CONGRATULATIONS TO JOE RODGERS ON BECOMING THE NEW AJEF COORDINATOR AS OF JULY 1, 2016!
Joe Rodgers and Dave Soika - one is a legend and the other is a future legend. History is made as Dave passes the torch to Joe. Thanks Dave for all that you have done for Local 12 and good luck Joe we know you will make us all proud!
Congratulations to AJEF Coordinator Dave Soika on his retirement as of July 1, 2016!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017 FIRST YEAR APPRENTICES OF HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS LOCAL 12
Good Morning to All of My Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
I hope all is well with all of you and your families. Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
By the end of this week I will be sending out the new wages and benefit scales for all Local 12 Members that will take effect on Monday, December 30, 2019. At the last Regular Union Meeting of December 5, 2019, the Local 12 budget for 2020 was approved as well as the raise allocation of $1.25. The Local 12 Members in attendance approved the Local 12 Executive Board recommendation to remove $.20 from the Building Fund and reallocate it along with the $1.25 raise Local 12 Mechanics are entitled to under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The allocation of $1.45 is as follows $.75 into the Base Wage, $.10 in the Pension Fund and $.60 into the Vacation Fund. This will become effective Monday December 30, 2019. Please note the allocation increase is for all Local 12 Members based on their rate of pay. Apprentices will have it allocated to them based on their wage percentage as an apprentice – First Year, Second Year, Third Year and Fourth Year. By the end of the week everybody will have the wage and benefit breakdowns for their respective classifications.
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks for December 2019 will be printed this Friday, December 20, 2019. If you wish to have a check printed this Friday, you must submit a completed Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Form by no later than this Wednesday, December 18, 2019. I have attached a form for you to use or to keep on file for future use. If you received a check in October or November of 2019, you are not eligible for a check to be printed this Friday. You may email the form to me at al@insulatorslocal12.com or fax it to 718-784-8359.
AJEF Coordinator Joe Rodgers will be teaching an 8 Hours Fall Prevention Class that will begin at 7:00 AM. The class will be held at 12-01 34th Avenue in Long Island City 11106. The class is full. This is a reminder for all those Local 12 Members who have previously signed up for the class. Please remember if you signed up for the class it will begin at 7:00 AM sharp – PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE 7:00 AM TO FIND PARKING. Joe Rodgers will be sending out a schedule for future safety training classes soon. All safety training the AJEF of Local 12 offers goes through Joe Rodgers. You may contact Joe by email at Joe@insulatorslocal12.com, by office phone 718-784-1899. Please remember that Joe Rodgers has an unconventional schedule and he is in and out of the office on a regular basis. If you call his office phone or his cell phone you must leave him a detailed message and he will get back to you. That means leave your full name and a telephone number that he can call you back on.
The Regular Union Meeting of January 2, 2020 has been cancelled. It was cancelled at the Regular Union Meeting of December 5, 2019. The next Regular Union Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2020. The Regular February Union Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM and it will be held at the Knights of Columbus, 49-18 Queens Boulevard in Woodside, NY 11377.
Please remember that when working overtime or off hours you must phone in your time prior to the start of work by calling 877-864-6612 or 877 UNION12.
I hope everybody has a great day. I want to thank all of you for all that you do for Local 12. Remember you are important – YOU MATTER – BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!!!!! BELIEVE IN YOUR GOALS AND WHAT YOU WANT!!!!!! “Believe it can be done. When you Believe something can be done. Really Believe. Your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.” – David J Schwartz
BELIEVE IN A BETTER TOMORROW AND IT WILL HAPPEN!!!!!! BELIEVE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF LOCAL 12!!!!!! BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
AS A MEMBER OF LOCAL 12 I AM MY BROTHER’S AND SISTER’S KEEPER
I hope all is well with all of you and your families. Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
By the end of this week I will be sending out the new wages and benefit scales for all Local 12 Members that will take effect on Monday, December 30, 2019. At the last Regular Union Meeting of December 5, 2019, the Local 12 budget for 2020 was approved as well as the raise allocation of $1.25. The Local 12 Members in attendance approved the Local 12 Executive Board recommendation to remove $.20 from the Building Fund and reallocate it along with the $1.25 raise Local 12 Mechanics are entitled to under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The allocation of $1.45 is as follows $.75 into the Base Wage, $.10 in the Pension Fund and $.60 into the Vacation Fund. This will become effective Monday December 30, 2019. Please note the allocation increase is for all Local 12 Members based on their rate of pay. Apprentices will have it allocated to them based on their wage percentage as an apprentice – First Year, Second Year, Third Year and Fourth Year. By the end of the week everybody will have the wage and benefit breakdowns for their respective classifications.
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks for December 2019 will be printed this Friday, December 20, 2019. If you wish to have a check printed this Friday, you must submit a completed Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Form by no later than this Wednesday, December 18, 2019. I have attached a form for you to use or to keep on file for future use. If you received a check in October or November of 2019, you are not eligible for a check to be printed this Friday. You may email the form to me at al@insulatorslocal12.com or fax it to 718-784-8359.
AJEF Coordinator Joe Rodgers will be teaching an 8 Hours Fall Prevention Class that will begin at 7:00 AM. The class will be held at 12-01 34th Avenue in Long Island City 11106. The class is full. This is a reminder for all those Local 12 Members who have previously signed up for the class. Please remember if you signed up for the class it will begin at 7:00 AM sharp – PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE 7:00 AM TO FIND PARKING. Joe Rodgers will be sending out a schedule for future safety training classes soon. All safety training the AJEF of Local 12 offers goes through Joe Rodgers. You may contact Joe by email at Joe@insulatorslocal12.com, by office phone 718-784-1899. Please remember that Joe Rodgers has an unconventional schedule and he is in and out of the office on a regular basis. If you call his office phone or his cell phone you must leave him a detailed message and he will get back to you. That means leave your full name and a telephone number that he can call you back on.
The Regular Union Meeting of January 2, 2020 has been cancelled. It was cancelled at the Regular Union Meeting of December 5, 2019. The next Regular Union Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2020. The Regular February Union Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM and it will be held at the Knights of Columbus, 49-18 Queens Boulevard in Woodside, NY 11377.
Please remember that when working overtime or off hours you must phone in your time prior to the start of work by calling 877-864-6612 or 877 UNION12.
I hope everybody has a great day. I want to thank all of you for all that you do for Local 12. Remember you are important – YOU MATTER – BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!!!!! BELIEVE IN YOUR GOALS AND WHAT YOU WANT!!!!!! “Believe it can be done. When you Believe something can be done. Really Believe. Your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.” – David J Schwartz
BELIEVE IN A BETTER TOMORROW AND IT WILL HAPPEN!!!!!! BELIEVE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF LOCAL 12!!!!!! BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
AS A MEMBER OF LOCAL 12 I AM MY BROTHER’S AND SISTER’S KEEPER
THE UNION WAY IS THE AMERICAN WAY
PLEASE CLICK ON THE FILE BELOW TO SEE THE STORY THAT WAS WRITTEN BY LABOR PRESS AND WAS IN THE NY DAILY NEWS
PLEASE CLICK ON THE FILE BELOW TO SEE THE STORY THAT WAS WRITTEN BY LABOR PRESS AND WAS IN THE NY DAILY NEWS
| the_union_way_is_the_american_way.pdf |
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
On December 8, 2019, Local 12 Retiree Roger Petersen passed away. Roger was a proud Member of Local 12 since 1972. He retired in 2002. I remember him as a hard worker with a good sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face. He was part of the Petersen brothers who made their mark on Local 12. Roger now joins brothers Bill Sr., Al, Richard Sr., and Kenny Sr., in the big job in Heaven. May God Bless you Roger and May Perpetual Light Shine Upon You for All Eternity.
Please keep Roger and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Services are as follows:
Reposing at Chapey and Sons East Islip Funeral Home, 200 East Main Street.
Visitation Wednesday, 12/11 2:00 pm until 4:30pm and 7:00 pm until 9:30pm
A funeral service to be held at St Luke's Lutheran Church, Bay Shore, LI Thursday at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Pinelawn LI.
In Deepest Sympathy and Sincerity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
On December 8, 2019, Local 12 Retiree Roger Petersen passed away. Roger was a proud Member of Local 12 since 1972. He retired in 2002. I remember him as a hard worker with a good sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face. He was part of the Petersen brothers who made their mark on Local 12. Roger now joins brothers Bill Sr., Al, Richard Sr., and Kenny Sr., in the big job in Heaven. May God Bless you Roger and May Perpetual Light Shine Upon You for All Eternity.
Please keep Roger and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Services are as follows:
Reposing at Chapey and Sons East Islip Funeral Home, 200 East Main Street.
Visitation Wednesday, 12/11 2:00 pm until 4:30pm and 7:00 pm until 9:30pm
A funeral service to be held at St Luke's Lutheran Church, Bay Shore, LI Thursday at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Pinelawn LI.
In Deepest Sympathy and Sincerity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
AJEF of Heat & Frost Insulators Local 12
15-32 127th Street – First Floor- College Point – NY 11356-2332
Joseph Rodgers Tel: 718-784-1899
AJEF Coordinator Email: joe@insulatorslocal12.com
Dear Local 12 Member,
I have set a few dates for the approved DOB safety courses and they are as follows:
- 11/08/2019 - 4 Hours Supported Scaffold @ 1 p.m.
- 11/15/2019 – 4 Hours Supported Scaffold @ 1 p.m.
- 12/2/2019 – 2 Hour Drug & Alcohol Awareness 1 :30 p.m.
- 12/21/2019 – 8 Hour Fall Prevention @ 7 A.M.
ALL CLASSES WILL BE TAUGHT IN ENGLISH AND JOSEPH RODGERS WILL
BE THE INSTRUCTOR FOR ALL CLASSES.
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
Joseph Rodgers
AJEF Coordinator
To All My Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!!!! TODAY IN NOVEMBER 20, 2019. THANKSGIVING IS NEXT WEEK!!!
I hope you are all having a great day. If it is not going well now I hope it gets better.
Please work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO FOR LOCAL 12 – YOU ARE THE REASON WHY LOCAL 12 IS SUCCESSFUL – KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!
The next Regular Union Meeting for December, will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019.
All Local 12 Members in Good Standing are encouraged to
attend every Union Meeting and all Union Functions.
IT IS YOUR UNION AND YOUR VOICE COUNTS!!!!!
The Union Meeting will be held at the Knights of Columbus at 4918 Queens Boulevard in Woodside, NY 11377. The Union Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM.
AJEF Coordinator Joe Rodgers has set up dates for the approved DOB safety courses and they are as follows:
All classes will be held at 12-01 34th Avenue. To sign up for the classes you must email Joe Rodgers at Joe@insulatorslocal12.com. You must sign up for the classes because of limited space. Joe will updating the schedule if needed. You will get a response email confirmation from Joe Rodgers. All classes will be taught in English and Joe Rodgers will be the Instructor for all classes.
All members should report the start of their new jobs by calling the Local 12 Union Office at 718-784-3456 or by using the contact form on the Local 12 website.
When working overtime or off hours you must phone in your time prior to the start of work by calling 877-864-6612 or 877-UNION12.
Have a great day!!!!!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!!!! TODAY IN NOVEMBER 20, 2019. THANKSGIVING IS NEXT WEEK!!!
I hope you are all having a great day. If it is not going well now I hope it gets better.
Please work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO FOR LOCAL 12 – YOU ARE THE REASON WHY LOCAL 12 IS SUCCESSFUL – KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!
The next Regular Union Meeting for December, will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019.
All Local 12 Members in Good Standing are encouraged to
attend every Union Meeting and all Union Functions.
IT IS YOUR UNION AND YOUR VOICE COUNTS!!!!!
The Union Meeting will be held at the Knights of Columbus at 4918 Queens Boulevard in Woodside, NY 11377. The Union Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM.
AJEF Coordinator Joe Rodgers has set up dates for the approved DOB safety courses and they are as follows:
- 12/2/2019 – 2 Hour Drug & Alcohol Awareness 1 :30 p.m.
- 12/21/2019 – 8 Hour Fall Prevention @ 1 p.m.
All classes will be held at 12-01 34th Avenue. To sign up for the classes you must email Joe Rodgers at Joe@insulatorslocal12.com. You must sign up for the classes because of limited space. Joe will updating the schedule if needed. You will get a response email confirmation from Joe Rodgers. All classes will be taught in English and Joe Rodgers will be the Instructor for all classes.
All members should report the start of their new jobs by calling the Local 12 Union Office at 718-784-3456 or by using the contact form on the Local 12 website.
When working overtime or off hours you must phone in your time prior to the start of work by calling 877-864-6612 or 877-UNION12.
Have a great day!!!!!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Unionization: It's Never Been Easy
Almost all current union members were hired into an already represented workplace. But while you personally may have played no role in unionizing your place of work, you can’t assume that those who did had an easy time of it. In the early decades of union organizing in the U.S., it was not unusual for employers to respond to union organizing drives with physical violence. Many of the early industrial unions got their footholds only by standing up to a court system that jailed union supporters, and to the clubs and guns of company thugs. Sometimes the bullets that maimed and killed union supporters and their families were fired by state militias or federal troops, serving as private armies for anti-union employers. Once the union comes in, one battle may be over but the war is far from won. In about one third of newly organized workplaces, using stall and delay tactics, the employer succeeds in preventing the union from ever winning a first contract.
Almost all current union members were hired into an already represented workplace. But while you personally may have played no role in unionizing your place of work, you can’t assume that those who did had an easy time of it. In the early decades of union organizing in the U.S., it was not unusual for employers to respond to union organizing drives with physical violence. Many of the early industrial unions got their footholds only by standing up to a court system that jailed union supporters, and to the clubs and guns of company thugs. Sometimes the bullets that maimed and killed union supporters and their families were fired by state militias or federal troops, serving as private armies for anti-union employers. Once the union comes in, one battle may be over but the war is far from won. In about one third of newly organized workplaces, using stall and delay tactics, the employer succeeds in preventing the union from ever winning a first contract.
IN MEMORY OF RETIRED LOCAL 12 BUSINESS AGENT FRED HERR SR.
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Retired Business Agent Fred Herr Sr. passed away this past Saturday night. Fred fought courageously until the end. He passed away as he lived for 81 years in dignity and strength.
To me Fred was a Local 12 Original. He was an extremely hard worker. When I first came in the Union I had people telling me what a hard worker Fred was as well as stories about his strength. At first I thought could they actually be true but my father told me they were. Then I met Fred and when I saw him in person I could definitely believe the stories. The night I was sworn in he shook my hand and afterward I was glad he didn’t break it. Though for a man with an intimidating appearance he was always a gentleman. He always treated me well and he always supported me in my career as a Local 12 Insulator.
I worked with Fred in the Con Edison Power Plants and he was a bull. He just went into the heat and went after the work. He led by example. He always said you had to work hard to have a good career and he practiced what he preached. I can honestly say I never saw anybody work harder than Fred in my whole career as a Local 12 Insulator.
Fred was Union all the way. He believed in doing things the Local 12 way – the right way. He came in every day and worked hard. He followed the Union rules. Attended Union Meeting regularly throughout his career. He served on the Executive Board and then he was elected Business Agent in 1991. He served Local 12 well as Business Agent until he retired on February 1, 2000. He always fought for better wages and benefits for all Local 12 Members. In his career he was always there for Local 12 in the good times and the bad times. In the end it was always what was best for Local 12 was best for him.
I always appreciated that he appreciated what it meant to be a Local 12 Insulator. I enjoyed talking to him about the history of Local 12. He was the first to explain to me about how we went on strike in the early 1960s to get our Annuity Fund started at $.10 an hour. It was him who was the first to tell me that you always have to respect the title that somebody holds even though you may disagree with them either personally or professionally. I enjoyed seeing him at Local 12 functions such as the Local 12 picnic where he always played cards with my father. At the Local 12 Christmas dances where he always wished me well. He was all about respect and strength. The one word that comes to my mind when I think of Fred is STRONG. There are not to many people that you meet in life and right away they leave you with the sense of the physical power they possess – Fred was that person to me.
He was proud of his family. He was proud of his two sons Fred Jr. and Jim who followed in his footsteps and became outstanding Local 12 Insulators. Both Fred Jr., and Jim inherited his work ethic. Both inherited his commitment to Local 12. Fred Jr., is now retired and Jim continues to make all of us proud in Local 12.
It is never easy to say good bye to a loved one. Your father will always be your father. Your friend and brother will always be your friend and brother. There are no words that can take away the pain of loss that the Herr family and our Local 12 family is suffering right now but I truly believe Fred is in Heaven now.
He showed his strength in his 81 years on this earth now we must be strong for the Herr family. Please keep Fred and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Remember good people must pass away but as long as you keep them in your heart they shall be with you for all eternity.
God Bless You Fred and May Perpetual Light Shine Upon You For All Eternity.
Service Information:
Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at:
Kraeer Funeral Home
1 North State Road 7
Margate Florida 33063
Tel: 954-972-7340
In Deepest Sympathy,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Retired Business Agent Fred Herr Sr. passed away this past Saturday night. Fred fought courageously until the end. He passed away as he lived for 81 years in dignity and strength.
To me Fred was a Local 12 Original. He was an extremely hard worker. When I first came in the Union I had people telling me what a hard worker Fred was as well as stories about his strength. At first I thought could they actually be true but my father told me they were. Then I met Fred and when I saw him in person I could definitely believe the stories. The night I was sworn in he shook my hand and afterward I was glad he didn’t break it. Though for a man with an intimidating appearance he was always a gentleman. He always treated me well and he always supported me in my career as a Local 12 Insulator.
I worked with Fred in the Con Edison Power Plants and he was a bull. He just went into the heat and went after the work. He led by example. He always said you had to work hard to have a good career and he practiced what he preached. I can honestly say I never saw anybody work harder than Fred in my whole career as a Local 12 Insulator.
Fred was Union all the way. He believed in doing things the Local 12 way – the right way. He came in every day and worked hard. He followed the Union rules. Attended Union Meeting regularly throughout his career. He served on the Executive Board and then he was elected Business Agent in 1991. He served Local 12 well as Business Agent until he retired on February 1, 2000. He always fought for better wages and benefits for all Local 12 Members. In his career he was always there for Local 12 in the good times and the bad times. In the end it was always what was best for Local 12 was best for him.
I always appreciated that he appreciated what it meant to be a Local 12 Insulator. I enjoyed talking to him about the history of Local 12. He was the first to explain to me about how we went on strike in the early 1960s to get our Annuity Fund started at $.10 an hour. It was him who was the first to tell me that you always have to respect the title that somebody holds even though you may disagree with them either personally or professionally. I enjoyed seeing him at Local 12 functions such as the Local 12 picnic where he always played cards with my father. At the Local 12 Christmas dances where he always wished me well. He was all about respect and strength. The one word that comes to my mind when I think of Fred is STRONG. There are not to many people that you meet in life and right away they leave you with the sense of the physical power they possess – Fred was that person to me.
He was proud of his family. He was proud of his two sons Fred Jr. and Jim who followed in his footsteps and became outstanding Local 12 Insulators. Both Fred Jr., and Jim inherited his work ethic. Both inherited his commitment to Local 12. Fred Jr., is now retired and Jim continues to make all of us proud in Local 12.
It is never easy to say good bye to a loved one. Your father will always be your father. Your friend and brother will always be your friend and brother. There are no words that can take away the pain of loss that the Herr family and our Local 12 family is suffering right now but I truly believe Fred is in Heaven now.
He showed his strength in his 81 years on this earth now we must be strong for the Herr family. Please keep Fred and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Remember good people must pass away but as long as you keep them in your heart they shall be with you for all eternity.
God Bless You Fred and May Perpetual Light Shine Upon You For All Eternity.
Service Information:
Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at:
Kraeer Funeral Home
1 North State Road 7
Margate Florida 33063
Tel: 954-972-7340
In Deepest Sympathy,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
COUNT ME IN RALLY AT UNION SQUARE IN LOWER MANHATTAN ON MAY 8, 2018
| the_dol_proposed_regulations_to_implement_industry__no_to_irap_.pdf |
| vacation_fund_withdrawal_form.pdf |
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
“A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You can’t go anywhere until you change it.”
