Greetings from Mid-Michigan – The Great Lakes State!
Every member of Local 85 sends their condolences to all of the Local 1 members and the Patane family for the loss of Thomas Patane while on the job. Please slow down. This has to stop!
It’s hard to believe it’s already August and classes are starting for Apprentices and its three months away from taking back our state from the republicans that want to eliminate our codes, our rights and our work. The Michigan House wanted to let licensed builders install Stair Climbers and now the Michigan Senate wants to let anyone install them. We have codes in place to protect the riding public, but the Legislators want to help their friends and they do not care about safety! This is only one of many things going on in our state that will involve your family and job. As you know, Local 36 and I went to meet Mark Schauer to talk to him about our union, members and the educational program. We must have a Governor that will help the middle class and protect our work! Start looking at every person running for office in your area and let me know who we should be endorsing. Then get out and vote in November for the ones that support Unions and your family.
“There’s a direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box, and what the union fights for and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the Legislative halls”.
Walter Reuther
In June everyone went to work, this includes members who took withdrawal cards, retiree and three Probationary Apprentices that wanted to work. We originally put on four Probationary Apprentices; one quit because the job was too physical.
Every day, every second, every breath you take, think safety and keep your thoughts on the job! I want you all to go home every day, your family wants you to come home every day and you need to go home every day. If you wonder why I keep preaching safety go back to the top of this article and read the beginning again.
Take control of our trade from the companies. They pushed and mistreated many of you when work was bad. They cannot threaten you with your job, since there is no one on the bench. Why would you work for a company that threatens you? Do your job, but take time to be safe and do a quality job and if they have an issue with that then too bad!
NEIEP:
The welding trailer is in Detroit. I want to see it here in January 2015 so call the union office and get on the list! Why are you waiting?
Dates to remember:
No Union Meeting in August to enjoy some vacation time
August 22, 2014 State Test
August 28, 2014 JAC Meeting
September 1, 2014 Labor Day brought to you by your Union
Golden Rail Club
Kalamazoo: 8.6.14 First Wednesday @ 10:00 am, Theo & Stacey’s
Lansing: 8.20.14 Third Wednesday @ 9:00 am, Zeus Restaurant, 6525 Pennsylvania, Lansing
Grand Rapids: 8.19.14 Third Tuesday @ 9:00 am, New Beginnings, 1455 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids
The work Picture:
We are down about 79 members since the down turn and work is picking up.
In Unity There Is Strength,
Bill Kogelschatz
