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

VOL. 69, NO. 23 Since 1952 • Serving the highly skilled men and women in Michigan’s building trade unions 65 Cents November 13, 2020

By Marty Mulcahy Mary McCormack and Elizabeth cess, with two on the plus side the story of 2020,” said AFL-CIO Editor Welch. being narrow victories by Haley President Rich Trumka. “It’s been SHORT For the political interests of Elsewhere, while names and Stevens (D-Rochester Hills) and on display all year. It’s guided by organized labor in Michigan, the faces changed in a multitude of Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly). our belief that a better day is still days after the Nov. 3 general elec- statewide and national offices, Certainly pre-election polling within our reach. And today, I am CUTS tion had a familiar feel to it – with there was little change in majori- led to an expectation of a “Blue more confident than ever that a two major exceptions. ties among the major categories. Wave” election, but little of that better day is near. A united labor The first, of course, was the Control of the U.S. House of came to pass in the state legisla- movement delivered for Joe Union contract change at the top: Joe Biden, or- Representatives (Democrat) and tures in Michigan and elsewhere, Biden. And a united labor move- Labor gains ganized labor’s endorsee, de- the Michigan House (Republi- nor in Congress. Although, Biden ment will defend the will of the lengths get shorter feated President Donald Trump, can) didn’t change. Michigan received more than 73.5 million people.” For the first time in at least with Biden, and will become the next presi- Senator Gary Peters (D) barely votes for president, and count- As the votes were counted 20 years, the length of collec- dent of the United States. defeated John James for another ing – the most in U.S. history. last week after Election Day, Presi- tive bargaining agreements adding allies to The second major change: six-year term, but the GOP re- Last week the AFL-CIO re- dent Trump and his allies com- (CBA) are getting shorter. That there is now, for the first time since tained control of the U.S. Senate. ported that Biden received the plained about voter fraud with- is the finding from Bloomberg 2010, a 4-3 labor-friendly majority And labor-endorsed Con- vote of some 57 percent of U.S. out evidence, claiming alter- which looked at CBAs signed state high court on the state Supreme Court, with gressional candidates in Michi- households. nately, and without affect, that the in the first six months of 2020. the election of justices Bridget gan had a mixed record of suc- “The resilience of unions is (Continued on Page 13) Their study found that for the first time since at least 2000, And on his way out... contracts that are for a year or THE NATION’S LONGEST pedestrian less will not be the rarest type of bridge – a 1,000-foot-long span under CBA. They also found that as many construction over South Boulevard in ...‘Disgraceful’: Trump two-year contracts were being Pontiac – will link two office buildings signed as three-year contracts. In owned by United Wholesale Mortgage. total 15 percent of the new con- expands independent tracts are for one year or less and 27 percent are for two years. Shorter contracts often contractor dodge happen when the economic out- By Mark Gruenberg look is bleak. Unions may forgo PAI Staff Writer a raise or may even settle for ‘Further weakening NEW YORK (PAI) – Presi- givebacks on a shorter contract dent Donald Trump wants to give with the knowledge that they protections for another big financial lollipop to will be able to negotiate a better the nation’s corporate class, and millions of workers’ contract once the economy re- the proverbial lump of coal to mil- covers. This was common dur- lions of workers, election or no ing the Great Recession, with tors,” stripping them of worker election. some workforces negotiating rights, including the right to Michigan Attorney General multiple short-term contracts. unionize – and even the right to Dana Nessel and 22 other state There may be more short earn the federal minimum wage, attorneys general, plus the cities contracts this year, especially in or overtime pay when they toil too of New York, Chicago, Philadel- the first half of the year, because long. phia and Pittsburgh, have joined many believe that once the pan- Not only that, but employers forces in a concerted effort to demic is dealt with the economy would be able to get away with stop Trump from stripping work- will recover quickly. Unions Take a hike: record 1,000-foot not paying Social Security and ers of key protections provided don’t want to be locked into a Medicare payroll taxes, workers’ under the 82-year-old Fair Labor long-term austerity contract comp and unemployment insur- Standards Act (FLSA). with a good economy so a short- ance for those workers. The bridge links mortgage campus The latest goodie the presi- term contract gives them the Trump Labor Department claimed, By Marty Mulcahy That’s right, Pontiac. The people, and our campus reflects dent tossed to the 1 percent was ability to negotiate a better one without basis, that the new inde- Editor northern Oakland County city is that with the amenities that we to have his Labor Department ex- when times turn around. pendent contractor test will “pro- PONTIAC – In Michigan, home to the nation’s longest pe- have in our current building,” pand the legions of workers From an employer’s perspec- mote certainty for stakeholders, we have long, prominent, land- destrian bridge, a 1,000-foot-long said Mat Ishbia, president and whom bosses could unilaterally tive, this can also give them flex- reduce litigation, and encourage mark bridges over the Mackinac span under construction over CEO of UWM (formerly declare as “independent contrac- (Continued on Page 3) ibility. If the economy doesn’t re- Straits, the Detroit River, the St. South Boulevard that links two United Shore). “Now with the cover, then they can negotiate Clair River and the St. Mary’s buildings owned by United addition of a second building more austerity measures quickly River. Wholesale Mortgage, one of the and connecting the entire ...Trump’s union-busting instead of having to wait for a Now, we have a record- largest lenders in the country. campus with a bridge, we’ll four-year contract to end. holding in bridge in... Pontiac? “We’re really big on team and (Continued on Page 2) (Source: UComm Blog, targets federal workers Kris LaGrange) By Mark Gruenberg lenges, if those workers were in Jobless situation PAI Staff Writer “confidential, policy-making or WASHINGTON (PAI) – An- policy-determining positions.” still seeks traction other battle has broken out in But his definition of those Another 1.1 million Ameri- GOP President Donald Trump’s terms was so broad, National cans applied for unemployment continuing war on the nation’s Treasury Employees Union Presi- insurance (UI) benefits the last two million federal workers. dent Tony Reardon said, that it week of October including Trump issued an Executive would take the civil service back 751,000 people who applied for Order on Oct. 21that would allow to the days of the spoils system regular state UI and 363,000 who him to fire or hire government em- – when government jobs were applied for federal Pandemic Un- ployees at will, despite the pres- given to political friends and loy- employment Assistance . ence of union contracts. alists. PUA is the federal program The American Federation of “It is shocking that after four that provides up to 39 weeks Government Employees, the larg- years, the Trump administration of benefits for workers who are est union representing federal still doesn’t understand the not eligible for regular unem- and D.C. government workers, United States expressly rejected ployment insurance, like the said Trump’s order will undermine a spoils system 137 years ago self-employed. Without con- decades of laws and policies de- because it was ripe for corrup- gressional action, PUA will ex- signed to protect career civil ser- tion,” Reardon said in announc- pire in less than two months. vants from being hired or fired for ing the suit. “As with previous According to the Eco- political reasons. Trump executive orders and our nomic Policy Institute, the 1.1 THE MOVING WALKWAY on the pedestrian bridge at the United Wholesale Mortage project is Trump said his latest order legal challenges to them, we in- million who applied for UI last being installed by Elevator Constructors Local 36 members (l-r) Joel Young, Shelby Hudgens, would let agencies fire workers tend to remind this administration week was little changed (a de- Justin McKoan, Jeff Watkins and Dan Ordonez. They’re employed by Thyssenkrupp Elevator. quickly, without due process and the taxpayers are better served by cline of 3,000) from the prior Photo credit: Mike Vandervennett without possible legal chal- federal employees who swear an week’s revised figures. The last oath to the Constitution, not a week in October was the 33rd By Marty Mulcahy the nation,” according to a sur- chains and clouding the president.” straight week total initial claims Editor vey and analysis of the U.S. con- industry’s outlook,” said Ken In so many words, NTEU’s were far greater than the worst Crisis in This COVID-plagued year’s struction industry released Oct. Simonson, the AGC’s chief suit, filed Oct. 26 in U.S. District week of the Great Recession. fourth quarter isn’t starting any 28. economist. “Without new federal Court for D.C., says Trump’s ex- Most states, including better than 2020’s first quarter Based on federal figures and relief measures, these challenges ecutive order, issued five days Michigan, provide 26 weeks of confidence ended. released by the Associated Gen- pose a significant threat to cur- before, harkens back to the days regular benefits, but this crisis U.S. construction firms “are eral Contractors of America, the rent construction employment when federal work was completely has gone on much longer than clouds future experiencing widespread project analysis urged Congress to adopt levels.” politicized and workers’ jobs were that. That means many work- deferrals and cancellations, along new coronavirus relief measures Federal lawmakers failed to subject to a capricious president, ers are exhausting their regular for nation’s with disruptions to ongoing work to head off further job losses. pass a second stimulus package and his party. state UI benefits, and that’s and few new project awards, as “The survey results make it for the American economy prior The president’s order said it what’s happening: in the most the economic damage from the clear that the months-long pan- to the Nov. 3 election, and pros- “promotes good governance and recent data, the EPI said con- contractors pandemic drags down industry demic is undermining demand for pects for passage are cloudy in accountability” and is designed tinuing claims for regular state employment in metro areas across projects, disrupting vital supply (Continued on Page 3) (Continued on Page 3) UI dropped by 538,000, from 7.8 million to 7.3 million. According to the Depart- Your health and safety matters ment of Labor, 22.8 million work- ers are either on unemployment benefits or have applied re- cently and are waiting to get OSHA lethargic, at best, in enforcing COVID violations approved. The U.S. unemploy- ment rate declined by .5 percent By Nick Fox hold employers accountable. By comparison, WorkSafe cessing facilities in the workers, federal OSHA issued a in October to 7.9 percent, which Laborers Health and Safety The problem with this ap- BC, which oversees workplace meatpacking industry. These fine of just $15,615 to global was 4.4 points higher than in Fund of North America proach was that, despite receiv- safety and health in British Co- workplaces have been some of the meatpacking giant JBS Foods, September 2019. For months, public health or- ing over 4,100 whistleblower lumbia, issued over 330 orders for hardest hit by the pandemic; a which had over $50 billion in ganizations and labor groups complaints between February and health and safety violations re- new report estimates around 40 sales in 2017. Smithfield Foods, have criticized OSHA for failing June, federal OSHA wasn’t actu- lated to COVID-19 by the middle percent of COVID-19 deaths can the world’s largest pork producer, Quotable to issue an emergency temporary ally issuing any citations to em- of July – and that’s in a small be linked to nursing homes. was similarly fined a tiny $13,494 standard for COVID-19. Federal ployers who put the safety and province of roughly five million A Lack of Adequate Fines. for an outbreak that led to the “The Pilgrims made seven OSHA has stuck by its strategy health of their employees at risk. people. Even with this relative increase deaths of four workers and was times more graves than huts. of only issuing guidance based According to its COVID-19 It took until September for in enforcement, many citations ultimately responsible for infect- No Americans have been more on ever-changing CDC recom- Response Summary, the agency federal OSHA to ramp up its own either don’t include fines or in- ing more than 1300 people. impoverished than these who, mendations, claiming that exist- didn’t issue its first COVID-19 ci- enforcement, when it issued over clude fines so minor that they Compare this enforcement nevertheless, set aside a day ing standards and the general tation until the middle of July, and 50 citations. Almost all of them don’t serve as a deterrent to em- action to Cal/OSHA, which of thanksgiving.” duty clause are strong enough to only issued four total in July and were for healthcare facilities, nurs- ployers. For example, after an out- brought over $436,000 in fines – H.U. Westermayer allow them to protect workers and August. ing homes and large indoor pro- break that led to the death of eight (Continued on Page 2) 2 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN November 13, 2020 Take a hike: record 1,000-foot bridge Viewpoints (Continued from Page 1) “This is truly an ideal part- where and can be installed and which was said to be the longest keep this amazing culture alive nership – a pedestrian bridge removed quickly to meet specific pedestrian bridge in the U.S. and continue to create a great unlike any other in the United building and traffic needs.” The Detroit Free Press re- Presidential union label place to work for anyone who States with moving walks unlike This skywalk will be longer ported that Shore expected to Joe Biden won the election for U.S. president, by a margin wants to join our family.” anything else out there,” said than the Somerset Collection’s employ 7,000 by year’s end. The approaching 4 million votes – and after days of vote-counting, The glass-enclosed pedes- Kevin Lavallee, President and pedestrian bridge over Big Bea- mortgage giant, which Crain’s said easily surpassing the 270 votes needed to win the Electoral trian walkway crosses South CEO of Thyssenkrupp Elevator ver Road in Troy. And the Pontiac reported $107.7 billion in loan vol- College. Boulevard, connecting the North America. “iwalks have span surpasses the 680-foot-long ume in 2019, has been using Citing New York Times exit polling, the Union Communica- 600,000 square-foot United revolutionized the moving walk- Gatlinburg SkyBridge in Tennes- shuttle buses to transport employ- tions Blog reports that about 19 percent of 2020 U.S. general elec- Shore headquarters building to way as these units can fit any- see, a suspended footbridge ees between the two buildings. tion voters were in a union household, with 57 percent of them its recently acquired 900,000 voting for Biden. In 2016, Hilary Clinton won 51 percent of these square-foot building, uniting a voters. campus totaling 1.5 million In Michigan, the report said 22 percent of voters were from a square feet. The general con- union household, with 56 percent voting for Biden. There were tractor on the project is Troy- similar margins in other union-heavy election battleground states based The Alan Group. that proved decisive for Biden. Ideal Contracting and its Lo- “In these strong union states, it would appear that the shift cal 25 iron workers self-per- of just a few percentage points away from Trump could be the formed the installation of 450 tons difference between four more years of Trump and a Joe Biden of structural and miscellaneous presidency,” the UComm Blog said. And elsewhere in this paper, steel erection on the project on AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka said “a united labor movement weekends when South Boule- delivered for Joe Biden.” vard could be closed. Ideal said President Trump will (apparently) leave office when Biden is the span’s south box truss was sworn into the nation’s highest office on Jan. 20, but the enor- delivered in six shop-assembled mous sway of Trump over the Republican Party and his 70 million sections ranging in length from voters (second most all-time) and 87 million Twitter followers mean 55-61 feet, 4-16 feet tall, each the current president will be a force to be reckoned with during the weighing up to 23,400 lbs. The Biden Administration. north truss was delivered in four And Trump almost certainly won’t be satisfied with just ha- sections, of the same approxi- IRON WORKERS Local 25 members employed by C.L. Rieckhoff work on the exterior of the ranguing Biden – still the de facto leader of the Republican Party, mate length. A 900-ton crane, the United Wholesale Morgage skybridge in Pontiac. he will retain enormous sway over GOP lawmakers. After all, the largest available in Michigan, was Republican Party’s platform this year wasn’t some multi-page used to erect both the south and document of positions, beliefs and proposed directions for the north trusses into their final po- GOP, it was simply a one-page resolution stating that the party sitions. OSHA lethargic, at best, "has and will continue to enthusiastically support the president's The span is 26 feet wide and America-first agenda.” But that agenda has never promoted is- will include four moving “iwalks,” sues of importance to workers. each 200 feet long, with two oth- ers in 150-foot-long sections. In- in enforcing COVID violations The vast majority of the nation’s labor unions, including nearly every building trades union, wholeheartedly endorsed Biden over stalling the moving walkways is (Continued from Page 1) “proper mix of protections” rather the lack of a specific standard against frozen food manufacturer Trump. Union members: less so, according to the exit polling, but Thyssenkrupp Elevator North than prescribing employers to may also make it easier for em- Overhill Farms and its temporary still a majority backed Biden. America, employing a skilled take any particular step. This is ployers to get valid citations re- But labor leaders saw that disconnect with their membership crew of Elevator Constructors staffing agency for failing to ad- setting both employers and duced or thrown out by the equately space workers and pro- when Hilary Clinton lost her election four years ago, and really, Local 36 members. OSHA itself up to fail. OSHA Review Commission on vide barriers inside facilities. nothing much changed over the past four years. This year, union “Iwalks,” thyssenkrupp For employers, the lack of an appeal. leaders still endorsed Biden over Trump. Why? says, “are a cutting-edge solu- At a time when federal actual standard makes it difficult We’ve already seen the Re- OSHA has been accused of ramp- Yes, the U.S. economy was good until COVID-19 struck – but it tion to the challenge of transport- to determine which of the many view Commission reverse heat ing up enforcement as a way to had been on an upward glide since the Great Recession a decade ago. ing passengers and objects. With protective measures available will stress citations earlier this year The fact is, President Trump never even threw a bone to 30 percent less weight compared prove that an emergency tempo- count as compliance. This has due to a lack of evidence. When rary standard isn’t needed, the organized labor. His (three!) “Infrastructure Weeks,” supposedly to conventional solutions, iwalks historically been the role of it’s already so difficult to hold em- lack of serious fines isn’t doing promoting infrastructure repair, were essentially press releases have changed the way that mov- OSHA standards – to set clear ployers accountable, OSHA with no substance. He never insisted on using or protecting pre- ing walks are developed, manu- much to convince its critics oth- minimums for safety that employ- should take every step to make erwise. vailing wage in government contracts. He famously said “I like factured and installed. The ers must meet. sure that when employers de- A Lack of clear direction for right to work.” He has made no effort to get involved with finding iwalks’ modular, compact design Most employers are willing serve to be cited, those fines are a solution to union pension funding, and his proposed budgets is tailored to fit the evolving re- employers. The lack of a COVID- to comply with the law and do going to stick. Attempting to en- 19 standard is also creating con- would have cut Social Security. His appointments to the National quirements of space, with re- their part to keep their employ- force recommended guidelines fusion and ambiguity for employ- Labor Relations Board have been as anti-worker as they come, duced weight and outer dimen- ees safe – they simply want clear that aren’t mandatory or binding and their decisions have reflected their management bias. Simi- sions to produce thinner floors, ers. Even when federal OSHA has instructions on what steps they is not a recipe for success. issued fines and ordered employ- larly, OSHA rules on silicosis and other standards have been put requiring less building space need to take. By failing to give Changing requirements for ers to take corrective action, aside at the behest of the business community. while offering enhanced conve- employers clear guidance, espe- reporting COVID-19 cases. On Perhaps “Make America Great Again” could have come to nience and comfort of passengers there’s no list of exact steps to cially in instances where OSHA Sept. 30, OSHA changed its follow. For example, when OSHA pass for four more years if Trump had put a union label on his due to a wider pallet.” has issued fines, there is no sure guidelines for when employers cited Smithfield Foods under the policies, but he never came close to putting workers on a pedestal. Thyssenkrupp said the six way for an employer to tell if have to report COVID-19 on their Biden in September pledged to the nation “to be the strongest labor surface-mounted iwalks will be general duty clause, the agency they’ve done enough. jobsites. Now employers are only didn’t list specific areas the com- president you have ever had,” and he has consistently expressed installed on the slab of the bridge This can be especially chal- required to report hospitaliza- pany needed to correct; instead, support for labor unions over the years. We’ll see over the next four but will look flush with the final lenging on multiemployer jobsites tions within 24 hours of work-re- years if Biden is able win over some of that MAGA world. walking surface. “The units also the citation was for “failing to like those in the construction in- lated exposure or death within 30 provide a workplace free of rec- Marty Mulcahy feature a sleep mode function to dustry. It’s the general days. ognized hazards.” OSHA has said Editor save energy when there are no contractor’s responsibility to When it’s well-known that passengers on the moving walks it expects employers to use a maintain a safe and healthy the average incubation period of To the Editor, and can monitor how many jobsite. Without clear rules to the virus is five days, why is the Thanks for your publication, which I always read all of it people it is carrying and adjust “Security is mostly a super- follow, how can the general con- agency in charge of protecting when it comes. I always take interest in the historical articles, in power usage accordingly,” the stition. It does not exist in na- tractor do their due diligence and the safety and health of workers addition to the important front page articles, and have recently company said. ture.... Life is either a daring ad- hold subcontractors account- making it much less likely that traveled to actually see the buildings that have been written about venture or nothing.” able? those cases are ever going to get and photographed. “The palest ink is better – Helen Keller (1880 - 1968) From OSHA’s perspective, reported? A few weeks ago, my wife and I took a drive in our classic than the best memory.’ Pontiac over to Pontiac, Michigan, and drove down to Detroit, – Chinese Proverb where we stopped to see the old concert hall and other sites along “I don't like to commit my- the way that were written about in past issues. self about heaven and hell-you Also a few weeks ago, I found the article about historic train The see, I have friends in both depots interesting. Inspired me (us) to take a drive down to Niles, places.” Michigan to see and photograph that old train station; what a beau- Building –Mark Twain (1835 - 1910) tiful old building. Got some great photos with my Pontiac parked near the front of that building, and we were there to catch a photo- Tradesman ‘The man who is swimming graph of the train coming in from Chicago to stop there also. ISSN-007-3717 against the stream knows the strength of it.” The following weekend, I took my 12-year-old granddaughter is the Official Publication of on a train ride from Kalamazoo to Niles and had her dad pick us up –Woodrow Wilson (1856 - the Michigan Building and 1924) there, a new and fun experience for her. That was fun, and would Construction Trades Council probably not have happened had it not been for your article and Patrick Devlin pictures about that train station. Thanks again. Steve Griffith Secretary-Treasurer Otsego, MI Steve Claywell President The Building Tradesman welcomes your letters to the editor. By mail: Building Tradesman Editor, 1640 Porter St. Detroit, MI 48216 or, e-mail: [email protected] #1 Michigan Electrical Maintenance Firm