I hope everybody is having a great day today. August first is a very special day for me because it is the anniversary of the day that I started in the Benefit Funds Office to be trained to become the Fund Manager. On August 1, 2000, I started in the Benefit Funds Office of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12. Then on December 1, 2000, I officially became the Fund Manager of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12. It is 19 years today! I am so grateful and proud to be YOUR Fund Manager.
I appreciate all the support from both the Union Trustees and the Employer Trustees as well as the support of the Members and Retirees of Local 12.
I was appointed by the Board of Trustees in 2000 and I am forever grateful to them for giving me the great opportunity to serve the Members of Local 12 as their Fund Manager. At the time of my appointment I was the President of Local 12. I remained the President of Local 12 until June of 2001. So I was both the Fund Manager and President of Local 12 for a little while there – what a great honor!
I know that there have been some ups and downs through the years but overall it has been great! I have made a great living while doing what I love – serving the Members of Local 12. Being Fund Manager to me is not a job – it is a way of life. It means more to me than I could ever express in words.
Though the Trustees appointed me when I was President, it was the support of the Members of Local 12 who put me in the position to become the Fund Manager. I thank you all past and present. I want everybody to know that I want to be your Fund Manager for as long as you and the Trustees will let me.
I promise to continue to give you everything I have everyday all day!!!!!! I could think of nowhere else I would rather be than to be here with all of my Brothers and Sisters of Local 12. Thank you so much for all of your support – I will forever be in your debt.
I would also like to thank my father who always wanted me to be in Local 12. I was so proud of him my whole life and I was so grateful to become part of his world when I became a Member of Local 12. I never saw him happier than the night that I was sworn in as a Local 12 Apprentice. It was great to share with him his election to Business Agent. On the day he was elected Business Agent for the second time I was elected to the Executive Board for the first time. When he got sick it meant so much to me that he lived to see me become the President of Local 12 and then the Fund Manager of Local 12. Thank you Dad it is because of you that I had the opportunity to become a Local 12 Member and make a great living.
I just want all of you to know how happy I am to be the Fund Manager of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12. I know I get emotional at times but that is because of my passion for Local 12 to succeed in these trying times not because I am upset with Local 12.
This is a way of life for me. Being a Member of Local 12 and the Fund Manager of Local 12 means everything to me. I would never have been able to be where I am today without the support of the Union Trustees, the Employer Trustees, the Active Members, the Retirees and all of the Local 12 Members who came before me. I thank you all!!!!!!!
I also want to thank Maggie for being the best assistant anybody could ask for – I could not do it without her.
I would like to thank my family for all of their support – I come from a Union family – my mother was a Union Catholic School teacher. My mother as well as my father installed the drive to do what is right and to always work hard.
My three older sisters were always there for me to support me and guide me in the right direction.
Finally I must thank the most important person in my life – my wife Donna- without her I would not be where I am today. Thank you so much Donna for always being there and not only for all you do for me but for all of your hard work for Local 12. I appreciate all of your dedication to Local 12 as well as being the best wife anybody could have asked for.
I also have Local 12 to thank for hiring Donna. I met Donna after she was hired by Local 12 in December of 2003.
The purpose of this email was just to let everybody know how grateful I am to be a Member of Local 12 and be the Fund Manager of Local 12. THANK YOU EVERYBODY!!!!!
If you just stop and really look at life you will realize life is good – no life is great. So be grateful for everything in your life. I am truly grateful for everything and everyone in my life.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT TRAINING:
AJEF Coordinator Joseph Rodgers has scheduled classes for the upcoming Sexual Harassment Training that will be required of everybody in Local 12.
Day 1 – 8/05/19 1st class at 2pm and go until 4pm 2nd class will start at 4pm and go until 6pm
Day 2 – 8/06/19 1st class at 2pm and go until 4pm 2nd class will start at 4pm and go until 6pm
The classes will be held at the Knights of Columbus @ 49-18 Queens Blvd Woodside, NY 11377.
I would also ask that you read the attachment regarding the DOL proposed regulations to weaken all apprentice programs. This is a direct attack on our way of life. Please follow the instructions in the attachment and send a letter online.
I have also attached an Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Form. Vacation Fund checks for August will be printed on Friday, August 16, 2019. In order to get a check in August you must submit a form by no later than Wednesday, August 14, 2019.
THE NEXT REGULAR UNION MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019.
SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 THE LABOR DAY PARADE WILL BE HELD IN MANHATTAN – ALL LOCAL 12 MEMBERS SHOULD ATTEND. FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE WELCOME!!!!!!!
Everything will make sense someday. So for now, laugh at your mistakes, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything really does happen for a reason.
In Deepest Gratitude,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
“A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You can’t go anywhere until you change it.”
I hope everybody is having a great day today. August first is a very special day for me because it is the anniversary of the day that I started in the Benefit Funds Office to be trained to become the Fund Manager. On August 1, 2000, I started in the Benefit Funds Office of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12. Then on December 1, 2000, I officially became the Fund Manager of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12. It is 19 years today! I am so grateful and proud to be YOUR Fund Manager.
I appreciate all the support from both the Union Trustees and the Employer Trustees as well as the support of the Members and Retirees of Local 12.
I was appointed by the Board of Trustees in 2000 and I am forever grateful to them for giving me the great opportunity to serve the Members of Local 12 as their Fund Manager. At the time of my appointment I was the President of Local 12. I remained the President of Local 12 until June of 2001. So I was both the Fund Manager and President of Local 12 for a little while there – what a great honor!
I know that there have been some ups and downs through the years but overall it has been great! I have made a great living while doing what I love – serving the Members of Local 12. Being Fund Manager to me is not a job – it is a way of life. It means more to me than I could ever express in words.
Though the Trustees appointed me when I was President, it was the support of the Members of Local 12 who put me in the position to become the Fund Manager. I thank you all past and present. I want everybody to know that I want to be your Fund Manager for as long as you and the Trustees will let me.
I promise to continue to give you everything I have everyday all day!!!!!! I could think of nowhere else I would rather be than to be here with all of my Brothers and Sisters of Local 12. Thank you so much for all of your support – I will forever be in your debt.
I would also like to thank my father who always wanted me to be in Local 12. I was so proud of him my whole life and I was so grateful to become part of his world when I became a Member of Local 12. I never saw him happier than the night that I was sworn in as a Local 12 Apprentice. It was great to share with him his election to Business Agent. On the day he was elected Business Agent for the second time I was elected to the Executive Board for the first time. When he got sick it meant so much to me that he lived to see me become the President of Local 12 and then the Fund Manager of Local 12. Thank you Dad it is because of you that I had the opportunity to become a Local 12 Member and make a great living.
I just want all of you to know how happy I am to be the Fund Manager of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12. I know I get emotional at times but that is because of my passion for Local 12 to succeed in these trying times not because I am upset with Local 12.
This is a way of life for me. Being a Member of Local 12 and the Fund Manager of Local 12 means everything to me. I would never have been able to be where I am today without the support of the Union Trustees, the Employer Trustees, the Active Members, the Retirees and all of the Local 12 Members who came before me. I thank you all!!!!!!!
I also want to thank Maggie for being the best assistant anybody could ask for – I could not do it without her.
I would like to thank my family for all of their support – I come from a Union family – my mother was a Union Catholic School teacher. My mother as well as my father installed the drive to do what is right and to always work hard.
My three older sisters were always there for me to support me and guide me in the right direction.
Finally I must thank the most important person in my life – my wife Donna- without her I would not be where I am today. Thank you so much Donna for always being there and not only for all you do for me but for all of your hard work for Local 12. I appreciate all of your dedication to Local 12 as well as being the best wife anybody could have asked for.
I also have Local 12 to thank for hiring Donna. I met Donna after she was hired by Local 12 in December of 2003.
The purpose of this email was just to let everybody know how grateful I am to be a Member of Local 12 and be the Fund Manager of Local 12. THANK YOU EVERYBODY!!!!!
If you just stop and really look at life you will realize life is good – no life is great. So be grateful for everything in your life. I am truly grateful for everything and everyone in my life.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT TRAINING:
AJEF Coordinator Joseph Rodgers has scheduled classes for the upcoming Sexual Harassment Training that will be required of everybody in Local 12.
Day 1 – 8/05/19 1st class at 2pm and go until 4pm 2nd class will start at 4pm and go until 6pm
Day 2 – 8/06/19 1st class at 2pm and go until 4pm 2nd class will start at 4pm and go until 6pm
The classes will be held at the Knights of Columbus @ 49-18 Queens Blvd Woodside, NY 11377.
I would also ask that you read the attachment regarding the DOL proposed regulations to weaken all apprentice programs. This is a direct attack on our way of life. Please follow the instructions in the attachment and send a letter online.
I have also attached an Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Form. Vacation Fund checks for August will be printed on Friday, August 16, 2019. In order to get a check in August you must submit a form by no later than Wednesday, August 14, 2019.
THE NEXT REGULAR UNION MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019.
SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 THE LABOR DAY PARADE WILL BE HELD IN MANHATTAN – ALL LOCAL 12 MEMBERS SHOULD ATTEND. FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE WELCOME!!!!!!!
Everything will make sense someday. So for now, laugh at your mistakes, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything really does happen for a reason.
In Deepest Gratitude,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
Happy Thursday to All of My Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.’ – Zig Ziglar
The Regular Union Meeting of July 2019 will be held tonight, Thursday, July 11, 2019. The meeting will begin at 5:00 PM.
The Meeting will be held at:
The Knights of Columbus
49-18 Queens Blvd
Woodside, NY 11377
All Local 12 Members are encouraged to attend all Union Meetings and Union Functions.
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks for July 2019 will be printed next Friday, July 19, 2019. You must submit an Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Form by next Wednesday, July 17, 2019 if you wish to have a check printed next Friday. I have attached a form for you if wish to use it.
“As you think, so you shall become.” – Bruce Lee
I hope all is well with all of you and your families. I hope you are enjoying your summer. Please remember to be careful in the heat and take proper precautions in the sun.
I wish everybody a safe, happy and healthy day. Please remember work safe, work hard and take pride in you work.
REMEMBER YOU MATTER – YOU HAVE VALUE – BELIEVE IN YOURSELF – YOU CAN ACCOMPLISHING ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO, IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!!!!!!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be a Member of Heat & Frost Insulators Local 12
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.’ – Zig Ziglar
The Regular Union Meeting of July 2019 will be held tonight, Thursday, July 11, 2019. The meeting will begin at 5:00 PM.
The Meeting will be held at:
The Knights of Columbus
49-18 Queens Blvd
Woodside, NY 11377
All Local 12 Members are encouraged to attend all Union Meetings and Union Functions.
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks for July 2019 will be printed next Friday, July 19, 2019. You must submit an Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Form by next Wednesday, July 17, 2019 if you wish to have a check printed next Friday. I have attached a form for you if wish to use it.
“As you think, so you shall become.” – Bruce Lee
I hope all is well with all of you and your families. I hope you are enjoying your summer. Please remember to be careful in the heat and take proper precautions in the sun.
I wish everybody a safe, happy and healthy day. Please remember work safe, work hard and take pride in you work.
REMEMBER YOU MATTER – YOU HAVE VALUE – BELIEVE IN YOURSELF – YOU CAN ACCOMPLISHING ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO, IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!!!!!!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be a Member of Heat & Frost Insulators Local 12
Good Afternoon:
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” —Friedrich Nietzsche
I hope everybody is doing well. Your kids should be getting out of school – summer is here!!!!!! If your kids are small enjoy the summer with them – they won’t stay small forever. If your kids are grown or you don’t have kids you can still enjoy the summer. Whatever your family situation is I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous summer.
The election results for Saturday, June 22, 2019 are as follows:
Joe Lapinski and Gerard Feeley were re-elected to their Business Agent positions.
Chris Cook was elected Business Agent.
The Business Agent term in office is for three years.
Ivica Begonja was elected Vice President for a two year term. The Vice President’s term is normally for three years. The election for Vice President’s full three year term was held last year when Chris Cook was elected Vice President. Since Chris Cook ran for Business Agent after serving one year of the Vice President’s term he had to vacate the position and Ivica Begonja was elected for the remaining two years of the Vice President’s term.
Philmore Brown was elected to the Executive Board for a one year term in office. The Executive Board term is normally two years. The election for the five Executive Board Positions was held last year for the full two year term. Since Charlie Sullivan ran for Vice President he had to vacate the position after one year and Philmore was unanimously elected to finish the one year term.
I would like to congratulate all the winners of Saturday’s election. I would also like to congratulate everybody who ran for a position in the election. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there in front of everybody. It takes a lot of courage to say to everybody I want to take on the responsibility of an elected office. I sincerely thank everybody who ran for office for making a commitment to Local 12 and getting involved. To those of you who did not win their election I truly appreciate your effort, commitment and dedication to Local 12. I hope all of you stay involved and stay positive. I would also like to thank everybody who voted in the election. I am proud of all of you for getting involved with Local 12.
I would especially like to thank Nick Grgas for all of his years of service to Local 12.
These past several years it seems we have gone from one election to another. From one argument to another. From one problem to another. Yet we are still standing. This past election things got pretty rough. I would truly hope that we can now start to come together and work together to solve our problems. We can disagree with each other but we should remember that we need each other. We can all have different ideas or solutions for our problems but at some point we have to listen to each other. We have to work together and reason with each other. Then we have to accept what is best for all of us. That is what a Union is – a group of people making decisions that benefit the whole group. It is time to stop fighting each other and start fighting for each other.
Wellness Tip: Believe – Achieve – Succeed. Believe in yourself. Set goals for yourself to achieve. Then you will succeed.
Remember to live in the moment my brothers and sisters. We spend so much time looking back at the past and wishing into the future that we forget to live in the moment. Seize the moment – live you best life today. If you want to do something – GO FOR IT!!!!! Live for today. Don’t look back with regret. Don’t look forward anxiously. Live for today – do your best at life – live your best life now! Don’t wait until tomorrow to get started on your “better life”. Start your best life today! Happy Tuesday!!!!!!!
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Proud Member of Local 12!!!!!!!!!!
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” —Friedrich Nietzsche
I hope everybody is doing well. Your kids should be getting out of school – summer is here!!!!!! If your kids are small enjoy the summer with them – they won’t stay small forever. If your kids are grown or you don’t have kids you can still enjoy the summer. Whatever your family situation is I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous summer.
The election results for Saturday, June 22, 2019 are as follows:
Joe Lapinski and Gerard Feeley were re-elected to their Business Agent positions.
Chris Cook was elected Business Agent.
The Business Agent term in office is for three years.
Ivica Begonja was elected Vice President for a two year term. The Vice President’s term is normally for three years. The election for Vice President’s full three year term was held last year when Chris Cook was elected Vice President. Since Chris Cook ran for Business Agent after serving one year of the Vice President’s term he had to vacate the position and Ivica Begonja was elected for the remaining two years of the Vice President’s term.
Philmore Brown was elected to the Executive Board for a one year term in office. The Executive Board term is normally two years. The election for the five Executive Board Positions was held last year for the full two year term. Since Charlie Sullivan ran for Vice President he had to vacate the position after one year and Philmore was unanimously elected to finish the one year term.
I would like to congratulate all the winners of Saturday’s election. I would also like to congratulate everybody who ran for a position in the election. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there in front of everybody. It takes a lot of courage to say to everybody I want to take on the responsibility of an elected office. I sincerely thank everybody who ran for office for making a commitment to Local 12 and getting involved. To those of you who did not win their election I truly appreciate your effort, commitment and dedication to Local 12. I hope all of you stay involved and stay positive. I would also like to thank everybody who voted in the election. I am proud of all of you for getting involved with Local 12.
I would especially like to thank Nick Grgas for all of his years of service to Local 12.
These past several years it seems we have gone from one election to another. From one argument to another. From one problem to another. Yet we are still standing. This past election things got pretty rough. I would truly hope that we can now start to come together and work together to solve our problems. We can disagree with each other but we should remember that we need each other. We can all have different ideas or solutions for our problems but at some point we have to listen to each other. We have to work together and reason with each other. Then we have to accept what is best for all of us. That is what a Union is – a group of people making decisions that benefit the whole group. It is time to stop fighting each other and start fighting for each other.
Wellness Tip: Believe – Achieve – Succeed. Believe in yourself. Set goals for yourself to achieve. Then you will succeed.
Remember to live in the moment my brothers and sisters. We spend so much time looking back at the past and wishing into the future that we forget to live in the moment. Seize the moment – live you best life today. If you want to do something – GO FOR IT!!!!! Live for today. Don’t look back with regret. Don’t look forward anxiously. Live for today – do your best at life – live your best life now! Don’t wait until tomorrow to get started on your “better life”. Start your best life today! Happy Tuesday!!!!!!!
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Proud Member of Local 12!!!!!!!!!!
Attention All Local 12 Members:
This Saturday, June 22, 2019 there will be an election for the following Union Officer positions: Business Agents (3), Vice-President (1), Executive Board Member (1). The election of Officers will be held between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106. Absentee ballots are no longer available for those unable to attend the election this Saturday. You may vote in person at Honest Ballot up until this Friday. Honest Ballot is located at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005.
The candidates for the Union Officers up for election are as follows:
Business Agents: (Vote for three)
David Renck #1
Joseph Lapinski #2
Gerard Feeley #3
Miljenko Zanki #4
Nick Grgas #5
Edward Bartulovich #6
Robert DeMartino #7
Zachary Moran #8
Christopher Cook #9
Vice President: (Vote for one)
Ivica Begonja #10
Charles Sullivan #11
Executive Board: (Vote for one)
Philmore Brown #12
Christopher Felice #13
I will not tell you who to vote for but everybody eligible to vote should vote. YOUR VOTE COUNTS AND YOU ARE VOTING FOR PEOPLE WHO WILL LEAD LOCAL 12 INTO THE FUTURE. Remember the Business Agents and Vice President elected on Saturday will be negotiating Local 12’s next contract in 2020. The will also be Trustees to all of your Benefit Funds. Which means they are responsible for the decisions made on all of your Benefit Funds. The person elected to the Executive Board will be part of deciding which direction Local 12 will go in the future. It is your future VOT FOR IT!!!!!!!!
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks for June 2019 will be printed this Friday, June 21, 2019. You must submit the Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Form today, Wednesday, June 19, 2019,
if you wish to have a check printed this Friday.
“Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” – George Washington Carver
I wish everybody a safe, happy and healthy day. Please remember work safe, work hard and take pride in you work.
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
This Saturday, June 22, 2019 there will be an election for the following Union Officer positions: Business Agents (3), Vice-President (1), Executive Board Member (1). The election of Officers will be held between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106. Absentee ballots are no longer available for those unable to attend the election this Saturday. You may vote in person at Honest Ballot up until this Friday. Honest Ballot is located at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005.
The candidates for the Union Officers up for election are as follows:
Business Agents: (Vote for three)
David Renck #1
Joseph Lapinski #2
Gerard Feeley #3
Miljenko Zanki #4
Nick Grgas #5
Edward Bartulovich #6
Robert DeMartino #7
Zachary Moran #8
Christopher Cook #9
Vice President: (Vote for one)
Ivica Begonja #10
Charles Sullivan #11
Executive Board: (Vote for one)
Philmore Brown #12
Christopher Felice #13
I will not tell you who to vote for but everybody eligible to vote should vote. YOUR VOTE COUNTS AND YOU ARE VOTING FOR PEOPLE WHO WILL LEAD LOCAL 12 INTO THE FUTURE. Remember the Business Agents and Vice President elected on Saturday will be negotiating Local 12’s next contract in 2020. The will also be Trustees to all of your Benefit Funds. Which means they are responsible for the decisions made on all of your Benefit Funds. The person elected to the Executive Board will be part of deciding which direction Local 12 will go in the future. It is your future VOT FOR IT!!!!!!!!
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks for June 2019 will be printed this Friday, June 21, 2019. You must submit the Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Form today, Wednesday, June 19, 2019,
if you wish to have a check printed this Friday.
“Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” – George Washington Carver
I wish everybody a safe, happy and healthy day. Please remember work safe, work hard and take pride in you work.
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Happy Thursday to All of My Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” – Lao Tzu
I hope you are doing well today. It is a good day – we are all here and we have the ability to give ourselves a good day everyday – SO GIVE YOURSELF A GOOD DAY TODAY! YOU DESERVE IT!
There will be no recruitment today, Thursday, May 23, 2019 for the AJEF First Year Apprentice Class of 2019. I repeat we will not be giving out any applications today. We will give out applications next Thursday, May 30, 2019 and that will be the last day applications will be available for the 2019 AJEF Recruitment.
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks for May 2019 were printed last Friday, May 17, 2019. The next Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks will be printed on Friday, June 21, 2019. If you received a check in April or May you are not eligible for June’s Vacation Fund Check printing.
On Saturday, June 22, 2019 there will be an election for the following Union Officer positions: Business Agents (3), Vice-President (1), Executive Board Member (1). The election of Officers will be held between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106. Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005, in writing no less than ten (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You cannot email your request and you cannot contact the Local 12 Union Hall to request an absentee ballot. Remember you cannot email your request for an Absentee Ballot to Honest Ballot. You must put your request in writing and mail it via U.S Mail to Honest Ballot. The attached Local 12 Absentee Ballot Request Form can be used to request a ballot but you must print it and send the completed form in the mail to Honest Ballot. They will then send you a ballot to cast your vote and then you must complete it and return it to Honest Ballot in the mail.
You may begin to go directly to Honest Ballot to vote in person starting on June 11, 2019.
The next Regular Union Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2019. It is also the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion of World War II.
This Monday, May 27, 2019 is Memorial Day – it is a holiday. Please remember our Military Personal who have died for our freedom.
We all want to have a happy life. One way to have a happy life is to be grateful. Be grateful for all you have in your life, don’t take anything for granted. Stop looking for reasons to be unhappy. Can’t find anything to be grateful for? Then be thankful for your life. Someone, somewhere else, is desperately fighting for theirs. Gratitude is the Best Attitude.
I am grateful to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12. I am grateful to be your Fund Manager. I am grateful for your hard work, dedication and commitment to Local 12. I am grateful to call all of you My Brothers and Sisters!
Please remember to work safe. Your family expects you to come home at the end of every single day the same as when you leave the house in the beginning of the day. Your safety is Local 12’s top priority and it should be your top priority.
"Once you choose hope, anything is possible." — Christopher Reeve
Have a great day!!!!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12!!!!!
Proud to be an American!!!!!!
Support the Troops!!!!!!!
“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” – Lao Tzu
I hope you are doing well today. It is a good day – we are all here and we have the ability to give ourselves a good day everyday – SO GIVE YOURSELF A GOOD DAY TODAY! YOU DESERVE IT!
There will be no recruitment today, Thursday, May 23, 2019 for the AJEF First Year Apprentice Class of 2019. I repeat we will not be giving out any applications today. We will give out applications next Thursday, May 30, 2019 and that will be the last day applications will be available for the 2019 AJEF Recruitment.
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks for May 2019 were printed last Friday, May 17, 2019. The next Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks will be printed on Friday, June 21, 2019. If you received a check in April or May you are not eligible for June’s Vacation Fund Check printing.
On Saturday, June 22, 2019 there will be an election for the following Union Officer positions: Business Agents (3), Vice-President (1), Executive Board Member (1). The election of Officers will be held between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106. Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005, in writing no less than ten (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You cannot email your request and you cannot contact the Local 12 Union Hall to request an absentee ballot. Remember you cannot email your request for an Absentee Ballot to Honest Ballot. You must put your request in writing and mail it via U.S Mail to Honest Ballot. The attached Local 12 Absentee Ballot Request Form can be used to request a ballot but you must print it and send the completed form in the mail to Honest Ballot. They will then send you a ballot to cast your vote and then you must complete it and return it to Honest Ballot in the mail.
You may begin to go directly to Honest Ballot to vote in person starting on June 11, 2019.
The next Regular Union Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2019. It is also the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion of World War II.
This Monday, May 27, 2019 is Memorial Day – it is a holiday. Please remember our Military Personal who have died for our freedom.
We all want to have a happy life. One way to have a happy life is to be grateful. Be grateful for all you have in your life, don’t take anything for granted. Stop looking for reasons to be unhappy. Can’t find anything to be grateful for? Then be thankful for your life. Someone, somewhere else, is desperately fighting for theirs. Gratitude is the Best Attitude.
I am grateful to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12. I am grateful to be your Fund Manager. I am grateful for your hard work, dedication and commitment to Local 12. I am grateful to call all of you My Brothers and Sisters!
Please remember to work safe. Your family expects you to come home at the end of every single day the same as when you leave the house in the beginning of the day. Your safety is Local 12’s top priority and it should be your top priority.
"Once you choose hope, anything is possible." — Christopher Reeve
Have a great day!!!!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12!!!!!
Proud to be an American!!!!!!
Support the Troops!!!!!!!
Hello to All My Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
I hope you are doing your best to stay dry in this wet weather. Please be careful out there – both on the job and traveling to and from the job. I hope all is well with you and your family.
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks will be printed this Friday, May 17, 2019. This, Wednesday, May 15, 2019 Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Forms are due.
On Saturday, June 22, 2019 there will be an election for the following Union Officer positions: Business Agents (3), Vice-President (1), Executive Board Member (1). The election of Officers will be held between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106.
To be eligible to vote a member must be in good standing in accordance with the rules of the Constitution and By Laws of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers; under Article XIII Initiation Fees, Fines, Assessments and Dues Section 5 it states: “Members in good standing are those with dues and all other arrearages paid up to and including the second previous month as set forth in Section 4 of this Article.” This means your dues must be paid up to date as well as any fines or assessments that have been levied against you.
Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005, in writing no less than ten (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You cannot email your request and you cannot contact the Local 12 Union Hall to request an absentee ballot.
The candidates for the Union Officers up for election are as follows:
Business Agents: (Vote for three)
David Renck #1
Joseph Lapinski #2
Gerard Feeley #3
Miljenko Zanki #4
Nick Grgas #5
Edward Bartulovich #6
Robert DeMartino #7
Zachary Moran #8
Christopher Cook #9
Vice President: (Vote for one)
Ivica Begonja #10
Charles Sullivan #11
Executive Board: (Vote for one)
Philmore Brown #12
Christopher Felice #13
At the Regular Union Meeting of May 2, 2019 I had the honor of nominating Business Manager-Financial Secretary Treasurer John Jovic and he was unanimously re-elected as nobody else was nominated to run against him. President John Bohlmann swore John Jovic in at the meeting for a full term of three years as Business Manager-Financial Secretary Treasurer from July of 2019 through June of 2022. President Bohlmann also appointed Charles Sullivan as Vice President until the election on June 22, 2019. Christopher Cook had to vacate the position of Vice President once he took the nomination to run for Business Agent. Please note that the election on June 22, 2019 will decide who will be the Vice President for the next three years of 2019 through 2022.
Nobody was nominated for Recording Secretary. This is an extremely important position. Executive Board Member Filip Capilija has volunteered to take on the additional responsibility of Recording Secretary responsibilities until a permanent replacement can be found. Charles Sullivan was handling both Executive Board responsibilities as well as Recording Secretary responsibilities. Since he was appointed the Vice President position he can no longer act as the Recording Secretary during Executive Board Meetings because as Vice President you are the Chairman of the Executive Board. I hope there is a Local 12 Mechanic in Good Standing who would be willing to step up and take the job of Recording Secretary. The job entails you to be able to write down all that goes on at the Executive Board Meetings, Union Meetings, Union Trials and any Special Meetings that may be scheduled. As well as reading all minutes, communications and any other notices at all meetings. If you are interested in the position please contact Business Manager-Financial Secretary Treasurer John Jovic and President John Bohlmann.
We are also in need of another Local 12 Union Trustee. The position is vacant because Philmore Brown vacated his position as Local 12 Union Trustee when he accepted the nomination to run for Executive Board Member. If you are interested in the position please contact Business Manager-Financial Secretary Treasurer John Jovic and President John Bohlmann.
This, Thursday, May 16, 2019 the AJEF Local 12 Recruitment for the New Apprentice Class of 2019 will be continued. We have instituted a new recruitment process this year. We have been giving out applications every Thursday since March 7, 2019. We will continue through May 30, 2019 excluding May 23, 2019. The applications will be given out between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. There will be no need to camp out. Everyone who comes in on the scheduled dates and times will receive an application. There is no limit to the number of applications that will be given out. The address of the Union Office and Funds Office is as follows:
15-32 127th Street – First Floor
College Point, NY 11356
A government issued photo identification is required for each step of the recruitment process. In order to receive an application all potential applicants must have a government issued identification on them – IT MUST BE PRESENTED WHEN PICKING UP THE APPLICATION.
The schedule for when applications will be available is as follows:
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 2:00 PM
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2019 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 2:00 PM
Please see the attachment AJEF of Local 12 Recruitment 2019 for complete instructions regarding the application process.
All members should report the start of their new jobs by calling the Local 12 Union Office at 718-784-3456 or by using the contact form on the Local 12 website. By reporting your jobs you help your union representatives keep track of where the members are working and thereby help them protect the work under Local 12’s jurisdiction. When working overtime or off hours you must phone in your time prior to the start of work by
calling 877-864-6612 or 877-UNION12.
If you are an Improver please remember to send in your job reports to Local 12 Organizer Anthony Fagiolo in a timely fashion. As stated in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) all Tier 1 Improvers must be accompanied by a Journey person/Mechanic unless they are working as a driver of a company vehicle or unloading and staging deliveries. All Tier 2 Improvers must be accompanied by a Journey person/Mechanic unless they are working as a driver of a company vehicle, performing firestopping work (after working 2,000 hours) or unloading and staging deliveries. If you are alone at any time you should call Business Manager John Jovic and Local 12 Organizer Anthony Fagiolo at 718-784-3456 to let them know where you are working. If you are not clear on anything or if you have any questions please contact Business Manager John Jovic or Local 12 Organizer Anthony Fagiolo.
Please remember to work safe. Your family expects you to come home at the end of every day the same as when you leave the house in the beginning of the day. Your safety is Local 12’s top priority and it should be your top priority.
Above all I want to thank each and every Local 12 Member for all that you do every single day – YOU ARE LOCAL 12!!!! YOU ARE THE INSULATION INDUSTRY!!!!! YOU ARE VALUABLE!!!!!! Please always remember that what you do on a daily basis matters – YOU ARE AN ENERGY CONSERVATION SPECIALIST. You are at the front line of the GO GREEN MOVEMENT!!!!! Thank you for your hard work and commitment – please appreciate each other as I appreciate you. Keep up the great work and let’s all work together for a better future!!!!!!
“Don’t let any man into your cab, your home or you heart, unless he is a friend of labor.” – James R. Hoffa
Integrity: Choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be an American
I hope you are doing your best to stay dry in this wet weather. Please be careful out there – both on the job and traveling to and from the job. I hope all is well with you and your family.
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks will be printed this Friday, May 17, 2019. This, Wednesday, May 15, 2019 Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Forms are due.
On Saturday, June 22, 2019 there will be an election for the following Union Officer positions: Business Agents (3), Vice-President (1), Executive Board Member (1). The election of Officers will be held between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106.
To be eligible to vote a member must be in good standing in accordance with the rules of the Constitution and By Laws of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers; under Article XIII Initiation Fees, Fines, Assessments and Dues Section 5 it states: “Members in good standing are those with dues and all other arrearages paid up to and including the second previous month as set forth in Section 4 of this Article.” This means your dues must be paid up to date as well as any fines or assessments that have been levied against you.
Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005, in writing no less than ten (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You cannot email your request and you cannot contact the Local 12 Union Hall to request an absentee ballot.
The candidates for the Union Officers up for election are as follows:
Business Agents: (Vote for three)
David Renck #1
Joseph Lapinski #2
Gerard Feeley #3
Miljenko Zanki #4
Nick Grgas #5
Edward Bartulovich #6
Robert DeMartino #7
Zachary Moran #8
Christopher Cook #9
Vice President: (Vote for one)
Ivica Begonja #10
Charles Sullivan #11
Executive Board: (Vote for one)
Philmore Brown #12
Christopher Felice #13
At the Regular Union Meeting of May 2, 2019 I had the honor of nominating Business Manager-Financial Secretary Treasurer John Jovic and he was unanimously re-elected as nobody else was nominated to run against him. President John Bohlmann swore John Jovic in at the meeting for a full term of three years as Business Manager-Financial Secretary Treasurer from July of 2019 through June of 2022. President Bohlmann also appointed Charles Sullivan as Vice President until the election on June 22, 2019. Christopher Cook had to vacate the position of Vice President once he took the nomination to run for Business Agent. Please note that the election on June 22, 2019 will decide who will be the Vice President for the next three years of 2019 through 2022.
Nobody was nominated for Recording Secretary. This is an extremely important position. Executive Board Member Filip Capilija has volunteered to take on the additional responsibility of Recording Secretary responsibilities until a permanent replacement can be found. Charles Sullivan was handling both Executive Board responsibilities as well as Recording Secretary responsibilities. Since he was appointed the Vice President position he can no longer act as the Recording Secretary during Executive Board Meetings because as Vice President you are the Chairman of the Executive Board. I hope there is a Local 12 Mechanic in Good Standing who would be willing to step up and take the job of Recording Secretary. The job entails you to be able to write down all that goes on at the Executive Board Meetings, Union Meetings, Union Trials and any Special Meetings that may be scheduled. As well as reading all minutes, communications and any other notices at all meetings. If you are interested in the position please contact Business Manager-Financial Secretary Treasurer John Jovic and President John Bohlmann.
We are also in need of another Local 12 Union Trustee. The position is vacant because Philmore Brown vacated his position as Local 12 Union Trustee when he accepted the nomination to run for Executive Board Member. If you are interested in the position please contact Business Manager-Financial Secretary Treasurer John Jovic and President John Bohlmann.
This, Thursday, May 16, 2019 the AJEF Local 12 Recruitment for the New Apprentice Class of 2019 will be continued. We have instituted a new recruitment process this year. We have been giving out applications every Thursday since March 7, 2019. We will continue through May 30, 2019 excluding May 23, 2019. The applications will be given out between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. There will be no need to camp out. Everyone who comes in on the scheduled dates and times will receive an application. There is no limit to the number of applications that will be given out. The address of the Union Office and Funds Office is as follows:
15-32 127th Street – First Floor
College Point, NY 11356
A government issued photo identification is required for each step of the recruitment process. In order to receive an application all potential applicants must have a government issued identification on them – IT MUST BE PRESENTED WHEN PICKING UP THE APPLICATION.
The schedule for when applications will be available is as follows:
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 2:00 PM
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2019 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 2:00 PM
Please see the attachment AJEF of Local 12 Recruitment 2019 for complete instructions regarding the application process.
All members should report the start of their new jobs by calling the Local 12 Union Office at 718-784-3456 or by using the contact form on the Local 12 website. By reporting your jobs you help your union representatives keep track of where the members are working and thereby help them protect the work under Local 12’s jurisdiction. When working overtime or off hours you must phone in your time prior to the start of work by
calling 877-864-6612 or 877-UNION12.
If you are an Improver please remember to send in your job reports to Local 12 Organizer Anthony Fagiolo in a timely fashion. As stated in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) all Tier 1 Improvers must be accompanied by a Journey person/Mechanic unless they are working as a driver of a company vehicle or unloading and staging deliveries. All Tier 2 Improvers must be accompanied by a Journey person/Mechanic unless they are working as a driver of a company vehicle, performing firestopping work (after working 2,000 hours) or unloading and staging deliveries. If you are alone at any time you should call Business Manager John Jovic and Local 12 Organizer Anthony Fagiolo at 718-784-3456 to let them know where you are working. If you are not clear on anything or if you have any questions please contact Business Manager John Jovic or Local 12 Organizer Anthony Fagiolo.
Please remember to work safe. Your family expects you to come home at the end of every day the same as when you leave the house in the beginning of the day. Your safety is Local 12’s top priority and it should be your top priority.
Above all I want to thank each and every Local 12 Member for all that you do every single day – YOU ARE LOCAL 12!!!! YOU ARE THE INSULATION INDUSTRY!!!!! YOU ARE VALUABLE!!!!!! Please always remember that what you do on a daily basis matters – YOU ARE AN ENERGY CONSERVATION SPECIALIST. You are at the front line of the GO GREEN MOVEMENT!!!!! Thank you for your hard work and commitment – please appreciate each other as I appreciate you. Keep up the great work and let’s all work together for a better future!!!!!!
“Don’t let any man into your cab, your home or you heart, unless he is a friend of labor.” – James R. Hoffa
Integrity: Choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be an American
Hello My Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
I hope everyone is doing well. First I want to thank everyone for working hard every single day – THANK YOU MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!! Remember each one of you is a valuable part of Local 12 – we are all equally important to the success of the Local 12 and the Insulation Industry as a whole.
Today, Thursday, May 9, 2019 the AJEF Local 12 Recruitment for the New Apprentice Class of 2019 will be continued. We are instituting a new recruitment process this year. We will be giving out applications every Thursday from March 7, 2019 through May 30, 2019 excluding May 23, 2019. The applications will be given out between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. There will be no need to camp out. Everyone who comes in on the scheduled dates and times will receive an application. There is no limit to the number of applications that will be given out.
A government issued photo identification is required for each step of the recruitment process. In order to receive an application all potential applicants must have a government issued identification on them – IT MUST BE PRESENTED WHEN PICKING UP THE APPLICATION.
The schedule for when applications will be available is as follows:
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 2:00 PM
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 2:00 PM
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2019 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 2:00 PM
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks for May 2019 will be printed on Friday, May 17, 2019.
Have a great day and be safe. Be happy and grateful my Brothers and Sisters. Life can be difficult but if we appreciate what we have we can find the good in everything. I appreciate all of you and I am grateful to be your Fund Manager and a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12.
“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” --Napoleon Hill
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be an American
I hope everyone is doing well. First I want to thank everyone for working hard every single day – THANK YOU MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!! Remember each one of you is a valuable part of Local 12 – we are all equally important to the success of the Local 12 and the Insulation Industry as a whole.
Today, Thursday, May 9, 2019 the AJEF Local 12 Recruitment for the New Apprentice Class of 2019 will be continued. We are instituting a new recruitment process this year. We will be giving out applications every Thursday from March 7, 2019 through May 30, 2019 excluding May 23, 2019. The applications will be given out between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. There will be no need to camp out. Everyone who comes in on the scheduled dates and times will receive an application. There is no limit to the number of applications that will be given out.
A government issued photo identification is required for each step of the recruitment process. In order to receive an application all potential applicants must have a government issued identification on them – IT MUST BE PRESENTED WHEN PICKING UP THE APPLICATION.
The schedule for when applications will be available is as follows:
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 2:00 PM
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 2:00 PM
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2019 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 2:00 PM
Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks for May 2019 will be printed on Friday, May 17, 2019.
Have a great day and be safe. Be happy and grateful my Brothers and Sisters. Life can be difficult but if we appreciate what we have we can find the good in everything. I appreciate all of you and I am grateful to be your Fund Manager and a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12.
“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” --Napoleon Hill
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Proud to be an American
Dear Local 12 Members,
Please be advised that the next General Membership Meeting is now scheduled for Thursday, May 2nd, 2019, at the Knights of Columbus located at 49-18 Queens Blvd. Woodside, NY 11377. During the meeting, nominations will be held for the offices of Business Manager/Financial Secretary (1), Business Agent (3), and Recording Secretary (1), as well as any other office that may become vacant.
The election of Officers will be held between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 in the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106. In order to be eligible to vote all members must be in good standing and have their dues paid up accordingly. Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot (27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005) in writing no less than (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election.
