely to our families after a hard day on-the-job.” being added to the north and rior, the lumber will be left ex- gallery that connects the STEM from and where we’re going.” General President James T. Callahan south sides of the old power posed. The structural lumber Facility addition and gallery. It will Work began on the project International Union of Operating Engineers plant are being framed with ex- scheme was computer designed also include student studio space, in September 2018. Bort said • • • posed “mass timber,” in addition and cut using C & C machines. an idea accelerator for faculty and through the myriad of challenges “I am pleased to announce that today the United Brother- to 272 tons of structural steel. “That’s been a good surprise students, a HUB for Innovation in of the project – the COVID delay, hood of Carpenters and Joiners of America endorsed Joe Biden for with this project,” Bort said. “the Learning and Technology, a stu- the unknowns of rehabilitating a President and Kamala Harris for Vice President of the United States. lumber fit together so tightly, and dent help center, the Biological long-dead power plant, using an “When it comes to Carpenters issues, there really is no ques- is true square. The way it fit to- Sciences Program offices and the unfamiliar timber framing system, tion about which candidate stands with our members on the core gether was incredible.” Undergraduate Research office. and tying everything together – issues that we share – strong protections for the safety and wages The STEM facility, accord- “Leaving a lot of the exist- “the building trades have been of hard-working people, supporting union apprenticeship programs ing to MSU, will house under- ing conditions exposed inside really good. It’s been a true team and investing in our nation’s infrastructure. graduate teaching laboratories; the building – you can see the effort from everybody.” “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are by far the better ticket. “Donald Trump’s administration has failed to live up to his promises. He promised that he’d work with unions, but has filled A boom for whom? the National Labor Relations Board and courts with anti-union appointees who have systematically eroded workers’ rights. He By Jim Hightower economy showering shareholder has plummeted in the past two has weakened the enforcement of the Department of Labor by Wow, how about that Dow? wealth on us like manna from decades as the rich and super- making it easier for employers to misclassify workers as indepen- The Dow-Jones Average of heaven! rich have grabbed the bulk of our dent contractors and harder for investigators to hold contractors corporate But most Americans are ask- nation’s wealth. Today, nearly 90 who commit tax fraud accountable. He promised that he would stock prices, ing: A boom for whom? America’s percent of all stocks are in the invest $2 trillion in infrastructure, and he’s done nothing. I mean – the real economy is a shambles. Job- hands of the richest 10 percent “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are the President and the Vice THE ARTIFACT wall at the MSU one eco- lessness is still above 10 percent, of Americans. President that our nation needs right now. They share our values, STEM project. nomic indica- with a tsunami of new firings com- Yet, the menagerie of have the experience and expertise to fix the problems facing this tor that our ing as airlines, retail chains, the laissezfairyland ideologues and country and above all else have the temperament and empathy to The Building Tradesman wel- nation’s es- restaurant industry, state and lo- lawmakers now in charge of our help our divided nation unify and heal. comes your letters to the editor. tablishment cal governments, Main Street busi- economic policy continue genu- “Given all that is at stake, I know I can count on the hard work We reserve the right to edit for watches reli- nesses, and so many more are now flecting to the Dow, insisting of each U.S. affiliate to help them win this campaign.” clarity and to shorten them. giously. collapsing right in front of us. that the price of stock equates General President Doug McCarron Please sign the letter and in- They’re like ancient priests Forget the Dow-Jones Aver- to a high standard of living for United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Millwrights clude a way to contact you. watching a burbling, hissing vol- age, we need policymakers who all. As Republican Senator Pat cano to determine if the gods are give a damn about the Doug Toomey recently proclaimed, How to contact us – pleased or angry. Bizarrely, de- Jones Average – how are Doug “Life is better today than it ever Laborers, too By mail: Building Tradesman spite the pandemic recession and Desiree doing? Telling them has been for the majority of the After discussions with our leaders and members, the General Editor that’s knocking down millions of about the booming stock market American people.” Executive Board of the Laborers’ International Union of North 1640 Porter St. Detroit, MI Americans, corporate profits are is stupid, for the Jones don’t His proof? Toomey pointed to America (LIUNA) unanimously, enthusiastically, and proudly en- 48216 soaring. So, believers in the in- share in that wealth. In fact, the the fact that cars now come dorses Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris for e-mail: fallibility of the Dow exclaim that number of Americans who own equipped with seat warmers. President and Vice President of the United States of America. [email protected] these are boom times, with the even one share of corporate stock (via www.otherwords.org) Vice President Biden never forgets where he came from; never forgets the value of hard work and those who do it; and never forgets that the greatest asset of our country are its working men and women. The Building Tradesman ISSN-007-3717 During these challenging times, our nation desperately needs the is the Official Publication of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council steady hand and strong, inclusive leadership that Joe Biden will provide. Patrick Devlin Steve Claywell Joe Biden is one of us; he knows, first hand, the trials and Secretary-Treasurer President Visit our website: www.michiganbuildingtrades.org tribulations faced by working men and women across this coun- try. For more than 40 years, he has been a strong and steadfast POSTMASTER The Building Tradesman is published bi-weekly (every other Friday) by the Michigan working-class warrior who knows that we can never back up, never send postage returns to: Building and Construction Trades Council, Detroit office. 1640 Porter St., Detroit, MI 48216 back down, never retreat, and never surrender in the ongoing The Building Tradesman Editor/Photographer Advertising Director battle for labor rights, civil rights, and human rights. As both a 1640 Porter St. Detroit, MI 48216 Marty Mulcahy Joe Hoshaw Printed at Grand Blanc Printing, Senator and Vice President, he has been there with us, and for us, Phone: (313) 961-3800 E-mail: E-mail: a union shop time and time again. He is a true friend of both LIUNA and the Fax: (313) 961-2467 buildingtradesman@ [email protected] entire Trade Union Movement, and we know that as President, he Periodical mail postage paid Union members with address changes ameritech.net (734) 558-6955 will see every issue that crosses his desk, and every decision he at Detroit, MI and additional must make, through the eyes of working families. are asked to contact their local union. Subscription Rate $15 annually (group rate for unions) mailing offices. Building Michigan: October 16, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 3 Michigan’s tallest train trestle 50 ways to leave U.S. History in the making By Marty Mulcahy workers in the lurch (Continued from Page 1) from COVID-19). Commerce’s actually put together The president has actively •Despite the widespread a Top-10 wish list, with all man- sought to undermine workers’ reach of COVID-19 in the work- ner of rules that would weaken collective bargaining rights, has place, the Trump administration’s workers’ ability to organize with obstructed workers’ right to fair Occupational Safety and Health co-workers to bargain collec- union elections, has sought to Administration (OSHA) has re- tively with employers. Result: all take away graduate student work- fused to issue any required mea- 10 were adopted by the Trump ers’ right to organize and bargain, sures – via an emergency tempo- Administration, through the and has put forward a multitude rary infectious disease standard NLRB. of anti-worker nominees and ap- – to protect workers from the vi- •Among the granted wishes: pointees in the U.S. Supreme rus. OSHA even rejected a peti- employers are allowed to under- Court, Department of Labor, and tion by unions representing af- mine the bargaining process by National Labor Relations Board. fected workers and by the AFL- unilaterally imposing discretion- Following are some of the CIO for mandatory rules to pro- ary discipline without bargaining top-50 anti-worker actions by the tect workers from exposure to the with the union. Employers are al- Trump Administration. coronavirus on the job. lowed to force employees into •The centerpiece of the Na- •The Trump Administration arbitration and disallow class or tional Labor Relations Act is halted all work in 2017 on an over- collective claims. Under changes workers’ right to engage in “pro- all permanent infectious disease in “management rights” clauses, A LAKE SUPERIOR AND ISHPEMING train with iron ore “jenny” hopper cars travels over the Dead tected concerted activity”– for standard that would have pro- employers are given more power River Railroad Bridge in Marquette County. It’s on the way to the ore dock in Marquette, where the example, to protest, strike, or or- tected workers from COVID-19 to make unilateral changes and iron ore will be transferred to lake freighters. The towering span, 104 feet above the river, was ganize a union – to improve their and mitigated the spread of the undermine the collective bargain- erected in 1916 and is the tallest rail bridge in Michigan. Photo credit: Thornapple River Rail Series working conditions. In a series disease. ing process. Part of what makes this location increasingly unsafe around the existing span, which of decisions and actions, the •An understaffed OSHA is •On Feb. 6, 2020, the Demo- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula so and it was replaced In 1916 by was still in operation, affecting Trump-appointed majority on the also failing to enforce the Occu- cratic-led House of Representa- unique is its topography. this steel girder structure,” says the final appearance of the new National Labor Relations Board pational Safety and Health Act tives passed the landmark Pro- The receding glaciers some the Historic American Engi- bridge. (NLRB) has systematically nar- during the pandemic. Despite tecting the Right to Organize 10,000 years ago left the U.P. neering Record. The bridge “Some of the special or rowed its interpretation of what over 9,000 complaints from work- (PRO) Act, which would signifi- with a wealth of rivers, water- “consists of nine steel girder novel features of the design were counts as protected concerted ers about unsafe working condi- cantly restore workers’ right to or- falls, gorges and craggy land- spans and one reinforced con- introduced on account of the ne- activity, leaving workers unpro- tions from COVID-19, the agency ganize and bargain collectively. scapes, as well as the state’s high- crete girder span resting on cessity of keeping clear of the tected against employer retalia- had issued only four citations for The Trump administration issued est point (Mt. Arvon in Baraga eight steel piers, two concrete old structure and maintaining tion when they protest or strike failure to protect workers as of a Statement of Administration County, 1,979 feet). piers, and concrete abutments.” the lines open for traffic during over safety conditions (for ex- August. Policy recommending that Presi- Mother Earth also left be- The bridge sits on a melange erection,” said the Engineering ample, insufficient protections •The U.S. Chamber of dent Trump veto the bill if it reaches hind a wealth of mineral re- of foundations, spread out over News Record in March 1918. his desk – and it hasn’t because it sources in the Upper Peninsula, the river and through the “The arch had to be designed won’t pass the Republican Senate. including iron, copper, nickel woods. On the west side, wood to clear the old trestle tower ‘Strengthening unions •During the first three years and some gold. But extracting foundation piles were used un- and foundations, and in order of the Trump administration, the minerals out of the earth and der footings which could not be to be self-supporting during and empowering workers OSHA workplace inspection ac- moving them in an economical placed on rock. On the east erection it was built on the can- tivity has fallen relative to the manner to where they could pro- side, the abutment and the foot- tilever system. previous two administrations. duce a profit vexed the early min- ings of the first two piers are Other features of the struc- is essential to our recovery’ OSHA also currently has the low- ers – until the railroads came built in the end of a large sand ture include a taper bent support- (Continued from Page 1) est number of inspectors in the along. fill, on a less-than stable sand fill. ing two girder spans, and the use and Wall Street robber-barons, he knows that if he can diminish union history of the agency. The Upper Peninsula, says The next pier, however, is built of concrete struts to brace pier power, he can run the table on every American worker. •In a series of decisions, the American Rails, “was once rich into solid rock. Concrete struts footings in loose ground.” The Let’s end the war on labor’s house and put power back in work- Trump NLRB gave employers with railroads and iron ore that at the ground level are placed ENR added: “The proportions of ers’ hands. Strengthening unions and empowering workers is essen- more power to prevent union or- crisscrossed the region to tap its between the abutment and the in- the arch are unusual.” tial to our recovery from the devastating challenges Mr. Trump has ganizers and off-duty employees natural resources. The largest termediate piers, thus bracing Even with its design being allowed to fester. We need to finally get serious about defeating the from talking with employees names here included the Milwau- them all against the third pier. dictated by the topography and pandemic, digging out from the worst jobs crisis in nearly a century, about forming a union at the kee Road, Soo Line, and Chicago About half of the bridge’s working around the existing and healing the long-standing wound of racial injustice. And a big workplace, during non-work time. & North Western. However, weight is supported by the bases span, the Dead River Bridge is part of meeting those challenges will come from seizing this opportu- •In 2016, the Obama Depart- smaller carriers also found a of the arches supporting the in fact, “unusual,” as is its lon- nity to build an economy that serves the dignity of the hardworking ment of Labor expanded eligibil- bountiful niche including the middle structure. gevity as it has continued to sup- people who make it run. ity for the overtime pay from a Copper Range Railroad, The bridge is technically port the burden of locomotives The key to that is to create good-quality jobs with a fair choice threshold of $23,660 to $47,476 Escanaba & Lake Superior, and classified as a steel arch, but and rolling stock owned by the to join a union – a choice that nearly 60 million Americans are eager per year, but this update was ul- Lake Superior & Ishpeming.” there’s a quite a bit more going LS & I Railroad. to make if given a chance, according to the latest research. Those timately blocked in the courts. Undoubtedly, the major chal- on with the entire structure. Its The Thornapple River Rail jobs are at the heart of the “Build Back Better” plan that will guide But instead of defending the 2016 lenge of the first railway con- design, manufacture and the Series, which produces video our recovery in a Biden-Harris administration. rule– which would have strength- struction engineers was where erection of the structure were all documentaries on the activities The plan starts with a transformational $2 trillion investment to ened overtime protections for to route the tracks. Of course, in the hands of the Wisconsin of modern Michigan railways, rebuild America’s infrastructure, lead the world in clean energy and 12.5 million workers – the Trump cleared, flat land avoiding water Bridge and Iron Co., Milwaukee. said “it’s hard to do anything but position our auto industry for a long, bright future. That investment administration proceeded with obstacles is preferred – but in The foundations and concrete marvel at the bridge’s ingenious will revitalize schools, roads and bridges; modernize our communi- their own proposed rule. Under reality, obstacles such as the one work was performed by “rail- design and appreciate how the ties; and make our airports, seaports and inland waterways the finest the 2019 rule, the Trump DOL presented by the yawning gap way forces.” All construction engineers built it in such a hard- in the world. And by finally investing in another form of infrastruc- updated the overtime threshold over the Dead River in Marquette was under the supervision of to-reach place. Now over 100 ture – America’s long-undervalued bedrock of caregivers and educa- to $35,568.73. Township tested the skills of not R.C. Young, chief engineer of the years old, it’s still going strong tors – millions of people will be freed up to pursue the dignity and •Seats on the NLRB – the only railway engineers, but that Lake Superior and Ishpeming for its original owner. It has sup- security that comes from landing a good job. agency charged with protecting of the still-evolving field of con- Railway. The structure was built ported the movement of hundreds Most important, the entirety of those investments will support a workers’ workplace rights – has struction metallurgy, and con- from 1915-16. of millions of tons of iron ore “Made in America” future driven by union workers. The materials to been stacked with corporate law- struction teams themselves. Railroad bridge engineers over the Dead River.” rebuild America will be made here at home. The supply chains will run yers. Scores of rail trestles of – especially when they’re span- The Lake Superior and through American towns. The jobs will be well-paying, middle-class •Trump’s OSHA has contin- various lengths and height made ning a gorge in the woods – are Ishpeming was formed in the union jobs. ued to delay a standard for expo- railroads possible in both of almost always going to be going 1890s, and today is owned by Increasing workers’ rights to unionize and collectively bargain sure to silica dust, which can Michigan’s peninsulas at the for function over form. mining giant Cleveland Cliffs. will be an essential component of the Biden-Harris administration’s cause silicosis, an incurable and height of the rail industry a cen- “Needless to say,” said His- “The featured point on the economic recovery plan. That includes enacting the PRO Act, which often fatal lung disease. tury ago. Many have been re- toric American Engineering line is the striking high trestle would dramatically enhance the power of workers to organize with- •In March 2017, President moved, but one of the most im- Record, “this bridge’s design is over the Dead River Gorge which out fear of retaliation. Trump signed a resolution that pressive structures is still in highly unusual, and the only commands a wonderful view of Additionally, bargaining rights for public service and federal blocked the implementation of place, and still in service. The known one of its kind in Michi- the river below as well as the workers will be ensured, the practice of misclassifying workers as the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rail trestle over the Dead River gan.” hills and forests which surround independent contractors will be ended and corporate executives will rule, which had been issued dur- in the U.P.’s Marquette County, The newly opened span’s it,” wrote Ed Oom in The Lake be held personally liable if they interfere with workers’ efforts to ing the Obama administration to which continues to serve the function and form – essentially Superior and Ishpeming Rail- organize. The National Labor Relations Board will be restored to its ensure that taxpayer dollars are Lake Superior & Ishpeming (LS a bridge on top of a bridge – drew road. original purpose, clearly stated in the 1935 law that created it – not to not awarded to contractors who & I) Railroad. attention from two leading na- Today the railroad’s opera- hamstring, or even merely tolerate unions, but to actively encourage cut corners on workplace safety “This extremely unusual tional publications of the day, tions are limited to a run from collective bargaining. and other labor protections bridge can be difficult to under- Railway Age and the Engineer- the Tilden iron ore mine south There is no question that working people have the capacity to “The pandemic,” the EPI’s stand because its substructure ing News Record, both writing of Ishpeming to the Marquette solve the crises we’re facing today – but the only way we’ll emerge Poydock said, “has merely pro- is far more extensive and com- articles about the impressive ore dock. The railroad contin- from those crises with an economy that works for everyone is by vided the administration another plicated than the superstruc- structure. ues to use ore cars (“jennies”) summoning a new wave of worker power. We owe it not only to those opportunity to continue its at- ture,” says Historic Bridges. A March 1918 Railway Age dating to the 1930s and 1940s, who have put in a lifetime of work, but to the next generation of tacks on workers’ rights. Instead “The bridge’s superstructure is article noted that the new as they were built to fit the spac- workers who have only known an America of rising inequality and of instituting policies to protect merely a series of simple deck bridge’s deck, superstructure ing on the ore dock in shrinking opportunity. All of us deserve to enjoy America’s promise the nation’s essential workers, plate girder spans, perhaps and foundations had to be erected Marquette. in full – and our nation’s leaders have a responsibility to deliver it. the administration has under- somewhat unusual because they The road to get there won’t be easy. But we know the character mined workplace safety stan- have a fishbelly style shape to of union members – the people who built this country, who keep us dards. It is critical that a new ad- them. The bridge is a high level going through the hard times, and who have never once let our na- ministration work with the same style bridge, which carries the tion down. We can and must build a future that reflects working diligence to reverse Trump’s anti- railroad over not only the Dead people’s courage and ambition, and offers not only good jobs – but worker policies and also advance River, but the fairly steep and the dignity, equity, shared prosperity and common purpose due to a workers’ agenda that provides rocky valley cut by the river. The every single person who lives and works here. working people with the rights narrow, rocky valley may be why (Former Vice President Joe Biden is the Democratic candidate and protections they need and the bridge features an unusual for president. Richard Trumka is the president of the AFL-CIO). deserve.” substructure.” Erected in 1916, the Dead A man walked into a res- years ago I was cleaning the River span is Michigan’s high- taurant with a full-grown os- Just joking attic and I found an old lamp. est railroad bridge. Viewable in trich behind him bird says. When I rubbed it a genie ap- the woods just north of Eagle They sit down and the When it came time to peared and offered me two Mills, the bridge’s rails are 104 waitress came pay, the man reaches into his wishes. My first wish was feet above the river and the en- over and asked pocket and provides exact that if I ever had to pay for tire span is 565 feet long. for their orders. change. anything, I would just put my “The increased weight of The man This became a routine hand in my pocket and the locomotives and cars made the A STEM-POWERED IRON ORE TRAIN crosses the Dead River says, “I’ll have a and late one evening, the two right amount of money would Photo credit: Bridge Hunter timber trestle built in 1896 at bridge, date unknown. hamburger, fries entered the restaurant again. always be there.” and a Coke.” Then “The usual?” asks the wait- “That’s brilliant!” says he turns to the ostrich and ress. “No, tonight, I will have the waitress. “Most people asks, “What are you having?” a steak, baked potato, and would wish for a million dol- “I’ll have the same,” says salad,” says the man. “Same lars or something, but you’ll the ostrich. for me,” says the ostrich. always be as rich as you want A short time later the The waitress returns for as long as you live!” waitress returns with the or- with the food, then later the “That’s right,” he said. der, then later the check. bill, and says, “that will be “Whether it’s buying a gallon “That will be $24.56,” she $44.16.” Once again the man of milk or a Tesla, the exact says. The man reaches into his pulls out the exact change. money is always there,” says pocket and pulls out the ex- The waitress couldn’t the man. act change for payment. hold back her curiosity any The waitress asks, “but The next day, same thing. longer. “Excuse me, sir. How what’s up with the ostrich?” The man orders a hamburger, do you manage to always The man sighs, pauses, A DIAGRAM OF the enormously complex Dead River Railroad Bridge, which has 11 separate spans fries and a Coke. The wait- come up with the exact and answers, “my second wish and eight different component designs in order to comport with the landscape. The main supporting ress asks the ostrich, “what change out of your pocket was for a tall chick with long structural steel element is essentially a bridge built upon a supporting arched bridge. Credit: are you having?” every time?” legs who agrees with every- Engineering News Record, 1918 “I’ll have the same,” the He answers, “several thing I say.” 4 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN October 16, 2020