The Building Tradesman is Giving a bonus for failure published bi-weekly (every By Jim Hightower other Friday) by the Michigan Let’s say you’re a millionaire. That’s a lot of money, right? Now Building and Construction let’s say you’re a billionaire. That’s a lot more money! But how much Trades Council, Detroit office. more? 1640 Porter St., Detroit, MI Think of all those dollars as seconds on a clock. A million sec- 48216 onds would total 11 days – but a billion seconds equals nearly 32 Printed at Grand Blanc Printing, years. a union shop Rich is nice, but billionaire-rich is over the moon and – the Periodical mail postage paid wealth of billionaires is now zooming out of this at Detroit, MI and additional world. mailing offices. There are only 2,200 billionaires in the whole world, but the wealth stashed away by these elites POSTMASTER www.uispowerservices.com hit a new record this summer, averaging more than send postage returns to: $4 billion each. They’ve even pocketed an extra The Building Tradesman half-billion bucks on average in the midst of the 1640 Porter St. COVID-19 economic crash. Detroit, MI 48216 Bear in mind that these fortunate few did noth- Phone: (313) 961-3800 ing to earn this haul. They didn’t work harder, Fax: (313) 961-2467 didn’t get one-digit smarter, didn’t create some new breakthrough Union members with address product to benefit humankind. They could just crank back in their gold-plated La-Z-Boys and let their money make money for them. changes are asked to contact Then there are multimillionaire corporate chieftains who are cash- their local union. ing in on their own failure. Editor/Photographer Having closed stores throughout America, fired thousands of Marty Mulcahy workers, stiffed suppliers and creditors, taken bailout money from E-mail: taxpayers, and even led their corporations into bankruptcy, the CEOs buildingtradesman@ of such collapsing giants as Hertz, JCPenney, and Toys “R” Us have ameritech.net grabbed millions of dollars in – believe it or not – bonus payments! The typical employee at JCPenney for example, is held to part- Advertising Director time work, making under $12,000 a year. Thousands of them are now Joe Hoshaw losing even that miserly income as the once-mighty retailer is shut- E-mail: [email protected] ting 154 stores. Yet, the CEO was paid a $4.5 million cash bonus (734) 558-6955 before the company filed for bankruptcy this year. Subscription Rate $15 annually And still, the corporate establishment wonders why the people (group rate for unions) consider them heartless and greedy. Visit our website: (via www.otherwords.org) www.michiganbuildingtrades.org Building Michigan: November 13, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 3 Michigan’s oldest concrete pavement Crisis in confidence clouds History in the making By Marty Mulcahy future for nation’s contractors (Continued from Page 1) reported a canceled project in the In one bit of good news, the “lame duck” session of Con- AGC’s August survey and 32 however, PPE supplies are suffi- gress before the congressional percent who did so in June. cient: only 7 percent of U.S. firms term wraps up on Dec. 31. Meanwhile, only 23 percent of are experiencing disruptions be- Simonson noted that 75 per- contractors report working on cause of a shortage of personal cent of U.S. survey respondents new or expanded construction protective equipment. report having a scheduled con- projects as a result of the pan- The AGC further reported: struction project postponed or demic, about the same percent- •Shrinking demand and dis- canceled. He said that is up from age as in June. rupted operations are “shaking the 60 percent of contractors who Dodge Data and Analytics many contractors’ faith” in the reported on Oct. 15 that total U.S future, the survey showed. construction starts dipped 18 Thirty-four percent of respon- ‘Disgraceful’: percent in September. The drop dents report they do not expect in activity, Dodge said, brought their firm’s volume of business Trump widens total construction starts below will return to pre-pandemic lev- levels seen in June and July. els for at least a year. independent Through the first nine months of •Going forward, delays, dis- the year, Dodge said that total ruptions and uncertainty threaten contractor U.S. construction starts were to undermine employment levels down 14 percent from the same in the construction sector. In fact, period in 2019. 30 percent of firms report they dodge “That construction starts have already furloughed or ter- (Continued from Page 1) took a significant step back in minated employees because of innovation in the economy.” September is disappointing, but the coronavirus. A 1910 POSTCARD view of the Calumet Theatre, surrounded by the town’s brand new “granitoid” “This proposed rule,” wrote also not surprising,” said Rich- That lack of confidence is (concrete) pavement that was scored in a brick pattern to add aesthetics and improve traction for Nessel on Oct. 28, “only serves ard Branch, chief economist for likely a contributor to the decline horses. The pavement installed here at Sixth and Elm streets has been repaved and covered over the to harm the millions of workers Dodge Data & Analytics. “The in construction employment dur- years, but the oldest (1906) existant concrete still in place in Michigan can still be see a few blocks that it should protect. It would economic recovery has lost mo- ing the past year in most metro away. Photo credit:Detroit Public Library effectively leave millions of work- mentum and is showing strain areas. The AGC said construction Among the famous “firsts” ers vulnerable to violations of the since support provided to con- employment fell in 234, or 65 per- that Michigan is known for, is FLSA and lead to less account- sumers and businesses from ex- cent, of the nation’s 358 metro the 1909 placement of the first ability for employers. The last panded unemployment insur- areas between September 2019 mile of concrete “highway” in thing the federal government ance benefits and the Paycheck and September 2020. Construc- the world, a section of Woodward should be doing during a pan- Protection Program have ex- tion employment was stagnant in Avenue between Six and Seven demic is stripping workers of key pired. 38 other metro areas, meanwhile, Mile Roads built by Wayne protections.” “The worsening budget cri- and only 86 metro areas added County. The sum total of all this? sis for state and local areas has construction jobs during the past But like many “firsts,” this Heidi Shierholz, policy director also slowed growth in public year. one has some caveats. It was in- for the labor-backed Economic project starts, particularly in the Simonson said a majority of deed the first stretch of concrete Policy Institute, who also ob- face of a somewhat uncertain firms report they plan to cut jobs “highway” according to its state jected, calculated workers would outlook for federal infrastruc- or abstain from adding new em- historical marker, but not the lose at least $3.3 billion each year ture spending programs. The ployees during the coming year. first concrete “street” in the in overtime and minimum wages road to recovery will continue Twenty percent of U.S. contrac- world. The Woodward section and that Social Security, Medi- to be uneven and fraught with tors expect their headcount will wasn’t even the first concrete care, unemployment insurance potholes until a vaccine is de- shrink while 42 percent report “street” in Michigan, and cer- and workers’ comp would take a veloped and widely adopted they do not plan to add to the tainly the original pavement is combined $750 million annual hit. across the U.S.” size of their workforce during the no longer visible – unlike And DOL’s new rule “will The coronavirus is also dis- next 12 months. “Michigan’s Oldest Concrete ONE OF THE EXISTING streets in Calumet with the 1906 pave- create confusion, not clarity,” she rupting projects that are still un- “As our survey shows, the Pavement” in Red Jacket, err ment is visible today. “Fast forward more than a century, and those said. It’s also opposite to the Fair derway. The AGC’s survey re- pandemic and efforts to mitigate Calumet, Michigan. concrete surfaces are amazingly still in use – although a hundred Labor Standards Act – the 1938 vealed that 78 percent of respon- its spread have deeply wounded Got all that? Let’s back up years of traffic have definitely taken their toll. Only four blocks of law that established the minimum dents report they are currently the economy, depressing de- just a bit, shall we? the pavement still exist today: two blocks along 7th between Oak and wage and overtime pay and said experiencing project delays or mand for many types of commer- First of all, few dispute the Scott, and two more along Portland between 9th and 7th,” says Cop- which workers fall under it – and disruptions, up from 57 percent cial construction projects,” said oldest concrete pavement that’s per County Explorer. “The fact that these roads are still intact after would let “unscrupulous or un- in June. In particular, 42 percent Stephen E. Sandherr, the still in use in the U.S. is in all this time is amazing, but it also demonstrates Copper Country’s sophisticated employers” of firms are experiencing disrup- association’s chief executive of- Bellefontaine, Ohio, where a economic misfortunes.” Photo credit: Lessons from Michigan’s Oldest misclassify workers as indepen- tions due to a shortage of con- ficer. “Congress can end the segment was placed in 1893 on Concrete Pavement dent contractors, Shierholz said. struction materials, equipment or downward economic slide and Court Street. Now, Detroit’s street pavement system – was the ment system design, and it Trump’s DOL allowed only 30 parts. In addition, 35 percent are help create needed new construc- claim to highway fame is also major competitor of granitoid, started with a five-inch layer of days for public comments and pro- experiencing disruptions because tion jobs by passing measures to rarely disputed – at the time and a local contractor won part sand, gravel, or crushed stone tests, which ended Oct. 26. The of a shortage of craftworkers boost demand and protect hon- Wayne County’s mile long, two- of the contract to construct a above the subgrade. Then came protesting attorneys general and/or subcontractors. est employers.” lane stretch of road placed in number of streets in Red Jacket 5.25 inches of concrete, which pointed out major changes such as 1909 attracted road engineers with that pavement. But grani- itself was comprised of one part this usually allowed 60 days for com- from around the world to take a toid was the interesting new kid portland cement, three parts ments. They asked for an exten- Trump’s union-busting look. on the block. sand, and four parts crushed sion. DOL didn’t bother to reply. But in 1906, town fathers in “Granitoid was favored by stone. It was all mixed, “and then The new rules will likely be halted the tiny town of Red Jacket in the Village Council from the rammed into place.” But in addi- by the Biden Administration. targets federal employees the Keweenaw Peninsula, very beginning due to its low cost tion to the foundation, the other A 27-page letter crafted by (Continued from Page 1) (whose name was changed to and durability,” Van Dam wrote. key to the whole system’s lon- New York Attorney General Tish to “empower our civil servants to best help others, the government Calumet in 1929) took a chance “It was also thought to be the fa- gevity was likely the topping, a James, co-signed by the other must always operate more efficiently and more securely.” and showed the state of Michi- vorite of the business due to its 1.75-inch mortar layer, with state attorneys general, was de- Trump’s executive order directs that a broad class of employ- gan the real road to lasting street- durability. Granitoid pavements “granite screenings” or sharp livered to the White House. ees be moved “into a new excepted service category,” called Sched- building materials. A material constructed in Chicago were clean sand applied to the concrete “Adopting the proposed ule F workers, “with no protections against adverse personnel called “granitoid” – basically still in good condition after eight layer before it set. rule would harm the people DOL actions,” the union’s lawsuit says. That breaks civil service law, it today’s concrete – had been used years of service. Two companies A patented pavement block- is meant to protect,” the letter adds. And NTEU is suing not just Trump’s minions, but Trump in street-building in other cities, were hired for the paving: The ing device that traversed on rails said. “We believe the proposed himself, by name. and Red Jacket decided to spend R.S. Blome Co. for granitoid, a stamped the surface brick pat- rule does not adequately reflect “The founders of this nation entrusted the lawmaking power $125,000 in taxpayer dollars in a local company for creosoted wood tern into the mortar, which pro- today’s workplace relationships, to the Congress alone,” the lawsuit says. “This case is a textbook contract that would use the mate- block.” vided aesthetic value, and addi- in which growing numbers of example of the president acting contrary to Congress’s express rial on a number of streets. Local interest in the project tional traction, especially for businesses are using alternative and limited delegation of authority to the president.” “At the dawn of the 20th was very high, Van Dam said, fo- horses. work arrangements, which often But Trump “fails to make a meaningful showing that shifting Century the village of Red cusing on performance of the What has contributed to the lead to less accountability for large numbers of federal employees into a new excepted service Jacket, Michigan was thriving pavement, aesthetics, and local Calumet concrete’s longevity? employers and less compliance category so they can be fired more quickly and without cause is economically due to the booming jobs created from the project. The Granitoid Concrete Pave- with labor laws. In addition, some necessary or supported by ‘good administration’ principles. If this copper mining industry,” writes According to a 2006 aca- ment of Calumet Michigan re- employers deliberately mis-clas- order is allowed to stand, it means any president can eviscerate the Thomas Van Dam, Ph.D., P.E. in demic paper, The Granitoid searchers said the concrete’s sify employees as independent carefully constructed legislative scheme Congress enacted regard- Lessons from Michigan’s Oldest Concrete Pavement of Calumet compressive strength was contractors in order to evade le- ing federal service employment.” Concrete Pavement – Still Serv- Michigan, by Mailloux, sampled in the 1950s at 5,480, gal accountability,” their com- Trump’s order, and the union’s lawsuit, is the latest clash be- ing After 100 Years. “In 1906, a Peterson, Ellis, King, Van Dam, which is about normal by mod- ments said. “In today’s economy, tween the Oval Office occupant and his workers, particularly their major public works project was and Scarlett, Red Jacket saw the ern standards. The group found unreasonably broadening inde- unions. Republicans in general have made federal workers scape- undertaken to pave most of down- construction of “over 1½ miles that the surface mortar “was ex- pendent contractor status will goats for years. But, following a blueprint laid out by right-wing town Red Jacket. Both creosoted of street with granitoid concrete tremely dense and impermeable” leave millions of workers vulner- presidential aides who migrated to Trump’s White House from the wood block pavement and grani- blocked pavement, some of which which protected a “poorer qual- able to violations of the FLSA, conservative Heritage Foundation, he’s taken it much farther. The toid brick block concrete pave- is still exposed at the surface and ity lower concrete layer.” corresponding state laws, and Biden Administration will almost certainly halt the order. ment were used for the project.” in service today.” Among their conclusions, other state and federal labor and NTEU asked the court to immediately halt Trump’s scheme, by Van Dam said the village While the existence of the the group said the two-layer employment laws.” an injunction. Meanwhile, Trump set a Jan. 19 deadline for agen- council advertised bids for the visible 114-year-old pavement is pavement system “has come in For decades, the unionized cies to list those jobs they want to put under his edict. That’s the paving of town’s streets, and the still remarkable, it’s the foun- and out of fashion over the de- construction industry has been day before Inauguration Day. Congressional Democrats denounced materials under construction dation, at least in part, that cades,” and is “currently mak- beset by nonunion contractors his order, and introduced legislation to overturn it. were typical of the day – but all makes the longevity possible. ing a comeback as a way to opti- illegally designating full-time Trump also often complains about what he calls “the deep had their drawbacks. Other ma- The project went well below mize material use given the po- workers they employ as “inde- state.” He alleges, without evidence or proof, that it’s a con- terials under consideration in- the pavement foundation. While sition within the slab.” The sys- pendent contractors,” allowing spiracy by career civil servants and unnamed outside interests cluded brick, macadam and all the streets were being torn tem, “worked amazingly well in the employers to avoid paying – meaning the unions – to undermine and subvert his policies creosoted wood block. Brick up, the contract called for the this pavement,” the group said. government taxes and avoid pro- and goals. streets became uneven and lowering of existing water and Concluded Van Dam: “The viding benefits to their workforce. “Through this order, President Trump has declared war on the needed maintenance. Macadam – sewer lines so they wouldn’t be durability of this concrete is re- That’s not only a detriment professional civil service by giving himself the authority to fill the not much more than stones damaged. Trenches were dug for markable since it was con- to the workers, but it allows those government with his political cronies who will pledge their unwa- sprayed with a tar to form some the installation of conduit, so structed without air entrainment employers to lower their bids and vering loyalty to him – not to America,” Everett Kelley, the presi- kind of wear resistant surface – that overhead wires could be bur- in a severe freeze-thaw climate. undercut bids of legitimate con- dent of the American Federation of Government Employees, said in was even more uneven and high- ied. Numerous manholes were The granitoid pavement of Calu- tractors who follow the law. a statement. “By targeting federal workers whose jobs involve maintenance. placed. Citizens demanded that met has long outlived the major As of April 2019, the AGs’ government policies, the real-world implications of this order will Surprisingly, creosoted trees in the project area be left paving material competitor of its letter pointed out, the Pennsyl- be disastrous for public health, the environment, the defense of wood block – a well established standing. To prepare for the pave- day.” vania Department of Labor and our nation, and virtually every facet of our lives.” ment, trenches were backfilled The Copper County Industry estimated 15 percent of and the entires streets were Evening News reported that in employers misclassified workers, graded. the summer of 1906 as contrac- resulting in about 275,000 Just joking Van Dam’s research found tor Blome was busy paving Red misclassified employees and A monk dies and arrives at the pearly gates. the recipe for the granitoid pave- Jacket to favorable citizen reac- $103 million in lost unemployment Allowed to enter, he notices a book prominently displayed tion, the firm received additional compensation revenue annually. behind St. Peter. The monk asked what the book was. St. A CORE SAMPLE OF THE contracts to place granitoid “It is disgraceful that during Peter replied, “That’s the Bible as it was ‘supposed’ 1906 “granitoid” road surface around the country. Gary, Indi- a deadly pandemic and a deep to be written. The Bible on Earth is close, but in Calumet taken and studied ana, Washington D.C. and Chi- economic downturn the Trump there are a few minor differences between the in 2006 indicated that the top cago awarded the firm contracts administration is choosing to two.” mortar section “was extremely to do pave their streets. spend its resources further weak- “I was a biblical scribe in life; may I read dense and impermeable” and The Evening News pre- ening protections for millions of the book?” the monk asked humbly. likely protected a less-than- sciently reported that “granitoid workers,” said Shierholz. “The De- “Be my guest,” replied St. Peter. The monk stellar concrete layer below. as a paving material is rapidly partment of Labor is doing a dis- carefully started reading the tome and was soon absorbed The method of constructing coming to the front in the coun- service to its mission, and our in his task. A few hours later the monk was wailing and cry- roads was abandoned over the try,” and that “Red Jacket is to country, by pursuing this agenda ing. “What’s wrong?” asked St. Peter. years, but maybe it should be be congratulated for securing it instead of providing much-needed The monk moaned and buried his head in his hands. “It re-examined. for some of its streets.” protections to U.S. workers.” says celebrate! Cele-BRATE!” 4 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN November 13, 2020 Local 7 Local 292 Local 80 Sheet Metal Workers Sheet Metal Workers Sheet Metal Workers Sheet Metal Workers 7 Sheet Metal Workers Local 292 LANSING – NOTICE. This Newspaper Article shall serve as TROY – MEETING NOTICE: The next general membership meet- Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 Official Notice of ALL meetings for Local 7! ing will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. SOUTHFIELD – This paper serves as official notice for all meet- The next Statewide Meeting will be held December 2, 2020 at Member meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at ings and elections. 4931 Contec Drive/Lansing, MI at 6:00 p.m. The Knights of Columbus in Clawson. Check out the calendar tab at **REMINDER** Meetings are no longer held at the Plumbers ***Please pay close attention to next month’s newsletter for De- www.sheetmetal292.com for the location and date. Hall and are now held at Local 80’s Union Hall. cember meeting updates.*** The E-Board/Stewards meeting is scheduled for November MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The next general membership meet- *Zone 1- December 10th -6:00 p.m. 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm at the Union Hall. ing is scheduled for Nov. 24, 2020 at 5:30 pm. Meetings are held at the *Zone 2 –December 1st -6:00 p.m. **Per the CDC guidelines, masks must be worn union hall. 17100 W. 12 Mile Rd. Southfield, 48076 *Zone 3- (Saginaw) – December 9th -6:00 p.m. and social distancing must be followed during all EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING: The next executive board meet- *Zone 3- (TCity) December 3rd - 6:00 p.m. meetings. ing is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 at 5 pm. Executive Board *Zone 4- December 8th - 6:00 p.m. ELECTION RESULTS: Elections were held on meetings are held at the Local 80 Hall, 17100 W. 12 *Zone 5 –December 4th 2020 – 6:00 p.m. Meeting 8/21/20. Mile, 2nd Floor, Southfield, MI. Please register on our website at Business Manager/FST: Paul Gualdoni UNION HALL REGULAR HOURS Monday www.sheetmetal7.org for the most up to date infor- Business Agent: Tony LaForest through Friday 7:30 – 4:00, unless otherwise indi- mation on meeting schedules for 2020. Once you Vice President: Antonio (Tony) Silvestri cated in holiday hours. are registered it must be approved in order to be PAUL Recording Secretary: Chuck Garry HOLIDAY WORKING HOURS: Thanksgiv- able to log on. Please contact your representative if Warden/Conductor: Kim Hartman ing - Nov. 26, 2020: Hall closed, Local 80 workers SAM you are having issues registering. GUALDONI Executive Board: Dave Pistotti, Tom Paquette, paid double time. Christmas Eve - Dec. 24, 2020: FULLER “National Apprenticeship Week is November Frank Lewandowski, Jason Csurgo, Lloyd Hall open 7:30 – 12, Local 80 workers paid regular 9th - 14th. This is a week that will be spent promot- McMillon time. Christmas Day - Dec. 25, 2020: Hall closed, ing our apprenticeship programs and highlighting what our trade is Union Trustee: Denny Lau, Brandon Whipple, Dean Fournier Local 80 workers paid double time. New Year’s Eve about. Included in this effort are the Local 7 training coordinators, UNION HALL HOLIDAY HOURS: TIM - Dec. 31, 2020: Hall open 7:30 – 12, Local 80 work- organizers, agents and apprentices through online educational vid- Thanksgiving November 26 & 27, 2020 ~ Closed MULLIGAN ers paid regular time. New Year’s Day - Jan. 1, 2021: eos and virtual meeting platforms for live questions and answers. Christmas Eve December 24, 2020 ~ Close at 12:00 Noon Hall closed. Local 80 workers paid double time. Attending these meetings will be students, teachers and staff from Christmas Day December 25, 2020 ~ Closed RETIREE MEETING SCHEDULE: All remaining meetings and the Dept of Labor in hopes of streamlining opportunities to great New Years Day January 1, 2021 ~ Closed activities have been cancelled for 2020. We will inform you at a later career choices for future Sheet Metal Workers.” CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY: Due to the COVID-19 date what we will be doing for 2021. Any questions regarding joining SMART Union Labels: Make the union label work for you! The pandemic and restrictions limiting large gatherings, the Local 292 the Retirees Association please contact Steve Murzen, 248-652-0593. new and modernized SMART Labels are an essential part to wage Charity committee believes, first and foremost, in order to con- TRUSTEE NOMINATIONS: OFFICIAL NOTICE: At the Decem- equalization, which means more money and work for you. Make sure tinue to do our part in keeping everyone safe and healthy, it is in ber meeting, nominations will be taken for the position of Fund Trust- that you are scanning labels in order to equalize pay and eliminate the best interests of our membership and their families to cancel ees. Elections will be held in January 2021. You will vote on 4 posi- the incentive to subcontract outside of your area. For more informa- the party for this year. We look forward to 2021 when we can tions: Health and Welfare, Pension and Annuity, Sub Fund and JATC. tion visit the official website at www.labelitscanitreport.com and down- resume this wonderful event. Trustees will serve a 3 year term from January 2021 through January load the official app by texting “SMART” to 90975. RETIREES NOTICE: Due to Covid-19 and restrictions placed 2024. Your dues must be current if you would like to be nominated. ZONE 1 Info. Any Zone 1 apprentice that is laid off should for social gatherings, as well as the health and safety of our retirees SUB CHANGES: Effective immediately you will need to start notify Kevin at the school. Any Zone 1 Journeyman that is out of and their families, the retirees’ luncheons have been cancelled for the sending your unemployment proof to [email protected] or work should contact your agent. There is travel work available, so if rest of 2020. We will notify when luncheons will resume. Stay healthy fax it to 248-557-0297. Your unemployment proof needs to be in by you are interested please contact James or Eric. If you are experienc- and safe. 2pm on Tuesdays to be paid on that Friday. Local 80 will be handling all ing any trouble with your insurance, please contact your agent or Please contact Fred Engelman at [email protected] if you of your proof now. If you have questions please call us, 248-557-7575. BeneSys at (866) 288-7037. Apprentices should be in contact with would like to be added to the retiree email list. THANK YOU TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE PAID THEIR DUES Instructors to make sure you don’t fall behind. If you are interested CONSTITUTION AND RITUAL: The Constitution and Ritual A YEAR IN ADVANCE: Dave Hargis, Keith McVettie, Harold in Fire Life Safety Training and Certification, CAD or Welding, please of the 2nd SMART General Convention is now available online. Go to Hamilton, Jason Constantine, Ron Edwards III, Michael Luedtke, Mark contact the Zone 1 Training Coordinator Kevin Dowdy at (269) 781- www.sheetmetal292.com, click on the Constitution/Ritual tab located Vella, John Morrow, Tim Dilla, Brandan Marsee, William Opalewski, 7183 or by email at [email protected]. at the top of the home page. The Union Hall will also have hard Dale Dunlap, Robert Hocking, Tom Kozak & Jason Grunenwald. Zone 1 Work in the Zone 1 area is still going strong. If you do get copies when they become available. DUES PAYMENTS: ARE DUE PRIOR TO THE FIRST OF THE laid off, remember to inform James or Eric of your employment status. SAFETY MODS AND DRUG TESTS: To access your MUST MONTH. The books will close at the end of the business day on the Apprentices please remember to also inform Kevin at the Zone 1 account, please go to www.mustonline.org or access it through the last day of the month. Payments made on the 1st of the month are Training Center. If you are experiencing any trouble with your insur- “links” tab at www.sheetmetal292.com. Members please note that if considered late for that month. There will be no exception, once the ance, please contact your Business Agent or call BeneSys at (866) you cannot access the MUST site to complete your safety mods you books are closed it cannot be undone. Members will receive a text mes- 288-7037. Any Journeyperson interested in upgrade classes, please need to contact Laura or Lee Ann at the Union Hall. With the amount sage dues reminder prior to the end of the month. If you are not receiving contact Kevin at the Training Center (269) 781-7183. Please note that of upcoming in-town work, all current Journeymen and Apprentices our text messaging please call the hall. REMINDER: We ONLY take Visa, class availability depends on the level of interest. Zone 1 Retirees should ensure they have 18 safety mods completed and drug test Master Card & Discover and do not accept American Express. meeting at 1 pm on the second Tuesday of each month at Rocky Top should be current. READY TO WORK: SMANCA Detroit and Local 80 are in BBQ & Grill 1900 Lansing Ave. Jackson, MI 49202. ***The NMA addendum for most of the upcoming projects progress of developing a mobile smart app which will allow access to In Solidarity, James Callahan and Eric Farrington. states: 1) Prior to, but within 30 days of referral for employment to the the Ready to Work program from your smart phone. The app is in ZONE 2 Info: Work in Zone 2 is going along as it has been with project site, all craft persons will: A) Attend a Project Specific Orien- development for both Apple and Android systems; once it is com- a few slowdowns. tation facilitated by the Contractor at mutually agreed upon times pleted (est. early November) an announcement will be emailed, hard Please call 616-299-3752 if you are off so you can be on the list and locations; B) Before being admitted to the job site, all contrac- mailed and shared with you at your union meetings as well as pub- for future jobs or out of town work. Our December meeting is still up tors and subcontractor employees having active involvement in job lished in the Bldg. Trades newspaper. in the air, will let you know in later updates. Thanks Dave site construction activity, must be current and maintain a current In complement, for the 2020 Ready to Work stipend requirement ZONE 3 Info: (Saginaw) Work in Zone 3 has slowed down; we MUST or equivalent status regarding the Substance Abuse Program. you will only need to download the app on your smart phone, review have a few men still working in Detroit and I’ve sent a couple men to Prior to the start of work on the project the employee must provide and confirm your contact information (email, mailing address, em- Kalamazoo. We have a good project coming up in Alpena looking to confirmation of negative results to a MUST Substance Abuse Test or ployer, list of your accomplished training). start in the spring. Our condolences to Randy Meir, a retired Zn3 equivalent test within the last 30 days. When you download the app and review your contact informa- member, who lost his father last week. We have decided with Covid- MEMBER ASSISTANCE: Local 292 is now partnering with tion, the program will inform SMACNA Detroit of your interaction 19 the Christmas party has been cancelled and instead we will have Ulliance, an employee assistance program designed to assist active and this part of the stipend requirement will be completed. There will gift bags available for all members at our hall from 3pm-6pm on Dec. members and their eligible family members who may be struggling be no custom Ready to Work modules required for the 2020 stipend. 