Fraternally,
John Jovic
Business Manager / Financial Secretary
Please be advised that the next General Membership Meeting is now scheduled for Thursday, May 2nd, 2019, at the Knights of Columbus located at 49-18 Queens Blvd. Woodside, NY 11377. During the meeting, nominations will be held for the offices of Business Manager/Financial Secretary (1), Business Agent (3), and Recording Secretary (1), as well as any other office that may become vacant.
The election of Officers will be held between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 in the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106. In order to be eligible to vote all members must be in good standing and have their dues paid up accordingly. Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot (27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005) in writing no less than (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election.
Fraternally,
John Jovic
Business Manager / Financial Secretary
Honor The Fallen Three Marines killed in action, April 8, 2019, in Parwan province, Afghanistan have been identified:
Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks, 25, from Locust Valley, NY
Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines, 31, from York, PA
Staff Sgt. Christopher K.A. Slutman, 43, from Newark, DE
Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks, 25, from Locust Valley, NY
Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines, 31, from York, PA
Staff Sgt. Christopher K.A. Slutman, 43, from Newark, DE
VICTORIES AGAINST ANTI-WORKER LAWS IN MISSOURI, NEW MEXICO SHOW MOMENTUM
Workers in Missouri and New Mexico have chalked important victories against anti-worker laws that would have robbed them of their voices and the right to bargain collectively.
In Missouri, two separate anti-worker measures, HB 1413 and SB 1007, were halted by state courts last week.
In October, AFSCME and several other unions had filed a lawsuit to challenge SB 1007, which sought to strip public service workers of collectively bargained protections on the job. HB 1413 would have done that and more, including putting in place unnecessary hurdles like recertification elections and making it more difficult for those busy serving their communities to pay their union dues. Last summer, workers in Missouri staved off an attempt to make theirs a right-to-work state.
Council 61 President Danny Homan, said in a statement, “It is a victory for working Missourians to have the implementation of blatant union-busting bills halted with the granting of our request for preliminary injunctions.”
AFSCME President Lee Saunders characterized the two measures as “a corporate-backed legislative scheme to try and divide workers, hurt public services and drive down wages for all Missourians by attacking the fundamental right to collective bargaining.”
Meanwhile, the New Mexico Legislature passed a bill prohibiting local governments from implementing their own right-to-work ordinances, which would weaken worker rights and drive down wages. AFSCME members in that state belong to Council 18.
Together, these two recent victories reflect a broader push in the states, embodied by the recent midterm elections, which ushered in a wave of pro-worker candidates, to unrig the rules that rob working families of their voices and to preserve the freedom to join together in strong unions.
Workers in Missouri and New Mexico have chalked important victories against anti-worker laws that would have robbed them of their voices and the right to bargain collectively.
In Missouri, two separate anti-worker measures, HB 1413 and SB 1007, were halted by state courts last week.
In October, AFSCME and several other unions had filed a lawsuit to challenge SB 1007, which sought to strip public service workers of collectively bargained protections on the job. HB 1413 would have done that and more, including putting in place unnecessary hurdles like recertification elections and making it more difficult for those busy serving their communities to pay their union dues. Last summer, workers in Missouri staved off an attempt to make theirs a right-to-work state.
Council 61 President Danny Homan, said in a statement, “It is a victory for working Missourians to have the implementation of blatant union-busting bills halted with the granting of our request for preliminary injunctions.”
AFSCME President Lee Saunders characterized the two measures as “a corporate-backed legislative scheme to try and divide workers, hurt public services and drive down wages for all Missourians by attacking the fundamental right to collective bargaining.”
Meanwhile, the New Mexico Legislature passed a bill prohibiting local governments from implementing their own right-to-work ordinances, which would weaken worker rights and drive down wages. AFSCME members in that state belong to Council 18.
Together, these two recent victories reflect a broader push in the states, embodied by the recent midterm elections, which ushered in a wave of pro-worker candidates, to unrig the rules that rob working families of their voices and to preserve the freedom to join together in strong unions.
BELOW ARE VIDEOS FROM THE GILBANE RALLY IN MANHATTAN ON NOVEMBER 7, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017 FIRST YEAR APPRENTICES OF HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS LOCAL 12
LOCAL 12 BUSINESS MANAGER JOHN JOVIC SPEAKS AT THE COUNT ME IN RALLY ON MAY 8, 2018
THE UNION WAY IS THE AMERICAN WAY
PLEASE CLICK ON THE FILE BELOW TO SEE THE STORY THAT WAS WRITTEN BY LABOR PRESS AND WAS IN THE NY DAILY NEWS
PLEASE CLICK ON THE FILE BELOW TO SEE THE STORY THAT WAS WRITTEN BY LABOR PRESS AND WAS IN THE NY DAILY NEWS
| the_union_way_is_the_american_way.pdf |
The Davis-Bacon Act took effect on March 3, 1931. It orders contractors on federally financed or assisted construction projects to pay wage rates equal to those prevailing in local construction trades.
Davis Bacon Act SummaryDavis Bacon Act Definition: The Davis Bacon Act is a federal law that mandates on-site workers be paid certain wages, benefits, and overtime (also known as “prevailing wage”) on all government-funded construction, alteration, and repair projects. The bill was enacted by Congress in 1931, and in 2013 President Barack Obama signed the Streamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Act, which passed authority of the Davis Bacon Act to the United States Department of Labor.
Davis Bacon Act Applicability: The Davis Bacon Act is applicable to all on-site employees working on government-funded construction, alteration, and repair projects. According to the Davis Bacon Act, “workers” are further defined by their trade and classification as not only “laborers” and “mechanics,” by also as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, ironworkers, flaggers, craftsmen, welders, concrete finishers, longshoremen, power equipment operators, and helpers.
Davis Bacon Act and the Department of Labor: There have been over 119,000 reported violations of the Davis Bacon Act over the last 32 years, according to the United States Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Though there are several ways to violate the Davis Bacon Act, the most common by far is failing to pay the prevailing wage. As a result, over $197 million in back wages have been paid to employees working under the Davis Bacon Act. Construction was the worst affected industry, followed by waste management and remediation services and the manufacturing industry.
Davis Bacon Act SummaryDavis Bacon Act Definition: The Davis Bacon Act is a federal law that mandates on-site workers be paid certain wages, benefits, and overtime (also known as “prevailing wage”) on all government-funded construction, alteration, and repair projects. The bill was enacted by Congress in 1931, and in 2013 President Barack Obama signed the Streamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Act, which passed authority of the Davis Bacon Act to the United States Department of Labor.
Davis Bacon Act Applicability: The Davis Bacon Act is applicable to all on-site employees working on government-funded construction, alteration, and repair projects. According to the Davis Bacon Act, “workers” are further defined by their trade and classification as not only “laborers” and “mechanics,” by also as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, ironworkers, flaggers, craftsmen, welders, concrete finishers, longshoremen, power equipment operators, and helpers.
Davis Bacon Act and the Department of Labor: There have been over 119,000 reported violations of the Davis Bacon Act over the last 32 years, according to the United States Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Though there are several ways to violate the Davis Bacon Act, the most common by far is failing to pay the prevailing wage. As a result, over $197 million in back wages have been paid to employees working under the Davis Bacon Act. Construction was the worst affected industry, followed by waste management and remediation services and the manufacturing industry.
Unions representing thousands of federal workers came together in DC yesterday to rally and march in protest of the continuing shutdown and resulting furloughs that are financially hurting 800,000 employees and families. The rally began at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. and continued with a march to the White House after remarks by keynote speakers including furloughed federal employees, union leaders, and members of Congress.
“If this shutdown continues to Saturday it will be our largest shutdown in history," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. "And this isn’t a record that anyone should be proud of, let’s call this shutdown what it is: It’s a Lockout. And this has to end NOW!”
Failing to fund the government even for a day has real-world consequences. The 2013 shutdown lasted 16 days, cost American taxpayers $24 billion, and caused valuable work to grind to a halt. Hundreds of cancer patients, for example, were prevented from enrolling in NIH clinical trials. 6,300 children were denied access to Head Start programs for up to 9 days. 1,200 EPA site inspections were canceled. 1,400 OSHA inspections to prevent workplace fatalities and injuries were stopped. Read more from the American Federation of Government Employees here, check out photos from yesterday's rally on Twitter using the hashtag #StopTheShutdown, and watch video of the event on the AFL-CIO's Facebook page.
“If this shutdown continues to Saturday it will be our largest shutdown in history," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. "And this isn’t a record that anyone should be proud of, let’s call this shutdown what it is: It’s a Lockout. And this has to end NOW!”
Failing to fund the government even for a day has real-world consequences. The 2013 shutdown lasted 16 days, cost American taxpayers $24 billion, and caused valuable work to grind to a halt. Hundreds of cancer patients, for example, were prevented from enrolling in NIH clinical trials. 6,300 children were denied access to Head Start programs for up to 9 days. 1,200 EPA site inspections were canceled. 1,400 OSHA inspections to prevent workplace fatalities and injuries were stopped. Read more from the American Federation of Government Employees here, check out photos from yesterday's rally on Twitter using the hashtag #StopTheShutdown, and watch video of the event on the AFL-CIO's Facebook page.
Dear Local 12 Member:
Wow is it cold out there! Please be careful and pay attention to what your body is telling you. Keep going brothers and sisters winter can’t last forever. Thank you all for all you do to keep Local 12 Strong!!! Keep fighting the good fight – SOLIDARITY MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS – SOLIDARITY!!!!!!
Staying warm in cold weather
Before you or your children step out into cold air, remember the advice that follows with the simple acronym COLD — cover, overexertion, layers, dry:
- Cover. Wear a hat or other protective covering to prevent body heat from escaping from your head, face and neck. Cover your hands with mittens instead of gloves.
- Overexertion. Avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot. The combination of wet clothing and cold weather can cause you to lose body heat more quickly.
- Layers. Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Outer clothing made of tightly woven, water-repellent material is best for wind protection. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold body heat better than cotton does.
- Dry. Stay as dry as possible. Get out of wet clothing as soon as possible. Be especially careful to keep your hands and feet dry, as it's easy for snow to get into mittens and boots.
Pension Fund:
At the Board of Trustees Meeting for the Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12 on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, the Board of Trustees unanimously approves a pension credit raise from $135.00 to $160.00 for all full pension credits earned from January 1, 2016 and forward. Below is what a full Pension Credit in the Pension Fund of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12 Pension Fund is valued at:
Full Pension Credits Earned through 12/31/1995 are valued at $42.00 each
Full Pension Credits Earned from 1/1/1996 through 12/31/2012 are valued at $96.00 each
Full Pension Credits Earned from 1/1/2013 through 12/31/2015 are valued at $135.00 each
Full Pension Credits Earned from 1/1/2016 and forward are valued at $160.00 each
Pension Credits are earned as follows
800 hours worked in a calendar year equals one full credit
600 hours worked in a calendar year equals three quarters of a credit
400 hours worked in a calendar year equals one half of a credit
200 hours worked in a calendar year equals one quarter of a credit
You may earn a maximum of one credit per year and you may earn a maximum of 45 credits in a career
Brian Tracy’s Top 10 Rules For Success:
Brian Tracy is a Canadian-born American motivational public speaker and self-development author. He is the author of over 70 books. His popular books are Earn What You’re Really Worth, Eat That Frog and The Psychology of Achievement. Brian shares his top ten rules for success. Use this information to take your life to a whole new level.
1. “Don’t Live On ‘Someday Isle’.”
Many people have great dreams and plans that they want to accomplish but then they take a vacation on ‘Someday Isle’, 80% of the population lives on ‘Someday Isle’. If you want to be a great success there’s one simple rule, it’s to vote yourself off the island for life. If you decide you’re going to do something, do it. There’s one major difference between successful people and unsuccessful people, successful people launch, they start, they get on with it, they just do it. Unsuccessful people get the same ideas and the same information but they’ve always got an excuse for not starting.”
2. “Learn From The Experts.”
“If you want to be successful in starting a business then you study what people have learned and everything people have learned they’ve written down or shared in seminars or put onto audio programs. The key principle is to use proven success methods, learn from the experts. Successful people are those that learn from others that have gone before them, unsuccessful people try to make it all up. Successful people follow proven formulas and proven combinations, they do them over and over again until they master them and all that translates into greater results.”
3. “Find Your Life Purpose.”
“Make a list of 10 goals that you would like to accomplish in the next year and ask yourself, ‘If I could only accomplish one goal on this list which one goal would have the greatest positive impact on my life?’. It could be a spirituality, health, wealth, or relationship goal. Make that the major definite purpose of your life, and make it the central organizing principle of your life.”
4. “Manage Your Time.”
“Time management is the sun and everything that you do is the planets in orbit. Everything we do in life revolves around time because time is life, time is the substance of our life, the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your time management. Everything we have or are or ever will be will be a direct result of how we use our time and the wonderful thing is that we’re always free to choose how we use our time.”
5. “Structure Your Goals As Questions.”
“There’s a process which has made more people rich than any other single process of goals achieved and it’s to take your major goal and structure it as a question. Write it as an open-ended question e.g How can I make 10 million dollars in the next 12 months? following that you discipline yourself to write 20 answers to the question. Write down everything you can think of, write at least 20 answers, this process of mind-storming forces you to dig deep deep into your mind where you will find all your answers. The answers may be obvious but it’s the most obvious answers that we overlook.”
6. “Think Rich.”
“The starting point of becoming a millionaire is to remember the greatest discovery of all of human life, which is that you become what you think about most of the time. If you sincerely want to be rich, to achieve all your financial goals, and to retire as a self-made millionaire, one of the smartest things you can do is to develop the habits of thinking and acting that enabled others to become self-made millionaires. Most people worry about lack and poverty and they wonder why they’re flourishing financially because they’re thinking about poverty and lack rather than prosperity and abundance. All habits are learnable by practice and repetition, you can program yourself to think like self-made millionaires, and remember it has to start on the inside before it ever comes true on the outside.”
7. “Don’t Quit.”
“Here’s an important point, nothing works the first time. I would try a new idea five or ten times before I pass judgment on it. I would not just quit like most people do and that changed my whole life. That was the turning point of my life. You have to try new things to get new results. If you try only two things can happen, you either succeed or learn. You cannot lose by taking action, you can only lose by not taking action.”
8. “Be An Example.”
“Teach people at the school of example for they will learn it no other. Be an example and be an example for an extended period of time. Give yourself two to three months maybe a year of being a new person. In the main people don’t change and you’ll find it much easier to change if you’re with positive people and it’s hard to change with people who don’t want you to change and who want you to be the person you were, sooner or later you’re going to have to make some hard choices. Be the change you want to see in the world.”
9. “Form Good Habits.”
“95% of everything you do is the result of habit. So the rule is, form good habits and make them your masters rather than allowing bad habits to form. Good habits are hard to form but easy to live with. Bad habits are easy to form but bad to live with. All habits are learned and can be unlearned, you don’t actually unlearn a habit you simply replace a bad habit with a good habit that has more powerful power and impact. And how do you develop a habit, through repetition. Almost everything you do from the time you get up in the morning is habit. So start to think about yourself, what would be the best habits to have?”
10. “Never Give Up On Your Dreams.”
“Good question to ask, what age should one give up on their dreams? Never. You’re only as young or old as your dreams. As long as you still have dreams, visions, and goals they keep you young. It’s an amazing thing and they keep you going. So never give up on your dreams.”
“Leaders Think And Talk About The Solutions. Followers Think And Talk About The Problems.” – Brian Tracy
Remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work!
In Deepest Solidarity:
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12 United We Stand
Unions representing thousands of federal workers came together in DC yesterday to rally and march in protest of the continuing shutdown and resulting furloughs that are financially hurting 800,000 employees and families. The rally began at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. and continued with a march to the White House after remarks by keynote speakers including furloughed federal employees, union leaders, and members of Congress.
“If this shutdown continues to Saturday it will be our largest shutdown in history," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. "And this isn’t a record that anyone should be proud of, let’s call this shutdown what it is: It’s a Lockout. And this has to end NOW!”
Failing to fund the government even for a day has real-world consequences. The 2013 shutdown lasted 16 days, cost American taxpayers $24 billion, and caused valuable work to grind to a halt. Hundreds of cancer patients, for example, were prevented from enrolling in NIH clinical trials. 6,300 children were denied access to Head Start programs for up to 9 days. 1,200 EPA site inspections were canceled. 1,400 OSHA inspections to prevent workplace fatalities and injuries were stopped. Read more from the American Federation of Government Employees here, check out photos from yesterday's rally on Twitter using the hashtag #StopTheShutdown, and watch video of the event on the AFL-CIO's Facebook page.
“If this shutdown continues to Saturday it will be our largest shutdown in history," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. "And this isn’t a record that anyone should be proud of, let’s call this shutdown what it is: It’s a Lockout. And this has to end NOW!”
Failing to fund the government even for a day has real-world consequences. The 2013 shutdown lasted 16 days, cost American taxpayers $24 billion, and caused valuable work to grind to a halt. Hundreds of cancer patients, for example, were prevented from enrolling in NIH clinical trials. 6,300 children were denied access to Head Start programs for up to 9 days. 1,200 EPA site inspections were canceled. 1,400 OSHA inspections to prevent workplace fatalities and injuries were stopped. Read more from the American Federation of Government Employees here, check out photos from yesterday's rally on Twitter using the hashtag #StopTheShutdown, and watch video of the event on the AFL-CIO's Facebook page.
The early morning attack at the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, shocked the country and propelled America into World War II.
The Dec. 7, 1941 attack killed 2,335 Americans and wounded 1,143 more. The U.S. lost 18 ships, including five battleships. A day later, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt described Dec. 7 as a “date which will live in infamy.”
Today, Dec. 7 is known as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day” or “Pearl Harbor Day.”
Here’s a look at the quotes, remembrances on the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack:
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
“You ask what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terror. Victory however long and hard the road may be. For without victory there is no survival.” – British Prime Minister Winston Churchill
“Pearl Harbor caused our nation to wholeheartedly commit to winning World War II, changing the course of our nation's history and the world's future.” - - Joe Baca
“Millions of people gave their lives fighting fascism and imperialism, but Pearl Harbor was the event that forever changed the course of human history.” - - Sam Graves
“The lesson of Pearl Harbor ought never to be forgotten, and of course the motto that came from that, 69 years ago, the war which my dad fought, was 'Remember Pearl Harbor, never again.' We need to keep that to mind.” - - Oliver North
“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” - - Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
“Seventy years ago today, a bright Sunday morning was darkened by the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor…We salute the veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor who inspire us still. Despite overwhelming odds, they fought back heroically, inspiring our nation and putting us on the path to victory.” - - President Barack Obama
“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.” - - Franklin D. Roosevelt
The Dec. 7, 1941 attack killed 2,335 Americans and wounded 1,143 more. The U.S. lost 18 ships, including five battleships. A day later, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt described Dec. 7 as a “date which will live in infamy.”
Today, Dec. 7 is known as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day” or “Pearl Harbor Day.”
Here’s a look at the quotes, remembrances on the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack:
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
“You ask what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terror. Victory however long and hard the road may be. For without victory there is no survival.” – British Prime Minister Winston Churchill
“Pearl Harbor caused our nation to wholeheartedly commit to winning World War II, changing the course of our nation's history and the world's future.” - - Joe Baca
“Millions of people gave their lives fighting fascism and imperialism, but Pearl Harbor was the event that forever changed the course of human history.” - - Sam Graves
“The lesson of Pearl Harbor ought never to be forgotten, and of course the motto that came from that, 69 years ago, the war which my dad fought, was 'Remember Pearl Harbor, never again.' We need to keep that to mind.” - - Oliver North
“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” - - Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
“Seventy years ago today, a bright Sunday morning was darkened by the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor…We salute the veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor who inspire us still. Despite overwhelming odds, they fought back heroically, inspiring our nation and putting us on the path to victory.” - - President Barack Obama
“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.” - - Franklin D. Roosevelt
A Soldier's Silent Night/Merry Christmas, My Friend
The poem was recorded by Father Ted Berndt of Wisconsin as a tribute. Berndt is also a former Marine and World War II Veteran and is a recipient of the Purple Heart.