Heat and Heat and Frost Frost Endorsement list Insulators Insulators for the Nov. 3 General Election On this page are candidates endorsed for the Tuesday, Nov. 3, state- Local 47 Local 25 Updated list is also available at www.michiganbuildingtrades.org wide general election by the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council and its local affiliate councils. Some councils did U.S. President: Joe Biden not endorse or had limited endorsements, and some only endorse if Heat and Frost Insulators & Heat & Frost Insulators Local 25 they get a request from candidates to do so. Please vote early, and Allied Workers Local 47 SOUTHFIELD – REMINDER: We U.S. Senator: Gary Peters feel free to use Michigan’s option for obtaining a no-reason absen- LANSING – Local 47 Lan- continue to be under the direc- tee ballot. And, as always, please take the time to research and to sing Office, 419 S. Washington tive of the Inter- Michigan Supreme Court Greater Detroit vote for candidates who support the health, safety and incomes of Square, Suite 301, Lansing, national Union Justice Building Trades working people. Michigan 48933. 517-708-0665 and pursuant to Bridget McCormack ELECTION NOTICE: The that directive, Elizabeth Welch Macomb County Manistee County Sheriff: Anthony Van Buren Twp. Board of Commissioners International General Executive the NOVEM- Trustee: Kevin Martin Board has passed a resolution to BER 2020 U.S. Congress Wickersham District 2 (Kaleva): Allan allow mail-in nominating of can- UNION MEET- District 1 (Negaunee): Dana Clerk/Register of Deeds: O’Shea New Boston didates for the upcoming elec- ING has been Ferguson Fred Miller District 3 (Brethren): Gene Huron School Dist. Board of Edu- tion. A letter from President cancelled. Con- District 2 (Holland): Bryan Treasurer: Lorie Barnwell Lagerquist cation Trustee: Joshua Monte Walter Wilson has been mailed tinue to monitor Berghoef Macomb County Probate District 4 (Manistee): Rolf CURT out explaining this procedure. Be the Facebook District 3 (Grand Rapids) Judge: Kathryn A. George Wucherer McGLONE sure to completely fill out the page for up- Hillary Scholten Oakland County District 6 (Manistee): Karen Nomination Form and to commu- dates. District 5 (Flint): Daniel Board of Commissioners Supervisor: Dave Coulter Goodman District 7 (Manistee): Mar- nicate with the member you wish WEBSITE: The new Kildee District 3: (Eastpointe): Prosecutor: Karen garet Batzer to nominate as they’ll need to website is up and running. It can District 7 (Ann Arbor): Veronica Klinefelt McDonald completely fill out the Candidate be located at: https:// Gretchen Driskell District 4 (Sterling Hts.): Sheriff: Michael Bouchard Acceptance Form. If you have heatfrostinsulators.org. District 8 (Holly) Elissa Carole Chi Treasurer: Robert Muskegon County Sheriff: Michael Poulin any questions, do not hesitate to APPAREL: New Local 25 Slotkin District 5 (Sterling Hts.): Wittenberg Prosecutor: D.J. Hilson contact the office. apparel is available at the Union District 9 (Bloomfield Twp.): Robert Mijac 6th Circuit Judge (non-in- Board of Commissioners To combat and limit the Hall. New items include: knit hats Andy Levin District 10 (Harrison Twp.): cumbent): Lorie Savin District 2 (Muskegon): spread of Covid-19, Local 47 en- and beanies, new hi-vis short District 11 (Birmingham): Robert Leonetti Marcia Hovey-Wright courages all members to continue and long sleeved t-shirts and hi- Haley Stevens District 11 (Roseville): Board of Commissioners District 4 (Norton Shores): to work safe, and if you feel sick vis hoodies. Apparel can be District 12 (Dearborn): Harold Haugh District 2 (Highland): James Wil- Mary Valentine contact a doctor immediately. viewed on the Facebook page. Debbie Dingell District 12 (Clinton Twp.): liams Julie Matuzak District 5 (Muskegon): Any retirees wanting to go EMPLOYEMNT CHANGES: District 14 (Southfield): District 5 (Waterford Twp.): Ashley Podein Macomb Community Col- to work, please call the office. All employment changes; hire, Brenda Lawrence Kristen Nelson District 6 (Muskegon): The Funds Trustees have lay off, fire, shop change, disabil- lege Trustee: Maria Mijac, Sarah District 6 (White Lake Twp.): Charles Nash waived the 79-hour rule. ity, etc. must be called into the Michigan State University Gieleghem Jeffrey Long District 7 (Whitehall): All members should have re- Union Hall. The only way to Board of Trustees: Brian Clinton Twp. District 7 (Commerce): Kimon Kotos ceived a letter from our Interna- guarantee you are on the out of Mossalam Treasurer: Paul Gieleghem Karen Adams District 8 (Montague): Ken- tional regarding the Asbestos work list and your employment University of Michigan Trustee: Laura Cardamone, District 9 (Novi): Gwen neth Mahoney Exposure Scientific Study. For records remains current and cor- Board of Trustees: Mark Mike Keys, Tammy Patton Markham more information on how to par- rect is to call the Office – (248) Bernstein, Shauna Ryder Diggs District 11 (Troy): Tim Ottawa County ticipate in this study, please con- 352-1850. Chesterfield Twp. Board of Burns Board of Commissioners tact Business Manager Patrick LAY OFF/HIRE: Please be State Representative Trustees: Linda Hartman District 12 (Birmingham): District 3 (Holland): Doug Welch at the main Local 47 Office District 2 (Detroit): Joe Tate Chesterfield Twp. Clerk: Kelly Dillaha Zylstra reminded, all members shall no- District 4 (Hamtramck): Wendy Jones District 13 (Farmington number: 517-708-0665 tify the Business Manager within Abraham Aiyash Hills): Marcia Gershenson Southwest Michigan Per the Rules and Proce- forty-eight hours after accepting District 8 (Detroit): Harrison Twp. District 14 (Farmington): dures: a job or upon termination of em- L’Anse Creuse Board of William Miller Building Trades •Members must notify the ployment. Failure to report will Stephanie Young Kellogg Community College District 10 (Detroit): Kevin Education Trustee: Jeff Cyprus District 16 (Clawson): office within 24 hours of being result in an automatic $50 fine. Penny Luebs Trustee: Jon Bird laid off or charges may be placed. S.U.B. FUND: Please be re- Harris Oshtemo Citizens for Clean District 19 (Livonia): Laurie Utica Board of Education District 17 (Southfield): •Members must notify the minded, in order to receive a Yolanda Charles Water initiative office before ANY overtime is S.U.B. Fund check on Friday, all Pohutsky Trustee: Steve Meyer Albion Mayor: Joedy Brown District 20 (Plymouth): Matt District 18 (Ferndale): worked. paperwork must be submitted to Koleszar Wayne County Charlie Cavell Contracts are available at the the Office no later than 2:00 p.m. District 21 (Canton): District 19 (Royal Oak): Union Office or at the Union on Thursday. Prosecutor: Kym Worthy Dave Woodward Ranjeev Puri Meeting upon request. SUB FUND TIME LIMITA- Sheriff: Benny Napoleon District 20 (Madison Hts.): District 22 (Roseville): Rich- Treasurer: Eric Sabree OSHA 10: Local 47 will be TION: Please be reminded, per ard Steenland Gary McGillivary District 21 (Southfield) offering OSHA 10 to any Active the Plan Document: Each time a District 25 (Sterling Hts.): Member who is not current with participant receives a State Un- Nate Shannon Board of Commissioners Janet Jackson District 4 (Lincoln Park): 43rd District Court Judge the program. The course is done employment check, he/she must District 29 (Pontiac): Brenda online, so if you wish to take the mail or deliver the receipt, check Carter Ilona Varga (Madison Hts.): Brian Hartwell District 5 (Detroit): Irma course please contact the Local stub, or a copy of the check to District 31 (Clinton Twp.): Abatement Union office with your email ad- the Administrator’s office within Bill Sowerby Clark-Coleman Royal Oak dress and we will be more than 30 days of receipt of said State District 34 (Flint): Cynthia District 8 (Dearborn Hts.): Board of Education Trustee: Workers happy to set it up for you. If you Neely David Knezek Tim Ciechorski Unemployment check. Any re- District 37 (Farmington District 10 (Plymouth): Me- Local 207 do not have a computer at home, quest for a benefit payment past Hills): Samantha Steckloff lissa Daub Milford Twp. you are welcome to come to the the 30 days will be denied per the District 38 (Novi): Kelly District 11 (Wayne): Al Supervisor: Don Green Abatement Workers Local 207 Local Union Office to take the Plan Document. Breen Haidous TAYLOR – There are a lot of course. BENESYS: When calling the District 39 (Commerce): District 12 (Westland): Waterford Twp. upcoming projects slated for late To ensure all Active Mem- Fund Office, Benesys, please be Julia Pulver Glenn Anderson Supervisor: John Paul Torres fall early winter so be prepared bers and Retirees are receiving sure to get the name of the per- District 40 (Birmingham) District 15 (Grosse Ile): Jo- Treasurer: Eric Lindemier for work during a time when tra- their Robo calls please make sure son providing you information. Mari Manoogian seph Palamara Clerk: Justin Clark ditionally work is slowing down. you have not blocked the follow- Lately, we have been experienc- District 43 (Clarkston): Trustee: Matt McClure, When you do return to work, fol- ing number: (804) 441-8365. There ing some incorrect information Nicole Breadon Wayne County Circuit Mary Craite, Jason Herr, Cynthia low all required Covid guidelines are several members who have being provided to our members. District 44 (Milford): Denise Court Judge: Nicholas John Atiemo that may be in the number blocked and therefore In order to make sure the correct Forrest Hathaway place for certain are not receiving the Robo Calls. information is provided, it helps District 45 (Rochester Hills): 3rd Circuit Judge: Edward St. Clair County sites. Remember These calls are only used for Im- to have a name so the Union Of- Barb Anness Joseph City of St. Clair City Council to call in if you portant Notifications from the fice can call Benesys, correct the District 46 (Oxford): Jody 3rd Ward: William Lieman are unemployed Local Union Business Manager person providing incorrect infor- Lamacchia District Court Judge for help with fu- and Funeral Notifications. If you mation and find out why they are District 49 (Flint): John ture placement. are not receiving these calls, providing our members with in- Cherry District 28 (Southgate): West Michigan John Graziani Updated, work- please contact the Local Union correct information. District 50 (Burton): Tim Kent County ing telephone Office and we will double check SICK AND INJURED: Please Sneller District 31 (Hamtramck): Board of Commissioners numbers are to make sure we have the correct keep all our sick and injured mem- District 52 (Ann Arbor) Alexis Krot KEVIN District 1 (Grand Rapids): necessary to number in the system or if you Donna Lasinski District 32A (Harper MEAGHER bers in your thoughts and Deb Havens help you with may have blocked the number. prayers. District 54 (Ypsilanti): Woods): Daniel S. Palmer District 2 (Rockford): Jerry work placement. Do not get Local 47 has been receiving Ronnie Dean Peterson District 34 (Van Buren Berta caught without the necessary a lot of returned mail from our District 55 (Ann Arbor) Twp.): Lisa Martin District 3 (Gowen): G. Scott Local 47, continued Felicia Brabec District 38: (Eastpointe): Schuiling current job site credentials, al- members. We ask that if you have District 60 (Kalamazoo): Michael Klinefelt District 4 (Rockford): Karl though several state agencies a change of address or phone will be covered on our insurance Julie Rogers District 45 (Oak Park): Jaimie Smith have relaxed renewal require- number to please call the Local until these items are sent to TIC. District 61 (Kalamazoo): Powell Horowitz District 5 (Grand Rapids): ments due to the pandemic. Union Office right away so we Please call TIC immediately at Christine Morse Mark Neville The General Office still has a can update your information (800) 323-8079 and get the above- District 62 (Battle Creek): Schoolcraft College Board District 6 (Walker): Danielle ban on Union Meeting and Elec- throughout our system, TIC’s, mentioned forms into the fund Jim Haadsma of Trustees: Brian Broderick, Storey tions. Our current election pro- and the with the International. It ASAP and you will be reinstated District 65 (Jackson): Nancy Joan Gephardt,Terry Gilligan District 7 (Grandville): Jane cess is still on hold until an ok is is very important to make sure retroactively Smith Newton given to proceed. All members your contact information is al- Remember that Auto and District 72 (Grand Rapids): Canton Twp. District 8 (Wyoming): Sarah will be notified by mail when the ways update with Local 47. Motorcycle accidents are not Lily Cheng-Schulting Supervisor: Ann Marie Gra- Chatterley election can resume. Anyone interested in joining covered by our plan. Auto and District 73 (Grand Rapids): ham-Hudak District 9 (Wyoming): Keith Work in other areas of the the newly formed Breath Of Life Motorcycle accidents should be Bill Saxton Treasurer: Dian Slavens Courtade region have been picking up over Committee is asked to please call covered by your personal Auto District 10 (Caledonia): District 74 (Rockford): City Clerk: Michael Siegrist the last couple of weeks in Ohio the Local Union Office. Insurance policy. Robert Sames Meagan Hintz Trustee: Kate Borninski, and West Virginia. Fall outages Pension and Health Welfare: Members having questions District 75 (Grand Rapids): District 11 (Grand Rapids): in all areas in the region are on Larry Tolbert (269-345-8944), regarding Pension and Welfare Sommer Foster, Tania Ganguly, Justin Sheldon David LaGrand Steve Sneideman the horizon so make sure if you Allied Workers’ Local 47 Fund please contact TIC Interna- District 77 (Byron Center): District 12 (Kentwood): can travel that you make sure to Fringe Benefit Funds, 6525 Cen- tional at the numbers below or log Bob Smith Monica Sparks get licensed as soon as possible. turion Drive, Lansing, MI 48917- onto their Website: www. Detroit Board of Education District 13 (Kentwood): District 78 (Niles): Dan With most state agencies 9275. heatfrostlocal47benefits.org: Trustee: Sherry Gay Michelle McCloud VendenHeede working from home during this Toll Free : (800) 323-8079 Dagnogo District 14 (Grand Rapids): Please complete and return District 86 (Grand Rapids): Carol Hennessy pandemic, filling out on-line re- Phone No.: (517) 321-7502 the working spousal forms to Sue Hayes Grosse Pointe Schools District 15 (Grand Rapids): newals is the way to go. They are Fax : (517) 321-7508 TIC. District 91 (Muskegon): Board of Education Trustee: Melissa LaGrand processing much quicker than Larry Tolbert will be avail- JATC Coordinator Phil Terry Sabo Shareef Simaika District 16 (Grand Rapids): traditional mail in applications. If able via phone to answer any Wilson (616-466-8736) District 95 (Saginaw): Amos David Bulkowski you have any questions about questions regarding Pension, Applications are open for O’Neal Huron Twp. /New Boston District 17 (Grand Rapids): on-line applications or what Welfare and Vacation Funds. the Apprenticeship Program. Call District 96 (Bay City): Brian Supervisor: Kelly Trombly Robert Womack states you may want to get a li- Larry is the Secretary for the Pen- the Union Office. Elder District 18 (Grand Rapids): cense for do not hesitate to call sion, Welfare, Vacation and Spe- Under Duties of Apprentice- District 101 (Whitehall): Stephen Wooden the office or my cell. cial Benefits and can be reached ship, Section 5.3 part L, page 4 of Brian Hosticka Livonia Board of Education Trustee: Dan Centers District 19 (East Grand Rap- We are looking at schedul- by phone at (269) 345-8944, or by the Apprenticeship Standards District 104 (Traverse City): ids): Phil Skaggs ing a new initial class for Novem- mail at: P.O. Box 19541, states, “According to the Ap- Dan O’Neil Drain Commissioner: Elaine Redford Twp. ber so please if you can recom- Kalamazoo, MI 49019. prenticeship Standards you are District 108 (Escanaba): Isely Supervisor: Pat McRae mend anyone that you know can To all active members, if you required to accurately fill out the Renee Richer handle this work have them call have not sent in your Coordina- online work report for NO later District 109 (Marquette): Treasurer: Lily Cavanagh Trustee: Elizabeth Kangas the office to get an application tion of Benefits Form, your Spou- than ten (10) days from the end Sara Cambensy filled out and sent in so we can sal Form, or your Birth Certifi- of the current work week.” District 110 (Houghton) Plymouth Twp. get them into the next class. cates for your Children, no one Good and Welfare: Get well to Janet Metsa (Continued next column) Supervisor: Mary Starr all our sick and injured members. October 16 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 5 Local 80 Local 7 Sheet Metal Workers Sheet Metal Workers Local 292 Sheet Metal Workers Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 Sheet Metal Workers Local 7 SOUTHFIELD – This paper serves as official notice for all meetings LANSING – NOTICE. This Newspaper Article shall serve as Offi- Sheet Metal Workers Local 292 and elections. cial Notice of ALL meetings for Local 7! TROY – MEETING NOTICE: The next general membership meeting **REMINDER** Meetings are no longer held at the Plumbers The next Statewide Meeting will be held December 2, 2020 at will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Hall and are now held at Local 80’s Union Hall. 4931 Contec Drive/Lansing, MI at 6:00 p.m. Member meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The next general membership meet- *Zone 1- December 10th -6:00 p.m. (in person mask required) The Knights of Columbus in Clawson. Check out the calendar tab at ing is scheduled for Oct. 27, 2020 at 5:30 pm. Meetings are held at the *Zone 2 –December 1st -6:00 p.m. (in person mask required) www.sheetmetal292.com for the location and date. union hall. 17100 W. 12 Mile Rd. Southfield, 48076 *Zone 3- (Saginaw) – Dec. 9th -6:00 p.m. (in person mask required) The E-Board/Stewards meeting is scheduled EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING: The next executive board meet- *Zone 3- (TCity) December 3rd - 6:00 p.m. (in person mask required) for October 27, 2020 at 6:00 pm at the Union Hall. ing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 at 5 pm. Executive Board *Zone 4- December 8th - 6:00 p.m. (in person mask required) **Per the CDC guidelines, masks must be meetings are held at the Local 80 Hall, 17100 W. 12 Mile, 2nd Floor, *Zone 5 –December 5th 2020 – 6:00 p.m. Meeting (mask required) worn and social distancing must be followed dur- Southfield, MI Please register on our website at www.sheetmetal7.org for the ing all meetings. UNION HALL REGULAR HOURS Monday most up to date information on meeting schedules for 2020. Once ELECTION for TWO (2) VACANT EXECU- through Friday 7:30 – 4:00, unless otherwise indi- you are registered it must be approved in order to be TIVE BOARD SEATS : cated in holiday hours. able to log on. Please contact your representative if During nominations at the October 14, 2020, RETIREE MEETING SCHEDULE: All remain- you are having issues registering. membership meeting, if only two (2) persons are ing meetings and activities have been cancelled **Attention Certified Welders from Zones 2, 3, 4 nominated for the vacant Executive Board seats, an for 2020. We will inform you at a later date what and 5** PAUL election will not take place. we will be doing for 2021. Any questions regard- Starting April 1st, 2020 all welding certification GUALDONI In the event that more than two (2) persons ing joining the Retirees Association please con- renewals will change to a twice a year schedule. The are nominated for the vacant Executive Board seats, tact Steve Murzen at 248-652-0593. new renewal deadlines for all Certified Welders will an election will be conducted at the date, time, and place indicated SUB CHANGES: Effective immediately you be April 1st and October 1st. In order to keep your below: Thursday, October 29, 2020, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Knights will need to start sending your unemployment certification from expiring you will be required to of Columbus, 870 N. Main St. Clawson, MI 48017. proof to [email protected] or fax it to submit a Welder Maintenance Form to the Train- Any member in good standing will be eligible to vote. Members TIM SAM MULLIGAN 248-557-0297. Your unemployment proof needs to ing Center dated no more than 5 days prior to April will be asked to present a current Local 292 Dues receipt and driver’s be in by 2pm on Tuesdays to be paid on that Friday. FULLER 1 or Oct. 1. You will no longer be required to submit license, or some other form of identification at the polls. Local 80 will be handling all of your proof now. If a $10 Filing Fee with your renewal paperwork. If The term of office will run from the Regular Membership Meeting you have questions please call us, 248-557-7575. needed, you can request a maintenance form from the Training Cen- Nov. 11 through the first Regular Membership Meeting in June 2023. THANK YOU TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE PAID THEIR DUES ter. *IF YOU FAIL TO SUBMIT YOUR FORM BY THE DEAD- To be eligible for election on Oct. 29, 2020, dues for the month of A YEAR IN ADVANCE: David Collar, Mike Boyle, Mike Jones, Eic LINE YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL EXPIRE. Feel free to con- October must be paid in advance, that is, on or before Sept. 30, 2020. McGaugh, Kyle Biron, Eric Matthews, Jason Wagner, Kevin tact Training Coordinator Darek Scarlavai @ (231)288-6325 if you CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY: Due to the COVID-19 pan- Halterman, Louis Velarde Jr., Michael Wilson, Steven Herr, John have any questions. demic and restrictions limiting large gatherings, the Local 292 Char- Sajewski, James Pfeifle & Andrew Abke. SMART Union Labels: Make the union label work for you! The ity committee believes, first and foremost, in order to continue to do ANNIVERSARY: We would like to wish Retiree William Nelson new and modernized SMART Labels are an essential part to wage our part in keeping everyone safe and healthy, it is in the best inter- and his wife Eleanor a happy 50th wedding anniversary. William and equalization, which means more money and work for you. Make sure ests of our membership and their families to cancel the party for this Eleanor will be celebrating 50 years on Oct. 16. that you are scanning labels in order to equalize pay and eliminate year. We look forward to 2021 when we can resume this wonderful CONDOLENCES: Our condolences go out to the family of re- the incentive to subcontract outside of your area. For more informa- event. tiree Dennis A. Mattice. Dennis passes away Oct. 3, 2020 after a long tion visit the official website at www.labelitscanitreport.com and down- RETIREES NOTICE: Due to Covid-19 and restrictions placed battle with lung cancer. load the official app by texting “SMART” to 90975. for social gatherings, as well as the health and safety of our retirees Our condolences also go out to the family of Michael Foley. ZONE 1 Info. Any Zone 1 apprentice that is laid off should no- and their families, the retirees’ luncheons have been cancelled for the Mike was a retired member from Local 80 and just recently received a tify Kevin at the school. Any Zone 1 Journeyman that is out of work rest of 2020. We will notify when luncheons will resume. Stay healthy 60 year pin. He passed away on August 27, 2020. should contact your agent. There is travel work available, so if you and safe. SMART INTERNATIONAL has announced that they will be en- are interested please contact James or Eric. If you are experiencing Please contact Fred Engelman at [email protected] if you dorsing Presidential candidate Joe Biden for the 2020 election. To any trouble with your insurance, please contact your agent or would like to be added to the retiree email list. find a full list of who Local 80 is endorsing please head to our website BeneSys at (866) 288-7037. Apprentices should be in contact with CONSTITUTION AND RITUAL: The Constitution and Ritual www.smw80.org Instructors to make sure you don’t fall behind. If you are interested of the 2nd SMART General Convention is now available online. Go to LAWN SIGNS: Biden for President signs are now available for in Fire Life Safety Training and Certification, CAD or Welding, please www.sheetmetal292.com, click on the Constitution/Ritual tab located members to pick up at the hall, stop in if you would like some. contact the Zone 1 Training Coordinator Kevin Dowdy at (269) 781- at the top of the home page. The Union Hall will also have hard DUES PAYMENTS: YOUR DUES PAYMENTS ARE DUE PRIOR 7183 or by email at [email protected]. copies when they become available. TO THE FIRST OF THE MONTH. The books will close at the end of –In Solidarity, James Callahan and Eric Farrington. SAFETY MODS AND DRUG TESTS: To access your MUST the business day on the last day of the month. Payments made on the ZONE 2 Info: Work in Zone 2 is going along as it has been with account, please go to www.mustonline.org or access it through the 1st of the month are considered late for that month. There will be no a few slow downs. “links” tab at www.sheetmetal292.com. Members please note that if exception, once the books are closed it cannot be undone. Members Please call 616-299-3752 if you are off so you can be on the list you cannot access the MUST site to complete your safety mods you will receive a text message dues reminder prior to the end of the for future jobs or out of town work. Our December meeting is still up need to contact Laura or Lee Ann at the Union Hall. With the amount month. If you are not receiving our text messaging please call the in the air, will let you know in later updates. Thanks Dave of upcoming in-town work, all current Journeymen and Apprentices hall. REMINDER: We ONLY take Visa, Master Card & Discover. ZONE 3 Info: (Saginaw) Zone 3 is steady, a few nice jobs being should ensure they have 18 safety mods completed and drug test READY TO WORK: SMANCA Detroit and Local 80 are in bid. Hopefully everyone is staying safe and healthy. Thank you, should be current. progress of developing a mobile smart app which will allow access to Wayne Stover ***The NMA addendum for most of the upcoming projects the Ready to Work program from your smart phone. The app is in Zone 3 Info: Our next meeting (Holiday Meeting) will be Decem- states: 1) Prior to, but within thirty (30) days of referral for employ- development for both Apple and Android systems; once it is com- ber 3. Please watch the Trades Paper for more details to come. The ment to the project site, all craft persons will: A) Attend a Project pleted (est. early November) an announcement will be emailed, hard next Retiree Breakfast will be Friday, November 6th at 9:00AM at Specific Orientation facilitated by the Contractor at mutually agreed mailed and shared with you at your union meetings as well as pub- Willies Rear Restaurant in Traverse City. We still need a couple more upon times and locations; B) Before being admitted to the job site, all lished in the Bldg. Trades newspaper. people to have a CAD class in Traverse City. If interested please call contractors and subcontractor employees having active involvement In complement, for the 2020 Ready to Work stipend requirement to sign up. Thank you, Travis Eastman in job site construction activity, must be current and maintain a cur- you will only need to download the app on your smart phone, review ZONE 4 Work in zone 4 has slowed down a bit with a handful of rent MUST or equivalent status regarding the Substance Abuse Pro- and confirm your contact information (email, mailing address, em- members laid off at this time. We have a few decent projects in size gram. Prior to the start of work on the project the employee must ployer, list of your accomplished training). coming up, with Fall upon us and Winter slowly coming the work provide confirmation of negative results to a MUST Substance Abuse When you download the app and review your contact informa- load will be slow. Good luck to all the hunters this season! Your Test or equivalent test within the last 30 days. tion, the program will inform SMACNA Detroit of your interaction Brother Larry Kinzie MEMBER ASSISTANCE: Local 292 is now partnering with and this part of the stipend requirement will be completed. There will ZONE 5 Info: I hope all is well with everyone. Looks like some Ulliance, an employee assistance program designed to assist active be no custom Ready to Work modules required for the 2020 stipend. work will be picking up around the U.P. this fall into winter along with members and their eligible family members who may be struggling In the meanwhile of receiving notice the Ready to Work app is other projects being bid. If you are off please make sure I have you with emotional, domestic or substance abuse issues, as well as legal available, it is important to make sure you have all other stipend on the out of work list as there are calls in other areas looking for and financial referrals. If you and/or a family member feel this may requirements completed, these are still the same: Current MUST Drug help. Reminder, if you need an MSHA 8 hour refresher please contact benefit you, contact Ulliance at 1-800-448-8326 or Test; Current MUST 18 Safety Modules; OSHA 30; Current FA CPR Ann Lakenen at (906)-226-6511 EXT 4. These will be offered via Zoom www.LifeAdvisorEAP.com for completely confidential assistance. certification. Deadline for stipend requirements is December 31, 2020. and the dates are as follows; October 17th, November 7th and No- Ulliance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are of For members who do not have a smart phone, contact Support and vember 21st. There is a maximum of 20 per class so sign up soon. no cost to active members and their dependents. accommodations will be made for you. –Respectfully Greg Faust SUBSTANTIATION REQUEST: Many members have been re- BENEFICIARY REMINDER: Please remember to designate or CONDOLENCES: to the family and friends of Thomas Heltunen ceiving Substantiation Request letters from the Local 292 Benefit update your beneficiary choice on all of your Local 80 and interna- (80), who passed away on September 29, 2020 and Raymond Young Fund office. IRS regulations require that every use of the Benny tional benefits. The law requires that in the event of an untimely (75), he passed away on September 30, 2020. Card be substantiated or validated as an eligible covered expense death your benefits go to your spouse first and if there is no spouse, CONGRATULATIONS: to Micah and Carly Johnson on the birth under the Plan. This validation is required by the IRS, the Fund to your children UNLESS you designate otherwise in writing with of their daughter Audrey born on September 21, 2020. cannot make exceptions. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure each specific benefit. Depending on your classification you could SASMI Information – Zone 3 and 5: Underemployment – Filing all requested documentation be returned to the Fund office in a timely have benefits due to your heirs from Local 80 pension, insurance, for period 2020-A is from July 1 through Oct. 1, 2020. Eligible mem- manner. By not responding to the Substantiation Request letter, annuity and from international and SASMI. bers who worked less than 650 hours from January 1, 2020 through your Benny Card may be suspended until all requested documenta- ACCIDENTAL DEATH and DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE June 30, 2020 may receive an underemployment benefit. Health and tion has been received. If you have any questions, contact BeneSys FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION: Members who welfare benefits paid on your behalf will be deducted from your ben- at 248.641.4992 or the Union Hall. have their dues paid in advance (prior to the month of the accident) are efit. NOTE: Members who received an Emergency Advance Benefit DUES: Membership dues are required to be paid in advance of eligible for accidental death and dismemberment benefits up to $7,500. must file for Underemployment to receive the remainder of that ben- the month for which they are due. The union hall is not open on This benefit comes as a dues paying member of SMART International. efit for the stabilization period. Saturday or Sunday, therefore, if you pay dues on either of those WEEKEND WORK ASSIGNMENTS: Saturday and Sunday work For information or applications, contact Travis Eastman at days, it will not be processed until Monday. If you are on suspen- assignments. Please remember that when performing work on a Sat- 231-943-5150. sion warning, your dues are 60 days late. To avoid suspension, dues urday or Sunday the steward must report it to the hall, give each Dues Department: *Online dues payment is now available* Dues must be paid online or at the union hall by 4:00 p.m. on the last member’s name and obtain a form for signatures. Each member must of all members of local unions shall be paid monthly or quarterly, but business day of the month. Payments received after 4:00 p.m. on the sign the form along with the number of hours they worked. The always in advance. To better serve our membership, we accept Credit last business day of the month will not be processed and you WILL completed form must be sent back to by hall by the end of the day on Card Payments in lieu of your monthly dues. If you would like to take go suspended. All members are responsible for making sure any the following Monday. Weekend work assignments must be called advantage of the Credit Card Service, a finance charge will be applied required fees, i.e. late fees or service fees, are included if paying or emailed into the hall prior to 3:00 pm on Friday. – Please call the Lansing office during regular business hours at 517- online (sheetmetal292.com). WORK ASSIGNMENTS: Everyone must obtain a work assign- 882-4064 to make your payment. UNION HALL HOURS: Hall office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 ment prior to starting work. If you fail to do so you could be written Address/Telephone Changes: Article 8, Section 1 of Local 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. up on charges. Work Rules: Address Changes: All members are required to keep the OUT OF WORK: If you become laid off, you must complete an LAY-OFFS: All members must report to the Union Hall immedi- Financial Secretary informed of their correct address. A notice mailed Out of Work List Registration /SUB form. SUB forms are available at ately upon lay-off, even if you only work one day. These are the By- to the last address shall be sufficient and legal. If you have moved or the Union Hall and also through all shop stewards. This is the only Law rules for the Out-of-Work List. Your name will be removed from changed your telephone number, please contact the union hall to way your name will be added to the Out of Work List. the list 14 days after receiving an assignment. It is very important to update your records. TEXT BLAST NOTIFICATION: We have recently updated the report to the union hall immediately after your layoff. Members get BENEFITS: For Benefit questions please contact the area of- text blast contact list. All members have been added. If you haven’t confused because the S.U.B. Fund allows you a period of up to seven fice. Zone 1 – BeneSys 866-822-7037, Zone 2 – TIC 866-887-4338, been receiving texts and would like to be added or wish to opt out of days to apply for S.U.B. benefits after lay-off. Zone 3 – BeneSys 800-451-5733, Zone 4 – BeneSys 800-842-2690 and text blast, please contact the Union hall and we will make the change. LAY-OFF SLIPS/TERMINATION NOTICES: Lay off slips must Zone 5 – Wisconsin H & B Fund 800-654-2329. FACEBOOK & TWITTER: Be sure to check our website – accompany all applications for sub pay. Without lay off slips you DEATH CERTIFICATES: Please submit to the Union Hall a www.sheetmetal292.com; Facebook page - Sheet Metal Workers Lo- cannot collect sub pay. It is the member’s responsibility to make copy of a Death Certificate for deceased members. Additional ben- cal 292 and Twitter - @SMW292, for updates and information. sure they get one from the contractor when laid off. Your application efits from the International may be available. NOTARY PUBLIC: For your convenience, we now have a No- cannot be submitted without one. It is the contractor’s responsibil- CONTACT US: 4931 Contec Drive/Lansing, MI 48910; 517- tary Public on site at the union hall. Notary services are free of charge ity to issue one in accordance with our contract. 882-4064 to our members. S.U.B. BENEFITS: Report to the hall promptly upon layoff. You Local 7 Officers: THE 4 PLUS MEMBER PROGRAM: The “4-plus” member pro- must complete a S.U.B. Application within seven days from your layoff Samual Fuller (Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer) gram is for any Local 292 member who has achieved four (or more) date or you will forfeit S.U.B. benefits. Lay-off slips must accompany the 517-882-4064 welding certifications. These certifications can be in any welding application to be eligible. Proof of UIA benefit payments must be submitted Eric Farrington (Agent-Lansing/Jackson) 517-242-3223 process. Members who qualify will receive a shirt (one shirt for every within 21 days of when you were paid in order to receive SUB benefits. James Callahan (Agent-Battle Creek/Kalamazoo) 269-342-8842 four certs) with the 4 Plus logo, along with hard hat stickers and OUT-OF-WORK LIST: You must be on the out-of-work list to David Rutz (Agent-Grand Rapids/Muskegon) 616-458-2313 bragging rights. If you would like to be a “4-plus” member contact collect S.U.B. benefits or SASMI. Members must re-register bi-annu- Wayne Stover (Saginaw) 989-692-0002 your Local 292 Training Center at: 313-623-9390 (Dave) or Quintin ally: March 1-20 and Sept. 1-20. If you fail to re-register you will be Travis Eastman (Traverse City) 231-943-5150 248.495.6764. removed from the list. Larry Kinzie (Agent-Flint) 810-785-6831 Attention all Welders! We are looking for any member interested SHORT WORK WEEK SUB PAY: If you work 16 hours or less Greg Faust (Agent-Upper Peninsula): 906-372-9288 in a Saturday welding class October 24th. These classes would be in a week or have a short work week due to weather you may collect for members that are ready to try and obtain a AWS welding certifica- sub for that week but only if it is at the beginning or the end of a tion, learn how to weld, or just need to practice welding. layoff. You may NOT collect if you are not laid off. You must com- Local 80 cont’d Note: Anyone that signs up for a class, must pay a $40 registra- plete a sub application at the hall, provide a pay stub for that week drug use please contact our assistance program. Ulliance is there to tion fee that will be refunded on the completion of the class. These and the hall will submit it to the fund office. help you with your needs. They can also help you with legal issues, deposits are NON-Refundable if you do not show up for the classes. MEMBERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: If you are experiencing financial concerns, elder care referrals and child care resources. Con- You can drop off the deposit between the hours of 7 and 3 at the problems in your family, marriage or relationships, stress or emo- tact them at 1-800-448-8326 or www.LifeAdvisor EAP.com. Make sure Apprentice school. Call the Apprentice School at 248-589-3237, Dave’s tional difficulties, grief or loss issues or problems with alcohol and you mention Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 when calling and not the cell 313-623-9390 or Quintin’s cell 248-495-6764 to reserve a spot. Re- (Continued next column) contractor you are working for. member we must have the deposit before you scheduled in the class. 6 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN October 16, 2020

Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, Service Technicians, Local 370 Local 190 Gas Distribution Plumbers & Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 190 ANN ARBOR – UNION MEETING: The next regular union is Pipe Fitters scheduled for Monday, November 9 at 6:00 p.m. Due to the current indoor gathering restrictions, more information will follow regard- Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local 370 ing how members will be able to join in for this in person or online FLINT – The next Member- meeting. Members are urged to attend and take an active part in the ship Meeting is scheduled for proceedings. Tuesday, November 10 at 7:00pm. UNION HALL CLOSED FOR AN UPCOMING HOLIDAY: For We will continue to monitor the the Thanksgiving holiday the office will be closed on Thursday, No- Covid-19 cases in Genesee vember 26th, and Friday November 27th. Wishing you and your County and decide if this meet- family a happy and safe holiday. ing will be held. You will be noti- THE 2020 CHRISTMAS PARTY HAS BEEN CANCELLED fied. THIS YEAR DUE TO COVID! All in person apprentice and Currently Local 190 is not accepting any apprenticeship applica- journeyman classes are continu- tions. A note will be put in the paper when this current status changes. ing as scheduled. We are requir- MASKS MUST BE WORN WHEN ENTERING THE UNION MOVING MATERIALS through a corridor at the Michigan State University STEM project is Reuben ing adherence to CDC guide- HALL BUILDING AND TRAINING CENTER DUE TO THE EXECU- Hall of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 333. He’s employed by Gunthorpe. lines, social distancing and TIVE ORDER. masks. MICHIGAN GAS DISTRIBUTION JOURNEYMAN WELDERS: Please note that we have Please remember it is very important to keep your continuity forms up moved to our new Union Hall/ to date. Plumbers Training Center located at 2151 MICHIGAN GAS DISTRIBUTION - E-Mail address: Please con- W. Thompson Rd. Fenton MI. and tact the union hall 734-424-0962 or Pat Duffy 734-368-4423 to make Local 98 will no longer be at our Pierson sure we have a current e-mail address. Rd. location. OFFICE HOURS: Effective Monday, February 3rd, the Union .gov/coronavirus/ and clicking Committee and Board meet- Hall office hours are as follows: Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. until Plumbers 98 the Find a Test Sight button. ings are cancelled until further 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. DETROIT – Membership of UNION HALL. The Union notice. The office will be closed daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Plumbers Local 98. Hall is open to essential foot traf- Local 370 office hours 2020 - MICHIGAN LICENSE RENEWAL: Plumbing license re- Brothers and Sisters, Happy fic only and the West doors will Sprinkler Fitters Local 704 7:30am – 4:30pm. newals are done online ONLY!!! For detailed instructions and re- autumn to you and your families. continue as our main entrance. DETROIT – The next regu- Sub/Sick checks will be pro- quirements, please visit: www.michigan.gov/bcc. Feel free to stop MEETINGS. The next Union Masks are required and you need lar business meeting will be held cessed 8:00am – 11:30 am and into the Union hall and pick up a copy of the instructions. Meeting will be Thursday, Novem- to make an appointment to visit. Wednesday, November 11th at 1:30pm – 4:15pm daily. UA LOCAL 190 WEBSITE: www.ua190.org Current members ber 12th at 7:00 pm next door at There is a COVID-19 question- 5:30 P.M. at the Union Hall. The Sub Pay: Remember to will be able to log into the “Members Only” section using your last the Food Worker’s Hall. If the naire that MUST be filled out by Executive Board will meet the qualify for sub pay when you are name and UA card number. **** NEW ON THE WEBSITE***: Mem- Food Worker’s Hall is unavailable everyone entering the Union Hall. same evening at 4:30 P.M. Please laid off, you must sign the out of bers can now view and sign up for job calls. The same procedure will we will be moving the meeting to Remember, the Training Center note masks will be required for work list. You can also collect be used as the call-in line. If you are laid off or go back to work, there a virtual platform. Please note we can be used. entry to the meeting. when you are on Jury Duty and are forms available to fill out on the website that will inform the hall. are back to our normal meeting SUB APPS/OOW Changes. Reminder: Article V, Section miss work. If you are traveling, CREDIT CARD MACHINE: You now have the ability to pay time. For virtual meetings we will SUB Pay is still closed until our 13 of Local 704’s Constitution, call Karla to see if you need to your union dues or purchase merchandise by credit card or debit follow the same rituals and officer travelers or job calls slow down. By-Laws and Rules of Order. Any make sub-fund self-payments. card. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. A surcharge of reports as usual. Some sensitive Please fill out SUB Apps elec- project that falls into the jurisdic- All members were sent a Sub-Pay 3.99% is added to your card on the transaction amount. We will then information such as organizing tronically now. This can be found tion of Local 704 shall be manned manual in 2018. If you did not mail you your dues receipt and credit charge slip. campaigns may not be discussed on the web page under the by not less than two members. receive one, please call TIC at LAID OFF OR BACK TO WORK – IMPORTANT REMINDER virtually, the confidentiality of our OOWL section. If you’re still Any member violating this By- (517) 321-7502 and ask for the 370 TO ALL MEMBERS: All members who get laid off or report back to business matters has to be our having unemployment issues call Law shall be brought before the Sub Pay Fund Summary Plan De- work please immediately contact Karen (734) 424-0962 Ext. #210, priority. At September’s Special BAs Gary Glaser or Tom Executive Board for a trial and be scription (SPD) to report the last day in which you worked or to report the day you Called Meeting we ratified the McWilliams. For any member is- subject to a fine. Attendance award drawing went back to work. PLEASE NOTE: Members can now go to the 2020 allocations. All distributed sues dealing with benefits con- Article IX, Section 4 of Lo- for membership meeting informa- website under “members only” and fill out a “back to work” form or allocations are posted on our UA tact Jon DeRoo. If you are less cal 704’s Constitution, By-Laws tion. Members present must have “laid off” form. Local 98 web page (UALocal98 than a year from retiring, please and Rules of Order sates: Mem- dues paid to date to claim award. INFORMATION - FRINGE BENEFIT OFFICE: .com) and went into effect the first set a meeting with Jon today. bers shall report all job starts to Monthly award is $150. VISION PROGRAM – EYEMED – IMPORTANT INFORMA- week of June 2020. LICENSE RENEWAL. For its local union office. Attention All Active Mem- TION: EyeMed benefit cards are not necessary to access benefits, Retiree Meetings are still all continuing education oppor- NFPA All Access is available bers in Good Standing The Joint however, you may print a card from the EyeMed website. Vision cancelled until further notice. E- tunities call Training Coordinator for all 704 members. Please con- Apprentice and Training Commit- providers should be provided the following information at the time of Board meetings are the first Paul Baker, 248-585-1435. BAs tact the Local 704 Training Cen- tee voted to reimburse any active the appointment; 1) Carrier Name -(EyeMed), 2) Member Name 3) Thursday of the month at 6:30 Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams ter for username and password. member of Local 370 that takes Member Birthdate p.m. If you need to contact or see are admins on the Must/Most Phone numbers to remember: and passes any training, testing EyeMed Customer Service Call: 888-581-3648 the board please call V.P. Jim program, contact them if you NASI is 1-800-638-2603 for infor- or certification that may be re- In Network Provider Listings Call: 866-804-0982 Cools at 734-307-9841. need help. mation regarding Health and quired to perform their work. This EyeMed Website: www.eyemed.com ELECTIONS. If you would IN MEMORIAM. Our deep- Welfare or Pension fund ques- includes Rigging, Med-Gas, Back NEW BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD APP FOR YOUR SMART like a Biden/Harris lawn sign and est sympathies go out to the tions. flow or any work-related training DEVICE: Attention all members, you can download the free Blue haven’t received one, you can friends and family of Brother Continuing education or certification expense. Mem- Cross Blue Shield APP on your smart device. This will allow you to contact the Office Administrator, Jonas Zgorski, who passed away classes are being formed. Please bers will be reimbursed after suc- see a copy of your BCBS card, review your claims, explanation of Kristina, at klodovisi98@ua on September 19, 2020. reach out to the training center cessful completion and verifica- benefits and much more. Download: BCBSM local98.org or 248-331-7232. Good/Welfare. Please look for further information or future tion of the cost. Lost wages will REPRESENTATIVE FROM FRINGE BENEFIT OFFICE: On the Are you registered to vote? to the training section for upcom- classes you would like to see not be covered by the JATC. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesday of each month a representative will be You can check your voting sta- ing classes added. Plumbing license renewal is still available to meet with members from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 tus by logging on to the Secre- We are looking for Residen- the responsibility of the member. p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the union hall. Please feel free to come in for any tary of State website mvic.sos. tial and Service Plumbers at this If you have any questions, please information you may need on Health and Welfare funds, Met Life state.mi.us. time. This is a great opportunity Local 98, con’t contact Local 370 JATC. Insurance Policies and miscellaneous. We have finished our final to expand and grow, as many urday, Nov. 7, 2020. You must call Mobile App. Our mobile app. MEDICARE: When you become eligible for Medicare, please round of endorsement interview members are looking to retire. If to schedule your welding tests is now available for download on contact Bernadette Maus at our Fringe Benefit office 1-888-390-7473. for political candidates. Check you know anyone working Non- at least 3 days prior to the class. your cell phone. Go to the app CLASS INFORMATION – TRAINING CENTER- OFFICE out our website for the most cur- Union or is a past member that The next BRAZING Cert store and search UA Local 370. PHONE: 734-426-3700 rent endorsed list. The list can may be interested, have them call Sessions will be Friday, Nov. 6, Download the app and sign in. TRAINING CENTER IS OPENED BACK UP TO MEMBERS be found under the About section Organizer Rob Moses, 248-763- 2020. Please note: All members You can read the latest Building WISHING TO UPDATE ANY CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES OR under Political Action on our 2187. must be dressed appropriately to Trades article, see upcoming QUALIFICATIONS. webpage. Local 98 will continue In Brotherhood, Carlo be in the shop area. meeting dates, or pay your dues. PLEASE NOTE: We are following the State and CDC guidelines. backing both party’s candidates Castiglione Business Manager 2020 Course Hour reim- This is a work in progress, and You must wear a face mask inside the building. who have proven to be true Plumbers Local 98 bursement forms are now avail- th we will add more content to the First Aid/CPR Training (4 hours): Monday, October 19 at 5:00 Union supporters. If you do not TRAINING CENTER NEWS able at the Training Center. You site as we move forward. p.m. This is an in-person class, at the Training Center. To register see your candidate it may be pos- Phone # 248-585-1435 must have 8 hours (approved ALL GM Work requires please contact Retha 734-426-3700. sible they have not requested a Check out The Training hours credited may vary from ac- Must Safety and Drug Testing: WELDING LAB: Starting the first week of September, the weld- letter of support or are running in Center’s website www.Plumbers tual hours attended) of verifiable MUST safety modules are only ing lab will be back to open labs on Mondays, Wednesday, and an uncontested race. 98tc.org approved classes/training from valid for 4 years. Call the hall to Thursdays. Weld tests dates are determined as participants show If you are voting by mail and The Apprenticeship Appli- Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2020 to be eli- sign up for the MUSTB they have the skills. haven’t mailed in your ballot yet, cation process is closed until fur- gible for the $80 reimbursement. SAFE.com website and complete CONFINED SPACE (4 HRS): Still looking to put on a confined please do so ASAP. We encour- ther notice. OSHA Training - OSHA 10, all 18 safety modules. Members space class. Minimum of four to put class on. Call training center to age you to mail your ballot today The Training Center is open available as on an online class for will not be eligible to work at any get put on the list for the next class. to ensure your ballot makes it to and adhering to COVID-19 re- $25 at www.careersafeonline.com GM site until all 18 modules are ICRA CERTIFICATION (16 HRS): Looking to put on another your clerk’s office. Or, better yet, strictions. Please call Paul Baker This OSHA 10 class is not affili- complete and are current on their ICRA certification class. Next class possible in-person at the training drop it at your county clerk’s of- at 248-585-1435 ext. 123 if you ated with the UA or our Training drug test. If your drug test is ex- center. Minimum of four to put a class on. Call training center to get fice. Visit the Political Action have any questions. Center. OSHA 10 and 30 Hour pired you must take one before put on the list for the next class. webpage for a link to find your ASSE Winter Backflow Training is also offered online you can be dispatched to any GM APPRENTICES PLEASE NOTE: Make sure your e-mail and phone nearest drop box. Tester Certification - Class be- through the MUST website. Go work. Drug tests are only valid number are updated at the training center. Please call and dial EXT. 2 If for some reason you may gins 11/2/2020. Call the Training to www.mustonline.org. **Be for 1 year. Call The hall and we RETIREMENT CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to the not agree that Joe is the proper Center for full schedule. Pre-pay sure to take the Construction will print you a drug test authori- following members!!! Best wishes to all of you for a happy, healthy, choice as president, please re- by check only to hold your spot Safety courses; not the General zation form. and relaxing retirement in 2020. member our Senators and Repre- before the deadline 10/16/2020 or Industry courses. Our web site is up and run- Initiation Date: Retirement Date: sentatives as well as Judges all if class fills up, whichever is first. It is each member’s indi- st ning. Check it out at ualocal Robert Briggs II January 10, 2002 September 1 the way to clerks. Remember the ASSE Backflow Tester Re- vidual responsibility to keep all st 370.org Gary Marinich March 14,2006 September 1 Associated Builders and Con- Certification exams are sched- their Certifications current. st We are now able to accept Dennis VanWasshnova November 12, 1984 September 1 tractors Association, a.k.a. ABC uled quarterly. Please be sure to If the person you are trying st Visa, Master Card, Discover and James Grishaber November 4, 2002 October 1 Contractors, (those are the guys check your expiration date, it is to reach at the Training Center is st American Express for window Kris Shenefield July 12, 1999 October 1 that don’t like us in case you now required that you complete unavailable, please leave a mes- dues. If you want to take advan- CONDOLENCES: We are deeply saddened by the news our didn’t know) have backed the your update class prior to your sage to ensure we can return your th tage of this service there will be a lifetime member Marvin Fraker passed away on October 5 . Marvin other guy, to get a national Right expiration. For those who are eli- call. We attempt to return all mes- $1.00 per month charge added to initiated April 26, 1954, retired August 1, 1993 and became a lifetime to Work Law passed in this coun- gible, please call the Training sages by the end of the business the monthly window dues fee member April 26, 2004. To all family members and friends may our try. Center to register and pre-pay by day. and a 3% fee for all other transac- condolences bring you consolation and peace during this painful COVID-19. Anyone who check only before the deadline tions. time. knows of a Local 98 member or Dec. 18, 2020. The next scheduled BUILDERS LICENSE TRAINING Plumbing, Mechanical and RETIREE MEETINGS – **SPADES and BREAKFAST MEET- spouse who has died of Covid- recertification class is Jan. 26 & MIDDLETON Residential Code Books are now INGS HAVE BEEN CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 19, please have the surviving 27, 2020. Real Estate Training Inc. available at the hall. The books NOTIFICATIONS FOR THE BUILDING TRADESMAN PAPER: partner or family member contact 901 Tower Drive, Suite 120 If your brazing or welding Troy, MI 48098 are $75.00 each. Please contact Karen Spearin at the union hall, (734) 424-0962 Ext the Union hall as the U.A. has an certs are ready to expire, call to www.middletontraining.com Remember to keep your dues #210, if you would like to put a special notification in the paper. extra bereavement fund to assist schedule an appointment. The 248-885-8311 current. Any member failing to unfortunate families in their time next WELDING Tests will be Sat- pay for 3 months shall stand sus- of need. Due to HIPPA laws we pended, unable to vote for a pe- cannot make first contact with the riod of 1 year or run for office for UA Local 370, continued families ourselves. So please help a period of 2 years and subject to Gaudet for application and testing dates. out our member’s families. a $50.00 reinstatement fee. Dues Local 370 ball caps and winter fleece caps are available at the Any concerns with COVID- must be paid in 3-month incre- union offices. Ball caps $10.00 and fleece caps $5.00. Pocket Tee 19 safety protocols or lack of PPE ments according to our bylaws. shirts are available for $10 dollars each. Hooded sweat shirts and contact the Business agent in Dues will be accepted up to 6:45 long sleeve pocket tee shirts are available. The sweat shirts are $30 the area or the Union Hall. on union meeting nights. and the long sleeve tee shirts are $15. Golf polo and golf wind shirts Michigan residents have ac- Members wishing to take the are available for $25. cess to free with no copay re- U.A. welding certification test If you shop on the internet, SHOP UNION MADE, log on to quired COVID-19 testing. You can contact business agent, Dan www.shopunionmade.com. find the testing sight nearest to (Continued next column) T.I.C. fringe administrators’ toll free number is 1-888-797-5862. you by going to www.michigan WORKING ON PIPING at the October 16, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 7 Michigan State University STEM project in East Lansing are ap- prentice Jim Hodge (on the lift) Plumbers, Pipe and journeyman Steve Savage of Fitters & HVAC Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 333. They’re employed by Service Gunthorpe. Local 111 Local 671

Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 671 MONROE – The next Regu- lar Union meeting is scheduled Plumbers and pipe Fitters 111 for Nov. 5 at 7pm at the Union hall. UPPER PENINSULA – Both The next Executive Board the Escanaba and Marquette meeting is also scheduled for Nov. Plumbers & halls have been closed to walk-in 5 at 5pm at the Union hall. members until further notice. I will get out a notice to all Pipe Fitters Please call either hall for any members if we feel that it is still un- assistance you may need. safe to meet. We are asking that The next union meeting will only voting members attend the Local 174 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 333 be Oct. 29, at the Escanaba hall Union meetings until further notice. LANSING – Two Special @ 7:30 p.m. EST. This is a spe- Please be prepared to social distance Plumbers, Pipe Fitters & Service Trades Call meetings are scheduled for cial called meeting for nomina- and wear a mask during the meeting. Nov. 18, 2020, and Dec. 16, 2020. tions of all elected positions. There will be masks available at the only and must be taken in 2020. tus of the August Retiree Break- Both meeting’s will be held at the We will be following ALL state door. West Michigan Plumbers, Fit- Make sure you specify that you fast is CANCELLED. If you are Lansing Center located at 333 E. mandates of the Michigan Execu- Health and Welfare: Expect ters & Service Trades Local 174 are taking a COVID withdrawal. a retiree and in need of assis- Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI. tive order by the Governor. Masks some informational packets com- COOPERSVILLE – Meeting Sub-Pay: The board of tance, please contact the Local 48933 and will begin at 6:00pm. will be required so if you plan on ing in the mail explaining some of Notice: ALL IN-PERSON UNION trustees voted to temporarily Union Office. All members are being attending please wear a mask. our changes. Please DO NOT dis- MEETINGS AND RETIREE raise the maximum sub pay credit Metal Trades, Helpers, and mailed additional details for both Thank you to the member- miss this important information. BREAKFASTS ARE CAN- from $130 to $260 from March 23rd Trainees: Please remember that meetings. ship for your patience during this All Medicare retirees will be CELLED UNTIL FURTHER NO- until the end of April. To file for if you are working as a Metal Please call Business Man- process due to the current situa- getting their new insurance TICE. We will continue to do sub-pay, fill out a sub-pay form. Trades, Helper, or Trainee your ager Price Dobernick if you have tion of the COVID-19 mandates packet in the coming weeks. We monthly virtual meetings You can find a form on the mem- raises are based on the day you any questions. of gatherings. Any questions will be doing informational meet- through the members only bers only section of the website were first dispatched to work at Congratulations to Brother please call Business Manager, ings and phone calls to help in Facebook group the first Tues- under the “forms” tab on the left that classification. If you are not Deshon Leek who was recently Dean Gutzman and stay safe. the transition from Local 671 in- day of the month at 7pm. hand side, or you can call the sure of your dispatch date, please hired by the Michigan Building Condolences: To the family surance to Labor First and United Attention: This paper is to Union office and we’ll mail or contact the Union office. It is up Trades Council to work as a Rep- of Brian Andersen who passed Health Care. If you have any serve as the official notice to the email you some. Mail or fax the to you to let the Union office resentative for SE Michigan. away Oct. 3, 2020. Also, to the questions or concerns feel free membership. completed form along with verifi- know. Weld Classes will start up in family of Bill “Lumpy” Isaacson to give Mike or Carly a call. Condolences: Local #174 cation that you received an un- Labor Councils: - Kent Ionia September. who passed away Oct. 3, 2020. Training: We are holding a would like to offer our condo- employment payment to TIC. If - 3rd Wednesday of the month / If you’re interested in taking Reminder: It is your respon- weld test on Thursday, Oct. 29 at lences to the families of Brian you prefer to email the forms, Labor Temple 918 Benjamin / the weld class please sign up sibility to call the hall as soon as 5pm. If you are interested in taking Finch (41), Harold Peterman (91), please email them to Cami at 5:30pm at www.ua333.org or call Trent or you get laid off, the day you call a UA weld test please contact Jus- Ernie Baldini (90) and Keith [email protected] and she will Lakeshore – 3rd Thursday of Diana at 517-323-0333. There is a in is the date that you are placed tin at the school to sign up. Meinema (82). Please keep the submit them to TIC. the month / CIO Hall 490 West- $25.00 fee, please call your re- on the Out of Work List, if you Work Opportunities: We families in your thoughts and PAC Cards: Since the elimi- ern / 6pm spective hall to pay for the class. do not call in you will not be re- continue to get a few travel calls prayers. May they rest in peace. nation of prevailing wage, the All members are encouraged Lansing: September 1st ferred to work. coming in from our sister locals. If Thank You Volunteers: race to the bottom on wages and to become active in our area La- (Tuesday’s & Thursday’s) Lan- Important Information: you are considering working this Thank you to all the apprentices benefits for publicly funded bor Councils. Please contact a sing Training Center, 16180 Na- Contact the hall with any winter, I would get on a job the first who came out to help at Brian projects has begun. Our political Union Officer for details. tional Parkway, Lansing, MI. changes with any of the follow- chance you get. Work in the area Finch’s house. The Finch family focus over the years to come will FRINGE PLAN THIRD 48906. ing: E-Mail, address, phone num- looks like it will be very slow this com- really appreciates all your help. be electing people who support PARTY ADMINISTRATOR: Jackson: September 1st ber, a new birth, marriage, divorce, ing year and jobs may be limited. McCormack/Welch for Su- prevailing wage and wage stan- (TIC) (Tuesday’s & Thursday’s) 3101 or death. For those of you who Mobile App: Our Mobile App preme Court Justice: Brothers dards in general. To do that we West Michigan Plumbers, Industrial Allied Dr. Jackson, MI. have an email address that we do titled “UA Local 671” is available and sisters, please don’t forget need to raise our PAC card par- Fitters and Service Trades Local 49201. not yet have on record, please in the App Store for I phone or to vote your entire ballot includ- ticipation. We currently have less No.174 Fringe Benefit Funds Battle Creek: September 14th call and give it to April or Ann. Android. The Username for Lo- ing the non-partisan portion on than half of the local contribut- 6525 Centurion Drive (Monday’s & Thursday’s) (KCC) Reminder to Welders/Weld- cal 671 Members is your last the back. We hope you will con- ing to our PAC. Your PAC contri- Lansing, MI 48917-9275 RMTC, 405 Hill Brady Rd. Battle ing Forms: The UA Welder name and your book number (UA sider supporting Bridget Mary bution DOES NOT COME OFF (517) 321-7502 Phone Creek, MI. 49037. Qualification Continuity Report Card Number). The Password is McCormack and Elizabeth Welch YOUR CHECK. When you sign (855) 40-PLUMB Toll Free Weld Tests are the second forms are available on our your book number. Please down- for Supreme Court Justices. the PAC card it allows us to move (517) 321-7508 Fax Tuesday of each month begin- website under Training or at the load this app so you can keep up UA for Biden: The UA and money from your working dues BENEFITS WEBSITE: ning September 8th at 4:00 at the hall. Certifications expire every 6 on current information that the General President McManus as- over to our PAC. Please call Cami westmichiganplumbers.org is Lansing Training Center. months and it is YOUR responsi- hall needs to get out. sembled a UA Political Engage- today and find out if you have the TIC website where you can PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL bility to get your welding forms We have recently sent infor- ment Committee (PEC) to directly current PAC card on file. check your contributions and CERTIFICATIONS: Per the UA, turned in on time. mational blast out ranging from engage members across the coun- Medicare Retirees: Effec- benefit information. Click on ben- as of January 2019, all Braze and 2020 Upgrade Certification volunteering for a mobile food try in the political process. The tive January 1st you are now en- efit inquiry. Your username is Weld Certifications shall be up- Class Schedule has been posted bank to which candidates Local PEC is made up of Business Man- rolled in a Humana Medicare Ad- your social security number. The dated within 120 days of their ex- to Local 111 web-site (lu111.com). 671 has endorsed in the upcoming agers, Business Agents, Jour- vantage Plan administered by password for first time users is piration date, or you will lose your Please update all Non-UA election. This mobile app is a great neymen and Journeywomen, and Labor First. If you have any K4GHB39 (case sensitive). You certifications. Check the date(s) certifications (Plumbing License, tool to stay current with all the lat- Apprentices from all UA trades. questions about premium pay- will then be prompted to create a of your Certifications, if they MUST, OSHA-30 etc.) by send- est information from the union Hall. That committee examined the two ments contact TIC. All other permanent password. have expired please contact Diana ing a copy of your certification Please download it today. presidential candidates and their questions should be directed to Forms: The forms for Dollar at 517.323.0333. Though we send to the Union Hall 2020 Election: We have yard positions as related to: Union Labor First. Bank Reimbursement and Sub out everyone’s continuities to be 2020 BTA Class Schedule signs at the Hall for candidates that rights, energy, infrastructure, and Short Term Disability: The Pay are on the www.ua174.org renewed; between changes in ad- has been posted to Local 111 your Political Action Committee has retirement security. After several Local #174 Board of Trustees re- website under the Members Only dresses and the Post Office, there is web-site (lu111.com). interviewed and endorsed. We virtual meetings, the committee cently voted to increase the section and Forms and Links tab. plenty of room for error. Ultimately it Check your dues records! You need to all get behind them in or- voted unanimously to endorse short-term disability amount from Contract Requirements: is the member’s responsibility to make are assessed a $50 reinstatement der to protect our future work. Joe Biden for President. Find $300 per week to $400 per week. Please remember Section 5.7 of sure their certification(s) are current once you become 3 months behind. If you have any questions on more info on the process, the is- This increase will be effective our collective bargaining agree- and updated. You are automatically expelled once endorsements that were not cov- sues, and other endorsed candi- September 30th, 2019. ment states, “Persons called from If your Med-Gas Installer is you are over 6 months behind. ered by Local 671, you can go to dates at uagetinvolved.org/ Dispatch: We will be split- the unemployed list will report to going to expire within the next few Safety Training on Local 111 www.michiganpipe trades. com and Endorsements: You can find ting up the dispatch responsibili- work with a UA/WMMCA issued months please sign up on our Web Site: When taking the on- click on the political action tab. AFL-CIO endorsed candidates at ties between the business agent drug card.” Section 18.5 states, website to take the renewal class. line safety training, go to our web This will get you a complete list of miaflcio.vote. and the assistant business man- “…employees…shall be required Med-Gas new certification: site ua111.com and click on Safety all state candidates endorsed by VOTE: Mail ballots are go- ager positions. Each person will to maintain the following Safety Please sign up online on our website Links. Members must take these the Michigan Pipe Trades. ing out in mid-September and the be on dispatch for 2 weeks. There Training Certifications: First Aid/ or contact the training center. safety trainings for each site to In Closing: For the sake of our campaigning is ramping up. Re- is a dispatch email: dispatch@ CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens and Long sleeve and short sleeve t- work at each mill. Please take note country and the sake of our Labor member in Michigan you can now ua174.org which both offices have OSHA 10.” Please make sure you shirts available. Long sleeve are $25. they are valid for 1 year. Unions, please get out and vote and vote absentee for no reason. You access to. There is a dispatch follow our agreement. Short sleeve tees are $20. We have a MSHA Training: The 2020 make sure you vote your wallet. can apply for an absentee ballot phone extension that will switch Out of work list: Please re- large assortment of colors and sizes. MSHA schedule is on our web site Mike Jewell cell 419-262-8503 and register to vote at between the two offices depend- member to call extension 17 when Zip hoodies are available also. & our Facebook page. Call Ann at email: [email protected] www.mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ ing on who is on dispatch. you are laid off. You must call line (906) 226-6511 ext. 4 to register. Vinnie Fenech cell 734-693-4082 avapplication New insurance carriers: 17 to be put on the available to MSHA expires in one year. email: vinnie@ualocal 671.com Fundraiser for Marc Active and NON Medicare Retir- work list. When you leave a mes- Local 174, con’t Vernick: OCTOBER IS THE ees sage, please speak clearly. Any and schedules are subject to LAST MONTH TO ORDER. Aetna: (888)290-7241 member who goes to work without change based on group restric- Cami will be running a fundraiser Save-Rx: (800)228-3108 a referral is in violation of our Col- tions indoors. Masks are required for Marc Vernick beginning Sep- Medicare Retirees lective Bargaining Agreement and while in the Training Center. tember 1st and running thru the Labor First: (616) 345-0788 Article XXXI of our Constitution Attention: The CSD-1 Class month of October. Back Packs Organizing Update: Please and By-Laws. Please contact the Scheduled to start on September and Duffle Bags are available for contact Chris Pelton if you know Union Hall to find out your posi- 28th has been cancelled due to the purchase thru Cami and can be of any jobsites with a non-union tion on the out of work list. instructor from Boiler Risk Man- personalized with “UA LOCAL plumbing or mechanical contrac- Union Hall extension num- agement being injured in an acci- #174”. 100% of commissions is tor or if you are interested in ac- bers: Ryan Bennett Business dent. We will reschedule this being donated to help Marc with tively assisting with our organiz- Manager ext:12, Nathan Phillips class as soon as he is able to re- medical and living expenses. ing efforts. There are plenty of Assistant Business Manager ext. turn to work. We apologize for Please contact Cami at (616) 837- opportunities available, ranging 13, Jason Finch Business Agent any inconvenience this may 0222, ext. 10 or email cburris@ from a one-day ride-along with a ext.14, Chris Pelton Organizer cause. If you have any questions ua174.org for more details. Business Agent or Organizer all ext.15, Lisa Johnson Accounting regarding this cancellation, 401K Withdrawal: The re- the way up to full blown salting. Manager 11, Cami Burris Admin- please contact Jeff Rumsey in the cently enacted CARES Act allows Dues: Please keep your istrative Assistant ext. 10, Train- Training Office. the 401k Plan to adopt a special monthly window dues current. ing Dept: Jeff Rumsey ext. 16, Open Welding will resume on in-service distribution for partici- You can find your dues balance Nicole Shumaker ext. 30. Wednesday nights from 5pm – pants who are diagnosed with on the website or by calling the Training News. FIRST AID: 9pm starting on 9/16/2020. Due COVID-19, whose spouse or Union office. Remember that if First Aid/CPR/BBP class will be to class size limits, you will need child is diagnosed with COVID - you are expelled from the UA that the second Thursday of the to call the Training Office to reg- 19, or who are experiencing eco- you are no longer eligible to at- month, from 5:00p-9:00p. The ister so we can limit the number nomic hardship as a result of the tend Local Union events, such as next classes will be held on Thurs- of participants to follow the State pandemic. This distribution can be meetings, picnics, awards ban- day, November 12, and Thursday, mandated guidelines. up to $100k, is not subject to the quets, and Christmas parties. December 10, 2020. ASSE BACKFLOW RE- ordinary 10% excise tax, and the Jurisdiction: Remember to If you have a certification that PAIRER: Class will begin on income tax from the distribution can always call into the local you are has expired in the last few months Monday, Nov. 2 @ 5p-9p. The be spread out over a 3-year period. traveling to. Do not rely on any- and have questions regarding re- class dates are as follows: The Individuals receiving such a one else to call in for you. They certification, please contact the class dates are as follows: 11/2, distribution may also repay the will not get into trouble. It is the Training Office. Many certifica- 11/4, 11/9, 11/11 & 11/12 (Exam). The distribution over 3-year period, in member who is working in another tions have extended grace periods cost for the exam is $120 and is due which case they will not be sub- local who has not checked in that on expiration dates. when the class begins. If taking this ject to income tax on what they gets into trouble. Please contact The Training Center has class within 12 months of success- repay. Unlike other hardships, Ryan Bennett if you see another started scheduling night classes ful completion of the ASSE Tester, this distribution only requires that local’s contractors/members and will continue to slowly add the exam cost is $75. the member self-certify the need. working in our jurisdiction. more to the schedule. We will Please contact Jeff or Nicole The Fund is not required to Contact Info: Please make continue to follow the CDC to sign up for classes or if you independently corroborate the sure we have your updated con- Guidelines and the Governor’s have questions. Call the training participant’s certification with tact information. Check your info mandate to wear masks while in office @(616)837-0222 x16 (Jeff) / medical documentation or other on the website or by calling Cami the building. We are actively moni- Nicole @(616)837-0222 x30. types of documentation. The at the Union office. toring changes due to COVID-19 Or via text Jeff (231)923-8140 distribution is a one-time event Retiree Breakfast: The sta- (Continued next column) / Nicole (231)206-4213. 8 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN October 16, 2020

Local 357 Plumbers, Pipe Fitters & HVAC Service Local 514 Bricklayers & Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC Jen Aniano Dist. 6 Allied Craftworkers Service Local 357 Anthony Bates Dist. 7 Cement Masons KALAMAZOO – UNION Keshia Dickason Dist. 9 MEETING: All Union Meetings Mike Quinn Dist. 10 & Plasterers BAC Local 2 are cancelled until further Oshtemo Township Local 85 WARREN/LANSING – We notice. The Finance Committee Libby Heiny-Cogswell for Super- Operative Plasterers and Cement take the COVID-19 outbreak seri- Local and Executive Board will conduct visor Plumbers and Steamfitters 85 Masons Local 514 ously and recognize the impor- their regularly scheduled monthly Dusty Farmer for Clerk SAGINAW – We are now in MADISON HTS. – The next tance of minimizing the spread of 636 meetings in person. We will con- Zak Ford for Trustee our new building, open for all membership meeting that was the virus. So, duct an Informational Zoom Cheri Bell for Trustee normal union business. From this scheduled for October 20, 2020 while we con- Pipe Fitters, Meeting in place of a face to face Kizzy Bradford for Trustee point forward, unless otherwise at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom has been tinue to provide membership meeting starting at Kristen Cole for Trustee specified, all meetings, gatherings cancelled. Please feel free to call services to our th Steam Fitters, 6:30 pm on November 10 , 2020. Van Buren County and trust fund business will be the office (248) 548-0800 or any members, any Refrigeration & There will be an email with Susan Zuiderveer for Prosecut- preformed at 3535 Bay Road, agent with any questions. visits to our of- instructions on how to participate ing Attorney Saginaw, MI 48603. We are asking all members fices should be Air Conditioning in advance of October’s union Thomas Imus LU 357 Mem- Please listen to the new tele- to contact the Local with their scheduled by Service meeting. You can only receive ber for Paw Paw School Board phone prompts as all extensions email addresses, it will be a more appointment. If this email if you have given us th efficient way of contacting ev- you have any Jon Hoadley for 6 Con- have changed. All mail should CHUCK permission to send you emails. gressional District be sent to 3535 Bay Road, eryone. questions, Pipe Fitters Local 636 Please call Lori at the Hall, (269) MEDICAL CLAIMS IS- Saginaw, MI 48603. Thank you We are now accepting appli- KUKAWKA please contact DETROIT – The October 679-2570, to confirm your email SUES: As a member, TIC Interna- for your support and patience cations for Organizer, resumes either the War- Union Meeting will be held on address and/or consent to us tional provides a dedicated team through this move. As always, must be received by November ren office at (586) 754-0888 or the October 20, 2020 and will be at a sending you emails. of member advocates to assist cell phones can be reached any- 6, 2020. Please mail to: OPCMIA Lansing office at (517) 886-9781. NEW LOCATION. Burton Manor POLITICAL INFORMA- with the resolution of any and all time. Local 514, 1154 E. Lincoln Ave., The health and well-being of in Livonia. 