9th. Good luck hunting everyone and have a safe deer season. Thank with emotional, domestic or substance abuse issues, as well as legal In the meanwhile of receiving notice the Ready to Work app is you, Wayne Stover and financial referrals. If you and/or a family member feel this may available, it is important to make sure you have all other stipend Zone 3 Info: (Traverse City) Due to the ongoing Covid 19 Pan- benefit you, contact Ulliance at 1-800-448-8326 or requirements completed, these are still the same: Current MUST Drug demic we will not be having our traditional in-person holiday meet- www.LifeAdvisorEAP.com for completely confidential assistance. Test; Current MUST 18 Safety Modules; OSHA 30; Current FA CPR ing. From 3pm to 6pm Thursday, Dec. 3 (3912 Blair Townhall Rd. Ulliance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are of certification. The deadline for stipend requirements is Dec.31, 2020. Traverse City) we will be having a curbside pickup of union wear no cost to active members and their dependents. For members who do not have a smart phone, contact Support and clothing and other items. We realize many of our members enjoy the SUBSTANTIATION REQUEST: Many members have been re- accommodations will be made for you. holiday meetings, hopefully at some point next year we can return to ceiving Substantiation Request letters from the Local 292 Benefit BENEFICIARY REMINDER: Please remember to designate or normal. Have a great Thanksgiving with your family! Thank You Fund office. IRS regulations require that every use of the Benny update your beneficiary choice on all of your Local 80 and interna- Travis Eastman Card be substantiated or validated as an eligible covered expense tional benefits. The law requires that in the event of an untimely ZONE 4 Work in zone 4 has slowed down a bit with a handful of under the Plan. This validation is required by the IRS, the Fund death your benefits go to your spouse first and if there is no spouse members laid off at this time. We have a few decent projects in size cannot make exceptions. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure to your children UNLESS you designate otherwise in writing with coming up, with Fall upon us and Winter slowing coming the work all requested documentation be returned to the Fund office in a timely each specific benefit. Depending on your classification you could load will be slow. Good luck to all the hunters this season! Your manner. By not responding to the Substantiation Request letter, have benefits due to your heirs from Local 80 pension, insurance, Brother Larry Kinzie your Benny Card may be suspended until all requested documenta- annuity and from international and SASMI. Each individual benefit ZONE 5 Info: I hope all is well with everyone. Looks like some tion has been received. If you have any questions, contact BeneSys needs to have a designated beneficiary unless you want it to go to work will be picking up around the U.P. this fall into winter along with at 248.641.4992 or the Union Hall. your spouse or children. As always seek the advice of an attorney. other projects being bid. If you are off please make sure I have you DUES: Membership dues are required to be paid in advance of ACCIDENTAL DEATH and DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE on the out of work list as there are calls in other areas looking for the month for which they are due. The union hall is not open on FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION: Members who have help. Reminder, if you need an MSHA 8 hour refresher please contact Saturday or Sunday, therefore, if you pay dues on either of those their dues paid in advance (prior to the month of the accident) are eligible Ann Lakenen at (906)-226-6511 EXT 4. These will be offered via Zoom days, it will not be processed until Monday. If you are on suspen- for accidental death and dismemberment benefits up to $7,500. This ben- and the dates are as follows; Oct. 17, Nov. 7 and Nov. 21. There is a sion warning, your dues are 60 days late. To avoid suspension, dues efit comes as a dues paying member of SMART International. maximum of 20 per class so sign up soon. Respectfully Greg Faust must be paid online or at the union hall by 4:00 p.m. on the last WEEKEND WORK ASSIGNMENTS: Saturday and Sunday work Dues Department: *Online dues payment is now available* Dues business day of the month. Payments received after 4:00 p.m. on the assignments. Please remember that when performing work on a Sat- of all members of local unions shall be paid monthly or quarterly, but last business day of the month will not be processed and you WILL urday or Sunday the steward must report it to the hall, give each always in advance. To better serve our membership, we accept Credit go suspended. All members are responsible for making sure any member’s name and obtain a form for signatures. Each member must Card Payments in lieu of your monthly dues. If you would like to take required fees, i.e. late fees or service fees, are included if paying sign the form along with the number of hours they worked. The advantage of the Credit Card Service, a finance charge will be applied online (sheetmetal292.com). completed form must be sent back to by hall by the end of the day on – Please call the Lansing office during regular business hours at 517- UNION HALL HOURS: Hall office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 the following Monday. Weekend work assignments must be called 882-4064 to make your payment. p.m. Monday through Friday. or emailed into the hall prior to 3:00 pm on Friday. Address/Phone Changes: Article 8, Sect. 1 of Local 7 Work Rules: OUT OF WORK: If you become laid off, you must complete an WORK ASSIGNMENTS: Everyone must obtain a work assign- Address Changes: All members are required to keep the Financial Secre- Out of Work List Registration /SUB form. SUB forms are available at ment prior to starting work. If you fail to do so you could be written tary informed of their correct address. A notice mailed to the last address the Union Hall and also through all shop stewards. This is the only up on charges. shall be sufficient and legal. If you have moved or changed your tele- way your name will be added to the Out of Work List. LAY-OFFS: All members must report to the Union Hall immedi- phone number, please contact the union hall to update your records. TEXT BLAST NOTIFICATION: We have recently updated ately upon lay-off, even if you only work one day. These are the By- BENEFITS: For Benefit questions please contact the area of- the text blast contact list. All members have been added. If you Law rules for the Out-of-Work List. Your name will be removed from fice. Zone 1 – BeneSys 866-822-7037, Zone 2 – TIC 866-887-4338, haven’t been receiving texts and would like to be added or wish to the list 14 days after receiving an assignment. It is very important to Zone 3 – BeneSys 800-451-5733, Zone 4 – BeneSys 800-842-2690 and opt out of text blast, please contact the Union hall and we will report to the union hall immediately after your layoff. Members get Zone 5 – Wisconsin H & B Fund 800-654-2329. make the change. confused because the S.U.B. Fund allows you a period of up to seven DEATH CERTIFICATES: Please submit to the Union Hall a FACEBOOK & TWITTER: Be sure to check our website – days to apply for S.U.B. benefits after lay-off. copy of a Death Certificate for deceased members. Additional ben- www.sheetmetal292.com; Facebook page - Sheet Metal Workers Lo- LAY-OFF SLIPS/TERMINATION NOTICES: Lay off slips must efits from the International may be available. cal 292 and Twitter - @SMW292, for updates and information. accompany all applications for sub pay. Without lay off slips you CONTACT US: 4931 Contec Drive/Lansing, MI 48910– 517- NOTARY PUBLIC: For your convenience, we now have a No- cannot collect sub pay. It is the member’s responsibility to make 882-4064 tary Public on site at the union hall. Notary services are free of sure they get one from the contractor when laid off. Your application Local 7 Officers: charge to our members. cannot be submitted without one. It is the contractor’s responsibil- Samual Fuller (Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer) THE 4 PLUS MEMBER PROGRAM: The “4-plus” member pro- ity to issue one in accordance with our contract. 517-882-4064 gram is for any Local 292 member who has achieved four (or more) S.U.B. BENEFITS: Report to the hall promptly upon layoff. You Eric Farrington (Agent-Lansing/Jackson) 517-242-3223 welding certifications. These certifications can be in any welding must complete a S.U.B. Application within seven days from your James Callahan (Agent-Battle Creek/Kalamazoo) 269-342-8842 process. Members who qualify will receive a shirt (one shirt for every layoff date or you will forfeit S.U.B. benefits. Lay-off slips must David Rutz (Agent-Grand Rapids/Muskegon) 616-458-2313 four certs) with the 4 Plus logo, along with hard hat stickers and accompany the application to be eligible. Proof of UIA benefit pay- Wayne Stover (Saginaw) 989-692-0002 bragging rights. If you would like to be a “4-plus” member contact ments must be submitted within 21 days of when you were paid in Travis Eastman (Traverse City) 231-943-5150 your Local 292 Training Center at: 313-623-9390 (Dave) or Quintin order to receive SUB benefits. Do not submit your sub applications Larry Kinzie (Agent-Flint) 810-785-6831 248.495.6764. directly to the fund office. Your application must be signed by the Greg Faust (Agent-Upper Peninsula): 906-372-9288 Attention all Welders! We are looking for any member interested hall or you will not collect benefits. in a Saturday welding class November 21. OUT-OF-WORK LIST: You must be on the out-of-work list to These classes would be for members that are ready to try and collect S.U.B. benefits or SASMI. Members must re-register bi-annu- Sheet Metal Workers 80, continued obtain a AWS welding certification, learn how to weld, or just need to ally: March 1 through March 20 and September 1 through September was weather-related. practice welding. 20. If you fail to re-register you will be removed from the list. MEMBERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: If you are experiencing Note: Anyone that signs up for a class, must pay a $40.00 regis- SHORT WORK WEEK SUB PAY: If you work 16 hours or less in a problems in your family, marriage or relationships, stress or emo- tration fee that will be refunded on the completion of the class. These week or have a short work week due to weather you may collect sub tional difficulties, grief or loss issues or problems with alcohol and deposits are NON-Refundable if you do not show up for the classes. for that week but only if it is at the beginning or the end of a layoff. drug use please contact our assistance program. Ulliance is there to You can drop off the deposit between the hours of 7:00 and 3:00 at the You may NOT collect if you are not laid off. You must complete a sub help you with your needs. They can also help you with legal issues, Apprentice school. application at the hall, provide a pay stub for that week and the hall financial concerns, elder care referrals and child care resources. Con- Call the Apprentice School at 248-589-3237, Dave’s cell 313-623- will submit it to the fund office. If you are not laid off and it is due to tact them at 1-800-448-8326 or www.LifeAdvisor EAP.com. Make sure 9390 or Quintin’s cell 248-495-6764 to reserve a spot. Remember we weather the company MUST provide written documentation that it you mention Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 when calling and not must have the deposit before you scheduled in the class. (Continued next column) the contractor you are working for. November 13, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 5 Iron Workers Local 8 meeting.iwl8.org on the after- Tim Roman, Business Rep. noon of the meeting. UPPER PENINSULA – MINE SAFETY TRAINING: WELD CERTIFICATIONS: The next Mine Safety Refresher Michigan Painters Weld certifications are being held will be held on Nov. 21, 2020, 8:30 on an as-needed basis. Please a.m. via Zoom. To sign up for District Council contact Rich Hanson at the Ap- this class, and provide your email prenticeship office for more infor- address, please contact Ann District Council 1M Painters DC 1M mation. 414-476-9372. Lakenen at Pipefitters #111, 906- Business Manager: Robert WARREN – Dear Members, Local 8 MEMBERSHIP MEET- 226-6511. Gonzalez DC1M WEBSITE: www. ING: The Membership Meet- If you sign up for MSHA Meeting date: 2nd Tuesday of iupatdc1michigan.org Iron Workers ing will take place by video classes and do not attend or can- every month at 6:30 p.m., with the DC1M FACEBOOK: www. conference on Nov. 18, 2020, cel, you will be charged a fee of Executive Board meeting at 6 p.m. facebook.com/iupat1m at 5:00 p.m. CST. $30.00 and will be suspended Place: 14587 Barber Ave, Warren DC 1M UNION CARDS* Members can gain access from any further Mine Safety MI 48088 & 419 S. Washington Any questions regarding a lost, to the meeting at https:// classes until the fee is paid. Ave, Lansing MI 48933 damaged Union cards, or if you Local Union 312 have dues in- Business Rep: Tim Schwerin quiries or have Meeting date: 2nd Wednesday of not received a every month at 6:30 p.m. card please con- Place: 1473 N. 30th St., Galesburg, tact the DC1M MI 49053 offices at: CONGRATULATIONS TO Dan Warren Office: Rogers who recently downed this Local Union 514 Business Rep: Scott Mikulen (586)552-4474 big nine-point buck. Dan’s a extension 100 member of Painters Local 2352. Meeting dates: 1st Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Freeland Office: Place: 7920 Jackson Road, Ann ROBERT (989) 695-6888 Local 357 Arbor, MI. GONZALEZ *2020 ELEC- Web site: www.iupat- TIONS* local514.org. Thank you to ALL Mem- Glaziers & bers who voted in the 2020 elec- Glassworkers Local Union 826 tions. No doubt the Member- ship was divided on who they Business Rep: Rocky Ackerman voted for. What is most impor- Meeting date: 2nd Thursday of Glaziers & Glassworkers 357 tant is that we participated in every month at 5:30 p.m. WARREN – Our next regu- the process. Although the Place: 3115 Joyce St. lar scheduled union meeting will Members of our great Union IRON WORK AT the Graphics Packaging plant in Kalamazoo proceeds in September. Doing the struc- Burton, MI 48529 tural iron work are Local 25 members employed by Barton Malow erectors. The $600 million plant at be Monday, December 7th at 6pm. may not always been on the 1500 N. Pitcher Street will have the ability to produce 500,000 tons of recycled paperboard per year. It Even if the restrictions are same side, remember we are all will house a coated recycled board (CRB) machine, which the company says “is designed to be the limited for indoor meetings, we Local Union 845 in this fight together, for better Business Rep – Fred Frederickson largest and lowest cost producer of CRB in North America.” Photo credit: Marc Crance will meet outside in the parking wages, better benefits, more lot out around back of the hall. Meeting date: 1st Thursday of market share, and more work op- Dress for it. every month at 7 p.m. portunities for our Members Local 25 We won’t be serving food or Place: 419 S. Washington Av- and their families. drinks this year at the December enue, Lansing, MI 48933 These are just a few issues meeting due to Covid, Local Union 1052 that we can all agree on, and we Iron Workers Work looks to be remaining Business Rep – Jake Fluty must continue to participate in all SIGNED BOTH THE RECIPRO- 0965. PLEASE include your book steady in the area. Please keep Meeting date: The Fourth elections – national, statewide, Iron Workers Local 25 CAL AND THE ASSESSMENT- number on the face of the check/ your certifications current, along Wednesday of every month at and local. All politicians must rec- NOVI – Dispatch is OPEN. TARGETING. money order. Pay union dues in with your MUST and drug 6:30 p.m ognize that Members of Painters Please call 248-305-9282: Mon- 3) All members please be person at the Novi Union Hall (M- screen. Place: 3115 Joyce St., Burton MI and Allied Trades District Coun- day through Friday 7 am to 10 sure to keep your Union dues paid F) from 8 am to 3 pm (NO Cash). Apprenticeship school has 48529 cil 1M show up to vote. We will am. If you happen to get up to date as it is criteria for work- After-hours use the outdoor- resumed, as of Monday August continue to make our collective voicemail, just leave your name, ing. You can be asked to leave dues-collection box. 17. Please contact Jeff Flynn, or Local Union 1803 voices heard. We must hold our book number and phone number. the jobsite if your dues are not The Novi Retirees regular Rich Oakey if you have questions Business Rep: Josh Ovalle elected leaders accountable to Local 25 Active Members, Ap- current. meeting is “in person” Nov. 17, on the schedule, make-up Meeting date: 4th Tuesday of ev- pass legislation that is favorable prentices and Probationary Apprentices: Fill out your 2020 at 10 am. Social distancing, classes, raise letters, or anything ery month at 5:30 p.m. for Union Members and all Work- should call each day you are out monthlies online at the website face masks and good hygiene will else related to school. Place: 7677 Midland Road, ers. of work. OR use our website or or mobile app located under the be observed. There will be no lun- The Governor has let con- Freeland, MI 48623. *FTI OF THE GREAT the APP to sign up for the out of apprenticeship tab “Monthly Re- cheons in the near future, coffee struction resume. This being said LAKES UPGRADE CLASSES* work list: www.ironworkers port Sign-In” this gives you the and cake will be provided however. please follow the specific guide- Local Union 2352 The Finishing Trades of the Great 25.org ability to electronically submit The Novi Retirees Board of lines required on each project. It Business Rep: John Sape Lakes will be offering First Aid/ MANDATORY TO WEAR A your monthlies. Also located Directors meets “in person” Dec. will take some get used to, the Meeting Date: 3rd Tuesday of CPR/AED classes on Saturday, FACE MASK IF YOU VISIT ANY under the apprenticeship tab you 1, 2020. new ppe required, but it is neces- every month at 6:30 p.m. November 14th in Warren and OF THE UNION OFFICES OR will find “Evaluation Form” Jour- Watch for updates at sary to keep each other safe, and Place: District Council 1M, 14587 Saturday November 21st in Lan- UNION HALLS. neyman/Supervision can use this (www.ironworkers25.org) or the our families safe. Barber Ave., Warren, MI. sing. December 2020 Vacation to submit apprentice evaluations Local 25 app that you can down- Keep your working status The start time for the classes Checks: Any Member who using computer/cell phone and load by searching “Iron Workers current; this helps protect your Local Union 2353 will be 9am for both locations. wishes to pick up their check submit electronically. Please also Local 25” to stay informed on benefits if you have a mailing Business Rep: Keith Anderson Members must contact me to must call to notify the Fringe note, you must check your email union matters. address and/or telephone num- Meeting date: 3rd Thursday of register for the class by Novem- Fund (800-572-8553) on or be- on a regular basis; we now email Diversified Members Credit ber change, please notify the every month at 6:30 p.m. ber 12th for the Warren class and fore 12:00 pm noon Tuesday, your annual MUST drug screen Union: Located at 25880 Novi Rd. Union and Fund Offices of the Place: District Council 1M, 14587 November 19th for the Lansing st December 1 , 2020. Pick up will paperwork and your pay raise Phone: 248-344-2560 - CALL changes. Barber Ave, Warren, MI. class. be at the Novi Union Hall after slips. FOR HOURS. Services available: Dues payments may be Class sizes will be limited to 2:00 pm on Thursday, December Classes at the Local 25 Ap- debit or credit cards, interest bear- mailed to the Union Office at Sign, adhere to our COVID guidelines. 3, 2020. Otherwise, December prenticeship School will start up ing checking accounts, IRAs, 14587 Barber Avenue, Warren, MI If you have any questions, 2020 Vacation Checks will be again on Monday 11/16/2020; CDs, Benefits Plus program, 48088. Make checks payable to: Pictorial & comments, or concerns please mailed at the close of business please go the ironworkers25.org HOME MORTGAGES, vehicle DISTRICT COUNCIL 1M in care Display Local 591 feel free to contact me at (517) 4:00 pm Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. to view the block schedule; we loans, low interest loans and part of Glassworkers #357. 304-4425 or email dot@ Direct Deposits will be in are practicing social distancing of Co-Op Shared Branching. We When traveling to work out Sign Pictorial & Display 591 iupatdc1m.org your account the morning of Fri- protocols, etc. We would like to have other branch locations in of town, all members are reminded WARREN – The next Gen- PAINTERS DISTRICT day, Dec. 4 2020. Please make welcome Dan Fogg #1289902 to Detroit and Clawson. that they must check in with the eral Membership Meeting will be COUNCIL 1M SMART PHONE sure the Fringe Fund Office has our Training Center staff! Home Mortgages for Union local that you are working in as held on Dec 1, 2020 at 6:30p.m. APP your correct mailing address. Qualified Rigger/Crane Families: Learn more about the per the International Constitution Trustees and union stewards Painters District Council 1M Thank you. Signaler- Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17- unique benefits available to and our local C.B.A. meet at 6:20 p.m. is pleased to announce its’ all new FRINGE BENEFIT OFFICE: textbooks must be purchased and union members, their parents and The Fund Office address is Anyone possessing a union APP. 800-572-8553 or 248-347-3100 and homework completed before children. CALL 866-802-7307, Michigan Glass and Glazing Joint membership and willingly works For IPHONE go to IOS store, follow the prompts. Hours 7:30am class starts. M-F 8am - 10pm EST, Sat 9am - Funds, P.O. Box 966, Troy, MI at a nonunion shop doing union For ANDROID got to Google to 4:30pm. The mailing address New Apprentice Applica- 5:30pm EST www.unionplus.org 48098-066; phone number: 248- work can have charges preferred Playstore for member BENEFIT related mat- tions are being accepted BUT you In Remembrance: Lifetime 641-4957; fax 248-813-9898. against them under Sec. 16.4,and Search for “Painters and Al- ters is: Iron Workers Local 25 MUST go to ironworkers25.org, Rigger Daniel Joly #1105918 If you are in need of safety 19.8 of the District Council By-l lied Trades” download APP Fringe Benefit Funds, PO Box print the application, gather passed away on Oct. 27, 2020 at modules, please contact your aws. Username: your member id# 99219, Troy MI 48099-9219. Blue documentation then phone the the age of 60. Kevin Peach employer if you are employed or Any questions on local Password: painters Cross Health Claims and Cus- school for an appointment; no #930221 passed away on Nov. 2, the union office @ 586-552-4478, union issues, please call John With this APP you can ac- tomer Service 877-790-2583. Delta walk-in foot traffic. The Wixom 2020 at the age of 65. He was a if you’re not. Any questions call Sape at 586-899-8082,or Keith cess training classes, Local Union Dental Claims and Customer Ser- Training Center – Ph. 248-960-2130. 46-year member. He is survived the hall or call the Council @ 586- Anderson at 586-899-7958,your meeting times and dates, receive vice 800-482-8915. Welder online Verification: by his sons Aaron Peach 552-4474. Participation is very Business Representatives. alerts, and communications from BENEFIT FOR NEW For an accurate and quick review #1313731 and Chris Peach important to keep your union Questions pertaining to Lo- your Union, etc. CHILD: Any member who has a of welder certifications please #1253354. Our deep condolences strong, so try to make it to a meet- cal 591 Pension Fund issues call GET INVOLVED AND PAR- newborn child, or a new depen- visit www.welderscertifica- to all of the family and friends ing. 248-645-6550 and/or Health Care TICIPATE IN YOUR UNION! dent child through marriage tion.org On the homepage click as you mourn the loss of your – Business Rep. Don Stepp issues call 248-358-3340 or 800- OUT OF WORK/ BACK TO MUST NOTIFY the Fringe Ben- “login” and type “read only” as dear loved one(s)! 482-8736 which will then be an- WORK: To keep work placement efit Office of your new dependent both your username and pass- To all Union Members: swered directly through fund of- efficient, please notify the office within 31 days. word. Once logged on, type the Covid-19 has an effect on all of fice. when you are laid off or going BENEFIT FOR LIFE member’s book number in the us and our ironworker community OUT OF WORK: BACK TO back to work. CHANGE: Any member experi- column on the left marked “ad- is no different. Please keep our WORK: procedure for out of and Warren office# is 586-552- encing a divorce or a new spouse vanced search,” click the ”go” membership in your prayers and back to work: When laid off or 4474 or Freeland office# is 810- MUST NOTIFY the Fringe Ben- button, wait until the name pops please do your best to be safe CORING A HOLE in concrete going back to work, call the of- 232-0005. efit Office within 31 days. A Mar- up, and then click on the welders during this pandemic as cases before installing a handrail in a fice. 586-552-4474 New job starts should be re- riage certificate will be required. first or last name. On the next rise. We hope you and your fam- classroom at the Michigan State ported to the Union office, please The Next Zoom Union Meet- screen, click “list certifications.” ily stay safe and healthy! University STEM project is “Nice guys finish last, but do so ing will be Monday, Nov. 30, 2020 Every welding certification This information is as of Kevin Harless of Iron Workers we get to sleep in.” Get involved. Work smart. at 7:00 pm. If you have not yet the welder has will be available Submission Time for this Article Local 25. He’s employed by Cou- –Evan Davis Work safe. signed up for Notifications for viewing and you can see that (11/09/2020 2:00 pm E.S.T.). turier Iron Craft. please sign up as Notification will if it has been renewed; it is good go out via the APP. To participate until the year 2021. The site also in the Zoom Union meeting is allows you to print out a copy of very easy … just be sure you the welder WPQR if needed. Click ATTENTION! have downloaded our APP or on “list test results.” Click on the signed up for our emails via our actual test code you want to see If you worked in the 1960s at the GM website (www.ironwork-ers25 and you will see the test details. DETROIT/HAMTRAMCK ASSEMBLY .org). We are leaning toward com- On that page click “Printable munication through the... Form” (WPQR) and you can print PLANT or CHRYSLER PUSH NOTIFICATIONS – the WPQR. If you read this MOTORS LYNCH ROAD Please download the APP if you please contact the Training Cen- haven’t done so yet!! Again, via ter for meeting credit. ASSEMBLY PLANT, or in our website! Last month we had Pay union dues with credit- the 1970s at the over 200 members join in the debit card 24/7 by calling 888- Union meeting over Zoom. 386-8173 and follow the prompts. CHEVROLET FORGE Steward Meetings are still OR PAY at www. ironworkers25.org PLANT in Detroit, MI, cancelled until further notice. Any member payment for multiple Stewards’ Notes: 1) The Elec- members, fines, suspensions, with- please contact Asbestos tronic Steward Reporting forms drawal deposits, SHOULD NOT Investigator Sherry Day are online, www.ironwork- use this process. Whenever pos- at (734) 878-5236 or ers25.org Log in with your book sible we are emailing you, your number, and the password is the dues receipt. [email protected]. We are last 4 of your social. 