The original poem was actually written by a former Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt. Schmidt was stationed in Washington, D.C. in 1987 when he wrote the poem originally titled "Merry Christmas, My Friend."
Transcription of "A Soldier's Silent Night":
‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this dwelling did live.
As I looked all around, a strange sight to see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking on the mantle, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
Medals and badges, awards of every kind,
a sobering thought came alive in my mind.
This house was different, it was dark, it was dreary.
I had found the home of a soldier, I could see that most clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping silent, alone.
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
His face was so gentle, room in such disorder,
Not at all how I pictured a U.S. soldier.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho, a floor for a bed?
Then I realized the other families that I saw this night
Out there lies the soldiers who are willing to fight.
In the morning around the world, children would play
Grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day
But they all enjoyed freedom, each month through the year,
because of soldiers like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help but wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in lands far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye.
and I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
The soldier awakened, I heard his rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”
The soldier rolled over, and drifted to sleep,
I couldn’t control it, and I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still.
as both of us shivered from the cold night’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave him on that cold, dark night.
This guardian of honor, so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over with a voice soft and pure.
He whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend,
May God bless you this night.
The Original Poem,
as printed in the December 1991 edition of "Leatherneck":
'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend,
Semper Fi and goodnight.
Author: Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt
The poem was recorded by Father Ted Berndt of Wisconsin as a tribute. Berndt is also a former Marine and World War II Veteran and is a recipient of the Purple Heart.
The original poem was actually written by a former Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt. Schmidt was stationed in Washington, D.C. in 1987 when he wrote the poem originally titled "Merry Christmas, My Friend."
Transcription of "A Soldier's Silent Night":
‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this dwelling did live.
As I looked all around, a strange sight to see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking on the mantle, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
Medals and badges, awards of every kind,
a sobering thought came alive in my mind.
This house was different, it was dark, it was dreary.
I had found the home of a soldier, I could see that most clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping silent, alone.
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
His face was so gentle, room in such disorder,
Not at all how I pictured a U.S. soldier.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho, a floor for a bed?
Then I realized the other families that I saw this night
Out there lies the soldiers who are willing to fight.
In the morning around the world, children would play
Grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day
But they all enjoyed freedom, each month through the year,
because of soldiers like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help but wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in lands far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye.
and I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
The soldier awakened, I heard his rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”
The soldier rolled over, and drifted to sleep,
I couldn’t control it, and I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still.
as both of us shivered from the cold night’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave him on that cold, dark night.
This guardian of honor, so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over with a voice soft and pure.
He whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend,
May God bless you this night.
The Original Poem,
as printed in the December 1991 edition of "Leatherneck":
'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend,
Semper Fi and goodnight.
Author: Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt
Former President George H.W. Bush passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018. He was 94 years old.
George H. W. Bush, as the 41st President (1989-1993), brought to the White House a dedication to traditional American values and a determination to direct them toward making the United States “a kinder and gentler nation” in the face of a dramatically changing world.
George Bush brought to the White House a dedication to traditional American values and a determination to direct them toward making the United States “a kinder and gentler nation.” In his Inaugural Address he pledged in “a moment rich with promise” to use American strength as “a force for good.”
Coming from a family with a tradition of public service, George Herbert Walker Bush felt the responsibility to make his contribution both in time of war and in peace. Born in Milton, Massachusetts, on June 12, 1924, he became a student leader at Phillips Academy in Andover. On his 18th birthday he enlisted in the armed forces. The youngest pilot in the Navy when he received his wings, he flew 58 combat missions during World War II. On one mission over the Pacific as a torpedo bomber pilot he was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire and was rescued from the water by a U. S. submarine. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action.
Bush next turned his energies toward completing his education and raising a family. In January 1945 he married Barbara Pierce. They had six children– George, Robin (who died as a child), John (known as Jeb), Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy.
At Yale University he excelled both in sports and in his studies; he was captain of the baseball team and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation Bush embarked on a career in the oil industry of West Texas.
Like his father, Prescott Bush, who was elected a Senator from Connecticut in 1952, George became interested in public service and politics. He served two terms as a Representative to Congress from Texas. Twice he ran unsuccessfully for the Senate. Then he was appointed to a series of high-level positions: Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the U. S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
In 1980 Bush campaigned for the Republican nomination for President. He lost, but was chosen as a running mate by Ronald Reagan. As Vice President, Bush had responsibility in several domestic areas, including Federal deregulation and anti-drug programs, and visited scores of foreign countries. In 1988 Bush won the Republican nomination for President and, with Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana as his running mate, he defeated Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis in the general election.
Bush faced a dramatically changing world, as the Cold War ended after 40 bitter years, the Communist empire broke up, and the Berlin Wall fell. The Soviet Union ceased to exist; and reformist President Mikhail Gorbachev, whom Bush had supported, resigned. While Bush hailed the march of democracy, he insisted on restraint in U. S. policy toward the group of new nations.
In other areas of foreign policy, President Bush sent American troops into Panama to overthrow the corrupt regime of General Manuel Noriega, who was threatening the security of the canal and the Americans living there. Noriega was brought to the United States for trial as a drug trafficker.
Bush’s greatest test came when Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, then threatened to move into Saudi Arabia. Vowing to free Kuwait, Bush rallied the United Nations, the U. S. people, and Congress and sent 425,000 American troops. They were joined by 118,000 troops from allied nations. After weeks of air and missile bombardment, the 100-hour land battle dubbed Desert Storm routed Iraq’s million-man army.
Despite unprecedented popularity from this military and diplomatic triumph, Bush was unable to withstand discontent at home from a faltering economy, rising violence in inner cities, and continued high deficit spending. In 1992 he lost his bid for reelection to Democrat William Clinton.
The Presidential biographies on WhiteHouse.gov are from “The Presidents of the United States of America,” by Frank Freidel and Hugh Sidey. Copyright 2006 by the White House Historical Association.
Learn more about George H. W. Bush ‘s spouse, Barbara Pierce Bush.
Former President George H.W. Bush passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018. He was 94 years old.
George H. W. Bush, as the 41st President (1989-1993), brought to the White House a dedication to traditional American values and a determination to direct them toward making the United States “a kinder and gentler nation” in the face of a dramatically changing world.
George Bush brought to the White House a dedication to traditional American values and a determination to direct them toward making the United States “a kinder and gentler nation.” In his Inaugural Address he pledged in “a moment rich with promise” to use American strength as “a force for good.”
Coming from a family with a tradition of public service, George Herbert Walker Bush felt the responsibility to make his contribution both in time of war and in peace. Born in Milton, Massachusetts, on June 12, 1924, he became a student leader at Phillips Academy in Andover. On his 18th birthday he enlisted in the armed forces. The youngest pilot in the Navy when he received his wings, he flew 58 combat missions during World War II. On one mission over the Pacific as a torpedo bomber pilot he was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire and was rescued from the water by a U. S. submarine. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action.
Bush next turned his energies toward completing his education and raising a family. In January 1945 he married Barbara Pierce. They had six children– George, Robin (who died as a child), John (known as Jeb), Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy.
At Yale University he excelled both in sports and in his studies; he was captain of the baseball team and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation Bush embarked on a career in the oil industry of West Texas.
Like his father, Prescott Bush, who was elected a Senator from Connecticut in 1952, George became interested in public service and politics. He served two terms as a Representative to Congress from Texas. Twice he ran unsuccessfully for the Senate. Then he was appointed to a series of high-level positions: Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the U. S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
In 1980 Bush campaigned for the Republican nomination for President. He lost, but was chosen as a running mate by Ronald Reagan. As Vice President, Bush had responsibility in several domestic areas, including Federal deregulation and anti-drug programs, and visited scores of foreign countries. In 1988 Bush won the Republican nomination for President and, with Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana as his running mate, he defeated Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis in the general election.
Bush faced a dramatically changing world, as the Cold War ended after 40 bitter years, the Communist empire broke up, and the Berlin Wall fell. The Soviet Union ceased to exist; and reformist President Mikhail Gorbachev, whom Bush had supported, resigned. While Bush hailed the march of democracy, he insisted on restraint in U. S. policy toward the group of new nations.
In other areas of foreign policy, President Bush sent American troops into Panama to overthrow the corrupt regime of General Manuel Noriega, who was threatening the security of the canal and the Americans living there. Noriega was brought to the United States for trial as a drug trafficker.
Bush’s greatest test came when Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, then threatened to move into Saudi Arabia. Vowing to free Kuwait, Bush rallied the United Nations, the U. S. people, and Congress and sent 425,000 American troops. They were joined by 118,000 troops from allied nations. After weeks of air and missile bombardment, the 100-hour land battle dubbed Desert Storm routed Iraq’s million-man army.
Despite unprecedented popularity from this military and diplomatic triumph, Bush was unable to withstand discontent at home from a faltering economy, rising violence in inner cities, and continued high deficit spending. In 1992 he lost his bid for reelection to Democrat William Clinton.
The Presidential biographies on WhiteHouse.gov are from “The Presidents of the United States of America,” by Frank Freidel and Hugh Sidey. Copyright 2006 by the White House Historical Association.
Learn more about George H. W. Bush ‘s spouse, Barbara Pierce Bush.
COUNT ME IN RALLY TOMORROW THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018
12:00 PM TO 2:00 PM
61ST STREET AND 5TH AVENUE
STEVE ROSS WILL BE IN PERSON SPEAKING AT A REAL ESTATE CONFERENCE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF NYC CONSTRUCTION THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE UNIONS. LET'S SHOW HIM HE PICKED THE WRONG GROUP TO FIGHT WITH!
THE FIGHT FOR OUR FUTURE IS NOW!!!!
12:00 PM TO 2:00 PM
61ST STREET AND 5TH AVENUE
STEVE ROSS WILL BE IN PERSON SPEAKING AT A REAL ESTATE CONFERENCE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF NYC CONSTRUCTION THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE UNIONS. LET'S SHOW HIM HE PICKED THE WRONG GROUP TO FIGHT WITH!
THE FIGHT FOR OUR FUTURE IS NOW!!!!
Today is Monday, November 12, 2018
TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW WEEK -EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE - NOW GO OUT AND GET WHAT YOU WANT - YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO DO!!!!! BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE - YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!
HAPPY MONDAY!!!!
HAPPY VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY 2018!!! TODAY THE VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY IS OBSERVED BECAUSE THE ACTUAL VETERANS DAY FELL YESTERDAY WHICH WAS A SUNDAY. ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY AND PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TODAY TO REMEMBER ALL THE VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED THIS GREAT COUNTRY AND CONTINUE TO SERVE TODAY. WE WOULD BE NOTHING WITHOUT THE SACRIFICES OF OUR PAST AND PRESENT VETERANS.
TODAY AND EVERY DAY NEVER FORGET.
U.S. World War I veteran Joseph Ambrose (above) attends the dedication parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, who was killed in the Korean War.
Veterans Day:
Also called Armistice Day
Observed by United States
Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
Veterans Day should not be confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service.[1] It is also not to be confused with Armed Forces Day, a minor U.S. remembrance that also occurs in May, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS!!!! THE MARINES TURNED 243 YEARS OLD ON SATURDAY.
The official birthday of the United States Marine Corps is on 10 November 1775. That was the day when the Second Continental Congressestablished the Continental Marines with the following decree:[1]
“That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.”Tun Tavern, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is regarded as the birthplace of the Corps as the location of the first Marines to enlist under Commandant Samuel Nicholas,[2][3][4] though it is disputed if a recruiting drive may have occurred earlier at Nicholas's family tavern, the Conestoga Waggon [sic].[5] When the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, the Continental Navy was disestablished, and with it, the Continental Marines. The Corps was re-established on 11 July 1798, when the "act for establishing and organizing a Marine Corps" was signed by President John Adams.[6]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES AND THANK YOU TO ALL MEMBERS OF ALL OF THE ARMED SERVICES FOR THEIR PAST AND PRESENT SERVICE TO THE GOOD OLD USA!
MY STEELERS DID IT ON THURSDAY NIGHT WITH A BIG VICTORY OVER THE CAROLINA PANTHERS!!!!!!
HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE WE GO!!!!!!
HOW ABOUT MY FIGHTING IRISH OF NOTRE DAME WITH ANOTHER BIG VICTORY LAST NIGHT AGAINST FLORIDAY STATE - GO IRISH!!!!!!
HAPPY NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!
“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.”
-Vince Lombardi
I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY TODAY AND I HOPE YOU HAVE HAD A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“There’s only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything. I do, and I demand that my players do.”
- Vince Lombardi
I hope all is well with you and your family.
BE STRONG
BE UNITED
BE PROUD
BE UNION
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
“Individual commitment to a group effort, that is what makes a team work.”
- Vince Lombardi
Support each other my Brothers and Sisters we are all in this together.
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Proud to be your Fund Manager and Proud to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12!
You can always COUNT ME IN!!!!!!
TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW WEEK -EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE - NOW GO OUT AND GET WHAT YOU WANT - YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO DO!!!!! BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE - YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!
HAPPY MONDAY!!!!
HAPPY VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY 2018!!! TODAY THE VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY IS OBSERVED BECAUSE THE ACTUAL VETERANS DAY FELL YESTERDAY WHICH WAS A SUNDAY. ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY AND PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TODAY TO REMEMBER ALL THE VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED THIS GREAT COUNTRY AND CONTINUE TO SERVE TODAY. WE WOULD BE NOTHING WITHOUT THE SACRIFICES OF OUR PAST AND PRESENT VETERANS.
TODAY AND EVERY DAY NEVER FORGET.
U.S. World War I veteran Joseph Ambrose (above) attends the dedication parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, who was killed in the Korean War.
Veterans Day:
Also called Armistice Day
Observed by United States
Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
Veterans Day should not be confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service.[1] It is also not to be confused with Armed Forces Day, a minor U.S. remembrance that also occurs in May, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS!!!! THE MARINES TURNED 243 YEARS OLD ON SATURDAY.
The official birthday of the United States Marine Corps is on 10 November 1775. That was the day when the Second Continental Congressestablished the Continental Marines with the following decree:[1]
“That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.”Tun Tavern, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is regarded as the birthplace of the Corps as the location of the first Marines to enlist under Commandant Samuel Nicholas,[2][3][4] though it is disputed if a recruiting drive may have occurred earlier at Nicholas's family tavern, the Conestoga Waggon [sic].[5] When the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, the Continental Navy was disestablished, and with it, the Continental Marines. The Corps was re-established on 11 July 1798, when the "act for establishing and organizing a Marine Corps" was signed by President John Adams.[6]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES AND THANK YOU TO ALL MEMBERS OF ALL OF THE ARMED SERVICES FOR THEIR PAST AND PRESENT SERVICE TO THE GOOD OLD USA!
MY STEELERS DID IT ON THURSDAY NIGHT WITH A BIG VICTORY OVER THE CAROLINA PANTHERS!!!!!!
HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE WE GO!!!!!!
HOW ABOUT MY FIGHTING IRISH OF NOTRE DAME WITH ANOTHER BIG VICTORY LAST NIGHT AGAINST FLORIDAY STATE - GO IRISH!!!!!!
HAPPY NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!
“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.”
-Vince Lombardi
I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY TODAY AND I HOPE YOU HAVE HAD A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“There’s only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything. I do, and I demand that my players do.”
- Vince Lombardi
I hope all is well with you and your family.
BE STRONG
BE UNITED
BE PROUD
BE UNION
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
“Individual commitment to a group effort, that is what makes a team work.”
- Vince Lombardi
Support each other my Brothers and Sisters we are all in this together.
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Proud to be your Fund Manager and Proud to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12!
You can always COUNT ME IN!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO LOCAL 12 ORGANIZER ANTHONY FAGIOLO ON BEING HONORED BY COUNCIL MEMBER JUMAANE WILLIAMS WHO JOINS 100 BLACK CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN HONORING ANTHONY AS WELL AS FIVE OTHER WELL DESERVED LABOR LEADERS ON WEDNESDAY MAY 30, 2018.
GREAT JOB ANTHONY - YOU DESERVE IT!
GREAT JOB ANTHONY - YOU DESERVE IT!
MASS RALLY & MARCH! We're taking it to the streets as we follow the money from Mitsui Fudosan a major financial stakeholder in Hudson Yards to Related Companies Headquarters. For over a year we have been in a knock-down, drag-out fight with a bully billionaire and we aren't about to back down!
This coming Tuesday we are about to seriously turn up the heat on Steve Ross, Related Companies and their money machine Mitsui Fudosan.
We are in a fight for our families and our future and together we will win. Here are the important details you need to know:
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23
3:30 PM
50TH STREET & 6TH AVE
Can we count you in to defend our common interest - good wages, good benefits, safe working conditions, dignity and respect? Take a moment now and let us know that we can count you in by letting us know on the Facebook event page and invite your friends so that together we can take our city back!
CLICK HERE RSVP & INVITE YOUR FRIENDS
This coming Tuesday we are about to seriously turn up the heat on Steve Ross, Related Companies and their money machine Mitsui Fudosan.
We are in a fight for our families and our future and together we will win. Here are the important details you need to know:
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23
3:30 PM
50TH STREET & 6TH AVE
Can we count you in to defend our common interest - good wages, good benefits, safe working conditions, dignity and respect? Take a moment now and let us know that we can count you in by letting us know on the Facebook event page and invite your friends so that together we can take our city back!
CLICK HERE RSVP & INVITE YOUR FRIENDS
TODAY, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018 IS GOING TO BE A HISTORIC DAY. WE WILL BE ASSEMBLING AT 3:30 PM AT 50TH STREET AND 6TH AVENUE. THE MARCH FOR YOUR FUTURE WILL BEGIN AT 4:00 PM. THIS IS THE RALLY THAT YOU SAID YOU WANTED NOW YOU HAVE TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR YOUR JOB, YOUR WAGES, YOUR BENEFITS, YOUR STANDARD OF LIVING, YOUR WORKING CONDITIONS AND YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? IT IS TIME TO GET IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORPORATE GREED! IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO DO YOUR PART! DON'T BE FOOLED THAT BECAUSE YOU ARE WORKING THAT YOU ARE NOT IN DANGER OF LOSING EVERYTHING. RELATED COMPANIES AND OTHER GREEDY DEVELOPERS ARE COMING AFTER YOU WHETHER YOU REALIZE IT OR NOT - IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO FIGHT BACK! IT WILL BE TOO LATE WHEN WORK SLOWS DOWN OR WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR JOB BECAUSE YOU STOOD BY AND DID NOT GET INVOLVED. WE NEED EVERYBODY IN EVERY BUILDING TRADES UNION TO BE AT THE #COUNTMEIN RALLY TOMORROW!!!!!!
WE ARE A FORCE WHEN WE ARE ALL TOGETHER.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE CHANGES WE NEED
TO MAKE TO PROTECT OUR FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TELL EVERYONE YOU CAN TO BE AT 50TH STREET AND 6TH AVENUE TODAY, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018 AT 3:30 PM -
TELL THEM THAT THEIR FUTURE AND
THEIR FAMILY'S FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!!!!!!!!!
WE ARE A FORCE WHEN WE ARE ALL TOGETHER.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE CHANGES WE NEED
TO MAKE TO PROTECT OUR FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TELL EVERYONE YOU CAN TO BE AT 50TH STREET AND 6TH AVENUE TODAY, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018 AT 3:30 PM -
TELL THEM THAT THEIR FUTURE AND
THEIR FAMILY'S FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!!!!!!!!!
Happy Tuesday to all Members of Local 12:
I hope all of you have a great day today, Tuesday, October 23, 2018. We are all going to need to give our full effort to attend the Count Me In Rally today at 50th Street and 6th Avenue at 3:30 PM. We are going to start our march at the Mitsui Fudosan offices and go to the Related Companies headquarters at Columbus Circle. Everybody needs to be there so we can be loud and proud when we tell Steve Ross of the Related Companies that New York City is a Union Town – WE BUILT THIS CITY AND WE ARE HERE TO STAY!!!!!