27777 Schoolcraft Rd. TION: The following candidates medical claims issues. If at any We encourage members to Madision Hgts, MI 48071, Attn: our members and their families Livonia 48150. Masks required to have been endorsed by Local 357. time you experience an issue with do as much of their business as Henry Williams. and continuity of service to our enter. Meeting starts at 7 pm. Tem- State House seats your claims being processed and they can by phone, email and fax. Lance Ryan is now the new members is our highest priority. peratures will be taken at the door. 60th District - Julie Rogers paid correctly, please contact TIC We will adhere to social distanc- Plasterer Business Agent, if you Please visit our website for up- The Hall is now open to all 61st District - Christine international at 1-888-281-3461. If ing practices. SUB checks will have any questions for him please dates: www.bricklayers.org foot traffic. Masks are RE- Morse you are not satisfied with the ser- continue to be mailed ONLY. We call (586) 615-1564. OCTOBER 2020 CHAP- rd QUIRED. Dues payments or SUB 63 District- Luke Howell LU vice you have received, please will be available by phone and 2020 is a very important elec- TER MEETINGS transactions can still be done via 357 Member call me, Ken Willcutt at (269) 569- email anytime for your conve- tion year! We are encouraging MARQUETTE CHAPTER: email or by phone. SUB email is 66th District - Abigail 3492. nience. Please utilize the phone every member who has not regis- Monday, October 19, 2020 at 7:00 [email protected]. Wheeler Fiancée to LU 357 Mem- FROM KEN WILLCUTT: numbers and email addresses tered to vote to do so. You can PM, 119 S Front Street, Any member interested in ber I have taken several questions listed below. register at any Secretary of State Marquette, MI 49855 th volunteering to Lit Drop 78 District – Dan about our optical insurance plan ALL NON-CRITICAL IN- office. SAGINAW CHAPTER: (contactless), phone banks (text), VandeHeed in the last few weeks and there TERACTIONS is cancelled until It is important for all mem- Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 7:00 th post card writing, etc. For our 79 Chokwe Pitchford seems to be some misconception further notice. Please utilize email bers to keep the Local updated PM, 1300 W. Thomas Street, Bay Labor Friendly Politicians for the Kalamazoo County as to who administers our optical and phone calls whenever pos- on addresses, email and phone City, MI 48706 upcoming General Election, Marshall Killian LU 357 plan. Local 357’s optical insur- sible. Below is a list of main con- numbers. If you need to change TRAVERSE CITY CHAP- please call Business Agent Sam Member for Kalamazoo School ance plan is administered by VSP tacts for the hall: an address or add an email and TER: Wednesday, October 21, Cadena @ 248-939-8636. Board: Note: you will need to not UMR or RX-Optical. If you Justin Pomerville, Business phone number please call the 2020 at 7:00 PM at the American The Pipefitters would like to write his name in on your ballot need assistance you can call VSP Manager (989) 799-5261 x 8513 Local at (248) 548-0800. Legion Post #35, 1231 Hastings extend our deepest condolences Meredith Place for Clerk and at 800.877.7195. You can also go [email protected] Lawrence Nemeth is now the Street, Traverse City, MI 49686 to the family of Brother Johnnie Register of Deeds to their website at https:// Jamie Badour, Business new Apprenticeship Coordina- DEATHS REPORTED: Our Rye on the passing of his wife Jason Weirsma for Drain www.vsp.com. VSP does not is- Agent (989) 799-5261 x 8515 tor; he can be reached at (313) sincere condolences to the fam- Sylvia Rye. Sylvia passed away Commissioner sue membership cards for you to [email protected] 350-0389. ily and friends of Brother Jarvis on Oct. 9, 2020. To the family of Rick Fuller for Sheriff carry. If you want a membership Tim Danielak, Business Attention all Apprentices Overbeek (Bricklayer) who Brothers Charlie and John Larkin Jeff Getting for Prosecutor card you will need to access your Agent (989) 799-5261 x 8514 now you will need to go to the passed away on September 21, on the passing of their Mother County Commissioners account through VSP online ser- [email protected] website: www.micement 2020. Brother Overbeek had been Agnes Larkin-Jones. Agnes Zack Bauer Dist. 2 vices and print one off for your- Clint Steele, Business Agent plasterertraining.com to enter a member for 57 years. passed away on October 10, 2020. Tracy Hall Dist. 3 self. When you go to your pro- (231) 499-7330 csteele@ua your work hours. When you get Our sincere condolences to And to the family of Retiree Veronica McKissack Dist. 5 vider for service you will need to local85.org to the website click the link the family and friends of Brother Brother William “Bill” Jamieson tell them you have insurance cov- Bobby Anderson, Organizer “About” and then click on “Ap- Frank Tolson (Bricklayer, Cement whose wife Sandy Jamieson Local 636 cont’d erage through VSP. Your provider (989) 799-5261 x 8512 rjanderson prentice monthly work form in- Mason & PCC) who passed passed away on October 8, 2020. will then verify your benefits by @ualocal85.org structions.” You will be able to away on September 28, 2020. She was also the mother in law to YOUR SAFETY MODULES, accessing VSP online. As for RX- Kristin Tuthill, Office Profes- put in your hours so Larry can Brother Tolson had been a mem- Brother Steve Cooper and Aunt DRUG TEST AND FIRST AID, Optical, they are not the adminis- sional (989) 799-5261 x 8511 keep track for your raises. Any ber for 22 years. to Brother Mike Kovak III and YOU WILL QUALIFY FOR FU- trator of Local 357’s optical insur- [email protected] questions please feel free to con- Our sincere condolences to Brother Thomas Kovak. TURE BONUS PAYMENTS. ance program. RX-Optical is a Feather Reige, Office Profes- tact Larry with any questions you the family and friends of Brother Pipefitters Local 636 would Financial Planning: Call Ja- participating provider with VSP sional (989) 799-5261 x 8510 might have. Richard Tripp (Bricklayer) who like to extend our warm thoughts son May at Morgan Stanley 248- and provides Local 357’s mem- [email protected] Effective September, 2018 passed away on September 22, and healing prayers to Retiree 258-1750 for assistance and con- bers with an additional discount The next Northern Meeting every member in Good Standing 2020. Brother Tripp had been a Brother Don Wheeler who is still sultation relating to your Defined program. If you need additional is postponed until further notice. will only be allowed to use the member for 61 years. home recovering from surgery. Contribution Investments. He information on this subject feel Please check the ualocal Hall twice per year, also effective CRAFTWORKERS Also healing prayers for Brother will help with a total financial plan free to call me at the office or on 85.org or our Facebook page for January, 2019 there will be a NEEDED: If you are available for John Hayward who was recently if requested. Services are paid my cell. the most up-to-date informa- $100.00 refundable deposit re- work, it is important to contact in a car accident and is at home for by the Defined Contribution WEBSITE INFORMATION tion. quired for any cleaning and/or your Field Representative on their recovering. Pension Fund. – FRINGES – TIC: Check out the The new website is up and damages that may incur. cell phone. We are looking for CJ Harrison would like all our Recovery Support Group: website at www.ualocal357.com running. Please check out Miller Cohen PLC is extend- experienced Craftworkers in all of members to know that she is still Pipe Dreamers, a Peer Support and the FACEBOOK Page @ www.ualocal85.org. Click on Lo- ing an invitation to our members our trades: Bricklayers, Caulkers, available by phone during these Recovery group for ongoing re- www.facebook.com/UALocal cal 85 Members to access mem- to participate in free Estate Plan- Masonry Restoration Workers, uncertain times, she is working covery from substance abuse and 357/. You should sign up for bers only information. Login in- ning Seminar. Learn about Wills, Cement Masons, Tile, Marble and from home doing phone confer- addiction meets the second and access to your fringe reporting formation is username: first ini- Trust, Durable Power of Attor Terrazzo Workers. Those who are ences which is still beneficial to fourth Tuesday of each month at done by TIC via the Union tial with full last name. Password (Continued on Page 9) interested should contact either all our members and their fami- 4:30pm at the office of “Work website. To gain access, click on is 00 with your UA Card Number. the Warren office (586) 754-0888 lies. You can contact her @ 313- Life Strategies” 26789 Woodward the Members Access Your Infor- If you should have any difficul- or the Lansing office (517) 886- 580-6887 Avenue, Suite 3105, Huntington mation. Here, then click on TIC ties logging in, please call Kristin Local 85, con’t 9781. Tell anyone who is doing The Retiree Association Woods 48070. Call 248-545-8301 International Corporation and or Feather at (989) 799-5261 ext. and you will receive a W-2 at the our work, that we are looking for Meetings have been cancelled for details or any questions you then Register. This is where you 8511 or 8510. end of the year. If you want taxes craftworkers! until further notice. The election may have. will type in your Name, Email The new Facebook page is withheld from your SUB Fund SIGNING BONUS FOR has also been postponed until Also, a Relations/Divorce Address, UA Card # and Create live. If you are currently on the Check, please indicate the dollar SKILLED CRAFTWORKERS: further notice. – President David Support Group meet on the sec- your own password. Once you Local Eighty-Five Facebook ac- amount for Federal and State on Local 2 will pay up to $2,000 as a Evans ond and fourth Thursday of the have completed all the informa- count, invites were sent to have each SUB submittal. Signing Bonus for skilled UA password good thru De- month at 6pm. tion – click on the LARGE REG- you join the new site. UA Local NOTE TO ALL MEMBERS: craftworkers who come to work cember 31, 2020: Vote Worker Assistance Pro- ISTER button that is surrounded 85 page is our public Facebook Address & Phone Update: for one of our Union Contractors Any member that is Retir- gram: Work Life Strategies, LLC by a Blue Box. account. UA Local 85 Members Please call the Union Hall to up- for at least a month. Also, Local ing, contact Benesys @ 248-813- are available to our members and Your User Access will be Group is our new members only date any address or phone num- 2 members working with the tools 9800 for your retirement paper- their families to provide personal granted the next business day. To Facebook. On this page, we will ber changes at (989) 799-5261 ext. and non-supervisory members work or if you want to meet with counseling services and when access your account, once it is have important messages and re- 8510. can get a Finders Referral Bo- the Financial Secretary Trea- needed, referral to other profes- set up, all you need to do is ac- minders specific to our member- Beneficiary Cards: Please nus for each new skilled surer, please give him a 7 to 10 sionals. Call 248-545-8301 to talk cess the Membership Button ship. Please like both and let us call the Union Hall for any craftworker who they refer, if they day notice so that he can get all to a counselor for issues relating again – type in your email address know what you think. changes in beneficiary informa- work for at least a month for our of your paperwork in order. to grief, alcohol and or drug ad- and password – and all your in- GOD BLESS ORGANIZED tion at (989) 799-5261 ext. 8510. Union Contractors. For more de- Dues: If you do not pay your diction, bankruptcy, financial formation will be presented. As a LABOR AND THE LABOR Email Addresses: Please tails and information, call your Dues by the end of each quarter. management, marital, depression, member via the website, you will MOVEMENT! email [email protected] to Field Representative or either the After 2 quarters go unpaid you legal and family counseling. be able to keep track of all your Training Center News: update email addresses. Warren office (586) 754-0888 or will then be Expelled and have to Consultations with Work Life hours and receive an e-mail when SUB Fund: Website Address: Please the Lansing office (517) 886-9781, be Re-Initiated and pay a $200 Strategies are a service paid for hours are posted to your ac- Print Unemployment Pay- visit www.ualocal85.org. or go to https://bit.ly/BAC-2-MI- Re-Initiation fee. by the Insurance Fund. Refer- count. This is very important as ment History located underneath Insurance: When you are 2000-Signing-Bonus. Defined Contribution Pen- rals to outside professionals, if it is up to you to keep up to date the Certification Tab when logged working out of another Local’s A SPEEDY RECOVERY: A sion Plan: For those members needed, will be paid for accord- on the hours being paid on your into your MiWAM account. jurisdiction it may take up to 90 speedy recovery is wished to all who use the Voice Response Unit, ing to the current health care plan behalf by ANY CONTRAC- Deadline for submittals is Noon days for your Insurance and Pen- those who have been sick or in- VRU to obtain balance informa- benefits. TORS. on Thursday in order to receive a sion to be reciprocated back to jured. Let’s keep them all in our tion and transfers funds in your Training Center News. Call CHANGE OF STATUS: If check that Friday. Checks will be Local 85, which may cause prob- thoughts and prayers. Defined Contribution Pension, Kim at the training center for first you have a change of status for mailed out on Friday. No in per- lems with your Health Insurance. *IMPORTANT CHANGE the number has changed. The aid online class. Please send all example: married, divorced, re- son pickups allowed. If a holiday ALWAYS SAVE YOUR CHECK Regarding Union Dues* All Lo- new number for the VRU is 877- emails and weld continuities to married, birth, death, workers falls on a Friday, checks will be STUBS and fax them in to the hall cal 2 Members are now eligible 410-9984. Plan provider number [email protected] comp, address change, etc., issued on Thursday and deadline at 989-791-3468 with the local you for a Union Dues discount, re- is 7526. WELDING - 4pm to 8pm. please call TIC at the phone num- will be moved up to Wednesday are working out of indicated. We gardless of what month you are You can now login to your Regular night welding from 4 pm ber above and Lori at the Union by noon. will fax them down to BeneSys to paid through currently. This of- Defined Contribution account on to 8 pm on Mondays, and Thurs- Hall. It is very important that we Where to submit docu- keep your Insurance up to date. fer is a great way to catch up on the Local’s website. Just click on days. Cost is $50 for 40 hours. keep all our records up to date. ments: Address: UA Local Union RETIREE LUNCHEON: All your monthly window dues by the “Defined Contribution login Downhill Welding- 6 Saturdays, There seems to be a continu- 85 SUB, 3535 Bay Road, Saginaw, retiree luncheons are postponed taking advantage of this annual here tab” and it will take you to call Kurt to sign up, cost $75 ing problem regarding notifica- MI 48603. Fax: (989) 791-3468 until further notice. Please check dues discount. the BeneSys login page. The GMAW Welding- 4 Satur- tion of divorces. Note that you, Email: [email protected] the ualocal85.org or Facebook for We are making available to Defined Contribution website is days, Call Mike to sign up, cost the member, will be responsible SUB Application for Ben- all up to date information. ALL Local 2 members the oppor- www.yourplanaccess.com/ $50 for any bills incurred and paid efits: Must be on file in order to CONDOLENCES: We ex- tunity to pay for 6 months of benesys. All inquiries. Starting the week of Nov. 9th on claims of an ex-spouse or de- receive SUB Check. Available at tend our condolences to the fam- union dues and receive credit for Are you “Work Ready”? Call Kim to sign up, all classes pendents. (See Pages 6 and 27 the Hall. ily of Herbert Mathis Sr. who 12 months. An entire year for half Have any of your safety modules cost $50: in the Summary Plan Description 90 Day Rule: The weeks passed away on October 7, 2020. the price!! expired? Is your Drug Test cur- Certified Rigging/Signal per- Booklet for clarification) Time lim- you are claiming must be submit- We extend our condolences UPDATE - BAC LOCAL 2’S rent? Check your report card at son- Monday and Thursday its apply for reporting status changes ted within 90 days of the first to the family of Robert TRAINING CENTERS. Both Lo- mustbsafe.org and if it is time for Nights from 4 to 8 so let the hall know ASAP! Monday following the week in Kotulionus who passed away on cal 2 Training Centers have re- renewal call the Training Center CSD 1- Monday night from MISCELLANEOUS: Con- which you are eligible to receive October 8, 2020. opened to our members but vis- 248-585-0636 and they will regis- 5 to 8 gratulations to Cory London on a State benefit per the Plan Docu- Remember you all are essen- its to our offices should be ter you. Be “ready” when the REVIT Thursday night from his recent marriage. ments. tial to me. scheduled by appointment. calls come in. Safety modules 4 to 8. CONDOLENCES: Condo- Taxes: There are no taxes Justin M. Pomerville Please contact our Training and drug tests are paid for by the DDC 2 and Chiller Basics lences to the family of retired taken out of SUB Fund Checks, Business Manager/ Centers at the numbers listed Contractors Association. WHEN Wed. nights 5-8 brother, James Wilkey, on his re- however they are taxable wages Financial Secretary below for an appointment for YOU STAY CURRENT WITH HDPE class Nov.14th. cent passing. (Continued next column) Local Union 85 annual RESPIRATOR FIT TESTS (Continued next column) Orbital class Oct 31st. (Continued on Page 9) October 16, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 9 Local 25 Bricklayers Iron Workers Local 514 and Allied Local 8 Cement Masons Craftworkers Iron Workers Local 25 Training Center – Phone: 248-960- NOVI – Work is Available! 2130. Iron Workers & Plasterers We are in need of manpower. If Welder online Verification: (Continued from Page 8) (Continued from Page 8) you or someone you know is off, For an accurate and quick review Iron Workers Local 8 ney, and Medical Power of Attor- and other services. please call Dispatch or a Busi- of welder certifications please Tim Roman ney, and Guardian Designation. DETROIT IMI TRAINING CENTER: To make your appoint- ness Agent. We must fill our jobs visit www.welderscertifica- Business Representative Contact the Union Hall if inter- ment for your annual RESPIRATOR FIT TEST or for other scheduled in order to protect them! tion.org On the homepage click UPPER PENINSULA – ested and a date will be sched- appointments at the Metro Detroit Training Center, please contact Dispatch is OPEN. Please “login” and type “read only” as WELD CERTIFICATIONS: uled for the free Seminar. Tom Ward directly at (734) 552-7066. call 248-305-9282: Monday both your username and pass- Weld certifications are being held If you are a Military Veteran TMT RTI CLASSES RESUME WITH REDUCED CAPACITY through Friday 7 am to 10 am. if word. Once logged on, type the on a as needed basis. Please con- please contact the Local so we DUE TO COVID-19; REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register you happen to get voicemail, just member’s book number in the tact Rich Hanson at the Appren- can update our records. Please visit detroittroweltrades.org and click Calendar. Classes are filled on leave your name, book number column on the left marked “ad- ticeship office for more informa- call (248) 548-0800. a first registered first served basis and will be held on the following and phone number. Local 25 Ac- vanced search,” click the ”go” tion. 414-476-9372. The Local’s website is: Saturdays from 7:00am – 3:30pm: Oct: 24th Nov: 7th and 14th Dec: 12th tive Members, Apprentices and button, wait until the name pops MEMBERSHIP MEETING: www.opcmiami.org. and 19th Probationary should call each up, and then click on the welders The Membership Meeting will O.P.C.M.I.A. Local 514 has a Apprentices, remember that Related Training Instruction (RTI) day you are out of work. OR use first or last name. take place by video conference satellite office in Flint, Michigan. classes are a requirement of your Apprenticeship, failure to attend our website to sign up for the out On the next screen, click “list on October 28th, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. We welcome Member and Con- will delay your apprenticeship and raises. Additional classes will be of work list: www.ironwork- certifications.” Every welding CST. Members can gain access tractors in the Flint area to handle added as necessary to accommodate all apprentices. Feel free to ers25.org certification the welder has will to the meeting at https:// their business transactions at: contact your BAC field representative or the Apprentice Coordinator IT’S MANDATORY TO be available for viewing and you meeting.iwl8.org on the after- 2630 Grand Traverse, Flint, MI should you have any questions. WEAR A FACE MASK IF YOU can see that if it has been re- noon of the meeting. 48503. Appointments may be METRO DETROIT APPRENTICE WORKSHEETS AVAILABLE VISIT ANY OF THE UNION OF- newed; it is good until the year MINE SAFETY TRAINING: made by contacting Business FOR DOWNLOAD: Turning in monthly worksheets is a require- FICES OR UNION HALLS. 2021. The site also allows you to A Mine Safety Refresher Class Agent Mike Stanfield at (517) ment of your apprenticeship. Metro Detroit Apprentice Worksheets The last day to request an print out a copy of the welder will be held on November 7th, 2020, 719-2316, or the Business Man- are available for download at http://bit.ly/Apprentice_Worksheets. early VACATION draw is WPQR if needed. Click on “list 8:30 a.m., via Zoom. To sign up ager Henry Williams at (313) 215- If you do not have a printer you can pick them up during our monthly Wednesday, November 4, 2020. test results.” Click on the actual for this class, and provide your 5063. meeting or contact Tom Ward at (586) 757-6668 to request them by PLEASE NOTE. test code you want to see and email address, please contact Members working for non- mail. For more information on the Detroit Training Center visit: FRINGE BENEFIT OFFICE: you will see the test details. On Ann Lakenen at Pipefitters #111, signatory commercial contractors detroittroweltrades.org 800-572-8553 or 248-347-3100 and that page click “Printable Form” 906-226-6511. are having a negative impact on LANSING TRAINING CENTER: To make your appointment follow the prompts. Hours 7:30am (WPQR) and you can print the If you sign up for MSHA our market share. The work fore- for your annual RESPIRATOR FIT TEST or for other scheduled ap- to 4:30pm. The mailing address WPQR. If you read this please classes and do not attend or can- cast this year looks better than pointments at the Lansing Training Center, please contact Howard for member BENEFIT related mat- contact the Training Center for cel, you will be charged a fee of last. Members working non- Hipes directly at (517) 749-1102. ters is: Iron Workers Local 25 meeting credit. $30.00 and will be suspended union will be brought up on Go to https://www.michiganbricklayers.org to view the Lansing Fringe Benefit Funds, PO Box Pay union dues with credit- from any further Mine Safety charges and fines will be en- Apprenticeship and Training website and register future 2020 online 99219, Troy MI 48099-9219. Blue debit card 24/7 by calling 888- classes until the fee is paid. forced. Let’s work together to training classes. Cross Health Claims and Cus- 386-8173 and follow the JOURNEYMAN UPGRADE secure our future!! MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANCE: During this COVID-19 pandemic, tomer Service 877-790-2583. Delta prompts. OR PAY at www. TRAINING: Journeyman Iron We must stay vigilant in our the IUBAC Member Assistance Program has a number of services Dental Claims and Customer Ser- ironworkers25.org Any member Workers will have until the end effort to promote our trade. If you available for free or at a discounted rate to BAC members and their vice 800-482-8915. payment for multiple members, of October 2020 to turn in your are working in a crew of 5 or more families. These confidential services can be seen at http://bit.ly/ BENEFIT FOR NEW fines, suspensions, withdrawal Journeyman upgrade training. an Apprentice must be on the MAP-BAC and are also available via telephone at (888) 880-8222 and CHILD: Any member who has a deposits, SHOULD NOT use this crew. Help out! Call the Local at ask for membership assistance Monday – Friday 8 am – 8 pm. These new born child, or a new depen- process. Whenever possible we Local 25 cont’d (248) 548-0800. services were established and are intended to help get us through dent child through marriage are emailing you, your dues re- Please make sure your mod- difficult life situations. MUST NOTIFY the Fringe Ben- ceipt. debit or credit cards, interest bear- ules and drug test are up to date, FACEBOOK: “Like” Local #2 on Facebook “Bricklayers & Al- efit Office of your new dependent Pay union dues with per- ing checking accounts, IRAs, there are some plant jobs that do lied Craftworkers Union, Local 2 of Michigan.” within 31 days. sonal check or money order and CDs, Benefits Plus program, require the MUST modules. You E-MAIL ADDRESS: Local #2 wants to use every means pos- BENEFIT FOR LIFE mail to: Iron Workers Local 25 – HOME MORTGAGES, vehicle can go online at: www. sible to communicate with you. In an effort to accomplish this please CHANGE: Any member experi- P.O. Box 965 – Novi, MI 48376- loans, low interest loans and part mustonline.org Call the Local if submit your address by sending an e-mail to encing a divorce or a new spouse 0965. PLEASE include your book of Co-Op Shared Branching. We you need a drug form sent out. [email protected] and in the subject line place “Local #2 MUST NOTIFY the Fringe Ben- number on the face of the check/ have other branch locations in Please make sure that we e-mail address” then type your name, phone number and e-mail ad- efit Office within 31 days. A Mar- money order. Pay union dues in Detroit and Clawson. have all of your current contact dress in the body of the communication. We appreciate your time riage certificate will be required. person at the Novi Union Hall (M- Home Mortgages for Union information, address and phone and effort in helping us accomplish this task. The Next Zoom Union Meet- F) from 8 am to 3 pm (NO Cash). Families: Learn more about the number so we can keep the fund BAC 2 MI Texting Program. We have been communicating by ing will be Monday, October 26, After-hours use the outdoor- unique benefits available to offices updated for your health text message more frequently with our membership lately. We en- 2020 at 7:00 pm. If you have not dues-collection box. union members, their parents and care and pension and also if you courage our members to sign up to receive our text messages by yet signed up for Notifications Pay a year’s dues or more children. CALL 866-802-7307, are having your vacation checks - texting 2MI to 877877 please sign up as Notifications ($429.00 Journeyman) ($426.00 M-F 8am - 10pm EST, Sat 9am - mailed out. If you have moved - You’ll receive a confirmation text asking for your member no. (IU#) will go out via the APP. To par- Apprentice) and you will get a (1) 5:30pm EST www.unionplus.org please contact the Local and we - Respond with your six-digit IU number and you will receive Local 2 ticipate in the Zoom Union meet- one-month dues paid for by Lo- Those who have passed: will change your addresses with Text Messages going forward! ing is very easy … just be sure cal 25. (Get the 13th month free). Willie Rochon II passed away all of the fund offices. PENSION AND HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION: Brick- you have downloaded our APP This is intended to encourage awhile back on January 16, 2019 IMPORTANT NOTICE layers Metro Detroit Local Pension Fund (248) 641-4954. Detroit & or signed up for our emails via members to pay their dues in a at the age of 45. He was a Rigger FOR PLASTERERS AND DE- Vicinity Health Insurance (Brick, Cement and TMT) (800) 435-4080 or our website (www.ironwork- timely manner. The one month #1271020, formerly with L-575 TROIT COMMERCIAL CE- (248) 828-6000 (dvtt.org) ers25.org). We are leaning toward will be credited in the month AF- and withdrew his membership in MENT MASONS: You can track MI BAC Health & Welfare and MI BAC Pension (800) 531-2244 communication through the TER your actual 12-month pay- 2011. Jack B. Kierdorf #486332 your annuity fund status at the (outstate funds, michiganbac.org) PUSH NOTIFICATIONS – ment. passed away September 26th, 2020 Wells Fargo website. You may Cement Pension Fund (248) 645-6550 (detroitcementmasons.org) Please download the APP if you ELECTION DAY IS Tuesday at the age of 95. He was a 68-year do so by logging on to: CALL-A-DOC (800) 835-2362 (D&V Health Fund) haven’t done so yet!! Again, via Nov. 3, 2020 member and lived in Tennessee. www.retirement.wellsfargo.com International Pension/Annuity Fund (Brick, Cement and TMT) our website! More than 6 million Ameri- Ross Fruin #1214854 passed away or call (866) 640-5138, you can (888) 880-8222 or (202) 638-1996 (dvtt.org) Unfortunately Steward Meet- cans have already voted! We en- October 7, 2020 at the age of 60. also call the fund office at (248) ings are still cancelled until fur- courage our members to vote and He was a 25-year member who 645-6550 with related questions. ther notice as we adhere to the please watch for the endorsement started his career with Local 340. PLASTERERS AND CE- Benesys welcomes 2 new hires Governor’s revised Executive Or- list just mailed to Michigan Mem- Leo Colburn # 787642 passed MENT MASONS It is your re- BeneSys Inc., a leading third-party administrator of benefit plans ders. bers. When you receive your October 5, 2020 at the age of 79. sponsibility to fill out reciprocity for Taft-Hartley multi-employer trust funds, including many among Stewards’ Notes: 1) The Elec- Ballot we encourage you to fill it He was a 45-year member who forms if you plan on working out Michigan’s building trades unions, announced on Sept. 29 that Jeff tronic Steward Reporting forms out, sign the back of the return also started with Local 340. of the Local 514 area. This will Spires joined the company as chief information officer on Sept. 14. are online, www.ironwork- envelope, and as soon as pos- Our deep condolences to all ensure that your hours are sent Then on Oct. 7, they announced the hiring of Jayson Welter as ers25.org. Log in with your book sible hand-deliver them to their of the family and friends as you back to your home fund. If you the firm’s compliance officer. number, and the password is the clerk’s office or ballot drop box. mourn the loss of your dear have any questions, or need any Spires “brings a strong and varied background to us with sig- last 4 of your social. 