2) PLEASE Pay union dues with per- looking for people who worked with our be sure to check dues for mem- sonal check or money order and bers and boomers too AND BE mail to: Iron Workers Local 25 – deceased client. SURE ALL BOOMERS HAVE P.O. Box 965 – Novi, MI 48376- 6 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN November 13, 2020 Local 85 Plumbers Plumbers & Steam Fitters Plumbers and Steamfitters 85 The new Facebook page is Local 98 SAGINAW – Apprentice- live. If you are currently on the ship training and supplemental Local Eighty-Five Facebook ac- Plumbers 98 classes are cancelled and closed count, invites were sent to have DETROIT - Membership of Plumbers Local 98. due to COVID-19 again. Unfortu- you join the new site. UA Local Brothers and Sisters, nately, a spike in COVID has 85 page is our public Facebook We hope you and your family are safe and healthy. To our Veter- forced us to make the difficult account. UA Local 85 Members ans we thank you for your service, not only to our country but to our Plumbers, Pipe decisions to shut down our train- Group is our new members only Local Union as well. Local 671 ing facility until further notice. Facebook. On this page, we will MEETINGS. This Thursday’s Union Meeting has been moved Fitters & HVAC Union Meetings are also have important messages and re- to video due to the hall being closed. The video will be posted on Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 671 cancelled due to the pandemic minders specific to our member- Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 pm. You can access this video on MONROE – The next Regu- Service until further notice. We will con- ship. Please like both and let us our website’a member section under Member Zone. The next Union lar Union meeting is scheduled Local 111 tinue to have the office open as know what you think. Meeting will be Thursday, December 12th at 7:00 pm. We will be for December 3rd at 7pm at the long as it is safe to do so. I will GOD BLESS ORGANIZED LABOR AND THE LABOR moving the meeting to a virtual platform. For virtual meetings we will Union hall. Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 111 not put the members, officers, re- MOVEMENT! follow the same rituals and officer reports as usual. Some sensitive The next Executive Board UPPER PENINSULA – Both tirees or office staff in harm’s way. SUB Fund: information, such as organizing campaigns, may not be discussed meeting is also scheduled for De- the Escanaba and Marquette I beg each and every member to Print Unemployment Pay- virtually. The confidentiality of our business matters has to be our cember 3rd at 5pm at the Union halls have been closed to walk-in take every safety precaution pos- ment History located underneath priority. hall. I will get out a notice to all members until further notice. sible as we are entering the most the Certification Tab when logged A reminder that our annual “Turkey Night” as well as the kids members if we feel that it is un- Please call either hall for any infectious point of COVID-19’s into your MiWAM account. “Christmas Party” are both cancelled, unless a miracle happens and safe to meet. We are asking that assistance you may need. existence. Deadline for submittals is Noon the Coronavirus dissipates. only voting members attend the Reminder, there is no sched- Please note: Our new mail- on Thursday in order to receive a E-Board meetings. E-Board meetings are the first Thursday of Union meetings until further no- uled union meeting for the month ing address for all correspon- check that Friday. Checks will be the month at 6:30 p.m. If you need to contact or see the board please tice. Please be prepared to social of November, good luck hunters! dences has changed to 3535 Bay mailed out on Friday. No in-per- call V.P. Jim Cools at 734-307-9841. distance and wear a mask during The next scheduled union Rd. Saginaw, MI 48603. son pickups allowed. If a holiday Retiree Meetings are still cancelled until further notice. the meeting. There will be masks meeting will be on December 10th, We encourage members to falls on a Friday, checks will be ELECTIONS. Congratulations to President-Elect Biden and Vice available at the door. 2020 at the Escanaba hall @ 7:30 do as much of their business as issued on Thursday and deadline President-Elect Harris. It was a tight race. Now we, as a local union, Health and Welfare: You p.m. EST. Masks will be required they can by phone, email and fax. will be moved up to Wednesday must come back to center and help each other as we have in the past. can expect some informational so if you plan on attending please We will adhere to social distanc- by noon. Let’s face it, all of our elected officials will have a pandemic hanging packets coming in the mail ex- wear a mask. ing practices. SUB checks will Where to submit docu- around their necks for some time. I would like to thank you all, as well plaining some of our changes. Thank you to the member- continue to be mailed ONLY. We ments: Address: UA Local Union as our election committee, on our selections and our picks for the Please DO NOT dismiss this im- ship for your patience during this will be available by phone and 85 SUB, 3535 Bay Road, Saginaw, areas we represent. portant information. process due to the current situa- email anytime for your conve- MI 48603 Fax: (989) 791-3468 Over the past several weeks we have had several visits from the All Medicare retirees will be tion of the COVID-19 mandates nience. Please utilize the phone Email: [email protected] Biden Campaign to our hall. The first being Dr. Jill Biden speaking, getting their new insurance of gatherings. Any questions numbers and email addresses SUB Application for Ben- followed by the Biden Campaign Bus handing out Biden swag. It’s packet in the coming weeks. We please call Business Manager, listed below. efits: Must be on file in order to always great to see presidential campaigns in Michigan and even will be doing informational meet- Dean Gutzman and stay safe. UA Local 85 Elections: If receive SUB Check. Available at better when we get to be a part of it. ings and phone calls to help in Reminder: It is your respon- you have not already done so, the Hall. We would also like to thank Brothers Scott Huber, Nate Tomanek, the transition from Local 671 in- sibility to call the hall as soon as please return your ballot as soon 90 Day Rule: The weeks and Mark Wisniewski, who all have served our country in the military surance to Labor First and United you get laid off, the day you call as possible, no ballots will be ac- you are claiming must be submit- and helped the Military and Veterans Council make videos in support Health Care. If you have any in is the date that you are placed cepted after December 1, 2020, the ted within 90 days of the first of President-elect Biden. questions or concerns feel free on the Out of Work List, if you tally and vote count will take Monday following the week in COVID-19. We are heading into another outbreak bigger than to give Mike or Carly a call. do not call in you will not be re- place Tuesday, December 1, 2020 which you are eligible to receive earlier in the year. This is no drill. This is now a set reality of everyday Mobile Food Pantry: Local ferred to work. at 5:00 PM at 3535 Bay Road a State benefit per the Plan Docu- life. Wear your masks. If for some crazy reason you are fortunate not 671 and our Contractors will be Important Information: Saginaw, MI 48603. The election ments. to experience a loss in your family, do the rest of us a favor and act sponsoring a Mobile Food Pan- Contact the hall with any committee will adhere to all so- th Taxes: There are no taxes like you have! Anyone that knows of a Local 98 member or spouse try on December 5 at 11:00 a.m. changes with any of the follow- cial distancing mandates. If you taken out of SUB Fund Checks, who has died of Covid-19, please have the surviving partner or family in the Hall parking lot. We will be ing: E-Mail, address, phone num- are planning on having an ob- however they are taxable wages member contact the Union hall as the U.A. has an extra bereavement looking for volunteers to help. ber, a new birth, marriage, divorce, server present, they will be ex- and you will receive a W-2 at the fund to assist unfortunate families in their time of need. Due to HIPPA This will be a safe, socially dis- or death. For those of you, who pected to do the same. If you are end of the year. If you want taxes laws we cannot make first contact with the families ourselves. So tanced event. Please contact have an email address that we do planning on being present or ob- withheld from your SUB Fund please help out our member’s families. Vinnie to sign up to help! not yet have on record, please serving, out of courtesy please Check, please indicate the dollar Any concerns with COVID-19 safety protocols or lack of PPE Kid’s Christmas Party: The call and give it to April or Ann. call Feather so we can plan ac- amount for Federal and State on contact the Business agent in the area or the Union Hall. Kid’s Christmas Party will be af- Reminder to Welders/Weld- cordingly. Feather’s contact infor- each SUB submittal. UNION HALL. The Union Hall is CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC. ter the Mobile Food Pantry on ing Forms: The UA Welder mation is listed below. NOTE TO ALL MEMBERS: We are in the process of deep cleaning the hall after we had a couple December 5th. There will be more Qualification Continuity Report The office will be closed Nov. Address & Phone Update: cases of COVID-19 in the building. Once we are back up and running, details coming, but the Party will forms are available on our 26-27, 2020 in observation of the Please call the Union Hall to up- you will need to schedule an appointment to come to the hall. The be a drive-thru event this year. website under Training or at the Thanksgiving Holiday. date any address or phone num- West doors will continue as our main entrance. Masks are required Congratulations: We would hall. Certifications expire every 6 ALL NON-CRITICAL IN- ber changes at (989) 799-5261 ext. and you need to make an appointment to visit. There is a COVID-19 like to congratulate Brother months and it is YOUR responsi- TERACTIONS is cancelled until 8510. questionnaire that MUST be filled out by everyone entering the Union Travis Spry and his wife Kate on bility to get your welding forms further notice. Please utilize email Beneficiary Cards: Please Hall. Remember, the Training Center can be used. the newest addition to their fam- turned in on time. and phone calls whenever pos- rd call the Union Hall for any SUB APPS/OOW Changes. Please fill out SUB Apps electroni- ily: Ellie James on November 3 . 2020 Upgrade Certification sible. Below is a list of main con- changes in beneficiary informa- cally now. This can be found on the web page under the OOWL Congratulations to Mom, Dad, Class Schedule has been posted tacts for the hall: tion at (989) 799-5261 ext. 8510. section. If you’re still having unemployment issues call BAs Gary and Big Brother Tucker. to Local 111 web-site (lu111.com). Justin Pomerville, Business Man- Email Addresses: Please Glaser or Tom McWilliams. For any member issues dealing with ben- Work Opportunities: We Please update all Non-UA ager(989) 799-5261 x 8513 email [email protected] to efits contact Jon DeRoo. If you are less than a year from retiring, continue to get a few travel calls certifications (Plumbing License, [email protected] update email addresses. please set a meeting with Jon today. coming in from our sister Locals. MUST, OSHA-30 etc.) by send- Jamie Badour, Business Agent Website Address: Please LICENSE RENEWAL. For all continuing education opportuni- If you are considering working ing a copy of your certification (989) 799-5261 x 8515 visit www.ualocal85.org. ties or classes, see below or call Training Coordinator Paul Baker at this winter, I would get on a job to the Union Hall [email protected] Insurance: When you are 248-585-1435. BAs Gary Glaser and Tom McWilliams are now admins the first chance you get, as work 2020 BTA Class Schedule Tim Danielak, Business Agent working out of another Local’s on the Must/Most program, contact them if you need help. in the area looks like it will be very has been posted to Local 111 (989) 799-5261 x 8514 jurisdiction it may take up to 90 IN MEMORIAM. Our deepest sympathies go out to the friends slow this coming year and jobs web-site (lu111.com). [email protected] days for your Insurance and Pen- and family of our Brothers who have recently passed away; John E may be limited. Check your dues records! Clint Steele, Business Agent sion to be reciprocated back to Wuerth, Jr. who passed away October 9, 2020, Romeo Gadwa who Condolences: We received You are assessed a $50 reinstate- (231) 499-7330 Local 85, which may cause prob- passed away October 29, 2020, and Victor Micallef who passed away word that Retiree Gary Evans’ ment once you become 3 months [email protected] lems with your Health Insurance. November 5, 2020. Brother and Member Brian Evans’ behind. You are automatically Bobby Anderson, Organizer ALWAYS SAVE YOUR Good/Welfare. We now have a hearing Benefit added to our Uncle Steven had passed on Oc- expelled once you are over 6 (989) 799-5261 x 8512 st th CHECK STUBS and fax them in Insurance package starting September 1 of 2020 through Nations tober 27 . Our thoughts and months behind. [email protected] to the hall at 989-791-3468 with Hearing. This is for opt out members as well. Please watch your mail prayers go out to them in this dif- Safety Training on Local 111 Kristin Tuthill, Office Profes- the local you are working out of for the information, or call 877-241-0703 M-F. 8am-8pm, or visit ficult time. Web Site: When taking the on- sional (989) 799-5261 x 8511 indicated. We will fax them down nationshearing.com/local98. Mobile App: Our Mobile App line safety training, go to our web [email protected] to BeneSys to keep your Insur- We are looking for Residential and Service Plumbers at this time. titled “UA Local 671” is available site ua111.com and click on Safety Feather Reige, Office Profes- ance up to date. This is a great opportunity to expand and grow, as many members are in the App Store for I phone or Links. Members must take these sional (989) 799-5261 x 8510 RETIREE LUNCHEON: All looking to retire. If you know anyone working Non-Union or is a past Android. The Username for Lo- safety trainings for each site to [email protected] retiree luncheons are postponed member that may be interested, have them call Organizer Rob Moses cal 671 Members is your last work at each mill. Please take note The next Northern Meeting until further notice. Please check at 248-763-2187. name and your book number (UA they are valid for 1 year. is postponed until further notice. the ualocal85.org or Facebook for In solidarity I remain, Card Number). The Password is MSHA Training: The 2020 Please check the ualocal85 all up to date information. Carlo Castiglione, Business Manager Plumbers Local 98 your book number. PLEASE MSHA schedule is on our web .org or our Facebook page for the CONDOLENCES: We ex- TRAINING CENTER NEWS. Phone # 248-585-1435 DOWNLOAD THIS APP SO site & our Facebook page. Call most up-to-date information. tend our condolences to the fam- Check out The Training Center’s website www.Plumbers98tc.org YOU CAN KEEP UP ON CUR- Ann at (906) 226-6511 ext. 4 to The new website is up and ily of Gary Jackson who passed The Apprenticeship Application process is closed until further RENT INFORMATION THAT register. MSHA expires in one running. Please check out away on October 26, 2020. notice. THE HALL NEEDS TO GET year. www.ualocal85.org. Click on Lo- The Training Center is open and adhering to COVID-19 restric- OUT. cal 85 Members to access mem- We extend our condolences tions. Please call Paul Baker at 248-585-1435 ext. 123 if you have any We have recently sent infor- bers only information. Login in- to the family of Wallace Mentel questions. mational Blasts out ranging from “Attacking is the only secret. formation is username: first ini- who passed away on November ASSE Backflow Tester Re-Certification exams are scheduled volunteering for a mobile food Dare and the world always tial with full last name. Password 1, 2020. quarterly. Please be sure to check your expiration date, it is now bank to which candidates Local yields; or if it beats you some- is 00 with your UA Card Number. Remember you all are essential to required that you complete your update class prior to your expira- 671 has endorsed in the upcom- times, dare it again and it will If you should have any difficul- me. tion. For those who are eligible, please call the Training Center to ing election. This mobile app is a succumb.” ties logging in, please call Kristin Justin M. Pomerville register and pre-pay by check only before the deadline, Dec. 18, 2020. great tool to stay current with all –William Makepeace or Feather at (989) 799-5261 ext. Business Manager/Financial The next scheduled recertification class is Jan. 26 & 27, 2020. the latest information from the Thackeray (1811 - 1863) 8511 or 8510. Secretary, Local Union 85 ASSE Backflow Repairer Certification- MUST have a current union Hall. Please download it ASSE Tester certification to take Repairer class. Starts Jan. 4, 2021. today. Must preregister and pre-pay with check only, $75.00 by deadline 12/ In Closing: As the Holidays 18/20. Call Training Center for full schedule. approach us and the Covid-19 If your brazing or welding certs are ready to expire, call to sched- cases continue to increase; ule an appointment. The next Please keep this in mind. Practice WELDING Tests will be Saturday, December 5, 2020. You must good social distancing and hy- call to schedule your welding tests at least 3 days prior to the class. giene habits so you can spend The next BRAZING Cert Sessions will be Friday, December 4, 2020. many more Holidays with your Please note: All members must be dressed appropriately to be in the loved ones. Stay safe and stay shop area. healthy and have a Happy and 2020 Course Hour reimbursement forms are now available at the Healthy Thanksgiving. Training Center. You must have 8 hours (approved hours credited may Mike Jewell cell 419-262-8503 vary from actual hours attended) of verifiable approved classes/training email: [email protected] from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2020 to be eligible for the $80 reimbursement. Vinnie Fenech cell 734-693- OSHA Training - OSHA 10, available as on an online class for 4082 email: vinnie@ualocal $25 at www.careersafeonline.com This OSHA 10 class is not affiliated 671.com with the UA or our Training Center. OSHA 10 and 30 Hour Training is also offered online through the MUST website. Go to “There is no revenge so www.mustonline.org. **Be sure to take the Construction Safety complete as forgiveness.” courses; not the General Industry courses. – Josh Billings (1818 - 1885) It is each member’s individual responsibility to keep all their “Discovery consists of see- Certifications current. ing what everybody has seen and If the person you are trying to reach at the Training Center is un- thinking what nobody has available, please leave a message to ensure we can return your call. We thought.” attempt to return all messages by the end of the business day. –Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893 - 1986) “I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there.” –Herb Caen “I have never met a man so “When people talk, listen completely. Most ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him.” people never listen.” –Galileo Galilei (1564 - 1642) –Ernest Hemingway (1899 - 1961) November 13, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 7 Plumbers, Local 370 Pipe Fitters, Plumbers & Service Technicians, Pipe Fitters Local 190 Gas Distribution Plumbers & Pipe Fitters 370 the responsibility of the member. Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 190 FLINT – The next Member- If you have any questions, please ANN ARBOR – UNION MEETING: DUE TO COVID a video ship Meeting scheduled for Tues- contact local 370 JATC. Local 357 informational meeting will take place on on December 14th and will day December 8 at 7:00pm is Mobile App. Our mobile app. start at 6:00. Please make sure the union hall has your current currently cancelled. If this is now available for download on Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC cellphone number in order to receive these notices on how to join in changes you will be notified. All your cell phone. Go to the app Service Local 357 on the video informational meetings. members can join our Local 370 store and search UA Local 370. KALAMAZOO – UNION Sprinkler Fitters Local 704 THE 2020 CHRISTMAS PARTY HAS BEEN CANCELLED Brothers and Sisters private Download the app and sign in. MEETING: All Union Meetings FARMINGTON – The next THIS YEAR DUE TO COVID! Facebook group and view our in- You can read the latest Building are cancelled until further regular business meeting will be UNION HALL CLOSED FOR AN UP COMING HOLIDAY: For formational Facebook live meet- Trades article, see upcoming notice. The Finance Committee held Wednesday, Dec. 9at 5:30 the Thanksgiving holiday the office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. ings. meeting dates, or pay your dues. and Executive Board will conduct P.M. at the Union Hall. The Ex- 26 and Friday Nov. 27. Wishing you and your family a happy and It is with great regret that This is a work in progress, and their regularly scheduled monthly ecutive Board will meet the same safe holiday. we must postpone our annual we will add more content to the meetings in person. We will con- evening at 4:30 P.M. Please note, For the Christmas holiday the office will be closed on Thursday, Service Awards/Christmas party. site as we move forward. duct an Informational Zoom masks will be required for entry. Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25. Merry Christmas to all of you and your We will recognize this year’s ALL GM Work requires Meeting in place of a face to face Reminder: Article V, Section family members. award recipients at next year’s Must Safety and Drug Testing: membership meeting starting at 13 of Local 704’s Constitution, For the New Year’s Eve holiday the office will be closed on Thurs- party. MUST safety modules are only 6:30 pm on Dec. 8, 2020. By-Laws and Rules of Order. Any day, Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 1. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! All in person apprentice and valid for 4 years. Call the hall to There will be an email with project that falls into the jurisdic- GAS DISTRIBUTION APPRENTICES DOWN HILL WELD- journeyman classes are continu- sign up for the MUSTBSAFE instructions on how to participate tion of Local 704 shall be manned ING SCHOOL: Will begin Monday, Jan. 4 and run for 2 months. ing as scheduled. We are requir- .com website and complete all in advance of November’s union by not less than two members. This class will be held at the training center Monday through Friday ing adherence to CDC guide- 18 safety modules. Members meeting. You can only receive Any member violating this By- from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In order to take the journeyman gas distri- lines, social distancing and will not be eligible to work at this email if you have given us Law shall be brought before the bution weld test you must attend this school as a prerequisite. Please masks. any GM site until all 18 modules permission to send you Executive Board for a trial and be note that 4th and 5th year gas apprentices have preference to sign up Please note that we have are complete and are current on emails. Please call Lori at the Hall, subject to a fine. for this welding school. Limited space is available so please contact moved to our new Union Hall/ their drug test. If your drug test (269) 679-2570, to confirm your Article IX, Section 4 of Lo- Pat Duffy 734-368-4423 or Roy Musgrove at 734-369-1432. Training Center located at 2151 is expired you must take one email address and/or consent to cal 704’s Constitution, By-Laws Currently Local 190 is not accepting any apprenticeship applica- W. Thompson Rd. Fenton MI. before you can be dispatched us sending you emails. and Rules of Order sates: Mem- tions. A note will be put in the paper when this current status changes. and will no longer be at our to any GM work. Drug tests are MEDICAL CLAIMS IS- bers shall report all job starts to MASKS MUST BE WORN WHEN ENTERING THE UNION Pierson Rd. location. only valid for 1 year. Call The SUES: As a member, TIC Interna- its local union office. HALL BUILDING AND TRAINING CENTER DUE TO THE EXECU- Committee and Board meet- hall and we will print you a drug tional provides a dedicated team NFPA All Access is available TIVE ORDER. ings are cancelled until further test authorization form. of member advocates to assist for all 704 members. Please con- MICHIGAN GAS DISTRIBUTION JOURNEYMAN WELDERS: notice. Our web site is up and run- with the resolution of any and all tact the Local 704 Training Cen- Please remember it is very important to keep your continuity forms up to date. Condolences to the family ning. Check it out at ualocal370 medical claims issues. If at any ter for username and password. MICHIGAN GAS DISTRIBUTION - E-Mail address: Please con- and friends of Brother Phil .org. time you experience an issue with Phone numbers to remember: tact the union hall 734-424-0962 or Pat Duffy 734-368-4423 to make Isaguirre. Phil passed away on We are now able to accept your claims being processed and NASI is 1-800-638-2603 for infor- sure we have a current e-mail address. October 19, 2020 at the age of 65. Visa, Master Card, Discover and paid correctly, please contact TIC mation regarding Health and Wel- OFFICE HOURS: Effective Monday, Feb. 3, the Union Hall Phil retired in 2011 and was a 44- American Express for window international at 1-888-281-3461. If fare or Pension fund questions. office hours are as follows: Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 year member of the local. Rest in dues. If you want to take advan- you are not satisfied with the ser- Continuing education p.m. and 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Peace Brother. tage of this service there will be a vice you have received, please call classes are being formed. Please The office will be closed daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Local 370 office hours $1.00 per month charge added to me, Ken Willcutt at (269) 569-3492. reach out to the training center 2020 - MICHIGAN LICENSE RENEWAL: Plumbing license re- 7:30am – 4:30pm. the monthly window dues fee WEBSITE INFORMATION for further info or future classes newals are done online ONLY!!! For detailed instructions and re- Sub/Sick checks will be pro- and a 3% fee for all other transac- – FRINGES – TIC: Check out the you would like to see added. quirements, please visit: www.michigan.gov/bcc. Feel free to stop cessed 8:00am – 11:30 am and tions. website at www.ualocal357.com Classes for backflow certifi- into the Union hall and pick up a copy of the instructions. 1:30pm – 4:15pm daily. Plumbing, Mechanical and and the FACEBOOK Page @ cation will begin Monday, Dec. UA LOCAL 190 WEBSITE: www.ua190.org Current members Sub Pay: Remember to Residential Code Books are now www.facebook.com/UALocal 7. Please contact the Local 704 will be able to log into the “Members Only” section using your last qualify for sub pay when you are available at the hall. The books 357/. You should sign up for ac- Training Center for more info. name and UA card number. **** NEW ON THE WEBSITE***: laid off, you must sign the out of are $75.00 each. cess to your fringe reporting Please keep your information Members can now view and sign up for job calls. The same proce- work list. You can also collect Remember to keep your dues done by TIC via the Union updated with the union hall. dure will be used as the call-in line. If you are laid off or go back to when you are on Jury Duty and current. Any member failing to website. To gain access, click on A speedy recovery to all of work, there are forms available to fill out on the website that will miss work. If you are traveling, pay for 3 months shall stand sus- the Members Access Your Infor- our sick and injured members. inform the hall. call Karla to see if you need to pended, unable to vote for a pe- mation Here, then click on TIC In- CREDIT CARD MACHINE: You now have the ability to pay make sub-fund self-payments. riod of 1 year or run for office for ternational Corp. and then Reg- your union dues or purchase merchandise by credit card or debit All members were sent a Sub-Pay a period of 2 years and subject to ister. This is where you will type Local 357 cont’d card. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. A surcharge of manual in 2018. If you did not a $50.00 reinstatement fee. Dues in your Name, Email Address, UA you have a change of status for 3.99% is added to your card on the transaction amount. We will then receive one, please call TIC at must be paid in 3-month incre- Card # and Create your own pass- example: married, divorced, re- mail you your dues receipt and credit charge slip. (517) 321-7502 and ask for the 370 ments according to our bylaws. word. Once you have completed married, birth, death, workers LAID OFF OR BACK TO WORK – IMPORTANT REMINDER Sub Pay Fund Summary Plan De- Dues will be accepted up to 6:45 all the information, click on the comp, address change, etc., TO ALL MEMBERS: All members who get laid off or report back to scription (SPD) on union meeting nights. LARGE REGISTER button that is please call TIC at the phone num- work please immediately contact Karen (734) 424-0962 Ext. #210, Attendance award drawing Members wishing to take the surrounded by a Blue Box. Your ber above and Lori at the Union to report the last day in which you worked or to report the day you for membership meeting informa- U.A. welding certification test User Access will be granted the Hall. It is very important that we went back to work. PLEASE NOTE: Members can now go to the tion. Members present must have contact business agent, Dan next business day. To access your keep all our records up to date. website under “members only” and fill out a “back to work” form or dues paid to date to claim award. Gaudet for application and test- account, once it is set up, all you need There seems to be a continu- “laid off” form. Monthly award is $150. ing dates. to do is access the Membership But- ing problem regarding notifica- INFORMATION - FRINGE BENEFIT OFFICE: Attention All Active Mem- Local 370 ball caps and win- ton again – type in your email ad- tion of divorces. Note that you, VISION PROGRAM – EYEMED – IMPORTANT INFORMA- bers in Good Standing. The Joint ter fleece caps are available at the dress and password – and all your the member, will be responsible TION: EyeMed benefit cards are not necessary to access benefits, Apprentice and Training Commit- union offices. Ball caps $10 and information will be presented. for any bills incurred and paid on however, you may print a card from the EyeMed website. Vision tee voted to reimburse any active fleece caps $5.00. Pocket Tee As a member via the website, claims of an ex-spouse or dependents. providers should be provided the following information at the time of member of Local 370 that takes shirts are available for $10 each. you will be able to keep track of (See Pages 6 and 27 in the Summary the appointment; 1) Carrier Name -(EyeMed), 2) Member Name 3) and passes any training, testing Hooded sweat shirts and long all your hours and receive an e- Plan Description Booklet for clari- Member Birthdate or certification that may be re- sleeve pocket tee shirts are avail- mail when hours are posted to your fication) Time limits apply for re- EyeMed Customer Service Call: 888-581-3648 quired to perform their work. This able. The sweat shirts are $30 and account. This is very important porting status changes so let the In Network Provider Listings Call: 866-804-0982 includes Rigging, Med-Gas, Back the long sleeve tee shirts are $15. as it is up to you to keep up to date hall know ASAP! EyeMed Website: www.eyemed.com flow or any work-related training Golf polo and golf wind shirts are on the hours being paid on your CONDOLENCES: Condo- NEW BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD APP FOR YOUR SMART or certification expense. Mem- available for $25. behalf by ANY CONTRACTORS. lences to the family of retired DEVICE: Attention all members you can download the free Blue bers will be reimbursed after suc- If you shop on the internet, CHANGE OF STATUS: If member, Edwin Ballay, on his re- Cross Blue Shield APP on your smart device. This will allow you to cessful completion and verifica- SHOP UNION MADE, log on to (Continued next column) cent passing. see a copy of your BCBS card, review your claims, explanation of tion of the cost. Lost wages will www.shopunionmade.com. benefits and much more. Download: BCBSM not be covered by the JATC. T.I.C. fringe administrators’ REPRESENTATIVE FROM FRINGE BENEFIT OFFICE: On the Plumbing license renewal is still toll free number is 1-888-797-5862. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesday of each month a representative will be available to meet with members from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 REPRESENTING BUILDING TRADES p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the union hall. Please feel free to come in for any Local 190, continued information you may need on Health and Welfare funds, Met Life •Confined Space (4hrs): Still looking to put on a confined space Insurance Policies and miscellaneous. class. Limited to 8 participants. Call Training Center to get put on BROTHERS & SISTERS OVER 25 YEARS MEDICARE: When you become eligible for Medicare, please the list for the next class. contact Bernadette Maus at our Fringe Benefit office 1-888-390-7473. •ICRA Certification (16hrs): Looking to put on another ICRA BIESKE & ASSOCIATES CLASS INFORMATION – TRAINING CENTER- OFFICE certification class. Next class possibly in-person at the Training PHONE: 734-426-3700. The Training Center is open to members Center. Limited to 10 participants. Call Training Center to get put Many people are wrongly wishing to update any certifications, licenses, or qualifications. We on the list for the next class. rejected when they apply for are following CDC and State guidelines. You must wear a face mask •Aerial Lift Training (4hrs): Monday, November 23, 2020 at Social Security Disability while inside the building. Check your Certifications to make sure 5pm. Call Retha to get put on the list. Covers both scissor and benefits. Money was taken out that you are current! articulating booms. Limit to 16 participants. of their paychecks for Social •Lead/Asbestos/Blood-borne Pathogens Training (4 hrs): 2021 APPRENTICES PLEASE NOTE: Make sure your e-mail and Security taxes to ensure that Schedule - All on Mondays - Jan 4, 2021 @ 5:00pm, April 5, 2021 phone number are updated at the training center. Please call and dial they would receive disability @ 5:00pm, July 19, 2021 @ 5:00pm, and Oct 4, 2021 @ 5:00pm. EXT. 2. benefits if they could no longer Call Retha to be put on the list for the day you choose. RETIREE MEETINGS – **SPADES and BREAKFAST MEET- work full-time. Sadly, the government denies approxi- •First Aid/CPR Training (4 hrs): 2021 Schedule - All on Mon- INGS HAVE BEEN CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. mately 60% of those who apply days - Jan 18, 2021 @ 5:00pm, April 19, 2021 @ 5:00pm, July 26, RETIREMENT CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to all for disability benefits. 2021 @ 5:00pm, and Oct 18, 2021 @ 5:00pm. Call Retha to be put the following members on your retirement. May you all enjoy to the Attorneys J.B. Bieske fullest, a happy and successful life after retirement. Attorneys J.B. Bieske on the list for the day you choose. and Jennifer Alfonsi Initiation Date: Retirement Date: and Jennifer Alfonsi have •Local 190 Michigan Gas Distribution Welders: Please check 42 years combined experience Ray Bender December 22, 1995 June 1st your mail for a letter from the training center about re-quals. representing only Social Security disability clients. And they personally meet Steven Fielder September 29, 1977 June 1st •Welding Lab: Runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from with all clients and appear themself at all court hearings. Many large firms 4:30 pm till 8:30 pm. Weld test days are determined as participants James Manor May 10, 1982 November 1st st assign inexperienced attorneys to your case. And some of these firms are show they have the skills Tim McDonnell October 8, 1994 November 1 . located thousands of miles away and only fly the attorney in the day of the •ASSE Backflow Certification (40hrs): This class is a 40-hour CONDOLENCES: Our member Bill Hedler passed away on Oc- rd court hearing. Attorneys Bieske and Alfonsi have vast experience before local class that will run Tuesdays and Wednesdays, for 5 weeks, starting Jan tober 23 . Bill initiated January 19, 1996. To all family members and Michigan judges. 12, 2021 until Feb 10, 2021. Class starts at 5:00pm. Call Retha to friends, we extend our most heartfelt sorrow and condolences. May Attorneys Bieske and Alfonsi can often make a winning difference at the be put on the list for this class. Class limited to 8 the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days. application stage. And, if an appeal is necessary they have won several •ASSE Backflow Re-Certification (8hrs): Tuesday- God rest his soul in peace. hundred cases before a court date is even set. Wednesday, Feb 16, 2021 and Feb 17, 2021 @ 5:00pm and Tues- Our lifetime member James McMillen passed away on October Those denied can appeal on their own but statistics for many years reveal th day-Wednesday, Feb 23, 2021 and Feb 24, 2021. Check your certs 28 . James initiated on June 22, 1966, retired on January 1, 2000 and that those represented by attorneys win a much higher percentage of appeals. to make sure of your expiration date. We will have another class in became a lifetime member on June 1, 2016. Our sincere condolences And attorneys who specialize in Social Security Disability cases win a much Sept. Call Retha to pick your dates and be put in the class. Each go out to our retired member, Mark McMillen for the loss of his higher percentage yet. class limited to 12. father. To all family members and friends when we lose a loved one In addition to practicing only Social Security disability law attorney •Med Gas Installer and Brazer Certification (40hrs): This is a here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over all of Bieske has written a book for attorneys about the subject and has been 40-hour class that WILL BE ON-LINE, via Zoom. Must have an you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. interviewed on various television programs. Both attorney Bieske and Alfonsi active e-mail address. Must have a computer with a camera and NOTIFICATIONS FOR THE BUILDING TRADESMAN PAPER: have also been interviewed on radio programs and have given speeches to good internet. Camera must stay on and you must stay in front of Please contact Karen Spearin at the union hall, (734) 424-0962 Ext many groups. the camera the duration of the class. Brazing practice, brazing test #210, if you would like to put a special notification in the paper. Attorneys Bieske and Alfonsi offer free phone or office consultation. If and written test will be in-person at the training center. Class will they represent you, there will be no fee charged until after the case is run Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 5:00pm starting March 9, “We always admire the other wonwon. The fee is a percentage of retroactive benefits. “If you drink, don't drive. person more after we've tried to 2021 until April 8, 2021. Call Retha to be put on the list and give Don't even putt.” Bieske and Alfonsi represent clients from all over the state of Michigan. do his job.” her your active e-mail address. Class limited to 16. –Dean Martin They maintains offices in Sterling Heights, Livonia, Southgate and Novi. Call Med Gas Installer Up-Date (8hrs): Tuesday and Thursday, April –William Feather (1908 - them at 1-800-331-3530 for a free consultation if you have been denied, or 13, 2021 and April 15, 2021 @ 5:00pm, and another class on April “Writing about music is like 1976) if you are thinking of possibly applying for Social Security benefits. 20, 2021 and April 22, 2021 @ 5:00pm. Both Tuesday classes will dancing about architecture.” “It really doesn't matter if be ON-LINE, via Zoom and both Thursday classes will be in-per- – Elvis Costello (1954 - ) the person who hurt you de- •ONLY SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASES son, at the Training Center for the test. For on-line part, you must serves to be forgiven. Forgive- •WE WILL PERSONALLY REPRESENT YOU have good internet and a web camera. Camera must stay on and “As we grow old…the ness is a gift you give yourself. you must stay in-front of your camera for the duration of the class. beauty steals inward.” You have things to do and you •OUR FEE PAID AFTER YOU WIN Call Retha to choose your dates and give her your active email –Ralph Waldo Emerson want to move on.” address. Each class limited to 16. (1803 - 1882) (Continued next column) –Gordon Atkinson www.ssdfighter.com 8 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN November 13, 2020

Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Building Local Plumbers & Pipe Fitters 333 the FCA LANSING – Due to new 636 Covid regulations put in place by Paint Shop the State of Michigan Health and Pipe Fitters, Human Services Division, the ASSEMBLING DUCT Steam Fitters, November and December Special WORK in the FCA Mack Call meetings are CANCELLED. Avenue paint shop in Detroit Refrigeration & Expect an update letter in late are Eric Neumeyer and Jeff December. Pratt of Sheet Metal Work- Air Conditioning Weld Classes will start up in ers Local 7. They’re em- Service September. ployed by Giffin. If you’re interested in taking the weld class please sign up Pipe Fitters Local 636 at www.ua333.org or call Trent or Local 174 DETROIT – There will be a Diana at 517-323-0333. There is a special Union meeting on Novem- $25.00 fee, please call your re- Plumbers, Pipe Fitters & Service Trades ber 17th and it will be at the same spective hall to pay for the class. NEW LOCATION. Burton Manor Lansing: September 1st Save-Rx: (800) 228-3108 sage, please speak clearly. Any in Livonia. 27777 Schoolcraft Rd. (Tuesdays & Thursdays) Lan- COOPERSVILLE – Meeting Medicare Retirees Labor member who goes to work with- Livonia 48150. Masks required to sing Training Center, 16180 Na- Notice: ALL IN-PERSON UNION First: (616) 345-0788 out a referral is in violation of our Local 169 enter and temperatures will be tional Parkway, Lansing, MI. MEETINGS AND RETIREE Organizing Update: Please Collective Bargaining Agreement taken at the door. Meeting starts 48906. BREAKFASTS ARE CAN- contact Chris Pelton if you know and Article XXXI of our Consti- Boilermakers at 7:00pm. This meeting is for the Jackson: September 1st CELLED UNTIL FURTHER NO- of any jobsites with a non-union tution and By-Laws. Please con- purpose of The Reading of the (Tuesday’s & Thursday’s) 3101 TICE. We will continue to do plumbing or mechanical contrac- tact the Union Hall to find out Boilermakers Local 169 2019 Annual Financial Report. Industrial Allied Dr. Jackson, MI. monthly virtual meetings tor or if you are interested in ac- your position on the out of work ALLEN PARK – The union The December Union Meet- 49201. through the members only tively assisting with our organiz- list. meeting will be held in Area One ing will be held on Dec. 15, 2020 Battle Creek: September 14th Facebook group the first Tues- ing efforts. There are plenty of Union Hall extension num- on Friday, November 13, 2020 at this will be a regular meeting. It (Monday’s & Thursday’s) (KCC) day of the month at 7pm. opportunities available, ranging bers: Ryan Bennett Business 8pm at the will be held at Burton Manor in RMTC, 405 Hill Brady Rd. Battle Attention: This paper is to from a one-day ride-along with a Manager ext:12, Nathan Phillips union hall – Livonia, but there will NOT be an Creek, MI. 49037. serve as the official notice to the Business Agent or Organizer all Assistant Business Manager ext. 1755 Fairlane Annual Awards Banquet this Weld Tests are the second membership. the way up to full blown salting. 13, Jason Finch Business Agent Dr, Allen Park, year. Tuesday of each month begin- COVID-19: The virus is Dues: Please keep your ext.14, Chris Pelton Organizer MI 48101. The Hall is now open to all ning September 8th at 4:00 at the showing up on many jobsites monthly window dues current. ext.15, Lisa Johnson Accounting Masks re- foot traffic. Masks are RE- Lansing Training Center. throughout our jurisdiction. You can find your dues balance Manager 11, Cami Burris Admin- quired. If you QUIRED. Dues payments or SUB PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL Please continue to practice social on the website or by calling the istrative Assistant ext. 10, Train- feel ill or have transactions can still be done via CERTIFICATIONS: Per the UA, distancing, wear a mask and Union office. Remember that if ing Dept: Jeff Rumsey ext. 16, been in con- email or by phone. SUB email is as of January 2019, all Braze and wash your hands frequently. you are expelled from the UA that Nicole Shumaker ext. 30. tact with any- [email protected]. Weld Certifications shall be up- Election 2020: Thank you to you are no longer eligible to at- Training News. Announce- one who has The Pipefitters would like to dated within 120 days of their ex- all of our members who cast a bal- tend Local Union events, such as ment: Congratulations to Bran- BOB tested positive extend our deepest condolences piration date, or you will lose your lot for our supported candidates. meetings, picnics, awards ban- don Hackelberg on fulfilling his for Covid-19, to the family of Brother Retiree certifications. Check the date(s) 401K Withdrawal: The re- quets, and Christmas parties. apprenticeship obligations and HUTSELL please do not Kenneth R. Erving who passed of your Certifications, if they cently enacted CARES Act allows Jurisdiction: Remember to becoming Local 174’s most recent attend. away September 18, 2020. The have expired please contact Diana the 401k Plan to adopt a special always call into the local you are Journeyman! Union dues for 2021 will be Celebration of Life for Kenneth at 517.323.0333. Though we send in-service distribution for partici- traveling to. Do not rely on any- FIRST AID: First Aid/CPR/ $49.85 per month. The union hall R. Erving has been canceled. out everyone’s continuities to be pants who are diagnosed with one else to call in for you. They BBP class will be the second accepts Visa, MasterCard, and CJ Harrison would like all our renewed; between changes in COVID-19, whose spouse or will not get into trouble. It is the Thursday of the month, from Discover. Payments can be made members to know that she is still addresses and the Post Office, child is diagnosed with COVID - member who is working in another 5:00p-9:00p. The next classes will both at the hall and over the available by phone during these there is plenty of room for 19, or who are experiencing eco- local who has not checked in that be held on Thursday, Nov. 12, and phone. uncertain times, she is working error. Ultimately it is the member’s nomic hardship as a result of the gets into trouble. Please contact Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 from home doing phone confer- responsibility to make sure their pandemic. This distribution can Ryan Bennett if you see another If you have a certification safety training can now be taken ences which is still beneficial to certification(s) are current and be up to $100k, is not subject to local’s contractors/members that has expired in the last few online. Please visit our website – all our members and their fami- updated. the ordinary 10% excise tax, and working in our jurisdiction. months and have questions re- www.boilermakerslocal169.com - lies. You can contact her @ 313- If your Med-Gas Installer is the income tax from the distribu- Contact Info: Please make garding recertification, please for more information. 580-6887 going to expire within the next few tion can be spread out over a 3- sure we have your updated con- contact the Training Office. Training Center: The Boil- The Retiree Association months please sign up on our year period. tact information. Check your info Many certifications have ex- ermakers Local 169 Training cen- Meetings have been cancelled website to take the renewal class. Individuals receiving such a on the website or by calling Cami tended grace periods on expira- ter in Allen Park is open and op- until further notice. The election Med-Gas new certification: distribution may also repay the at the Union office. tion dates. erating under the current CDC has also been postponed until Please sign up online on our distribution over 3-year period, in Retiree Breakfast: Can- The Training Center has guidelines. Journeymen are en- further notice. – President David website or contact the training which case they will not be sub- celled until further notice. started scheduling night classes couraged to update their skills. Evans center. ject to income tax on what they Metal Trades, Helpers, and and will continue to slowly add We are currently experiencing a UA password good thru De- Sincere condolences to repay. Unlike other hardships, Trainees: Please remember that more to the schedule. We will high demand for stainless steel, cember 31, 2020: Vote David Buzzo on the loss of his this distribution only requires that if you are working as a Metal continue to follow the CDC Inconel, and RMD certified weld- Any member that is Retir- father, Lansing member Robert the member self-certify the need. Trades, Helper, or Trainee your Guidelines and the Governor’s ers. Having these skills will in- ing contact Benesys @ 248-813- Buzzo who passed away Novem- The Fund is not required to raises are based on the day you mandate to wear masks while in crease your opportunities for 9800 for your Retirement paper- ber 2, 2020. Robert was a mem- independently corroborate the were first dispatched to work at the building. We are actively employment and boost Boiler- work or if you want to meet with ber of the local for over 55 years. participant’s certification with that classification. If you are not monitoring changes due to maker manhours overall. the Financial Secretary Trea- Our deepest sympathies to you, medical documentation or other sure of your dispatch date, please COVID-19 and schedules are Apprentices: Apprentices surer, please give him a 7 to 10 your family and friends types of documentation. The contact the Union office. It is up subject to change based on group are reminded to call your Area day notice so that he can get all distribution is a one-time event to you to let the Union office restrictions indoors. Mask are Agent at 8:00 am the following of your paperwork in order. only and must be taken in 2020. know. required while in the Training business day after layoff. Failure Dues: If you do not pay your Local 636 cont’d Make sure you specify that Labor Councils: - Kent Ionia Center. to call in at the required time may Dues by the end of each quarter, addiction meets the second and you are taking a COVID with- - 3rd Wednesday of the month / Attention: The CSD-1 Class result in disciplinary action. In after 2 quarters go unpaid you fourth Tuesday of each month at drawal. Labor Temple 918 Benjamin / Scheduled to start on September addition, calling in late places you will then be expelled and have to 4:30pm at the office of “Work PAC Cards: Since the elimi- 5:30pm 28th has been cancelled due to the further down the out of work list be re-initiated and pay a $200 re- Life Strategies” 26789 Woodward nation of prevailing wage, the Lakeshore – 3rd Thursday of instructor from Boiler Risk Man- and affects future work opportu- initiation fee. Avenue, Suite 3105, Huntington race to the bottom on wages and the month / CIO Hall 490 West- agement being injured in an acci- nities. Defined Contribution Pen- Woods 48070. Call 248-545-8301 benefits for publicly funded ern / 6pm dent. We will reschedule this Weld Testing: Mass weld sion Plan: For those members for details or any questions you projects has begun. Our political All members are encouraged class as soon as he is able to re- testing has been scheduled for who use the Voice Response Unit, may have. focus over the years to come will to become active in our area La- turn to work. We apologize for the week of November 16, 2020 at VRU to obtain balance informa- Also, a Relations/Divorce be electing people who support bor Councils. Please contact a any inconvenience this may the union hall. To set up a time, tion and transfers funds in your Support Group meet on the sec- prevailing wage and wage stan- Union Officer for details. cause. If you have any questions please call B&G Processing at Defined Contribution Pension, ond and fourth Thursday of the dards in general. To do that we FRINGE PLAN THIRD regarding this cancellation, (586)477-1562. Apprentices re- the number has changed. The month at 6pm. need to raise our PAC card par- PARTY ADMINISTRATOR: please contact Jeff Rumsey in the quire approval from their area new number for the VRU is 877- Worker Assistance Pro- ticipation. We currently have less (TIC). West Michigan Plumbers, Training Office. business agent to test. 410-9984. Plan provider number gram: Work Life Strategies, LLC than half of the local contribut- Fitters and Service Trades Local Open Welding has resumed Retired member, Charles is 7526. are available to our members and ing to our PAC. Your PAC contri- No.174 Fringe Benefit Funds, as of 9/16/20 and will continue Dunn, passed away on Friday, You can now login to your their families to provide personal bution DOES NOT COME OFF 6525 Centurion Drive, Lansing, Wednesday evenings from 5pm October 23, 2020. Our thoughts Defined Contribution account on counseling services and when YOUR CHECK. When you sign MI 48917-9275 – 9pm. Due to class size limits, and prayers go out to his family the Local’s website. Just click on needed, referral to other profes- the PAC card it allows us to move (517) 321-7502 you will need to call the Training during this difficult time. the “Defined Contribution login sionals. Call 248-545-8301 to talk money from your working dues Phone (855) 40-PLUMB Toll Office to register so we can limit here tab” and it will take you to to a counselor for issues relating over to our PAC. Please call Cami Free the number of participants to fol- “It is difficult to live in the the BeneSys login page. The to grief, alcohol and or drug ad- today and find out if you have (517) 321-7508 Fax low the State mandated guide- present, ridiculous to live in the Defined Contribution website is diction, bankruptcy, financial current PAC card on file. BENEFITS WEBSITE: lines. future, and impossible to live in www.yourplanaccess.com/ management, marital, depression, Medicare Retirees: Effec- westmichiganplumbers.org is ASSE BACKFLOW RE- the past. Nothing is as far away benesys. All inquiries. legal and family counseling. tive January 1st you are now en- the TIC website where you can PAIRER: Class will begin on as one minute ago.” Are you “Work Ready”? Consultations with Work Life rolled in a Humana Medicare Ad- check your contributions and Monday, Nov. 2 @ 5p-9p. The –Jim Bishop Have any of your safety modules Strategies are a service paid for vantage Plan administered by benefit information. Click on ben- class dates are as follows: The “Be careful about reading expired? Is your Drug Test cur- by the Insurance Fund. Refer- Labor First. If you have any efit inquiry. Your username is class dates are as follows: 11/2, health books. You may die of a rent? Check your report card at rals to outside professionals, if questions about premium pay- your social security number. The 11/4, 11/9, 11/11 & 11/12 (Exam). misprint.” mustbsafe.org and if it is time for needed, will be paid for accord- ments contact TIC. All other password for first time users is The cost for the exam is $120 and –Mark Twain (1835 - 1910) renewal call the Training Center ing to the current health care plan questions should be directed to K4GHB39 (case sensitive). You is due when the class begins. If 248-585-0636 and they will regis- benefits. Labor First. will then be prompted to create a taking this class within 12 months “Any necessary work that ter you. Be “ready” when the Short Term Disability: The permanent password. of successful completion of the pays an honest wage carries its “For the most part, fear is calls come in. Safety modules Local #174 Board of Trustees re- Forms: The forms for Dollar ASSE Tester, the exam cost is $75. own honor and dignity.” nothing but an illusion. When and drug tests are paid for by the cently voted to increase the Bank Reimbursement and Sub Please contact Jeff or Nicole –W. Kelly Griffith Contractors Association. you share it with someone else, short-term disability amount from Pay are on the www.ua174.org to sign up for classes or if you WHEN YOU STAY CUR- it tends to disappear.” $300 per week to $400 per week. website under the Members Only have questions. Call the training BUILDERS LICENSE TRAINING RENT WITH YOUR SAFETY –Marilyn C. Barrick This increase will be effective section and Forms and Links tab. office MIDDLETON MODULES, DRUG TEST AND September 30th, 2019. Contract Requirements: @ (616)837-0222 x16 (Jeff) / Nicole Real Estate Training Inc. “Delay always breeds dan- 901 Tower Drive, Suite 120 FIRST AID, YOU WILL ger and to protract a great de- Dispatch: We will be split- Please remember Section 5.7 of @ (616)837-0222 x30. Troy, MI 48098 QUALIFY FOR FUTURE BO- sign is often to ruin it.” ting up the dispatch responsibili- our collective bargaining agree- Or via text Jeff (231)923-8140 / www.middletontraining.com NUS PAYMENT’S. –Miguel de Cervantes (1547 ties between the business agent ment states, “Persons called from Nicole (231)206-4213. 248-885-8311 Financial Planning: Call Ja- - 1616) and the assistant business man- the unemployed list will report to son May at Morgan Stanley 248- ager positions. Each person will work with a UA/WMMCA issued “That would be a good 258-1750 for assistance and con- be on dispatch for 2 weeks. There drug card.” Section 18.5 states, thing for them to cut on my tomb- sultation relating to your Defined is a dispatch email: dispatch@ “…employees…shall be required stone: Wherever she went, in- Contribution Investments. He ua174.org which both offices to maintain the following Safety cluding here, it was against her will help with a total financial plan have access to. There is a dis- Training Certifications: First Aid/ better judgment.” if requested. Services are paid patch phone extension that will CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens and –Dorothy Parker (1893 - for by the Defined Contribution switch between the two offices OSHA 10.” Please make sure you 1967) Pension Fund. depending on who is on dis- follow our agreement. Recovery Support Group: “There is nobody so irritat- patch. Out of work list: Please re- Pipe Dreamers, a Peer Support ing as somebody with less intel- New insurance carriers: member to call extension 17 when Recovery group for ongoing re- ligence and more sense than we Active and NON Medicare Retir- you are laid off. You must call line covery from substance abuse and have.” ees : 17 to be put on the available to (Continued next column) –Don Herold Aetna: (888) 290-7241 work list. When you leave a mes- November 13, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 9 Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

