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Greetings from Local One,
There was a union meeting held Thursday, May 15th and it was a great example of the system within our union working. After reading a proposal to amend an article to our local constitution at each meeting, three times previously, the floor was open for debate. Brother John Green chaired the discussion, filling in any gaps with facts, adding insight when needed and generally keeping the mood light. The author and others argued the pro stance to the amendment, others argued to the contrary. When all was said and done, and the votes were tallied, the 2/3rd majority needed to ratify the amendment was not reached. Is this story about whether or not the amendment went through? Although the outcome of the vote was victory to some and a disappointment to others, this story is about process and participation! Each and every one of us had a part in it that night, and either way that vote would have gone I was thankful to be a part of it.
In April, there was a rally at Ground Zero to support the men and women who bravely volunteer to join the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard. These soldiers proudly defend our country. Whether it is protecting the lives and homes within our geographical borders, or going overseas to irradicate a tyrant who may potentially bring terrorism to us. Some of these soldiers know they will have to lay their lives down; still they serve proudly. A few members of Local One and the other building trades of NYC and the surrounding areas, (a few thousand!) wanted to say “THANK YOU AND WE APPRECIATE WHAT YOU ARE DOING.”
Within our own membership we may have brothers and sisters who have selflessly put down their construction helmet to pick up a combat helmet. Over the next few months we will be highlighting these brothers and sisters just to let you know what they are up to and where they are. We pray for their good health and safe return.
Pictured below is Staff Sergeant Jim Dana standing aboard a C5A cargo aircraft. Jim is an E-5 in the Air National Guard and stationed at Stewart 105th Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. Before working on Electro Environmental Systems in the Guard, Jim was working in construction for Otis Elevator, in the Port Washington , NY office. Jim comes from a strong elevator family with his proud dad still working for Otis and his wife, Kate 5 months along , waiting for possibly the next generation of elevator constructor. From all of us back here at Local One, thanks Jim. Come back home soon.
On April 27th the Local One Bagpipe Band held a party. Judging from the smiles on the faces of everyone, and the pace the bartenders were working, I’d have to say the party was a success. The highlight of the party was the raffle and of coarse the band. Next Year should be even a bigger success. Pictured below are Chris Higgins and Danny Long. They seem to be enjoying the festivities of the day.
There was a rally at the Kulka Construction site on Marcus Avenue in Lake Success. A thousand workers or more protested their non-union hiring practices, sub-standard wage and benefits, lack of safety requirements and procedures. While we were there on the street protesting, cranes were hoisting oxygen tanks, unsafely secured upside-down. Pictured below is Joe Nolan with some of the brothers and sisters that were at the rally.
In December of 2002 one of our brothers was involved in an accident, resulting in a fatality at Goldman Sachs, in Jersey City. The accident is under investigation by the Local One and Otis Elevator at this time. Please, brother and sisters, WORK SAFE.
I would like to introduce myself to the brothers and sister from Local One, who may not know me, and to the other locals across the country that may take an interest in what’s going on in Local One. My name is Tom Vasak and I am deeply honored to be the new correspondent writing for Local One in The Elevator Constructor. My wife Debbie Carr Vasak and I are both elevator mechanics, and love what we do. If there is anyone who may want to contribute something to this article, please do not hesitate to contact me through the hall or through my e-mail address duckgoos@optonline.net
50/50 winner. Walter Ludwig
Sickness Gerard Browne, Stephen LePorisz, Robert Loiacono, Lawrence Mesita, Edward Olsen, Emanuel Sotirhos, Jack Stack
Deceased Peter Fuerst (retired) Thomas Gartley (retired), James McShane (retired), Anthony Regino (retired) and Ray Kelim (active permit)
“E Pluribus Unum”
“ Out of Many, One”
In unity
Tom Vasak
Posted Online June 13, 2003
