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E-MAIL Local4@iueclocal4.com    WEB SITE http//www.iueclocal4.com

APRIL    MAY    JUNE     2008

APRIL

NOTIFIED UNION MEETING

MONDAY APRIL 7, 2008 -- 7PM

The April meeting will be a Notified Meeting for the Nomination of Officers for the ensuing year.

VOTING IN MAINE: Friday May 2, 2008 at the IBEW Loc. 567, Lewiston, ME

Voting hours: 6:30PM-8:30PM

 

MAY

NOTIFIED UNION MEETING

MONDAY MAY 5, 2008-- 7PM  

The May meeting will be a Notified Meeting for the Election of Officers for the ensuing year.

Voting hours: 5:00PM-8:00PM

 

    JUNE

 

NOTIFIED UNION MEETING

MONDAY JUNE 2, 2008-- 7PM

If a run-off election is necessary, a notified meeting will be held on Monday June 2, 2008.

   

 

All meetings will be held at 50 Park Street, Dorchester
NOMINATIONS OF OFFICERS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

PRESIDENT: two(2) year term

BUSINESS REP./FIN. SEC.: three (3) year term

RECORDING SECRETARY: two (2) year term

EXECUTIVE BOARD: three (3) year term

TRUSTEE: one (1) year term

CORRESPONDENT TO JOURNAL: one (1) year term

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: one (1) year term

TRUSTEES' MEETING:

 

The Trustees' Meeting will be held on Wednesday April. 30, 2008 at 5:30 PM at the Union Office.

MAINE UNION MEETING:

IBEW Local 567 -238 Goddard Rd., Lewiston

2nd Friday of the Month

 6:00PM

Will notify if there is a change. 

 

ATTENTION MEMBERS!!!

To receive the latest and most up to date information regarding Happenings of the IUEC, all you must do is sign onto the ALERTS and HAPPENINGS link through the Local 4 Web Page or email your name and email address to Local4@iueclocal4.com.  

Also all those already signed up, please make sure your email address is current.

        

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Good Luck and Good Health to recent Local 4 Retirees!

Walter A. Johnson                      45 yrs. of service

Charles D. LeBlanc                     45 yrs. of service 

Albert D. Olson                            43 yrs. of service

Gene P. Piermattei                       35 yrs. of service

Leonard A. Veno                         43 yrs. of service

DUES: Due on or before April 1st, 2008.  

 

MECHANICS & APPRENTICES:

Dues:                        $405.00                         1/4 Dues         $112.50             

PAC:                             25.00                         D/B                     25.00                         

                                   ______                                                  ______           

                                                                                                                          

TOTAL                     $430.00                         TOTAL          $137.50

12th Annual Golf Classic

Saturday June 21st, 2008

Pembroke Country Club

Tee-Off at 1:00pm

Call the Hall and get your 4-somes in!

In Memoriam

WILLIAM C. SHERMAN           12.24.07           75 YRS. OF AGE

 LEO R. LAYDEN                        01.27.08           66 YRS. OF AGE

JOSEPH H. SARDY                     02.27.08            74 YRS. OF AGE

ATTENTION MEMBERS!!!

To receive the latest and most up-to-date information regarding Happenings of the IUEC, all you must do is sign on to the Action Alerts link through the Local 4 web page or by emailing your name and email address to Local4@iueclocal4.com

 

HOLIDAY

 

APRIL

Monday, April 21, 2008

PATRIOTS DAY--UNPAID HOLIDAY

 

MAY

Monday,May 26, 2008

MEMORIAL DAY -- PAID HOLIDAY

 

Any work performed on these days is to be paid at double time rates -- all states.

 

ATTENTION MEMBERS

In regards to your dues payment:

With the new process of Local 4 scanning checks, funds from your checking account may be withdrwan from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment.  Please keep this in mind and make sure there are enough funds for your dues payment in order to avoid any additional fees from a returned check.  Please also note that through the scanning of the check, you will no longer be receiving your paper check back from the bank.

 

2008 Holiday Schedule:

Tuesday, January 1, 2008 -- New Years Day -- Paid

Monday Feb. 18, 2008 -- Presidents Day - Non Paid

Monday, April 21, 2008 -- Patriots Day -- Non Paid

Monday, May 26, 2008 -- Memorial Day -- Paid

Friday July 4, 2008 -- Independence Day -- Paid

Monday September 1, 2008 -- Labor Day -- Paid

Monday October 13, 2008 -- Columbus Day -- Non Paid

Monday November 11, 2008 -- Veterans Day -- Paid

Thursday Nov. 27 & 28, 2008 -- Thanksgiving Day - Paid

Thursday December 25, 2008 -- Christmas Day - Paid

 

 

 