2) PLEASE Clerk office and drop box loca- loved one(s)! forms, please contact the Local. nificant experience in both IT infrastructure and software develop- be sure to check dues for mem- tions can be found at To all Union Members: Please make sure your benefi- ment,” said CEO Edward S. Wolyniec. “With technology at the heart bers and boomers too AND BE Michigan.gov/Vote Thank you for all you continue ciary information is up to date. of the services we provide to clients, I am pleased that we have Jeff in SURE ALL BOOMERS HAVE Registration deadlines: to do to support each other dur- Any changes to your beneficia- the critical CIO position.” SIGNED BOTH THE RECIPRO- Online: Oct. 19; By mail: Post- ing this pandemic response. We ries can be made at the Local. With more than 25 years of experience, Spires most recently served CAL AND THE ASSESSMENT- marked by Oct. 19; In person: hope you and your family stay If you have questions con- as director of software engineering for Ontario Systems in Muncie, TARGETING. Nov. 3. safe and healthy! cerning your pension benefits, Indiana, where he was responsible for leading the engineering in the 3) All members please be Voter Registration – Alter- This information is as of ROAD BUILDERS can call: Toll development of SaaS solutions for the receivables management and sure to keep your Union dues paid nately ironworkers can visit Submission Time for this Article Free at 1-877-876-9357 or (517) payment processing industry. up to date as it is criteria for work- ironworkersvote.org to check (10/12/2020 2:00 pm E.S.T.). 321-7502. PLASTERERS’ AND Welter joined the company as compliance officer on Sept. 28. ing. You can be asked to leave their voter registration status, COMMERCIAL CEMENT MA- “Jayson brings a diverse background with an understanding of how the jobsite if your dues are not register to vote, and request a “Blessed are those who can SONS can call: (248) 645-6550 for compliance affects operations, gained from firsthand experience in current. mail ballot. This is a service from give without remembering, and pension and annuity, and Toll plan administration,” said Matthew Morbello, chief compliance of- Apprentices: Fill out your the national Building Trades and take without forgetting.” Free 1-877-876-9357. All Plaster- ficer and in-house counsel. “We feel fortunate that he’s stepping into monthlies online at the website works in every state, so our Mem- –Princess Elizabeth Asquith ers and Cement Masons can con- this critical position and already consider him a valuable member of or mobile app located under the bers can use it and share it with Bibesco tact (517) 321-7502 for health & the team.” A member of the State Bar of Michigan, Welter brings apprenticeship tab “Monthly Re- their Family Members also! “Those who can make you welfare information now through nearly two decades of health plan administration and compliance port Sign-In,” this gives you the “If you do not take an inter- believe absurdities can make Outstate Michigan Trowel Trades experience to BeneSys. ability to electronically submit est in the affairs of your govern- you commit atrocities.” Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michi- BeneSys has been providing Taft-Hartley trust fund administra- your monthlies. Also located ment, then you are doomed to live –Voltaire (1694 - 1778) gan. For the INTERNATIONAL tion and IT services since 1979. With more than 220 clients repre- under the apprenticeship tab you under the rule of fools.” – PENSION Call 1-888-880-8222 senting over 480 multi-employer trust funds across the U.S., BeneSys will find “Evaluation Form” Jour- PLATO. Toll Free or (202) 638-1996. serves more than 500,000 plan participants and their dependents. neyman/Supervision can use this The International Associa- to submit apprentice evaluations tion (IABSORIW) has endorsed using computer/cell phone and Joe Biden for president of the submit electronically. Please also United States of America. note, you must check your email Best wishes for a speedy re- on a regular basis; we now email covery to Danny Crawford your annual MUST drug screen #990728 who tumbled out of a paperwork and your pay raise tree recently. He is home recuper- slips. ating after surgery! The Local 25 Apprentice ATTENTION RETIREES: School will be closed Tuesday, The Novi Retirees Board of Di- November 3 for Election Day. rectors meets “in person” Thurs- Classes at the Local 25 Ap- day November 5, 2020. prenticeship School have started The Novi Retirees regular up again, please go the meeting is “in person” October ironworkers25.org to view the 20, 2020 at 10:00am. Social dis- block schedule; we are practicing tancing, face masks and good hy- social distancing protocols, etc. giene will be observed. There will First Aid/CPRE/AED No- be no luncheons in the near fu- vember 10, SubPart R - Novem- ture, coffee and cake will be pro- ber 12 and Qualified Rigger/ vided however. Crane Signaler- December 1, 3, Watch for updates at 8, 10, 15, 17 – textbooks must be (www.ironworkers25.org) or the purchased and homework com- Local 25 app that you can down- pleted before class starts. load by searching “Iron Workers New Apprentice Applica- Local 25” to stay informed on tions are being accepted BUT you union matters. MUST go to ironworkers25.org, Diversified Members Credit print the application, gather Union: Located at 25880 Novi Rd. documentation then phone the Phone: 248-344-2560 - CALL school for an appointment; no FOR HOURS. Services available: walk-in foot traffic. The Wixom (Continued next column) 10 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN October 16, 2020 IBEW IBEW LOCAL 252 LOCAL 58

IBEW IBEW Local 252 IBEW 58 ANN ARBOR – MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS: We are DETROIT – GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SCHEDULED Local 131 IBEW Local 445 looking at options for the upcoming winter month membership meet- FOR TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 2020. We are limited to 120 SEATS IN- Serving Southwest Michigan ings. Please monitor our local website page & Facebook page for updates. DOORS (first come - first seated). All others are welcome to stay in Since 1916 IBEW Local 445 UPCOMING ELECTION: Anyone interested in volunteering for their car and tune in to the designated radio station which you will BATTLE CREEK – The Gen- upcoming election please contact Hall. receive that night. All persons are required to wear a mask outside of IBEW Local 131 eral Membership Meeting is the VOTING: Please make every effort to vote in the upcoming No- their vehicles. We will make accommodations for everyone that wishes KALAMAZOO – The next second Monday of each month vember 3rd general election. to speak. You will receive further information on meeting night. General Membership meeting and starts at 5 p.m. at the Hall. Please Local 252 Website & App: The Local’s website www.ibew252.org VACATION FUND: Disbursement from the Vacation Fund is will be Nov. 2nd, 2020 at 6 p.m. The make sure to wear your masks. is up and running. There is also a Local 252 App available to down- anticipated to be transferred to your PNC Bank Stored Value Card or next Executive Board Meeting will Attention:The Executive Board load. Search “IBEW 252” in the app store. You must create a new if you elected, direct deposited into your checking or savings ac- be Oct. 19th , at 5 p.m. is now accepting Letter of Interest login and password to access the Members Only section. Your login counts, on or around Nov. 23, 2020. Please check the listed contribu- Due to the Governor’s cur- for the E-board Alternate position. for the old website is no longer valid. tions from your employers with your pay records for accuracy. A list rent executive order, we ask that There are political yard SERVICE PINS: If you would like your service year pin please of contributions may be obtained from the Benefit Office Website, those coming to the Local Union signs available at the Hall and also call the hall to make arrangements to receive it. www.ewjbt.org by logging into your personal information and click- to conduct business, please wear at the Democratic Headquarters TRAINING CLASSES 2020: ALL CLASSES CANCELLED ing My Benefits then Vacation Benefits. If you require a paper state- a face covering. at 36 E. Michigan Ave, Battle UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. ment, please contact the Benefit Office for a printout. If there is an Work Outlook: The work Creek. Please pick up yours to- M.U.S.T DRUG TESTING: Please make sure your MUST drug error, contact the Benefit Office at (586) 575-9200 ext. 212. outlook is strong. We expect to day! Every vote counts! testing is current as you cannot work on a U of M project or several ATTENTION - TO UPDATE BANKING INFORMATION THE have a busier than usual fall con- The 4th Quarter Dues were other projects in the jurisdiction without being current. Local 252 has FUND OFFICE MUST RECEIVE CHANGES BY Oct. 23, 2020. You tinuing into the winter. If you are due by Sept. 1, 2020. Just a a zero tolerance for alcohol or drug use. may check your Stored Value utilization history by logging on to aware of interested electricians, Friendly Reminder! ERTS: Please make sure that you are signed up in the Electronic www.pncpaycard.com and by entering your 16-digit card number listed working in our jurisdiction, please The Executive Board meets Reciprocity Transfer System. You must be signed up in ERTS before on the front of the card and the last four digits of your Social Security have them visit www.powering the fourth Monday of each month working outside of Local 252’s jurisdiction or your benefits will not Number, also referred to as your Account Access Code (or AAC for kalamazoo.com or call the office. starting at 4:30 p.m. be transferred back. short). Customer Service can be reached by phone, (866) 453-5071. The LMCC has launched a PLEASE HELP!! – The Hall Aflac Insurance: Aflac has teamed up with the IBEW to offer its ATTN: ELECTRICAL WORKERS’ INSURANCE FUND PAR- new website www.powering is asking each member to verify members Aflac benefits at a reduced rate. Contact Representative TICIPANTS: As a reminder, to take advantage of the Annual Opt- kalamazoo.com. This website will their address, phone no. and email Lisa Enerson for information about Accident, Cancer, Critical Care, Out window of the Plan for Jan. 1, 2021, the Benefit Office must re- be used to highlight local signa- address that we have on file. We Dental and Vision insurance from Aflac. Phone no.: (517) 306-0144. ceive the form no later than Nov. 25. The Form can be found at tory contractors and used as an are looking into a texting and AT&T Discount: Union members can save up to 15% on the www.ewjbt.org/Documents/Health Care Documents. Please feel free organizing tool. Follow us on email service, and if you would monthly service charges of qualified wireless plans, or unlimited call- to contact the Benefit Office at (586) 575-9200 with any questions. Facebook @poweringkalamazoo, like to be included in those corre- ing for $15/mo. for AT&T Wireless Home Phone plans. Visit The Electrical Industry Training Center is offering Continuing Twitter @PoweringKzoo, spondences, we need your cur- UnionPlus.org/ATT with discount code 4924966. Education classes. Please check them out at http:// Instagram @powering kalamazoo, rent information. Thank you! Retirees’ Breakfast: The retiree’s breakfast is cancelled until www.detroiteitc.org/continuing-education/.We will start to cancel and LinkedIn @powering Local Website - Please check further notice. classes if they don’t meet the minimum enrollment requirements, or kalamazoo. Please feel free to share the Local 445 website for the lat- Christmas Party: The Local’s annual Christmas party has been more hopefully we will order books for those of you who’ve signed the wage calculator feature of this site. est information, including job cancelled this year due to the pandemic. up. Members on the Storm Book must secure their training through the If you believe we do not have postings. IBEW445.com. Condolences: The Local sends our sincere condolences to Continuing Education Program offered by the school. If you need assis- your email address or correct cell Brother Bob Koeble for the passing of his wife Annette, who passed tance in registering for a class call the Training Center, 586-751-6600. phone no., please email Christine, IBEW 131, con’t away on September 29, 2020. Local 58 Dues Information: Dues are due by the first day of the cbohms@ibew 131.com NOTICE TO RETIREES: If your 50-year commemorative watch quarter. You can now pay your dues with an APP. Go to Apple/ Dues pricing - The price for Thomas Vrobel, August 2020. stops working for any reason please contact the Union Hall. Do not Google Play and download the IBEW 58 APP. In the APP go to My dues in 2020 is $40/month. If Peter Spreitzer, August 2017. attempt to have it serviced yourself. Profile, My Member Tools and that’s where you find the information you’re unsure about your bal- Condolences: With a heavy UNION DUES FOR 2021: Effective Jan. 1, 2021 union dues for to pay. You can also pay by phone with credit/debit or mail a check. ance, please call the Hall for the heart, Local 131 announces the “A” members will remain $119.25 per quarter. Union dues for “BA” At this time we are not taking cash transactions. Dues for the quarter exact amount or email Christine. If following members passing: members will remain $61.80 per quarter. are $124.50 without PAC and $128.50 with PAC. your dues ticket reads paid Brother Dale Bothwell passed CREDIT CARDS: The Local is now accepting credit cards to Local No. 58 Benevolent Fund: The next Benevolent Fund meet- through, August 2020 your dues away on April 23, 2020. Brother pay union dues. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express and ing will be Tuesday, Nov. 3, 5 pm. Join in on the “Cooler of Cheer Raffle.” are not current; please call the Hall. Charles Krull passed away on Discover. There is a fee of 3.5% to use your card. Hosted by the Benevolent Fund, tickets are $10 each. The drawing will We have finalized our auto- May 3, 2020. Brother John Ingram DUES PAYMENTS – Please look at your dues receipt. If your be held on Oct. 20 at 6 pm. Winner need not be present at the drawing. mated dues reminders, these re- passed May 2020. Brother Josh dues paid through date shows 9/2020, your dues are not current. “A” Members of the Community Service Committee: The next meet- minders will be sent ahead of pos- Batten passed away on July 24, members pay $119.25 per quarter for 2020. “BA” members pay $61.80 ing will be Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020 at 5 PM. The Committee has started sible late dues. You may receive 2020. Brother Lawrence Shearer per quarter for 2020. Please mail your check to 7920 Jackson Rd., Ann working at McCrest homeless shelter in downtown Mt. Clemens in- a message via text or email if you passed away on July 18, 2020. Arbor, MI 48103. Your fourth quarter dues (Oct. through Dec.) are stalling temporary and demo of the old electrical system in the build- have not tendered your most cur- Brother William Cook passed due now. Payments for fourth quarter dues will be accepted no later ing. The Committee will keep the membership updated as to when rent I.O. Dues payments. Dues away on Sept. 24, 2020. than 11:30 A.M. on Thursday, December 31, 2020. volunteers will be needed to continue with this project The Wobbly payments can also be made All Memorials and full obitu- Kitchen is up and running again and we are assisting them every 2nd online, to log in use your Last aries can be viewed on the and 4th Sunday with food prep and distribution at Cass Park. We are Name and Card Number. website under the Memorials Tab. $$$ Top Prices Paid $$$ asking volunteers to show up at the hall at 8 am to help with the Life events happen, and FROM THE APPRENTICE- ALL TYPES of NONFERROUS and FERROUS SCRAP METAL Wobbly Kitchen program. To get involved with future community we’d always like to make sure you SHIP: • ALUMINUM • BRASS • COPPER • STAINLESS STEEL service projects contact Mike Conflitti or Rob Z at the union hall. have updated beneficiary forms. Journeyman Upgrade • EXOTIC ALLOYS • CATALYTIC CONVERTERS Members of the Entertainment Committee: The next meeting of If you’re questioning whether Classes: the Entertainment Committee will be Tuesday, Nov. 10 following the yours is up to date, stop on down Fall 2020-Winter 2021 • CARBIDE • HIGH SPEED STEEL • AUTO RADIATORS Community Service Committee meeting that starts at 5 pm. to the Hall to get new forms. 1.Welding T, Sept. 8 to Nov. 10, COMMERCIAL CONTAINERIZED IBEW Local 58 will be having a Trunk or Treat and family movie If you’re interested in receiv- 2020 RESIDENTIAL SERVICE night on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, from 1-5 pm, movie at 6:30 pm, rain or ing updates from the Hall, please 2. Code Update 2020 S/S, Nov. 21 INDUSTRIAL PICKUPS shine at the Union hall. Come dressed up in your favorite Halloween email Christine at cbohms@ibew and 22, 2020 MONDAY-FRIDAY 8 A.M.-5 P.M. AVAILABLE SATURDAY 8A.M.-NOON costume. Pizza, snacks and cider will be provided. Please remember to 131.com to get your email address 3. State Exam Prep W, Jan. 6 to practice social distancing and face masks are required. Outdoor added. March 3, 2021 (248) 960-1200 restroom facilities will be available. This is a free event for all mem- Retirements: Congratula- 4. Motor Controls W, Feb. 10 to bers and families. Please RSVP on the Local 58 App. tions to the following retiring April 14, 2021 MANN METALS CORP. EWMC of Southeastern MI – A BIG SHOUT OUT to all who members: Adrian DiVisser, July 5. CPR S Feb. 13, 2021 1011 DECKER ROAD • P.O. BOX 711 • WALLED LAKE 48390 were able to help out at the PAL field project. It is just one more 2020. Michael Chaddock, May 6. Foreman Training W March 10, opportunity for us to make our presence more visible in the commu- 2020. John Magnan Jr., May 2020. to May 12, 2021 nity. Thank you to all of those who are attending our Zoom meetings Robert S. Davis, June 2020. Roger 7. CPR S March 13, 2021 as we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times. The Clark, March 2020. Patrick Klocke, 8. CPR S April 10, 2021 SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY next meeting of the chapter will be on Monday, Oct. 19 at 5:30pm. May 2020. Keith Moore, April **Code Update Classes: it is Please make sure your cell phone no. and your email address are up 2020. William Slater, July 2020. now required for Journeyman to REPRESENTING BUILDING TRADES to date. The meeting information will be sent out as soon as available. If (Continued next column) pay in advance to hold your spot you are not receiving the notices please make sure that your information in the Code Update Class. We is updated here at the hall. During this election season we will be partici- require 48 hours’ notice for BROTHERS & SISTERS OVER 25 YEARS pating where needed to try to get candidates who have our best inter- IBEW 58, con’t cancelations if you need to re- ests as their agenda elected to office. Also, please submit your census Scott M.; Diederich, Chad R.; schedule for another available BIESKE & ASSOCIATES data and encourage others to do the same. We do not want our commu- Fletcher, William A.; Code Update Course.** nity to be underrepresented for the next TEN YEARS. More information Grabarkiewicz Jr, Michael A.; Please visit our website Many people are wrongly can be found on the website at www.ibew-ewmc.com. Green, Randall; Higbee II, Charles www.kalamazoojatc.com or stop rejected when they apply for We will be participating with all committees doing a Trunk or L.; Hooker, Justin; Jacovetti, in to sign up for the Code Update Social Security Disability Treat/Movie Night event here at the hall. Please RSVP on the Local Jacob W.; Jones Jr, Jwan M.; Class. Sept. 3, 2020. Call Nicole at benefits. Money was taken out 58 APP. We will need volunteers to help out. Klee, Anthony V.; Klinkenberger, 269-388-4434 with any questions. of their paychecks for Social Please continue to stay safe at work, home, and in the commu- Paul A.; Ligons Sr, Dujuan H.; Drug Test Renewals: Please Security taxes to ensure that nity. #ibewstrong Mills, Michael W.; Mittelbrun III, keep track of your drug test expi- they would receive disability The RENEW Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5 p.m. Thomas; Moore, Aaron J.; Proc- ration date through www.safe2 benefits if they could no longer The Safety Committee meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m. tor, Matthew S.; Smith, Christian work4you.com. It is your respon- work full-time. Sadly, the government denies approxi- The Veterans Committee will now be meeting monthly immediately K.; Steel, Corey D.; Turner, An- sibility to stay current on your mately 60% of those who apply after the Safety committee meeting on the 2nd Monday of each month. thony G.; Turner, Darin L.; drug test. Please contact Nicole for disability benefits. The Political Action Committee (PAC) meets the 1st Wednesday Watkins Jr, Louis L.; Willhelm, (269) 388-4434 to get your autho- Attorneys J.B. Bieske of each month Via Zoom. To be added to our email list please contact Wayne S.; Williams, Derrick; rization form printed for you to Jeannette Bradshaw (313-408-1287). We want to thank all the mem- Wiseman, Daniel j. and Jennifer Alfonsi have pick up. If you don’t want to 42 years combined experience bers who have taken the time to vote in the General election already! Be sure to keep the Union Hall come to the Hall to pick it up, We hope that you and your families take the time to support our labor updated with any changes to your representing only Social Security disability clients. And they personally meet please email Nicole and request with all clients and appear themself at all court hearings. Many large firms friendly, union-supported candidates. PAC contributions can be made phone no., address, and email. your form to be emailed to you. assign inexperienced attorneys to your case. And some of these firms are through the APP, and at the Union Hall You can contribute more than IBEW Pension: Congratula- [email protected]. located thousands of miles away and only fly the attorney in the day of the the $4 dollars that is suggested on your quarterly dues, but you tions to the following members Organizing: As much tech- court hearing. Attorneys Bieske and Alfonsi have vast experience before local cannot exceed $175 per calendar year. The loss of our deduction cut who have been placed on Inter- nology, as we use to track non- Michigan judges. our resources in half, and we would like to assist local candidates national Pension: Craig S. Giroux, union electricians in our jurisdic- Attorneys Bieske and Alfonsi can often make a winning difference at the and our members looking to run for office. Thank you for taking our William S. Regiani II. tion, often, our best resources are application stage. And, if an appeal is necessary they have won several Get out the Vote calls, and let’s finish strong in November! Members that have Passed you the members. If you see a non- hundred cases before a court date is even set. Local 58’s Women’s Committee- The next meeting will be Oct. Away: Raymond Bentley, Main- signatory in the area working at a Those denied can appeal on their own but statistics for many years reveal 22 at 6. We will continue having our regular monthly meetings on tenance Electrician; Fernando location, please let the Hall know. that those represented by attorneys win a much higher percentage of appeals. ZOOM as needed. Please watch for emails with further updates and Fornelli, pension member, 48 year Politics: The Michigan AFL- And attorneys who specialize in Social Security Disability cases win a much hopefully we will be meeting in person soon. If there are any retirees IBEW membership; Bernice CIO has launched an endorse- higher percentage yet. that need help with getting groceries or other essentials during this Frede, Mother to JIW Thomas ments page for the 2020 Election In addition to practicing only Social Security disability law attorney pandemic, please reach out, we are here for you. You can email Frede, Sister-in-law to the late Cycle. Visit www.miafl-cio.vote and Bieske has written a book for attorneys about the subject and has been us.Email us at: [email protected], Follow us on pension members Donald & Ken- input your address to view the en- interviewed on various television programs. Both attorney Bieske and Alfonsi Instagram @ibewomen58; Check us out on Facebook. neth Frede, Grandmother to JIW dorse candidates from the State have also been interviewed on radio programs and have given speeches to IBEW Local 58 Retirees Association: Board meeting and lun- Eric Frede; Frank Giammanco, Federation of Labor. This endorse- many groups. cheons have been cancelled until further notice. Please keep your con- pension member, 47 year IBEW ment list will be specific to your Attorneys Bieske and Alfonsi offer free phone or office consultation. If tact information up to date with our Group