Greetings from Mid-Michigan – The Great Lakes State!
During April and May a member and several retirees have passed away. Every person in the Local sends their condolences and has the families in their thoughts and prayers. It’s nice to be able to start this month out on a happy note; Chuck McDiarmid has a beautiful new daughter, Layla May, 6 pounds 13 oz, 19 inches long. Her photo is in the front of the journal.
Politics and more politics seem to be the direction of my days lately. The Michigan Senate and the House Reps want to deregulate or give away our trade. Michigan Senators and House Reps have no idea what we do to protect the riding public and our high level of skill. I know you don’t want to get involved in politics, but now is the time while we still have a voice.
I had a meeting with Mark Schauer at the beginning of June; I hope he will be the next Governor of Michigan. Mark wants to repeal Right to Work, he knows a strong union brings good wages and strengthens the middle class. We spoke about how the state Senate and House are eliminating codes that provide a safe environment for Michigan’s residents. Let’s not forget Snyder’s tax increase on retirees, cutting school funding and cutting unemployment benefits! We must get Mark elected or the middle class as we know it will be destroyed.
If you think it’s wrong to buy votes you are right, but welcome to the real world. When I send out an email asking people to contact their Senator or House Rep, only 2 or 3 of you will contact them. This is how I see it, “the squeaky wheel gets the oil”! I know the PAC Fund is not popular, but we need it for self-preservation. Look in the back of your Master Agreement and you will see a tear-out page. Fill out $ .05 per hour and that only equals $ 2.00 per week or $ .10 per hour equals $ 4.00 a week for the PAC and it will be sent to the International PAC Fund. It’s not big money, only a couple dollars a week. We all need to protect our wages and benefits. I put in $10.00 a week because I see what is happening every day to cut wages, cut benefits, destroy codes and undermine the middle class as we (blue collar) know it.
“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 hall.”
Walter Reuther
NEIEP:
The welding trailer will be here soon to provide training for all the members. What are you waiting for? This is the best trade and we need to be the best Elevator Constructors we can be and that includes being a certified welder. Call the Union Office and get on the list.
Dates to remember:
Our Regional Director Dale Coalmer will be at the June Union Meeting to give out service awards and keep you informed.
July 4, 2014 Independence Day
July 24, 2014 JAC Meeting @ 9:00 am
July 25, 2014 Application deadline for State Test
July 29, 2014 Union Meeting @ 6:00 pm & BBQ @ 5:00 pm
August 22, 2014 State Test
No Union Meeting in August so we can enjoy some vacation time
Golden Rail Club
Kalamazoo 7.2.14 First Wednesday @ 10:00 am, Theo & Stacey’s
Lansing: 7.16.14 Third Wednesday @ 9:00 am, Zeus’ Restaurant, 6525 Pennsylvania, Lansing
Grand Rapids: 7.15.14 Third Tuesday @ 9:00 am, New Beginnings, 1455 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids
In Unity There Is Strength,
Bill Kogelschatz