The next Regular Union Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2018. The Regular Union Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus, 49-18 Queens Blvd in Woodside, New York 11377.-
Reminder – Thursday, October 25, 2018 and Friday, October 26, 2018 the first two classes of the four classes needed to complete OSHA 30 Training will be held. For more information about the OSHA 30 Training please contact AJEF Coordinator Joe Rodgers at 718-784-1899 or at Joe@insulatorslocal12.com
All members should report the start of their new jobs by calling the Local 12 Union Office at 718-784-3456 or by using the contact form on the Local 12 website. By reporting your jobs you help your union representatives keep track of where the members are working and thereby help them protect the work under Local 12’s jurisdiction.
When working overtime or off hours you must phone in your time prior to the start of work by calling 877-864-6612 or 877-UNION12.
Happy Halloween next week on Wednesday, October 31, 2018!
Have a great day!
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work!
Support each other my Brothers and Sisters we are all in this together.
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Proud to be your Fund Manager and Proud to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12!
You can always COUNT ME IN!!!!!!
I hope all of you have a great day today, Tuesday, October 23, 2018. We are all going to need to give our full effort to attend the Count Me In Rally today at 50th Street and 6th Avenue at 3:30 PM. We are going to start our march at the Mitsui Fudosan offices and go to the Related Companies headquarters at Columbus Circle. Everybody needs to be there so we can be loud and proud when we tell Steve Ross of the Related Companies that New York City is a Union Town – WE BUILT THIS CITY AND WE ARE HERE TO STAY!!!!!
The next Regular Union Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2018. The Regular Union Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus, 49-18 Queens Blvd in Woodside, New York 11377.-
Reminder – Thursday, October 25, 2018 and Friday, October 26, 2018 the first two classes of the four classes needed to complete OSHA 30 Training will be held. For more information about the OSHA 30 Training please contact AJEF Coordinator Joe Rodgers at 718-784-1899 or at Joe@insulatorslocal12.com
All members should report the start of their new jobs by calling the Local 12 Union Office at 718-784-3456 or by using the contact form on the Local 12 website. By reporting your jobs you help your union representatives keep track of where the members are working and thereby help them protect the work under Local 12’s jurisdiction.
When working overtime or off hours you must phone in your time prior to the start of work by calling 877-864-6612 or 877-UNION12.
Happy Halloween next week on Wednesday, October 31, 2018!
Have a great day!
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work!
Support each other my Brothers and Sisters we are all in this together.
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Proud to be your Fund Manager and Proud to be a Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12!
You can always COUNT ME IN!!!!!!
TODAY, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018 IS GOING TO BE A HISTORIC DAY. WE WILL BE ASSEMBLING AT 3:30 PM AT 50TH STREET AND 6TH AVENUE. THE MARCH FOR YOUR FUTURE WILL BEGIN AT 4:00 PM. THIS IS THE RALLY THAT YOU SAID YOU WANTED NOW YOU HAVE TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR YOUR JOB, YOUR WAGES, YOUR BENEFITS, YOUR STANDARD OF LIVING, YOUR WORKING CONDITIONS AND YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? IT IS TIME TO GET IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORPORATE GREED! IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO DO YOUR PART! DON'T BE FOOLED THAT BECAUSE YOU ARE WORKING THAT YOU ARE NOT IN DANGER OF LOSING EVERYTHING. RELATED COMPANIES AND OTHER GREEDY DEVELOPERS ARE COMING AFTER YOU WHETHER YOU REALIZE IT OR NOT - IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO FIGHT BACK! IT WILL BE TOO LATE WHEN WORK SLOWS DOWN OR WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR JOB BECAUSE YOU STOOD BY AND DID NOT GET INVOLVED. WE NEED EVERYBODY IN EVERY BUILDING TRADES UNION TO BE AT THE #COUNTMEIN RALLY TOMORROW!!!!!!
WE ARE A FORCE WHEN WE ARE ALL TOGETHER.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE CHANGES WE NEED
TO MAKE TO PROTECT OUR FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TELL EVERYONE YOU CAN TO BE AT 50TH STREET AND 6TH AVENUE TODAY, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018 AT 3:30 PM -
TELL THEM THAT THEIR FUTURE AND
THEIR FAMILY'S FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!!!!!!!!!
WE ARE A FORCE WHEN WE ARE ALL TOGETHER.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE CHANGES WE NEED
TO MAKE TO PROTECT OUR FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TELL EVERYONE YOU CAN TO BE AT 50TH STREET AND 6TH AVENUE TODAY, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018 AT 3:30 PM -
TELL THEM THAT THEIR FUTURE AND
THEIR FAMILY'S FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!!!!!!!!!
Dear Local 12 Member:
Today, Wednesday, October 17, 2018 is the deadline to submit an Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Form for October’s Vacation Fund Checks which will be printed this Friday, October 19, 2018.
Today is also the night of the Executive Board Meeting.
Today is a very busy day. The New York City Council is introducing #COUNTMEIN resolution today at City Hall in lower Manhattan. We are hoping to have between 300 to 500 Union members outside the steps at City Hall at 12:00 PM. The City Council Meeting will begin at 1:30 PM and we will be having a press conference at 1:00 PM SO WE NEED EVERY UNION MEMBER OF ALL TRADES WORKING IN AND AROUND THE CITY HALL AREA TO COME DOWN AT 12:00 PM. It is time to take a stand and fight back – YOUR TIME HAS COME TO GET INVOLVED. Thank you in advance for your participation.
A MAJOR RALLY IS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018 – AT 3:30 PM AT 50TH STREET AND 6TH AVENUE WE WILL FOLLOW THE MONEY FROM MITSUI FUDOSAN TO RELATED’S HEADQUARTERS AT COLUMBUS CIRCLE. LET’S ALL GET OUT THERE AND TELL STEVE ROSS AND ALL OF HIS GREEDY PARTNERS THAT NEW YORK CITY IS A UNION TOWN!!!!! IT IS TIME TO PUSH BACK!!!!!! IT IS TIME TO STOP CONCEDING AND START SUCCEEDING!!!!! GET IN THE FIGHT MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!!!! A UNITED GROUP OF UNION MEMBERS WILL ALWAYS WIN!!!!! TOGETHER WE CANNOT BE DEFEATED!!!!!! CAN WE COUNT YOU IN?
I hope all is well with you and your family.
Have a great rest of your week.
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
Support each other and support the troops!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Proud Union Member
YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ME IN!!!!!!!!!!!
Today, Wednesday, October 17, 2018 is the deadline to submit an Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Form for October’s Vacation Fund Checks which will be printed this Friday, October 19, 2018.
Today is also the night of the Executive Board Meeting.
Today is a very busy day. The New York City Council is introducing #COUNTMEIN resolution today at City Hall in lower Manhattan. We are hoping to have between 300 to 500 Union members outside the steps at City Hall at 12:00 PM. The City Council Meeting will begin at 1:30 PM and we will be having a press conference at 1:00 PM SO WE NEED EVERY UNION MEMBER OF ALL TRADES WORKING IN AND AROUND THE CITY HALL AREA TO COME DOWN AT 12:00 PM. It is time to take a stand and fight back – YOUR TIME HAS COME TO GET INVOLVED. Thank you in advance for your participation.
A MAJOR RALLY IS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018 – AT 3:30 PM AT 50TH STREET AND 6TH AVENUE WE WILL FOLLOW THE MONEY FROM MITSUI FUDOSAN TO RELATED’S HEADQUARTERS AT COLUMBUS CIRCLE. LET’S ALL GET OUT THERE AND TELL STEVE ROSS AND ALL OF HIS GREEDY PARTNERS THAT NEW YORK CITY IS A UNION TOWN!!!!! IT IS TIME TO PUSH BACK!!!!!! IT IS TIME TO STOP CONCEDING AND START SUCCEEDING!!!!! GET IN THE FIGHT MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!!!! A UNITED GROUP OF UNION MEMBERS WILL ALWAYS WIN!!!!! TOGETHER WE CANNOT BE DEFEATED!!!!!! CAN WE COUNT YOU IN?
I hope all is well with you and your family.
Have a great rest of your week.
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
Support each other and support the troops!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Proud Union Member
YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ME IN!!!!!!!!!!!
THURSDAY NIGHT'S COUNT ME IN RALLY AT 1 WEST 54TH STREET IN MANHATTAN WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!!!!!! THANK YOU TO ALL UNION MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED AND A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL THE LOCAL 12 MEMBERS WHO CAME AND WERE OUT IN FORCE!!!!!!! TO ALL THE LOCAL 12 MEMBERS YOU GUYS WERE GREAT LAST NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE SHOULD ALL BE GRATEFUL TO ALL THE HARD WORK THAT ALL THE UNION ORGANIZERS OF ALL THE LOCALS AND ALL UNION MEMBERS OF ALL THE LOCALS THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COUNT ME IN MOVEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE SHOULD ALL BE GRATEFUL TO ALL THE HARD WORK THAT ALL THE UNION ORGANIZERS OF ALL THE LOCALS AND ALL UNION MEMBERS OF ALL THE LOCALS THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COUNT ME IN MOVEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello My Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
There will be a COUNTMEIN rally at 5:00 PM today, Thursday, October 11, 2018 to protest against the BROKEN SHOP MODEL THAT THE RELATED COMPANIES ARE TRYING TO ESTABLISH AS THE NORMAL WORKPLACE MODEL IN NEW YORK CITY. Jeff Blau the Chief Executive Officer and a partner of Related Companies will be at 1 West 54th Street at 5th Avenue in Manhattan and so will I BUT I NEED ALL OF YOU TO JOIN ME. Jeff Blau and his contemporaries will be at the University Club of New York and EVERY LOCAL 12 MEMBER NEEDS TO BE THERE TO LET JEFF BLAU, RELATED COMPANIES AND ANYBODY ELSE WHO WANTS TO TAKE OUR JOBS AWAY THAT WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET THAT HAPPEN!!!!!! We are going to fight and continue to fight until we restore order in New York City and the whole United States. We will not stop until all workers are treated with dignity and have the proper training to do their jobs safely and professionally. We will not stop until Related Companies stops trying to create an unsafe environment for all construction workers – Union and Non-Union. Related is the enemy of all workers – Union and Non-Union. Related wants to take away your jobs, your wages, your benefits and your ability to provide for your family. IT IS TIME TO TAKE A SIDE. IT IS TIME TO GET INVOLVED. THERE ARE NO EXCUSES - YOU MUST ATTEND THIS RALLY. What are you waiting for? Get involved now – it will be too late when they take your job away – now is the time to fight back when we are working. Now is the time to tell Related and Corporate America that WE ARE UNION AND WE BUILT THIS CITY AND THIS COUNTRY!!!!!!!! WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED!!!!!! WE WILL BE HEARD!!!!!!! WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS!!!!!!!!
No more excuses be there tonight and join the fight!!!!!!! THE JOB YOU SAVE BY GETTING INVOLVED WILL BE YOUR OWN!!!!!
IT IS TIME FOR THE SLEEPING GIANT TO AWAKE AND FIGHT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAKE UP MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND GET INTO THE FIGHT TO PROTECT EVERYTHING YOU HAVE!!!!!!!!!! Remember nobody gives you anything in life – IF YOU WANT SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT AND IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP IT!!!!!!!!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Proud Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ME IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is time we stop fighting each other and start fighting together for each other!
There will be a COUNTMEIN rally at 5:00 PM today, Thursday, October 11, 2018 to protest against the BROKEN SHOP MODEL THAT THE RELATED COMPANIES ARE TRYING TO ESTABLISH AS THE NORMAL WORKPLACE MODEL IN NEW YORK CITY. Jeff Blau the Chief Executive Officer and a partner of Related Companies will be at 1 West 54th Street at 5th Avenue in Manhattan and so will I BUT I NEED ALL OF YOU TO JOIN ME. Jeff Blau and his contemporaries will be at the University Club of New York and EVERY LOCAL 12 MEMBER NEEDS TO BE THERE TO LET JEFF BLAU, RELATED COMPANIES AND ANYBODY ELSE WHO WANTS TO TAKE OUR JOBS AWAY THAT WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET THAT HAPPEN!!!!!! We are going to fight and continue to fight until we restore order in New York City and the whole United States. We will not stop until all workers are treated with dignity and have the proper training to do their jobs safely and professionally. We will not stop until Related Companies stops trying to create an unsafe environment for all construction workers – Union and Non-Union. Related is the enemy of all workers – Union and Non-Union. Related wants to take away your jobs, your wages, your benefits and your ability to provide for your family. IT IS TIME TO TAKE A SIDE. IT IS TIME TO GET INVOLVED. THERE ARE NO EXCUSES - YOU MUST ATTEND THIS RALLY. What are you waiting for? Get involved now – it will be too late when they take your job away – now is the time to fight back when we are working. Now is the time to tell Related and Corporate America that WE ARE UNION AND WE BUILT THIS CITY AND THIS COUNTRY!!!!!!!! WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED!!!!!! WE WILL BE HEARD!!!!!!! WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS!!!!!!!!
No more excuses be there tonight and join the fight!!!!!!! THE JOB YOU SAVE BY GETTING INVOLVED WILL BE YOUR OWN!!!!!
IT IS TIME FOR THE SLEEPING GIANT TO AWAKE AND FIGHT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAKE UP MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND GET INTO THE FIGHT TO PROTECT EVERYTHING YOU HAVE!!!!!!!!!! Remember nobody gives you anything in life – IF YOU WANT SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT AND IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP IT!!!!!!!!
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Proud Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ME IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is time we stop fighting each other and start fighting together for each other!
ANTI-UNION SUPREME COURT NOMINEE
BRETT KAVANAUGH
ANTI-UNION SUPREME COURT NOMINEE BRETT KAVANAUGH
When a New York manufacturer created a new, spinoff company to avoid bargaining with unionized workers, federal regulators and a panel of appellate judges said the manufacturer broke the law and violated its employees’ rights.
There was, however, one judge who dissented in the appeals decision and sided with the employer: Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court.
The decision fits a pattern of Kavanaugh’s in which the conservative judge has ruled in favor of corporations over workers, several times as the lone dissenter. If confirmed, the 53-year-old could potentially push the Supreme Court further to the right on labor and employment issues as unions and worker groups are already facing major judicial setbacks.
The ruling shows Kavanaugh will “find any interpretation of the law that helps corporations avoid their obligations to working people,” Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, said in an emailed statement to HuffPost. “Kavanaugh has consistently sided with corporate interests, including going out of his way to write a dissenting opinion arguing that corporations should be allowed to create sham, spin-off companies in order to skirt their responsibility to negotiate with workers and their unions for better wages, working conditions, and benefits.”
The 2018 case revolved around a company called Island Architectural Woodwork, which is based in Ronkonkoma, New York, and fabricates custom woodwork for office buildings. Workers at Island have been represented by a local union of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters since 1995. But in 2013, Island created a second entity, Verde Demountable Partitions, which would employ non-union workers and pay non-union wages.
Verde was set up in one of Island’s buildings, to be led by the daughter of Island’s chief executive, Edward Rufrano. Verde used the same equipment as Island, did pretty much the same work and was managed by people who’d previously managed at Island.
The main difference seemed to be that, unlike Island workers, Verde workers would not be represented by the Carpenters and would not have a union contract. Island management told workers that union members were no longer allowed to enter the building that housed Verde.
So-called “double-breasted” companies, which have both union and non-union workforces, can be legal depending on how they’re set up and how they operate. The two entities generally need to show an arm’s-length relationship, with separate ownership, management and equipment. It’s illegal to establish a new company just to dodge a union, and regulators can force the company to bargain with workers if they believe that’s what happened.
The Carpenters claimed that Verde was merely an illegitimate “alter ego” of Island, created expressly for the purpose of non-union work. If that was the intent, the company didn’t do a great job of covering its tracks. According to court filings, Island provided Verde with free equipment and rent but didn’t even bother to document its dealings with the supposedly separate company until after it was subpoenaed.
Kavanaugh has consistently sided with corporate interests.Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.)As the appellate court later noted, “Island made no formal valuations of its assets before handing them off to Verde” ― an unusual move if the two companies were disconnected as they claimed.
In his testimony, Rufrano lamented that Island’s competitors were “outsourcing to either non-union shops or out of the country,” putting Island at a competitive disadvantage because it had to bargain with the Carpenters. Rufrano developed the idea to establish Verde and have it produce a particular office partition at a cheaper price.
As the union was negotiating a new contract with Island, Rufrano insisted that the Carpenters waive any right to represent the Verde workers. If they didn’t sign a memorandum of agreement on that, they wouldn’t get a collective bargaining agreement. The Carpenters filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing the company of union busting.
How will Trump's administration impact you? Initially, an administrative law judge sided with Island/Verde, but the case was appealed to the full labor board in Washington, D.C. In a 3-0 decision, the board ruled that Verde was an alter ego of Island and that the company had an obligation to bargain with the Carpenters. One of the main factors in the board’s decision was the “anti-union animus” shown by the company, suggesting Verde was created primarily to sidestep bargaining.
A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirmed that ruling in June, finding that Rufrano “exerted de facto control over Verde’s operations.” The outlier was Kavanaugh, who wrote that finding Island and Verde to be separate entities “was the only reasonable conclusion to reach.” That finding was largely premised on the fact that Verde was owned by Rufrano’s direct descendants, rather than Rufrano himself.
“The Board … seems to have found something shady in the fact that Verde was started and primarily owned by two daughters of Island’s primary owner,” Kavanaugh wrote, making it clear he saw no such shadiness.
If Kavanaugh’s reading of the law were widely held, it would be much harder for a union to prove that a company created an alter ego just to avoid dealing with the union. That, in turn, could give more firms an incentive to try it, knowing the labor board and the courts would be unlikely to force the company to bargain.
The AFL-CIO union federation said in a statement that Kavanaugh “has a dangerous track record of putting big corporate interests ahead of working peoples’ rights and safety. He has put working people at risk by defending corporations with dangerous and unsafe working conditions.”
It’s unlikely that Kavanaugh would dramatically push the court to the right on labor rulings, if only because Kennedy already tended to side with corporations in major employment cases. After the installment of Neil Gorsuch, Trump’s first Supreme Court nominee, the court sided against workers and unions in two landmark rulings in its most recent term: one allowing employers to implement mandatory class-action waivers for their employees, and another making the entire public sector right to work.
Kavanaugh has a dangerous track record of putting big corporate interests ahead of working peoples’ rights and safety. - AFL-CIO union federation
Kennedy was in the majority on both of those decisions. But some labor law experts are concerned that, given some of his dissents, Kavanaugh would be more eager than Kennedy to take up cases that can overturn precedent on labor issues. As Wilma Liebman, former chair of the NLRB, recently said, “Does he get [Justice Samuel] Alito, does he get [Justice Clarence] Thomas to go along with him and revisit what might be thought of as established precedent?”
The Island/Verde case is not the only ruling where Kavanaugh sided with an employer while the majority of the panel sided with workers.
In a notable 2008 case, a D.C. Circuit panel ruled that a kosher meatpacking company had broken the law by refusing to bargain with its unionized workers because they were undocumented. Kavanaugh was the lone dissenter, arguing that the workers’ undocumented status meant they weren’t really employees under the law. The argument Kavanaugh laid out in his dissent could have far-reaching consequences for workers’ rights, potentially carving undocumented immigrants out of basic labor protections like the minimum wage or overtime pay.
In another, more high-profile case, Kavanaugh dissented in a 2014 decision upholding a fine issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration against SeaWorld. OSHA had cited the theme park for safety lapses that led to the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau, who was killed by the killer whale Tilikum in 2010. The case was the subject of the documentary “Blackfish.”
While his colleagues ruled that SeaWorld knew its safeguards for trainers were insufficient, Kavanaugh argued that OSHA didn’t have the regulatory standing to issue the fines. He compared working at SeaWorld to playing a dangerous sport like ice hockey.
“When should we as a society paternalistically decide that the participants in these sports and entertainment activities must be protected from themselves – that the risk of significant physical injury is simply too great even for eager and willing participants?” he asked.
Senate Republicans have scheduled Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings to start on Sept. 4, with a goal of getting him seated on the court before the midterm elections in November.
