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Since 1952 TRADESMANTRADESMAN Official Publication of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council Serving the highly skilled men and women in Michigan’s building trades unions VOL. 69, NO. 26 December 25, 2020

SHORT Biden should reverse CUTS much of Trump’s anti-labor mandate This is Tradesman’s By Celine McNicholas and Viewpoint final edition in 2020 Margaret Poydock This will be The Building Economic Policy Institute ment of Labor (DOL)’s ability to Tradesman’s final edition in 2020 For the last four years, at ev- provide proper oversight of fed- Our next edition will be mailed ery turn, the Trump Administration eral apprenticeship program stan- the week of Jan. 11, 2021. systematically promoted the inter- dards, which in turn reduces the ests of corporations and sharehold- quality of the program. First jobless jump ers over those of working people. Leaving millions without since April for MI Through a series of executive or- overtime: In 2016, the Obama ders and agency regulations, the (Continued on Page 4) LANSING – Michigan’s Trump administration attacked seasonally adjusted unemploy- workers’ health and safety, wages, It will take some ment rate advanced by eight- BOOM STONE CO. masons from Warren-based Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2 set and collective bargaining rights. tenths of a percentage point to a 500-lb. statue of deceased K-9 Axe atop a granite base in front of the St. Clair Shores Police It is critical that the Biden ad- time to re-sync 6.9 percent in November, ac- Department on Nov. 30. Axe was a police dog who was killed in the line of duty, and an outpouring of ministration work from day one to cording to data released Dec. community support led to the funding of the statue and construction of a “pocket park” in front of reverse these actions and NLRB with 16 by the Michigan Department the building at 11 Mile and Jefferson. strengthen workers’ rights. Here, we of Technology, Management & review the Trump administration’s nation’s workers Budget. Masons set memorial statue for K-9 Axe anti-worker executive and regulatory Viewpoint Meanwhile, Michigan’s actions and chart a course for the new October rate was revised up- By Marty Mulcahy administration to address these By Robert M. Schwartz wards from 5.5 to 6.1 percent. Editor harmful actions. Labor Notes Total employment in November ST. CLAIR SHORES – Dogs are man’s best Following are policies that Unions are hoping that Presi- moved down by 14,000, while friend. None more so than Axe, the Police need to be changed or ended: dent-elect Joe Biden quickly takes the number of unemployed rose Department’s K-9 dog who was killed in the line Weakening federal work- control of the National Labor Re- by 43,000. of duty two years ago. ers’ collective bargaining rights. lations Board and launches a new Michigan’s number was Killed by a bullet during a shootout, the On May 25, 2018, President era of federal labor policy. slightly above the national No- beloved German shepherd has been immortal- Trump issued three executive or- Over the past four years, a vember jobless rate of 6.7 per- ized with a statue in front of the city’s Police ders aimed at eroding the collec- cabal of Trump appointees, de- cent, which declined by two- Department, the centerpiece of a newly created tive bargaining rights of federal termined to rewrite U.S. labor law, tenths of a point from October. “pocket park” at 11 Mile and Jefferson Avenue. workers. One shortened the has run the NLRB into the During the course of 2020, the Masons employed by Boom Stone Co. set timeframe expected to complete ground. The agency has issued a national jobless rate rose by 3.2 the four-foot-tall granite base and then atop it bargaining and directing agencies steady stream of precedent-set- percentage points, while the placed the 500-lb. bronze likeness of Axe on the not to bargain over certain top- ting anti-labor rulings, seemingly state’s rate advanced by 3.0 wintry morning of Nov. 30. St. Clair Shores-based ics. Another limited the use of of- designed to not only undo all percentage points during the Bernco managed the entire project, which in- ficial time for collective bargain- progress made on workers’ rights same period. cluded new cement pavement, a flagpole, light- ing activities. A third weakened during the Obama administration “In November, Michigan’s ing, benches, landscaping and repair of drain- due process protections for fed- but also to grievously undermine unemployment rate rose for the age issues at the police station. eral workers subject to discipline. the ability of unions to resist. first time since April,” said “Everybody who had a hand in this just did Privatizing America’s ap- What are the chances that Wayne Rourke, associate direc- a terrific job,” said St. Clair Shores Police Chief prenticeship programs. Building Biden will resuscitate the labor tor of the state Bureau of Labor Todd Woodcox. “I don’t think there could be a trades unions – which saw board and restore its role as a Market Information and Strate- more fitting way to pay tribute to Axe.” Woodcox Trump’s order to allow private em- defender of workers’ right to en- gic Initiatives. “With payroll said the bronze statue was cast in Axe’s likeness ployers to create their own gov- gage in concerted action against jobs also decreasing slightly with funding by the Michigan War Dog Memo- ernment-funded apprenticeship employers? It may take quite a this month, the recent surge in rial and is the dog’s “spitting image.” programs as an existential threat while before we find out. COVID-19 cases is still having Axe was killed in a Nov. 4, 2018, shootout – protested vehemently and were Republicans still in control. an impact on the state’s labor between police and a fleeing gunman, who was carved out of the privatization The NLRB is governed by five market.” also shot and killed. A memorial service with full plan. Trump’s executive order Board members appointed by the Since April, total unem- honors was given for the dog, and the commu- A 500-LB. BRONZE LIKENESS of Axe was permits third parties to set their president. The Senate must confirm ployment fell by 761,000, or nity responded with an outpouring of tens mounted on a 4,000 lb. granite base in front of the own standards for government- each appointment by a majority 69.0 percent. The state (Continued on Page 2) St. Clair Shores Police Department. funded apprenticeship programs, vote of senators present and vot- workforce was little changed and the order inhibits the Depart- ing (a filibuster rule requiring 60 over the year, edging down by votes was jettisoned in 2013). 0.4 percent. In comparison, Board members serve for five the national workforce fell by Still no fed standard for workplace COVID years with one member’s term ex- 2.4 percent since November By Nick Fox its own ETS in July, OSHA pro- work in multiple states,” says President-elect Joe Biden piring each year. Depending on 2019. Laborers Health and Safety grams in Michigan, Oregon and Travis Parsons, the Laborers has committed to using his first the composition of the Board Since April, Michigan Fund of North America California have followed suit. In Health and Safety Fund of North 100 days in office to get COVID-19 and the number of vacancies added 623,000 nonfarm jobs. With no emergency tempo- other states, including but not America’s associate director of under control. It’s likely that will when a new president takes of- However, the November payroll rary standard (ETS) for COVID- limited to Kentucky, Minnesota, occupational safety and health. include directing federal OSHA to fice, it may take as many as three employment total was still 19 at the federal OSHA level, more Washington and New Jersey, “That’s one reason labor groups develop a nationwide COVID-19 years before he or she has three 438,000 below the February pre- governors are directing their governors are using executive continue to advocate for federal ETS. If that happens, the agency seats, the number of members pandemic level. state’s OSHA programs to create orders to fill a similar role. OSHA to issue an ETS. We need will have several strong state pro- needed to issue precedent-set- ‘Wrong direction’ their own standards to protect “While we’re happy states a strong, consistent message grams to use as a foundation for a ting decisions. workers. are stepping up, the differences from the top that sets expectations national standard. So what do At present, four board mem- for federal UI claims Since Virginia became the between all these rules can get for employers and employees these state programs require, and bers are in place. Three are U.S. jobless benefit appli- first state in the country to issue confusing for contractors who alike.” (Continued on Page 4) (Continued on Page 2) cations jumped to 885,000, in- A construction year that has in September. construction building projects.” cent compared to the pre-COVID creasing from 862,000 the pre- been infected, and affected, by “It’s clear to us,” said Dodge The Dodge Index of U.S. world of February 2020. vious week, the U.S. Labor De- the COVID-19 virus is ending a Data and Analytics Chief Econo- Construction is a leading indica- “We’re now facing the next partment reported Dec. 17. It ‘Tough slog’ bit under the weather. mist Richard Branch on Dec. 7, tor of the nation’s building indus- wave of COVID infections, and was the highest weekly total U.S. construction industry “that the boost provided to the try, which tracks the value of non- you add to that the uncertainty since September, as a surge of awaits U.S. employment reached its lowest economy from the CARES Act residential building projects over the prospect for future stimu- COVID cases wreaked even level in November since 2012, (the federal $3 trillion stimulus when they enter their first stages lus coming from the federal gov- more havoc on the economy. construction said the Associated General Con- adopted in May) has faded, and of planning. It showed that com- ernment, and we think it’s going to The four-week moving av- tractors. And the Dodge Momen- economic growth has slowed as mercial construction dropped 4.4 be a tough slog for the economy erage for unemployment insur- tum Index dropped 2.6 percent in a result. And as such we’re see- percent, while institutional (pub- as well as construction to manage ance (UI) applications was economy November, after rising 12 percent ing fewer dollars coming into the licly funded) work fell 1.6 percent. any significant forward traction 812,500, an increase of 34,250 in October but sinking 18 percent construction planning cycle for The total index is down 13 per- (Continued on Page 2) from the previous week’s re- vised average, the Labor De- partment said. “U.S. weekly jobless Five million man-hours. 13 years. Zero claims continue to head in the wrong direction,’’ Edward lost-time injuries. Well done, Roncelli Moya, an analyst at the cur- Through the last 13 years of building health care, industrial, automotive, and com- rency trading firm OANDA. mercial projects with a union workforce, Sterling Heights-based general contractor “The labor market outlook is Roncelli has an uncanny safety record. bleak as the winter wave of the Since 2007 the company has worked more than 5 million man-hours without a lost- virus is going to lead to more time injury in its workforce. Roncelli hosted a virtual event this month to mark the shutdowns.’’ milestone. It was led by Roncelli Inc. President Thomas Wickersham, Vice President Before the coronavirus hit Gino Roncelli, Director-Project Management Paul Day and Director-Health & Safety in March, weekly U.S. jobless Brett Gaudreau. claims had typically numbered “I’d like to recognize the high level of safety awareness that team members bring to about 225,000. their jobs each day. It is a remarkable accomplishment to work not only one year with zero lost-time injuries but over a decade, especially in construction,” said Gino Roncelli. “Congratulations and thank you to everyone in the organization for making safety their Quotable number one priority!” “Each New Year, we have Leading up to this event, Roncelli received an award from Amerisure Insurance Co. before us a brand new book in recognition of the firm’s outstanding safety record. Roncelli said it continually im- containing 365 blank pages. proves its safety program and culture to ensure that all team members go home healthy Let us fill them with all the for- and safe every day. gotten things from last year – Roncelli is listed as No. 301 this year among the nation’s largest general contractors by LOCAL 1191 LABORERS Ryan Hammac and Marcopolo Harper show off shirts that the words we forgot to say, the the Engineering News Record. “I echo Gino’s comments,” said Gaudreau. “While there are Roncelli made, marking the milestone of the company undertaking 5 million man- love we forgot to show, and the many people and processes behind the scenes that help pave the way for Roncelli’s suc- hours of work without a lost-time injury. The photo was taken at their DTE Energy charity we forgot to offer.” cess, it’s our many project managers, site superintendents, and field teams who deserve project field office in Detroit, where Roncelli is currently renovating multiple floors –Peggy Toney Horton special credit for their efforts. Everyone should be proud to reach this milestone.” at the Walker Cisler Building. 2 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN December 25, 2020 It will take some time to re-sync NLRB (Continued from Page 1) PCC Structurals (2017), which cease deducting union dues Scouts were allowed to solicit. Viewpoints Republicans. Chairperson John changed the definition of appro- when a collective bargaining MV Transportation (2019), Ring and member William Emanuel priate bargaining units to make it agreement expires. which elevated management- worked for high-powered manage- far more difficult for unions to United Parcel Service rights clauses in union contracts Fixing inequality ment-side law firms. Marvin petition for representation rights. (2019), which limited Board re- to levels of unilateral privilege “It’s time we address the structural inequalities in our Kaplan was a House staff member. Supershuttle (2019), which view of arbitration awards that not even dreamed of by HR spe- economy that the pandemic has laid bare,” President-elect Joe The lone Democrat, Lauren eased the way for employers to violate NLRA rights. cialists. Biden said last week, as he introduced his economic team. McFerran, worked for a union-side classify workers as independent Kroger Limited (2019), General Motors (2020), which It’s a good team. They’re competent and they care, in sharp law firm. One slot is vacant. contractors exempt from union which allowed employers to bar ended the special protections long contrast to Trump’s goon squad. Many of them were in the Biden will be able to nomi- bargaining rights. union organizers from distributing enjoyed by union representatives. trenches with Biden and Barack Obama in 2009 when the economy nate a second pro-labor member Valley Hospital (2019), literature on employer property (The writer is a retired last needed rescuing. upon taking office on Jan. 12. If which allowed employers to even if groups such as the Girl union labor lawyer) But reversing “structural inequalities” is a fundamentally dif- GOP dominance of the Senate ferent challenge from reversing economic downturns. They may continues after the Georgia run- overlap – last week the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a record offs, the chamber may reject the high at the same time Americans experienced the highest rate of nominee or delay voting for hunger in 22 years. Yet the problem of widening inequality is dis- months. (It is also theoretically tinct from the problem of recession. possible, though unlikely and Recessions are caused by sudden drops in demand for goods without precedent, that Trump and services, as occurred in February and March when the pan- and McConnell will try to block demic began. Pulling out of a recession requires low interest rates Biden at the last moment by fill- and enough government spending to jump-start private spend- ing the vacancy before Trump ing. This one will also necessitate the successful inoculation of leaves office, a so-called “mid- millions against Covid-19. night appointment.”) By contrast, structural inequalities are caused by a lopsided Even with a second Demo- allocation of power. Wealth and power are inseparable – wealth crat, Republicans will still have a flows from power and power from wealth. That means reversing majority on the board. Over the structural inequalities requires altering the distribution of power. next eight months that majority Franklin D Roosevelt did this in the 1930s, when he enacted is likely to issue a slew of anti- legislation requiring employers to bargain with unionized employ- labor rulings such as a ban on ees. Lyndon Johnson did it in the 1960s with the Civil Rights and displaying stationary signs and Voting Rights Acts, which increased the political power of Black inflatable rats to pressure sec- people. ondary employers and a weaken- Since then, though, not even Democratic presidents have ing of the contract bar rule block- tried to alter the distribution of power in America. They and their ing decertification proceedings. economic teams have focused instead on jobs and growth. In Lots to undo. Biden should AMONG THOSE ON HAND to set the granite base and statue of K-9 Axe in front of the St. Clair Shores consequence, inequality has continued to widen – during both be able to nominate a third Demo- Police Department are (l-r) Craig Ferguson and Tony Cattivera of Bernco; Wilson Garcia of Boom recessions and expansions. crat to take office on Aug. 27, Stone; Aaron Pistor, business representative for Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2; Boom For the last 40 years, hourly wages have stagnated and al- 2021, when Emanuel’s term ex- Stone and Local 2 masons Scott Reese, Wayne Cesarek and Jeff Anderson, and crane operators Scott most all economic gains have gone to the top. The stock market’s pires. Confirmation, however, Shephard and Greg Finn of Operating Engineers Local 324. meteoric rise has benefited the wealthy at the expense of wage cannot be assumed. A GOP-con- earners. The richest 1 percent of U.S. households now own 50 trolled Senate may reject the percent of the value of stocks held by Americans. The richest 10 nominee, leaving the board dead- Masons set memorial statue for K-9 Axe percent, 92 percent. locked two to two – assuming (Continued from Page 1) plaques. “It’s not a simple pro- Said Bernco Project Supt. Why have recent Democratic presidents been reluctant to Biden’s first nominee is confirmed of thousands of dollars in dona- cess to get this stone from the Craig Ferguson: “It looks good take on structural inequality? by then. Or, it may force a deal tions to help fund a memorial. quarry to where it is now,” said and I think it’s been a nice project First, because they have taken office during deep recessions, compelling Biden to appoint a Woodcox said it was the re- Boom Stone Co. Project Manager for the city. Plus I’m a dog lover, which posed a more immediate challenge. The initial task facing more middle-of-the road nominee. sponse by the community that Wilson Garcia. “There’s a lot of so, yeah, I think it’s a really nice Biden will be to restore jobs, requiring that his administration One move Biden can make spurred the statue and grounds detail here. It’s just a beautiful job.” tribute.” contain COVID-19 and get a major stimulus bill through Congress. immediately upon taking office is project. Biden has said any stimulus bill passed in the lame duck session to appoint McFerran as Board “I think this is something will be “just the start.” chairperson. This will increase positive, something for the city ‘Tough slog’ awaits U.S. Second, it’s because politicians’ time horizons rarely extend her influence but will not prevent to be proud of,” said St. Clair beyond the next election. Reallocating power can take years. Union the Board from issuing more bad Shores Councilman Pete Accica, membership didn’t expand significantly until more than a decade decisions. On the other hand, un- who was on hand for the setting construction economy after FDR’s Wagner Act. Black voters didn’t emerge as a major less Biden takes the bold step of of the statue. Accica, a retired (Continued from Page 1) force in American politics until a half-century after LBJ’s landmark sending him packing, Peter Robb, mason, is a member of Bricklay- over the next three to six months or so,” Branch said. “We don’t legislation. the union-hating general coun- ers and Allied Craftworkers Lo- think this starts to alleviate until we get into early 2021.” Third, reallocating power is hugely difficult. Economic ex- sel, who supervises NLRB re- cal 2, whose members also set the The Associated General Contractors of America reported that pansions can be a positive-sum game because growth enables gional offices and plays a major granite base and the statue. “It construction employment increased by 27,000 jobs of 0.4 percent in those at the bottom to do somewhat better even if those at the top role in setting the Board’s will always remind people that November, overcoming more sluggish increases in the nonresiden- do far better. agenda, will be able to stay in Axe died in the line of duty and tial sector. However, employment in the sector remains down by But power is a zero-sum game. The more of it held by those at office until his four-year term ex- was a hero. Hopefully it will also 279,000, or 3.7 percent since the most recent peak in February. The the top, the less held by others. And those at the top won’t relin- pires on Nov. 16, 2021. remind people of the importance pandemic initially triggered widespread project cancellations and in- quish it without a fight. Both FDR and LBJ won at significant Eventually, a Biden majority of service animals.” terruptions that resulted in the loss of 1.1 million U.S. construction political cost. may well control the NLRB. If Axe had served with the St. jobs in March and April. Today’s corporate leaders are happy to support stimulus bills, Biden’s appointees are as labor- Clair Shores Police Department The AGC cautioned that pandemic-induced project cancellations not because they give a fig about unemployment but because friendly as Obama’s picks, they for two years, and was named in and looming tax bills for firms that used Paycheck Protection Pro- more jobs mean higher profits. will have an opportunity to reex- memory of U.S. Navy SEAL Petty gram loans to save jobs threaten to undermine future job growth in “Is it $2.2 trillion, $1.5 trillion?” JPMorgan Chase chief execu- amine many of the most harmful Officer 2nd Class Matthew the sector. tive Jamie Dimon said recently in support of congressional action. Trump-era rulings. The following Axelson, who was killed in com- “The construction industry recovered a bit in November, but the “Just split the baby and move on.” cases should be at the top of their bat in Afghanistan in 2005. future is far from certain for the industry,” said Ken Simonson, the But Dimon and his ilk will doubtless continue to fight any undo list: Woodcox said Axe was a AGC’s chief economist. “The nonresidential building and infrastruc- encroachments on their power and wealth. They will battle anti- Boeing Companies (2017), very active in the department, de- ture segments are likely to shed jobs again amid an increase in trust enforcement against their giant corporations, including which gave employers unprec- ployed on narcotics cases, find- coronavirus case counts unless Congress acts quickly to provide Dimon’s “too big to fail” bank. They’re dead set against stronger edented rights to enact work ing subjects and working in the needed relief.” unions and will resist attempts to put workers on their boards. rules restricting union and other community. “He was a well- They will surely oppose substantial tax hikes to finance tril- concerted activity. rounded dog; a great ambassa- lions of dollars of spending on education, infrastructure and a dor with kids and at senior cen- Green New Deal. And they don’t want campaign finance reforms ters, he just had a way about or any other measures that would dampen the influence of big The him,” Woodcox said. “And a lot money in politics. of that had to do with his han- Even if the Senate flips to the Democrats on Jan. 5, therefore, Building dler, (Officer) Tom Price, who is these three impediments may discourage Biden from tackling struc- an excellent trainer.” tural inequality. Tradesman The 4,000-lb. granite center- This doesn’t make the objective any less important or even ISSN-007-3717 piece stone was quarried in less feasible. It means only that, as a practical matter, the respon- Greene County, North Carolina. is the Official Publication of sibility for summoning the political will to reverse inequality will Pewabic Tile of Detroit sculpted fall to lower-income Americans of whatever race, progressives the Michigan Building and the stone and handled the place- and their political allies. They will need to organize, mobilize and Construction Trades Council ment of the inlaid tiles and put sufficient pressure on Biden and other elected leaders to act. Patrick Devlin As it was in the time of FDR and LBJ, power is redistributed only Secretary-Treasurer when those without it demand it. Steve Claywell Robert Reich President Professor of Public Policy, University of California at Berkeley A stronger COVID standard, please AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka delivered the following selected remarks at a roundtable with President-Elect Joe Biden, Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris and leaders from the busi- The Building Tradesman is ness community and labor movement about how to keep workers published bi-weekly (every safe in the face of COVID-19. other Friday) by the Michigan On behalf of the 55 unions and 12.5 million members of the Building and Construction AFL-CIO, it is an honor to join my fellow leaders in labor and Trades Council, Detroit office. business for today’s discussion. 