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Brothers and Sisters, December has arrived and the work situation has not exactly improved over the last few months. At this point I have taken the rose colored glasses that I dawned last February and stomped them into the dirt parking lot in front of the hall. I do however hold on to hope that the vision plan affords me another pair for the New Year ahead. With the unemployment numbers at a staggering 120 mechanics and 30 apprentices, the need to be sure that we receive every dollar earned becomes one of utmost importance. We can accomplish this by reviewing our pay stubs on a weekly basis. This will ensure not only proper payment but the correct number of hours reported to the benefits plan as well as the correct amount of annuity and 401K contributions made weekly. A quick trip through your account @ massmutual.com can confirm that your employer is reporting your hard earn money properly. The Mass Mutual website is a more current way to review your funds as opposed to the statements that you receive quarterly. For questions regarding your account, you can reach Mass Mutual at 1800 743 5274. This is the time of year that we look forward to our hard earned vacation checks that are due on or before the 15th of January. Please be sure that your vacation amount corresponds with article XII Par. 1 of the standard agreement. We will be happy to answer any questions regarding article XII so, give us a call in the hall if you think that there is an issue. The local has been working hard to ensure that licensed mechanics are installing and maintaining vertical reciprocating conveyers in accordance to the state code in Massachusetts. We need the memberships help in identifying and reporting these units to the Department of Public Safety. If you have information on the whereabouts of any VRC, please give the hall a call. With more members taking advantage of Article X, the international has taken a proactive stance for 2010 and suspended the per capita paid by members eligible for quarter dues. This amount will reduce the quarter dues in Local 4 by $98 per quarter. Therefore, starting Jan 1st 2010 and continuing through the year, the quarter dues will be at a reduced rate of $52 for those eligible members. During this holiday season, we all enjoy the gift of giving. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize some brothers and sisters that have enjoyed that gift within Local 4 and more specifically with unemployed members. These unnamed constructors are those who have walked into the hall in complete anonymity and paid the dues of a random out of work member. They are also the constructors that have called on out of work members to help them in a variety of different ways not only financially but with donated time and effort. These brothers and sisters have unselfishly given to help out other members when they need it most and I take my hat off to each and every one of you. Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please make safety on the jobsite a resolution for 2010, that is one that we can all maintain. Fraternally Dave Morgan |