International Union of Elevator Constructors Local Union No. 4

50 PARK STREET - DORCHESTER, MA 02122
Tel. 617-288-1547 - FAX 617-288-6724

THE BUSINESS MANAGER'S DESK

Kevin McGettigan - Business Manager
mailto: bmkm@iueclocal4.com

Brothers and Sisters,     

As I write this article the second day has ended of a three day Massachusetts Building Trades Convention. Governor Deval Patrick was one of the keynote speakers at the convention.  The Governor actually signed an executive order at the conference today implementing a new Massachusetts task force to track unscrupulous contractors who report false information on certified payrolls for State funded jobs and who knowingly abuse their workforce to further the company profits. It is refreshing to see the corner office within the Commonwealth take measures to give working people some protection. The overall message of this year’s convention is “We the Building Trades must be Proactive not Reactive.” A lot of emphasis was added to that statement and I could not agree more. Those very actions above have been used and implemented within this Local for many years. The list of members and officers to thank would be much to long to list within my limited space for this article, so I tip my hat to all of you knowing that we would not be the dominant trade that we are today without the solidarity and conviction in this union. No one, and I repeat no one in the building trades or the overall labor movement in general, protects their work jurisdiction like the Local 4 Elevator Constructor. I hope all Local 4 Elevator Constructors are and continue to be proud of the standing you have achieved. A recent “Proactive not Reactive” course of action this Local has taken is the hands on flooring classes at our training center, despite other settlements negotiated around the country.  Business representative Steve Morse along with flooring instructor Eric Pantilla have engineered a “Proactive” solution for all our members to be trained, qualified and available for all aspects of flooring installations.

One of the hot topics as of late has been the removal of Placards that the Department of Public Safety has applied for elevators that have either lapsed over an extended time period for re-inspection or been placed out of service for a specific item(s). There is now a documented process that must be adhered to prior to placing an elevator back in service with a Placard for non-safety related items. Any Placard on an elevator for a safety related item can only be removed by a Massachusetts State Elevator Inspector. At a recent meeting with DPS it was conveyed to all that the department would soon be putting a list together of non-safety Placard related items. As soon as this list becomes available we will post this and the new DPS policy rules on removing non-safety related Placards on our website.

Work Safe with Union Skill and Pride

Kevin

I now leave you with the quarterly quote:

The basic goal of labor will not change. It is -- as it has always been, and I am sure always will be -- to better the standards of life for all who work for wages and to seek decency and justice and dignity for all Americans.

-George Meany-

The Retirees' Corner

Welcome to the Retirees' Corner, a new section of our quarterly newsletter where retirees can voice concerns, opinions, experiences, etc.  If you have an article you would like to submit for this section, please do so via email to: Business Manager Mike Langer at local4@iueclocal4.com. 

 

               

A REMINDER

State Inspectors observe the test, they take no part in the performing of the test.  They don’t turn a key, test a switch, test door operation or perform any other function of the test. Any questions, please call the hall.

  Temporary mechanics MUST report to the monthly union meetings to pick up your new temporary mechanic's card.

                                      

Up To Date With The Business Rep./Financial Secretary

Edward C. Morgan - Bus. Rep./Fin. Sec.
mailto: brmorgan@iueclocal4.com

Brothers and Sisters

Spring is here!! It’s about time. Time to start thinking about upcoming vacation season. Let’s make sure we use our 3 or 4 weeks to take some time off to relax and recharge. There are plenty of guys that would appreciate the work that would be created if we all take our well deserved break.

I was called to a modernization job last week because the contractor had installed the tile floors on 3 of the 6 cars. He had the flooring guys do it at night and had access because the cars were “finished” and running. The guys on the job did the right thing by calling the hall right away and we procured the grouting of those cars as well as the complete floors on the remaining three. But we should have had it all. If you are on a construction site or doing a mod, ask questions. Find out what flooring is going in and inform the contractor that a “licensed elevator constructor” will be installing it. This also applies to cab panels when you’re installing a shell and you know it isn’t the finished product or any other potential work jurisdiction problem. Ask your supervisor, the contractor, or anyone who will listen. This way, if you need to call the hall, we can get in early to procure our work instead of kicking and screaming after it’s too late. With the bench situation as it is, we can’t afford to let any of our work slip through the cracks. If there is any question, call the hall.

Make sure you check out our website as it is routinely updated with important information. You can download 401k forms, Mass license applications, or pay your dues. The Social Committee will be posting information on the upcoming golf tournament and Hold’em tournament. The address is “iueclocal4.com”.

It looks like the bump in pension credit to $98 was enough to put a few members over the top. Congratulations to all of the retirees listed on the front page. Enjoy yourselves, you’ve earned it.

Work safe,

Ed Morgan

DON’T FORGET YOUR MECHANIC OR HELPER!

     Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, Fleeces, Sharp Hats and Hooded Sweatshirts on sale at the hall.  Great gifts for everyone.  Just call Debbie at the Hall.  I see members at the union meetings wearing Local 4’s haberdashery.  They look awesome!  A thanks goes out to Ed Sampson for taking orders, selling his wears at the union meetings and, of course, for being organized and keeping track of business.  Thanks Brother.  You keep everyone looking impressive!

Just a Reminder...

All members who are out of work should call the  union hall once you return to work so that we are in turn able to notify the Benefit Plan.

 

MASSACHUSETTS STATE ELEVATOR INSPECTORS NEEDED.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ELEVATOR INSPECTOR FOR THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS?  THERE IS A NEED RIGHT NOW IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR  ADDITIONAL INSPECTORS.

Have you been thinking about retirement, but don't want to sit at home with nothing to do?  You may be on the edge, thinking that you may not be as well off as you had planned at this time in your life.  Would you be interested in the following?

1.  Full or part-time employment.

2.  Salary is approximately $37,000 per year (full-time).  Pay raises given on a yearly basis.

3.  Veteran's preference, a copy of your DD 214 (release from active military duty) required with specific duty dates.

4.  The application and testing fee may be waived for applicants receiving certain types of state of federal public assistance, unemployment insurance or workers' compensation.

5.  Does not affect your NEI Pension.  "A person who is working solely as an elevator inspector and performs no work of the type, which is Covered Employment under the Plan, shall not be deemed to be employed in the elevator industry and will not have his/her pension suspended, regardless of the number of hours he/she is employed as an elevator inspector."

6.  Possible office locations to work out of include Boston, Tewksbury, Taunton and Springfield.

The Department of Public Safety needs inspectors with experience in the elevator industry.  We know you have the experience, YOU KNOW YOU HAVE THE EXPERIENCE and the DPS knows it as well.  If you have any questions, please call the Union Office and speak to Mike, or call The Department of Public Safety, directly at (617) 727-3200.

 

News From The Business Representative

Steven Morse-Bus Rep.
mailto: smorse@iueclocal4.com

Good Evening Brothers and Sisters

I wonder what effect global warming has had this winter in New England. While watching the news this evening the snow totals in New Hampshire and Maine are still at the five foot mark and here it is late March. I wish I could say that is why work is slow in the area and I am sure that is the cause on some projects.  It seems as though there are a lot of jobs on the books and other projects just are not breaking yet so we have too many mechanics unemployed at this time.

This weekend I will probably be saying goodbye to my best friend for the last 15 years. He is old and doesn’t hear to well anymore, stairs are not an option but when I get home he is always there happy to see me and doesn’t complain about anything.  His expectations are fresh water, a full food dish and a walk at the beach once in a while. What a way to go through life. Not having any children he was my child. While writing this newsletter he is watching, waiting for me to finish so I can take him out before bed time. This is weighing heavily on my mind and has set the tone for this newsletter.  He was a great dog, loyal and always did what he was told. He knew where his food was coming from.  It wasn’t the grocery store that sold it and it wasn’t the plant that made it. It was from his representative (my wife) and he knew we would always be there for him regardless of what he may have done wrong that day.

On February 10 we had a mandatory meeting for all Otis members at the hall.  This was a continuation of the mandatory meetings we had last year and there are still a couple employers left to go.  The officers discussed contract changes, working rules including start times. Construction is 7:00 am unless cleared by the hall, no exceptions. If you are on a job starting before 7:00 am, call the hall. We also went over some grievances we have spent a lot of time and money to win and I directed all members taking apart the prefab to contact the office so we can take pictures. We have some unemployed mechanics that would love to come to your jobsite and take apart the prefab for you.  I am sure they would appreciate the wages and benefits they are earning taking their work back, (just a thought).  I received an e-mail from a member this morning looking for a copy of the oath of obligation we all took when we were initiated into the union. He said all that enter the military swear an oath, those who enter into marriage swear an oath and I am sure if you belong to any other club or organization you have sworn an oath also. As he kindly pointed out NO member swore an oath to any company.

 I am asking you to re read your oath and ask yourself am I upholding my oath of obligation as I swore I would. Or have you forgotten your oath and believe your undying allegiance belongs to the company that employs you. When work is slow or you are not as fast as you used to be and you are laid off, where is the allegiance from the company? (Thanks Bill)

 The officers of the union will always do all in their power to secure employment for all its members.

On a lighter note the second class for flooring should just be finishing as you read this. Eric is doing a great job and everyone, including the guys who were doing floors, is learning some new tricks. This is a must have on you resume. The class runs 6 to 7 weeks; material covered is from carpet to marble so please take advantage.  Call Jess to sign up.