1640 Porter St., Detroit, MI Mr. President-elect and Madame Vice President-elect, there 48216 are many things we can do to keep workers safe from COVID-19. Printed at Grand Blanc Printing, We need to manufacture the respirators and personal protec- a union shop tive equipment that continue to be in short supply. We need to Periodical mail postage paid make the investments to retrofit our workplaces and schools to at Detroit, MI and additional meet the ventilation and distancing requirements scientists and mailing offices. workplace safety experts tell us are absolutely vital. We need to make sure all COVID-19 cases are counted and POSTMASTER reported so we know where the major outbreaks are before they send postage returns to: get worse. But with close to 200,000 Americans becoming infected The Building Tradesman every day and workers dying at alarming rates, especially in com- 1640 Porter St. munities of color, the most important thing we can do on day one Detroit, MI 48216 is to reestablish OSHA’s mission of protecting workers. Phone: (313) 961-3800 For four years, OSHA has been AWOL. There’s been no full- Fax: (313) 961-2467 time director. There are fewer inspectors today than at any point in Union members with address the agency’s history. OSHA has been totally absent during this changes are asked to contact pandemic and workers across industries have been left to fend for #1 Michigan Electrical Maintenance Firm their local union. ourselves. One of the best ways OSHA can reestablish its mission is through an emergency temporary standard to protect workers Editor/Photographer from COVID-19. Marty Mulcahy We’ve petitioned for it. We’ve sued for it. I can tell you that E-mail: working people voted for it. We cannot afford to wait any longer. buildingtradesman@ An emergency standard would quickly put in place requirements ameritech.net for employers across the country as we enter this very difficult Advertising Director period in the pandemic. And it would set in motion a six-month timeline to create a long overdue permanent standard so we are Joe Hoshaw better prepared if and when the next outbreak occurs. E-mail: [email protected] The president-elect rightfully reminds us that a job is about (734) 558-6955 more than a paycheck—it’s about dignity. And if we believe that Subscription Rate $15 annually all work has dignity, then all workplaces need to focus on safety. (group rate for unions) It’s not too late to save tens of thousands of lives. That starts Visit our website: with a strong COVID-19 safety standard on day one. www.michiganbuildingtrades.org www.uispowerservices.com December 25, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 3 4 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN December 25, 2020 Biden should reverse much of BuildingBuilding Michigan:Michigan: Bay City’s Michigan (wooden) Pipe Co. Trump’s anti-labor mandate (Continued from Page 1) DOL finalized a rule that nar- tronically submit detailed infor- HistoryHistory inin thethe makingmaking By Marty Mulcahy Department of Labor raised the rowed the joint-employer stan- mation to OSHA on workplace overtime salary threshold from dard. The rule substantially lim- injuries. $23,660 to $47,476, opening up its shared liability for employer And, President Trump in eligibility for overtime pay for 12.5 wage and hour violations, mak- April 2017 blocked portions of million workers. The plan was ul- ing it harder for workers to hold that rule which clarified an timately blocked in the courts all parties who set their terms of employer’s obligation under the before it rule could be fully imple- employment accountable. The OSHA Act to maintain accurate mented. But instead of defend- EPI estimated that the rule would records of workplace injuries and ing the 2016 rule, the Trump ad- cost workers more than $1 billion illnesses. By clocking the rule, the ministration in 2019 proceeded annually by increasing wage theft Trump administration has made with their own proposed rule, and by incentivizing workplace it impossible for OSHA to require wherein the Department of Labor fissuring. Fortunately, a federal employers to keep accurate updated the overtime threshold judge struck down the rule in Sep- records that could be used to to $35,568. Roughly 8.2 million tember. identify unsafe, potentially life- workers who would have ben- Making large employer threatening working conditions. efited from the 2016 rule were left workplaces less safe. The DOL As a result, workers will be re- behind by the Trump rolled back parts of the Tracking quired to work in less safe work- administration’s rule. of Workplace Injuries and Ill- places. Joint-employer standard nesses Rule in January 2019, Allowing federal contrac- under the Fair Labor Standards which required companies with tors to violate labor and employ- Act (FLSA). In January 2020, the more than 250 workers to elec- ment laws without repercus- sions. Early in his administration, Trump blocked the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Rule, which re- THE MICHIGAN PIPE CO. factory, shown circa 1918 or prior. It was located at Lord and Henry streets Still no standard for quires that contractors disclose in Bay City. Shown are nearly completed large-diameter wooden pipes, bored in the center. “The pipe is violations of federal labor laws/ taken to the coating rolls,” says Bay County Past and Present (1918), “where the outside surface is executive orders addressing covered with a thick layer of hot liquid asphaltum, rolled in sawdust on a sawdust table, placed back on workplace COVID wage and hour, safety and health, the coating rolls to receive another layer of asphaltum and rolled again in sawdust. This operation gives (Continued from Page 1) collective bargaining, family and the pipe double impenetrable coating. The pipe is then trimmed on the ends and cooled on rollers which highlights from each could make their way into a federal ETS? medical leave, and civil rights pro- revolving in a bath of cold water, after which it is ready for shipment.” Photo credit: Bay County Past and Present The Virginia ETS took many CDC recommended guidelines for em- tections. By blocking this rule, Bay City’s history as a lum- ployers and made them required. The standard directs employers to Trump ensured that federal con- ber town is well documented – perform a risk assessment, protect workers using the hierarchy of con- tractors with records of violating before the turn of the last century trols and maintain a written plan that covers all aspects of the program. basic labor and employment laws it was a hub of processing, milling In addition to using the risk assessment framework for all work- will continue to be rewarded with and transportation of millions of places, Michigan’s standard includes specific requirements for health taxpayer dollars. board feet of lumber shipped by care workers, who have been on the front lines of the pandemic since Narrowing the joint-em- rail or by boat to other ports on the beginning. Besides this key difference, what sets Michigan apart ployer standard under the Na- the Great Lakes and beyond. so far has been its enforcement strategy, which has been stronger tional Labor Relations Act While the lumber was pri- than other states. (NLRA): In February 2020, the marily used to build up homes Strengths of Oregon’s ETS include strict physical distancing, National Labor Relations Board and businesses, Bay City also sanitation and signage requirements. However, there is one notable finalized a rule that narrowed the hosted a company that had a sub- area where the standard could have been improved – the ETS permits joint-employer standard, leaving stantial interest in below-ground face shields as a type of source control. While face shields are effec- more workers unable to hold the use of wood products. After the tive at stopping droplets breathed out by others, there are more ef- employers who control key as- Civil War, wooden water mains fective options for source control, such as a cloth face covering. A pects of their jobs accountable and sewer pipe were a major WATER FRONTAGE OF Bay City’s Northwestern Gas and Water stronger option would be to require face shields to protect the face for violation of labor law. EPI es- product of Bay City’s Michigan Pipe Co. In 1881 it would become the Michigan Pipe Co., a signifcant and eyes against droplet exposure while also requiring use of at least timated that workers will lose $1.3 Pipe Co., which made fledgling worldwide manufacturer of wooden water pipe. a cloth face covering. billion in wages annually as a re- water distribution systems pos- Photo credit: MSU Campus Archeology Program California, the latest state to issue an ETS, already has an aero- sult. sible in cities large and small liarly treated and manufactured by might as well have been. It turns sol transmissible disease standard in effect, but it only covers certain Undermining union elec- around the nation. machinery especially designed out that even in 1886 people as- occupations (e.g., healthcare workers, corrections officers, emergency tions: At the beginning of the “In 1869,” says Bay County for the purpose. The pipes are cut sumed that the usage of wooden responders). Unique aspects of the California ETS include certain coronavirus pandemic, the Na- Past and Present, “saw the es- out of solid logs by cylinder saws, pipes had stopped, but this article additional requirements (e.g., testing, removal of workers from the tional Labor Relations Board fi- tablishment of another factory two or three pipes being obtained points out that a certain type of jobsite) that trigger automatically when a workplace outbreak occurs. nalized a rule making it harder for that was destined to bring fame from a log of large size. wooden pipe was still being used: • • • workers to win and keep a union. to Bay City. This was the North- “This factory employs from the Wyckoff Pipe, which uses a According to guidance released Oct. 14 by the Michigan Occupa- The rule made it harder for work- western Gas and Water Pipe 60 to 75 men, and in 1874 re- certain type of binding and wraps tional Safety and Health Administration, employers should first “evalu- ers to get a fair election by allow- Company for the manufacture of ceived a single order from a the pipe in iron straps, just like ate routine and anticipated tasks to determine anticipated employee ex- ing union elections to proceed wooden pipes from logs. In 1881 Michigan city amounting to our pipe.” posure to COVID-19,” and then categorize jobs into risk categories. even when the employer violates it came under the control of H. $90,000 worth of pipe. This pipe American Artifacts says the Written plans should be developed by employers that include the law during the campaign. B. Smith, and the name was has been used for both water and Wyckoff Pipe and Creosoting “exposure determination” and “detail the measures the employer will Moreover, the rule made it changed to the Michigan Pipe Co. gas, and being thoroughly tested, Company typically called for the implement to reduce employee exposure.” harder for workers who get a ‘Michigan’ pipes were invented for has been found very serviceable use of white pine logs that were Those would include engineering controls (e.g. physical barri- union to keep their union. Instead use in city water systems, in and durable. About seven miles hollowed out and externally se- ers between workers and exposure); administrative controls (poli- of giving workers reasonable time mines, in irrigation projects, in of it are laid for water in this (un- cured with iron hooping. Pipes cies, procedures and practices such as staggered work schedule, to bargain their first contract with factories such as tanneries, dis- named) city, and no trouble has were then connected using 8- teleworking and increase social distancing measures); hand hygiene their employer following volun- tilleries, and chemical plants been found with it in any in- inch timber thimbles. and environmental surface disinfection); personal protective equip- tary recognition, the rule allows where iron pipes would be affected stance; it is even safer than iron “The Michigan Pipe Co.,” ment including face masks; screening protocols to identify known or for a union to be decertified in as by the chemicals, and for gas. The in some respects.” said American Artifacts, “adver- suspected COVID-19 cases at the start of work shifts, and employer little as 45-days – undermining wooden pipes are cheaper than Some of the end-to-end wa- tised wooden piping as a cheaper training to provide COVID-19 exposure prevention training to em- the union recognition process iron, they withstand great pres- tertight joints, said a 1910 engi- alternative to iron pipes. The ad- ployees, including steps to report signs and symptoms of COVID-19. and destabilizing the bargaining sure, they are lighter to handle, neering publication, “are formed ministration at Michigan State Michigan’s emergency plan is in effect for six months and will process. and if not exposed to the weather by turning a chamber in one end University were sold on the con- expire on April 14. More independent contrac- they will last for many years.” of the pipe and a tenon on the cept and contracted the Michigan tors: In September, the DOL pro- The inventor who made the other, or both ends are turned to Pipe Co. to install wood piping for posed a rule that would narrow manufacture of the Michigan a true exterior circle and driven new campus buildings in the late U.S. job growth slows as the broad definition of “em- pipes possible was Arcalous into a wood or steel sleeve.” 19th century. Wooden pipes con- ployee” under the Fair Labor Wyckoff of New York state, who The History of Bay County tinued to be used until 1902, when Congress debates relief Standards Act. The rule would patented an improved wood bor- said by 1881, “the works are now it was believed that aging wooden As we went to press, Congress was continuing to debate a sec- make it easier for firms to classify ing machine in 1855. doing a very extensive and suc- pipes contaminated the water sup- ond 2020 relief package for Americans who have lost their jobs as a workers as independent contrac- “Wyckoff was granted cessful business. The pipe which ply.” (Contamination may have been result of the pandemic. Economist Elise Gould of the labor-backed tors instead of as employees, the about a dozen patents, several of they manufacture is being used present, but it was more likely due Economic Policy Institute on Dec. 4 offered the following analysis latter of which receives wage and them relating to the manufacture in nearly every state, and the past to low water pressure than the pipe of the U.S. jobless situation. hour protections under FLSA. of wooden eavestrough,” says year they have been crowded to material. In numerous older Job growth slowed dramatically in November as nonfarm pay- EPI estimates that the rule would Vintage Machinery. “Wyckoff their utmost capacity to fill or- communities, wooden water rolls increased by only 245,000. Holiday hiring didn’t pick up enough cost workers at least $3.3 billion owned and operated an Elmira ders. They manufacture water pipes are still safely in service). to make up for other factors dragging down job growth, and for the every year in the form of reduced eavestrough manufacturing pipe, steam pipe casing and gas By 1899, Bay City Civil En- fifth month in a row, job gains waned with notable losses in retail pay and benefits. business. One of his more im- pipe, also chain pumps and tub- gineer George Wells estimated hiring on a seasonally adjusted basis. Limiting access to voters in portant patents was for a boring ing. Their works cover about 10 that some 1,500 miles of “Im- The scheduled expiration of vital pandemic unemployment in- union elections campaigns: This machine that used centerless acres, and give employment to an proved Wyckoff Water Pipe” was surance (UI) benefits on Dec. 26 will leave 12 million workers without summer the NLRB proposed a rule augers, presumably for boring average of fifty men.” in use around the nation. Home- a safety net, and over 4 million others will have already exhausted that eliminates the mandatory dis- downspouts. The center of the Bay City’s Wyckoff wooden town Bay City was one of the larg- their benefits by this cutoff. This spells trouble not only for workers closure of employees’ personal auger contained a helical worm water/gas pipes, in various diam- est users, with about 35 miles of and their families who are desperately trying to keep a roof over their telephone numbers and email ad- that was rotated independently of eters, were delivered far and the wooden pipe, and he said heads and put food on the table – especially with the eviction mora- dresses during a union organiz- the auger, to remove chips.” wide – and relatively close, too. Michigan probably had more torium also set to expire on Dec. 31– but also for the recovery itself. ing campaign. The board’s pro- Bored-out wooden water and In East Lansing, Michigan State miles of Wyckoff pipe installed It didn’t have to be this way. If the suite of UI programs were rein- posal ignores the reality of the sewer pipes had been around for University’s Faculty Row of than any other state. stated and extended through 2021, workers would not lose that valuable increased role electronic commu- centuries before Wyckoff was buildings was being erected in The Michigan Pipe Com- safety net and it would spur the creation of 5.1 million more jobs in 2021. nication now plays and returns born in 1816, but his automated 1855-1945, some of it prime time pany by 1922 was manufactur- The U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 6.7 percent, but for the voter list requirement to out- auger method to remove wood in the late 1800s for using ing wood, iron and steel pipe of the “wrong” reasons as 400,000 people left the labor force. The num- dated means of communication, chips was a key factor in the wooden water mains. A 2008 ex- all kinds. Surprisingly, it would ber of workers unemployed 27 weeks or more – the long-term unem- effectively depriving workers of mass manufacture of wooden cavation project turned up a se- continue to make wooden pipe ployed – shot up to 3.9 million in November. Now, over one-third information on workplace repre- pipes. Wyckoff also strength- ries of the wooden water mains – through a related company, the (36.9 percent) of the total unemployed are long-term unemployed. sentation in an era when union ened the pipe with iron bands to and former MSU Campus Ar- National Cycle Manufacturing The recovery continues to wane because of the removal of im- organizers are routinely banned allow the pipe to withstand chaeologist Dr. Terry Brock de- Co, according to MyBayCity, portant relief measures as well as the fact that the “easy” gains from from company property. higher supply pressures. “Of- scribed how he found the pipes until 1955 when it was sold to workers on temporary layoffs continue to dwindle (temporary layoffs Conversely, this fall, the De- ten, the exterior surfaces of the were made in Bay City. But they GM. fell by 441,000 in November). Stark disparities remain in the labor partment of Labor proposed a rule spiral-wound wood pipe was weren’t used for long. “Ironically the firm’s hey- market with the black unemployment rate (10.3 percent) still higher that requires certain unions to coated with asphaltic materials to “I turned up an article day was during World War II than the peak of the overall unemployment rate in the Great Reces- release more financial informa- slow down corrosion of the wind- online entitled “Wooden Water when wooden pipes were in great sion (10.0 percent) while white unemployment is now at 5.9 percent. tion, including potentially harm- ings,” says Sewer History.org. Pipe” from an 1886 edition of demand by the government be- ful confidential data, in annual “Sometimes the wood itself was The Manufacturer and Builder, cause of a shortage of steel,” My disclosure forms under the guise of treated with oils/creosote to lengthen a 19th century trade journal. In Bay City said. “Wooden pipes Just joking transparency. However, the proposed the wood’s life expectancy.” it was a picture of our water pipe. made in Bay City were installed A man, his wife, and his The man stops her and rule creates additional administrative Wyckoff found a match Not the exact water pipe, but it in many Army training camps.” friend are running from zom- pulls her clothing away to burden for filing unions on a form made in heaven with the boom- bies during the apocalypse. reveal a nasty bite mark, still that already can already exceed up- ing lumber industry at the time After hours of running heavily bleeding. ward to 1,000 pages. in Michigan’s Saginaw Bay, they finally find Distraught, the man locks The Trump administration building on an initial agreement shelter in a old his wife in a nearby closet to has consistently advanced a pro- with a wooden pipe manufacturer pub they used to get some time to think. corporate, anti-worker agenda. It in Chicago. frequent, before “You have to kill her. You is critical that the Biden adminis- “There is located in Bay the world was HAVE to for our safety!” says tration work with the same dili- City a manufactory which is the ending. They sit the man’s friend. “She will gence from day one to reverse only one of its kind in the coun- and rest and become a zombie!” these actions. But simply revers- try,” says The History, Commer- have a couple of drinks when “I... I can’t. I love her. I ing the Trump anti-worker cial Advantages and Future the man notices blood on his won’t! That’s my final deci- agenda will not be enough. Prospects of Bay City Michi- wife’s shirt. sion!” the husband replies. The Biden administration gan, 1875. “This is the North- “Honey, what is that The man’s friend pauses must also work to advance a work- western Gas and Water Pipe there, on your clothes?” he and then says, “Okay, but you ers’ first-100-day agenda that in- Works, where the Wyckoff pipe asks her. and I both know this is a de- cludes measures that provide is made. This pipe is a combina- THESE STEEL-BANDED WOODEN water pipes, dug up in Holly, “Nothing!” she says cision that’s going to come working people with critical rights tion of iron bands and wood pecu- Michigan in 2007, are believed to be Wyckoff water mains manu- factured in Bay City in the late 1800s. Photo credit: Sewer History.org quickly and turns away. back to bite you!” and protections. December 25, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 5 Local 292 Local 80 Sheet Metal Workers Sheet Metal Workers Local 7 Sheet Metal Workers Sheet Metal Workers Local 292 Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 TROY – UNION HALL LOBBY CLOSURE: The Union Hall lobby SOUTHFIELD –This paper serves as official notice for all meet- Sheet Metal Workers Local 7 will remain closed to outside traffic until further notice due to COVID-19. ings and elections. LANSING – NOTICE. This Newspaper Article shall serve as The union hall IS open during normal business hours, Monday- **REMINDER** Meetings are no longer held at the Plumbers Official Notice of ALL meetings for Local 7! Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All staff will be available via telephone Hall and are now held at Local 80’s Union Hall. The next Statewide Meeting will be, February 11, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. for any questions. Please do not come to the union hall for non- MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The next general membership meet- *Zone 1- January 14th -6:00 p.m. essential business. ing is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2021 at 5:30 pm. Meetings are held at the *Zone 2 –January 19th -6:00 p.m. Dues can be paid online at www.sheetmetal292.com or left in the union hall. 17100 W. 12 Mile Rd. Southfield, 48076 *Zone 3- (Saginaw) – January 13th -6:00 p.m. secure drop box located near the front door of the Union Hall. We will EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING: The next executive board meet- *Zone 3- (TCity) March 18th - 6:00 p.m. keep you posted as new information becomes available. ing is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm. Executive *Zone 4- January 12th- 6:00 p.m. MESSAGE FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER: With the Board meetings are held at the Local 80 Hall, 17100 W. 12 Mile, 2nd *Zone 5 –February 4th– 6:00 p.m. holiday season upon us, we can only look back on what an unusual Floor, Southfield, MI Please register on our website at www.sheetmetal7.org for the and life-changing year 2020 has been. The past UNION HALL REGULAR HOURS Monday most up to date information on meeting schedules for 2021. Once year has brought on many challenges, and collec- through Friday 7:30 – 4:00, unless otherwise indi- you are registered it must be approved in order to be able to log on. tively, our union members stood strong and perse- cated in holiday hours. Please contact your representative if you are having issues regis- vered. HOLIDAY WORKING HOURS: Christmas tering. Local 292 has been blessed with an abundance Eve - Dec. 24: Hall open 7:30 – 12:00, Local 80 SMART Union Labels: Make the union label work of work this year. With that, we had to endure many workers paid regular time. Christmas Day - Dec. for you! The new and modernized SMART Labels changes, not only on the jobsite and in the shops, 25: Hall closed, Local 80 workers paid double time. are an essential part to wage equalization, which but in our own personal lives as well. This year has New Year’s Eve - Dec. 31: Hall open 7:30 – 12:00, means more money and work for you. Make sure been different than any year in the past. We now Local 80 workers paid regular time. New Year’s that you are scanning labels in order to equalize pay have to social distance, wear masks and the hourly Day - Jan. 1: Hall closed. Local 80 workers paid and eliminate the incentive to subcontract outside PAUL and daily use of hand sanitizer is the new norm. double time. of your area. For more information visit the official GUALDONI I would like to commend our members who have TIM RETIREE MEETING SCHEDULE: All re- website at www.labelitscanitreport.com and down- continued to work during this pandemic and have MULLIGAN maining meetings and activities have been can- load the official app by texting “SMART” to 90975. consistently abided by the social distancing requirements, as well as celled for 2020. We will inform you at a later date ZONE 1 Info: Work in the Zone 1 area is still going wearing masks, which enabled our jobsites and shops to continue what we will be doing for 2021. Any questions SAM strong. If you do get laid off, remember to inform operating. We are grateful for the hard work you do. regarding joining the Retirees Association please contact Steve FULLER James or Eric of your employment status. Appren- Belonging to a union isn’t just about earning a good living. It’s Murzen at 248-652-0593. tices please remember to also inform Kevin at the about helping our brothers and sisters, their families and protecting TRUSTEE ELECTION: OFFICIAL NOTICE: At the Jan. 26, 2021 Zone 1 Training Center. our work to ensure the next generation has a union to belong to. meeting you will vote on 4 positions: Health and Welfare, Pension If you are experiencing any trouble with your insurance, please On behalf of the Officers and staff of Local 292, may you, your and Annuity, Sub Fund and JATC. Trustees will serve a 3 year term contact your Business Agent or call BeneSys at (866) 288-7037. family and friends enjoy the true meaning and spirit of what is most from January 2021 through January 2024. You must be current on Any Journeyperson interested in upgrade classes, please con- important during the holiday season: family. May 2021 bring peace, your dues to vote. tact Kevin at the Training Center (269) 781-7183. Please note that health and prosperity for all. Stay safe. Stay well. SUB CHANGES: Effective immediately you will need to start class availability depends on the level of interest. The Zone 1 Retir- May God bless our brothers and sisters and the families of Local sending your unemployment proof to [email protected] or ees meeting at 1 pm on the second Tuesday of each month at Rocky 292. – Fraternally yours, Paul Gualdoni fax it to 248-557-0297. Your unemployment proof needs to be in by Top BBQ & Grill 1900 Lansing Ave. Jackson, MI 49202 is CANCELED MEETING NOTICE: The next general membership meeting will 2pm on Tuesdays to be paid on that Friday. Local 80 will be handling until further notice due to Michigan Health Dept Epidemic Order. be held on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. Member meetings are held all of your proof now. If you have any questions please call us at 248- In Solidarity, James Callahan and Eric Farrington. every 2nd Wednesday of the month at The Knights of Columbus in 557-7575. ZONE 2 Info: Work in Zone 2 is continuing to get better, we still Clawson. Check out the calendar tab at www.sheetmetal292.com for THANK YOU TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE PAID THEIR DUES have a need for jobs to break to get all working. In an almost two year the location and date. A YEAR IN ADVANCE: Jonathan Heath, Michael Bono, Tom project and a lot of time we have been informed that we have pre- The E-Board/Stewards meeting is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2021 at Robinson, Dennis Marentette, James Schwarz, James McGraw, vailed on exposing A&B Mechanical of shortchanging their workers 6:00 pm at the Union Hall. Charles Haughton, Gerald Hoga, Brandon Ivey, Daniel Niksa, William on the Fruitport Schools job by over $155,000. This was a joint effort **Per the CDC guidelines, masks must be worn and social dis- Lane, Charles Smith, Julian Sutton, Steve Sutton, Richard Gerjekian, starting with myself then turned over to Mike Adams when he came tancing must be followed during all meetings. Stephen Gariner, Randy Harding, Adam Ozark, Harry Morgan, Rob on as organizer, and we will continue to work together to follow thru UNION HALL HOLIDAY HOURS: Schleicher, Robert Stark, Dennis Harley, William Mozurkewich, Arthur on this win for workers. Hope all have a great holiday season. Christmas Eve: Dec. 24, 2020 ~ Close at 12:00 Noon Campbell, Joseph Hayter, William Koppin, James Caris, John Roland, Thanks Dave Christmas Day: Dec. 25, 2020 ~ Closed James Higham, Michael Miller, Stephen Morgan, Alexander Chambo, ZONE 3 Info: (Saginaw) Work in the Zone 3 area is slow at this New Years Day: Jan. 1, 2021 ~ Closed Richard Missler, Kevin Muraszewski, Ed Guirey, Jon Gabridge, Russell time. I have many guys traveling to Detroit and Lansing for shut RETIREES NOTICE: Due to Covid-19 and restrictions placed Padalino, Ronald Maynor, James Schwarz, John Cieszynski, Mickael down work. We have projects coming up in the spring, looks like we for social gatherings, as well as the health and safety of our retirees Cary, Robert Rajter, Richard Abrams, Timothy Tuebert, Rob should be able to keep everyone working. Make sure to keep up- and their families, the retirees’ luncheons have been cancelled until Chamberlin, Nathan Bourcier, Dennis Scherret, Daniel Bagan, Michael dated on your OSHA 30 must modules and Mshaw so we can keep further notice. We will notify when luncheons will resume. Stay Bayus, Richard Beres, John Rejc, Ronald Morian, Ronald Wagner, everyone employed. Hopefully everyone is staying safe. Have a healthy and safe. Please contact Fred Engelman at [email protected] Jacob Knapp III, Chris Connelly, Chris Connelly, Earl Ward, David Happy Holiday! Thank you, Wayne Stover if you would like to be added to the retiree email list. Tims, Emil Ketelhut, Steven Czebatol, Charles Hosey, Ralph Zone 3 Info: (Traverse City) If you are currently not working CONSTITUTION AND RITUAL: The Constitution and Ritual MacFarland, William Bauer, Richard Manzo, John Hyatt, Ron Jones, and are interested in traveling or working holiday shutdowns please of the 2nd SMART General Convention is now available online. Go to Gary Norrow, James Maynor Jr., Gregory Chervinsky, Gary Taylor, let me know. Proud Union Home signs are available at the Union Hall www.sheetmetal292.com, click on the Constitution/Ritual tab located Jack MacFarland, Stanley Chrabaszeski, Rex Kanitz, Patrick Cregeur to any member that wants one. I would like to wish all of you a safe at the top of the home page. The Union Hall will also have hard & Thomas Robinson. and happy holiday season! Thank You Travis Eastman copies when they become available. DUES PAYMENTS: YOUR DUES PAYMENTS ARE DUE PRIOR Zone 4 Info: Work in Zone 4 is steady with winter coming we will SAFETY MODS AND DRUG TESTS: To access your MUST ac- TO THE FIRST OF THE MONTH. The books will close at the end of be a little slow. Your Brother, Larry Kinzie count, please go to www.mustonline.org or access it through the “links” the business day on the last day of the month. Payments made on ZONE 5 Info: I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas tab at www.sheetmetal292.com. Members please note that if you cannot the 1st of the month are considered late for that month. There will be and a Happy New Year. Also I would like to add Ken Rautio, after 31 access the MUST site to complete your safety mods you need to con- no exception, once the books are closed it cannot be undone. Mem- plus years, is retiring on 01/01/2021 congratulations brother. Work in tact Laura or Lee Ann at the Union Hall. With the amount of upcoming bers will receive a text message dues reminder prior to the end of the the area is still up and down with some projects wrapping up, others in-town work, all current Journeymen and Apprentices should ensure month. If you are not receiving our text messaging please call the will soon be starting so if you are off make sure to contact me so your they have 18 safety mods completed and drug test should be current. hall. REMINDER: We ONLY take Visa, Master Card & Discover and name can be added to the out of work list. MSHA class schedule for ***The NMA addendum for most of the upcoming projects do not accept American Express. 