BAC Local 2 WARREN/LANSING – We take the COVID-19 outbreak seriously and recognize the importance of minimizing the spread of the virus. So, while we continue to provide services to our members, any visits to our offices should be scheduled by appointment. If you have any Window questions, please contact either the Warren office at (586) 754-0888 or the Lansing office at (517) 886-9781. dressing The health and well-being of our members and their families and continuity of service to our members is our highest priority. Please WORKING WITH PLASTER visit our website for updates: www.bricklayers.org around a window opening at the ALL NOVEMBER 2020 CHAPTER MEETINGS HAVE BEEN Michigan State University CANCELLED STEM project in East Lansing Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, is Steve Whitmyer of Cement all area chapters for November 2020 have been cancelled. Masons and Plasterers Local Congratulations to retired Administrative Assistant Suzie Gehkre 514. He’s employed by on the birth of her first grandbaby! Sawyer Elizabeth was born on 10/ Reichenbach. 30/2020. Son Dakota, daughter-in-law Brooke and baby are doing great! Congratulations to brother Damari Covington-Woods on the birth of his first child! Damari Covington-Woods Jr was born on Local 514 September 26, 2020 weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces. DEATHS REPORTED: Cement Masons Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brother Chester Olszewski (Bricklayer) who passed away on October 20, & Plasterers 2020. Brother Olszewski had been a member for 66 years. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brother Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Local 514 Cyril Sagaert (Bricklayer) who passed away on November 05, 2020. MADISON HTS. – The next membership meeting is scheduled Brother Sagaert had been a member for 57 years. for Nov. 17, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please feel free to call the Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brother office (248) 548-0800 or any agent with any questions of how to sign William Smith (Bricklayer) who passed away on October 28, 2020. up. Brother Smith had been a member for 36 years. Lance Ryan is now the new Plasterer Business Agent, if you CRAFTWORKERS NEEDED: If you are available for work, it is have any questions for him please call (586) 615-1564. important to contact your Field Representative on their cell phone. It is important for all members to keep the Local updated on We are looking for experienced Craftworkers in all of our trades: Brick- addresses, email and phone numbers. If you need to change an ad- layers, Caulkers, Masonry Restoration Workers, Cement Masons, dress or add an email and phone number please call the Local at (248) Tile, Marble and Terrazzo Workers. Those who are interested should 548-0800. contact either the Warren office (586) 754-0888 or the Lansing office Lawrence Nemeth is now the new Apprenticeship Coordinator; (517) 886-9781. Tell anyone who is doing our work, that we are look- he can be reached at (313) 350-0389. ing for craftworkers! Attention all Apprentices: now you will need to go to the website: SIGNING BONUS FOR SKILLED CRAFTWORKERS: Local 2 www.micementplasterertraining.com to enter your work hours. When will pay up to $2,000 as a Signing Bonus for skilled craftworkers who you get to the website click the link “About” and then click on “Ap- come to work for one of our Union Contractors for at least a month. prentice monthly work form instructions.” You will be able to put in Also, Local 2 members working with the tools and non-supervisory your hours so Larry can keep track for your raises. Any questions members can get a Finders Referral Bonus for each new skilled please feel free to contact Larry. craftworker who they refer, if they work for at least a month for our Effective September, 2018 every member in Good Standing will Union Contractors. For more details and information, call your Field only be allowed to use the Hall twice per year, also effective January, Representative or either the Warren office (586) 754-0888 or the Lan- 2019 there will be a $100.00 refundable deposit required for any clean- sing office (517) 886-9781, or go to https://bit.ly/BAC-2-MI-2000- ing and/or damages that may incur. Signing-Bonus. Miller Cohen PLC is extending an invitation to our members to A SPEEDY RECOVERY: A speedy recovery is wished to all participate in free Estate Planning Seminar. Learn about Wills, Trust, those who have been sick or injured. Let’s keep them all in our Durable Power of Attorney, and Medical Power of Attorney, and Guard- thoughts and prayers. ian Designation. Contact the Union Hall if interested and a date will *IMPORTANT CHANGE Regarding Union Dues* All Local 2 be scheduled for the free Seminar. Members are now eligible for a Union Dues discount, regardless of If you are a Military Veteran please contact the Local so we can what month you are paid through currently. This offer is a great way update our records. Please call (248) 548-0800. to catch up on your monthly window dues by taking advantage of The Local’s website is: www.opcmiami.org. this annual dues discount. O.P.C.M.I.A. Local 514 has a satellite office in Flint, Michigan. We welcome Member and Contractors in the Flint area to handle their We are making available to ALL Local 2 members the opportunity to business transactions at: 2630 Grand Traverse, Flint, MI 48503. AT WORK at the Owosso Hospital project is Donnie Harvey of Brick- pay for 6 months of union dues and receive credit for 12 months. An Appointments may be made by contacting Business Agent Mike layers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2. He’s employed by Daven- entire year for half the price!! Stanfield at (517) 719-2316, or the Business Manager Henry Williams port Masonry. UPDATE - BAC LOCAL 2’S TRAINING CENTERS. Both Local at (313) 215-5063. 2 Training Centers have re-opened to our members but visits to our Members working for non-signatory commercial contractors are offices should be scheduled by appointment. Please contact our Train- having a negative impact on our market share. The work forecast this ing Centers at the numbers listed below for an appointment for an- year looks better than last. Members working non-union will be Apprentices Needed! nual RESPIRATOR FIT TESTS and other services. brought up on charges and fines will be enforced. Let’s work to- DETROIT IMI TRAINING CENTER: To make your appoint- gether to secure our future!! Free Training for ment for your annual RESPIRATOR FIT TEST or for other scheduled We must stay vigilant in our effort to promote our trade. If you Bricklayers – New Work and Restoration appointments at the Metro Detroit Training Center, please contact are working in a crew of 5 or more an Apprentice must be on the crew. Tile and Cement Masons Tom Ward directly at (734) 552-7066. Help out! Call the Local at (248) 548-0800. Training is the key to our TMT RTI CLASSES RESUME WITH REDUCED CAPACITY future!! 12 Week Pre-Apprentice Class DUE TO COVID-19; REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register Please make sure your modules and drug test are up to date, visit detroittroweltrades.org and click Calendar. Classes are filled on Based on Skill Level and Demand there are some plant jobs that do require the MUST modules. You can In preparation for the re-opening our training centers, we are en- a first registered first served basis and will be held on the following go online at: www.mustonline.org Call the Local if you need a drug couraging anyone interested in a Trowel Trades Apprenticeship Saturdays from 7:00am – 3:30pm: Nov: 14, Dec: 12, and 19. form sent out. Apprentices, remember that Related Training Instruction (RTI) and able to meet the physical demands of the work to complete the Please make sure that we have all of your current contact infor- application process. classes are a requirement of your Apprenticeship, failure to attend mation, address and phone number so we can keep the fund offices will delay your apprenticeship and raises. Additional classes will be updated for your health care and pension and also if you are having added as necessary to accommodate all apprentices. If you live in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe or St. Clair County, your vacation checks mailed out. If you have moved please contact the go to detroittroweltrades.org to download the application. If you Feel free to contact your BAC field representative or the Ap- Local and we will change your addresses with all of the fund offices. live outside the above-mentioned counties (outstate), go to prentice Coordinator should you have any questions. IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PLASTERERS AND DETROIT METRO DETROIT APPRENTICE WORKSHEETS AVAILABLE michiganbricklayers.org to apply online. Read and follow instruc- COMMERCIAL CEMENT MASONS: You can track your annuity tions carefully and completely. FOR DOWNLOAD: Turning in monthly worksheets is a require- fund status at the Wells Fargo website. You may do so by logging ment of your apprenticeship. Metro Detroit Apprentice Worksheets on to: www.retirement.wellsfargo.com or call (866) 640-5138, you can Veterans are given highest priority as a thank you for their service. are available for download at http://bit.ly/Apprentice_Worksheets. also call the fund office at (248) 645-6550 with any related questions. If you do not have a printer you can pick them up during our monthly PLASTERERS AND CEMENT MASONS It is your responsibility to Metro Detroit and the Outstate programs differ slightly, below are meeting or contact Tom Ward at (586) 757-6668 to request them by fill out reciprocity forms if you plan on working out of the local 514 mail. For more information on the Detroit Training Center visit: common minimum requirements for both programs. You will find area. This will ensure that your hours are sent back to your home the complete list of instructions online. detroittroweltrades.org fund. If you have any questions, or need any forms, please contact LANSING TRAINING CENTER: To make your appointment the Local. for your annual RESPIRATOR FIT TEST or for other scheduled ap- Applicants Must: Please make sure your beneficiary information is up to date. Any •Remain drug and marijuana free, applicants must pass initial pointments at the Lansing Training Center, please contact Howard changes to your beneficiaries can be made at the Local. and random testing if accepted into program. Hipes directly at (517) 749-1102. If you have questions concerning your pension benefits, ROAD Go to https://www.michiganbricklayers.org to view the Lansing •Shall be physically cable of performing the essential func- BUILDERS can call: Toll Free at 1-877-876-9357 or (517) 321-7502. tions of the Apprenticeship program without posing a direct threat Apprenticeship and Training website and register future 2020 online PLASTERERS’ AND COMMERCIAL CEMENT MASONS can call: to the health or safety of the individual or others. training classes. (248) 645-6550 for pension and annuity, and Toll Free 1-877-876-9357. MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANCE: During this COVID-19 pandemic, •Have a valid Michigan driver’s license. All Plasterers and Cement Masons can contact (517) 321-7502 for •Pass physical evaluation. the IUBAC Member Assistance Program has a number of services health & welfare information now through Outstate Michigan Trowel •High School Graduate or GED, higher education a plus. available for free or at a discounted rate to BAC members and their Trades Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan. For the INTERNA- families. These confidential services can be seen at http://bit.ly/ TIONAL PENSION Call 1-888-880-8222 Toll Free or (202) 638-1996. MAP-BAC and are also available via telephone at (888) 880-8222 and ask for membership assistance Monday – Friday 8 am – 8 pm. These services were established and are intended to help get us through difficult life situations. FACEBOOK: “Like” Local #2 on Facebook “Bricklayers & Al- lied Craftworkers Union, Local 2 of Michigan.” E-MAIL ADDRESS: Local #2 wants to use every means pos- sible to communicate with you. Sometimes we have time sensitive information (such as job openings, picket lines, funeral arrangements and other such communications) that would be most efficiently done via e-mail. Please submit your address by sending an e-mail to [email protected] and in the subject line place “Local #2 e-mail address” then type your name, phone number and e-mail ad- dress in the body of the communication. We appreciate your time and effort in helping us accomplish this task. BAC 2 MI Texting Program: We have been communicating by text message more frequently with our membership lately. We en- courage our members to sign up to receive our text messages by -texting 2MI to 877877 -You’ll receive a confirmation text asking for your member num- ber (IU#) -Respond with your six-digit IU number and you will receive Local 2 Text Messages going forward! PENSION AND HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION: Brick- layers Metro Detroit Local Pension Fund (248) 641-4954 Detroit & Vicinity Health Insurance (Brick, Cement and TMT) (800) 435-4080 or (248) 828-6000 (dvtt.org) MI BAC Health & Welfare and MI BAC Pension (800) 531-2244 (outstate funds, michiganbac.org) Cement Pension Fund (248) 645-6550 (detroitcementmasons.org) CALL-A-DOC (800) 835-2362 (D&V Health Fund) International Pension/Annuity Fund (Brick, Cement and TMT) (888) 880-8222 or (202) 638-1996 (dvtt.org) 10 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN November 13, 2020 IBEW IBEW Local 948 LOCAL 557 IBEW Local 948 FLINT – The December Union Meeting is to be determined. Our November Executive Board Meeting will be held on Mon- IBEW Local 557 day, November 23rd, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. at the Union Hall. SAGINAW – MONTHLY MEETINGS. The November Member- IBEW Local 252 The December Retiree Club Meeting is to be determined. ship scheduled for November 10th was cancelled due to an alarming ANN ARBOR – THE BUSI- IBEW Please remember to vote. uptick in COVID-19 positive cases recently. The health and safety of NESS OFFICE WOULD LIKE Don’t forget to check our website for new content. Be sure to log our members and their families is the number one priority. We will TO WISH EVERYONE A SAFE Local 445 in to see all the new content. www.local948.com. continue to do everything that can possibly be done to continue to AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING! You can pay over the phone with debit or credit card. You can protect everyone. This Local and the surrounding community have The Business Office will be IBEW Local 445 also stop by the Hall during business hours (7am-noon/ 1-4pm) and seen cases rise swiftly lately. closed Nov. 26-27. BATTLE CREEK – The Gen- pay by cash, check, debit or credit card. Don’t wait till you owe a The next membership meeting is scheduled for December 1st. MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP eral Membership Meeting is the reinstatement fee (4 months behind). This meeting will go on if it can be done safely with little threat to the MEETINGS: We continue to second Monday of each month 2020 – Monthly Dues – Journeyman $43.70 a month – Appren- membership. The location of this meeting has yet to be determined. monitor new orders and direc- and starts at 5:00 p.m. at the Hall. tices, CE, Sound Tech $40.70 a month Please continue to monitor emails and the Local’s Facebook page for tives pertaining to COVID-19. Please make sure to wear your 2019 – Monthly Dues – Journeyman $42.70 a month – Appren- updates on the location to comply with the most current State guide- Decisions about membership masks. tices, CE, Sound Tech $39.70 a month lines for gatherings. meetings will be determined and Attention: The Executive If you are unfamiliar with our referral procedure please refer to At the Executive Board meeting in October, the hard decision relayed to you as they approach. Board is now accepting Letter of our website @ http://local948.org/job_referrals/ was made to not offer the annual Christmas meeting meal to the mem- CONTRACTOR CLASS: Interest for the E-board Alternate Don’t forget after 3 turndowns on the out of work list you must bership due to the COVID-19 risks. It is unfortunate to have to cancel We will be hosting Pro-Union position. come down to the Union Hall to resign. such a great tradition within this Local, but these are rare and trying Consulting to assist IBEW Local The Executive Board meets Gregory Remington times we are attempting to navigate through. Everyone should con- 252 members in becoming profit- the fourth Monday of each month Business Manager tinue to do their part to slow the spread of the virus by practicing able union electrical/ renewable starting at 4:30 p.m. E-mail and Re-signs: If the Hall does not have your e-mail ad- proper social distancing and wearing a mask in public to protect you energy contractors. This class will PLEASE HELP!! – The Hall dress it would be a good idea to send us an e-mail to and those around you. Proper PPE should be worn on job sites and be offered May 13, 14, and 15, 7:30 is asking for each member to [email protected] so we can add you to the e-mail list. This is a safety policies should be followed as well. a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please call the verify their address, phone num- great way to keep up with the latest information on job calls and UNION HALL OPERATIONS- The Union Hall continues to be Union Hall to sign up. We need a ber and email address that we other information sent from the Hall. open for in-person transactions. If you will be coming into the Hall minimum of 20 people for the class. have on file. We are looking into for business, a mask is mandatory due to the MDHHS orders. I urge CPR/FIRST AID: There will a texting and email service, and if all that come in for in-person transactions to also adhere to social be a CPR/First Aid class offered you would like to be included in IBEW distancing and the utilization of the service window in the main entry at the school Dec. 1 & 8. Class those correspondences, we need way if you can. Please try to take care of business remotely as much maximum is 10 people, more your current information. Thank Local 131 as possible to cut down on visitors to the Hall. James Lamb is con- classes will be added as neces- you! Serving Southwest Michigan Since 1916 tinuing organizing duties during at this time as well and if you have sary. Please contact the school Local Website - Please check any useful information for him regarding work or new members please to register (734) 475-1180. the Local 445 website for the lat- IBEW Local 131 feel free to pass it along. He can be reached at 989-529-5943. COVID-19 UPDATE: Local est information, including job KALAMAZOO – The next General Membership meeting will be BOOK SIGNING- Out of work lists can be signed for other Lo- 252 has had more positive postings. The Local 445 web ad- Dec. 7th, 2020 at 6 p.m. The next Executive Board Meeting will be cals through fax or email. This is to continue to cut down on as many COVID-19 cases in the last three dress is IBEW445.com. Nov. 16th , at 5 p.m. in-person transactions as possible. Contact your home local and weeks than we’ve had since this Respectfully Submitted, Due to the Governor’s current executive order, we ask that those request a correspondence to be sent to the Local you are interested pandemic started. Please take Wanda Secrest coming to the Local Union to conduct business, please wear a face in signing. every precaution to protect your- Recording Secretary covering. NEW WEBSITE -Local 557’s website recently received a refresh selves, your family, and others Work Outlook: The work outlook is strong. We expect to have and will continue to be updated. while at work or in the public. If a busier than usual fall continuing into the winter. If you are aware of 2020 ELECTION WRAP UP- IBEW endorsed Presidential can- your employment is disrupted interested electricians, working in our jurisdiction, please have them didate Joe Biden is now President-Elect Joe Biden. This win for the due to COVID-19, please contact visit www.poweringkalamazoo.com or call the office. labor movement would not have been possible if it weren’t for the the Hall so that we can ensure MJ Electric, Van Ert Electric, and KEI Electrical have all secured great support from this Local’s membership, as well as Union voters that you get everything that’s work at the Graphic Packaging Paper Mill expansion. These calls will all across the nation. Voters exercised their right to vote and we now entitled to you, and that proper require a Michigan State Electrical License, most calls right now are have an opportunity to set the agenda in this country for the next 4 protocol is followed for working overtime. years. Locally and within the State, more Labor-friendly candidates everyone’s safety. The LMCC has launched a new website, www. were elected to help the fight, such as Amos O’Neal as the 95th State Local 252 Website & App: poweringkalamazoo.com. This website will be used to highlight local House Rep and Christopher Boyd as a new County Commissioner. The Local’s website www. signatory contractors and used as an organizing tool. Follow us on The State Supreme Court should now be Labor-friendly with ibew252.org is up and running. Facebook @poweringkalamazoo, Twitter @PoweringKzoo, Instagram Judges McCormack and Welch winning election as well. And of There is also a Local 252 App @poweringkalamazoo, and LinkedIn @poweringkalamazoo. Please course, we are happy to have Sheriff Federspeil back for another available to download. Search feel free to share the wage calculator feature of this site. term. “IBEW 252” in the app store. You If you believe we do not have your email address or correct cell Voter turnout was huge for our Local and no doubt helped must create a new login and pass- Local 275 phone number, please email Christine at [email protected] Saginaw County “turn blue” this year. Many members also exercised word to access the Members Only Dues pricing - The price for dues in 2020 is $40/month. If you’re their option to vote absentee this year which no doubt helped voter section. Your login for the old IBEW 275 unsure about your balance, please call the Hall for the exact amount turnout. Now that we have election results, we must stay on our website is no longer valid. COOPERSVILLE: Dear or email Christine. If your dues ticket reads paid through, October elected officials to produce results to help us out. Policy changes SERVICE PINS: If you Brothers and Sisters: 2020 your dues are not current; please call the Hall. should start day one and we must not waste any time as 2022 will be would like your service year pin With the winter months ap- We have finalized our automated dues reminders, these remind- here before we know it. please call the hall to make ar- proaching, I have reached out to ers will be sent ahead of possible late dues. You may receive a mes- HEALTH CARE- The Michigan Electrical Employee’s Health Plan rangements to receive it. the Business Manager of UA 174 sage via text or email if you have not tendered your most current I.O. continues to cover 100% of the costs related to testing for COVID-19. TRAINING CLASSES 2020: to ask if we may be able to use Dues payments. Dues payments can also be made online, to log in During this pandemic, remote care is encouraged and Blue Cross ALL CLASSES CANCELLED their Hall for our monthly union use your Last Name and Card Number. members can call the 24-Hour Nurse Line at 800-117-BLUE. You may UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. meetings. He said there wouldn’t Life events happen, and we’d always like to make sure you have also want to inquire if your primary care provider offers telemedicine. M.U.S.T DRUG TESTING: be a problem with it, so the No- updated beneficiary forms. If you’re questioning whether yours is The Health plan continues to meet regularly via teleconferences to Please make sure your MUST vember meeting will be held at the up to date, stop on down to the Hall to get new forms. stay on top of the pandemic and update coverage as necessary. drug testing is current as you Fitters’ Hall, 1008 O’Malley Dr., If you’re interested in receiving updates from the Hall, please As you know, the Michigan no-fault insurance law changed ef- cannot work on a U of M project Coopersville, MI 49404 at 6 p.m. email Christine at [email protected] to get your email address fective July 1. Notifications were sent to each member from the Michi- or several other projects in the Masks and social distancing re- added. gan Electrical Employee’s Health Plan. This letter encouraged mem- jurisdiction without being cur- quirements will be in effect. Also, Retirements: Congratulations to the following retiring members: bers to purchase unlimited PIP to ensure proper protection for them- rent. Local 252 has a zero toler- please remember that we are Adrian DiVisser, July 2020. Michael Chaddock, May 2020. John selves and their family. The Health Plan will not offer Qualified Health ance for alcohol or drug use. guests in their Hall and they are Magnan Jr., May 2020. Robert S. Davis, June 2020. Roger Clark, March Coverage and therefore members must purchase PIP coverage. You ERTS: Please make sure that doing us a favor, so please respect 2020. Patrick Klocke, May 2020. Keith Moore, April 2020. William should discuss PIP coverage and other auto coverage with your you are signed up in the Elec- their property. Slater, July 2020. Thomas Vrobel, August 2020. Peter Spreitzer, Au- insurance agent. tronic Reciprocity Transfer Sys- We have recently been expe- gust 2017. Don’t forget to schedule your annual physical with your doctor. tem. You must be signed up in riencing a rise in the number of Condolences: With a heavy heart, Local 131 would like to an- By completing your annual physical, you could catch a health con- ERTS before working outside of members contracting the nounce the following members passing, Brother Dale Bothwell passed cern early and also help keep the cost of health care down. Register- Local 252’s jurisdiction or your ben- Coronavirus. If this trend contin- away on April 23, 2020. Brother Charles Krull passed away on May 3, ing on the Blue Cross/Blue Shield website is highly recommended. efits will not be transferred back. ues, I may have to limit access to 2020. Brother John Ingram passed May 2020. Brother Josh Batten Please take the time to visit www.bcbsm.com. Upon registering you Aflac Insurance: Aflac has the hall as we did earlier this year. passed away on July 24th, 2020. Brother Lawrence Shearer passed can take the Free Health Assessment test and find instant results that teamed up with the IBEW to of- Please take every precaution to away on July 18th, 2020. Brother William Cook passed away on Sep- can lead to living a healthy lifestyle. fer its members Aflac benefits at protect yourselves, your family tember 24th, 2020. Brother Walter Bunce passed on Oct. 19th, 2020. BLUE CROSS APP-Download the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of a reduced rate. Contact Repre- and others when on the jobsites, Sister Lisa Danielson passed on Oct. 20th, 2020. Brother Dennis Root Michigan app for your smartphone Search for “BCBSM” on the sentative Lisa Enerson for infor- at the Hall, while in apprentice- passes on Oct. 24th, 2020. Google Play app or Apple store. Benefits to utilizing the app in- mation about Accident, Cancer, ship class or in public. All Memorials and full obituaries can be viewed on the website clude: instant access to EOB’s, a virtual ID card on your phone, Critical Care, Dental and Vision I thank every member of 275 under the Memorials Tab. information on deductibles, explanations of coverage and other help- insurance from Aflac. Phone that made their voice heard in this FROM THE APPRENTICESHIP: ful tips related to your Health Care coverage. EOB’s can be down- number: (517) 306-0144. year’s election by voting. As you Journeyman Upgrade Classes: loaded to smart phones or computers and used to substantiate WEX AT&T Discount: Union are probably aware, the 2020 elec- Fall 2020-Winter 2021 receipt requests. members can save up to 15% on tion saw record turnout as we 2. Code Update 2020 S/S November 21 and 22, 2020 WEX APP- Search for the “TIC HRA” app in Google or Apple the monthly service charges of were hoping. While Labor made 3. State Exam Prep W January 6 to March 3, 2021 and download it today. Utilization of this app will give you access to qualified wireless plans, or unlim- some significant gains, there is, 4. Motor Controls W February 10 to April 14, 2021 account balances, receipt reviews and submittals, barcode scanning ited calling for $15/mo. for AT&T and will be much more work to do 5. CPR S February 13, 2021 for covered items, other helpful services. This is a great tool to ac- Wireless Home Phone plans. Visit and Local 275 will continue to be 6. Foreman Training W March 10, to May 12, 2021 company your Health Care benefits. UnionPlus.org/ATT with dis- a leader for working people. 