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Labor Reporter, HuffPost
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Society And Culture Unions Brett Kavanaugh Labor Issues Union Busting
These Union Members Are Going to War with the Largest Private Development Project in U.S. History
BY Juan Cruz Ferre
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Trades workers rally on January 11 at Hudson Yards, New York. (Photo: Greater New York Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust)
It’s 6:00 a.m. in a gelid winter morning. A crowd of sturdy bodies, mostly construction workers, packs a corner in Midtown Manhattan. The chants of, “Open shop, broken shop!” can be heard blocks away amidst the cacophony of New York City traffic.
The January 11 weekly rally—one of many continuing to the present—was held in the shadow of a structural behemoth standing at 1,296 feet and scheduled to open in 2019. Hudson Yards is the largest private development project in U.S. history. But while billions of dollars are poured into it every year, the main developer, Related, is trying to reduce costs by hiring non-union labor. Workers of all trades are standing up together to keep the jobs union.
The months-long rallies started in November and endured through the harsh winter, every Thursday morning. Now they continue into the summer, with campaign organizers staging additional rallies on Tuesday afternoons. The campaign, known on social media as #CountMeIn, originated last year in a rank-and-file effort to keep union jobs at Hudson Yards. Every so often, a massive march shakes the streets of mid-town Manhattan.
Related is refusing to sign a new Project Labor Agreement (PLA). Signing such an agreement would prohibit them from employing non-union workers and reduce the labor costs in the second phase of the project. Currently, union workers earn on average 42 percent higher wages than nonunion workers.
PLAs are deals between employers and unions for specific construction projects that override existing collective bargaining agreements. PLAs in the past few decades have typically included concessions from labor in terms of pay and work rules to compel employers to hire union workers. Unfortunately, PLAs often include a no-strike pledge, which requires labor to give up its most powerful weapon against bosses. Related has expressed through their spokesperson Joanna Rose that they “will not negotiate" with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York.
Construction boom
In times of economic downturn, employers argue that the only way to keep the shop afloat is by lowering costs, and so workers have to bear part of the burden and tighten their belts for the benefit of all. But when business thrives, only employers reap the profits.
The construction sector has seen vigorous growth after the dust from the economic crash settled. The U.S. construction industry climbed from value-added $547 billion in 2011 to $826 billion in 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. New York City’s landscape is, indeed, a microcosm of this construction boom, with cranes and bare-bones-towers springing across the city. Between 2010 and 2016, employment in construction of buildings in New Yorkgrew almost 50 percent, from 30 to over 43 thousand registered workers.
Hudson Yards is by far the most significant private development in the city, with an estimated 4,000 construction workers employed on any given day. Expected to be completed by 2025, the entire project will have cost $25 billion. Although presented as a megaproject built on idle land, Hudson Yards needs to be contrasted with alternative projects proposed for that space.
Tom Angotti, an urban policy scholar and author of New York For Sale, told In These Times, “People in Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, local businesses, small businesses, got together and said ‘this is what we want the area to look like.’ They presented their vision. The city patiently listened and then went ahead and structured the Hudson Yards’ deal the way they wanted anyway.”
In January of 2005, the City Council approved the Bloomberg Administration’s plan to re-zone the far West Side of Manhattan to allow the wholesale construction of high-rise towers. Community boards, it is stipulated in the city charter, have to be consulted on development proposals like this one. “But whatever they say,” scholar David Halle at CUNY Graduate Center told In These TImes, “It’s only advisory.” According to Halle, “If they say they love it, it goes through, if they say they don’t like it, it still goes through.”
There is no doubt that this megaproject is changing the physiognomy of Manhattan’s West Side, deepening the gentrification of Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. Although developers made sure to include some affordable units in the project, a feature that allows them to build taller, the average cost of a regular unit is out reach for working-class people. Of the building’s 251 apartments, just 63 are affordable units. Other units, meanwhile, rent for high prices, with one-bedroom apartments priced at $5,400 a month. “None of us trades-persons can afford those apartments,” says Mark Davis, a tile setter and member of Local 7. “So, in my opinion, what they consider affordable housing is just an illusion.”
The future of labor
In February, Related filed a federal lawsuit against Mr. LaBarbera. They accused him and the unions working at Hudson Yards of corruption and violation of the labor agreement signed by both parties before starting the construction. The trades council accused Related in court of unlawful labor practices that unfairly targeted workers who supported the #CountMeIn campaign. Other lawsuits were filed against Trade Off and other companies subcontracted by Related, which had employed non-union contractors.
Workers say the real purpose behind Related’s legal attack is to sideline the Building Trades Council and negotiate with individual unions or replace union workers with non-union ones when possible. Initial works in the foundations of 55 Hudson Yards with nonunion workers sparked the outrage of union members at the very earliest stages of the development project. “If you bring someone to work side by side with us and pay him 15 bucks an hour, because that’s what you think he’s worth. And we know that we put our lives in the line day in and day out… It’s a smack in the face to us,” says Desmond Rivers, sheet metal worker at Hudson Yards. Existing frictions within the building trades may allow Related to drive a wedge between them, undermining them all.
The outcome of this battle will have lasting consequences for the labor movement in New York and beyond. In the past few decades, the building trades unions, much like most other unions, have given up concessions to allow their employers to ‘compete with nonunion’ contractors. Anger among workers, particularly among apprentices, has grown for this reason. And the rank-and-file origins of #CountMeIn clearly show that the membership is ready to fight.
The outcome of this landmark struggle may well depend on whether the unions involved can become a vehicle for advancing class struggle, and not cross-class compromise. The #CountMeIn campaign has the potential to break the decades-long decline in union membership in the building trades in New York, especially if it opens an opportunity for the active engagement of the rank and file. This means mobilizing members, but also encouraging them to discuss the next steps and take the campaign in their hands. All in all, winning this battle will likely require the undertaking of bold actions, disruptive pickets and even breaking the law or going on strike if necessary.
Juan Cruz FerreJuan Cruz Ferre is a writer and editor for Left Voice and La Izquierda Diario. He is a political activist and medical doctor from Argentina and is currently pursuing a PhD in Sociology at the City University of New York.
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Local 12:
The Local 12 election results for the election of Local 12 Officers held on Saturday, June 23, 2018 is as follows:
President:
John Bohlmann was elected President
Vice President:
There was a tie between Ivica “Big John” Begonja and Chris Cook. They each received 81 votes. There will be another election for the Local 12 Vice President in July of 2018. You will receive information tomorrow, June 25, 2018 regarding when it will occur.
Executive Board:
Charles Sullivan, Ivan Zanki, Don Johnson, Filip Capalija and Octavio Soares were elected to the Executive Board.
Congratulations to all the newly elected and re-elected officers as well as all those Local 12 Members who had the courage to run for office. All those who participated in the election by voting and those who ran for office should be respected and congratulated for their efforts to move Local 12 forward in the right direction. Congratulations to all of you!
I will be sending out more emails this week.
I hope all is well with all of you and all of your families.
Remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
If you need my assistance please contact me.
Remember my Brothers and Sisters now is the time to UNITE AND FIGHT FOR EACH OTHER!!!!!!! LOCAL 12 UNITED WE STAND!!!!!!!! THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO OVERCOME THE OBSTACLES WE FACE – WE MUST STAND TOGETHER IN SOLIDARITY AGAINST THE FORCES THAT ARE TRYING TO DESTROY US!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a great week.
In Deepest Solidarity,
Al Wassell
Proud Member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
Dear Local 12 Member:
On Saturday, July 21, 2018 there will be an election for the Vice President position. The election of Vice- President will be held between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106.
To be eligible to vote a member must be in good standing in accordance with the rules of the Constitution and By Laws of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers; under Article XIII Initiation Fees, Fines, Assessments and Dues Section 5 it states: “Members in good standing are those with dues and all other arrearages paid up to and including the second previous month as set forth in Section 4 of this Article.” This means your dues must be paid up to date as well as any fines or assessments that have been levied against you.
Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005, in writing no less than ten (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You cannot email your request and you cannot contact the Local 12 Union Hall to request an absentee ballot.
Vice President: (Vote for one) Ivica “Big John” Begonja #1, Chris Cook #2
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
John Jovic
Business Manager-Financial Secretary Treasurer
ELECTION FOR THE OFFICE OF LOCAL 12 VICE PRESIDENT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2018
Dear Local 12 Member:
On Saturday, July 21, 2018 – The election for the Local 12 Vice President will be held between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM. It will be held at:
Local 12 Union Hall
35-53 24th Street
Long Island City, NY 11106
The candidates for Local 12 Vice President: (Vote for one) Ivica “Big John” Begonja #1, Chris Cook #2
Some of the responsibilities of the Local 12 Vice President are as follows:
The Vice President in the absence of the President shall perform all duties of the President.
The Vice President shall be the chairman at all meetings of the executive board.
Should the office of the President become vacant, the Vice President automatically becomes the President for the remainder of the President’s term.
The Vice President is and alternate Trustee to the Benefit Funds of Local 12 and they are the Welfare Fund, Pension Fund, Annuity Fund, Vacation Fund and the AJEF.
The Vice President attends all Trustees Meetings for the Benefit Funds of Local 12. In the event one of the Union Trustees is unable to attend a Trustees Meeting the Vice President acts as the replacement of the Union Trustee. Which means the Vice President has the power to vote on any and all motions that may be proposed at the meeting regarding all policies of the Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12.
The Vice President is part of the Local 12 Contract Negotiating Team. That means the Vice President will be part of the negotiating team of the next contract in 2020.
The Vice President represents Local 12 on the job as well at all meetings and functions that pertain to Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12.
Your vote counts. Make your voice heard and come down and vote on Saturday, July 21, 2018. If you cannot make it on Saturday July 21, 2018 you may cast an absentee ballot all the way up to Friday, July 20, 2018. You cannot request an absentee ballot through the mail at this time. If you wish to cast an absentee ballot you must go directly to Honest Ballot.
To be eligible to vote a member must be in good standing in accordance with the rules of the Constitution and By Laws of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers; under Article XIII Initiation Fees, Fines, Assessments and Dues Section 5 it states: “Members in good standing are those with dues and all other arrearages paid up to and including the second previous month as set forth in Section 4 of this Article.” This means your dues must be paid up to date as well as any fines or assessments that have been levied against you.
A member can cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You can no longer mail in an absentee ballot if you wish to cast an absentee ballot you must go to Honest Ballot and vote at their location. Honest Ballot is located at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005. They are open on Thursday and Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. To contact Honest Ballot by phone you can call them at 800-541-1851. Their website is www.honestballot.com
Good Luck to both of the candidates who are running for Local 12 Vice President. Thank you for your commitment to Local 12.
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
PROUD MEMBER OF HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS LOCAL 12
YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ME IN!
SUPPORT EACH OTHER!
AS A MEMBER OF LOCAL 12 YOU ARE YOUR BROTHER’S AND SISTER’S KEEPER!
SUPPORT THE TROOPS!
ARE YOU DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE AND THE FUTURE OF YOUR FAMILY?
Dear Local 12 Brothers and Sisters:
June 30, 2018 was the 20th Anniversary of the famous Roy Kay Demonstration of 1998. Up to 40,000 New York City Union Construction Workers demonstrated in midtown Manhattan protesting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s awarding $33 million contract to a nonunion company – WE MADE A DIFFERENCE – WE WON. It did not happen overnight it took time but we came together as Union Members and we protected and changed our future for the better. The key was Union Members participated. Are you participating? Are you doing all you can to fight back against the Open Shop model? Are you aware that your job is on the line, that your wages and benefits are on the line? Do you realize that the nonunion workforce is growing by the day and developers are using them as much as they can everywhere they can? Do you care? These are the questions you should ask yourself today because we are in a fight for our very existence and it seems to me that most members are not aware or just don’t care because they are working all the time. Yes it is busy today but that does not mean it will always be busy. Unlike in the past, the distant past we as Union Members controlled the work – those days are over because we did not do enough to address the growing nonunion workforce. We created the Open Shop model because we did not care what was going on as long as we were getting ours. If we were working it did not matter if other trades on the job were nonunion or if other Union Members were out of work. We as a workforce ignored the changes going on around us and we as a workforce – not everybody but it seems to me that most Union Members – not just Local 12 Members are ignoring the fact that we are facing extinction. If we do not come together and fight together we most certainly will eventually cease to exist. If we do not stop complaining about the problems we face and start doing something about them TOGETHER - WE WILL ALL BE OUT OF WORK.
WERE YOU AT THE HUDSON YARDS RALLY ON WEDNESDAY? IF YOU WERE GREAT JOB! IF YOU WERE NOT YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF WHY? WE ALL NEED TO FOCUS ON THE FACT THAT UNIONS ARE UNDER ATTACK AND IF WE DO NOT STAND TOGETHER AND FIGHT BACK WE WILL EVENTUALLY NO LONGER EXIST. IT IS TIME TO COMMIT TO SAVING YOUR WAY OF LIFE. ONLY YOU CAN ANSWER TO YOU - ARE YOU DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO PROTECT YOUR WAY OF LIFE - YOUR WAGES AND BENEFITS - YOUR FUTURE AND YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE - SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF - ASK NOT WHAT MY UNION CAN DO FOR ME BUT WHAT I CAN DO FOR MY UNION.
ASK YOURSELF IF I DID NOT BELONG TO MY UNION WHO WOULD NEGOTIATE MY WAGES AND BENEFITS? WHO WOULD BE THERE TO PROTECT ME AND MY FAMILY? BROTHERS AND SISTERS IT IS TIME TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF AND BE TRUE TO YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR UNION.
If this email offends you then you are part of the problem. I am not looking to argue with you about the problems we face I know what they are. I am looking for you to look inward and ask yourself - Am I doing everything I can to protect my job? It is time for all Union Members in every Union to put their differences aside, to forgive each other for whatever differences they have had in the past and move forward TOGETHER. We all must stop fighting against each other and start fighting for each other. The time is now – the billionaire developers that are fighting against us do not care about you or your family but as Union Members we should care about each other. We must remember that it is the Union that is there for us – The Union is your family – The Union has protected you and given you the wages and benefits that you have. The developers fighting against us want to take it all away. Are you doing all you can to fight back and protect yourself and your family? Only you know the true answers to these questions I have asked. We are running out of time – WE MUST ALL DO OUR PART AND FIGHT TOGETHER FOR EACH OTHER. IT IS OKAY TO DISAGREE BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY WE ALL MUST REMEMBER WE ARE ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS NOT ONLY IN LOCAL 12 BUT ALL UNIONS MUST STAND TOGETHER. WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER AN INJURY TO ONE OF OUR FELLOW UNION MEMBERS IS AN INJURY TO ALL UNION MEMBERS.
We did it before and we can do it again – TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
BEFORE ANY RUMORS START - I AM WRITING THIS BECAUSE IT MUST BE SAID. I AM NOT RUNNING FOR ANY POLITICAL OFFICE IN THIS UNION – I AM THE FUND MANAGER AND I WANT TO STAY THE FUND MANAGER FOR AS LONG AS LOCAL 12 AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF LOCAL 12 WILL HAVE ME. I AM WRITING THIS TO MOTIVATE MEMBERS TO GET INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT TO SAVE ALL UNIONS.
“Solidarity is based on the principle that we are willing to put ourselves at risk to protect each other.”
Have a great weekend and I hope to see all of you at the Regular Union Meeting on Thursday, July 5, 2018 and at the Union Election for Vice President on Saturday, July 21, 2018.
In Deepest Solidarity, Brotherhood and Sisterhood,
Al Wassell
Proud Local 12 Member
YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ME IN!
Dear Local 12 Brothers and Sisters:
June 30, 2018 was the 20th Anniversary of the famous Roy Kay Demonstration of 1998. Up to 40,000 New York City Union Construction Workers demonstrated in midtown Manhattan protesting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s awarding $33 million contract to a nonunion company – WE MADE A DIFFERENCE – WE WON. It did not happen overnight it took time but we came together as Union Members and we protected and changed our future for the better. The key was Union Members participated. Are you participating? Are you doing all you can to fight back against the Open Shop model? Are you aware that your job is on the line, that your wages and benefits are on the line? Do you realize that the nonunion workforce is growing by the day and developers are using them as much as they can everywhere they can? Do you care? These are the questions you should ask yourself today because we are in a fight for our very existence and it seems to me that most members are not aware or just don’t care because they are working all the time. Yes it is busy today but that does not mean it will always be busy. Unlike in the past, the distant past we as Union Members controlled the work – those days are over because we did not do enough to address the growing nonunion workforce. We created the Open Shop model because we did not care what was going on as long as we were getting ours. If we were working it did not matter if other trades on the job were nonunion or if other Union Members were out of work. We as a workforce ignored the changes going on around us and we as a workforce – not everybody but it seems to me that most Union Members – not just Local 12 Members are ignoring the fact that we are facing extinction. If we do not come together and fight together we most certainly will eventually cease to exist. If we do not stop complaining about the problems we face and start doing something about them TOGETHER - WE WILL ALL BE OUT OF WORK.
WERE YOU AT THE HUDSON YARDS RALLY ON WEDNESDAY? IF YOU WERE GREAT JOB! IF YOU WERE NOT YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF WHY? WE ALL NEED TO FOCUS ON THE FACT THAT UNIONS ARE UNDER ATTACK AND IF WE DO NOT STAND TOGETHER AND FIGHT BACK WE WILL EVENTUALLY NO LONGER EXIST. IT IS TIME TO COMMIT TO SAVING YOUR WAY OF LIFE. ONLY YOU CAN ANSWER TO YOU - ARE YOU DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO PROTECT YOUR WAY OF LIFE - YOUR WAGES AND BENEFITS - YOUR FUTURE AND YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE - SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF - ASK NOT WHAT MY UNION CAN DO FOR ME BUT WHAT I CAN DO FOR MY UNION.
ASK YOURSELF IF I DID NOT BELONG TO MY UNION WHO WOULD NEGOTIATE MY WAGES AND BENEFITS? WHO WOULD BE THERE TO PROTECT ME AND MY FAMILY? BROTHERS AND SISTERS IT IS TIME TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF AND BE TRUE TO YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR UNION.
If this email offends you then you are part of the problem. I am not looking to argue with you about the problems we face I know what they are. I am looking for you to look inward and ask yourself - Am I doing everything I can to protect my job? It is time for all Union Members in every Union to put their differences aside, to forgive each other for whatever differences they have had in the past and move forward TOGETHER. We all must stop fighting against each other and start fighting for each other. The time is now – the billionaire developers that are fighting against us do not care about you or your family but as Union Members we should care about each other. We must remember that it is the Union that is there for us – The Union is your family – The Union has protected you and given you the wages and benefits that you have. The developers fighting against us want to take it all away. Are you doing all you can to fight back and protect yourself and your family? Only you know the true answers to these questions I have asked. We are running out of time – WE MUST ALL DO OUR PART AND FIGHT TOGETHER FOR EACH OTHER. IT IS OKAY TO DISAGREE BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY WE ALL MUST REMEMBER WE ARE ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS NOT ONLY IN LOCAL 12 BUT ALL UNIONS MUST STAND TOGETHER. WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER AN INJURY TO ONE OF OUR FELLOW UNION MEMBERS IS AN INJURY TO ALL UNION MEMBERS.
We did it before and we can do it again – TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
BEFORE ANY RUMORS START - I AM WRITING THIS BECAUSE IT MUST BE SAID. I AM NOT RUNNING FOR ANY POLITICAL OFFICE IN THIS UNION – I AM THE FUND MANAGER AND I WANT TO STAY THE FUND MANAGER FOR AS LONG AS LOCAL 12 AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF LOCAL 12 WILL HAVE ME. I AM WRITING THIS TO MOTIVATE MEMBERS TO GET INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT TO SAVE ALL UNIONS.
“Solidarity is based on the principle that we are willing to put ourselves at risk to protect each other.”
Have a great weekend and I hope to see all of you at the Regular Union Meeting on Thursday, July 5, 2018 and at the Union Election for Vice President on Saturday, July 21, 2018.