and with the Union Hall. Send membership; Donald L. Goscicki, address and will include State Wide they represent you, there will be no fee charged until after the case is those email addresses to [email protected]. With C-19 being a Journeyman Inside Wireman; and Local endorse officials. wonwon. The fee is a percentage of retroactive benefits. part of our daily lives, it is still not possible to resume the social functions Ronald Harlow, pension member, “The basic goal Bieske and Alfonsi represent clients from all over the state of Michigan. that we Retirees enjoy. With the cooler weather approaching and more of 48 year IBEW membership; of labor will not change. It is – They maintains offices in Sterling Heights, Livonia, Southgate and Novi. Call our activities going indoors, why not take the time to reach out to some Sandra Kerwin, Wife to pension as it has always been, and I am them at 1-800-331-3530 for a free consultation if you have been denied, or of our fellow retirees, with a phone call or a note. Perhaps a walk around member James Kerwin; John sure always will be – to better if you are thinking of possibly applying for Social Security benefits. the block or a ride to take in the fall colors will brighten our days. It’s Kuehne Jr., pension member, 73 the standards of life for all who important we stay in touch and continue to be safe and healthy. If you year IBEW membership; James work for wages and to seek de- •ONLY SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASES haven’t paid your 2020 dues, please send them to Ray Owen, 428 Welch McCleary, pension member, 53 cency and justice and dignity for Road, Northville MI 48167. Dues are $8 per person, per year. year IBEW membership; Gerald all Americans.” •WE WILL PERSONALLY REPRESENT YOU As of 09/30/2020, the following members have lapsed member- Soma, pension member, 65 year –George Meany •OUR FEE PAID AFTER YOU WIN ship: Baldwin, DeMarco M.; Ballard, Joel R.; Beckman, Mark A.; IBEW membership. We extend Brian O’Donnell Beresford, John S.; Burmeister, Jason B.; Cotter, Daniel P.; Crump, our sincere sympathy to the fami- Business Manager/ (Continued next column) lies on their loss. Financial Secretary www.ssdfighter.com also stop by the Hall during busi- October 16, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 11 ness hours (7am-noon/ 1-4pm) and pay by cash, check, debit or credit card. Don’t wait till you IBEW owe a reinstatement fee (4 months behind). LOCAL 557 2020 – Monthly Dues – Jour- neyman $43.70 a month – Ap- prentices, CE, Sound Tech $40.70 IBEW Local 557 a month SAGINAW – MONTHLY MEETINGS- The November Member- 2019 – Monthly Dues – Jour- ship meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10 due to election day. The loca- IBEW neyman $42.70 a month – Ap- tion of this meeting has yet to be determined. Please continue to prentices, CE, Sound Tech $39.70 monitor emails and the Local’s Facebook page for updates on the IBEW Local 948 Local 498 a month location to comply with the most current State guidelines for gather- “Powering Northern Michigan FLINT – Our October Execu- If you are unfamiliar with our ings. Everyone should continue to do their part to slow the spread of Since 1949” tive Board Meeting will be held referral procedure please refer to the virus by practicing proper social distancing and wearing a mask on Monday, October 26th, 2020 our website @ http:// in public to protect you and those around you. Proper PPE should be IBEW Local 498 at 4:30 p.m. at the Union Hall. local948.org/job_referrals/ worn on job sites and safety policies should be followed as well. TRAVERSE CITY – Meet- IBEW The November Retiree Club Don’t forget after 3 turn- UNION HALL OPERATIONS- The Union Hall continues to be ings. Meeting will be held on Tuesday, downs on the out of work list you open for in-person transactions. If you will be coming into the Hall Regular E Board- will be LOCAL November 3rd, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. must come down to the Union for business, a mask is mandatory due to the DHHS orders. I urge all held on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 at the Union Hall. Hall to resign. that come in for in-person transactions to also adhere to social dis- at 5:30 pm, in-person meeting. Reminder – Absentee ballots 906 Gregory Remington tancing and the utilization of the service window in the main entry MEETING -The next regular are now available, please remem- Business Manager way if you can. Please try to take care of business remotely as much meeting is scheduled to be held IBEW Local 906 ber to vote. E-mail and Re-signs: If the as possible to cut down on visitors to the Hall. James Lamb is con- on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 at UPPER PENINSULA– Please remember to fill out Hall does not have your e-mail tinuing organizing duties during at this time as well and if you have 7 p.m. MEETINGS. the US Census — https:// address it would be a good idea any useful information for him regarding work or new members please Election year for state and MARQUETTE UNIT– First 2020census.gov/ to send us an e-mail to feel free to pass it along. He can be reached at 989-529-5943. federal elections- This is an im- Tuesday Don’t forget to check our [email protected] so we can BOOK SIGNING- Out of work lists can be signed for other Lo- portant year for local, state and IRON MOUNTAIN UNIT– website for new content. Be sure add you to the e-mail list. This is cals through fax or email. This is to continue to cut down on as many national elections as well as our Second Tuesday to log in to see all the new con- a great way to keep up with the in-person transactions as possible. Contact your home local and local union elections, it is impor- ESCANABA UNIT–Second tent. www.local948.com. latest information on job calls and request a correspondence to be sent to the Local you are interested tant for your voice to be heard in Wednesday You can pay over the phone other information sent from the in signing. all of these elections to support PLEASE PROTECT YOUR- with debit or credit card. You can Hall. NEW WEBSITE -Local 557’s website recently received a refresh SELF AND OTHERS BY KEEP- organized labor. The State of MI and will continue to be updated. now has absentee voting for ev- ING 6 FEET OF PHYSICAL DIS- 2020 ELECTION- Make your plan to vote and execute it. We TANCE. FOLLOW THE GUIDE- eryone who is a registered voter. need EVERYONE to vote this year and to vote for Labor friendly Please visit the State of MI website LINES ON HAND WASHING candidates. Support candidates that support working families. The AND WIPING DOWN SUR- or visit your local Secretary of State Local’s endorsed candidate list was mailed to the membership last office to get registered to vote in FACES. BE SMART, BE SAFE. week and can also be viewed on the Local’s webpage. The following members re- the upcoming primary elections If you do not have a plan to vote yet, make one today. Verify you and general elections in November. ceived Years of Service pins: are registered and request a mail-in ballot to ensure your vote counts. 5 Year Pins. Jacob Carlson, JATC – Congratulations to Early voting has begun and can be accomplished through your local Josh Brown and Travis Marks on Dejian Dean, Collin Fleury, Eric Township Clerk. October 19 is the last day to register to vote online Carlson, William Choudhry, completing the Apprenticeship IBEW Local 692 or by mail. Don’t delay in doing this, time is running out. Program. Kaleb Collins, Riley Pajnich, Ryan BAY CITY – Union Meeting. This November, we have the opportunity to elect a President Proctor, Derek Smith, Erin PLC Class- Will be sched- Please note the start time for the meetings has been moved to who will fight with us and restore a country ravaged by and ongoing uled in late winter. There are 5 Lakenen, Greg McDonald, Daniel 6pm. The next regular membership meeting will be Monday, Novem- pandemic and economic devastation. Joe Biden has a plan to restore Menard, Kevin Pratt, Mitchell seats available. If you would like ber 2, 2020 at 6pm. America. Joe Biden has a plan which will involve significant input one please call the hall. Richer. Executive Board Meeting. The next E-board meeting will be from our IBEW leadership, giving us a seat at the table. Joe Biden 10 Year Pins. Michael OFFICE HELP UPDATE – Monday, October 19, 2020 at 6pm. recognizes that it is working families such as us who will once again Local 498 has hired Laurie Rasmussen, Ramsey Winters Merchandise. We have new stickers at the hall and are currently build America back stronger than ever before. Your vote for Joe 15 Year Pins. Chad Laurent, Thybault on staff for 3 months. looking into fall / winter clothing options. Biden is a vote for brotherhood, unity, recovery, and optimism for the She will be contacting non-union Joel Smith Message from the Business Manager. Please note: at the Sep- future. 20 Year Pins. Tedd Collins, apprentices and journeyman in tember 14, 2020 monthly membership meeting, it was voted on by WE NEED YOU TO VOLUNTEER- We need many volunteers to the northern half of 498’s juris- Bruce Caudill, Peter Anderson, the membership to move the meeting start time to 6pm. Moving help out with various election related events this year. Please make Eugene Vassar, Andrew Bailey, diction. This is a short time frame forward, beginning with the October 5, 2020 meeting, all regular time to help out with the election. The Saginaw County Democratic that I can see the need for more Steven Becker, Anthony Guiliani, monthly membership meetings will begin at 6pm. Party and the Michigan AFL-CIO have phone banking opportunities Daymen Lippens, Randall workers on Mackinac Island and Following the governor’s orders, monthly membership meetings set up for all to do. This can now be done in the comfort of your own the Petoskey area. Makela, Anthony Nertoli, Lee will continue to be held outside, weather permitting. Masks will be home. These opportunities are easy to do and an effective way to Seaman, Kenneth Seppanen. SWEATSHIRT ORDER - It required at all times by anyone coming or going into the union hall. make contact with other voters. Due to COVID, in person activities was mentioned after the last Congratulations to these There will also be strict guidelines to adhere to with social distanc- are not as available as in the past. Contact the Hall today to set up members. We thank you for your union meeting about taking or- ing. Please do your part, brothers and sisters to protect each other. If your times to help get the word out. ders for sweatshirts. If you would service. we all do our own little part life will hopefully return to normal sooner HEALTH CARE-The Michigan Electrical Employee’s Health The next MSHA class will be like one please call the hall and than later. Plan continues to cover 100% of the costs related to testing for we will start a list. They did not via Zoom on Oct. 17, Nov. 7 and After careful consideration, I have decided that it is time to add COVID-19. During this pandemic, remote care is encouraged and 21st. To sign up for any MSHA appropriate funds for them but if another organizer to assist Brother Klele in his duties. Brother Brendon Blue Cross members can call the 24-Hour Nurse Line at 800-117- you wanted one and paid ahead class please call Ann at 906-226- Baranek will come on starting September 21st. These two will not BLUE. You may also want to inquire if your primary care provider 6511 ext 4. Class size is limited to of time, we should be able to do only be organizing new members, but also working to secure work for offers telemedicine. The Health plan continues to meet regularly that. It will depend on if we have 20 persons so if you need to re- our unemployed brothers and sisters. We have a jurisdiction of 19 via teleconferences to stay on top of the pandemic and update new your certificate make the call a large enough order to make it counties and adding another body will definitely help to make sure coverage as necessary. feasible. At the last meeting we now and reserve your spot in the we are covering all areas equally. As you know, the Michigan no-fault insurance law changed ef- class. We expect some sizeable laid over funds to order more tee Work Report. Master Electric is putting the final touches on fective July 1. Notifications were sent to each member from the Michi- shirts. If you want a different work at the mines this winter. electrical construction at the Costco Wholesale Warehouse with the gan Electrical Employee’s Health Plan. This letter encouraged mem- The electrical bids are in on design please attend the meeting project expected to be completed in the next few weeks. The wind bers to purchase unlimited PIP to ensure proper protection for them- to voice your opinion. two major projects. The Soo turbine project (grounding and bonding) located in and around the selves and their family. The Health Plan will not offer Qualified Health Locks and the Island Resort. The Covid 19 office hours- For Rosebush area continues to have calls for manpower shared be- Coverage and therefore members must purchase PIP coverage. You your information the hall is open bids are being review by the Gen- tween us and 275, as the project is taking place in both jurisdictions. should discuss PIP coverage and other auto coverage with your eral Contractor and the winners to limited walk in traffic. To fol- Conti Electric, along with Newkirk, have work on the Consumers insurance agent. low state guidelines there is a 6- should be announced later this Energy dams along the Ausable River. Newkirk Electric has also just BLUE CROSS APP-Download the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of month. foot distance rule in effect, so if begun their project at Bay City Powertrain. John’s Electric out of Michigan app for your smartphone. Search for “BCBSM” on the there is more than 1 person at a The Health Plan sent out the Alpena has been awarded the Alpena Library project. Hardies Elec- Google Play app or Apple store. Benefits to utilizing the app in- Summary Plan Description book- time in the hallway outside of tric has a nice project at the Atlanta Schools. Most other school work clude: instant access to EOB’s, a virtual ID card on your phone, Caroline’s window the second lets recently. We encourage you is winding down. Both Dodge and also CAM construction reporting information on deductibles, explanations of coverage and other help- to keep this booklet handy. It pro- person should wait outside or in systems have shown few electrical projects to be bid as of late in our ful tips related to your Health Care coverage. EOB’s can be down- the meeting room until their turn vides an easy to follow descrip- jurisdiction. Work remains very good in Detroit, Kalamazoo, Ann loaded to smart phones or computers and used to substantiate WEX tion of what the Plan covers un- at the window. Masks are avail- Arbor, and also Lansing. Please contact the hall if you would like to receipt requests. able at the hall for personal use der different topics and also what sign any books. WEX APP- Search for the “TIC HRA” app in Google or Apple the Plan does not cover. Please as well as hand sanitizer and Please stay safe and look out for your fellow brothers and sis- and download it today. Utilization of this app will give you access to cleaning supplies to be able to take some time to review the ser- ters. account balances, receipt reviews and submittals, barcode scanning vices you use the most to get a sanitize the restroom after you Union Dues. Dues can be paid in person, via phone, by mail or for covered items, other helpful services. This is a great tool to ac- use it if needed. better understanding of what will automatic withdrawal from your bank account. We also accept pay- company your Health Care benefits. or will not be covered. For extended stays or busi- ments via credit/debit card. Please note to use the credit card ma- JOB CALLS- Please stay vigilant checking the Job Line if you ness needs at the hall you will be The Executive Board will chine to process payments, there will be a 2% charge applied. are seeking work. All work calls for the day will be available on the oversee the swearing in of two asked to fill out a health ques- Monthly dues can also be paid on-line from the 692 website. Job Line after 4:30 pm. IF YOU ARE SEEKING WORK don’t forget tionnaire and take a temperature new apprentices at their next Visit ibew692.net and log into the member section. to CALL 989-781-0516, option 3. regularly scheduled meeting. The reading just like apprentices do 2020 Dues (Effective January 1, 2020): Monthly $41.20; Quar- STAY CURRENT ON DUES –Please check to see if you are for class or applicants do for in- apprentices are Garrett Ackland terly $123.60; 6 months $247.20; Yearly $494.40 current. The Hall has the ability to accept credit cards The credit (Red Electric) and Gardner Bess terviews, again to try and follow To avoid a reinstatement fee, please remember to keep your card service can accept payments for dues, merchandise, apprentice State of MI safety guidelines. (Soucy Electric). We welcome dues current. book payments and other purchases. There is a convenience fee to these new Brothers to IBEW Lo- PAYPAL – PAY PAL is now Retirees Lunch. All retirees’ lunches have been postponed. use this service. Credit card payments to pay dues can also be ac- up and running!!! Please look into cal Union 906. Fringe Benefits. REMINDER: if you have recently gotten mar- cepted over the phone to ensure you are current. VOTE. Be informed, look at setting up a personal PayPal ac- ried, divorced, had children, etc. make sure your beneficiaries have CONTACT NUMBERS- Michigan Electrical Employee Pension count. The Pay Pal option to use the facts and vote for the candi- been updated accordingly. Beneficiary forms can be obtained from fund and Michigan Health Plan (517) 321-7502 or (855) 633- date who supports Labor. for paying your dues is “pay the hall. 4584. Fax (517) 321-7508, website mielectricalhealth.org. someone you trust”, if a different A reminder that the monthly REMINDER: If you contact the Health Plan Office about going Evan Allardyce, dues are $40.00. We have received option is used it will deduct the on short-term disability, it is important for you to notify the Hall as Business Manager (Continued on Page 12) some at the old rate of $39.00 and well. A copy of your paperwork will need to be submitted to the Hall a few members are overpaying. for your file. This will also freeze your position on the out of work list. This makes the bookwork diffi- Organizing. Brothers and Sisters, as we slowly open the state cult. Please if you have a service back up amid a global pandemic, getting out onto job sites to make that pays your dues monthly in- contact with unrepresented workers continues to be a struggle. form them of the correct amount. However, we have made some great additions lately to Local 692 Please remember that ad- through our organizing campaign. Sometimes it just takes one guy to dress changes and phone jump from the merit shop for his co-workers to see that they have changes along with new addi- been lied to for years from contractors. tions to the families need to be Our members are the biggest tool we have when it comes to passed on to the Hall and the organizing. Talk to that neighbor or family friend that has been work- Pension and Health Plans. ing non-union. Tell him or her about the benefits of the IBEW and If you have any information what we have to offer. You, the membership, is the greatest tool this you would like to see noted in local has to build those relationships. this article or something you be- Please do not hesitate to reach out to me when you see a non- lieve should be published please signatory contractor doing work in your neighborhood. Our juris- email the Hall with your request. diction is huge and impossible for me to try and tackle this task [email protected] alone. Don’t hesitate to pass my phone number along. Thank you. “The only reason some Brian Klele (989) 252 9225 people get lost in thought is be- Ryan Charney cause it's unfamiliar territory.” Business Manager / Financial Secretary – Paul Fix Important links & numbers IBEW Local 692 989-684-4510; www.ibew692.org “Fortune favors the bold.” Health Plan 517-321-7502, www.mielectricalhealth.org –Virgil (70 BC - 19 BC) Michigan Pension Fund, 517-321-7502 “All of us want to do well. www.michiganelectrical.org But if we do not do good, too, First time logging in, use your Social Security Number in the “ID then doing well will never be Box” enough.” NEBF/ NEAP: 301-556-4300, IO Pension: 202-833-7000 –Anna Quindlen (1953 - ) “Be to her virtues very kind. “Some people will never learn anything because they under- Be to her faults a little blind.” stand everything too soon.” –Matthew Prior (1664 - 1721) – Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744) 12 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN October 16, 2020 Local 36 Elevator Constructors Local 1191 Elevator Constructors Local 36 DETROIT – ALL MEMBERS ARE INFORMED that our next Laborers regular Membership Meeting was planned for Monday, Oct. 26, 2020 at 5:30 pm, as of this printing we are having a meeting in the parking lot Laborers Local 1191 only, we are seeking alternate ways to communicate if the weather does DETROIT – Due to COVID- not cooperate or an venue to accommodate us. Any changes in this 19, Laborers’ Local 1191 is mak- schedule or venue will be included in future Building Tradesman articles ing every effort to keep our mem- and emails. The Local requests your email so we may inform you on any bers and staff safe during this last-minute changes or the possibility of virtual meetings. time by limiting person-to-person Attention, our NEBA contract will be expiring July 9th of 2022 so contact at the Local Union Hall. we will be having Nominations for the Delegates for the 32nd General The next membership meet- Convention at our Dec. 28 meeting, per the International Constitu- ing will be on Nov. 6, 2020, at the tion and By-laws. Any Resolutions for the next contract shall be Union Hall 7pm. (NOTE there will turned into the Hall as per our Local Constitution and By-laws before be limited seating.) our Feb. 22, 2021 meeting. Thanking you in advance for Attention All Apprentices, Apprentices should be accessing your complying with the above condi- INSTALLING WINDOWS at the Michigan State University STEM project are Clayton McGuirt and classes on the NEIEP website. Check your NEIEP email address for tions and please follow the Jeremy Skowronek of Glaziers and Glassworkers Local 826. They’re employed by Lansing Glass. additional information frequently. NEIEP is continuing this semester COVID-19 recommendations to with the format of online classes and it is your responsibility to stay stay safe and healthy. current. Apprentices who have completed their classes will soon re- Members can now Pay Dues Michigan Painters ceive their invite for the Mechanic’s Exam, check your home page at on line 24/7 on our website!!! Up- District Council NEIEP. Monthly OJT Forms are still required of ALL APPRENTICES! per right-hand corner Pay Dues tab, Have your forms into the Hall before the fourth Wednesday of Oct. and follow the instructions … 28 or expect an invite to the next JAC meeting. This is a requirement Check out our website at of the Department of Labor. Do not put your apprenticeship in jeop- www.laborerslocal1191.org .Im- Painters DC 1M ardy by failing to fulfill your responsibility. portant information about your WARREN – Dear Members, Attention All Members, Check your pay stubs regularly. There Local Union. Also, on Facebook! Please make sure that your have been issues with multiple Employers with improper payments. Dues: Beginning Jan. 1, family and as well as yourself are The hours you are paid should match hours toward vacation, ben- 2020 regular monthly dues are $35 registered to vote. Voting is one efits and expenses submitted. All may request a copy of the time you for active members. Retiree monthly of our most important rights as submit, according to Article XI, Par 2. of our CBA. Any changes made dues will remain the same $ 8. an American. If we want to effect to your time are to be documented and given to you, Article XI, Par 1. NOTICE: The Uniform Lo- change in our state and country Local 357 We recommend all request a copy as issue with payrolls seem to be cal Union Constitution Article we must- GET OUT and VOTE Glaziers & rising. Document all tests that are due and only tasks you have com- VIII sec. 4. The monthly dues are on NOVEMBER 3rd! pleted. Keep all job logs current with this information. due on the first day of the month DC1M WEBSITE: District Council 1M Glassworkers All Members, Local 36 is working with Local 85, Lansing and the and unless paid on or before the www.iupatdc1michigan.org Business Manager: Robert EIWPF are holding classes on Monday nights, 6-8 pm. Reviewing last day of the following month, DC1M FACEBOOK: Gonzalez Glaziers & Glassworkers 357 and answering any questions pertaining to Michigan and Detroit the member shall be deemed sus- www.facebook.com/iupat1m Meeting date: 2nd Tuesday of WARREN – Our next regu- Elevator Codes. Contact the Hall if you are interested. The link will be pended by the International DC 1M UNION CARDS* every month at 6:30 p.m., with the lar scheduled union meeting will sent to you for either online or phone participation. The better you Union without notice. Any questions Executive Board meeting at 6 p.m. be Monday, Nov. 2nd at 6pm. Even understand the codes, the better you can protect your customers, Retirees: Retiree Council’s regarding a lost, Place: 14587 Barber Ave, Warren if the restrictions are limited for your work and yourself. Knowledge is key. meetings are the last Friday of the damaged Union MI 48088 & 419 S. Washington indoor meetings, we will meet out- Reminder, Please keep your State of Michigan and City of De- month. The meetings are held 11 cards, or if you Ave, Lansing MI 48933 side in the parking lot out around troit licenses current. a.m. at the Union Hall, at 2161 have dues in- Local Union 312 back or the hall. Dress for it. We regret to inform all members on a fatality on the job in Local West Grand Boulevard in Detroit. quiries or have Business Rep: Tim Schwerin Work looks to be remaining 91 New Haven CT. Brother Daniel Kelly Jr lost his life on the job. MUST Safety Awareness not received a Meeting date: 2nd Wednesday of steady in the area. Please keep your Please keep this Brother and his Family in your thoughts. Training: Please check the card please con- every month at 6:30 p.m. certifications current, along with Get well wishes are extended to all our Brothers and Sisters who MUST website at www. must tact the DC1M Place: 1473 N. 30th St., Galesburg, your MUST and drug screen. are on our sick list. Keep safe and healthy. Be a Brother to a Brother, online.org to see how many mod- offices at: MI 49053 Apprenticeship school has regardless of what Local they might belong to. Prepare now for the ules you have. Members are re- ROBERT Warren Office: Local Union 514 resumed, as of Monday Aug. 17. coming election, your vote counts! minded to get your 18 modules GONZALEZ (586)552-4474 Business Rep: Scott Mikulen Please contact Jeff Flynn, or Rich Be safe and be healthy! and keep them up to date also a extension 100 Meeting dates: 1st Wednesday Oakey if you have questions on current Drug Test. You can Freeland Office: (989) 695-6888 of every month at 7:30 p.m. the schedule, make up classes, schedule an appointment to take *NOVEMBER 3rd ELEC- Place: 7920 Jackson Road, Ann raise letters, or anything else re- your modules at our training TION DAY!