Greetings from Mid-Michigan – The Great Lakes State!
Eight months until we elect a new President and take back our country from the no good do nothing Congress in control now. We want to thank the International for sending the Local two checks for US House Representatives that support labor and our families. It’s time to get up and fight for our benefits and families. Your personal beliefs are a personal issue for each of you, only vote for people that support your work, pension, healthcare, Unions, prevailing wage, Building Trades, workers compensation, social security and the removal of RTW. I will only share the issues that support our trade and our families; actually the two are the same. If we don’t get together in voting in politicians that support those things listed we could lose the things we take for granted. Without our union and benefits we will just be another low wage earner trying to keep our families a float. Things that do with the church I will do in church, feelings on gays are mine, thoughts on guns are mine alone, these are my personal choices, they will have nothing to do with the way I vote. Nothing is more important than my Union and my family because without my Union I cannot take care of my family.
Things are busy around here with our new building, resolutions and everyday operations. In four months we will be at the convention making decisions on what we want and need in our contract. Our contract ends in sixteen months! It’s not as far off as it may sound, so if you’re not prepared for the worst get ready. No one knows what will happen this early, but putting away money to support the family will not hurt. If the end of the contract comes and there are no issues and it gets signed, take the family on a vacation, buy a new car, whatever. If it goes bad, you will be ready. Many Locals are asking each other about what they are putting into resolutions and comparing them to what they have written or are thinking about writing. It’s great to see so many members aware of the importance of the convention and getting involved.
As I said earlier in the article, we moved into our own building. There’s an amazing feeling of pride from all the members. We have to do some work to make it great and we are excited to get started. Our goals are to make it an amazing NEIEP training center, to have offices and a meeting hall that others will be envious of.
UNION STRONG & PROUD!
Dates to remember:
March 2, 2016 Gaylord Meeting
March 3, 2016 Marquette Meeting
March 11, 2016 State Test
March 17, 2016 JAC Meeting at 9:00 am
March 29, 2016 Union Meeting w/dinner
June 24, 2016 State Test Application deadline
NEIEP:
Sign up for a Continuing Education Class.
Golden Rail Club
Kalamazoo: 3.2.2016 First Wednesday at 10:00 am, Theo & Stacey’s
Lansing: 3.16.2016 Third Wednesday at 9:00 am, Zeus Restaurant, 6525 Pennsylvania, Lansing
Grand Rapids: 3.15.2016 Third Tuesday at 9:00 am, New Beginnings, 1455 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids
In Unity There Is Strength,
Bill Kogelschatz