In Deepest Solidarity, Brotherhood and Sisterhood,
Al Wassell
Proud Local 12 Member
YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ME IN!
To All Local12 Members Working In Manhattan
LET'S SURROUND HUDSON YARDS! Our movement has been growing larger and stronger everyday and now it's time to take it to the streets! On June 27 we will march on Hudson Yards. The message to Related is clear, "We have you surrounded, for good jobs!" Join your brothers and sisters in how labor won the war to create the middle class.
We are in a fight for our families and our future and together we will win. Here are the important details you need to know:
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27
3:30 PM
10TH AVE. & 31ST ST.
It's time to step it up and show Related that they picked the wrong fight. Can we count you in to defend our common interest - good wages, good benefits, safe working conditions, dignity and respect? Take a moment now and let us know that we can count you in by letting us know on the Facebook event page and invite your friends so that together we can take our city back!
RSVP & INVITE YOUR FRIENDS
Dear Local 12 Member:
You are cordially invited to the Regular Union Meeting on Thursday, June 7, 2018. The Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM and will be held at the following address:
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
49-18 QUEENS BLVD.
WOODSIDE, NEW YORK 11377
At the Meeting Leaders of the CountMeIn Movement will be speaking. They will be special guests of our Local 12 Organizer Anthony Fagiolo who works with them on a daily basis. They will be speaking about the CountMeIn movement – what it means, what we as Union Members are up against and what we as Union Members should be doing to protect our jobs. Remember the UNION starts with YOU – please make every effort to attend this Meeting.
We will also be swearing in the graduating Fourth Year Apprentice Class of 2018 as the New Local 12 Mechanics Class of 2018. Every Local 12 Member should come to this Meeting to show support and appreciation to our new Mechanics. They deserve your respect, gratitude and appreciation for what they have accomplished and what they will accomplish for all of Local 12. Remember the UNION starts with YOU!
In honor of the New Mechanics Class of 2018 food and drinks will be served.
The Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks will be printed next Friday, June 15, 2018. In order to receive a check next Friday you must submit an Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Check Form by no later than next Wednesday, June 13, 2018. I will have forms with me at the Meeting if you would like to fill out a form.
On Saturday, June 23, 2018 there will be an election for the following Local 12 Union Officer positions: President, Vice-President and Executive Board Members (all five positions). The election of Local 12 Union Officers will be held between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106.
To be eligible to vote a member must be in good standing in accordance with the rules of the Constitution and By Laws of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers; under Article XIII Initiation Fees, Fines, Assessments and Dues Section 5 it states: “Members in good standing are those with dues and all other arrearages paid up to and including the second previous month as set forth in Section 4 of this Article.” This means your dues must be paid up to date as well as any fines or assessments that have been levied against you.
Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005, in writing no less than ten (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You cannot email your request and you cannot contact the Local 12 Union Hall to request an absentee ballot.
The candidates for the Local 12 Union Officers are as follows:
President: (Vote for one) Frank Renahan #1, John Bohlmann #3
Vice President: (Vote for one) Ivica “Big John” Begonja #4, Chris Cook #5
Executive Board: (Vote for five) Ivan Zanki #6, Don Johnson #7, Daniel Makowski #8, Octavio Soares #9, Charlie Sullivan #10, Dave Renck #11, Steve Villani #12, Filip Capalija #13
If I have not taken care of anything you have requested of me please let me know by replying to this email or contacting the Benefit Funds Office of Local 12. I apologize to anybody who has contacted me and I have not taken care of your issue yet. Please let me know if I can help you.
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
Support each other. Support the Troops and remember that today is the 74th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion – June 6, 1944 – the day that changed the world for the better. Remember the sacrifices of those who gave all so that we can live the life that we live today.
I hope all is well with you and I hope to see all of you at the Regular Union Meeting of June 7, 2018.
REMEMBER THE UNION STARTS WITH YOU!
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
PROUD MEMBER OF LOCAL 12
LOCAL 12 UNITED WE STAND
You are cordially invited to the Regular Union Meeting on Thursday, June 7, 2018. The Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM and will be held at the following address:
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
49-18 QUEENS BLVD.
WOODSIDE, NEW YORK 11377
At the Meeting Leaders of the CountMeIn Movement will be speaking. They will be special guests of our Local 12 Organizer Anthony Fagiolo who works with them on a daily basis. They will be speaking about the CountMeIn movement – what it means, what we as Union Members are up against and what we as Union Members should be doing to protect our jobs. Remember the UNION starts with YOU – please make every effort to attend this Meeting.
We will also be swearing in the graduating Fourth Year Apprentice Class of 2018 as the New Local 12 Mechanics Class of 2018. Every Local 12 Member should come to this Meeting to show support and appreciation to our new Mechanics. They deserve your respect, gratitude and appreciation for what they have accomplished and what they will accomplish for all of Local 12. Remember the UNION starts with YOU!
In honor of the New Mechanics Class of 2018 food and drinks will be served.
The Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks will be printed next Friday, June 15, 2018. In order to receive a check next Friday you must submit an Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Check Form by no later than next Wednesday, June 13, 2018. I will have forms with me at the Meeting if you would like to fill out a form.
On Saturday, June 23, 2018 there will be an election for the following Local 12 Union Officer positions: President, Vice-President and Executive Board Members (all five positions). The election of Local 12 Union Officers will be held between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106.
To be eligible to vote a member must be in good standing in accordance with the rules of the Constitution and By Laws of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers; under Article XIII Initiation Fees, Fines, Assessments and Dues Section 5 it states: “Members in good standing are those with dues and all other arrearages paid up to and including the second previous month as set forth in Section 4 of this Article.” This means your dues must be paid up to date as well as any fines or assessments that have been levied against you.
Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005, in writing no less than ten (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You cannot email your request and you cannot contact the Local 12 Union Hall to request an absentee ballot.
The candidates for the Local 12 Union Officers are as follows:
President: (Vote for one) Frank Renahan #1, John Bohlmann #3
Vice President: (Vote for one) Ivica “Big John” Begonja #4, Chris Cook #5
Executive Board: (Vote for five) Ivan Zanki #6, Don Johnson #7, Daniel Makowski #8, Octavio Soares #9, Charlie Sullivan #10, Dave Renck #11, Steve Villani #12, Filip Capalija #13
If I have not taken care of anything you have requested of me please let me know by replying to this email or contacting the Benefit Funds Office of Local 12. I apologize to anybody who has contacted me and I have not taken care of your issue yet. Please let me know if I can help you.
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
Support each other. Support the Troops and remember that today is the 74th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion – June 6, 1944 – the day that changed the world for the better. Remember the sacrifices of those who gave all so that we can live the life that we live today.
I hope all is well with you and I hope to see all of you at the Regular Union Meeting of June 7, 2018.
REMEMBER THE UNION STARTS WITH YOU!
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
PROUD MEMBER OF LOCAL 12
LOCAL 12 UNITED WE STAND
LOCAL 12 UNION ELECTION WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018
Dear Local 12 Member:
On Saturday, June 23, 2018 there will be an election for the following Local 12 Union Officer positions: President, Vice-President and Executive Board Members (all five positions). The election of Local 12 Union Officers will be held between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106.
To be eligible to vote a member must be in good standing in accordance with the rules of the Constitution and By Laws of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers; under Article XIII Initiation Fees, Fines, Assessments and Dues Section 5 it states: “Members in good standing are those with dues and all other arrearages paid up to and including the second previous month as set forth in Section 4 of this Article.” This means your dues must be paid up to date as well as any fines or assessments that have been levied against you.
A member can also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You can no longer mail in an absentee ballot if you wish to cast and absentee ballot you must go to Honest Ballot and vote at their location. Honest Ballot is located at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005. They are open on Thursday and Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. To contact Honest Ballot by phone you can call them at 800-541-1851. Their website is www.honestballot.com
The candidates for the Local 12 Union Officers are as follows:
President: (Vote for one) Frank Renahan #1, John Bohlmann #3
Vice President: (Vote for one) Ivica “Big John” Begonja #4, Chris Cook #5
Executive Board: (Vote for five) Ivan Zanki #6, Don Johnson #7, Daniel Makowski #8, Octavio Soares #9, Charlie Sullivan #10, Dave Renck #11, Steve Villani #12, Filip Capalija #13
If I have not taken care of anything you have requested of me please let me know by replying to this email or contacting the Benefit Funds Office of Local 12. I apologize to anybody who has contacted me and I have not taken care of your issue yet. Please let me know if I can help you.
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
Support each other. Support the Troops and remember the sacrifices of those who gave all so that we can live the life that we live today.
SOLIDARITY IS THE KEY TO OUR SURVIVAL TOGETHER WE CAN OVERCOME ALL THE OBSTACLES IN OUR WAY!!!!!!
I hope all is well with you and I hope to see all of you at the election on Saturday, June 23, 2018.
REMEMBER THE UNION STARTS WITH YOU!
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
PROUD MEMBER OF LOCAL 12
LOCAL 12 UNITED WE STAND
Dear Local 12 Member:
On Saturday, June 23, 2018 there will be an election for the following Local 12 Union Officer positions: President, Vice-President and Executive Board Members (all five positions). The election of Local 12 Union Officers will be held between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106.
To be eligible to vote a member must be in good standing in accordance with the rules of the Constitution and By Laws of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers; under Article XIII Initiation Fees, Fines, Assessments and Dues Section 5 it states: “Members in good standing are those with dues and all other arrearages paid up to and including the second previous month as set forth in Section 4 of this Article.” This means your dues must be paid up to date as well as any fines or assessments that have been levied against you.
A member can also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You can no longer mail in an absentee ballot if you wish to cast and absentee ballot you must go to Honest Ballot and vote at their location. Honest Ballot is located at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005. They are open on Thursday and Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. To contact Honest Ballot by phone you can call them at 800-541-1851. Their website is www.honestballot.com
The candidates for the Local 12 Union Officers are as follows:
President: (Vote for one) Frank Renahan #1, John Bohlmann #3
Vice President: (Vote for one) Ivica “Big John” Begonja #4, Chris Cook #5
Executive Board: (Vote for five) Ivan Zanki #6, Don Johnson #7, Daniel Makowski #8, Octavio Soares #9, Charlie Sullivan #10, Dave Renck #11, Steve Villani #12, Filip Capalija #13
If I have not taken care of anything you have requested of me please let me know by replying to this email or contacting the Benefit Funds Office of Local 12. I apologize to anybody who has contacted me and I have not taken care of your issue yet. Please let me know if I can help you.
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
Support each other. Support the Troops and remember the sacrifices of those who gave all so that we can live the life that we live today.
SOLIDARITY IS THE KEY TO OUR SURVIVAL TOGETHER WE CAN OVERCOME ALL THE OBSTACLES IN OUR WAY!!!!!!
I hope all is well with you and I hope to see all of you at the election on Saturday, June 23, 2018.
REMEMBER THE UNION STARTS WITH YOU!
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
PROUD MEMBER OF LOCAL 12
LOCAL 12 UNITED WE STAND
WEDNESDAY JUNE 6, 2018 WAS THE 74TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY INVASION
OF WORLD WAR II
Here is a look at D-Day. Allied troops invaded Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, to fight Nazi Germany in World War II.
Facts:
The largest amphibious (land and water) invasion in history.
The code name for the invasion was Operation Overlord.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded the operation, and plans were made to land in Normandy, west of where the German troops and artillery were built up.
President Roosevelt's D-Day prayer 03:13
Remembering D-Day 04:35
More: See historic photos from the landing.
The "D" stands for Day. D-Day is code for the day an important military attack is scheduled to begin.
Code names for the five beaches where the Allies landed: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.
More than 13,000 aircraft and 5,000 ships supported the operation.
Although the true number of casualties on June 6, 1944, will never be known, it is estimated that approximately 10,000 Allied soldiers were killed, wounded and or were missing in action: 6,603 Americans, 2,700 British, and 946 Canadians.
June 6, 1944 - Overnight, a military armada and more than 160,000 troops cross the English Channel. Minesweepers go ahead to clear the waters in preparation for the thousands of landing crafts that will be carrying men, vehicles and supplies.
Between midnight and 8 a.m., Allied forces fly 14,674 sorties.
6:30 a.m. - Troops begin coming ashore on a 50-mile front.
More: Before and after D-Day: Color photos
In a broadcast to the people of occupied Europe, Eisenhower says, "Although the initial assault may not have been made in your own country, the hour of your liberation is approaching."
OF WORLD WAR II
Here is a look at D-Day. Allied troops invaded Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, to fight Nazi Germany in World War II.
Facts:
The largest amphibious (land and water) invasion in history.
The code name for the invasion was Operation Overlord.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded the operation, and plans were made to land in Normandy, west of where the German troops and artillery were built up.
President Roosevelt's D-Day prayer 03:13
Remembering D-Day 04:35
More: See historic photos from the landing.
The "D" stands for Day. D-Day is code for the day an important military attack is scheduled to begin.
Code names for the five beaches where the Allies landed: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.
More than 13,000 aircraft and 5,000 ships supported the operation.
Although the true number of casualties on June 6, 1944, will never be known, it is estimated that approximately 10,000 Allied soldiers were killed, wounded and or were missing in action: 6,603 Americans, 2,700 British, and 946 Canadians.
June 6, 1944 - Overnight, a military armada and more than 160,000 troops cross the English Channel. Minesweepers go ahead to clear the waters in preparation for the thousands of landing crafts that will be carrying men, vehicles and supplies.
Between midnight and 8 a.m., Allied forces fly 14,674 sorties.
6:30 a.m. - Troops begin coming ashore on a 50-mile front.
More: Before and after D-Day: Color photos
In a broadcast to the people of occupied Europe, Eisenhower says, "Although the initial assault may not have been made in your own country, the hour of your liberation is approaching."
Dear Local 12 Member:
You are cordially invited to the Regular Union Meeting on Thursday, June 7, 2018. The Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM and will be held at the following address:
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
49-18 QUEENS BLVD.
WOODSIDE, NEW YORK 11377
At the Meeting Leaders of the CountMeIn Movement will be speaking. They will be special guests of our Local 12 Organizer Anthony Fagiolo who works with them on a daily basis. They will be speaking about the CountMeIn movement – what it means, what we as Union Members are up against and what we as Union Members should be doing to protect our jobs. Remember the UNION starts with YOU – please make every effort to attend this Meeting.
We will also be swearing in the graduating Fourth Year Apprentice Class of 2018 as the New Local 12 Mechanics Class of 2018. Every Local 12 Member should come to this Meeting to show support and appreciation to our new Mechanics. They deserve your respect, gratitude and appreciation for what they have accomplished and what they will accomplish for all of Local 12. Remember the UNION starts with YOU!
In honor of the New Mechanics Class of 2018 food and drinks will be served.
The Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks will be printed next Friday, June 15, 2018. In order to receive a check next Friday you must submit an Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Check Form by no later than next Wednesday, June 13, 2018. I will have forms with me at the Meeting if you would like to fill out a form.
On Saturday, June 23, 2018 there will be an election for the following Local 12 Union Officer positions: President, Vice-President and Executive Board Members (all five positions). The election of Local 12 Union Officers will be held between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106.
To be eligible to vote a member must be in good standing in accordance with the rules of the Constitution and By Laws of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers; under Article XIII Initiation Fees, Fines, Assessments and Dues Section 5 it states: “Members in good standing are those with dues and all other arrearages paid up to and including the second previous month as set forth in Section 4 of this Article.” This means your dues must be paid up to date as well as any fines or assessments that have been levied against you.
Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005, in writing no less than ten (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You cannot email your request and you cannot contact the Local 12 Union Hall to request an absentee ballot.
The candidates for the Local 12 Union Officers are as follows:
President: (Vote for one) Frank Renahan #1, John Bohlmann #3
Vice President: (Vote for one) Ivica “Big John” Begonja #4, Chris Cook #5
Executive Board: (Vote for five) Ivan Zanki #6, Don Johnson #7, Daniel Makowski #8, Octavio Soares #9, Charlie Sullivan #10, Dave Renck #11, Steve Villani #12, Filip Capalija #13
If I have not taken care of anything you have requested of me please let me know by replying to this email or contacting the Benefit Funds Office of Local 12. I apologize to anybody who has contacted me and I have not taken care of your issue yet. Please let me know if I can help you.
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
Support each other. Support the Troops and remember that today is the 74th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion – June 6, 1944 – the day that changed the world for the better. Remember the sacrifices of those who gave all so that we can live the life that we live today.
I hope all is well with you and I hope to see all of you at the Regular Union Meeting of June 7, 2018.
REMEMBER THE UNION STARTS WITH YOU!
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
PROUD MEMBER OF LOCAL 12
LOCAL 12 UNITED WE STAND
You are cordially invited to the Regular Union Meeting on Thursday, June 7, 2018. The Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM and will be held at the following address:
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
49-18 QUEENS BLVD.
WOODSIDE, NEW YORK 11377
At the Meeting Leaders of the CountMeIn Movement will be speaking. They will be special guests of our Local 12 Organizer Anthony Fagiolo who works with them on a daily basis. They will be speaking about the CountMeIn movement – what it means, what we as Union Members are up against and what we as Union Members should be doing to protect our jobs. Remember the UNION starts with YOU – please make every effort to attend this Meeting.
We will also be swearing in the graduating Fourth Year Apprentice Class of 2018 as the New Local 12 Mechanics Class of 2018. Every Local 12 Member should come to this Meeting to show support and appreciation to our new Mechanics. They deserve your respect, gratitude and appreciation for what they have accomplished and what they will accomplish for all of Local 12. Remember the UNION starts with YOU!
In honor of the New Mechanics Class of 2018 food and drinks will be served.
The Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Checks will be printed next Friday, June 15, 2018. In order to receive a check next Friday you must submit an Early Withdrawal Vacation Fund Check Form by no later than next Wednesday, June 13, 2018. I will have forms with me at the Meeting if you would like to fill out a form.
On Saturday, June 23, 2018 there will be an election for the following Local 12 Union Officer positions: President, Vice-President and Executive Board Members (all five positions). The election of Local 12 Union Officers will be held between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the Local 12 Union Hall, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, New York, 11106.
To be eligible to vote a member must be in good standing in accordance with the rules of the Constitution and By Laws of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers; under Article XIII Initiation Fees, Fines, Assessments and Dues Section 5 it states: “Members in good standing are those with dues and all other arrearages paid up to and including the second previous month as set forth in Section 4 of this Article.” This means your dues must be paid up to date as well as any fines or assessments that have been levied against you.
Absentee ballots are available for those unable to attend the vote through Honest Ballot. Each request must be received by Honest Ballot at 27246 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11005, in writing no less than ten (10) days prior to the day of election. A member could also cast a vote at Honest Ballot up until the day before the election. You must contact Honest Ballot directly to cast an absentee ballot. You cannot email your request and you cannot contact the Local 12 Union Hall to request an absentee ballot.
The candidates for the Local 12 Union Officers are as follows:
President: (Vote for one) Frank Renahan #1, John Bohlmann #3
Vice President: (Vote for one) Ivica “Big John” Begonja #4, Chris Cook #5
Executive Board: (Vote for five) Ivan Zanki #6, Don Johnson #7, Daniel Makowski #8, Octavio Soares #9, Charlie Sullivan #10, Dave Renck #11, Steve Villani #12, Filip Capalija #13
If I have not taken care of anything you have requested of me please let me know by replying to this email or contacting the Benefit Funds Office of Local 12. I apologize to anybody who has contacted me and I have not taken care of your issue yet. Please let me know if I can help you.
Please remember to work safe, work hard and take pride in your work.
Support each other. Support the Troops and remember that today is the 74th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion – June 6, 1944 – the day that changed the world for the better. Remember the sacrifices of those who gave all so that we can live the life that we live today.
I hope all is well with you and I hope to see all of you at the Regular Union Meeting of June 7, 2018.
REMEMBER THE UNION STARTS WITH YOU!
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
Al Wassell
Fund Manager
Benefit Funds of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12
PROUD MEMBER OF LOCAL 12
LOCAL 12 UNITED WE STAND