                                                                                              See you at the meeting / Work safe

                                                                                                                                Steve

 

   

  A REMINDER TO STUDENTS:

The end of the school year is coming up.  Please be sure that you are up to date with your unit exams and have completed all necessary make ups.  If this is not done before June 30th, you will not receive credit for the year.

WELDING SCHOOL

NEIEP has approved a maximum reimbursement of $500.00 per student upon completion of Welding School.  We are able to offer the following:

  • 7-9 weeks of welding school

  • Guaranteed Lifetime Certificate issued by AWS

  • All equipment supplied (helmet, jacket, gloves, books, etc.)

  • They are yours to keep.

  • American Welding Society membership (a must)

  • Required AWS eye test

  • Classes at the Plumber's Hall - Local 12

With all the Hydro Jack replacement work projected for the next few years, your welding skills will be in demand throughout the industry.  Please contact Jessica at the Hall, if you are interested in signing up for the course for the 2008-2009 School year.

 

 APPLICATION FOR MAINE IUEC LOCAL 4 APPRENTICE TRAINING

AVAILABLE AT:

STANLEY ELEVATOR

11 NEWCOMB STREET

PORTLAND, ME

JANUARY 23, 2008

 

IBEW LOCAL 567 HALL

238 GORHAM RD.

PORTLAND, ME

JANUARY 24, 2008

 

MAINE CAREER CENTER

45 OAK STREET

BANGOR, ME

JANUARY 25, 2008

Applications accepted between 8:30am until 3:30pm at all locations.

Applicants must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma/GED, and pass a drug test upon job offer.  Pre-hire test and oral interview required.  A test fee of $25.00 is required when tested.  Elevator Constructors are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MTRS

MTRS is for Mechanic's only...

The Motors and Generators MTRS course may be offered this Fall of the 2008-2009 School year.  In this course you will learn about suicide circuits, communication, testing fields, in-depth understanding of DC hoist motor control, and much more. 

To sign up, please call Jessica at the Union Hall.

A College Degree is Closer than You Think

Innovative Internet-based Program Offers Apprentices and

Journeypersons an Opportunity to Earn an A.A.S. Degree

Attention Apprentices and Journeypersons:

Under an innovative program, apprentices and journeypersons can now earn an Ivy Tech

State College degree by enrolling in Internet-delivered general education courses.

Under this unique program, apprentices enrolled in joint apprenticeship training programs can

earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree. The opportunity also exists for

journeypersons, who can earn a two-year degree by enrolling in as little as 5 courses to earn

residency status. And for those who wish to proceed further in higher education, students can

transfer their degrees to the George Meany - National Labor College and ultimately earn a fouryear

degree.

For More Information. To learn more about the degree requirements and other information,

you can access the Ivy Tech’s web site: http://www.ivytech.edu/apprentice/ or you can call

Teresa Hess at 317-921-4373.

 

REMINDERS:

Switching Companies:

There is a lot of movement from company to company.  In the interest of maintaining an efficient system of production in the industry, providing for an orderly procedure of employment under Article XXII of the Standard Agreement.  YOU MUST COME THROUGH THE HALL, BEFORE ANY MOVEMENT FROM COMPANY TO COMPANY.  IT WOULD BE A SHAME, IF YOU HAD RO BE DETAINED FROM EMPLOYMENT, UNTIL THE MATTER IS CLEARED UP.

THANK YOU FOR THE COURTESY CALL! 
APPRENTICESHIP

     The Local 4 NEIEP/JAC Apprentice program is designed to provide each apprentice with the classroom experience and on-the job training necessary to advance to the position of Elevator Mechanic.  Strict adherence to the State of Mass. policies directing the program by the Apprentice and our local Joint Apprenticeship Committee assures fair treatment for everyone.  As Apprentices, experience in the field and classroom requirements are fulfilled, their rate of pay will increase.  Upon successful completion of the four-year program, Apprentices will become eligible to sit for the mechanic's examination and are required to do so for completion of their required education.  A strong commitment toward program completion, under the guidelines set forth in the signed apprenticeship agreement, is a requirement.  Success in the industry is dependent, upon this commitment.

     As always, the members of Local 4 will make the Apprenticeship Program a success.

 Many of our Brothers and Sisters are getting more involved with The IUEC and Organized Labor in general.  The following is the information requested by a number of members.

Union Leadership and Administration

The Union Leadership and Administration Master's Degree in Labor Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is an innovative program tailored to the needs of working union officers, staff, and union activists.  The ULA program at UMass is the only graduate program that focuses exclusively on unions from a labor perspective.  Courses are taught during ten-day sessions in the summer and winter.  Take classes just twice a year for two and one -half years and complete your degree in three years.  For more information, contact Beth Berry, phone 413-545-4875, fax 413-545-0110, e-mail bberry@lrrc.umass.edu, or check out our web page at Http://www.umass.edu/lrrc/.