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Good Evening Brothers and Sisters Winter is officially upon us. It is snowing outside as I write this article and it is plain to see the sunshine and daffodils have eluded us. With unemployment at levels I have not seen in my time as an officer of Local 4 it is hard to be optimistic as too when the work situation will get better. I do remember surviving the slow down in the late 80's early 90's, work was scarce so taking a week off wasn't uncommon so the company would not be forced to layoff members in times like these. I remember talking to some of my fellow helpers back then where an unplanned week off seemed as though it might put us behind in our bills but just taking a day here or there doesn't help the employer to plan ahead but being laid off would have surely been more devastating. I thank other members for doing the same to save my job. We can't create jobs but if you are working you could possibly create the work and don't let your employer convince you to do team tasks by yourself. Hoistway clean down on a bank of elevators that were written up by the state inspector is team work. Don't be intimidated just tell your supervisor you are going to need a hand if not for following the agreement then for safety reasons alone. The Local 4 delegates are going to the ratification meeting on Dec.7 this will be to vote in favor of the recent language change to the Thyssen and Elevator Contractors of America (ECA) agreement. This language is not the save all to everything we must live with in our current agreements but it is a life line needed to get to July 9, 2012. There are so many topics that come to mind weeks before or just the day after I submit my article and I apologize to the members that ask me to touch on a certain topics. Congratulation is in order for the 32 members that recently took and passed the mechanics exam. Best of luck brothers and sister I hope with this new language if accepted or your employer has work available when it is your time. I have just read through the Journal and it is easy to see the most of the country has high unemployment as we do here in Boston and Maine. I don't know what type of slow down that the prior local 95 Portland Maine suffered in the time period from above but I do know the local had almost doubled in size after 1997 there is currently over 15% of the membership in that primary that are currently unemployed. By the time you read this the 4th annual Local 4 Christmas Party will be a enjoyable memory as the social committee does an excellent job planning and putting the finishing touches on this event and I would encourage anyone who has not been able to make it to this event to clear you schedule for next year as it is the place to be, Hats off to the social committee for your hard work and dedication once again. As the year ends hopefully 2010 will be a better year for the work situation. Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year to all See you at the Meeting Steve |