2021 is out so if you need an 8 hour refresher or wanting a 24 hour states: 1) Prior to, but within 30 days of referral for employment to the READY TO WORK: SMANCA Detroit and Local 80 are in new miner training class contact me on upcoming dates and remem- project site, all craft persons will: A) Attend a Project Specific Orien- progress of developing a mobile smart app which will allow access to ber these classes have limited enrollment. Best wishes to you and tation facilitated by the Contractor at mutually agreed upon times the Ready to Work program from your smart phone. The app is in your families for the holidays. Respectfully Greg Faust and locations; B) Before being admitted to the job site, all contrac- development for both Apple and Android systems; once it is com- Dues Department: *Online dues payment is now available* tors and subcontractor employees having active involvement in job pleted (est. early November) an announcement will be emailed, hard Dues of all members of local unions shall be paid monthly or quar- site construction activity, must be current and maintain a current mailed and shared with you at your union meetings as well as pub- terly, but always in advance. To better serve our membership, we MUST or equivalent status regarding the Substance Abuse Program. lished in the Bldg. Trades newspaper. accept Credit Card Payments in lieu of your monthly dues. If you Prior to the start of work on the project the employee must provide In compliment, for the 2020 Ready to Work stipend requirement would like to take advantage of the Credit Card Service, a finance confirmation of negative results to a MUST Substance Abuse Test or you will only need to download the app on your smart phone, review charge will be applied – Please call the Lansing office during regular equivalent test within the last 30 days. and confirm your contact information (email, mailing address, em- business hours at 517-882-4064 to make your payment. MEMBER ASSISTANCE: Local 292 is now partnering with ployer, list of your accomplished training). Address/Phone Changes: Article 8, Sect.1 of Local 7 Work Rules: Ulliance, an employee assistance program designed to assist active When you download the app and review your contact informa- Address Changes: All members are required to keep the Financial Secre- members and their eligible family members who may be struggling tion, the program will inform SMACNA Detroit of your interaction tary informed of their correct address. A notice mailed to the last address with emotional, domestic or substance abuse issues, as well as legal and this part of the stipend requirement will be completed. shall be sufficient and legal. If you have moved or changed your tele- and financial referrals. If you and/or a family member feel this may There will be no custom Ready to Work modules required for the phone no., please contact the union hall to update your records. benefit you, contact Ulliance at 1-800-448-8326 or 2020 stipend. In the meanwhile of receiving notice the Ready to Work BENEFITS: For Benefit questions please contact the area of- www.LifeAdvisorEAP.com for completely confidential assistance. app is available, it is important to make sure you have all other sti- fice. Zone 1 – BeneSys 866-822-7037, Zone 2 – TIC 866-887-4338, Ulliance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are of pend requirements completed, these are still the same: Current MUST Zone 3 – BeneSys 800-451-5733, Zone 4 – BeneSys 800-842-2690 and no cost to active members and their dependents. Drug Test; Current MUST 18 Safety Modules; OSHA 30; Current FA Zone 5 – Wisconsin H & B Fund 800-654-2329. SUBSTANTIATION REQUEST: Many members have been re- CPR certification. Deadline for stipend requirements is Dec. 31, 2020. DEATH CERTIFICATES: Please submit to the Union Hall a ceiving Substantiation Request letters from the Local 292 Benefit For members who do not have a smart phone, contact Support and copy of a Death Certificate for deceased members. Additional ben- Fund office. IRS regulations require that every use of the Benny accommodations will be made for you. efits from the International may be available. Card be substantiated or validated as an eligible covered expense BENEFICIARY REMINDER: Please remember to designate or CONTACT US: 4931 Contec Drive/Lansing, MI 48910– 517- under the Plan. This validation is required by the IRS, the Fund update your beneficiary choice on all of your Local 80 and interna- 882-4064 cannot make exceptions. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure tional benefits. The law requires that in the event of an untimely Local 7 Officers: all requested documentation be returned to the Fund office in a timely death your benefits go to your spouse first and if there is no spouse Samual Fuller (Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer) manner. By not responding to the Substantiation Request letter, to your children UNLESS you designate otherwise in writing with 517-882-4064 your Benny Card may be suspended until all requested documenta- each specific benefit. Depending on your classification you could Eric Farrington (Agent-Lansing/Jackson) 517-242-3223 tion has been received. If you have any questions, contact BeneSys have benefits due to your heirs from Local 80 pension, insurance, James Callahan (Agent-Battle Creek/Kalamazoo) 269-342-8842 at 248.641.4992 or the Union Hall. annuity and from international and SASMI. Each individual benefit David Rutz (Agent-Grand Rapids/Muskegon) 616-458-2313 DUES: Membership dues are required to be paid in advance of needs to have a designated beneficiary unless you want it to go to Wayne Stover (Saginaw) 989-692-0002 the month for which they are due. The union hall is not open on your spouse or children. As always seek the advice of an attorney. Travis Eastman (Traverse City) 231-943-5150 Saturday or Sunday, therefore, if you pay dues on either of those ACCIDENTAL DEATH and DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE Larry Kinzie (Agent-Flint) 810-785-6831 days, it will not be processed until Monday. If you are on suspen- FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION: Members who Greg Faust (Agent-Upper Peninsula): 906-372-9288 sion warning, your dues are 60 days late. To avoid suspension, dues have their dues paid in advance (prior to the month of the accident) must be paid online or at the union hall by 4 p.m. on the last business are eligible for accidental death and dismemberment benefits up to Sheet Metal Workers 80, continued day of the month. Payments received after 4 p.m. on the last business $7,500. This benefit comes as a dues paying member of SMART day of the month will not be processed and you WILL go suspended. International. date or you will forfeit SUB benefits. Lay-off slips must accompany All members are responsible for making sure any required fees, i.e. WORK ASSIGNMENTS: Everyone must obtain a work assign- the application to be eligible. Proof of UIA benefit payments must be late fees or service fees, are included if paying online ment prior to starting work. If you fail to do so you could be written submitted within 21 days of when you were paid in order to receive (sheetmetal292.com). up on charges. SUB benefits. Do not submit your sub applications directly to the UNION HALL HOURS: Hall office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 LAY-OFFS: All members must report to the Union Hall immedi- fund office. Your application must be signed by the hall or you will p.m. Monday through Friday. ately upon lay-off, even if you only work one day. These are the By- not collect benefits. OUT OF WORK: If you become laid off, you must complete an Law rules for the Out-of-Work List. Your name will be removed from OUT-OF-WORK LIST: You must be on the out-of-work list to Out of Work List Registration /SUB form. SUB forms are available at the list 14 days after receiving an assignment. It is very important to collect S.U.B. benefits or SASMI. Members must re-register bi-an- the Union Hall and also through all shop stewards. This is the only report to the union hall immediately after your layoff. Members get nually: March 1 through March 20 and September 1 through Septem- way your name will be added to the Out of Work List. confused because the S.U.B. Fund allows you a period of up to seven ber 20. If you fail to re-register you will be removed from the list. TEXT BLAST NOTIFICATION: We have recently updated the days to apply for S.U.B. benefits after lay-off. SHORT WORK WEEK SUB PAY: If you work 16 hours or less text blast contact list. All members have been added. If you haven’t LAYOFF SLIPS/TERMINATION NOTICES: Lay off slips must in a week or have a short work week due to weather you may collect been receiving texts and would like to be added or wish to opt out of accompany all applications for sub pay. Without lay off slips you sub for that week but only if it is at the beginning or the end of a text blast, please contact the Union hall and we will make the change. cannot collect sub pay. It is the member’s responsibility to make layoff. You may NOT collect if you are not laid off. You must com- FACEBOOK & TWITTER: Be sure to check our website – sure they get one from the contractor when laid off. Your application plete a sub application at the hall, provide a pay stub for that week www.sheetmetal292.com; Facebook page - Sheet Metal Workers Lo- cannot be submitted without one. It is the contractor’s responsibil- and the hall will submit it to the fund office. If you are not laid off and cal 292 and Twitter - @SMW292, for updates and information. ity to issue one in accordance with our contract. it is due to weather the company MUST provide written documenta- NOTARY PUBLIC: For your convenience, we now have a No- SUB BENEFITS: Report to the hall promptly upon layoff. You tion that it was weather related. tary Public on site at the union hall. Notary services are free of must complete a SUB Application within seven days from your layoff MEMBERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: If you are experi- charge to our members. (Continued next column) encing problems in your family, marriage or relationships, THE 4 PLUS MEMBER PROGRAM: The “4-plus” member pro- stress or emotional difficulties, grief or loss issues or prob- gram is for any Local 292 member who has achieved four (or more) Apologies to Bryan McConnell lems with alcohol and drug use please contact our assistance welding certifications. These certifications can be in any welding program. Ulliance is there to help you with your needs. They process. Members who qualify will receive a shirt (one shirt for every The Tradesman staff offers its apologies to SMART Local can also help you with legal issues, financial concerns, elder four certs) with the 4 Plus logo, along with hard hat stickers and 80 Business Agent Bryan McConnell, whose name was care referrals and child care resources. Contact them at 1-800- bragging rights. If you would like to be a “4-plus” member contact inadvertantly left out of the local union’s Christmas greeting ad 448-8326 or www.LifeAdvisor EAP.com. Make sure you men- your Local 292 Training Center at: 313-623-9390 (Dave) or Quintin in our last editon. tion Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 when calling and not the 248.495.6764. Sorry Bryan! contractor you are working for. 6 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN December 25, 2020 and AP are $42.00/mo. or $126.00/ IBEW Local 948 qtr. You can pay cash, check, IBEW money order or credit/debit card. Please contact the Hall with any IBEW Local 948 questions. LOCAL 58 FLINT – Our December Executive Board Meeting will be held on The General Membership Monday, December 28th, 2020 at 4:30 pm. Meeting is the second Monday The Retiree Club Meeting will return in April 2020. of each month and starts at 5:00 IBEW Local 58 Local 948 wishes all trades a Merry Christmas and A Happy New p.m. at the Hall. Please make sure DETROIT – The General Membership Meeting scheduled for Year!!! to wear your masks. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 is CANCELLED in compliance with The Michigan Department of Human Services issued an epi- Attention: The Executive the current COVID-19 Restrictions which have been extended through demic order to help us slow the spread of COVID-19 and save IBEW Board is now accepting Letter of December 20th limiting indoor gatherings. Please remember to stay lives. These steps are critically important to help protect our fami- Interest for the E-board Alternate safe during this holiday season. lies, frontline workers, and small businesses from this virus and a Local 445 position. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and your family!! necessary means to avoid overwhelmed hospitals and death The Executive Board meets STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ON MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS. counts like we saw in the spring. To stay in line with this latest IBEW Local 445 the fourth Monday of each month The Electrical Industry Training Center is offering Continuing order our union hall will be closed to general traffic starting BATTLE CREEK – IBEW starting at 4:30 p.m. Education classes. Please check them out at http:// Wednesday November 18, 2020. As in the beginning of this mess Local 445 is wishing you and PLEASE HELP!! – The Hall www.detroiteitc.org/continuing-education/.We will start to cancel none of the locals business will be disrupted. Calls and Referrals your families a Very Merry is asking for each member to classes if they don’t meet the minimum enrollment requirements, or will be answered just as they always are. Dues payments along Christmas and a Safe and Joy- verify their address, phone num- more hopefully we will order books for those of you who’ve signed with questions regarding benefits as well as the locals Executive ous New Year! ber and email address that we up. Members on the Storm Book must secure their training through board business will continue as it always has. Attention: The office staff have on file. We are looking into the Continuing Education Program offered by the school. If you need Don’t forget to check our website for new content. Be sure to log will be at the Hall during normal a texting and email service, and if assistance in registering for a class please call the Training Center at in to see all the new content. www.local948.com. business hours but is closed to you would like to be included in 586-751-6600. You can pay over the phone with debit or credit card. You can walk-in traffic except by appoint- those correspondences, we need Local 58 Dues Information: Dues are due by the first day of the also stop by the Hall during business hours (7am-noon/ 1-4pm) and ment only. Please call (269) 964- your current information. Thank quarter. You can now pay your dues with an APP. Go to Apple/ pay by cash, check, debit or credit card. Don’t wait till you owe a 4545 or email [email protected] you! Google Play and download the IBEW 58 APP. In the APP go to My reinstatement fee (4 months behind). for the best way to handle your Local Website - Please check Profile, My Member Tools and that’s where you find the information 2021 – Monthly Dues – Journeyman $43.70 a month – Appren- concerns. the Local 445 website for the lat- to pay. You can also pay by phone with credit/debit or mail a check. tices, CE, Sound Tech $40.70 a month Attention: The dues for 2021 est information, including job At this time we are not taking cash transactions. The dues office will 2020 – Monthly Dues – Journeyman $43.70 a month – Appren- will not be changing from 2020. postings. The Local 445 web ad- be closed December 24 – 25, 2020, December 30th at noon, December tices, CE, Sound Tech $40.70 a month JIW are $53.00/mo. or $159.00/qtr. dress is IBEW445.com. 31, 2020 and January 1, 2021. The last day to pay dues will be Decem- If you are unfamiliar with our referral procedure please refer to ber 30, 2020 by 12:00 NOON. Happy Holidays to you and your family our website @ http://local948.org/job_referrals/ and Stay Safe! Gregory Remington IBEW Local 498 Local No. 58 Benevolent Fund: The next Benevolent Fund meet- Business Manager ing will be Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 5:00 pm. E-mail and Re-signs: If the Hall does not have your e-mail ad- “Powering Northern Michigan Since 1949” The 18th Annual Ken Fitzhenry Super Bowl Raffle is starting. dress it would be a good idea to send us an e-mail to Tickets are $20.00 and all proceeds benefit Local 58 Benevolent Fund. [email protected] so we can add you to the e-mail list. This is a IBEW Local 498 Grand prize: 65" TV and stadium recliner! Additional prizes: (1) 55" great way to keep up with the latest information on job calls and TRAVERSE CITY – Meetings. TV, (3) 42" TV, (3) 32" TV, and (1) Weber grill. * Due to Covid-19 this other information sent from the Hall. Regular E Board – Due to Covid 19 it was decided to have the E- will be a raffle only this year, No dinner or event. For tickets contact Board meetings by phone or digital format. It will be held on the new Gym at 734-730-0536. We would like to thank Larry Reid at ABC Ware- night of the second Friday of every month at 6:00 pm. The next house for his continued support and helping us with our prizes. Please IBEW meeting if January 8, 2020. contact Larry Reid (734) 981-7780, at the Canton ABC Warehouse MEETING – Due to Covd 19 and State of Michigan rules for in- store for all your appliance, TV and electronic needs. person meetings a motion was made and supported to suspend the Members of the Community Service Committee: The next meet- Local 131 regular meeting for December 2020. Meetings will continue when the ing will be Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 5:00 PM. The Wobbly Kitchen Serving Southwest Michigan Since 1916 pandemic lets up and it will be on a month to month basis until it is is up and running again and we are assisting them every 2nd and 4th safe to attend in person. Sunday with food prep and distribution at Cass Park. We are asking IBEW Local 131 Happy Holidays- To all the Brothers and Sisters of Local 498 volunteers to show up at the hall at 8:00 am to help with the Wobbly KALAMAZOO – The next General Membership is scheduled have a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year. Holiday Kitchen program. To get involved with future community service for Jan. 4th 2021, at 6 p.m; pending DHHS orders and current COVID Office Closings are as follows: Dec 24th- Closed at noon • Dec 25th- projects contact Mike Conflitti or Rob Z at the union hall. pandemic transmission rates, if the meeting is cancelled the Execu- Closed • Dec 31st-Closed • Jan 1st -Closed. Members of the Entertainment Committee: The next meeting of tive Board will handle the Local Union’s business for January. The PLC Class- There are 4 seats available. The dates are Feb 19 & the Entertainment Committee will be Tuesday, January 12, 2021, fol- Union hall will close at noon on Dec. 24th, we will reopen for business 26 and March 5 & 12, If you would like one please call the hall. lowing the Community Service Committee meeting that starts at 5:00 on Dec. 28th. The union hall will be closed on January 1st as well. TEE SHIRT ORDER – Tee shirts are going to be ordered soon. pm. Due to the Governor’s current executive order, we ask that those Brother Ryan Lautner is working on a design and as soon as we get EWMC of Southeastern MI: Thank you to all of those who helped coming to the Local Union to conduct business please wear a face that we will get them coming. out with our second Coat Give-Away on Saturday, December 12, 2020 covering. See MDHHS Epidemic Orders here: https://www.michigan.gov/ at St. Suzanne Catholic Church. This was another AWESOME event All Book 2 signings shall be done by fax or email from the coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98455-533660—,00.html thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers. This has been a different member’s home local. Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, our office will be closed for type of year for us all but because we have each other to lean on, we Work Outlook: The work outlook is strong. We expect to have member walk-in traffic to help keep both our members and staff safe. have made it through a rough time. Please enjoy your Holidays (no a busier than usual fall continuing into the winter. If you are aware of This change will be effective Monday, Nov. 17, 2020, until further notice. matter what it is that you celebrate), remember to hold onto those interested electricians working in our jurisdiction, please have them Additionally, at the Nov. 11 regular membership meeting it was things that are important to you and your family, and don’t forget visit www.poweringkalamazoo.com or call the office. decided to suspend December’s regular meeting and to allow the that some are not as blessed as we are. M.J. Electric, Van Ert Electric, and KEI Electrical have all secured Executive Board decide when it is safe to return to a normal meeting The 2021 EWMC National Conference will be virtual and is sched- work at the Graphic Packaging Paper Mill expansion. These calls will schedule. uled for January 15 - 16, 2021. Information on the schedule, work- require a Michigan State Electrical License; most calls right now The hall will be accepting initial book signs by fax or email from shops and registration can be found on the EWMC National Website are working overtime. the home local for Book 2 or for Book 1 members a termination slip (ibew-ewmc.org). Thank you to those who continue to attend our The LMCC has launched a new website from the last referred contractor. Zoom meetings as we navigate through these difficult times. The www.poweringkalamazoo.com. This website will be used to highlight This does NOT mean we are closed for business. Members still next meeting of the chapter will be on Monday, January 11, 2021 at local signatory contractors and used as an organizing tool. Follow us have a variety of ways in which to reach /conduct business with us, 5:30pm so that we can meet before the EWMC Virtual Conference. on Facebook @poweringkalamazoo, Twitter @PoweringKzoo, including: Calling our office: 231-943-4980 Please make sure your cell phone number and your email address are Instagram @poweringkalamazoo, and LinkedIn @powering Email: [email protected] or fax: 231-943-8000 up to date. The meeting information will be sent out as soon as avail- kalamazoo. Please feel free to share the wage calculator feature of David Fashbaugh: [email protected] able. If you are not receiving the notices please make sure that your this site. Caroline Demeter: [email protected] information is updated here at the hall. Please continue to stay safe at If you believe we do not have your email address or correct cell Laurie Thybault: [email protected] work, home, and in the community. #ibewstrong phone number, please email Christine at [email protected] Tim Babcock: [email protected] The RENEW Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, January Dues pricing - The price for dues in 2020 is $40/month. If you’re Online Dues Payment: [email protected] 26, 2021 at 5:00 PM. unsure about your balance, please call the Hall for the exact amount If you have a special circumstance, please call our office and we The Safety Committee meeting will be on Monday, January 11, or email Christine. If your dues ticket reads paid through October will assist you. We will be available by appointment. We will provide 2021 at 5:30 PM. 2020, your dues are not current; please contact the Hall. updates to any changes by email. The Veterans Committee will now be meeting monthly immedi- We have finalized our automated dues reminders; these remind- Thank you for your understanding as we all work to stay safe ately after the Safety committee meeting on the 2nd Monday of each ers will be sent ahead of possible late dues. You may receive a mes- and healthy. month. sage via text or email if you have not tendered your most current I.O. PAYPAL – PAY PAL is now up and running!!! Please look into The Political Action Committee (PAC) meets the 1st Wednesday Dues payments. Dues payments can also be made online; to log in, setting up a personal PayPal account. The Pay Pal option to use for of each month Via Zoom. To be added to our email list please contact use your Last Name and Card Number. paying your dues is “pay someone you trust,” if a different option is Jeannette Bradshaw (313-408-1287). PAC contributions can be made Life events happen, and we’d always like to make sure you have used it will deduct the credit card fees out of what is sent to the local through the APP, and at the Union Hall. You can contribute more updated beneficiary forms. If you’re questioning whether yours is for your dues. This leaves your dues short as we are a not for profit than the $4 dollars that is suggested on your quarterly dues, but you up to date, stop on down to the Hall to get new documents. business and have no way to absorb those costs. If you need help cannot exceed $175.00 per calendar year. The loss of our deduction If you’re interested in receiving updates from the Hall, please email with this you can call Caroline at the Union hall. cut our resources in half, and we would like to assist local candidates Christine at [email protected] to get your email address added. JB Webb East and West- We are still tentatively planning on a and our members looking to run for office. Retirements: Congratulations to the following retiring members: Labor Management meeting on Dec. 17, 2020. The informational Local 58’s Women’s Committee: We will continue having our Adrian DiVisser, July 2020. Michael Chaddock, May 2020. John meeting at Little Traverse Township Hall has been cancelled due to regular monthly meetings on ZOOM as needed. Please watch for Magnan Jr., May 2020. Robert S. Davis, June 2020. Roger Clark, March Covid 19 restrictions. emails with further updates and hopefully we will be meeting in per- 2020. Patrick Klocke, May 2020. Keith Moore, April 2020. William Email – Please get an email address to the hall so we can get info son soon. If there are any retirees that need help with getting grocer- Slater, July 2020. Thomas Vrobel, August 2020. Peter Spreitzer, Au- out easier and faster, thanks. You can email your address to the hall ies or other essentials during this pandemic, please reach out, we are gust 2017. at [email protected] . Please put your name in the subject. here for you. You can email us.Email us at: 58Womens Condolences: With a heavy heart, Local 131 would like to an- Contracts - We have updated Inside Wireman Contracts avail- [email protected], Follow us on Instagram @ibewomen58; nounce the following members passing, Brother Dale Bothwell passed able at the hall. Check us out on Facebook. away on April 23, 2020. Brother Charles Krull passed away on May 3, Dues 2021 – There is no Union Dues increase for 2021. Effec- The Retirees Annual Florida Luncheon: Due to the uncertainty 2020. Brother John Ingram passed May 2020. Brother Josh Batten tive Jan. 2021 the rate will remain $140.10 per quarter. caused by the Covid-19 virus no plans have been made for the 2021 passed away on July 24, 2020. Brother Lawrence Shearer passed Resale Items – We have Local 498 Beanie Hats for resale and T- Florida Annual Luncheon. I hope you are all well, stay safe and I away on July 18, 2020. Brother William Cook passed away on Sep- shirts. Stop in to get yours today! Proud Union Home signs are in hope to see you at the next one. ~Syl Ludwic~ tember 24, 2020. Brother Walter Bunce passed on October 19, 2020. and available at the hall. Free to members in good standing. IBEW Local 58 Retirees Association: With the Covid-19 situa- Sister Lisa Danielson passed on October 20, 2020. Brother Dennis Scholarship – Past charter member Brother Bob Dost has a schol- tion, the December Newsletter will be sent to members electronically. Root passed on October 24, 2020. Brother “OJ” Whisler passed on arship ‘Robert Paul Dost Scholarship Endowment’ for High School If we have already received your email address at Nov. 20th,2020. Brother John Haskins passed on November 29th,2020. seniors in the 5-county area around Traverse City. To access it go to [email protected] you will receive the newsletter, if we All Memorials and full obituaries can be viewed on the website www.gtrcf.org/scholarships/ . Local 498 Union members’ children don’t have it yet, please send it ASAP to the above email address. It under the Memorials Tab. get preference to the endowment. A huge thank you in Memory of may be necessary to continue to publish electronically in the near FROM THE APPRENTICESHIP: Bob Dost for his generosity and being a great union member. future, so this address will keep you in the loop. With the end of 2020 Journeyman Upgrade Classes: Service Pins – Service Pins are still available at the union hall for approaching, please send your past-due dues, along with your 2021 Fall 2020-Winter 2021 those members who have not received them. Stop by and get yours dues to Ray Owen, (payable to the Retirees Association), 428 Welch 3. State Exam Prep W January 6 to March 3, 2021 today! Rd., Northville, MI 48167. Dues are $8.00 per person, per year, due 4. Motor Controls W February 10 to April 14, 2021 Made in America Websites – www.theunionbootpro.com - 100% date is January 1, 2021 for next year’s dues. With the Holiday Season 5. CPR S February 13, 2021 American made/union made. Union member discounts 27% off. Use upon us, take a bit of time out to contact fellow members, by tele- 6. Foreman Training W March 10 to May 12, 2021 this code when ordering. Be0498mD or order toll free 1-800-723-5384. phone, email, text or an old-fashioned snail mail note or card. Best 7. CPR S March 13, 2021 Email Addresses – Any member that would like to have Local Wishes to all, for a happy, safe, joyful Holiday season! 8. CPR S April 10, 2021 498 forward communication to them from the International, Local 498, Be sure to keep the Union Hall updated with any changes to **Code Update Classes: it is now required for Journeyman to AFL-CIO or the Building Trades, to help stay informed to current your phone number, address, and email. pay in advance to hold your spot in the Code Update Class. We events, politics, contracts, work, etc. Please call or email your current IBEW Pension: Congratulations to the following members who require 48 hours’ notice for cancelations if you need to reschedule email address to Local 498 at [email protected] Thank you! have been placed on International Pension: Randall Cline, Michael for another available Code Update Course.** Important numbers for you to write in your address book: Collins, Joseph Cook, Thomas Crimmins, Thomas Frede, Rodney Please visit our website www.kalamazoojatc.com or stop in to MEEHP (Health) 1-855-633-4584 or 1-517-321-7502 Fax# 1-517- French, Denis Gaynier, Stephen Kauffman, Stuart Light, Joseph sign up for the Code Update Class. September 3, 2020. Call Nicole at 321-7508 McBrien, Thomas Nielsen, Gary Rogers, and Michael Winn. 269-388-4434 with any questions. MEEPP (MI Pension) 1-517-321-7502 Members that have Passed Away: Harry Birch, pension member, Drug Test Renewals: Please keep track of your drug test expira- (New address Michigan Pension and Health Plan) 61 year IBEW membership; Peter Floreno Sr, pension member, 53 year tion date through www.safe2work4you.com. It is your responsibility TIC International Corp., 6525 Centurion Drive, Lansing, MI 48917 IBEW membership, Father to JIW Rudolph Floreno, Brother to pen- to stay current on your drug test. Please contact Nicole (269) 388- NEBF 1-301-556-4300 sion member Mark Newkirk; Susan Floreno, Widow of pension mem- 4434 to get your authorization form printed for you to pick up. If you NEAP 1-301-556-4300 ber Peter Floreno Sr, Step-Mother to JIW Rudolph Floreno, Sister-in- don’t want to come to the Hall to pick it up, please email Nicole and IO Pension 1-202-833-7000 law to Pension member Mark Newkirk; Frank LaFata, pension mem- request your form to be emailed to you. [email protected]. DUES RATES. Jan 1, 2020 - $140.10/Quarter ber 20 year IBEW membership; Larry Parkkila, pension member, 35 Organizing: As much technology as we use to track non-union Jan 1, 2021 – No increase. Still remains $140.10/Quarter year IBEW membership; Weber Young, pension member, 75 year IBEW electricians in our jurisdiction, often, our best resources are you, the Info Updates – Any member with a new address, phone number, membership. We extend our sincere sympathy to the families on their members. If you see a non-signatory in the area working at a location, email address, etc. should contact Local 498 with these changes. loss. please let the Hall know. Please remember it is your responsibility to pay your dues on “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the officers and time. “Hate is a wasteful emotion. Most of the people you hate never staff of IBEW L.U. 131” Remember to check the hall recorder at night after 4:00pm for any know it. The others don't care.” Brian O’Donnell jobs that might be available. 231-943-4980 ext. 3# –Medgar Evers Business Manager/Financial Secretary December 25, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 7

