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Happy New Year from New York & New Jersey,
I hope everyone had healthy and happy holidays. Work in our area is holding its own. With New York in the race for hosting the 2012 Olympics the work outlook is getting better. Although the final decision will not be made until 2005, some work should start before then to be ready for 2012.
An issue that has come up recently is hoisting. This really should not be an issue. We hoist our material. It is not to be taken up on the outside hoist. Naturally, the items needed to start the job, such as safety lines, rope block and rope can go on the outside hoist. If there is any question, call the hall. Hoisting is a large part of our work. We have enough trades trying to claim our work without giving up our bread and butter.
The 4% deferral limit has been lifted on the 401 (k) plan. We are now able to defer $12,000 in 2003. If you are enrolled in the 401 (k) plan, I urge you to increase your contribution. If you are 50 years or older, you can defer up to $14,000. It is never too early to start saving for retirement and it's never too late. Check with a financial or tax professional, you might be surprised how deferring more will actually save you money at the end of the year.
At the November union meeting, we had a guest speaker from a law firm on workers compensation. Without giving a free commercial for lawyers, if you are injured on the job there are a few things you should do. Report the injury to your supervisor, seek medical attention and contact a workers compensation attorney. The fees for the attorney are set buy the courts, 15% of the award. The information for the attorneys that spoke at the meeting will be available on the Local One web site, located in the yellow pages.
Political: As a result of the latest election in the House and the Senate, we now have a Department of Homeland Security. I find it ironic that some 800,000 workers in 22 Federal agencies have lost their job security. For some unknown reason the Bush administration thinks belonging to a union will cause problems with National Security or with their ability to respond to terrorist acts. If I remember correctly, on September 11, 2001 when the planes crashed into the World Trade Center, union members by the thousands went down to Ground Zero to do whatever was needed without regard for their own safety. Our own Chuck Costello was one of them. It was union fire fighters who put the fires out, union police who took control of security and union construction workers who completed the clean up ahead of schedule.
To add insult to injury, the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) successfully lobbied to strip Davis-Bacon provisions from the Homeland Security Bill. Any construction being done under Homeland Security will now be able to go out to the lowest bid. That does not make me feel secure. So far the present administration has succeeded in killing PLA's for federally funded projects, taken away the rights of 800,000 workers to collectively bargain and stripped Davis-bacon provisions from construction work being done on 22 government agencies. If that does not make you want to get involved, I don't know what will.
On the political bright side, with the help of the Building and Construction Trades, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act was passed and signed by President Bush. This should open the door to about $15 billion in construction spending.
Local One extends its sincere condolences to the Nolan family in the untimely passing of William Nolan.
Sick/Hurt: Edward Cristosi, Micheal Duwe, Charles Gadson, Ed Hernandez, Eric McAlister, James Nix Jr., David Noerling, Victor Protasiewicz, Michael Williamson and Charles Wilson
Retirees Corner: We have a new addition to our retirees, Brother Billy Wallace. Billy has been retired for a few months and remains as active in the local as ever. We wish you all the best. Pictured below are some photos from Billy's retirement party.
Quote of the Month:" Life consists of not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well"- Josh Billings
Fraternally,
Mike Duffy
Posted Online December 8, 2002
