Greetings from Mid-Michigan – The Great Lakes State!
Pure Michigan!
Merry Christmas! It’s that most wonderful time of the year again. Everyone is busy getting ready for the Holidays, buying gifts, attending parties and spending lots of money. We hope everyone can slow down and enjoy family and friends during this joyous time of the year. And please be safe!
Over the last two months we have had guest speakers come in to talk to the members. Scotty Hultstrom from Work Preservation came in in October and had a meeting with members talking about our new State Test Forms. It was a very informational class and I’m sure we all got a lot out of it. Last month we had Vance Ayres here from the International. He talked at our Union Meeting about contributing to the NECPAC Fund and starting your 401(k). He also went over the pension crisis. We appreciate both of these guys coming in to talk with our membership and keeping us informed. The International and Work Preservation both have great programs in place.
Starting with the 1st Quarter of 2019 we will be lowering dues so think about putting that extra money into your 401(k) which is an account no one but you can touch and the NECPAC Fund which will be investing in your future. You will also be getting a raise on January 1st to add to it.
Here in the State of Michigan we have state licensing, therefore every construction and mod job needs a permit before the work can start. Quoted from the Michigan Elevator Rules – “A person shall not install or alter an elevator without first obtaining a permit from the Department”. If you have any questions on whether you need a permit or not, please call the Hall. Under Article IV, Work Jurisdiction in our Master Agreement, the assembly of all cabs complete shall be done exclusively by Elevator Constructors. Any questions on this, please call the Union Hall. Speaking of State Licensing, I have recently been appointed to the Elevator Safety Board in this great state of Michigan. Thank you to all that had a hand in my appointment by the Governor.
Work is still very busy. We have sixteen Probationary Apprentices working. James Galloway and Joe Gibbons were sworn into the Union at last month’s meeting. Scott Nieto, Tyler Butcher and Tyler Shaw were sworn in at the October meeting.
Safety, Safety, Safety! I’m sure we have all heard about the last fatality in Local 93, Nashville, Tennessee. It wasn’t even a full month since the last fatality. I don’t even know what to say anymore except the same, please be safe and pay attention at all times. This has got to come to an end. Every morning before starting work, take a minute to go over the Focus Four for a reminder to be safe all day.
Dates to remember:
December 13, 2018 Westside Get-Together @ 4:00 pm at Ironwood
Bar & Grill, 2501 Wilson Ave, NW, Grand Rapids
December 20, 2018 Traverse City Meeting
December 21, 2018 UP Meeting
December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve
December 25, 2018 Christmas Day – Paid Holiday
December 31, 2018 New Year’s Eve
No Union Meeting in December!
Big Buck Contest:
I almost forgot about the Big Buck Contest. It wasn’t in last month’s article, so here it is. Please send in your photos of your Michigan buck taken this season. We need the number of points along with the inside spread. All pictures must be turned in by January 4, 2019 to the Union Hall.
Golden Rail Club:
Kalamazoo: 12.5.2018 First Wednesday at 10:00 am, Theo & Stacey’s, (by the airport) Portage
Grand Rapids: 12.17.2018 Third Monday at 9:00 am, New Beginnings, 1455 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids
Lansing: 12.19.2018 Third Wednesday at 9:00 am, Zeus’ Restaurant, 6525 Pennsylvania, Lansing
Communication is the key to our success. Input by everyone is needed. This is your Local. Please get involved! If we all communicate, we will be a lot stronger and more successful.
Work Safe,
Mike Janca