IBEW Local 252 IBEW Local 692 our jurisdiction, we’re going to ANN ARBOR – UNION OF- BAY CITY – Please note: In do everything we can to ensure FICE LIMITING IN-PERSON observance of the Christmas holi- as much of that work as possible BUSINESS: Due to the Nov. 18 Local 665 day, the hall will be closed on goes fair. We will also continue MDHHS Epidemic Order, the Local 275 Thursday, December 24 and Fri- to reach out to unrepresented Union Hall will be limiting in-per- IBEW 665 day, December 25. workers and visit as many son business effective Wednes- LANSING – HAPPY HOLI- IBEW 275 Message from the Business jobsites as we can, especially as day, Nov. 18, 2020 until further DAYS: Brothers and Sisters, on COOPERSVILLE – Dear Manager. The hall continues to COVID-related restrictions ease notice. If you have business to behalf of the officers and staff of Brothers and Sisters: After the be closed to in-person traffic not up. Feel free to contact us with take care of at the hall, please call Local 665, I just wanted to take a New Year holiday, we will be re- only to protect the office and staff any questions or concerns. IBEW us at (734) 424-0978. moment to wish you and yours a visiting opening the Hall back up of IBEW Local 692 but also the Brian Klele 989.252.9225 UNION HALL HOURS FOR safe and happy holiday season. full time. I do not believe we will general membership. It would Brendon Baranek 989.327.4131 LOCAL UPCOMING HOLIDAYS: The The end of the year is a time be able to open it up to foot traf- also be a direct violation of the Union Dues. There will not Hall will closed Dec. 24 and Dec. of year for remembrance. We take fic by then, but we will see. Thank latest orders put forth by the be an increase in monthly dues 906 25 for Christmas. We will close at stock of where we came from and you all for your patience as we MDHHS. We all continue to work in 2021. Dues can be paid via 12:00pm on Dec. 31 and be closed have a moment to think about try and balance what we are able very hard for all of you and the phone, on-line, by mail or auto- IBEW Local 906 on Jan. 1 for the New Years Holi- where we are going, as we pursue to do with the restrictions from the office is always staffed to pay matic withdrawal from your bank UPPER PENINSULA– day. Thank you and have a won- the future with hope. May your state and keeping the members and dues, sign out of work lists, or account. Please note when us- MEETINGS derful and safe holiday season! new year be all that you hope for, staff safe at the same time. handle any other need an indi- ing a credit card for payments MARQUETTE UNIT– First MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP and may it be sprinkled with love As you may know, I had to vidual member may have. Servic- there will be a 2% charge ap- Tuesday MEETINGS: We continue to and friendship. Happy Holidays! cancel the December meeting. I ing the membership will always plied. IRON MOUNTAIN UNIT– monitor new orders and direc- Fraternally, am doubtful we will be able to be our number one priority. Please 2021 Dues (Effective January Second Tuesday tives pertaining to COVID-19. Aaron Pangborn have our January meeting either. do not hesitate to call or email any 1, 2021): Monthly $41.20 • Quar- ESCANABA UNIT–Second Decisions about membership Business Manager There are other Locals who are one of us at any time. terly $123.60 • 6 months $247.20 • Wednesday meetings will be determined and IBEW Local 665 also not able to have them, and I Our annual Christmas party Yearly $494.40 PLEASE PROTECT YOUR- relayed to you as they approach. DECEMBER UNION MEET- hate not being able to do so. has been canceled due to Covid- To avoid a reinstatement SELF AND OTHERS BY KEEP- CONTRACTOR CLASS: th ING IS CANCELLED: The De- Please know that the 6 Dis- 19 concerns. The deposit has fee, please remember to keep ING 6 FEET OF PHYSICAL DIS- We will be hosting Pro-Union cember 21, 2020 Union meeting is trict IVP is aware of the struggles been moved to 2021 so please your dues current. TANCE. WEAR YOUR MASK Consulting to assist IBEW Local cancelled. The officers of the lo- each Local is going through and plan on attending next year. Death of Members. We regret AT THE JOBSITE. FOLLOW 252 members in becoming profit- cal will meet via ZOOM to con- while IVP Ruhmkorff has ap- Please be vigilant in your ef- to inform you of the death of re- THE GUIDELINES ON HAND able union electrical/ renewable duct the business of the local proved meeting cancelations, he forts to stay healthy and safe from tired Brother Russell “Tom” Th- WASHING AND WIPING energy contractors. This class will union this month. still states that Locals are to con- Covid-19. Local 692 continues to ompson, Card # D92560, who DOWN SURFACES. BE SMART, be offered May 13, 14, and 15, 7:30 UNION HALL CLOSURE duct monthly Executive Board have more and more members and passed away on Dec. 8, 2020. BE SAFE. a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please call the FOR HOLIDAYS: The Union meetings so that monthly busi- their families affected by this pan- Brother Thompson was born on The Hall continues to remain Union Hall to sign up. We need a Hall will be closed on the follow- ness can still go on. We have con- demic by the week. Please keep June 19, 1932 (88 years old). He closed to walk in traffic. An ap- minimum of 20 people for the class. ing dates in observance of sidered having our monthly meet- all of our brothers and sisters in was initiated on Aug. 5, 1966. pointment can be made by call- JATC: There will NO in per- Christmas and New Year’s. De- ings via Zoom or other similar plat- your thoughts. Science tells us Russell resided in Prescott, MI. ing the office for any necessary son training until January 2021. cember 24, December 25,Decem- forms, but there would be no way both washing your hands and #322. Local death fund as- in-person business. The Executive COVID-19 UPDATE: Local ber 31, January 1. of accomplishing the task se- wearing a face covering can pro- sessment $5.00 each (due within Board continues to monitor the 252 has had more positive NOTICE: THE UNION curely. tect the public from contracting 30 days) payable to: IBEW Lo- Covid 19 situation and will make a COVID-19 cases in the last three HALL IS CLOSED TO WALK- So, until indoor gathering this virus. cal 692, Bay City, MI 48706. determination on January meetings weeks than we’ve had since this IN TRAFFIC. Brothers and Sis- restrictions are lifted or the Please contact myself or one With the hall closed due to at their Dec. 29 meeting. pandemic started. Please take ters, Per the latest MDHHS Epi- weather permits, we will have to see of our agents for any questions Covid-19, payments can be We would like to take this every precaution to protect your- demic Orders and the statewide what our options are on a monthly Please stay safe and look out for made online from our website, moment to wish all of our Broth- selves, your family, and others rise in COVID-19 cases, our of- basis. Again, I appreciate your un- your fellow brothers and sisters. taken over the phone, or mailed ers and Sisters in the Labor move- while at work or in the public. If fice will remain closed for mem- derstanding and patience. Merry Christmas from the to the hall. ment a Merry Christmas and your employment is disrupted ber walk-in traffic to help keep At the time of this writing, Officers and Staff of Local 692. Retirees Lunch. All retirees’ Happy New Year. due to COVID-19, please contact both our members and staff safe. the following members are three Wishing you and your family lunches have been postponed. 45-year service pins went to the Hall so that we can ensure This change will be effective or more months behind in dues: peace, health, happiness, and Fringe Benefits. RE- the following members: Ludwig that you get everything that’s Monday, November 16, 2020, un- Andrew Holmes, Kevin Skrabis prosperity in the coming year. MINDER: if you have recently Gazvoda, Michael Doney, Ralph entitled to you, and that proper til further notice. & Jeffrey Wagner. Work Report. With resolu- gotten married, divorced, had Beauchamp and Dennis Bailey. We protocol is followed for This does NOT mean we are Please note the Hall will be tion finally coming to the presi- children, etc. make sure your ben- thank these Brothers for their time in everyone’s safety. th closed for business. Members closed December 24 & Decem- dential election, the work picture eficiaries have been updated ac- the trade and the benefits we now Local 252 Website & App: th st still have a variety of ways in ber 25 and December 31 & Janu- is beginning to clear up. Both the cordingly. Beneficiary forms can enjoy, thanks to their hard work. The Local’s website www.ibew which to reach /conduct busi- ary 1st in observance of Christmas Dodge and the Cam reporting be obtained from the hall. The next MSHA class will be 252.org is up and running. There ness with us, including: and New Year’s. systems are by no means on fire, REMINDER: If you contact via zoom on Jan 9th. There will be is also a Local 252 App available Calling the office: 517-393-5530 On behalf of the staff of Lo- but there is some work beginning the Health Plan Office about go- a 24 hour new miner class (in per- to download. Search “IBEW 252” Email: [email protected] cal 275, we wish you a happy and to break in our jurisdiction. We ing on short term disability, it is son) on Jan. 21, 22 and 23. To sign in the app store. You must create Online Dues Payment: www. safe holiday season. are hearing the new West important for you to notify the up for any MSHA class please a new login and password to ac- ibew665.org (Click on the Orange For now on, all resign re- Branch Meijer will be bid right Hall as well. A copy of your pa- call Ann at 906-226-6511 ext 4. cess the Members Only section. “Pay Dues” tab) quest will be sent to gyonkers@ after the first of the year. perwork will need to be submit- Class size is limited to 20 persons Your login for the old website is If you have a special circum- ibew275.org. The procedures are Wilkinson Minerals right in Bay ted to the Hall for your file. This so if you need to renew your cer- no longer valid. stance, please call our office and still the same. County is being bid as you read will also freeze your position on tificate make the call now and re- SERVICE PINS: If you we will assist you. We will be Regular meetings for the this. This will be a very large in- the out of work list. serve your spot in the class. We would like your service year pin available by appointment. EWMC and RENEW committees dustrial project. RENEW Committee. IBEW expect some sizeable work at the please call the hall to make ar- th For our travelling brothers are every month on the 4 Tues- The Mid-Michigan Health Local 692 is still working on sup- mines this winter. rangements to receive it. and sisters, Local 665 is still ac- day @ 6:00pm at the Union Hall outbuilding located next to John porting our RENEW committee as The Pension Plan Trustees have M.U.S.T DRUG TESTING: cepting initial sign by fax or email in Coopersville and/or via zoom. Glenn High School has a nice ad- they get off the ground. For those met and adopted changes to the Please make sure your MUST from a member’s home local. Both of these are great ways to dition about to be bid also. The that are unfamiliar, RENEW Plan. They have increased the con- drug testing is current as you Thank you for your under- get involved with the local as well new Isabella County Jail has been stands for Reaching out and En- tribution rate by 25 cents starting cannot work on a U of M project standing as we all work to stay as the community. secured by Master Electric. Work gaging Next generation of Elec- Jan. 1, 2021. In return the 2021 ben- or several other projects in the safe and healthy. Dues for the year 2021 will there will begin in the spring. trical Workers. This committee efit year amount will increase by $1 jurisdiction without being cur- DEATH BENEFIT: We are be $42.90 per month. Please make Newkirk Electric is currently meets the second Monday of the Additionally they have increased rent. Local 252 has a zero toler- currently at death benefit # 316. adjustments when making pay- putting the final touches on their month at a rotating location. If past service years by three dollars ance for alcohol or drug use. Please check your dues receipt ments through mail and auto- fire alarm project at Bay City you are 35 and younger and look- for each year. For more information ERTS: Please make sure that to ensure that you are current. matic bank payments. Powertrain. John’s Electric out of ing to get more involved in the on the effect to your benefit please you are signed up in the Elec- Alpena has been awarded the local please reach out to the hall contact Tracy at the Pension of- tronic Reciprocity Transfer Sys- Alpena library project. Hardies and we can get you the informa- fice or Tom at the Hall tem. You must be signed up in Electric has a nice project at the tion needed. This is your local A reminder that the monthly ERTS before working outside of Atlanta Schools. Brothers and Sisters, get in- dues are $40.00 We have received Local 252’s jurisdiction or your ben- IBEW Rest assured both organiz- volved! some at the old rate of $39.00 and efits will not be transferred back. ers and myself are working very Ryan Charney a few members are overpaying. Aflac Insurance: Aflac has LOCAL 557 diligently to secure whatever Business Manager / This makes the bookwork diffi- teamed up with the IBEW to of- work is being bid in our jurisdic- Financial Secretary cult. Please if you have a service fer its members Aflac benefits at tion for our membership. Work Important links & numbers that pays your dues monthly in- a reduced rate. Contact Repre- IBEW Local 557 remains very good in Detroit, IBEW Local 692 989-684-4510 form them of the correct amount. sentative Lisa Enerson for infor- SAGINAW – Please note: the Union Hall will be CLOSED on Kalamazoo, and Lansing. Please www.ibew692.org Remember that address mation about Accident, Cancer, Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st in observance of Christmas and New Year’s contact the hall if you would like Health Plan 517-321-7502 changes and phone changes along Critical Care, Dental and Vision Holidays. On behalf of the officers and staff of Local 557, we wish to sign any books. www.mielectricalhealth.org with new additions to the families insurance from Aflac. Phone you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Organizers Report. As we Michigan Pension Fund need to be passed on to the Hall number: (517) 306-0144. COVID-19- The COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate our close out 2020, we continue to 517-321-7502 and the Pension and Health Plans. Retirees’ Breakfast: The lives. Our State and the rest of the Country continues to set records perform as much leg work as pos- www.michiganelectrical.org If you have any information retiree’s breakfast is cancelled for number of cases. This situation is very serious and all recom- sible to secure work for our mem- First time logging in, use you would like to see noted in until further notice. mended precautions should be followed. Please continue to wear bership through research and re- your Social Security Number in this article or something you be- Christmas Party: The masks and social distance to keep yourself and those around you lationship building with develop- the “ID Box” lieve should be published please Local’s annual Christmas party safe while on the jobsite and at home. ers. As 2021 has potential to be a NEBF/ NEAP: 301-556-4300 email the Hall with your request. has been cancelled this year due To keep members, their families, and the union hall staff safe, the good year for larger projects in IO Pension: 202-833-7000 [email protected] to the pandemic. following is in effect: NOTICE TO RETIREES: If -The Union Hall is closed to foot traffic until further notice. your 50-year commemorative -Please take care of business via email, phone, or fax. Special watch stops working for any rea- appointments available. son please contact the Union -Please try to take care of your quarterly dues payments by utilizing Hall. Do not attempt to have it a credit or debit card over the phone. E-checks are also available. serviced yourself. -The January Monthly Union Meeting is CANCELLED. CREDIT CARDS: The Lo- -Apprenticeship classes are now all virtual until further notice, cal is now accepting credit cards no in-person instruction. to pay union dues. We accept All of these decisions have been made to keep members and Visa, Master Card, American Ex- their families safe. The Epidemic Orders will be re-evaluated soon press and Discover. There is a fee and at that time the hall will re-evaluate operations. of 3.5% to use your card. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS-The next membership meeting UNION DUES FOR 2021: scheduled for Jan. 5 is CANCELLED due to the State’s Epidemic Effective January 1, 2021 union orders. Keep an eye on these articles, emails from the Hall and the Local’s dues for “A” members will remain website and Facebook page for updates on future meetings. The Local $119.25 per quarter. Union dues 557 Executive Board met on Dec. 15 and will meet again Jan. 19. for “BA” members will remain DEATH OF MEMBER- Sadly, on Dec. 3rd, 67-year member $61.80 per quarter. Sheldon Weiland passed away. Brother Sheldon passed away at the DUES PAYMENTS – Please age of 93. Brother Sheldon was born May 15, 1927. Initiated into the look at your dues receipt. If your IBEW August 1, 1953. Retired May 1, 1989. Our condolences go out dues paid through date shows 9/ to his family and friends. 2020, your dues are not current. UNION HALL OPERATIONS- The Union Hall is still open for “A” members pay $119.25 per quar- business. We ask that business to be taken care of with phone calls, ter for 2020. “BA” members pay emails, or fax. Special appointments are available if absolutely neces- $61.80 per quarter for 2020. Please sary. James Lamb is continuing organizing duties as much as pos- mail your check to 7920 Jackson sible during this time as well and if you have any useful information Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Your for him regarding work or new members please feel free to pass it fourth quarter dues (Oct. through along. He can be reached at 989-529-5943. Dec.) are due now. Payments for SAGINAW COUNTY COMMISSIONERS- A special thank you 4th quarter dues will be accepted is in order for our friends at the Saginaw County Board of Commis- no later than 11:30 A.M. on Thurs- sioners. With their help, Saginaw County now has Responsible Con- day, Dec. 31, 2020. (Continued on Page 8) 8 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN December 25, 2020 Local 47 Local 149 Heat and Frost Roofers & Local 25 Insulators Heat and Frost Waterproofers Union Office right away so we Insulators Heat and Frost Insulators & can update your information Abatement Roofers 149 Allied Workers Local 47 throughout our system, TIC’s, Workers Happy New Year! Happy New Year, from the Officers and Mem- Heat & Frost Insulators 25 LANSING – Local 47 Lan- and the with the International. It bers of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Work- SOUTHFIELD – RE- sing Office, 419 S. Washington is very important to make sure Local 207 ers Local 149. May 2021 be a great, safe, and prosperous year for you MINDER: We continue to be un- Square, Suite 301, Lansing, your contact information is al- and your family. der the directive of the Interna- Michigan 48933. Ph.: 517-708- ways update with Local 47. Abatement Workers Local 207 DETROIT – Main Office – Southeastern Lower Michigan – tional Union and pursuant to that 0665 Anyone interested in joining TAYLOR – Local 207 would Regular Membership Meeting. The regular membership meet- directive, the JANUARY 2021 Local 47 wishes all our Mem- the newly formed Breath Of Life like to congratulate Doug Ripple ing scheduled for Tues., Jan. 5, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. has been cancelled. UNION MEETING has been can- bers and their families a Merry Committee is asked to please call on his election win as Business The next Executive Board meeting is scheduled for Tues., Dec. celled. Continue to monitor the Christmas and a Happy New Year. the Local Union Office. Manager for Local 207! Good luck 29, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Facebook page for updates. To combat and limit the Pension and Health Welfare: brother I know we will succeed Vacation Checks (quarterly and biannual). The Detroit Union REMINDER - spread of Covid-19, Local 47 en- Larry Tolbert (269-345-8944) under your Hall will open at 6 am, Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 to distribute vacation UNION ELEC- courages all members to continue Allied Workers’ Local 47 Leadership! checks. The Hall will also be open from 8 until Noon, Saturday, Jan. TIONS: Due to to work safe, and if you feel sick Fringe Benefit Funds, 6525 Cen- There are a 23, 2020 for anyone that cannot make it down Friday. Detroit Mem- unforeseen is- contact a doctor immediately. turion Drive, Lansing, MI 48917- lot of upcoming projects slated bers will need to contact the Union Hall if you what the check mailed. sues with the Any retirees wanting to go 9275. Toll Free Number: (800) for early winter International Union Burial Benefit Plan. To be eligible for burial to work, please call the office. USPS, we have 323-8079 so be prepared benefits, a member must be in continuous good standing. For all mem- been forced to The Funds Trustees have Telephone Number: (517) for work during bers who are in good standing the following burial benefits shall be paid: rerun our mail-in waived the 79-Hour rule. 321-7502 a time when tra- a. To a member in continuous good standing for more than six nomination pro- All members should have Fax Number: (517) 321-7508 ditionally work full months, but not to exceed 12 full months, the sum of $1,200. CURT cess. Eligible received a letter from our Inter- Larry Tolbert will be avail- KEVIN is slowing b. To a member in continuous good standing for more than twelve McGLONE Members, may national regarding the Asbestos able via phone to answer any MEAGHER down. When months, but not to exceed eighteen full months, the sum of $1,800. have received Exposure Scientific Study. For questions regarding Pension, you do return to c. To a member in continuous good standing for more than eigh- your original packet back in the more information on how to par- Welfare and Vacation Funds. work, follow all required Covid teen full months, but not to exceed 24 full months, the sum of $2,400. mail from the postal service. ticipate in this study, please con- Larry is the Secretary for the Pen- guidelines that may be in place d. To a member in continuous good standing for more than twenty- As a result of this situation, tact Business Manager Patrick sion, Welfare, Vacation and Spe- for certain sites. Remember to call four full months, but not to exceed 36 full months, the sum of $3,000. you will be receiving a new Welch at the main Local 47 Office cial Benefits and can be reached in if you are unemployed for help e. To a member in continuous good standing for more than 36 full packet in the mail shortly. This number: 517-708-0665 by phone at (269) 345-8944, or by with future placement. Updated, months, but not to exceed 60 full months, the sum of $4,500. packet will contain a set of docu- Per the Rules and Proce- mail at: P.O. Box 19541, working telephone numbers are f. To a member in continuous good standing for more than 60 full ments that has been sealed and dures: Members must notify the Kalamazoo, MI 49019. necessary to help you with work months, the sum of $5,000. dated for the start of new office within 24 hours of being To all active members, if you placement. Do not get caught In the event of the death of a member, not more than one of the process. All previous packets laid off or charges may be placed. have not sent in your Coordina- without the necessary current job amounts specified above shall be paid. are null and void. These issues Members must notify the tion of Benefits Form, your Spou- site credentials, although several It is the duty of the International Secretary-Treasurer to see that were outside the control of the office before ANY overtime is sal Form, or your Birth Certifi- state agencies have relaxed re- the funeral expenses are paid with the money provided for by these Election Committee. We were worked. cates for your Children, no one newal requirements due to the benefits. If the funeral director’s bill for services has not been paid, concerned, there may be some Contracts are available at the will be covered on our insurance pandemic. The General Office still has a the burial benefits will be made payable to the funeral director. This complications due to the ongo- Union Office or at the Union until these items are sent to TIC. ban on Union Meeting and Elec- burial benefit shall first be paid to the person or persons who paid the Meeting upon request. ing healthcare situation, as well Please call TIC immediately at tions. Our current election pro- funeral director’s bill, in the amount of the bill only. All money remain- as, the volume of mail the USPS OSHA 10: Local 47 will be (800) 323-8079 and get the above- cess is still on hold until an ok is ing after the funeral director’s bill has been paid shall be paid to the handled during our national elec- offering OSHA 10 to any Active mentioned forms into the fund given to proceed. All members next of kin of the deceased in the following order: tions. Member who is not current with ASAP and you will be reinstated will be notified by mail when the 1. to the spouse of the deceased. We did not expect to have to the program. The course is done retroactively election can resume. 