* Members you will Arbor, MI. lated to school. school by calling (734) 729-7005 receive a mailer in the month of Web site: www.iupat- The Governor has let con- or 517-625-4919 website October which will contain the local514.org. struction resume. This being said www.mltai.org. You can also con- Pro Labor Candidate Endorse- Local Union 826 please follow the specific guide- lines required on each project. It tact the Local 313-894-2241. ment List. This list contains all Business Rep: Rocky Ackerman will take some get used to, the Also, check out the training screened pro-labor candidates Meeting date: 2nd Thursday of new ppe required, but it is neces- classes available to you at no endorsed by the Michigan Build- every month at 5:30 p.m. sary to keep each other safe, and cost. Note: classes & certifica- ing Trades Unions for the state Place: 3115 Joyce St. our families safe. tions contractors have been ask- of Michigan. Burton, MI 48529 Keep your working status ing for are, OSHA 30,Asbestos Please use this list for your Local Union 845 information and convenience for current; this helps protect your & Lead Awareness, Hoisting & Business Rep – Fred Frederickson absentee voting, early voting, or benefits if you have a mailing Rigging, Pipeline Safety, Class Meeting date: 1st Thursday of A Cdl License, Asbestos Removal election day voting. address and/or telephone num- every month at 7 p.m. PAINTERS DISTRICT ber change, please notify the Supervisors Licence, Confined Place: 419 S. Washington Av- COUNCIL 1M SMART PHONE Union and Fund Offices of the Space Permit Required, Grade enue, Lansing, MI 48933 Checking Blueprint Reading & APP. Painters DC 1M is pleased changes. Measuring Tools, Gps Location, to announce its all new APP. Local Union 1052 Dues payments may be all are available at the training For IPHONE go to IOS store, Business Rep – Jake Fluty mailed to the Union Office at center. It could mean the differ- For ANDROID got to Google Meeting date: The Fourth 14587 Barber Avenue, Warren, MI ence of being sent to work or not! Playstore Wednesday of every month at 48088. Make checks payable to: Referral List: Every member Search for “Painters and Al- 6:30 p.m DISTRICT COUNCIL 1M in care who is looking for work must call, lied Trades” download APP Place: 3115 Joyce St., Burton MI of Glassworkers #357. or come to the Local Union Of- Username: your member id# 48529 When traveling to work out fice on Mondays between 1-4 p.m. Password: painters Local Union 1803 of town, all members are reminded and put their name on the out-of- With this APP you can ac- Business Rep: Josh Ovalle that they must check in with the work list. You must have an out-of- cess training classes, Local Union Meeting date: 4th Tuesday of ev- local that you are working in as work skills sheet filled out and on meeting times and dates, receive ery month at 5:30 p.m. per the International Constitution file in order to be referred out for alerts, and communications from Place: 7677 Midland Road, and our local C.B.A. work by this Local Union. your Union, etc. Freeland, MI 48623. The Fund Office address is Also be advised: Per the out GET INVOLVED AND Local Union 2352 Michigan Glass and Glazing Joint of work list rules, all members on PARTICIPATE IN YOUR Business Rep: John Sape Funds, P.O. Box 966, Troy, MI the list must re-register your avail- UNION! Meeting Date: 3rd Tuesday of 48098-066; phone number: 248- ability for work every quarter and OUT OF WORK/ BACK TO every month at 6:30 p.m. 641-4957; fax 248-813-9898. do so within the first five days of WORK: To keep work placement Place: District Council 1M, 14587 If you are in need of safety the following months March, efficient, please notify the office Barber Ave., Warren, MI. modules, please contact your em- June, September and December when you are laid off or going Local Union 2353 ployer if you are employed or the (Roll Call). back to work. Business Rep: Keith Anderson union office , 586-552-4478, if Save Time & Money: no Warren office# is 586-552- Meeting date: 3rd Thursday of you’re not. Any questions call the more checks or money orders to 4474 or Freeland office# is 810- every month at 6:30 p.m. hall or call the Council @ 586-552- mail no more worry if it gets here 232-0005. Place: District Council 1M, 14587 4474. Participation is very impor- on time, monthly dues can be de- New job starts should be re- Barber Ave, Warren, MI. tant to keep your union strong. ducted from your vacation check ported to the Union office, please and sent direct to the Local. do so. Local 591 Please stop by the office to get Get involved. Work smart. Sign, Pictorial & one of the forms or you may call Work safe. Display the office (313-894-2241) to have one mailed to you. Sign Pictorial & Display 591 Sape at 586-899-8082,or Keith WARREN – The next Gen- Anderson at 586-899-7958,your eral Membership Meeting will be Business Representatives. held on Nov. 3,2020 at 6:30p.m. Questions pertaining to Lo- IBEW Local 498 Trustees and union stewards cal 591 Pension Fund issues call “Powering Northern Michigan Since 1949” meet at 6:20 p.m. 248-645-6550 and/or Health Care Anyone possessing a union issues call 248-358-3340 or 800- (Continued from Page 11) membership and willingly works 482-8736 which will then be an- credit card fees out of what is sent to the local for your dues. This at a nonunion shop doing union swered directly through fund of- leaves your dues short as we are a not for profit business and have work can have charges preferred fice. no way to absorb those costs. If you need help with this you can call against them under Sec. 16.4,and OUT OF WORK: BACK TO Caroline at the Union hall. 19.8 of the District Council By- WORK: procedure for out of and JB Webb East and West- Our next Union Management meeting laws. back to work: When laid off or is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. We will again have the Any questions on local going back to work, call the of- informational meeting at the Little Traverse Townhall right after work union issues, please call John fice. 586-552-4474 at 3:30 pm. I hope to have more information on work and layoffs. “Do not condemn the judgement of another because it differs Email – Please get an email address to the hall so we can get info from your own. You may both be wrong.” out easier and faster, thanks. You can email your address to the hall – Dandemis at [email protected] . Please put your name in the subject. Dues 2021 – There is no Union Dues increase for 2021. Effec- tive Jan. 2021 the rate will remain $140.10 per quarter. Volunteer – We will need people to volunteer for events coming up. Contact the hall and let George know. Email Addresses - Any member that would like to have Local 498 forward communication to them from the International, Local 498, AFL-CIO or the Building Trades, to help stay informed to current “The most beautiful experience we can have is the myste- events, politics, contracts, work, etc. Please call or email your current rious. It's the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle email address to Local 498 at [email protected] Thank you! of true art and science. Whoever does not know it can no DUES RATES- Jan 1, 2020 - $140.10/Quarter longer wander, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his Jan 1, 2021 – No increase. Still remains $140.10/Quarter mcnicholsscrap.com detroitironandmetal.com eyes are dimmed.” Remember to check the hall recorder at night after 4:00pm for any (313) 365-6100 (313) 841-5100 – Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955) jobs that might be available. 231-943-4980 ext. 3# GOP’s prevailing wage October 16, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 13 repeal obsession is costing workers (Continued from Page 1) projects funded by the state government effective Sept. 23, 2017. The study said economic data reveal that: 1. Since repeal, blue-collar construction worker earnings in Wis- consin have dropped by 6 percent, on average. 2. Repeal was associated with a 4 percent decrease in em- ployer-provided health insurance coverage for blue-collar con- struction workers. 3. Since repeal, the total annual incomes of construction indus- try CEOs in Wisconsin have increased by an average of 54 percent, contributing to greater inequality in construction. 4. Repeal had no impact on racial diversity but resulted in less gender diversity in Wisconsin’s construction workforce. 5. The number of active apprentices and the number of gradu- ates from apprenticeship programs have grown slower in Wisconsin than in neighboring Illinois and Minnesota following repeal. 6. Total construction worker turnover increased by 8 percent in Wisconsin’s heavy and highway construction sector after repeal. 7. The average number of bidders on Wisconsin Department of Transportation projects was 3.5 before repeal and 2.9 after repeal, a 16 percent decrease in bid competition. 8. There was a 60 percent increase in new Wisconsin Department WIRING LIGHTS at the Michigan State University STEM project on the second floor of the east lab annex of the project are electricians of Transportation projects being awarded to out-of-state contractors Bob Butler, Mallory Gerstler and Chris Weatherwax. The IBEW Local 665 members are employed by Summit Electric. following repeal. 9. Repeal had no statistical impact on the average cost per mile of resurfacing or maintaining roads in Wisconsin. 10.There has been no discernible difference in Wisconsin De- Local 149 partment of Transportation projects coming in under budget follow- ing repeal. Roofers and Waterproofers The study corroborates the findings of a nonpartisan Wiscon- Mid-Michigan Training When contractors call the sin Legislative Fiscal Bureau report, which found that “the evidence Roofers 149 Center Information. Journey Union Hall for help, we need on prevailing wage effects, generally range from relatively small ef- Local 169 DETROIT – Main Office – workers upgrade classes to im- to know who is available, and fects to no statistically significant effects.” Southeastern Lower Michigan – prove your skills, your worth, and have an up to date phone num- And the Midwest institute’s latest work is in concert with a long Boilermakers Regular Membership Meet- our Brotherhood/Sisterhood is ber. All Mid-Michigan Area line of studies and papers that calls into question the motives – and ing. The next regular membership available at no cost to all Mid- members who are out of work rationality – of prevailing wage repealers. Similar findings question- Boilermakers Local 169 meeting is tentatively scheduled Michigan LU 149 members. need to call the Hall at (810) ing the benefits of prevailing wage repeal mirror those of researchers ALLEN PARK – The union meet- for Tues., Jan. 5, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Dues must be current in 687-1368 to be put on the out from Michigan State University, the University of Utah, the Univer- ing will be held in Area One on Fri- The next Executive Board orderto enter the Training Cen- of work list. sity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Missouri- day, Nov. 13, 2020 at 8pm at the meeting is scheduled for Tues., ter. Kansas City – among others – that have uniformly found zero ben- union hall – 1755 Fairlane Dr, Allen Oct. 27, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in any “Everybody knows if you efits to taxpayers when prevailing wage laws are repealed, while wages Park, MI 48101. The 2020 Commencement of these classes, contact Rick are too careful you are so oc- for workers drop. The union Ceremony luncheon and the an- Baird at the Training Center, 810- cupied in being careful that The Wisconsin report builds on similar findings from another hall accepts nual Retiree’s Christmas and 687-1368, or rickbaird81 you are sure to stumble over Michigan neighbor, Indiana, where then- Gov. Mike Pence signed Visa, Master Holiday luncheon have been can- @gmail.com to make arrange- something.” Republican-backed legislation to repeal prevailing wage in the Hoo- Card, and Dis- celed. ments. –Gertrude Stein (1874 - 1946) sier State in 2015. The repeal of what they call the “Common Con- cover. Pay- New Website for announce- struction Wage” in Indiana – aka prevailing wage – was pushed as a ments can be ments, news, and updates: way to save taxpayers dollars, and free up more money to spend on made both at www.rooferslocal149.com ESPER AIELLO LAW GROUP, PLLC school, road and municipal construction. the hall and Reminder. Members please “Repeal has had negative consequences for Indiana,” says a over the phone. call the Hall when you see a roof- report released Feb. 1, 2018 , also by the Midwest Economic Policy OSHA 10 and ing project whether it is one of Construction Injury Institute. “Blue-collar construction worker wages have been cut and BOB OSHA 30 our signatory companies or not. lesser-educated individuals have replaced high-skilled workers, con- HUTSELL safety training The Hall needs this information. Specialists tributing to higher turnover rates and lower per-worker productivity can now be Members are reminded to Representing Building levels. Contractor competition has not increased for bids on public taken online. Please visit our call the Hall (313) 961-6093 to put construction projects and public school construction costs have not website www.boilermakers their name on the out of work list. Trades Workers since 1988 decreased. Ultimately, repeal of Common Construction Wage has not local169.com - for more information. Follow us on Facebook for saved taxpayers any money and, in fact, has had negative effects on A list of candidates endorsed announcement updates @ United Tim EsperWORKERS’ COMP Mark Aiello construction market outcomes in Indiana.” by the Michigan Building Trades Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY The report found that prevailing wage repeal in Indiana decreased and Boilermakers Local 169 can be and Allied Workers Local 149 CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LITIGATION the wages of blue-collar construction workers by 8.5 percent, on found in this edition or on our CLEARANCE CARDS. Are average; had no statistical impact on the average cost per public school website at: www.boilermakers you scheduled to go out of town ESTATE PLANNING - ELDER LAW project; decreased the wages of the lowest-paid construction workers local169.com. Please do your part for work in another Local’s terri- Our associates also handle: by 15.1 percent, and lessened construction worker productivity growth by voting in all elections. tory? Clearance cards are needed by 5.3 percent following repeal vs. neighboring Midwest states. Training Center: The Boil- when you are sent out of town to UNEMPLOYMENT • ANY INJURY CASE ermakers Local 169 Training cen- work. Get a clearance card from ASBESTOS/TOXIC EXPOSURES • DRIVERS LICENSE RESTORATION ter in Allen Park is open and op- the Hall and call the Local in that Construction spending, erating under the current CDC area to avoid fines against you. 3031 W. Grand Blvd, Suite 440, Detroit 48202 guidelines. Journeymen are en- MID-MICHIGAN AREA – couraged to update their skills. Clio Office. The next Mid-Michi- (313) 964-4900 - (800) 881-8896 jobs remain lackluster We are currently experiencing a gan regular membership meeting www.esperaiellolawgroup.com (Continued from Page 1) high demand for stainless steel, is tentatively scheduled for Tue., challenges brought about by the coronavirus, the AGC said. “These Inconel, and RMD certified weld- Jan 12, 2021 at 6 p.m. at 810 FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION • VALIDATED PARKING challenges are impacting demand for many commercial projects while ers. Having these skills will in- Tacoma Ct. Clio MI, 48420. also impacting state and local construction budgets,” the associa- crease your opportunities for tion said. They urged lawmkers and the White House to work to- employment and boost Boiler- gether to enact new recovery measures to help boost economic ac- maker manhours overall. tivity and demand for construction. Apprentices: Apprentices “One of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry are reminded to call your Area is the lack of demand for many new types of commercial and local Agent at 8 am the following busi- infrastructure projects, especially after the current crop of projects is ness day after layoff. Failure to call completed,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief execu- in at the required time may result #1 Michigan Electrical Maintenance Firm tive officer. “Washington officials can give a needed boost to con- in disciplinary action. In addition, struction demand and employment by boosting infrastructure and calling in late places you further putting in place liability protections for firms that are protecting work- down the out of work list and af- ers from the coronavirus.” fects future work opportunities. In Michigan, metropolitan areas in the west and southwest part Common Arc: Boilermakers of the Lower Peninsula are showing the strongest construction em- Local 169 is working with our ployment, the AGC reported Sept. 30. In fact, the “Niles-Benton Har- Welding Committee to schedule bor” region led the nation in percentage construction gains from a Common Arc test that will ad- August 2019 to August 2020, rising 16 percent. Although, that rela- here to the CDC guidelines. Fur- tively small area represented an increase of just 400 construction ther details will be provided when jobs. they are available. Also faring on the plus side were the Muskegon area (No. 14 in I would like to thank all the the U.S., +8 percent); Grand Rapids/Wyoming (No. 18, +7 percent), members who participated in our and Kalamazoo/Portage (No. 67, +1 percent). Every other region in recent election. Congratulations Michigan was flat or lost jobs from August 2019 to August 2020. to all the newly elected members www.uispowerservices.com Construction spending during that 12-month period increased of our Executive Board. I would in only 88 of the 358 designated metro areas across the U.S. Con- also like to thank the members of versely, in May and June 2020, emerging from the COVID-related the Election Committee – Don shutdown of many construction projects, nearly every region of Schultz, Clark Tagger, Jason Michigan was a hotspot for construction spending. Dodson, and Mike Waskiewicz – Now, areas like Ann Arbor, Detroit, Lansing, Monroe and Saginaw for their service to our Local. Please continue to work safe and are all in the bottom third among U.S. metropolitan areas, seeing plan to attend your next regularly construction employment dropping 10 percent or more during that scheduled Union Meeting. 12-year period. Retired member, Ray Gollach, “The coronavirus and efforts to mitigate its spread have left our passed away on Oct. 9, 2020. Our economy deeply wounded, depressing demand for many types of thoughts and prayers go out to his commercial construction projects,” Sandherr said. family during this difficult time. 14 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN October 16, 2020 Arctic Grayling fish Outdoors reintroduced in Michigan Sept. 17 was a big day for the state’s fisheries, and another cru- I want to ride my bicycle cial step toward reintroducing Arctic Grayling to Michigan waters. By Brad Parsons The first year-class (a group of young fish produced during one Michigan Department of year) of future broodstock was transferred from an isolated rearing Natural Resources facility at Oden State Fish Hatchery near Petoskey to Marquette State Michigan’s nonmotorized Fish Hatchery. Approximately 4,000 fish, averaging 6.5 inches long, trails system has more than 3,000 made the trip to Marquette. miles dedicated to paved, gravel The occasion marked a significant milestone in the Michigan and off-road single-track trails for Arctic Grayling Initiative – a collaborative effort to bring this native bicyclists to enjoy 365 days a fish back to the Great Lakes State. year. Before the northern Lower Peninsula was heavily lumbered in These public trails are situ- the mid- to late 1800s, Arctic grayling was the dominant species of ated in every region of Michigan salmonids – belonging to the salmon family – found in cold-water at state parks, recreation areas, streams. They disappeared from Michigan due to over-fishing, habi- pathways, forests and rail trails. tat loss from the timber practices of the day and competing with and Michigan’s natural terrain, being preyed on by introduced species like brown trout. along with varied seasons and “This is a really exciting day for the initiative,” said DNR Fisher- access to public trails, provides a ies Division Chief Jim Dexter. “A lot of planning and work has gone unique experience for all cyclists. into this program, and it’s great to see it moving forward.” As a Michigan Department Roughly 10,000 eggs collected from Chena River, a tributary to of Natural Resources Alaska’s Yukon River, were brought to Michigan in spring 2019. Be- videographer, I have the privilege cause the eggs originated from outside of the Great Lakes basin, they to help document and promote had to be quarantined. this recreation activity across the Growing Arctic grayling need water temperatures that change MOUNTAIN BIKERS set out along a Michigan backcountry trail. state. MDNR photo with the season, and the water source for the Marquette hatchery What I’ve learned is that While I was capturing video in the northern Lower Peninsula. partnership between the DNR mimics their natural environment. Now that the fish have arrived at nonmotorized bicycle trails can clips of mountain bikers at the Each of these destinations and mountain biking organiza- Marquette State Fish Hatchery, staff will care for this group of gray- dramatically influence personal DTE trail, one rider decided to provides a unique type of terrain tions. The DNR, as the land man- ling until the fish are ready to begin producing eggs, usually when connection to the outdoors, build stop and introduce himself. It was and challenges, and they wel- ager, works to balance use and they are 4-6 years old. communities and strengthen lo- Jason Aric Jones, creator of the come all mountain bikers, regard- preservation of public natural re- cal economies. trail. less of skill level. That is the best sources, while allowing for great Ride my bicycle, continued More than a year ago, in Au- My encounter with Jason part about trails in Michigan – trail opportunities. that have been in storage for years or with monthly tune-ups for avid gust 2019, I was assigned to film was inspiring. He encouraged me they are approachable for novice Local mountain bike groups cyclists. a promotional action video of the to bring a bicycle with me next time or less-experienced riders. perform the majority of on the In my opinion, bike shops provide a product, service and knowl- Waterloo State Recreation Area’s I visited the trail. In response to this And when the snow arrives ground trail work and mainte- edge necessary for mountain biking to flourish in every community DTE Energy Foundation moun- experience, I went to my local bike in Michigan, recent production of nance of the trails with the help in Michigan. tain bike trail system in Chelsea, shop three days later and pur- fat-tire bicycles enables enthusi- of many dedicated volunteers. I would encourage all bicyclists to get involved with their local Michigan. chased my first mountain bike. asts to experience groomed trails In addition to managing the biking community via a trail organization, biking events and bike At that time, my knowledge I then found myself back at year-round. land, the DNR also works with shops, or to participate in volunteer trail maintenance workdays. of mountain biking was minimal. I the DTE trail for a follow-up video A lot of progress has been local groups to permit special Riders should be good trail stewards and not ride when trails are didn’t even own a bicycle. assignment, recording the trail made in popularizing the sport events hosted at state parks and wet after rains or during muddy spring conditions after the ground thaws. So, what is mountain biking? with a 360-degree video camera during the past 40 years with the recreation areas. These events are “Riders should ride safely and respectfully when using trails It’s best described as riding a bi- mounted to my bike helmet. help of mountain biking advo- vital to communities and to intro- during the COVID-19 restrictions, including spreading out to ob- cycle off-road, on trails specifi- Long story short, I discov- cacy groups, volunteers and the ducing the activity to new users. serve social distancing and being patient with other riders,” said Ron cally designed for bicycle use, ered the joy of mountain biking holding of special events. Advo- Mountain biking events also Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. over varied terrain. Two common through a work assignment and cacy groups help influence poli- strengthen local economies, es- Although Michigan is not known for mountainous terrain like types of mountain bike trails are inspiration from the amazing com- cies and rules and create or intro- pecially via increased patronage the western United States, there is a tremendous wealth of fun to flow and cross-country (or munity of Michigan bicyclists. duce new trail systems in partner- of bike shops and restaurants. explore while riding a mountain bike in “The Trails State.” backcountry). The bicycle has transformed ship with the DNR. In my personal experience, To learn more about how to get involved and discover mountain The DTE trail is classified as my life and given me a new ap- The Michigan Mountain local bike shops are the heart of biking, visit Michigan.gov/DNRTrails. a flow trail – built with a special preciation for Michigan trails and Biking Association, the state’s every bicycle community. Not machine that carved berms, hills the mountain biking community. largest organization dedicated to only have I purchased all my and unique features into the pre- Mountain biking in Michigan the pastime, coordinates local and bikes through a local shop, I’ve existing natural terrain on public became an accepted recreation regional groups like the learned about maintenance and land. activity in the late 1980s. Potawatomi Mountain Biking As- other important information, like Backcountry mountain bike A few of Michigan’s top des- sociation in southeastern Michi- biking safety and etiquette, from trails feature existing natural ter- tinations for mountain biking in- gan. Members of these groups friendly staff. If I have a question rain, including roots, rocks and clude Copper Harbor and provide financial support and about anything related to the bi- other obstacles found in the for- Marquette in the Upper Penin- volunteer their time to maintain cycle, I call my local shop for help. est. These trails can sometimes sula, the Chelsea/Pinckney area mountain bike trails. Bike shops also provide jobs be more technically challenging. near Detroit, Augusta and Rock- Development, management and maintenance service to the Both types of trails are available ford in the western Lower Penin- and maintenance of mountain bik- community by repairing old bikes on Michigan public land. sula and the Traverse City region ing trails on state land is often a (Continued next column)