7. CPR S March 13, 2021 JOB CALLS- Please stay vigilant checking the Job Line if you count code 4924966. Again, I thank you all. 8. CPR S April 10, 2021 are seeking work. All work calls for the day will be available on the Retirees’ Breakfast: The The following members are **Code Update Classes: it is now required for Journeyman to Job Line after 4:30 pm. IF YOU ARE SEEKING WORK don’t forget retirees’ breakfast is cancelled three months or more behind in pay in advance to hold your spot in the Code Update Class. We to CALL 989-781-0516, option 3. until further notice. dues: Jonathen Alviar, Matthew require 48 hours’ notice for cancelations if you need to reschedule STAY CURRENT ON DUES –Please check to see if you are Christmas Party: The Buikema, Timothy Davis, Joshua for another available Code Update Course.** current. The Hall has the ability to accept credit cards The credit Local’s annual Christmas party Erb, David Oberlin, Jeffrey Please visit our website www.kalamazoojatc.com or stop in to card service can accept payments for dues, merchandise, apprentice has been cancelled this year due Wagner and Andrew Wohlfert. sign up for the Code Update Class. September 3, 2020. Call Nicole at book payments and other purchases. There is a convenience fee to to the pandemic. For now on, all resign re- 269-388-4434 with any questions. use this service. Credit card payments to pay dues can also be ac- NOTICE TO RETIREES: If quest will be sent to gyonkers Drug Test Renewals: Please keep track of your drug test expira- cepted over the phone to ensure you are current. your 50-year commemorative watch @ibew275.org. The procedures tion date through www.safe2work4you.com. It is your responsibility CONTACT NUMBERS- Michigan Electrical Employee Pension stops working for any reason please are still the same. to stay current on your drug test. Please contact Nicole (269) 388- fund and Michigan Health Plan (517) 321-7502 or (855) 633- contact the Union Hall. Do not at- Regular meetings for the 4434 to get your authorization form printed for you to pick up. If you 4584. Fax (517) 321-7508, website mielectricalhealth.org. tempt to have it serviced yourself. EWMC and RENEW committees don’t want to come to the Hall to pick it up, please email Nicole and Evan Allardyce, Condolences: The Local are every month on the 4th Tues- request your form to be emailed to you. [email protected]. Business Manager sends our sincere condolences to day @ 6:00pm at the Union Hall Organizing: As much technology, as we use to track non-union “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out the family of Glen Haeussler, who in Coopersville and/or via zoom. electricians in our jurisdiction, often, our best resources are you the how far one can go.” passed away on October 29, 2020. Both of these are great ways to members. If you see a non-signatory in the area working at a location, –T. S. Eliot (1888 - 1965) CREDIT CARDS: The Lo- get involved with the local as well please let the Hall know. “Happiness isn't something you experience; it's something you cal is now accepting credit cards as the community. “The basic goal of labor will not change. It is — as it has al- remember.” to pay union dues. We accept Dues for the year 2021 will ways been, and I am sure always will be — to better the standards of – Oscar Levant (1906 - 1972) Visa, Master Card, American Ex- be $42.90 per month. Please make life for all who work for wages and to seek decency and justice and press and Discover. There is a fee adjustments when making pay- dignity for all Americans.”—George Meany of 3.5% to use your card. ments through mail and auto- Brian O’Donnell UNION DUES FOR 2021: matic bank payments. Business Manager/Financial Secretary Effective Jan. 1, 2021 union dues for “A” members will remain “Don't bother just to be bet- $119.25 per quarter. Union dues IBEW 252, continued ter than your contemporaries or for “BA” members will remain “A” members pay $119.25 per quarter for 2020. “BA” members pay predecessors. Try to be better $61.80 per quarter. $61.80 per quarter for 2020. Please mail your check to 7920 Jackson Rd., than yourself.” DUES PAYMENTS – Please Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Your fourth quarter dues (Oct. through Dec.) are –William Faulkner (1897 - look at your dues receipt. If your due now. Payments for fourth quarter dues will be accepted no later 1962) dues paid through date shows 9/ than 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. mcnicholsscrap.com detroitironandmetal.com 2020, your dues are not current. “He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” (313) 365-6100 (313) 841-5100 (Continued next column) –Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC) November 13, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 11 IBEW LOCAL 58

IBEW Local 58 IBEW DETROIT – The November Membership meeting will be held as scheduled Nov. 17, 2020 at 6:30 pm. There will be a limit of 50 people IBEW Local 692 (per MIHHS) inside the meeting hall with all others being in their Local 498 BAY CITY – Please note: In observance of the upcoming Thanks- vehicle and listening through the FM Station that will be posted that “Powering Northern Michigan giving holiday, the hall will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, day. All will have access to the microphone if they wish to speak. Since 1949” Nov. 27. Anyone coming inside the building must wear a mask, get a tempera- IBEW Local 498 Executive Board Meeting. The next E-board meeting will be Mon- ture scan, sign in, and maintain social distancing. TRAVERSE CITY – Meet- day, Dec. 7, 2020 at 6pm. VACATION FUND: Disbursement from the Vacation Fund is an- ings. Message from the Business Manager. Our annual Christmas ticipated to be transferred to your PNC Bank Stored Value Card or if IBEW Regular E Board- will be party has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. The deposit has you elected, direct deposited into your checking or savings accounts, held on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020 been moved to 2021 so please plan on attending next year. on or around Nov. 23, 2020. Please check the listed contributions LOCAL at 5:30 pm in person meeting. Please be vigilant in your efforts to stay healthy and safe from from your employers with your pay records for accuracy. A list of MEETING -The next regular COVID-19. Local 692 continues to have more and more members and contributions may be obtained from the Benefit Office Website, meeting is scheduled to be held their families affected by this pandemic by the week. Please keep all www.ewjbt.org by logging into your personal information and click- 906 on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 at 7 p.m. of our brothers and sisters in your thoughts. Science tells us both ing My Benefits then Vacation Benefits. If you require a paper state- WORK OUTLOOK – Work washing your hands and wearing a face covering will help the public ment, please contact the Benefit Office for a printout. If there is an IBEW Local 906 is picking up a bit. It was unex- from contracting this virus. Please contact myself or one of our agents error, contact the Benefit Office at (586) 575-9200 ext. 212. UPPER PENINSULA— pected but grateful it is here. If for any questions. I would also be very remised if I did not wish all of ATTENTION – TO UPDATE BANKING INFORMATION THE MEETINGS. our contractors pick up the work the Hunters good luck bagging that big buck next week. Please be FUND OFFICE MUST RECEIVE CHANGES BY October 23, 2020. MARQUETTE UNIT—First they are bidding on, it looks to safe and remember to tie off if you are in the tree. You may check your Stored Value utilization history by logging on to Tuesday be a busy year. There are cur- Work Report. With the pending presidential election and also www.pncpaycard.com and by entering your 16-digit card number listed IRON MOUNTAIN UNIT— rently open calls at PCA for COVID-19, work has slowed down. on the front of the card and the last four digits of your Social Security Second Tuesday Newkirk Electric, Master Electric Both Dodge and also CAM construction reporting systems have Number, also referred to as your Account Access Code (or AAC for ESCANABA UNIT—Sec- will have calls in Boyne City, shown few electrical projects to be bid as of late in our jurisdiction. short). Customer Service can be reached by telephone, (866) 453-5071. ond Wednesday Newkirk will have solar calls in Currently Master Electric is putting the final touches on electrical ATTN: ELECTRICAL WORKERS’ INSURANCE FUND PAR- PLEASE PROTECT YOUR- Cadillac all within a few weeks of construction at the Costco Wholesale Warehouse with the project TICIPANTS: As a reminder, to take advantage of the Annual Opt- SELF AND OTHERS BY KEEP- this printing. If you are on the expected to be completed in the next week. The wind turbine project Out window of the Plan for Jan. 1, 2021, the Benefit Office must re- ING 6 FEET OF PHYSICAL DIS- road please help man the work (grounding and bonding) located in and around the Rosebush is also ceive the form no later than Nov. 25. The Form can be found at TANCE. WEAR YOUR MASK here at home. coming to an end. Newkirk Electric is also in the midst of their fire www.ewjbt.org/Documents/Health Care Documents. Please feel free AT THE JOBSITE. FOLLOW PLC Class- There are 5 alarm project at Bay City Powertrain. John’s Electric out of Alpena to contact the Benefit Office at (586) 575-9200 with any questions. THE GUIDELINES ON HAND seats available. The dates are Feb has been awarded the Alpena Library project. Hardies Electric has a The Electrical Industry Training Center is offering Continuing WASHING AND WIPING 19 & 26 and March 5 & 12, If you nice project at the Atlanta Schools. Education classes. Please check them out at http://www.de- DOWN SURFACES. BE SMART, would like one please call the hall. Rest assured both organizers and myself are working very dili- troiteitc.org/continuing-education/.We will start to cancel classes if BE SAFE. TEE SHIRT ORDER – Tee gently to secure whatever work is being bid in our jurisdiction for our they don’t meet the minimum enrollment requirements, or more hope- The next MSHA class will be shirts are going to be ordered soon. membership. Work remains very good in Detroit, Kalamazoo, Ann fully we will order books for those of you who’ve signed up. Mem- via zoom on Nov. 24th. To sign Brother Ryan Lautner is working Arbor, and also Lansing. Please contact the hall if you would like to bers on the Storm Book must secure their training through the Con- up for any MSHA class please on a design and as soon as we get sign any books. tinuing Education Program offered by the school. If you need assis- call Ann at 906-226-6511 ext 4. that we will get them coming. Please stay safe and look out for your fellow brothers and sis- tance registering for a class call the Training Center at 586-751-6600. Class size is limited to 20 persons SWEATSHIRT ORDER – It ters. Local 58 Dues Information: Dues are due by the first day of the so if you need to renew your cer- was mentioned after the last Union Dues. Dues can be paid in person, via phone, by mail or quarter. You can now pay your dues with an APP. Go to Apple/ tificate make the call now and re- union meeting about taking or- automatic withdrawal from your bank account. We also accept pay- Google Play and download the IBEW 58 APP. In the APP go to My serve your spot in the class. We ders for sweatshirts. If you would ments via credit/debit card. Please note to use the credit card ma- Profile, My Member Tools and that’s where you find the information expect some sizeable work at the like one please call the hall and chine to process payments, there will be a 2% charge applied. to pay. You can also pay by phone with credit/debit or mail a check. mines this winter. we will start a list. They did not Monthly dues can also be paid on-line from the 692 website. At this time we are not taking cash transactions. Dues for the quarter The Health Plan has hired a appropriate funds for them but if Visit ibew692.net and log into the member section. are $124.50 without PAC and $128.50 with PAC. The Dues office will third party to make better use of you wanted one and paid ahead 2020 Dues (Effective January 1, 2020): be closed on Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th. coupons for prescriptions. Cur- of time, we should be able to do Monthly $41.20 • Quarterly $123.60 • 6 months $247.20 • Yearly $494.40 Have a Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of your family and friends. rently many of our members use that. It will depend on if we have To avoid a reinstatement fee, please remember to keep your Local No. 58 Benevolent Fund: The next Benevolent Fund meet- a coupon especially on higher a large enough order to make it dues current. ing will be Tuesday, December 1, 2020 5:00 pm. priced prescriptions which low- feasible. At the last meeting we Death of Members. We regret to inform you of the death of ac- Members of the Community Service Committee: The next meet- ers the members cost. There is a laid over funds to order more tee tive Brother Brent Lanczak, Card 7535540, who passed away on Octo- ing will be Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 5:00 PM. Our community coupon available for the Plan on shirts. If you want a different ber 29, 2020. Brother Lanczak was born on February 12, 1984 (36 service volunteers went to Forgotten Harvest Farm to complete a the prescriptions also. We will design please attend the meeting years old). He was initiated on October 29, 2015. Brent resided in change-out of fluorescent lamps to LED’S in the farm workshop/ take advantage of this option and to voice your opinion. Bay City, Michigan. maintenance barn. Thank you to Roland Aubry, Jim Hamlin, Norm help lower our cost. All members Covid 19 office hours – For #321. Local death fund assessment $5 each (due within 30 days) Jaworski, and Randolph Porzondek for donating their time and exper- will be contacted by mail and a your information the hall is open payable to: IBEW Local 692, 1300 W. Thomas, Bay City, MI 48706 tise on the project. A special thank you to Bayview Electric and to follow up by phone to let you to limited walk in traffic. To fol- REMINDER: the hall is closed to walk in traffic due to Covid- Dyane Haight of Interactive Energies Group, LLC who willingly do- know if there is a prescription you low state guidelines there is a 6- 19 concerns. Payments can be made online from our website, taken nated the LED lamps used in the barn. The Wobbly Kitchen is up and are taking where the coupon will foot distance rule in effect, so if over the phone, or mailed to the hall. running again and we are assisting them every 2nd and 4th Sunday apply. there is more than 1 person at a Retirees Lunch. All retirees lunches have been postponed. with food prep and distribution at Cass Park. We are asking volun- Van Ert Electric was the suc- time in the hallway outside of Fringe Benefits. REMINDER: if you have recently gotten mar- teers to show up at the hall at 8:00 am to help with the Wobbly cessful bidder on the Island Ca- Caroline’s window the second ried, divorced, had children, etc. make sure your beneficiaries have Kitchen program. To get involved with future community service sino project. A meeting has been person should wait outside or in been updated accordingly. Beneficiary forms can be obtained from projects contact Mike Conflitti or Rob Z at the union hall. scheduled with them to review the meeting room until their turn the hall. Members of the Entertainment Committee: The next meeting of their manpower needs and sched- at the window. Masks are avail- REMINDER: If you contact the Health Plan Office about going the Entertainment Committee will be Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, following uling for this project. More de- able at the hall for personal use on short term disability, it is important for you to notify the Hall as the Community Service Committee meeting that starts at 5:00 pm. tails as we proceed. as well as hand sanitizer and well. A copy of your paperwork will need to be submitted to the Hall IBEW Local 58 1ST Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat was a A record turnout for this cleaning supplies to be able to for your file. This will also freeze your position on the out of work list. huge success. Thank you to all who volunteered and joined us. There most recent election. No matter sanitize the restroom after you Organizing. Brothers and Sisters, as we slowly open the state was over 200 children and family members here to celebrate. Thank how it turned out for your side, use it if needed. So far Local 498 back up amid a global pandemic, getting out onto job sites to make you to the vendors Blake’s Cider Mill and Jack Townsend who sup- happy or unhappy, thank you all has not seen any confirmed contact with unrepresented workers continues to be a struggle. How- plied the pumpkins and décor. Each committee had “Boo-utiful” Hal- for getting to the voting booth cases with members that I know ever, we have made some great additions lately to Local 692 through loween decorations! See you all again next year. and exercising the right that so of and it would be nice to keep it our organizing campaign. Sometimes it just takes one guy to jump EWMC of Southeastern MI - Thank you to all of those who are many Americans died to provide that way. For extended stays or from the merit shop for his co-workers to see that they have been lied attending our Zoom meetings as we continue to navigate through and protect for all. business needs at the hall you to for years from contractors. these unprecedented times. The next meeting of the chapter will be A reminder that the monthly will be asked to fill out a health Our members are the biggest tool we have when it comes to on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 5:30pm. Please make sure your cell dues are $40.00. We have received questionnaire and take a tempera- organizing. Talk to that neighbor or family friend that has been work- phone number and your email address are up to date. The meeting some at the old rate of $39.00 and ture reading just like apprentices ing non-union. Tell him or her about the benefits of the IBEW and information will be sent out as soon as available. If you are not re- a few members are overpaying. do for class or applicants do for what we have to offer. You, the membership, is the greatest tool this ceiving the notices please make sure that your information is up- This makes the bookwork diffi- interviews, again to try and fol- local has to build those relationships. dated here at the hall. This election proved to be one of the biggest cult. Please if you have a service low State of MI safety guidelines. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me when you see a non- fights that we have seen for labor. that pays your dues monthly in- PAYPAL – PAY PAL is now signatory contractor doing work in your neighborhood. Our juris- Thank you to everyone who helped to elect candidates who form them of the correct amount. up and running!!! Please look into diction is huge and impossible for me to try and tackle this task alone. have our best interests as their agenda elected to office. We have Please remember that ad- setting up a personal PayPal ac- Don’t hesitate to pass my phone number along. Thank you. Brian been allocated funds to purchase coats for our children’s coat drive dress changes and phone count. The Pay Pal option to use Klele, (989) 252 9225. this year We may need to do things differently but recognize that changes along with new addi- for paying your dues is “pay RENEW Committee. IBEW Local 692 is working on getting a kids are still in need and we want to fill that need in our community. tions to the families need to be someone you trust,” if a different Renew committee going. For those that are unfamiliar, Renew stands Stay tuned for information. We will be working quickly to get this passed on to the Hall and the option is used it will deduct the for Reaching out and Engaging Next generation of Electrical Work- done. The Trunk or Treat/Movie Night event here at the hall was a Pension and Health Plans. credit card fees out of what is sent ers. This committee will be meeting the second Monday of the month success. THANK YOU to all of the volunteers and committee mem- If you have any information to the local for your dues. This at a rotating location for now. If you are 35 and younger and looking bers who showed up and showed out for the event. Photos are posted you would like to see noted in leaves your dues short as we are to get more involved in the local please reach out to the hall and we on the Local 58 app. this article or something you be- a not for profit business and have can get you the information needed. This is your local Brothers and Please continue to stay safe at work, home, and in the commu- lieve should be published please no way to absorb those costs. If Sisters, get involved! nity. #ibewstrong email the Hall with your request. you need help with this you can Ryan Charney The RENEW Committee meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m. [email protected] call Caroline at the Union hall. Business Manager / Financial Secretary The Safety Committee meeting is Monday, Dec. 14, at 5:30 p.m. JB Webb East and West- Our Important links & numbers The Veterans Committee is now meeting monthly immediately next Union Management meeting IBEW Local 692, 989-684-4510 www.ibew692.org after the Safety committee meeting the 2nd Monday of each month. Local 58 cont’d is set for Thursday, Dec. 17. We Health Plan, 517-321-7502. www.mielectricalhealth.org The Political Action Committee (PAC) meets the 1st Wednesday D. Hall, David Orbaczewski, Allen will again have the informational Michigan Pension Fund. 517-321-7502, www.michiganelectrical of each month Via Zoom. To be added to our email list please contact Schmandt, and Donna Viviano. meeting at the Little Traverse .org. First time logging in, use your Social Security Number in the “ID Jeannette Bradshaw (313-408-1287). PAC contributions can be made Members that have Passed Townhall right after work at 3:30 Box” through the APP, and at the Union Hall. You can contribute more Away: Frederick Garbinski, Pen- pm. I hope to have more informa- NEBF/ NEAP: 301-556-4300 than the $4 dollars that is suggested on your quarterly dues, but you sion member, 68 year IBEW mem- tion on work and layoffs. IO Pension: 202-833-7000 cannot exceed $175.00 per calendar year. The loss of our deduction bership; Willard Garrett, Pension Email – Please get an email cut our resources in half, and we would like to assist local candidates member, 55 year IBEW member- address to the hall so we can get and our members looking to run for office. ship; John Hentschel, Father to info out easier and faster, thanks. Local 498 cont’d Local 58’s Women’s Committee- Due to the Thanksgiving holi- Technician I Adam Hentschel & You can email your address to the or 1-517-321-7502 Fax# 1-517-321-7508 day, the next meeting will be November 19, 2020 at 6:00. We will con- JIW Andrew Hentschel; hall at [email protected] . Please MEEPP (MI Pension) 1-517-321-7502 tinue having our regular monthly meetings on ZOOM as needed. Frederick Kranich, Pension mem- put your name in the subject. (New address Michigan Pension and Health Plan) Please watch for emails with further updates and hopefully we will be ber, 65 year IBEW membership, Contracts - We have up- TIC International Corp., 6525 Centurion Drive, Lansing, MI 48917 meeting in person soon. If there are any retirees that need help with Father to the late Pension mem- dated Inside Wireman Contracts NEBF 1-301-556-4300 • NEAP 1-301-556-4300 • IO Pension 1-202-833- getting groceries or other essentials during this pandemic, please ber Randall Kranich; John P. available at the hall. 7000 reach out, we are here for you. You can email us.Email us at: Lents, Pension member, 59 year Dues 2021 – There is no DUES RATES [email protected], Follow us on Instagram IBEW membership, Father to Union Dues increase for 2021. Jan 1, 2020 - $140.10/Quarter @ibewomen58; Check us out on Facebook. Pension member John J. Lents, Effective Jan 2021 the rate will Jan 1, 2021 – No increase. Still remains $140.10/Quarter The Retirees Annual Florida Luncheon: Due to the uncertainty Cousin to JIW Alan Schoenherr; remain $140.10 per quarter. caused by the Covid-19 virus no plans have been made for the 2021 Kathleen “Katie” Mackey, Service Pins – Service Pins Florida Annual Luncheon. I hope you are all well, stay safe and I Daughter of the late Pension are still available at the union hall $$$ Top Prices Paid $$$ hope to see you at the next one. ~Syl Ludwic~ member James W. Mackey, Sister for those members who have not ALL TYPES of NONFERROUS and FERROUS SCRAP METAL IBEW Local 58 Retirees Association: Board meeting and lun- to JIW’s James P. Mackey & received them. Stop by and get • ALUMINUM • BRASS • COPPER • STAINLESS STEEL cheons have been cancelled until further notice. Please keep your Kevin Mackey, Niece to the late yours today! • EXOTIC ALLOYS • CATALYTIC CONVERTERS contact information up to date with our Group and with the Union Pension member Gerald Carney Made in America Websites • CARBIDE • HIGH SPEED STEEL • AUTO RADIATORS Hall. Send those email addresses to [email protected]. With and Pension member Joseph – www.theunionbootpro.com - C-19 being a part of our daily lives, it is still not possible to resume Carney; Edward Matchin, Pen- 100% American made/union COMMERCIAL CONTAINERIZED the social functions that we Retirees enjoy. If you haven’t paid your sion member, Technician I; made. Union member discounts RESIDENTIAL SERVICE INDUSTRIAL 2020 dues, please send them to Ray Owen, 428 Welch Road, Northville Donald “Digger” Odell, Father to 27% off. Use this code when or- PICKUPS MI 48167. Dues are $8 per person, per year. JIW David Odell; Dennis MONDAY-FRIDAY 8 A.M.-5 P.M. AVAILABLE dering. Be0498mD or order toll SATURDAY 8A.M.-NOON Be sure to keep the Union Hall updated with any changes to Smalarz, Pension member, 41 year free 1-800-723-5384. your phone number, address, and email. IBEW membership. Important numbers for you (248) 960-1200 IBEW Pension: Congratulations to the following members who We extend our sincere sym- to write in your address book: have been placed on International Pension: Matthew DeVuyst, Keith pathy to the families on their MEEHP (Health) 1-855-633-4584 MANN METALS CORP. (Continued next column) loss. (Continued next column) 1011 DECKER ROAD • P.O. BOX 711 • WALLED LAKE 48390 12 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN November 13, 2020