2. to the child or children of the deceased. completely rerun the entire pro- online, so if you wish to take the Remember that Auto and Work in other areas of the 3. to the parents of the deceased. cess. We appreciate everyone course please contact the Local Motorcycle accidents are not region have been picking up over 4. to the brothers and sisters of the deceased. who participated and encourage Union office with your email ad- covered by our plan. Auto and the last couple of weeks in Ohio 5. to the estate of the deceased. everyone to participate as we dress and we will be more than Motorcycle accidents should be and West Virginia. Winter out- Please share this vitally important information with your close work through this situation to happy to set it up for you. If you covered by your personal Auto ages in all areas in the region are friends and family. make sure our nomination/elec- do not have a computer at home, Insurance policy. on the horizon so make sure if you Website for announcements, news, and updates: tion process is as fair and acces- you are welcome to come to the Members having questions can travel that you make sure to www.rooferslocal149.com sible as possible for all eligible Local Union Office to take the regarding Pension and Welfare get licensed as soon as possible. Detroit Training Center Information. The next term for all De- Members. The new date to have course. Fund please contact TIC Interna- With most state agencies troit Apprentices is tentatively scheduled for: all new nomination packets in is: To ensure all Active Mem- tional at the numbers below or log working from home during this Apprentice 2 & Single Ply 1- Monday, January 18, 2021 Monday, Jan. 4. Even though we bers and Retirees are receiving onto their Website: www.heat pandemic filling out on-line re- Apprentice 1 & Single Ply 2- Tuesday, January 19 have been forced to extend the their Robo calls please make sure frostlocal47benefits.org: newals is the way to go. They are BUR 1 & Steep Slope 1- Wednesday January 20 process, all election terms will be you have not blocked the follow- Please complete and return processing much quicker than BUR 2 & Steep Slope 2- Thursday, January 21 retroactive to their normal Decem- ing number: (804) 441-8365. There the working spousal forms to traditional mail in applications. If Apprentice 7 & 8 Hands On + Safety & Health- Thursday, January 21 ber start dates. are several members who have TIC. you have any questions about on-line applications or what All classes begin at 6:30pm WEBSITE: The new the number blocked and therefore JATC Coordinator Phil states you may want to get a li- Journeyworkers upgrade classes to improve your skills, your are not receiving the Robo Calls. website is up and running. It can Wilson (616-466-8736) cense for do not hesitate to call worth, and our Brotherhood/Sisterhood is available at no cost to all be located at: https:// These calls are only used for Applications are open for the office or my cell. Detroit LU 149 members. heatfrostinsulators.org. Important Notifications from the the Apprenticeship Program. Call We are looking at schedul- APPAREL: New Local 25 Local Union Business Manager the Union Office. ing a new initial class for Novem- SMRCA awards scholarship apparel is available at the Union and Funeral Notifications. If you *Under Duties of Appren- ber so please if you can recom- The Governors for the Hall. New items include: knit hats are not receiving these calls, ticeship, Section 5.3 part L, page mend anyone that you know can Scholarship Grant Committee and beanies, new hi-vis short please contact the Local Union 4 of the Apprenticeship Stan- handle this work have them call awarded a Scholarship Grant to and long sleeved t-shirts and hi- Office and we will double check dards states, “According to the the office to get an application a college-bound student in Octo- vis hoodies. Apparel can be to make sure we have the correct Apprenticeship Standards you filled out and sent in so we can ber 2020. viewed on the Facebook page. number in the system or if you are required to accurately fill out get them into the next class. Commercial Roofing Con- MUST SAFETY MODULES: may have blocked the number. the online work report for NO later UPCOMING ASBESTOS tractors of Southeastern Michi- It is important to keep your Local 47 has been receiving than ten (10) days from the end TRAINING CLASSES: Asbes- gan, through the Southeastern MUST Safety Modules up to a lot of returned mail from our of the current work week.” tos Supervisor Refresher January date. If you have modules expir- members. We ask that if you have Good and Welfare: 17Th with a new 40 hour Initial Michigan Roofing Contractors th Association (SMRCA), along with ing and needing to be completed, a change of address or phone Get well to all our sick and Scheduled for Feb. 3-7 . the Roofers Union Local 149, an- give the Union Office a call to number to please call the Local injured members Check with the Office to ensure the classes will occur as nually award college scholarships have the testing authorization turned on. members. In order to make sure scheduled. to dependents of employees of — All classes will be held at member roofing contractors. ships in the amount of $1,000 EMPLOYEMNT Local 25 cont’d the correct information is pro- CHANGES: All employment participant receives a State Un- vided, it helps to have a name Local 207’s office @ 26453 This year’s winner was: contributed by the SMRCA, Roof- Northline in Taylor. changes; hire, lay off, fire, shop employment check, he/she must so the Union Office can call Cecilia Zepeda of Taylor, MI. ers Union Local #149 and the — Classes begin promptly at Congratulations! Contractor Employer. change, disability, etc. must be mail or deliver the receipt, check Benesys, correct the person 8AM and end at 4PM, followed Applicants were asked to Initiated more than 20 years called into the Union Hall. The stub, or a copy of the check to providing incorrect information by a Lead Awareness Update. submit an essay by selecting one ago, this program is an example only way to guarantee you are the Administrator’s office within and find out why they are pro- If you are due to expire and or more of the following topics: of the SMRCA/Roofers Union on the out of work list and your 30 days of receipt of said State viding our members with incor- need one of these refreshers now, Roofing Technology, Roofing Local #149 and SMRCA Mem- employment records remains cur- Unemployment check. Any re- rect information. please call the Taylor Office (1- Safety, Roofing Impact or Roof- ber Contractors working to pro- rent and correct is to call the Of- quest for a benefit payment past SICK AND INJURED: Please 800-207-5622) to register. ing Ethics to the Joint Union/ mote continued education and to fice – (248) 352-1850. the 30 days will be denied per the keep all our sick and injured mem- — Class sizes are being lim- Contractor Scholarship Commit- encourage industry dependents LAYOFF/HIRE: Please be Plan Document. bers in your thoughts and ited due to state guidelines cur- tee. Winners receive Scholar- to attend college. reminded, all members shall no- BENESYS: When calling prayers. rently in place. tify the Business Manager within the Fund Office, Benesys, Health plan continues to meet 48 hours after accepting a job or please be sure to get the name regularly via teleconferences to upon termination of employment. of the person providing you in- stay on top of the pandemic and Failure to report will result in an formation. Lately, we have been update coverage as necessary. automatic $50 fine. experiencing some incorrect in- BLUE CROSS APP-Down- SUB FUND: Please be re- formation being provided to our load the Blue Cross/Blue Shield minded, in order to receive a SUB of Michigan app for your Fund check on Friday, all paper- smartphone Search for work must be submitted to the BUILDERS LICENSE TRAINING IBEW “BCBSM” on the Google Play app Office no later than 2 p.m. Thurs- MIDDLETON or Apple store. Benefits to utiliz- day. Real Estate Training Inc. ing the app include: instant ac- 901 Tower Drive, Suite 120 LOCAL 557 SUB FUND TIME LIMITA- Troy, MI 48098 cess to EOB’s, a virtual ID card TION: Please be reminded, per www.middletontraining.com (Continued from Page 7) on your phone, information on the Plan Document: Each time a 248-885-8311 tractor Language in its policies deductibles, explanations of cov- when accepting bids for upcom- erage and other helpful tips re- ing work. With the recent as- lated to your Health Care cover- saults on organized Labor and age. EOB’s can be downloaded Prevailing Wage laws, this policy to smart phones or computers is a welcome change that could and used to substantiate WEX spark bigger changes throughout receipt requests. the entire State. I would encour- JOB CALLS- Please stay age all municipalities to look at vigilant checking the Job Line if adopting similar policies to en- you are seeking work. All work sure construction work is done calls for the day will be available correctly, safely, with a well-quali- on the Job Line after 4:30 pm. IF fied contractor and with an ap- YOU ARE SEEKING WORK proved apprenticeship program. don’t forget to CALL 989-781- BOOK SIGNING- Out of 0516, option 3. work lists can be signed for other STAY CURRENT ON DUES Locals through fax or email. This –Please check to see if you are cur- is to continue to cut down on as rent. The Hall has the ability to ac- many in-person transactions as cept credit cards and also E-checks. possible. The credit card service can accept HEALTH CARE-The Michi- payments for dues, merchandise, gan Electrical Employee’s Health apprentice book payments and Plan continues to cover 100% of other purchases. There is a con- the costs related to testing for venience fee to use either service. COVID-19. During this pan- CONTACT NUMBERS- demic, remote care is encouraged Michigan Electrical Employee and Blue Cross members can call Pension fund and Michigan the 24-Hour Nurse Line at 800- Health Plan (855) 633-4584. 117-BLUE. You may also want to website mielectricalhealth.org inquire if your primary care pro- Evan Allardyce, vider offers telemedicine. The Business Manager December 25, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 9 Iron Workers Local Union #8 ING: The Membership Meet- Tim Roman, ing will take place by video 9th, 2021. A 24 Hour MSHA class classes and do not attend or can- Business Representative conference on January 27th, will be held on January 21st, 22nd, cel, you will be charged a fee of UPPER PENINSULA – 2021, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Mem- and 23rd, 2021 at the Operators’ $30.00 and will be suspended WELD CERTIFICATIONS: bers can gain access to the Hall, 802 Clark Drive, Gladstone, from any further Mine Safety Weld certifications are being held meeting at https:// Michigan. To sign up for these classes until the fee is paid. Local 36 Local 8 on an as-needed basis. Please meeting.iwl8.org on the after- classes, and provide your email IRON WORKERS LOCAL Elevator contact Rich Hanson at the Ap- noon of the meeting. address, please contact Ann #8 ONLINE STORE: Check out Iron Workers prenticeship office for more infor- MINE SAFETY TRAINING: Lakenen at Pipefitters #111, 906- Local #8’s swag at the online Constructors mation. 414-476-9372. The next MSHA Refresher Class 226-6511. store at iwl8.org for your holiday MEMBERSHIP MEET- will be held via Zoom on January If you sign up for MSHA shopping. Elevator Constructors 36 DETROIT – ALL MEMBERS ARE INFORMED that our next Local 25 regular Membership Meeting was planned for Monday, December 28, 2020 at 5:30 pm, as of this Iron Workers printing we are having a meet- ing in the parking lot only, we are seeking alternate ways to Iron Workers 25 communicate if the weather does NOVI – All Union Hall(s) and the Fringe Benefit office will be not cooperate or a venue to ac- closed for the Holidays on Thursday 12/24/2020, Friday 12/25/2020, commodate us. Any changes in Thursday 12/31/2020 and Friday 01/01/2021. Hoping all our members this schedule or venue will be in- & families stay extra safe during the Christmas Holiday. Merry Christ- cluded in future Building Trades- mas, Happy New Year and Best wishes to all! man articles and emails. Keep The Next Zoom Union Meeting will be Monday, Dec. 28, 2020 at watching your email for possible 7:00 pm. If you have not yet signed up for Notifications please sign changes! up as Notification will go out via the APP. To participate in the Zoom Attention, our NEBA con- Union meeting is very easy … just be sure you have downloaded our tract will be expiring July 9th of APP or signed up for our emails via our website (www. 2022 so we will be having Nomi- ironworkers25.org). We are leaning toward communication through nations for the Delegates for the the PUSH NOTIFICATIONS – Please download the APP if you 32nd General Convention. At our haven’t done so yet!! Again, via our website! Last month we had December 28th meeting, per the over 240 members join in the Union meeting over Zoom. International Constitution and BY-LAW(S) Proposals will be due in the Novi Union Hall ON By-laws. Any Resolutions for the OR BEFORE 4:00 pm January 25, 2021. If you plan to mail in a next contract shall be turned into proposal, please make sure it arrives several days earlier than Mon- the Hall as per our Local Consti- day 1/25/2021. We’ve noticed mail has been slow in Michigan, so tution and By-laws before our please be aware! February 22, 2021 meeting. January’s ZOOM Union meeting will be Monday, January 25, Attention All Members, 2021 2021 at 7:00 pm. This union meeting will be the first (1st) Reading of CHECKING THE ROTOR ASSEMBLY prior to hoising are Iron Workers Local 25 members Jeff Local Dues cards have been sent any proposed by law(s). PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THIS. McPhail, Reggie Searfloss and Tom Lawhon. Photo credits: Marc Crance to you in the mail. The Interna- The second (2nd) Reading of any proposed by law(s) will be tional Constitution and By-Laws, during February’s ZOOM Union meeting Monday, February 22, 2021. Article 9 Section 1 states an in- The third (3rd) Reading will be during March’s ZOOM Union meeting Topping out the Crescent Wind project crease in monthly International Monday March 29, 2021. HILLSDALE COUNTY – the expiration of power purchase 90 percent from 2005 levels by Dues. The new white dues cards 2021 is the year of the International Convention. (Aug. 2021). Consumers Energy, Invenergy agreements. 2040. reflect this increase. Please use In March we will be holding nominations and vote for the Delegates and building trades union work- All-told, Consumers Energy Jackson-based Consumers these cards when playing your who will represent Local 25 at the convention. More details to come ers are undertaking construction expects its renewable energy Energy is Michigan’s largest util- dues in December 2020 and as we get closer to the date. of a new wind farm located in portfolio to reach 42 percent of ity, providing natural gas and/or please include $5.00 for a death 2021 “NO” DUES RATE INCREASE – The General Executive Adams, Moscow and Wheatland its output by 2030 and 56 percent electricity to 6.7 million of the assessment for Brother Dan Kelly, Council of the International has voted to NOT increase the Per Capita townships, a project which will by 2040, allowing the utility to state’s 10 million residents in all Jr. from Local 91. Tax for 2021. add 166 megawatts of power to help reduce carbon emissions by 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Attention All Apprentices, IT’S MANDATORY TO WEAR A FACE MASK IF YOU VISIT the utility’s portfolio. Apprentices should be done with ANY OF THE UNION OFFICES OR UNION HALLS. The $250 million Crescent your NEIEP semester’s finals. FRINGE BENEFIT OFFICE: 800-572-8553 or 248-347-3100 and Wind project was recently topped Good luck! And as soon as the follow the prompts. Hours 7:30am to 4:30pm. The mailing address for out by iron workers and operat- results are available, we will con- member BENEFIT related matters is: Iron Workers Local 25 Fringe ing engineers, and will include 60, tact everyone. Continue access- Benefit Funds, PO Box 99219, Troy MI 48099-9219. Blue Cross Health 515-foot-tall turbines that are ing the NEIEP website for all in- Claims and Customer Service 877-790-2583. Delta Dental Claims and scheduled to come online before structions. Check your NEIEP Customer Service 800-482-8915. the end of 2020. email address for additional infor- BENEFIT FOR NEW CHILD: Any member who has a new The Michigan Public Ser- mation frequently. Congratula- born child, or a new dependent child through marriage MUST vice Commission on Oct. 7 ap- tions to all apprentices who re- NOTIFY the Fringe Benefit Office of your new dependent within 31 proved an application by Con- cently passed the Mechanics days; otherwise wait until the next open-enrollment period. sumers Energy Co. to purchase Exam! Monthly OJT Forms are BENEFIT FOR LIFE CHANGE: Any member experienc- the wind farm in Hillsdale still required of ALL APPREN- ing a divorce or a new spouse MUST NOTIFY the Fringe Benefit County. Under the agreement, TICES! This is a requirement of Office within 31 days. A Marriage certificate will be required. Crescent Wind, LLC is, engi- the Department of Labor. Do not Dispatch is OPEN. Please call 248-305-9282: Monday neering, building, starting up put your apprenticeship in jeop- through Friday 7 am to 10 am. if you happen to get voicemail, just and testing the project, and ardy by failing to fulfill your re- leave your name, book number and phone number. Local 25 Active upon completion, Consumers sponsibility. Members, Apprentices and Probationary should call each day you Energy is expected to purchase Attention All Members: are out of work. OR use our website or the APP to sign up for the out the wind farm. Check your pay stubs regularly. of work list: www.ironworkers25.org Consumers Energy’s Clean There have been issues with mul- Steward Meetings are still cancelled until further notice. Energy Plan calls for the utility to tiple Employers with improper Stewards’ Notes: 1) The Electronic Steward Reporting forms are add 550 megawatts of wind en- payments. The hours you are online www.ironworkers25.org. Log in with your book number, and ergy and more than 6,000 mega- paid should match hours toward the password is the last 4 (four) of your social. 2) PLEASE be sure to watts of solar energy throughout THE U.S. FLAG and an evergreen tree get a ride on the nacelle of the vacation, benefits and expenses check dues for members and boomers too AND BE SURE ALL the 2020s to prepare for coal- final windmill erected at Creacent Wind Park. submitted. Remember our wage BOOMERS HAVE SIGNED BOTH THE RECIPROCAL AND THE powered plant retirements and increase on Jan. 1, ,2021. ASSESSMENT-TARGETING. “Conscience is a mother-in-law whose visit never ends.” All may request a copy of the 3) All members please be sure to keep your Union dues paid up –H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956) time you submit, according to to date as it is criteria for working. You can be asked to leave the NEBA Agreement, Article XI, Par jobsite if your dues are not current. 2. Any changes made to your time Apprentices: Fill out your monthlies online at the website or SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY are to be documented and given mobile app located under the apprenticeship tab “Monthly Report to you, NEBA Agreement, Article Sign-In,” this gives you the ability to electronically submit your REPRESENTING BUILDING TRADES XI, Par 1. We recommend all re- monthlies. Also located under the apprenticeship tab you will find quest a copy as issue with pay- “Evaluation Form” Journeyman/Supervision can use this to submit rolls seem to be rising, put in for apprentice evaluations using computer/cell phone and submit elec- BROTHERS & SISTERS OVER 35 YEARS check cashing per Local Expense tronically. Please also note, you must check your email on a regular Agreement. Document all tests basis; we now email your annual MUST drug screen paperwork and BIESKE & ASSOCIATES that are due and only tasks you your pay raise slips. have completed. Keep all job logs To view classes at the Local 25 Apprenticeship School, please Many people are wrongly current with this information. go the ironworkers25.org to view the block schedule; we are practic- rejected when they apply for All are reminded Construc- ing social distancing protocols, etc. Social Security Disability tion and Modernization work is Qualified Rigger/Crane Signaler: Jan 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, and 28, benefits. Money was taken out Teamwork, keep the hall informed 2021 – textbooks must be purchased and homework completed be- of their paychecks for Social on all jobs. fore class starts. No make ups, welding or applications will be done Security taxes to ensure that All Members, Local 36 is the week of Dec 21-25 & Dec 28-January 1, 2021. We will resume they would receive disability working with Local 85, Lansing our regular schedule January 4, 2021 @ 7 am. benefits if they could no longer and the EIWPF are holding New Apprentice Applications are being accepted BUT you MUST work full-time. Sadly, the classes on Monday nights, 6:00 go to ironworkers25.org, print the application, gather documenta- government denies approxi- – 8:00 pm. Reviewing and answer- tion then phone the school for an appointment; no walk-in foot traf- mately 60% of those who apply for disability benefits. ing any questions pertaining to fic. The Wixom Training Center – Phone: 248-960-2130. Attorneys J.B. Bieske Michigan and Detroit Elevator Welder online Verification: For an accurate and quick review of and Jennifer Alfonsi have Codes Monday, January 4th, 2021 welder certifications please visit www.welderscertification.org On 55 years combined experience will be dedicated to Category 1 the homepage click “login” and type “read only” as both your representing only Social Security disability clients. And they personally meet Testing of Hydraulic Elevators. Local 25, con’t username and password. Once logged on, type the member’s book with all clients and appear themself at all court hearings. Many large firms Contact the Hall if you are number in the column on the left marked “advanced search,” click the app that you can download by assign inexperienced attorneys to your case. And some of these firms are interested. The link will be sent to ”go” button, wait until the name pops up, and then click on the searching “Iron Workers Local located thousands of miles away and only fly the attorney in the day of the you for either online or phone par- welders first or last name. On the next screen, click “list certifica- 25” to stay informed on union court hearing. Attorneys Bieske and Alfonsi have vast experience before local ticipation. The better you under- tions.” Every welding certification the welder has will be available for matters. Michigan judges. stand the codes, the better you can viewing and you can see that if it has been renewed; it is good until Good Thoughts: Garry Attorneys Bieske and Alfonsi can often make a winning difference at the protect your customers, your work the year 2021. The site also allows you to print out a copy of the Johnson #752446 who resides in application stage. And, if an appeal is necessary they have won several and yourself. Time spent will Pay welder WPQR if needed. Click on “list test results.” Click on the Florida would appreciate your hundred cases before a court date is even set. Dividends in the future. actual test code you want to see and you will see the test details. On thoughts & prayers at this time. Those denied can appeal on their own but statistics for many years reveal Reminder, please keep your that page click “Printable Form” (WPQR) and you can print the WPQR. In Remembrance: Colbert that those represented by attorneys win a much higher percentage of appeals. State of Michigan and City of If you read this please contact the Training Center for meeting credit. Marcum # 468685 passed away And attorneys who specialize in Social Security Disability cases win a much th Detroit licenses current. Pay union dues with credit-debit card 24/7 by calling 888-386- October 25 , 2020 at the age of higher percentage yet. The Hall would like to wish 8173 and follow the prompts. OR PAY at www.ironworkers25.org 94. He was a 69-year member. In addition to practicing only Social Security disability law attorney everyone a Merry Christmas and Any member payment for multiple members, fines, suspensions, with- Edmund “Keith” Antone # Bieske has written a book for attorneys about the subject and has been a Happy New Year! Please always drawal deposits, SHOULD NOT use this process. Whenever pos- 937774 passed away December 3, interviewed on various television programs. Both attorney Bieske and Alfonsi follow COVID-19 guidelines for sible we are emailing you, your dues receipt. 2020 at the age of 66. He was a 45 have also been interviewed on radio programs and have given speeches to your safety and those around Pay union dues with personal check or money order and mail to: year-member. Our deep condo- many groups. you. Get well wishes are extended Iron Workers Local 25 – P.O. Box 965 – Novi, MI 48376-0965. PLEASE lences to all of the family and Attorneys Bieske and Alfonsi offer free phone or office consultation. If to all our Brothers and Sisters include your book number on the face of the check/money order. Pay friends as you mourn the loss of they represent you, there will be no fee charged until after the case is who are on our sick list. Keep safe union dues in person at the Novi Union Hall (M-F) from 8 am to 3 pm your dear loved one(s)! wonwon. The fee is a percentage of retroactive benefits. and healthy! Be a Brother to a (NO Cash). After-hours use the outdoor-dues-collection box. To all Union Members: Bieske and Alfonsi represent clients from all over the state of Michigan. Brother, regardless of what Local The Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, January 5th in Covid-19 has an effect on all of They maintains offices in Sterling Heights, Livonia, Southgate and Novi. Call they might belong too. Be Safe Novi at 9:00 am; the Novi retirees meeting scheduled for Tuesday, us and our ironworker community them at 1-800-331-3530 for a free consultation if you have been denied, or and Be Healthy! January 19th at 10:00 am and the Bay City Chapter meeting sched- is no different. Please keep our if you are thinking of possibly applying for Social Security benefits. uled for Thursday, January 21ST at 1:00 PM are tentative due to the membership in your prayers and “A man builds a fine house; pandemic. Updates will be posted on the locals website and/or lo- please do your best to be safe •ONLY SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASES and now he has a master, and a cals column in the Building Tradesman. during this pandemic as cases task for life; he is to furnish, RETIREES, LIFETIME, & SNOWBIRDS: when you change rise. We hope you and your fam- •WE WILL PERSONALLY REPRESENT YOU watch, show it, and keep it in re- your address with the Fringe Fund, you need to also call the Novi ily stay safe and healthy! •OUR FEE PAID AFTER YOU WIN pair, the rest of his days.” Union Hall and update your address. This information is as of –Ralph Waldo Emerson Watch for updates at (www.ironworkers25.org) or the Local 25 Submission Time for this Article www.ssdfighter.com (1803 - 1882) (Continued next column) (12/18/2020 9:00 am E.S.T.). www.ssdfighter.com 10 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN December 25, 2020 Local 85 Plumbers Plumbers & Steam Fitters Local 98 Plumbers and Steamfitters 85 8511 or 8510. SAGINAW – Merry Christ- The new Facebook page is mas and Happy New Year! Every- live. If you are currently on the Plumbers 98 one please continue to stay safe, Local Eighty-Five Facebook ac- DETROIT – Membership of Plumbers Local 98. Brothers and I am confident over the next count, invites were sent to have Sisters, couple of months we can return you join the new site. UA Local On behalf of all your officers and staff, we hope you and your to some normalcy. For now, en- 85 page is our public Facebook family are safe and healthy this Holiday Season. We would like to joy the Christmas holiday and account. UA Local 85 Members Local 370 Plumbers, Pipe thank you all for your patience and understanding during this insane cherish every moment with loved Group is our new members only Plumbers & year. This is not how anyone envisioned this chapter of our lives. ones. Facebook. On this page, we will Fitters & HVAC We have a new system in place for union dues, you should have Apprenticeship training and have important messages and re- Pipe Fitters Service received a letter informing you of your dues payment(s). The only supplemental classes are can- minders specific to our member- way this will work is, if you move or change your address, please call celled and closed due to COVID- ship. Please like both and let us Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local 370 Local 111 down here and update your address. Otherwise, this system will fail. 19 again. Unfortunately, a spike know what you think. FLINT – The next Member- A very nice 98 nylon jacket is available if you pay for the full year up in COVID has forced us to make GOD BLESS ORGANIZED ship Meeting scheduled for Tues- Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 111 front. Please see below for details. the difficult decisions to shut LABOR AND THE LABOR day, January 12 at 7:00pm is can- UPPER PENINSULA – Both Note: The Union Hall will be closed on Christmas Day and New down our training facility until MOVEMENT! celled. All members can join our the Escanaba and Marquette Year’s Day. We will be closing at noon on by Christmas Eve and New further notice. Training: Congratulations Local 370 Brothers and Sisters halls have been closed to walk-in Year’s Eve. As always, the business agents can be reached on their Union Meetings are also to our newest Journeymen: Mike private Facebook group and view members until further notice. cell phones if need be. cancelled due to the pandemic Lyons and Kyle DuRussel! our informational Facebook live Please call either hall for any MEETINGS. until further notice. The office is SUB Fund: Print Unemploy- meetings. assistance you may need. Union Meetings have been moved to video due to the hall being closed to in-person business. ment Payment History located All in-person Apprentice The next scheduled union closed. The next video will be posted on Thursday, January 14th at Please utilize fax, email and underneath the Certification Tab and journeyman classes are can- meeting will be on January 28th, 7:00 pm. At that time the old video from December 10th will be pulled phone. If you’re are unable to when logged into your MiWAM celled until further notice. 2021 at the Escanaba hall @ 7:30 down. You can access this video on our Local 98 website at the conduct business by fax, phone account. Deadline for submittals The hall is open for essen- p.m. EST. Masks will be required member section under Member Zone. The next video Union Meeting or email, please call to set up an is Noon on Thursday in order to tial business. If you come to the so if you plan on attending please after that will be February, 11th at 7:00 pm. This will be the unfortu- appointment at (989) 799-5261. receive a check that Friday. hall, please follow all CDC Covid- wear a mask. nate norm until April 1st (hopefully) unless we get a break and the Please note: Our new mail- Checks will be mailed out on Fri- 19 guidelines. Condolences: To Luke virus leaves or a vaccine is released. For virtual meetings we will ing address for all correspon- day. No in person pickups al- It is with Great regret that Johnson whose father Steve follow the same rituals and officer reports as usual. The confidential- dences has changed to 3535 Bay lowed. If a holiday falls on a Fri- we must postpone our annual passed away on December 14, ity of our business matters has to be our priority. We will have to Rd. Saginaw, MI 48603. day, checks will be issued on Service Awards/Christmas party. 2020. trust our elected officers, E-Board, and Committees to keep a trans- The office will be closed De- Thursday and deadline will be We will recognize this year’s Thank you to the member- parent look at things down here. If you would like something added cember 24-25, 2020 in observation moved up to Wednesday by award recipients at next year’s ship for your patience during this please call down and leave your suggestion. All bills will be pre- of the Christmas holiday season noon. party. process due to the current situa- viewed by the Finance Committee. Or, if you feel a need, you can set and closed December 31-January Where to submit docu- I would like to wish all 370 tion of the COVID-19 mandates an appointment to ask questions. 1 in observation of the New Year ments: Address: UA Local Union Brothers and Sisters and their of gatherings. Any questions A reminder that our annual kids “Christmas Party” is cancelled, Holiday. 