|
Hello from New York & New Jersey,
At the time of this writing the war with Iraq is about a week old. Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women who are called to serve our country. At the May regular meeting, there will be a vote on a constitutional change. Please make every effort to attend, so that you can hear all points of view and make an informed decision. We finally had good weather for the Saint Patrick's day Parade. Pictured below are a few Brothers & Sisters getting ready to march up 5th Avenue.
A few months ago I mentioned the need to call jobs in, and that situation has been much better. There is also a need to call the hall when you are laid off or out of work because of a disability or workers compensation. For whatever reason, some Brothers and Sisters fail to call the hall to report that they are on disability or workers compensation. The result is a termination of medical benefits months earlier then if they had called and let the hall know their status. If the plan thinks you are working and no contributions are being made on your behalf, you will lose benefits long before you would have if the working status was reported right away.
Political: A Bill has been introduced in Albany that would require the licensing of elevator contractors, mechanics and inspectors. The bill requires applicants to prove at least three years experience, passing the mechanics exam and successful completion of a nationally recognized training program for the elevator industry such as the National Elevator Industry Educational Program or its equivalent. The program must be registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U. S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Council. There is a provision in the bill for temporary mechanics when there is a shortfall of permanent licenced mechanics to perform the necessary work. The commissioner shall also establish requirements for continuing education and training programs that shall consist of not less than eight hours of instruction. The bill has to pass the State Senate and Assembly and then be signed into law by the Governor. We will have to wait and see what attachments, if any, are added to the bill before being voted on.
Safety: I am sorry to report the passing of Brother William Linton, who lost his life in a job site accident on March 27, 2003. Only three months earlier we mourned the loss of Brother Dan McQuillen, who also lost his life in a job site accident. Somewhere along the line the safety procedures that were put in place failed. The loss of even one life in order to earn a living is completely unacceptable. The true devastation of which will be felt by the families and friends for the rest of their lives. I feel like I have said it a hundred times, but I will say it again. If there is any question in your mind as to the safest way to perform the work assigned to you, call the hall. The most important part of our job is to be able to walk out of the building and go home to our families.
Retirees Corner: Joe Nolan recently went to Florida on vacation and spent some time with some Local One retirees who have relocated to the Sunshine State. Pictured below are Bob Riordan, Frank Haggerty, Joe Nolan, Dan Roche Jr. Rich Hannigan, Don Ricchia, Tom Bennett, Terry Freeman and Tom Macchia.
Donations: Rich Vosseler donated $100.00 to the Local One Scholarship fund. The Tradesmen's Fraternal Association donated $500.00 to the Local One Scholarship Fund.
Sick/Hurt: John Cuesta, Joseph Kirshy, Vern Koontz and John Mitchell.
Local One extends its sincere condolences to the families of the following departed Brothers: William Linton (active), Al Aresco (retired) and Gene Herbert (retired).
Quote of the Month: "The surest way to avoid criticism is to do nothing" - Unknown
Fraternally,
Mike Duffy
www.iuec1.org
Posted Online April 6, 2003