Local 36 Local 149 Elevator Local 1191 Roofers & Constructors Laborers Waterproofers Roofers 149 Elevator Constructors 36 Laborers 1191 DETROIT – Main Office – DETROIT -–ALL MEM- DETROIT – Due to COVID- Southeastern Lower Michigan – BERS ARE INFORMED that our 19, Laborers’ Local 1191 is mak- Regular Membership Meet- next regular Membership Meet- ing every effort to keep our mem- ing. The next regular membership ing was planned for Monday, No- bers and staff safe during this meeting is tentatively scheduled vember 23, 2020 at 5:30 pm, as time by limiting person-to-person for Tues., Jan. 5, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. of this printing we are having a contact at the Local Union Hall. The next Executive Board meeting in the parking lot only, The next membership meet- meeting is scheduled for Tues., we are seeking alternate ways to ing will be on December 04, 2020 Nov. 24, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. communicate if the weather does at the Union Hall 7:00pm. (NOTE Condolences. It is with great not cooperate or a venue to ac- there will be limited seating). sadness and heavy hearts that we commodate us. Any changes in Thanking you in advance for inform you of the passing of the this schedule or venue will be in- complying with the above condi- following Brothers. That’s a wrap cluded in future Building Trades- tions and please follow the Brother Harry Trombley, he AT WORK WRAPPING ducts at the Michigan State University STEM project in East Lansing man articles and emails. COVID-19 recommendations to was 76 years old and a 50-year are Anthony Ramos and Jason Ritter of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 47. They’re employed by Attention, our NEBA con- stay safe and healthy. member. Brother Trombley past Lake State Mechanical. The $100 million project encompasses 175,000 square feet, and the tract will be expiring July 9th of Members can now Pay Dues on 10/23/2020. conversion and integration of an old power plant on the campus into classroom and office space. 2022 so we will be having Nomi- online 24/7 on our website!!! Up- Brother Harold “Cat Daddy” nations for the Delegates for the per right-hand corner Pay Dues Blanks, he was 80 years old and a 32nd General Convention. At our tab, and follow the instructions… 41-year member. Brother Cat December 28th meeting, per the Check out our website at Daddy past on 11/1/2020. Local 47 International Constitution and www.laborerslocal1191.org .Im- The 2020 Commencement By-laws. Any Resolutions for the portant information about your Ceremony luncheon and the an- Heat and Frost next contract shall be turned into Local Union Also, on Facebook! nual Retiree’s Christmas and Insulators the Hall as per our Local Consti- At the November meeting Holiday luncheon have been can- Local 25 tution and By-laws before our the long time Officer and current celed. Heat and Frost February 22, 2021 meeting. Secretary-Treasurer Mark Pulice Website for announce- Heat and Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local 47 Attention all members, announced his retirement effec- ments, news, and updates: Insulators LANSING – * ELECTION NOTICE: The International General your 2021 Local Dues cards will tive Dec. 01, 2020. Brother Pulice www.rooferslocal149.com Executive Board has passed a resolution to allow mail-in nominating be sent to you in the mail. Per thanked the membership for al- Follow us on Facebook for Heat & Frost Insulators Local 25 of candidates for the upcoming election. A letter from President Walter Article 9 Section 1 the new cards lowing him to serve this great announcement updates @ United SOUTHFIELD – REMINDER: We Wilson has been mailed out explaining this procedure. Be sure to states the per capita increase. Local Union the past 30 years. Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, continue to be under the directive completely fill out the Nomination Form and to communicate with the Please fill out the new card when Dues: Beginning Jan. 1, 2020 and Allied Workers Local 149 of the International Union and member you wish to nominate as they’ll need to completely fill out paying your next quarter Dues. regular monthly dues are $35 for Reminder: Members please pursuant to that the Candidate Acceptance Form. If you have any questions, do not Attention All Apprentices, active members. Retiree monthly call the Hall when you see a roof- directive, the hesitate to contact the office. Apprentices should be accessing dues will remain the same $ 8. ing project whether it is one of NOVEMBER To combat and limit the spread of Covid-19, Local 47 encourages your classes on the NEIEP NOTICE: The Uniform Lo- our signatory companies or not. 2020 UNION all members to continue to work safe, and if you feel sick contact a website. Check your NEIEP email cal Union Constitution Article The Hall needs this information. MEETING has doctor immediately. address for additional informa- VIII sec. 4. The monthly dues are Members are reminded to been cancelled. Any retirees wanting to go to work, please call the office. tion frequently. NEIEP is continu- due on the first day of the month call the Hall (313) 961-6093 to put Continue to The Funds Trustees have waived the 79-hour rule. ing this semester with the format and unless paid on or before the their name on the out of work list. monitor the All members should have received a letter from our International of online classes and it is your last day of the following month, CLEARANCE CARDS: Are Facebook page regarding the Asbestos Exposure Scientific Study. For more informa- responsibility to stay current. the member shall be deemed sus- you scheduled to go out of town CURT for updates. tion on how to participate in this study, please contact Business Apprentices who have com- pended by the International for work in another Local’s terri- McGLONE WEBSITE: Manager Patrick Welch at the main Local 47 Office number: 517-708- pleted their classes should have Union without notice. tory? Clearance cards are needed The new 0665 received their invite for the We urge members to make when you are sent out of town to website is up and running. It can Per the Rules and Procedures: Mechanic’s Exam, check your their payments timely to avoid work. Get a clearance card from be located at: https:// Members must notify the office within 24 hours of being laid off home page at NEIEP. Monthly additional costs! the Hall and call the Local in that heatfrostinsulators.org. or charges may be placed. OJT Forms are still required of Retirees: Retiree Council’s area to avoid fines against you. APPAREL New Local 25 ap- Members must notify the office before ANY overtime is worked. ALL APPRENTICES! This is a meetings are the last Friday of the MID-MICHIGAN AREA – parel is available at the Union Contracts are available at the Union Office or at the Union Meet- requirement of the Department month. The meetings are held 11 Clio Office. Hall. New items include: knit hats ing upon request. of Labor. Do not put your appren- a.m. at the Local Union Hall lo- The next Mid-Michigan and beanies, new hi-vis short OSHA 10: Local 47 will be offering OSHA 10 to any Active Mem- ticeship in jeopardy by failing to cated at 2161 West Grand Boule- regular membership meeting is and long sleeved t-shirts and hi- ber who is not current with the program. The course is done online, fulfill your responsibility. vard in Detroit. tentatively scheduled for Tue., vis hoodies. Apparel can be so if you wish to take the course please contact the Local Union Attention All Members, MUST Safety Awareness Jan 12, 2021 at 6 p.m. at 810 viewed on the Facebook page. office with your email address and we will be more than happy to set Check your pay stubs regularly. Training: Please check the Tacoma Ct. Clio MI, 48420. EMPLOYEMNT CHANGES: it up for you. If you do not have a computer at home, you are welcome There have been issues with MUST website at www.must Mid-Michigan Training All employment changes; hire, to come to the Local Union Office to take the course. multiple Employers with im- online.org to see how many mod- Center Information. lay off, fire, shop change, disabil- To ensure all Active Members and Retirees are receiving their proper payments. The hours ules you have. Members are re- The Mid-Michigan Appren- ity, etc. must be called into the Robo calls please make sure you have not blocked the following you are paid should match minded to get your 18 modules tices will be as follows: Union Hall. The only way to number: (804) 441-8365. There are several members who have the hours toward vacation, benefits and keep them up to date also a Apprentice 1, thru 3- start on guarantee you are on the out of number blocked and therefore are not receiving the Robo Calls. These and expenses submitted. All current Drug Test. You can Monday, November 23, 2020 work list and your employment calls are only used for Important Notifications from the Local Union may request a copy of the time schedule an appointment to take Apprentice 4, thru 8-start on records remains current and cor- Business Manager and Funeral Notifications. If you are not receiv- you submit, according to Article your modules at our training Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020 rect is to call the Office – (248) ing these calls, please contact the Local Union Office and we will XI, Par 2. of our CBA. Any school by calling (734) 729-7005 All classes begin at 6:00pm 352-1850. double check to make sure we have the correct number in the system changes made to your time are or 517-625-4919 website www. Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Course LAY OFF/HIRE: Please be or if you may have blocked the number. to be documented and given to mltai.org. You can also contact will be held on Sat. Jan. 9, 2021 at reminded, all members shall no- Local 47 has been receiving a lot of returned mail from our mem- you, Article XI, Par 1. the Local 313-894-2241. 8:00am tify the Business Manager within bers. We ask that if you have a change of address or phone number We recommend all request a Also, check out the training Journeyworkers upgrade 48 hours after accepting a job or to please call the Local Union Office right away so we can update copy as issue with payrolls classes available to you at no classes to improve your skills, your upon termination of employment. your information throughout our system, TIC’s, and the with the seem to be rising, put in for cost. Note: classes & certifica- worth, and our Brotherhood/Sister- Failure to report will result in an International. It is very important to make sure your contact informa- check cashing per the Local Ex- tions contractors have been ask- hood is available at no cost to all automatic $50 fine. tion is always update with Local 47. pense Agreement. Document all ing for are, OSHA 30, Asbestos Mid-Michigan LU 149 members. S.U.B. FUND: Please be re- Anyone interested in joining the newly formed Breath Of Life tests that are due and only tasks & Lead Awareness, Hoisting & Dues must be current in or- minded, in order to receive a S.U.B. Committee is asked to please call the Local Union Office. you have completed. Keep all Rigging, Pipeline Safety, Class der to enter the Training Center. Fund check on Friday, all paper- Pension and Health Welfare: Larry Tolbert (269-345-8944) job logs current with this infor- A Cdl License, Asbestos Removal If you are interested in any work must be submitted to the Of- Allied Workers’ Local 47 Fringe Benefit Funds, 6525 Centurion Drive mation. Supervisors Licence, Confined of these classes, contact Rick fice no later than 2 p.m. Thursday. Lansing, MI 48917-9275. Toll Free Number: (800) 323-8079. Tele- All Members, Local 36 is Space Permit Required, Grade Baird at the Training Center, 810- SUB FUND TIME LIMITA- phone Number: (517) 321-7502 • Fax Number: (517) 321-7508 working with Local 85, Lansing Checking Blueprint Reading & 687-1368, or rickbaird81@gmail TION: Please be reminded, per Larry Tolbert will be available via phone to answer any ques- and the EIWPF in holding classes Measuring Tools, Gps Location, .com to make arrangements. the Plan Document: Each time a tions regarding Pension, Welfare and Vacation Funds. Larry is the on Monday nights, 6:00 – 8:00 all are available at the training When contractors call the participant receives a State Un- Secretary for the Pension, Welfare, Vacation and Special Benefits and pm. Reviewing and answering center. It could mean the differ- Union Hall for help, we need to employment check, he/she must can be reached by phone at (269) 345-8944, or by mail at: P.O. Box any questions pertaining to ence of being sent to work or not! know who is available, and have mail or deliver the receipt, check 19541, Kalamazoo, MI 49019. Michigan and Detroit Elevator Also please be advised: Per an up to date phone number. All stub, or a copy of the check to To all active members, if you have not sent in your Coordination Codes. Contact the Hall if you are the out of work list rules, all mem- Mid-Michigan Area members the Administrator’s office within of Benefits Form, your Spousal Form, or your Birth Certificates for interested. The link will be sent bers on the list must re-register who are out of work need to call 30 days of receipt of said State your Children, no one will be covered on our insurance until these to you for either online or phone your availability for work every the Hall at (810) 687-1368 to be Unemployment check. Any re- items are sent to TIC. Please call TIC immediately at (800) 323-8079 participation. The better you un- quarter and do so within the first put on the out of work list. quest for a benefit payment past and get the above-mentioned forms into the fund ASAP and you will derstand the codes, the better five days of the following months Submission time for this ar- the 30 days will be denied per the be reinstated retroactively you can protect your customers, March, June, September and De- ticle, 11/9/20, 2pm Plan Document. Remember that Auto and Motorcycle accidents are not covered your work and yourself. Knowl- cember (Roll Call). Your failure to In Solidarity, Brian Gregg, BENESYS: When calling the by our plan. Auto and Motorcycle accidents should be covered by edge is key. do so will result in your name be- Business Manager, Roofers Lo- Fund Office, Benesys, please be your personal Auto Insurance policy. Reminder, please keep your ing removed from the referral list. cal 149 sure to get the name of the person Members having questions regarding Pension and Welfare Fund State of Michigan and City of *Example: If your name is on the providing you information. Lately, please contact TIC International at the numbers below or log onto Detroit licenses current. list in April and or May and you Laborers 1191, con’t we have been experiencing some their Website: www.heatfrostlocal47benefits.org: The Hall would like to pass don’t re-register by June 5th your Save Time & Money: no incorrect information being pro- Please complete and return the working spousal forms to TIC. on its condolences to the Family name will be removed from the list. more checks or money orders to vided to our members. In order to JATC Coordinator Phil Wilson (616-466-8736) and Friends of retired Honorary Members are urged to report mail no more worry if it gets here make sure the correct information Applications are open for the Apprenticeship Program. Call the Brother Michael F. Mullet who new project starts to the Local on time, monthly dues can be de- is provided, it helps to have a name Union Office. passed away on November 6th, Union. Members working for a ducted from your vacation check so the Union Office can call Under Duties of Apprenticeship, Section 5.3 part L, page 4 of the 2020. contractor who may be looking and sent direct to the Local. Benesys, correct the person provid- Apprenticeship Standards states, “According to the Apprenticeship Get well wishes are extended to hire additional laborers are Please stop by the office to get ing incorrect information and find out Standards you are required to accurately fill out the online work re- to all our Brothers and Sisters urged to call the Union Hall and one of the forms or you may call why they are providing our members port for NO later than ten (10) days from the end of the current work who are on our sick list. Keep safe help a brother or sister get referred the office (313-894-2241) to with incorrect information. week.” and healthy. Be a Brother to a out to work. The next time, it may have one mailed to you. Members SICK AND INJURED: Please Good and Welfare: Brother, regardless of what Local be your name on the list when who signup for Vacation deduc- keep all our sick and injured mem- Get well to all our sick and injured members. they might belong too. that call comes in for work. tion and pay 6 months at a time bers in your thoughts and prayers. Condolences to the family and friends of Brian Parsons. Be Safe and Be Healthy! (Continued next column) will receive a 1-month rebate!!!

Abatement Workers Local 207 Updated, working tele- hold until an ok is given to applications. If you have any ensure the classes will occur TAYLOR – There are a lot phone numbers are necessary to proceed. All members will be questions about on-line appli- as scheduled. of upcoming projects slated for help you with work placement. notified by mail when the elec- cations or what states you may — All classes will be held at late fall-early winter so be pre- Do not get caught without the tion can resume. want to get a license for do not Local 207’s office @ 26453 pared for work necessary current job site cre- Work in other areas of the hesitate to call the office or my Northline in Taylor. during a time dentials, although several state region have been picking up cell. We are looking at schedul- — Classes begin promptly at when tradition- agencies have relaxed renewal over the last couple of weeks ing a new initial class for No- 8AM and end at 4PM, followed ally work is requirements due to the pan- in Ohio and West Virginia. Fall vember so please if you can by a Lead Awareness Update. slowing down. demic. outages in all areas in the re- recommend anyone that you If you are due to expire and When you do Ballots for the Business gion are on the horizon so know can handle this work have need one of these refreshers return to work, Manager election are in the make sure if you can travel them call the office to get an ap- now, please call the Taylor Of- Abatement follow all re- mail so vote and get those that you make sure to get li- plication filled out and sent in fice (1-800-207-5622) to register. quired Covid ballots filled out in time to get censed as soon as possible. so we can get them into the next —Class sizes are being lim- Workers KEVIN guidelines that to the ballot P.O. Box by De- With most state agencies class. ited due to state guidelines cur- MEAGHER may be in place cember 2nd. working from home during this UPCOMING ASBESTOS rently in place. Regional for certain The General Office still pandemic filling out on-line re- TRAINING CLASSES: Asbes- BE SAFE, WEAR YOUR sites. Remember to call in if you has a ban on Union Meeting newals is the way to go. tos Supervisor Refresher, Satur- MASKS, & FOLLOW THE SO- Local 207 are unemployed for help with and Elections. Our current They are processing much day, Nov. 21st 2020 8AM-4PM CIAL DISTANCING GUIDE- future placement. election process is still on quicker than traditional mail in Check with the Office to LINES! November 13, 2020 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN 13 Outdoors Growing clean- Labor gains with Biden, and adding allies to Michigan Supreme Court water engineers (Continued from Page 1) Michigan went for Kennedy). counting needed to stop in the •This year a whopping 3.3 By Suzanne Stone and states where he was behind – in- million Michigan voters voted Casey Warner cluding Michigan – or halt in absentee. This was the first presi- Michigan Department of states where he was ahead. dential election since state vot- Natural Resources “Today saw a victory not just ers in 2018 approved a measure Although small, snuffbox for Joe Biden and Gary Peters granting voters the right to vote mussels carry a lot of weight campaigns, but for thousand of absentee for any reason. During when it comes to the health of folks who legally cast ballots and tion, and 58-52 afterward. Dems this pandemic, obviously many Michigan’s fish and wildlife. deserved to have them counted,” picked up two GOP seats, while took advantage. A freshwater mussel that tweeted Michigan AFL-CIO Republicans picked off Dems in •Michigan’s 14-member Con- reaches up to 3 inches in length, President Ron Bieber. “That was two districts. One of those who gressional delegation will be split the snuffbox has been on the fed- heartening. But I was disgusted lost his seat was State Rep. Brian 7-7 after the results of the Nov. 3 eral endangered species list since by the Michigan GOP efforts to Elder (D-Bay City), one of orga- election. (It had been a 7-6 for 2012. They are known to exist in ‘stop the count” despite no evi- nized labor’s best friends in Lan- Dems, with 1 Liberterian who lost only 79 streams in 14 states and dence of wrongdoing.” sing. in the primary). Republican Peter one Canadian province. Voters in Michigan would •The 4-3 advantage by Dems Meijer (R-Grand Rapids) won “The freshwater mussels of have to flip both the state House on the Michigan Supreme Court Michigan’s 3rd Congressional North America have been identi- and Senate from Red to Blue in created by this election has been District, 55-45, defeating Dem fied as the most imperiled of any order to start the process of or- rare in recent years. GOP-backed Hillary Scholten. Fred Upton (R- major group of animals. Nearly ganized labor clawing back what justices have dominated the state St. Joseph) easily defeated a chal- half of Michigan’s native fresh- has been lost on our state – in- high court. “My re-election to the lenge from Democrat Jon Hoadley water mussels are in decline and cluding prevailing wage and end- Michigan Supreme Court is a vic- in the Sixth Congressional dis- are listed as endangered, threat- ing our status as a right-to-work tory for the people across the trict, 58-37 percent. ened or special concern. The pri- state. It didn’t happen in the state state who believe, as I do, that Haley Stevens won re-elec- mary causes of decline are habi- House, and state senators were the courtroom is a place where tion in District 11 (Wayne/Oak- tat loss from dam construction, not on the ballot this year. being right is more important than land counties) defeating siltation and impaired water qual- But on a national level, a being popular or powerful,” Eric Esshaki. Fellow second-term ity,” explains Michigan’s Wildlife change in the presidency offers McCormack said. “I’m proud that Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin de- Action Plan, a partner-devel- more of an opportunity for their votes are being counted and feated Paul Junge 51-47 percent to oped, strategic framework for change, including the expectation their voices are being heard.” get re-elected in District 8. conserving wildlife, especially at- that Biden will rescind all manner •Election turnout broke a Secretary of State Benson risk species, and their habitats. of executive orders and appoint- record in Michigan: more than 5.5 called President Trump’s lawsuit The plan identifies snuffbox ments made by Trump that have million votes were cast, vs. the to halt the counting of Michigan mussels as a focal species, with a taken away rights for union work- next-highest, 5.03 million in 2008 ballots “frivolous,” and Michigan goal of developing and expand- ers, reversed pro-worker progress when President Obama was Court of Claims Judge Cynthia ing the capacity to rear them in on OSHA standards, and stacked elected. Michigan Secretary of Stephens agreed, dismissing the Michigan. the National Labor Relations State Jocelyn Benson said that case. Biologists from the Michigan Board with pro-corporation 71 percent of all voting-age Benson called entire absentee Department of Natural Resources THE SNUFFBOX MUSSEL, a small to medium-sized mussel reach- stooges. Michiganians voted, second to ballot process conducted across and Central Michigan University ing up to three inches in length, has been on the federal endangered Following are some news the Kennedy-Nixon election in the state was “efficient, transpar- have started working toward that species list since 2012. The state DNR and its partners are taking and notes related to the election: 1960, 73 percent. (That year ent, secure and methodical.” goal with a project to propagate, steps to propogate the species. MDNR photos •Biden defeated Trump by a or rear, Snuffbox at Consumers 50-48 percent margin in Michi- Energy’s Webber Dam on the Consumers Energy’s executive Freshwater mussels are con- gan, giving the former vice presi- ESPER AIELLO LAW GROUP, PLLC Grand River, near the town of director of hydro operations. sidered aquatic ecosystem “en- dent our state’s16 electoral votes. Lyons in Ionia County. “This work aligns well with our gineers” as they not only filter Biden only won 11 of Michigan’s CMU student researchers hydro operations which produce the water but make food and counties, but his statewide vote recently added microscopic lar- clean, renewable energy and with habitat available to other animals, total was 2.78 million to 2.63 mil- Construction Injury val mussels called glochidia to our Triple Bottom Line to benefit increasing aquatic species diver- lion for President Trump. Specialists water with common logperch, a People, Planet and Prosperity, sity and abundance. •Democratic Sen. Gary Peters fish that acts as a host for a short which drives all our decisions at Mussels capture organic won by a similarly close contest Representing Building period of the snuffbox lifecycle. Consumers Energy.” matter from the water, processing in Michigan, 2.71 million votes to Trades Workers since 1988 The tiny mussels attached to the In addition to Consumers it to build their body and shell 2.63 for Republican challenger gills of the logperch, which are Energy and CMU, strong partner- and then excreting nutrients for John James. Peters’ victory Tim EsperWORKERS’ COMP Mark Aiello unharmed by their host duties, ships with the U.S. Fish and Wild- plants and depositing the remain- helped keep the U.S. Senate at a SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY and then the fish with the micro- life Service and the Ionia Conser- ing organic material to the sedi- 50-48 GOP advantage, with two scopic mussels were transferred vation District – which provided ment, making it available for other seats in Georgia headed for a CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LITIGATION to cages in the DNR’s fish ladder funding though the National Fish invertebrates and fish to eat. January runoff election. ESTATE PLANNING - ELDER LAW at the Webber Dam. Passage Program, with the Algae and insect larvae also “I am sincerely honored that This fish ladder, constructed USFWS’ Michigan Field Office attach to mussels’ shells and, the voters of Michigan have once Our associates also handle: in the late 1970s and early 1980s approving the project – made when there are large numbers of again put their trust and confi- UNEMPLOYMENT • ANY INJURY CASE as part of a Grand River migra- these efforts possible. mussels, they may become under- dence in me to represent them in tory fish project, allows steelhead The snuffbox mussel propa- water gardens that attract fish to the United States Senate,” Peters ASBESTOS/TOXIC EXPOSURES • DRIVERS LICENSE RESTORATION and salmon to ascend the river gation project location is up- feed. said. “As we look ahead, I am 3031 W. Grand Blvd, Suite 440, Detroit 48202 during their spawning runs. stream from where some of the Mussels are an important energized to keep working to The snuffbox mussels, species’ prime habitat was de- food source for many species move our state forward and con- (313) 964-4900 - (800) 881-8896 which dropped off the logperch graded by a covering of sedi- of wildlife including otters, rac- tinue putting Michigan first.” www.esperaiellolawgroup.com after they matured for a few ment, which entered the Grand coon, muskrat, herons, egrets •The Michigan House of weeks, will grow for approxi- River following the removal of and some fish. Their beds – Representatives had a 58-52 GOP FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION • VALIDATED PARKING mately 16 months in the cages Lyons Dam. Heavy rains flushed gravel and sand with occasional majority prior to the Nov. 3 elec- there. DNR and CMU biologists a large amount of soil into the river cobble and boulders – provide then will tag and release the where erosion-protective vegeta- habitat for fish, aquatic insects young mussels back into the river tion had been stripped during the and worms. at sites between Webber Dam dam’s removal. They also are good indica- and the confluence of the Maple The Grand River, which tors of aquatic health. According River to help increase the species’ Hanshue calls “a stronghold for to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- population. snuffbox,” is one of several vice website, “The presence of “This is the first time this Michigan rivers where the spe- diverse and reproducing popula- propagation system has been cies has been identified. The oth- tions of mussels indicate a used for snuffbox mussels in ers include the Flat and Maple riv- healthy aquatic system which Michigan,” said Scott Hanshue, ers in the Lake Michigan drain- means good fishing, good water a former DNR fisheries manage- age, the Pine, Belle and Clinton quality for waterfowl and other ment biologist who recently re- rivers in the Lake St. Clair drain- wildlife species, as well as insur- tired. “This project would not be age and the Huron River in the ance that our water is safe.” possible without the work being Lake Erie drainage. The website also discusses done by CMU, and we can’t The snuffbox is one of 43 the importance of collaboration thank Consumers Energy enough species of mussels in Michigan. in helping mussels like the Snuff- for their willingness to provide Mussels play an important box recover, saying, “The Snuff- space for us and the project role in aquatic ecosystems, serv- box cannot survive without help team’s equipment to work on their ing as natural filters as they feed from watershed partnerships to property, and for changing their on algae, plankton and silts and restore habitat and improve sur- operations to provide water help purify the water. face lands. … The voluntary as- where it’s needed, a necessity for “The neat thing about native sistance of federal and state this study to be successful.” freshwater mussels is that they’re agencies, conservation groups, Consumers Energy is mak- really efficient filter feeders so local governments, private land- ing sure water flows through the they will be filtering contaminants owners, industries, businesses fish ladder to support the project. out of the water,” said Daelyn and farming communities will be The energy provider normally di- Woolnough, one of the CMU bi- necessary to meet recovery verts water to the fish ladder just ologists working on the snuffbox goals.” twice a year — in the spring and propagation project. “They’re The collaborative effort to fall — to allow salmon and steel- taking all those chemicals and rear Snuffbox mussels offers a head to bypass the dam during keeping them in their bodies, and good example of the kind of part- their migrations. then when they die, instead of nership needed to help these little “It was an easy decision to releasing them into the water col- powerhouses recover. say ‘yes’ to supporting this umn like a zebra mussel does Learn more about how the project to aid the endangered when it dies, they’re actually bur- DNR manages Michigan’s fish- mussels,” said Neil Dziedzic, rowing it into the bottom.” eries at Michigan.gov/Fishing.

SNUFFBOX MUSSELS will grow for approximately 16 months in cages at the Department of Natural Resources’ fish ladder at Webber Dam on the Grand River. 14 THE BUILDING TRADESMAN November 13, 2020