85 SUB, 3535 Bay Road, Saginaw, families a Merry Christmas and a please call Business Manager, our adult party is also cancelled. Our awards ceremony will be put off ALL NON-CRITICAL IN- MI 48603 Fax: (989) 791-3468 Happy New Year. Dean Gutzman and stay safe. until next year. If you are due a pin and would like it now please call TERACTIONS are cancelled un- Email: [email protected] Please note that we have Reminder: It is your respon- the hall, we can mail it to you. til further notice. Please utilize SUB Application for Ben- moved to our new Union Hall/ sibility to call the hall as soon as E-Board meetings. E-Board meetings are the first Thursday of email and phone calls whenever efits: Must be on file in order to Training Center located at 2151 you get laid off, the day you call the month at 6:30 p.m. If you need to contact or see the board please possible. Below is a list of main receive SUB Check. Available at W. Thompson Rd. Fenton MI. in is the date that you are placed call V.P. Jim Cools at 734-307-9841. contacts for the hall: the Hall. and will no longer be at our on the Out of Work List, if you Retiree Meetings remain cancelled at this time. Justin Pomerville, Business 90-Day Rule: The weeks Pierson Rd. location. do not call in you will not be re- DUES. By now you have received a letter about the status of Manager (989) 799-5261 x 8513 you are claiming must be submit- Committee and Board meet- ferred to work. your Union Dues and about the 2021 Dues Gift Program. Many of [email protected] ted within 90 days of the first ings are cancelled until further Important Information: you have already taken advantage of this program. We are updating Jamie Badour, Business Monday following the week in notice. Contact the hall with any the systems at the hall in an effort to streamline the process. As of Agent (989) 799-5261 x 8515 which you are eligible to receive Local 370 office hours changes with any of the follow- now, you can pay online, over the phone, or by mailing in a check. [email protected] a State benefit per the Plan Docu- 7:30am – 4:30pm. ing: E-Mail, address, phone num- You can also set up auto-payments. If you have any questions or Tim Danielak, Business ments. Sub/Sick checks will be pro- ber, a new birth, marriage, divorce, need to pay dues please contact Kristina Lodovisi at (248) 307-9800 Agent (989) 799-5261 x 8514 Taxes: There are no taxes cessed 8:00am – 11:30 am and or death. For those of you, who ext. 4 or on her cell at (248) 331-7232. [email protected] taken out of SUB Fund Checks, 1:30pm – 4:15pm daily. have an email address that we do 2021 OPEN ENROLLMENT. The 2021 Open Enrollment Pack- Clint Steele, Business Agent however they are taxable wages Sub Pay –Remember to not yet have on record, please ets should be coming out soon and we wanted to take this time to (231) 499-7330 and you will receive a W-2 at the qualify for sub pay when you are call and give it to April or Ann. remind members about the new Opt Out Plan we have. This is avail- [email protected] end of the year. If you want taxes laid off, you must sign the out of Reminder to Welders/Weld- able to those members with access to insurance through their spouses. Bobby Anderson, Organizer withheld from your SUB Fund work list. You can also collect ing Forms: The UA Welder The new Opt Out Plan comes with Dental, Optical, Hearing, and a (989) 799-5261 x 8512 Check, please indicate the dollar when you are on Jury Duty and Qualification Continuity Report $3.00 an hour contribution to your HRA (Health Reimbursement Ac- [email protected] amount for Federal and State on miss work. If you are traveling, forms are available on our count) for every hour worked. This is a great way to build up a sav- Kristin Tuthill, Office Profes- each SUB submittal. call Karla to see if you need to website under Training or at the ings for medical related expenses. If you would like more information sional (989) 799-5261 x 8511 NOTE TO ALL MEMBERS: make sub-fund self-payments. hall. Certifications expire every 6 on this plan or any of the other Local 98 Health Insurance Plans [email protected] Address & Phone Update: All members were sent a Sub-Pay months and it is YOUR responsi- please give Jon a call. Feather Reige, Office Profes- Please call the Union Hall to up- manual in 2018. If you did not bility to get your welding forms COVID-19. As I write this over 300,000 Americans have died by sional (989) 799-5261 x 8510 date any address or phone num- receive one, please call TIC at turned in on time. Covid-related illness. If you test positive for Coronavirus STAY [email protected] ber changes at (989) 799-5261 ext. (517) 321-7502 and ask for the 370 2020 Upgrade Certification HOME until your results are NEGATIVE. The Training Center re- The next Northern Meeting 8510. Sub Pay Fund Summary Plan De- Class Schedule has been posted mains closed to open foot traffic. For continuity or training ques- is postponed until further notice. Beneficiary Cards: Please scription (SPD) to Local 111 web-site (lu111.com). tions contact Paul Baker at the center at 248-585-1435 ext. 123. Until Please check the ualocal call the Union Hall for any Attendance award drawing Please update all Non-UA the center opens back up, Blackboard will be used by our apprentices 85.org or our Facebook page for changes in beneficiary informa- for membership meeting informa- certifications (Plumbing License, unless a certification or hands on is required. We are into another the most up-to-date information. tion at (989) 799-5261 ext. 8510. tion. Members present must have MUST, OSHA-30 etc.) by send- outbreak bigger than earlier in the year. This is no drill. This is now a The new website is up and Email Addresses: Please dues paid to date to claim award. ing a copy of your certification set reality of everyday life. WEAR YOUR MASKS! If you are fortu- running. Please check out email [email protected] to Monthly award is $150. to the Union Hall nate enough not to have experienced a loss in your family, do the rest www.ualocal85.org. Click on Lo- update email addresses. Attention All Active Mem- 2020 BTA Class Schedule of us a favor and act like you have! Any concerns with COVID-19 cal 85 Members to access mem- Website Address: Please bers in Good Standing The Joint has been posted to Local 111 safety protocols or lack of PPE contact the Business Agent in the bers only information. Login in- visit www.ualocal85.org. Apprentice and Training Commit- web-site (lu111.com). area or the Union Hall. formation is username: first ini- Insurance: When you are tee voted to reimburse any active Check your dues records! UNION HALL. The Union Hall is CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC. tial with full last name. Password working out of another Local’s member of Local 370 that takes You are assessed a $50 reinstate- You will need to schedule an appointment to come to the hall. The is 00 with your UA Card Number. jurisdiction it may take up to 90 and passes any training, testing ment once you become 3 months West doors will continue as our main entrance. Properly worn masks If you should have any difficul- days for your Insurance and Pen- or certification that may be re- behind. You are automatically are required. There is a COVID-19 questionnaire that MUST be filled ties logging in, please call Kristin sion to be reciprocated back to quired to perform their work. This expelled once you are over 6 out by everyone entering the Union Hall. All the officers are working or Feather at (989) 799-5261 ext. Local 85, which may cause prob- includes Rigging, Med-Gas, Back months behind. remotely at this time. lems with your Health Insurance. flow or any work-related training Safety Training on Local 111 SUB APPS/OOW CHANGES. It is your responsibility to fill out Local 98, con’t ALWAYS SAVE YOUR or certification expense. Mem- Web Site: When taking the on- a sub app when you are laid off. Please fill out SUB Apps electroni- CHECK STUBS and fax them in bers will be reimbursed after suc- line safety training, go to our web cally. This can be found on the web page under the OOWL section. tion. For those who are eligible, to the hall at 989-791-3468 with cessful completion and verifica- site ua111.com and click on Safety If you’re still having unemployment issues call BAs Gary Glaser or please call the Training Center to the local you are working out of tion of the cost. Lost wages will Links. Members must take these Tom McWilliams. For any member issues dealing with benefits con- register and pre-pay by check indicated. We will fax them down not be covered by the JATC. safety trainings for each site to tact Jon DeRoo. If you are less than a year from retiring, please set a only before the deadline March to BeneSys to keep your Insur- Plumbing license renewal is still work at each mill. Please take note meeting with Jon today. 26, 2021. The next scheduled re- ance up to date. the responsibility of the member. they are valid for 1 year. NOTE ON DISABILITY. If you are filing for Social Security Dis- certification class is April 27 & RETIREE LUNCHEON: All If you have any questions, please MSHA Training: The 2020 ability you will need to file for your Local 98 Disability Pension at the 28, 2021. retiree luncheons are postponed contact local 370 JATC. MSHA schedule is on our web same time in order to make sure you get all your pension checks. If your brazing or welding until further notice. Please check Mobile App. Our mobile app. site & our Facebook page. Call Social Security normally takes at least a year and sometimes a lot certs are ready to expire, call to the ualocal85.org or Facebook for is now available for download on Ann at (906) 226-6511 ext. 4 to longer. If you file for your Local 98 Disability Pension at the same schedule an appointment. The all up to date information. your cell phone. Go to the app register. MSHA expires in one time, then when you receive your award from Social Security we will next WELDING Tests will be Sat- CONDOLENCES: We ex- store and search UA Local 370. year. be able to pay you all the retro money owed. urday, January 9 and February 6, tend our condolences to the fam- Download the app and sign in. POLITICS. The 2020 cycle is over so we are not looking forward 2021. You must call to schedule ily of Dick Katz who passed away You can read the latest Building to the municipal elections in 2021 and then the midterms in 2022. If your welding tests at least 3 days on December 17, 2020. Trades article, see upcoming Local 370, con’t you are interested in running for local office or are interested in being prior to the class. The next Remember you all are essential to meeting dates, or pay your dues. Remember to keep your dues involved in a member driven political action committee please con- BRAZING Cert Sessions will be me. This is a work in progress, and current. Any member failing to tact Jon. Jon and Kristina are working on potential target city coun- Friday, January 8 and February 5, Justin M. Pomerville we will add more content to the pay for 3 months shall stand sus- cils, township boards, and school boards where we would like mem- 2021. Please note: All members Business Manager/Financial site as we move forward. pended, unable to vote for a pe- bers to run. Every year we lose a ton of work when these local boards must be dressed appropriately to Secretary, Local Union 85 ALL GM Work requires riod of 1 year or run for office for vote against us. It’s time we put Union Members on these boards be in the shop area. Must Safety and Drug Testing: a period of 2 years and subject to instead of consistently being disappointed in those who should be 2020 Course Hour reim- “Many people despise MUST safety modules are only a $50.00 reinstatement fee. Dues fighting for us leaving us in the cold. bursement forms are now avail- wealth, but few know how to give valid for 4 years. Call the hall to must be paid in 3-month incre- LICENSE RENEWAL. For all continuing education opportuni- able at the Training Center. You it away.” sign up for the MUST ments according to our bylaws. ties or classes, call Training Coordinator Paul Baker at 248-585-1435. must have 8 hours (approved –Francois de La BSAFE.com website and com- Dues will be accepted up to 6:45 BAs Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams are admins on the Must/Most hours credited may vary from ac- Rochefoucauld (1613 - 1680) plete all 18 safety modules. Mem- on union meeting nights. program, contact them if you need help. tual hours attended) of verifiable “Weaseling out of things is bers will not be eligible to work at Members wishing to take the IN MEMORIAM. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family approved classes/training from important to learn. It's what any GM site until all 18 modules U.A. welding certification test and friends our Brothers Robert McMahon who passed away on January 1 - December 31, 2020 to seperates us from the animals. are complete and are current on contact business agent, Dan December 1, 2020. be eligible for the $80.00 reim- Except the weasels.” their drug test. If your drug test Gaudet for application and test- GOOD/WELFARE. Special thanks to two of our Local 98 Retiree bursement. – Homer J. Simpson is expired you must take one be- ing dates. Association Executive Board members Dave Schroeder and Dominick OSHA Training – OSHA 10, fore you can be dispatched to any Local 370 ball caps and win- Fanto, as well as Financial Secretary/Treasurer Jon DeRoo, and the available as on an online class for “Pleasure in the job puts GM work. Drug tests are only ter fleece caps are available at the MCA for all their hard work putting together our Christmas gifts to $25 at www.careersafeonline.com perfection in the work.” valid for 1 year. Call the hall and union offices. Ball caps $10.00 our Local 98 widows this year. This OSHA 10 class is not affili- –Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC) we will print you a drug test au- and fleece caps $5.00. Pocket Tee We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time. ated with the UA or our Training thorization form. shirts are available for $10 dol- This is a great opportunity to expand and grow, as many members are Center. OSHA 10 and 30 Hour “This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seri- Our web site is up and run- lars each. Hooded sweat shirts looking to retire. If you know anyone working Non-Union or is a past Training is also offered online ning. Check it out at and long sleeve pocket tee shirts member that may be interested, have them call Organizer Rob Moses through the MUST website. Go ously considered as a means of communication.’ ualocal370.org are available. The sweat shirts are at 248-763-2187. to www.mustonline.org. **Be We are now able to accept $30 and the long sleeve tee shirts In solidarity I remain, Carlo Castiglione Business Manager sure to take the Construction –Western Union internal memo, 1876. Visa, Master Card, Discover and are $15. Golf polo and golf wind Plumbers Local 98 Safety courses; not the General American Express for window shirts are available for $25. TRAINING CENTER NEWS. Phone # 248-585-1435 Industry courses. “If you can react the same dues. If you want to take advan- If you shop on the internet, Check out The Training Center’s website www.Plumbers98tc.org It is each member’s indi- way to winning and losing, that tage of this service there will be a SHOP UNION MADE, log on to The Apprenticeship Application process is closed until further vidual responsibility to keep all is a big accomplishment. That $1.00 per month charge added to www.shopunionmade.com. notice. their Certifications current. quality is important because it the monthly window dues fee T.I.C. fringe administrators’ The Training Center is open and adhering to COVID-19 restric- If the person you are trying stays with you the rest of your and a 3% fee for all other transac- toll free number is 1-888-797-5862. tions. Please call Paul Baker at 248-585-1435 ext. 123 if you have any to reach at the Training Center is life.’ tions. questions. unavailable, please leave a mes- –Chris Evert (1954 - ) Plumbing, Mechanical and “Every difference of opinion ASSE Backflow Tester Re-Certification exams are scheduled sage to ensure we can return your Residential Code Books are now is not a difference of principle.” quarterly. Please be sure to check your expiration date, it is now call. We attempt to return all mes- “Call on God, but row away available at the hall. The books –Thomas Jefferson (1743 - required that you complete your update class prior to your expira- sages by the end of the business from the rocks.” are $75.00 each. 1826) (Continued next column) day. – Indian Proverb (Continued next column) December 25, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 11 Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, Local 174 Service Technicians, Plumbers, Pipe Fitters & Service Trades Local 190 Gas Distribution West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters should be done in accordance Jurisdiction: Remember to Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 190 “members only” and fill out a & Service Trades Local 174 with Section 125 of the UA Con- always call into the local you are ANN ARBOR – UNION “back to work” form or “laid off” COOPERSVILLE – Meeting stitution. traveling to. Do not rely on any- MEETING: DUE TO COVID a form. Notice: ALL IN-PERSON UNION COVID-19: The virus is one else to call in for you. They video informational meeting will INFORMATION - FRINGE MEETINGS AND RETIREE showing up on many jobsites will not get into trouble. It is the take place on January 11th and BENEFIT OFFICE: VISION BREAKFASTS ARE CAN- throughout our jurisdiction. member who is working in another Sprinkler Fitters Local 704 will start at 6:00. Please make PROGRAM – EYEMED – IM- CELLED UNTIL FURTHER NO- Please continue to practice social local who has not checked in that FARMINGTON – The next sure the union hall has your cur- PORTANT INFORMATION: TICE. We will continue to do distancing, wear a mask and gets into trouble. Please contact regular business meeting will be rent cellphone number in order EyeMed benefit cards are not monthly virtual meetings wash your hands frequently. Ryan Bennett if you see another held Wednesday, January 13th at to receive these notices on how necessary to access benefits, through the members only CARES Act: If you are sent local’s contractors/members 5:30 P.M. at the Union Hall. The to join in on the video informa- however, you may print a card Facebook group the first Tues- home from work due to a positive working in our jurisdiction. Executive Board will meet the tional meetings. from the EyeMed website. Vision day of the month at 7pm. COVID test or potential exposure Contact Info: Please make same evening at 4:30 P.M. Please ROBO CALLS: We are providers should be provided the Attention: This paper is to you should be compensated. The sure we have your updated con- note masks will be required for sending out Robo calls to keep following information at the time serve as the official notice to the CARES Act allows for up to 80 tact information. Check your info entry to the meeting. you updated and informed, if you of the appointment; 1) Carrier membership. hours of pay for individuals who on the website or by calling Cami Reminder: Article V, Section are NOT receiving these mes- Name -(EyeMed), 2) Member Local Union Office: The of- cannot work and have to quaran- at the Union office. 13 of Local 704’s Constitution, sages it means we do not have a Name 3) Member Birthdate fice will remain open. To reduce tine. The employer will be reim- Retiree Breakfast: Can- By-Laws and Rules of Order. Any current phone number on file for EyeMed Customer Service foot traffic in the building we’re bursed through a tax credit. celled until further notice. project that falls into the jurisdic- you, please contact the hall to Call: 888-581-3648 asking members to conduct busi- Election 2020: Thank you Metal Trades, Helpers, and tion of Local 704 shall be manned update. In Network Provider Listings ness by phone are use the website to all the members who cast a Trainees: Please remember that by not less than two (2) members. IMPORTANT NOTICE – Call: 866-804-0982 when possible. ballot for our supported candi- if you are working as a Metal Any member violating this By- UNION HALL HOURS: Effective EyeMed Website: www. UA Convention: The UA dates. Trades, Helper, or Trainee your Law shall be brought before the Monday, November 23rd the of- eyemed.com Convention will convene on the 401K Withdrawal: The re- raises are based on the day you Executive Board for a trial and be fice will be open on Monday, NEW BLUE CROSS BLUE week of August 23, 2021. The cently enacted CARES Act allows were first dispatched to work at subject to a fine. Wednesday, and Fridays from SHIELD APP FOR YOUR convention will either take place the 401k Plan to adopt a special that classification. If you are not Article IX, Section 4 of Lo- 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 (the office will be SMART DEVICE: Attention all in San Diego CA in person, be in-service distribution for partici- sure of your dispatch date, please cal 704’s Constitution, By-Laws closed for lunch on these days members, you can download the entirely virtual, or a hybrid ap- pants who are diagnosed with contact the Union office. It is up and Rules of Order sates: Mem- from Noon to 1:00 p.m.) There will free Blue Cross Blue Shield APP proach with some delegates COVID-19, whose spouse or to you to let the Union office bers shall report all job starts to be no foot traffic to the back of- on your smart device. This will participating in person and oth- child is diagnosed with COVID - know. its local union office. fices. Please feel free to stop by allow you to see a copy of your ers virtually. 19, or who are experiencing eco- Labor Councils: - Kent Ionia NFPA All Access is available the union hall to see Karen to BCBS card, review your claims, Eligibility: UA Constitution nomic hardship as a result of the - 3rd Wednesday of the month / for all 704 members. Please con- make your dues payments or if explanation of benefits and much SEC. 17. No member shall be eli- pandemic. Labor Temple 918 Benjamin / tact the Local 704 Training Cen- you have something to drop off. more. Download: BCBSM gible as a delegate or alternate This distribution can be up 5:30pm ter for username and password. On Tuesdays and Thurs- REPRESENTATIVE FROM unless he shall have been a good to $100k, is not subject to the Lakeshore – 3rd Thursday of Phone numbers to remember: days, the office will be closed to FRINGE BENEFIT OFFICE: Ef- standing member of the Local ordinary 10% excise tax, and the the month / CIO Hall 490 West- NASI is 1-800-638-2603 for infor- foot traffic. Members can still call fective Wednesday, Nov. 25 due Union which he is to represent income tax from the distribution ern / 6pm mation regarding Health and the hall anytime. to COVID there will be no repre- for at least the two (2) continu- can be spread out over a 3-year All members are encouraged Welfare or Pension fund ques- UNION HALL CLOSED sentative at the union hall the 2nd, ous years previous to his elec- period. Individuals receiving to become active in our area La- tions. FOR AN UP COMING HOLI- 3rd, and 4th Wednesday of each tion and he remains in good such a distribution may also re- bor Councils. Please contact a Continuing education DAY: For the Christmas holiday month until further notice. You standing from the date of his elec- pay the distribution over 3-year Union Officer for details. classes are being formed. Please the office will be closed on Thurs- can reach the benefits office tion through the period of the period, in which case they will not FRINGE PLAN THIRD reach out to the training center day, December 24th and Friday, Monday through Friday by call- convention. be subject to income tax on what PARTY ADMINISTRATOR: for further information or future December 25th. Merry Christmas ing 888-390-7473. Nominations: Nominations they repay. Unlike other hard- (TIC). West Michigan Plumbers, classes you would like to see to all of you and your family mem- MEDICARE: When you be- will open Tuesday, January 5th ships, this distribution only re- Fitters and Service Trades Local added. bers. come eligible for Medicare, please and close Friday, February 5th. To quires that the member self-cer- No.174 Fringe Benefit Funds, Congratulations to the fol- For the New Year’s Eve holi- contact Bernadette Maus at our nominate a person you must send tify the need. The Fund is not 6525 Centurion Drive, Lansing, lowing retired Brothers of Local day the office will be closed on Fringe Benefit office 1-888-390- an email to [email protected] required to independently cor- MI 48917-9275 704 for achieving their 50 year Thursday, December 31st and 7473. or mail it to the hall to attention: roborate the participant’s certifi- (517) 321-7502 Phone status with the United Associa- Friday, January 1st. Wishing ev- CLASS INFORMATION – Delegate. Self nominations are cation with medical documenta- (855) 40-PLUMB Toll Free tion: Edward Attard, Richard eryone a Happy New Year!! TRAINING CENTER- OFFICE permitted and encouraged. All tion or other types of documen- (517) 321-7508 Fax DeBene, Phil Kellogg, James GAS DISTRIBUTION AP- PHONE: 734-426-3700 nominations will be confirmed tation. The distribution is a one- BENEFITS WEBSITE: Fraizer, John Kirkish, Mike PRENTICES DOWN HILL The Training Center is open and eligibility verified by the elec- time event only and must be taken westmichiganplumbers.org is Kozlowski, Ron Kriewall, Oscar WELDING SCHOOL: Will be- to members wishing to update tion committee or president. in 2020. Make sure you specify the TIC website where you can Sievert and Robert Williams. gin Monday, January 4th and run any certifications, licenses, or On Tuesday, February 2nd at that you are taking a COVID with- check your contributions and Thank you for your years of ser- for 2 months. This class will be qualifications. We are following 7pm a virtual meeting will be held drawal. benefit information. Click on ben- vice. held at the training center Mon- CDC, OSHA, MIOSHA, MDHHS, via zoom with the president and PAC Cards: Since the elimi- efit inquiry. Your username is Please keep your information day through Friday from 8:00 a.m. and Washtenaw County Health election committee to announce nation of prevailing wage, the your social security number. The updated with the union hall. to 4:30 p.m. In order to take the Department guidelines. You current nominations, accept new race to the bottom on wages and password for first time users is A speedy recovery to all of journeyman gas distribution must wear a face mask while in- nominations, announce the date benefits for publicly funded K4GHB39 (case sensitive). You our sick and injured members. weld test you must attend this side the building. Check your for the close of nominations and projects has begun. Our political will then be prompted to create a school as a prerequisite. Please Certifications to make sure that answer questions. On Monday focus over the years to come will permanent password. Local 174, con’t note that 4th and 5th year gas ap- you are current! th be electing people who support Forms: The forms for Dol- February 8 the list of nominees Please direct all COVID ques- prentices have preference to •Lead/Asbestos/Blood- will be published in The Build- prevailing wage and wage stan- lar Bank Reimbursement and Sub tions or concerns to Training sign up for this welding school. borne Pathogens Training (4 dards in general. To do that we Pay are on the www.ua174.org ing Tradesman, sent out in an Coordinator, Jeff Rumsey, @ Limited space is available so hrs): 2021 Schedule - All on need to raise our PAC card par- website under the Members Only email blast, placed on the website (231)923-8140. please contact Pat Duffy 734-368- Mondays - Jan 4, 2021 @ 5:00pm, and on the members’ Facebook ticipation. We currently have less section and Forms and Links tab. All night classes have been 4423, Jason Bannister 734-646- April 5, 2021 @ 5:00pm, July 19, than half of the local contribut- Contract Requirements: group. cancelled until January 2021 at 8838, or Roy Musgrove at 734- 2021 @ 5:00pm, and Oct 4, 2021 ing to our PAC. Your PAC contri- Please remember Section 5.7 of Election: The election will which time this situation will be 369-1432. @ 5:00pm. Call Retha to be put take place at the assembly hall on bution DOES NOT COME OFF our collective bargaining agree- re-evaluated. Currently Local 190 is not on the list for the day you nd YOUR CHECK. When you sign ment states, “Persons called from March 2 from 3pm to 7pm. The If you have a certification accepting any apprenticeship ap- choose. the PAC card it allows us to move the unemployed list will report to election committee will be there that has expired in the last few plications. A note will be put in •First Aid/CPR Training (4 to verify eligibility, issue and col- money from your working dues work with a UA/WMMCA issued months and have questions re- the paper when this current sta- hrs): 2021 Schedule - All on over to our PAC. Please call Cami drug card.” Section 18.5 states, lect secret ballots. The collection garding recertification, please tus changes. Mondays - Jan 18, 2021 @ 5:00pm, today and find out if you have “…employees…shall be required of ballots will be done in accor- contact the Training Office. MASKS MUST BE WORN April 19, 2021 @ 5:00pm, July 26, dance with COVID restrictions current PAC card on file. to maintain the following Safety Many certifications have ex- WHEN ENTERING THE UNION 2021 @ 5:00pm, and Oct 18, 2021 Medicare Retirees: Effec- Training Certifications: First Aid/ and may include a “drive tended grace periods on expira- HALL BUILDING AND TRAIN- @ 5:00pm. Call Retha to be put tive January 1st 2021 your insur- CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens and through” vote. If COVID restric- tion dates. ING CENTER DUE TO THE EX- on the list for the day you tions allow, we will have a mem- ance premiums will be reduced by OSHA 10.” Please make sure you Please contact Jeff or Nicole ECUTIVE ORDER. choose. approximately 12.5%. New rates follow our agreement. bership meeting at 7pm and re- if you have questions. Call the MICHIGAN GAS DISTRI- •Local 190 Michigan Gas are as follows: Out of work list: Please re- lease results once tabulated. Oth- training office BUTION JOURNEYMAN Distribution Welders: Please erwise results will be made known Single Medicare $262.55 member to call extension 17 when @ (616)837-0222 x16 (Jeff) / Nicole WELDERS: Please remember it check your mail for a letter from Retiree and Spouse Medi- you are laid off. You must call line using the same means as nomi- @ (616)837-0222 x30. is very important to keep your the training center about re- care $525.09 17 to be put on the available to nations. Or via text Jeff (231)923-8140 / continuity forms up to date. quals. Our final number of del- Retiree and Non-Medicare work list. When you leave a mes- Nicole (231)206-4213. MICHIGAN GAS DISTRI- •Welding Lab: Runs Mon- egates will be determined based Spouse $677.55 sage, please speak clearly. Any BUTION - E-Mail address: days, Wednesdays, and Thurs- off of the March cash sheet Short Term Disability: The member who goes to work with- “The most happy marriage Please contact the union hall 734- days from 4:30 pm till 8:30 pm. which is due to the UA by April Local #174 Board of Trustees re- out a referral is in violation of our th I can imagine to myself would be 424-0962 or Pat Duffy 734-368- Weld test days are determined as 15 . Any ties will be settled will cently voted to increase the Collective Bargaining Agreement the union of a deaf man to a 4423 to make sure we have a cur- participants show they have the be settled by coinflip to take place short-term disability amount from and Article XXXI of our Consti- blind woman.” rent e-mail address. skills on April 16, at 3pm. Any protest $300 per week to $400 per week. tution and By-Laws. Please con- –Samuel Taylor Coleridge 2020 - MICHIGAN LI- •ASSE Backflow Certifica- This increase will be effective tact the Union Hall to find out (1772 - 1834) CENSE RENEWAL: Plumbing tion (40hrs): This class is a 40- September 30th, 2019. your position on the out of work license renewals are done hour class that will run Tuesdays Local 190, con’t Dispatch: We will be split- list. “Incompetents invariably online ONLY!!! For detailed in- and Wednesdays, for 5 weeks, class on April 20, 2021 ting up the dispatch responsibili- Union Hall extension num- make trouble for people other structions and requirements, starting Jan 12, 2021 until Feb and April 22, 2021 @ 5:00pm. ties between the business agent bers: Ryan Bennett Business than themselves.” please visit: www.michigan.gov/ 10, 2021. Class starts at 5:00pm. Both Tuesday classes will and the assistant business man- Manager ext:12, Nathan Phillips – Larry McMurtry (1936 - ) bcc. Feel free to stop into the Call Retha to be put on the list for be ON-LINE, via Zoom and both ager positions. Each person will Assistant Business Manager ext. “If Edison had a needle to Union hall and pick up a copy of this class. Class limited to 8 Thursday classes will be in-per- be on dispatch for 2 weeks. There 13, Jason Finch Business Agent find in a haystack, he would pro- the instructions. •ASSE Backflow Re-Certi- son, at the Training Center for the is a dispatch email: dispatch@ ext.14, Chris Pelton Organizer ceed at once with the diligence UA LOCAL 190 WEBSITE: fication (8hrs): Tuesday- test. For on-line part, you must ua174.org which both offices ext.15, Lisa Johnson Accounting of the bee to examine straw after www.ua190.org Current members Wednesday, Feb 16, 2021 and have good internet and a web have access to. There is a dis- Manager 11, Cami Burris Admin- straw until he found the object will be able to log into the “Mem- Feb 17, 2021 @ 5:00pm and camera. Camera must stay on and patch phone extension that will istrative Assistant ext. 10, Train- of his search... I was a sorry wit- bers Only” section using your last Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb 23, you must stay in-front of your switch between the two offices ing Dept: Jeff Rumsey ext. 16, ness of such doings, knowing name and UA card number. **** 2021 and Feb 24, 2021. Check camera for the duration of the depending on who is on dis- Nicole Shumaker ext. 30. that a little theory and calcula- NEW ON THE WEBSITE: your certs to make sure of your class. Call Retha to choose your patch. Training News. **An- tion would have saved him ninety Members can now view and sign expiration date. We will have an- dates and give her your active New insurance carriers: nouncement: Due to another per cent of his labor.” up for job calls. The same proce- other class in Sept. Call Retha to email address. Each class limited Active and NON Medicare Retir- COVID-19 outbreak, as well as – Nikola Tesla (1857 - 1943) dure will be used as the call-in pick your dates and be put in the ees the number of apprentices cur- to 16. “It is a sadness of growing line. If you are laid off or go back class. Each class limited to 12. Aetna:(888)290-7241 rently ill or waiting on test results; •ICRA Certification older that we lose our ardent ap- to work, there are forms available •Med Gas Installer and Save-Rx: (800) 228-3108 the Training Center is closed ef- (16hrs): Looking to put on an- preciation of what is new and dif- to fill out on the website that will Brazer Certification (40hrs): Medicare Retirees Labor First: fective November 17, 2020 and other ICRA certification class. ferent and difficult.” inform the hall. This is a 40-hour class that WILL (616) 345-0788 will remain closed until Monday, Next class possibly in-person at –Elizabeth Aston CREDIT CARD MACHINE: BE ON-LINE, via Zoom. Must the Training Center. Limited to Organizing Update: Please January 11, 2021. This measure You now have the ability to pay have an active e-mail address. 10 participants. Call Training contact Chris Pelton if you know is to help slow the spread of “An nescis mi fili, quantilla your union dues or purchase Must have a computer with a Center to get put on the list for of any jobsites with a non-union COVID-19 currently spreading prudentia regitur orbis?” merchandise by credit card or camera and good internet. Cam- the next class. plumbing or mechanical contrac- like wildfire and based on the re- “Dost thou not know, my debit card. We accept Visa, era must stay on and you must APPRENTICES PLEASE tor or if you are interested in ac- strictions put in place by son, with what little wisdom the MasterCard and Discover. A sur- stay in front of the camera the NOTE: Make sure your e-mail tively assisting with our organiz- MDHHS. world is governed?” charge of 3.99% is added to your duration of the class. Brazing and phone number are updated ing efforts. There are plenty of (Continued next column) –Count Oxenstierna, letter to card on the transaction amount. practice, brazing test and written at the training center. Please call opportunities available, ranging his son, 1648 We will then mail you your dues test will be in-person at the train- and dial EXT. 2 from a one-day ride-along with a receipt and credit charge slip. ing center. Class will run Tues- RETIREE MEETINGS – Business Agent or Organizer all LAID OFF OR BACK TO days and Thursdays @ 5:00pm **SPADES and BREAKFAST the way up to full blown salting. WORK – IMPORTANT RE- starting March 9, 2021 MEETINGS HAVE BEEN CAN- Dues: Please keep your MINDER TO ALL MEMBERS: until April 8, 2021. Call Retha to CELED UNTIL FURTHER NO- monthly window dues current. All members who get laid off or be put on the list and give her TICE. You can find your dues balance report back to work please imme- your active e-mail address. Class NOTIFICATIONS FOR THE on the website or by calling the diately contact Karen (734) 424- limited to 16. BUILDING TRADESMAN PA- Union office. Remember that if 0962 Ext. #210, to report the last •Med Gas Installer Up-Date PER: Please contact Karen you are expelled from the UA that day in which you worked or to (8hrs): Tuesday and Thursday, Spearin at the union hall, (734) you are no longer eligible to at- report the day you went back to April 13, 2021 and April 15, tend Local Union events, such as 424-0962 Ext #210, if you would mcnicholsscrap.com detroitironandmetal.com work. PLEASE NOTE: Members 2021 @ 5:00pm, and another like to put a special notification meetings, picnics, awards ban- (313) 365-6100 (313) 841-5100 can now go to the website under (Continued next column) in the paper. quets, and Christmas parties. 12 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN December 25, 2020 Local 636 Local 357 Pipe Fitters, Plumbers, Pipe Fitters Steam Fitters, & HVAC Service Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC Service Local 357 Plumbers & KALAMAZOO – UNION MEETING: All Union Meetings Service face-to-face are cancelled until further notice. The Finance Commit- Pipe Fitters tee and Executive Board will conduct their regularly scheduled Please see our members’ “Years of Service Ad” monthly meetings in person. We will conduct a Zoom Meeting in Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 333 Local 671 on Page 14 of this editon. place of a face-to-face membership meeting starting at 6:30 pm on LANSING – NOTICE: LO- Pipe Fitters 636 January 12th, 2021. There will be an email with instructions on how to CAL 333 WILL BE HOLDING Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 671 DETROIT – The December Union Meeting will be held on Janu- participate in advance of January’s union meeting. You can only VIRTUAL NOMINATIONS MONROE – The next Regu- ary 19th and will be a VIRTUAL MEETING. It will start at 7pm. Infor- receive this email if you have given us permission to send you emails. FOR THE 2021 UA NATIONAL lar Union meeting scheduled for mation to join the meeting can be found on the Pipefitters 636 website Please call Lori at the Hall, (269) 679-2570, to confirm your email ad- CONVENTION ON JANUARY January 7th, 2021 will be a “Virtual under the MEMBERS tab. dress and/or consent to us sending you emails. 13, 2020 AT 7PM. EACH MEM- Meeting.” We will get more de- The Union Hall will be closing at 12 (noon) on December 24, 2020 Brothers and Sisters please take a moment to congratulate the BER WILL SOON BE RECEIV- tails for this meeting to the Mem- and will be closed on December 25, 2020. Also closing at 12 (noon) on 2020 graduating class of apprentices. Craig Beach Jr., Brandon Burke, ING A FORMAL WRITTEN bership via our App (UA Local December 31, 2020 and closed on January 1, 2021. Zachary Corliss, Michael Cottingham, Kyle Goldberg, Matthew NOTICE IN THE MAIL THAT 671). The Pipefitters would like to extend our deepest condolences to Hagen, Craig Jackson, Cody Lisowski, Ian Livingston, Lance WILL INCLUDE DETAILS FOR At this time the Union Hall Retiree Brother James Covyeau on the passing of his wife Ruth Marklevitz, Ryan McKinley, Donald Meier, Kemps Miller, Johnathan LOGGING INTO THE MEET- is still closed to all foot traffic and Covyeau, Ruth passed away on November 25, 2020. Also to the fam- Morris, David Perkins, Frank Pingitore, Tyler Smith, Nathan ING AND THE ELIGABILITY all staff will be working remotely. ily of Retiree Brother John McEwan who passed away on November Wanamaker. REQUIREMENTS PER THE UA There will be someone at the hall 18, 2020. The following members listed below will receive their years of CONSTITUTION. CALL BUSI- during business hours if a Mem- Nominations for Delegate to the 2021 UA Convention to be held service awards starting with twenty-five years. If you have been left NESS MANAGER, PRICE ber needs to sign the out of work on August 23, 2021 will be conducted at the January 19, 2021 Union off the list, please let us know so we can correct it with the UA. We DOBERNICK IF YOU HAVE list or any other problem that can Meeting. You can submit a Nomination by mail to the Union Hall will send the years of service pins to the following recipients as soon ANY QUESTIONS. only be handled in person. All ATTN: Terry Gilligan or Steve Spurlock before the deadline of the as we receive them from the UA. Weld Classes will start up in payments for dues or insurance January 19, 2021 Meeting. 25 years of service. Anthony J. Bowen, Thomas O. Church, Vern January 2021. (Dates are TBD). If will be conducted over the phone Per the United Association Constitution Section 122 (A), A Nomi- W. Coombs Jr., Ronald Elder, Terry J. Gackowski, Elbert M. Glass, you’re interested in taking the and no credit card fees will be nating Member may only nominate one (1) candidate for each Office John C. Gonser, Robert V. Gulbranson Jr., Scott M. Johnson, Andrew weld class call Trent or Diana at charged at this time. up for Election. A Member is allowed to nominate himself or herself. D. Lytle, Kent C. Mathews, Clint W. Ramsdell, Jon L. Stermer, Jay R. 517-323-0333. There is a $25.00 fee Health and Welfare: If you Once all of the Delegates are nominated there will be a mail ballot Winne, Jeffrey D. Wolfe and must be paid before class have any insurance problems or sent out to all members eligible to vote. All ballots must be returned 30 years of service. Russell A. Audette, Keith R. Bohnett, Will- starts, please call your respective questions you can contact Carly no later than March 8, 2021. It is every member’s responsibility to see iam R. Clearwaters, Steven W. Cobb, Jeff Duffield, James A. Engler, hall to pay for the class. using the health line on the back that we have a current mailing address on file at the Union Hall. Danny S. Harding, Douglas J. Hilton, James A. Kelly, Lonnie D. Long, Lansing’s weld class: Tues- of your insurance card. 734-241- By Law change was proposed to Article III which reads: No Jeffery K. Massey, Matthew A. Miller, Terry Norris, Norman W. Omeara days & Thursdays Lansing Train- 6180. Any MRA or Dental/Vision Foreman who has five (5) or more Journeyman under his supervision, III, James A. Post, Joseph T. Sherhart, Richard C. Sparks, Garret ing Center, 16180 National Parkway, receipts can be mailed, emailed or shall work with tools. The proposed change to: No Foreman who has Timmermans Lansing, MI. 48906. faxed to the benefit office. Con- five (5) or more Journeyman under his supervision, or on a job with 35 years of service. Phillip J. Barrett, Michael Corliss, Joseph Jackson’s weld class: Tues- tact information is at bottom of more than one (1) Foreman, shall work with tools. The 3rd and final Meier, David P. Vanzoeren days & Thursdays, 3101 Indus- article. reading and the vote will be held at the next meeting that we resume 40 years of service. Douglas J. Addington, Brett A. Bailey, Randall trial Allied Dr. Jackson, MI. 49201. Active Members can expect face to face meetings. E. Cade, John M. Godush, Eric K. Koon, Charles W. Lewis, Kevin J. Battle Creek’s weld class: some informational packets com- ATTENTION RETIREES AND WIDOWS: This year’s Retiree Maher, Kevin S. Parker, Rick P. Potter, Eugene R. Reyes, Herbert L. Mondays & Thursdays (KCC) ing in the mail explaining some of and Widow Fund check will be mailed on December 11, 2020. Retir- Winnel RMTC, 405 Hill Brady Rd. Battle our upcoming insurance changes ees will receive $1400 and Widows will receive $700. 45 years of service. Bruce A. Goplen, Edmund S. Kuczynski, Creek, MI. 49037. that were presented at the last The Hall is now open to all foot traffic. Masks are REQUIRED. Dennis M. Maher, David R. Rayman, Lynn W. Roemer, Mark A. Weld Tests are the second Union Meeting. Please DO NOT Dues payments or SUB transactions can still be done via email or by Stowers, James A. Veltman Tuesday of each month begin- dismiss this important information. phone. SUB email is [email protected] 50 years of service. James T. Coffman ning Jan. 12, 2021 (TBD) at 4:00 In addition, all Medicare re- CJ Harrison would like all our members to know that she is still 55 years of service. Gale Bergeson, Bennie E. Bowden, Robert at the Lansing Training Center. tirees will be getting their new available by phone during these uncertain times, she is working from A. Dalton, Richard L. Lenardson, Jay F. Smith, Neil B. Vanbruggen PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL insurance packet in the coming home doing phone conferences which is still beneficial to all our 60 years of service. James A. Conway, L R. Huelsberg CERTIFICATIONS: Per the UA, weeks. We will be doing informa- members and their families. You can contact her @ 313-580-6887 70 years of service. Pat J. Fitzpatrick as of January 2019, all Braze and tional meetings and phone calls The Retiree Association Meetings have been cancelled until MEDICAL CLAIMS ISSUES: As a member, TIC International Weld Certifications shall be up- to help in the transition from Lo- further notice. The election has also been postponed until further provides a dedicated team of member advocates to assist with the dated within 120 days of their ex- cal 671 insurance to Labor First notice. – President David Evans resolution of any and all medical claims issues. If at any time you piration date, or you will lose your and United Health Care. If you UA password good thru December 31, 2020: Vote experience an issue with your claims being processed and paid cor- certifications. Check the date(s) have any questions or concerns Any member that is Retiring contact Benesys @ 248-813-9800 rectly, please contact TIC international at 1-888-281-3461. If you are of your Certifications, if they feel free to give Mike or Carly a for your Retirement paperwork or if you want to meet with the Fi- not satisfied with the service you have received, please call me, Ken have expired please contact Diana call. nancial Secretary Treasurer, please give him a 7 to 10 day notice so Willcutt at (269) 569-3492. at 517.323.0333. Though we send Work Opportunities: We that he can get all of your paperwork in order. WEBSITE INFORMATION – FRINGES – TIC: Check out the out everyone’s continuities to be continue to get a few travel calls Dues: If you do not pay your Dues by the end of each quarter. website at www.ualocal357.com and the FACEBOOK Page @ renewed; between changes in coming in from our sister Locals. After 2 quarters go unpaid you will then be Expelled and have to be www.facebook.com/UALocal357/. You should sign up for ac- addresses and the Post Office, If you are considering working Re-Initiated and pay a $200 Re-Initiation fee. cess to your fringe reporting done by TIC via the Union website. there is plenty of room for this winter, I would get on a job Defined Contribution Pension Plan: For those members who To gain access, click on the Members Access Your Information error. Ultimately it’s the the first chance you get, as work use the Voice Response Unit, VRU to obtain balance information and Here, then click on TIC International Corporation and then Regis- member’s responsibility to make in the area looks like it will be very transfers funds in your Defined Contribution Pension, the number ter. This is where you will type in your Name, Email Address, UA sure their certification(s) are slow this coming year and jobs has changed. The new number for the VRU is 877-410-9984. Plan Card # and Create your own password. Once you have completed current and updated. may be limited. provider number is 7526. all the information – click on the LARGE REGISTER button that is If your Med-Gas Installer is Congratulations: We would You can now login to your Defined Contribution account on the surrounded by a Blue Box. Your User Access will be granted the going to expire within the next few like to congratulate Brother Dustin Local’s website. Just click on the “Defined Contribution login here next business day. months please sign up on our Morrison “D-Mo” on recently at- tab” and it will take you to the BeneSys login page. The Defined To access your account, once it is set up, all you need to do is website to take the renewal class. taining Journeyman status. Contribution website is www.yourplanaccess.com/benesys. All in- access the Membership Button again – type in your email address Med-Gas new certification: Condolences: We would like quiries. and password – and all your information will be presented. As a Please sign up online on our to send condolences to the Are you “Work Ready”? Have any of your safety modules ex- member via the website, you will be able to keep track of all your website or contact the Lansing Bondy family. Eric “Rick” Bondy pired? Is your Drug Test current? Check your report card at hours and receive an e-mail when hours are posted to your account. Training Center. passed away on Dec. 4th. Rick was mustbsafe.org and if it is time for renewal call the Training Center This is very important as it is up to you to keep up to date on the Please make sure you con- a member of Local 636 and was 248-585-0636 and they will register you. Be “ready” when the calls hours being paid on your behalf by ANY CONTRACTORS. tact your respective hall with ad- the Son of Local 671 member Beb. come in. Safety modules and drug tests are paid for by the Contrac- CHANGE OF STATUS: If you have a change of status for ex- dress changes, births, deaths, or Our thoughts go out to the fam- tors Association. WHEN YOU STAY CURRENT WITH YOUR ample: married, divorced, re-married, birth, death, workers comp, ad- if you need to change your ben- ily during this difficult time. SAFETY MODULES, DRUG TEST AND FIRST AID, YOU WILL dress change, etc., please call TIC at the phone number above and eficiaries Mobile App: Our Mobile App QUALIFY FOR FUTURE BONUS PAYMENT’S. Lori at the Union Hall. It is very important that we keep all our records Our thoughts and prayers to titled “UA Local 671” is available Recovery Support Group: Pipe Dreamers, a Peer Support Recov- up to date. There seems to be a continuing problem regarding noti- Gary Towne, Local 333 retiree on in the App Store for I phone or ery group for ongoing recovery from substance abuse and addiction fication of divorces. Note that you, the member, will be responsible the loss of his wife Janet Towne, Android. The Username for Local meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 4:30pm at the for any bills incurred and paid on claims of an ex-spouse or depen- who passed away December 6, 671 Members is your last name and office of “Work Life Strategies” 26789 Woodward Avenue, Suite 3105, dents. (See Pages 6 and 27 in the Summary Plan Description Book- 2020. your book number (UA Card Num- Huntington Woods 48070. Call 248-545-8301 for details or any ques- let for clarification) Time limits apply for reporting status changes With 2020 almost behind us; ber). The Password is your book tions you may have. so let the hall know ASAP! this will be our last article for the number. PLEASE DOWNLOAD Also, a Relations/Divorce Support Group meet on the second MISCELLANEOUS: Congratulations to Thomas Imus on being year. Local 333 would like to ac- THIS APP SO YOU CAN KEEP and fourth Thursday of the month at 6pm. elected to the Paw Paw School Board. knowledge the achievements of UP ON CURRENT INFORMA- Worker Assistance Program: Work Life Strategies, LLC are CONDOLENCES: our members and also reflect on TION THAT THE HALL NEEDS available to our members and their families to provide personal coun- Condolences to the family of James Kelly on the recent passing the members we have lost. TO GET OUT. seling services and when needed, referral to other professionals. Call of his mother. Local 333 would like to re- We have recently sent infor- 248-545-8301 to talk to a counselor for issues relating to grief, alcohol Condolences to the family of retired brother, Wayne Johnson, flect on our members who have mational Blasts out with impor- and or drug addiction, bankruptcy, financial management, marital, on his recent passing. passed away this year: tant Covid-19 updates, volunteer- depression, legal and family counseling. Consultations with Work Condolences to the family of James Willson on the recent pass- Bruce Ballard, David Benedict, ing opportunities, and also which Life Strategies are a service paid for by the Insurance Fund. Referrals ing of his wife. Dieter Born, James Bronkhorst, candidates Local 671 has en- to outside professionals, if needed, will be paid for according to the Condolences to the families of David & Scott Adler on the recent Edward Brooks, Robert Buzzo, dorsed in our recent election. current health care plan benefits. passing of their father. James Cody, Justin Couter, This mobile app is a great tool to Training Center News. Call Kim at the training center for first aid Michael Couzzins, Richard stay current with all the latest in- online class. Cummings, Benjamin Enbody, formation from the Union Hall. Please send all emails and weld continuities to Donald Freeman, Richard Gunn, Please download it today. [email protected] Robert Ingersoll, Jack Jackard, In Closing: Words simply WELDING - 4pm to 8pm. Regular night welding from 4 pm to 8 Richard C. Johnson, James Lem- cannot express what a unique, pm on Mondays, and Thursdays. Cost is $50 for 40 hours. Downhill ons, Steve Lipko, Louis Malito, challenging year this has been for Welding- 6 Saturdays, call Kurt to sign up, cost $75 Max Roggow, Gary Scroggie, our Local 671 Family and the en- GMAW Welding- 4 Saturdays, Call Mike to sign up, cost $50 Congratulations to the fol- tire country. We have been un- Starting the week of Jan. 11th Call Kim to sign lowing members that turned out able to enjoy simple activities we up, all classes cost $50: this year from the JATC Appren- may have previously taken for Certified Rigging/Signal person- Monday and Thursday Nights ticeship Program: Travis granted, and this can prove to be from 4 to 8 Wedley, Mitchell Holder, Michael quite difficult mentally. This in- CSD 1- Monday night from 5 to 8 Patrick, Brice Terry, Ian Behringer, cludes our Apprentices who have REVIT 2 Thursday night from 4 to 8. John Bash, Brandon Bongard, had their training turned upside DDC 3 and ADV. Chiller class Wed. nights 5-8 Isaac Brugger, Sean Castillo, down and are still working hard HDPE class Jan. 16th Ashton Christopherson, Alex to get through the school year. Orbital class Jan.16th Davison, Brady Hoffman, Troy If you, or anyone you know Basic HVAC: call Jason at the training center to sign up. Monday Johnson, Justin Pardee, Dustin is need of anything please do not and Thursday nights Schafer, Matthew Schurr, Justin hesitate to reach out to the Hall Basic Steam class: Monday and Thursday Nights, starts Jan. Snider, Luke Davis, Donovan and we will help wherever we can. 11th Bates, Jordan Grove, Jenna Please continue to remain vigilant McFarland, Ryan Sage. this Holiday Season and safely We would like to thank the enjoy what matters most. Let us $$$ Top Prices Paid $$$ following members that became all look forward to a new start in Life Members in 2020. Thank 2021; re-energized by the hope of ALL TYPES of NONFERROUS and FERROUS SCRAP METAL you for your commitment to a better year. • ALUMINUM • BRASS • COPPER • STAINLESS STEEL Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local Merry Christmas, Happy • EXOTIC ALLOYS • CATALYTIC CONVERTERS 333. Kenneth Behl, Thomas New Year and May God Bless • CARBIDE • HIGH SPEED STEEL • AUTO RADIATORS Eifert, Delbert Sanborn, William Local 671! COMMERCIAL CONTAINERIZED Walker, Ronald Gonerka. Mike Jewell: Cell (419) 262- RESIDENTIAL SERVICE Plumbers & Pipefitters, Lo- 8503 email: [email protected] INDUSTRIAL PICKUPS cal 333, Officers and Staff would Vinnie Fenech: Cell (734) 693- MONDAY-FRIDAY 8 A.M.-5 P.M. AVAILABLE like to wish all of our members 4082email:[email protected] SATURDAY 8A.M.-NOON and their families a very Merry Carly Neely: Insurance Line (248) 960-1200 Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, (734) 241-6180 carly@ualocal and Prosperous New Year!!! God 671.com MANN METALS CORP. bless you and yours in 2021. Local 671 Fax: (734) 242-4692 1011 DECKER ROAD • P.O. BOX 711 • WALLED LAKE 48390 December 25, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 13

Michigan Painters District Council

Painters District Council 1M District Council 1M WARREN – Dear Members, Business Manager: Robert MERRY CHRISTMAS AND Gonzalez HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL DC Meeting date: 2nd Tuesday of 1M MEMBERS and YOUR every month at 6:30 p.m., with the FAMILIES! Executive Board meeting at 6 p.m. DC1M WEBSITE: www. Place: 14587 Barber Ave, Warren iupatdc1 michigan.org MI 48088 & 419 S. Washington DC1M FACEBOOK: www.face BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED Ave, Lansing MI 48933 book.com/ Craftworkers Local 2 masons Local Union 312 iupat1m employed by Boom Stone Co. on Business Rep: Tim Schwerin DC 1M UNION Nov. 30 set a 4,000-lb granite Meeting date: 2nd Wednesday of CARDS* base in front of the St. Clair Any ques- Shores Police Department that every month at 6:30 p.m. Place: 1473 N. 30th St., Galesburg, tions regarding will support the bronze like- MI 49053 a lost, damaged ness of Axe, a K-9 killed in the Local Union 514 Union cards, or line of duty. if you have dues Business Rep: Scott Mikulen inquiries or Meeting dates: 1st Wednesday have not re- of every month at 7:30 p.m. ROBERT ceived a card Local 514 Place: 7920 Jackson Road, Ann GONZALEZ Bricklayers please contact Arbor, MI. the DC1M offices at: and Allied Cement Masons Web site: www.iupat- Warren Office: (586)552- local514.org. Craftworkers & Plasterers 4474 extension 100 Freeland Office: (989) 695- Local Union 826 6888 BAC Local 2 Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Local 514 Business Rep: Rocky Ackerman *PAINTERS DISTRICT WARREN/LANSING – We take the COVID-19 outbreak seriously DETROIT – The next membership meeting is scheduled for Janu- Meeting date: 2nd Thursday of COUNCIL 1M CHRISTMAS and recognize the importance of minimizing the spread of the virus. ary 19, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. for a Telephonic meeting. Please feel free to every month at 5:30 p.m. PARTY CANCELLATION* Due The health and well-being of our members and their families and call the Business manager or any agent with questions on how to Place: 3115 Joyce St. to the restrictions from Covid-19 continuity of service to our members is our highest sign up. Burton, MI 48529 , the DC 1M Christmas Party De- priority. If you have any questions or concerns, Have a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!! cember 19th at Motor City Hotel please contact either the Warren office at (586) 754- Unfortunately, this year the annual Local 514 Christmas party Local Union 845 and Casino will not take place. 0888 or the Lansing office at (517) 886-9781. has been cancelled due to Covid. Business Rep – Fred Frederickson The District Council has se- We wish our members and their families a Rodney Floyd a longtime member of 514 passed away on Decem- Meeting date: 1st Thursday of cured an alternative date to have Wonderful Holiday Season. We look forward to a ber 14, 2020. Our sincere condolences go out to all of his family. every month at 7 p.m. the party. The alternative date for safe and prosperous New Year! Lance Ryan is now Plasterer Business Agent, if you have any Place: 419 S. Washington Av- the Party will be March 20, 2021 JANUARY 2021 CHAPTER MEETINGS. questions for him please call (586) 615-1564. enue, Lansing, MI 48933 at Motor City Hotel and Casino. Due to the spike in COVID-19 cases throughout It is important for all members to keep the Local updated on ad- Local Union 1052 Please save the date. the state, all Chapter meetings for January, 2021 have dresses, email and phone numbers. If you need to change an address or Business Rep – Jake Fluty PAINTERS DISTRICT CHUCK been cancelled. add an email and phone number please call the Local at (248) 548-0800. Meeting date: The Fourth COUNCIL 1M SMART PHONE KUKAWKA Congratulations to Brother Tony Zito on the birth Lawrence Nemeth is the Apprenticeship Coordinator; he can be Wednesday of every month at APP. Painters District Council 1M of his first child! Emma Jo Zito was born on Decem- reached at (313) 350-0389. 6:30 p.m is pleased to announce its’ all new ber 08, 2020 weighing 6 pounds 13 ounces. Attention all Apprentices: now you will need to go to the website: Place: 3115 Joyce St., Burton MI APP. DEATHS REPORTED: www.micementplasterertraining.com to enter your work hours. When For IPHONE go to IOS store, Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brother you get to the website click the link “About” and then click on “Ap- 48529 For ANDROID got to Google Harold J Hines (Bricklayer) who passed away on Dec. 19, 2020. prentice monthly work form instructions.” You will be able to put in Playstore Brother Hines had been a member for over 30 years. Harold was your hours so Larry can keep track for your raises. Please feel free to Local Union 1803 Search for “Painters and Al- proud that his Great Grandson, Nick Hines and his Great Nephew, contact Larry with any questions you might have. Business Rep: Josh Ovalle lied Trades” download APP Ken Burnett both attended pre-job training and started work as Ap- Effective September, 2018 every member in Good Standing will Meeting date: 4th Tuesday of ev- Username: your member id# prentices this fall. only be allowed to use the Hall twice per year, also effective January, ery month at 5:30 p.m. Password: painters Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brother 2019 there will be a $100.00 refundable deposit required for any clean- Place: 7677 Midland Road, With this APP you can ac- Thomas Maruszewski (Tile Layer) who passed away on December ing and/or damages that may incur. Freeland, MI 48623. cess training classes, Local Union 08, 2020. Brother Maruszewski had been a member for 42 years. Miller Cohen PLC is extending an invitation to our members to meeting times and dates, receive Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brother participate in free Estate Planning Seminar. Learn about Wills, Trust, Local Union 2352 alerts, and communications from Daniel Schaffer (Bricklayer) who passed away on December 07, 2020. Durable Power of Attorney, and Medical Power of Attorney, and Guard- Business Rep: John Sape your Union, etc. Brother Schaffer had been a member for 55 years. ian Designation. Contact the Union Hall if interested and a date will Meeting Date: 3rd Tuesday of GET INVOLVED AND PAR- Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brother be scheduled for the free Seminar. every month at 6:30 p.m. TICIPATE IN YOUR UNION! Lester E Ness Jr (Bricklayer, CM and Plasterer) who passed away on If you are a Military Veteran please contact the Local so we can Place: District Council 1M, 14587 OUT OF WORK/ BACK TO October 27, 2020. Brother Ness had been a member for 71 years. update our records. Please call (248) 548-0800. Barber Ave., Warren, MI. WORK: To keep work placement CRAFTWORKERS NEEDED: If you are available for work, it is The Local’s website is: www.opcmiami.org. efficient, please notify the office important to contact your Field Representative on their cell phone. O.P.C.M.I.A. Local 514 has a satellite office in Flint, Michigan. Local Union 2353 when you are laid off or going We are currently looking for experienced Bricklayers and Tile Setters. We welcome Member and Contractors in the Flint area to handle their Business Rep: Keith Anderson back to work. Those who are interested should contact either the Warren office business transactions at: 2630 Grand Traverse, Flint, MI 48503. Meeting date: 3rd Thursday of Warren office# is 586-552- (586) 754-0888 or the Lansing office (517) 886-9781. Appointments may be made by contacting Business Agent Mike every month at 6:30 p.m. 4474 or Freeland office# is 810- SIGNING BONUS FOR SKILLED CRAFTWORKERS: Local 2 Stanfield at (517) 719-2316, or the Business Manager Henry Williams Place: District Council 1M, 14587 232-0005. will pay up to $2,000 as a Signing Bonus for skilled craftworkers who at (313) 215-5063. Barber Ave, Warren, MI. New job starts should be re- come to work for one of our Union Contractors for a month. Also, Members working for non-signatory commercial contractors are ported to the Union office, please Local 2 members working with the tools and non-supervisory members having a negative impact on our market share. The work forecast this do so can get a Finders Referral Bonus for each new skilled craftworker who year looks better than last. Members working non-union will be Get involved. Work smart. they refer, if they work for at least a month for our Union Contractors. For brought up on charges and fines will be enforced. Let’s work to- Work safe. more details and information, call your Field Representative or either the gether to secure our future!! Warren office (586) 754-0888 or the Lansing office (517) 886-9781, or We must stay vigilant in our effort to promote our trade. If you go to https://bit.ly/BAC-2-MI-2000-Signing-Bonus. are working in a crew of 5 or more an Apprentice must be on the crew. A SPEEDY RECOVERY: A speedy recovery is wished to all Help out! Call the Local at (248) 548-0800. Training is the key to our those who have been sick or injured. Let’s keep them all in our future!! thoughts and prayers. Please make sure your modules and drug test are up to date, *IMPORTANT CHANGE Regarding Union Dues* All Local 2 there are some plant jobs that do require the MUST modules. You can Sign, Pictorial & Members are now eligible for a Union Dues discount, regardless of go online at: www.mustonline.org Call the Local if you need a drug what month you are paid through currently. This offer is a great way form sent out. Display Local 591 to catch up on your monthly window dues by taking advantage of Please make sure that we have all of your current contact infor- Local 357 Sign Pictorial & Display 591 this annual dues discount. mation, address and phone number so we can keep the fund offices Glaziers & We are making available to ALL Local 2 members the opportu- updated for your health care and pension and also if you are having your WARREN – The next Gen- nity to pay for 6 months of union dues and receive credit for 12 vacation checks mailed out. If you have moved please contact the Local Glassworkers eral Membership Meeting will be months. An entire year for half the price!! and we will change your addresses with all of the fund offices. held on Jan. 5, 2021 at 6:30p.m. UPDATE - BAC LOCAL 2’S TRAINING CENTERS. Both Local IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PLASTERERS AND DETROIT Glaziers & Glassworkers 357 Trustees and union stewards 2 Training Centers are open to our members but visits to our offices COMMERCIAL CEMENT MASONS: You can track your annuity WARREN – Our next regu- meet at 6:20 p.m. should be scheduled by appointment. Please contact our Training fund status at the Wells Fargo website. You may do so by logging lar scheduled union meeting will The Meeting may be post- Centers at the numbers listed below for an appointment for annual on to: www.retirement.wellsfargo.com or call (866) 640-5138, you can be determined on the Governor’s poned due to Covid. Will notify RESPIRATOR FIT TESTS and other services. also call the fund office at (248) 645-6550 with any related questions. orders. you of any changes a.s.a.p. DETROIT IMI TRAINING CENTER: To make your appoint- PLASTERERS AND CEMENT MASONS It is your responsibility We hope that we can resume Anyone possessing a union ment for your annual RESPIRATOR FIT TEST or for other scheduled to fill out reciprocity forms if you plan on working out of the local 514 meetings for the January 2021 meet- membership and who willingly appointments at the Metro Detroit Training Center, please contact area. This will ensure that your hours are sent back to your home fund. ing. Notifications will be coming for works at a nonunion shop doing Tom Ward directly at (734) 552-7066. If you have any questions, or need any forms, please contact the Local. the January meeting soon. union work can have charges pre- TMT RTI CLASSES RESUME WITH REDUCED CAPACITY Please make sure your beneficiary information is up to date. Any Happy Holidays to all of our ferred against them under Sec. DUE TO COVID-19; REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. changes to your beneficiaries can be made at the Local. brothers and sisters of Glaziers 16.4,and 19.8 of the District Coun- To register visit detroittroweltrades.org and click Calendar. If you have questions concerning your pension benefits, ROAD Local #357. May you and your cil By-laws. Classes are filled on a first registered first served basis and will be BUILDERS can call: Toll Free at 1-877-876-9357 or (517) 321-7502. families have a safe, and enjoy- Any questions on local held on the following Saturdays from 7:00am – 3:30pm: PLASTERERS’ AND COMMERCIAL CEMENT MASONS can call: able holiday season. union issues, please call John Jan: 9th & 23rd • Feb: 6th & 20th • Mar: 6th & 20th • Apr: 10th & 24th • May: (248) 645-6550 for pension and annuity, and Toll Free 1-877-876-9357. Work looks to be remaining Sape at 586-899-8082,or Keith 1st, 15th & 22nd • Jun: 5th & 12th All Plasterers and Cement Masons can contact (517) 321-7502 for steady in the area. Please keep your Anderson at 586-899-7958,your Apprentices, remember that Related Training Instruction (RTI) health & welfare information now through Outstate Michigan Trowel certifications current, along with Business Representatives. classes are a requirement of your Apprenticeship, failure to attend Trades Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan. For the INTERNA- your MUST and drug screen. Questions pertaining to Lo- will delay your apprenticeship and raises. TIONAL PENSION Call 1-888-880-8222 Toll Free or (202) 638-1996. Apprenticeship school has cal 591 Pension Fund issues call Additional classes will be added as necessary to accommodate returned to online training. All 248-645-6550 and/or Health Care all apprentices. Feel free to contact your BAC field representative or classroom training has been shut- issues call 248-358-3340 or 800-482- the Apprentice Coordinator should you have any questions. BAC Local 2, continued down due to the Governor’s or- 8736 which will then be answered directly through fund office. METRO DETROIT APPRENTICE WORKSHEETS AVAILABLE E-MAIL ADDRESS: Local #2 wants to use every means pos- der. Please contact Jeff Flynn, or FOR DOWNLOAD: Turning in monthly worksheets is a require- sible to communicate with you. Sometimes we have time sensitive Rich Oakey if you have questions OUT OF WORK: BACK TO WORK: procedure for out of and ment of your apprenticeship. Metro Detroit Apprentice Worksheets information (such as job openings, picket lines, funeral arrangements on the schedule, make up classes, back to work: When laid off or are available for download at http://bit.ly/Apprentice_Worksheets. and other such communications) that would be most efficiently done raise letters, or anything else re- If you do not have a printer you can pick them up during our monthly via e-mail. Please submit your address by sending an e-mail to lated to School. going back to work, call the of- fice. 586-552-4474. meeting or contact Tom Ward at (586) 757-6668 to request them by [email protected] and in the subject line place “Local #2 We have had several mem- mail. For more information on the Detroit Training Center visit: e-mail address” then type your name, phone number and e-mail ad- bers contract Covid as of today. detroittroweltrades.org dress in the body of the communication. We appreciate your time and Fortunately all are doing well, and Local 357, con’t LANSING TRAINING CENTER: To make your appointment effort in helping us accomplish this task. many have fully recovered and of town, all members are reminded for your annual RESPIRATOR FIT TEST or for other scheduled ap- BAC 2 MI Texting Program. We have been communicating by returned to work. Mask up, so- that they must check in with the pointments at the Lansing Training Center, please contact Howard text message more frequently with our membership lately. We en- cially distance and continue local that you are working in as Hipes directly at (517) 749-1102. courage our members to sign up to receive our text messages by working safely. per the International Constitution Go to https://www.michiganbricklayers.org to view the Lansing -texting 2MI to 877877 Keep your working status and our local C.B.A. Apprenticeship and Training website and register future 2020 online -You’ll receive a confirmation text asking for your member number (IU#) current; this helps protect your The Fund Office address is training classes. -Respond with your six-digit IU number and you will receive Local 2 benefits if you have a mailing ad- Michigan Glass and Glazing Joint MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANCE: During this COVID-19 pandemic, Text Messages going forward! dress and/or telephone number Funds, P.O. Box 966, Troy, MI the IUBAC Member Assistance Program has a number of services PENSION AND HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION: change, please notify the Union 48098-066; phone number: 248- available for free or at a discounted rate to BAC members and their Bricklayers Metro Detroit Local Pension Fund (248) 641-4954 and Fund Offices of the changes. 641-4957; fax 248-813-9898. families. These confidential services can be seen at http://bit.ly/ Detroit & Vicinity Health Insurance (Brick, Cement and TMT) (800) Dues payments may be If you are in need of safety MAP-BAC and are also available via telephone at (888) 880-8222 and 435-4080 or (248) 828-6000 (dvtt.org) mailed to the Union Office at modules, please contact your em- ask for membership assistance Monday – Friday 8 am – 8 pm. These MI BAC Health & Welfare and MI BAC Pension (800) 531-2244 14587 Barber Avenue, Warren, MI ployer if you are employed or the services were established and are intended to help get us through (outstate funds, michiganbac.org) 48088. Make checks payable to: union office @ 586-552-4478, if difficult life situations. Cement Pension Fund (248) 645-6550 (detroitcementmasons.org) DISTRICT COUNCIL 1M in care you’re not. Any questions call the FACEBOOK: “Like” Local #2 on Facebook “Bricklayers & Al- CALL-A-DOC (800) 835-2362 (D&V Health Fund) of Glassworkers #357. hall or call the Council @ 586-552- lied Craftworkers Union, Local 2 of Michigan.” International Pension/Annuity Fund (Brick, Cement and TMT) (888) When traveling to work out 4474. (Continued next column) 880-8222 or (202) 638-1996 (dvtt.org) (Continued next column) –Business Rep - Don Stepp 14 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN December 25, 2020 Local 169 BESTBEST WISHESWISHES Boilermakers FORFOR THETHE HOLIDAYSHOLIDAYS Boilermakers Local 169 look forward to gathering to- online. Please visit our website – ALLEN PARK – I would like to gether for some brotherhood www.boilermakerslocal169.com - wish all members a Merry Christ- and celebration, until then, for more information. mas & a Happy New Year! In ad- please continue to work safe Training Center: The Boil- dition, I would and follow all the recommenda- ermakers Local 169 Training cen- like to thank tions of the CDC. ter in Allen Park is currently each of you In closing, I would like to closed. Please check the for your val- thank all of your Business Facebook page and website for iant efforts Agents, Officers, Trainers, and further information. during this Office Staff, for their continued Apprentices: Apprentices challenging efforts in making our local the best are reminded to call your Area year. This year it can be. Most of all, I want to Agent at 8:00 am the following brought many thank all retirees, active members, business day after layoff. Failure obstacles and and apprentices who have per- to call in at the required time may difficulties formed and continue to perform result in disciplinary action. In BOB with it. the difficult work that makes our addition, calling in late places you HUTSELL The pan- local one of the best around. I am further down the out of work list demic has very proud to represent you all and affects future work opportu- made it harder and look forward to our contin- nities. for all of us to perform the neces- ued success. Merry Christmas and Happy sary tasks of life. It has made your Bob Hutsell, Business Manager New Year from the E-Board mem- jobs much harder as well. The Boilermakers Local 169 bers, agents, and office staff of jobs you perform ensure that the Detroit, Michigan Local 169! vital infrastructure of society The union meeting is tenta- continues uninterrupted. You tively scheduled for January 8, "Christmas is not a time nor should all be proud of your ef- 2021 at the union hall. Please a season, but a state of mind. To forts in protecting our work, our check the website and Facebook cherish peace and goodwill, to Brotherhood, and our union way page for further information. be plenteous in mercy, is to have of life. Union dues for 2021 will be the real spirit of Christmas." As the year comes to a $49.85 per month. The union hall – Calvin Coolidge close, I am encouraged by the accepts Visa, MasterCard, and recent vaccine approvals, and Discover. Payments can be made "I don't think Christmas is look forward to the time when both at the hall and over the necessarily about things. It's From Officers, Members & Staff of this pandemic is behind us. phone. about being good to one an- Eventually things will return to OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 other." Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local 370, Flint, Michigan normal, and when they do, I safety training can now be taken – Carrie Fisher December 25, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 15 Outdoors Tracking Osprey in Michigan By Julie Oakes Laborers 1191 Wildlife Biologist DETROIT – UNION HALL OPERATIONS- Laborers’ Local 1191 Michigan DNR has remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Local Ospreys are magnificent 1191 is making every effort to keep our members and staff safe during fish-hunting birds with striking this time by limiting person-to-person contact at the Local Union brown and white plumage. They Hall. Thanking you in advance and please follow the COVID-19 are among the group of birds of recommendations to stay safe and healthy. prey called “raptors,” which in- Monthly Membership Meetings: We continue to monitor new cludes hawks, owls, falcons and orders and directives pertaining to COVID-19. Decisions about mem- eagles. bership meetings will be determined and relayed to you as they ap- These large birds – which proach. Union meetings are held on the first Friday of every month at possess widely spread wingtip 7:00 pm at the Union hall (except for holidays), next membership feathers in flight and a distin- meeting will on the 8th of January, 2021. guishing brown stripe leading Reminder: Be sure to keep the Local Union updated with any from the back of their yellow eyes changes to your phone number, address, and/or email. to the nape – are often seen along Union Dues For 2021: Effective Jan. 1, 2021 regular monthly shallow fish-filled waters of dues are $35 for active members. Retiree monthly dues will remain Michigan, including rivers, lakes, the same $8. reservoirs and marshes. Members can now Pay Dues online 24/7 on our website at But that wasn’t always the www.laborerslocal1191.org! Upper right-hand corner Pay Dues tab, case. and follow the instructions…Please also check out our website and “Laborers’ Local 1191” Facebook page for important information Once commonplace in the about your Local Union. Great Lakes region, osprey popu- Save Time & Money: We urge members to make their pay- lations were suppressed in the ments timely to avoid additional costs! Monthly dues can be deducted post-World War II years as the from your vacation check and sent directly to the Local Union. Please use of DDT and other pesticides stop by the Local Union office to get one of the “Vacation Monthly caused thinning of the birds’ egg- Dues Deduction” forms or you may call the Local Union office at shells. (313)-894-2241 to have one mailed to you. Members who sign up Only 51 osprey nests were AN ADULT OSPREY returns to its nest of juvenile offspring with a meal of panfish in July 2020 in southern Michigan. Photo credit: Mike Grosso for Vacation deduction and pay (6) months at a time will receive a 1- recorded in Michigan in 1965. month rebate!!! To better serve our membership, we are accepting After a 1972 ban on the use of end of March and early July is all of chicks. Most nests are located osprey nests the DNR had not Credit & Debit payments. DDT, osprey numbers began to it takes to determine if there is a on cellphone towers and are eas- previously been aware of. MUST Safety Awareness Training: Please check the MUST rebound in northern Michigan. nesting attempt, if birds are ac- ily viewable from public roads.” “Without the help of our citi- website at www.mustbsafe.com to see how many modules you have. By 1975, 81 nests were identified, tively nesting and if there are any This year, despite a late start zen scientists, we would not have Drug Test Renewal: Members are reminded to keep your Yearly and by 1988, there were 166 chicks in the nest. to the program due to this valuable information,” said Drug Test current and also your 18 safety modules. You can sched- nests. However, in southern “You can visit your nest more coronavirus stay-at-home orders, Erin Rowan, MI Birds program ule an appointment to take your modules at our training schools Michigan, osprey numbers re- often if you’d like,” according to 68 dedicated volunteers submit- associate with Audubon Great located in Perry, Wayne, St. Joseph, or Iron Mountain by calling mained low. the MI Birds website. “Binocu- ted 679 reports. Volunteers sub- Lakes and the DNR. “We look (517) 625-4919 or visit the training school website www.mltai.org to From 1998 to 2007 a multi- lars are adequate for most obser- mitted reports from 39 counties forward to working with volun- schedule appointments for modules. You can also contact the Local partner team worked coopera- vations, but a spotting scope is and reported on 114 active nests. teers again during the 2021 Union office at (313) 894-2241 to use a Local Union computer to tively to bring ospreys back to useful to determine the number Volunteers even identified 23 new osprey nesting season.” complete required modules. southern Michigan. The team Training: Check out the training classes available to you at no consisted of the Michigan De- cost. Journeymen and apprentices may still obtain training through partment of Natural Resources, MLTAI’s online training at https://lms.mltai.org. Types of training the Detroit Zoological Society, you can take include: Asbestos Awareness-Silica Awareness-Infec- Audubon Great Lakes, MI Birds, tious Disease Awareness-Respirator Awareness-Hazard Communi- Huron Clinton Metropark Au- cation-Blood borne Pathogens Awareness-Covid-19 Awareness-Lead thority, U.S. Department of Awareness. Agriculture’s Animal and Plant NOTE: Classes & Certifications contractors have been asking Health Inspection Service, Michi- for are: OSHA 30, ASBESTOS & LEAD AWARENESS, HOISTING & gan Osprey volunteer group, vari- RIGGING, PIPELINE SAFETY, CLASS A CDL LICENSE, ASBESTOS ous Audubon chapters and a REMOVAL SUPERVISORS LICENCE, CONFINED SPACE PERMIT magnitude of volunteers. REQUIRED, GRADE CHECKING BLUEPRINT READING & MEA- This program to rear and re- SURING TOOLS, GPS LOCATION. The above training and certifica- lease ospreys was a huge suc- tions are all available at the training center. It could mean the differ- cess. ence of being sent to work or not! Retirees: Retiree Council’s meetings are the last Friday of the Today, these “fish hawks” month. The meetings are held 11:00 a.m. at the Local Union Hall, have returned throughout the located at 2161 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit. However, the Re- Lower Peninsula and can be seen tiree Council’s monthly meetings have been cancelled until further diving for fish even in unexpected notice due to COVID-19. AN ADULT OSPREY, left, and a young bird are pictured at a nest at Kensington Metropark in Livingston areas. There are more than 200 CONTACT NUMBERS County. Photo credit: MDNR osprey nests across the state, Michigan Laborers’ Fringe Benefits Funds (Annuity, Insurance, including about 125 in the north- Pension & Vacation) * Telephone: (877) 645-2267 * Fax: (517) 321- ern parts of the state and 65 in 7508 *Website: www.michiganlaborers.org the southern Lower Peninsula. Michigan mass timber gets a boost *Delta Dental: (800) 524-0149 The first wild chick was A new technology of build- munity room for public use. Learning Facility, as well as ses- Metropolitan Detroit Laborers’ (Pension) (248) 641-4942 *Fax: hatched in 2002 at Kensington ing large structures with engi- “What we learned from the sions on design opportunities, (248) 813-9898 Metropark in Oakland County. neered wood – known as mass summit is that there is a lot of in- cost-benefit analysis, building Metropolitan Detroit Laborers’ (Healthcare) (800) 228 0048 The osprey that fathered the timber – is moving ahead in terest in the possibilities of mass codes, design, construction, lo- Metropolitan Detroit Laborers’ (Vacation) *Phone: (877) 645-2267 chick, named “C09” for his bird Michigan with support from the timber construction,” said Shan- gistics and more. A summary re- *Web Site: Www.metrodetroitlaborers.org band number, had been reared Department of Natural Resources. non Lott, DNR deputy director. port of the Michigan Mass Tim- BENEFICIARY REMINDER: Please remember to designate or and released at Kensington in In recent weeks: “We will continue to provide in- ber Summit was prepared to docu- update your beneficiary choice especially after a divorce on all of 1999. That bird is still alive and · More than 200 people at- formation and encouragement ment opportunities for the future. your LIUNA Local 1191, American Income Life Accidental Benefit, well and living in Brighton in tended a virtual summit co-spon- going forward.” Michigan’s growing forest Pension and Healthcare funds. Livingston County. He is now 21 sored by the DNR and the Michi- Mass timber presents oppor- products sector generates $20 Death Certificates: Please always submit to the Union Hall a years old, which is on the higher gan Forest Biomaterials Institute. tunities for aesthetics and cost billion annually and includes copy of a Death Certificate for deceased active or retired member. end of wild osprey life expect- The three-part summit was cre- savings as well as reducing lumber, wood products such as ancy. ated to replace a live event can- greenhouse gas emissions and plywood and particle board, pulp Once the birds were well es- celed by COVID-19. storing carbon. But adopting a and paper products. The DNR is ESPER AIELLO LAW GROUP, PLLC tablished, the program monitored Additional information ses- new building method also pre- certified by two independent or- their migration routes by fitting sions are planned for 2021. First sents challenges, from meeting ganizations regarding sustain- osprey with backpack telemetry up: A session from noon to 1 p.m. local codes to familiarizing build- able forestry practices in nearly 4 Construction Injury units, funded by corporate spon- Tuesday, Jan. 12, focusing on ers who are used to concrete and million acres of state forest. It also sors and volunteers. what can be built with mass tim- steel in the technique. encourages sustainable forestry Specialists This phase of the program ber in Michigan within existing The majority of those attend- among other owners. Representing Building was spearheaded by Michigan building codes with more info ing the Michigan Mass Timber Michigan has 20 million Osprey, whose volunteers at MIFBI.org/Events/. Summit live in Michigan, al- acres of forested land. Trades Workers since 1988 tracked the location of the birds The DNR is moving forward though 12 states were repre- (From the Michigan DNR) on their website from 2013 to with the design stages of its $5 sented among the 207 registrants. Tim EsperWORKERS’ COMP Mark Aiello 2017. The GPS tracking devices million mass timber building in Moving online did increase the “I no longer prepare food SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY provided information on the lo- Newberry in the eastern Upper summit’s attendance capacity, or drink with more than one in- CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LITIGATION cation of the birds as they mi- Peninsula to replace its current which originally was capped at gredient.” grated to and from Central and field office and customer service 100 people. – Cyra McFadden ESTATE PLANNING - ELDER LAW South America. center. The building, currently in The event included a video Our associates also handle: The ospreys made such a its design phase, will include tour of Michigan State “An optimist stays up to see comeback that the DNR needed 10,000 feet of office space, 16,500 University’s $100 million, 117,000- the New Year in. A pessimist UNEMPLOYMENT • ANY INJURY CASE help and turned to the public to feet of garage space and a com- square-foot STEM Teaching and waits to make sure the old one ASBESTOS/TOXIC EXPOSURES • DRIVERS LICENSE RESTORATION help track the birds’ reproduction leaves.” and success. –Bill Vaughan 3031 W. Grand Blvd, Suite 440, Detroit 48202 The Adopt-A-Nest Osprey Monitoring Program created a “Stress is an ignorant state. (313) 964-4900 - (800) 881-8896 request for citizen scientist vol- It believes that everything is an www.esperaiellolawgroup.com unteers to monitor osprey nests emergency. Nothing is that im- in their area. This marked the third portant.” FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION • VALIDATED PARKING phase of the osprey reintroduc- –Natalie Goldberg tion program in Michigan. MI Birds – an outreach and engagement program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR to increase awareness of Michigan birds and the places they rely on – made a public call for volunteers. The call was shared through the program’s network of follow- ers on social media and through a widely shared blog post. “The response from the MI Birds community was amazing,” said Tom Schneider of the Detroit Zoological Society. During the summer of 2019, 318 people participated in the “Adopt-A-Nest” program and submitted a total of 834 individual osprey observations. Volunteers submitted reports from 35 coun- ties and reported on 143 active nests throughout Michigan. Participation in this program requires little effort: All ages and experience levels are welcome. A MASS TIMBER framing has advantages with in aesthetics and cost minimum commitment of three 30- savings, but a lack of familiarity among building designers could slow its spread. minute nest visits between the Photo credit: Michigan.gov 16 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN December 25, 2020