Keith Gahl Appointed to Local 498 Organizer Position
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Effectively February 24, 2020 Keith Gahl will be taking over as Local 498 Organizer, I have appointed him to the position and have the utmost confidence Keith will do a fantastic job as Organizer. These positions are nothing like what we are used to in the field. In the field we see progress everyday but organizing you may not see any movement for long periods due to the nature of what it requires to convince people/contractors of the benefits of unions.
Keith will hit the streets and learn all the nooks and crannies of our local along with all the bad players that come here. This will be a learning process for Keith, as it was for me and Ben. We were fortunate to have the backing of all of you during our time as Organizer which is necessary for success. Both Ben and I were grateful for all the help you provided to us. I am sure you will all be as helpful for Keith as well with all the action around our local. Keith will be overwhelmed at first and as Iron Workers we are not always the most tactful with our words, but he will learn how to deliver the correct message for the right situation, because they are all different. As soon as I have his Organizer contact information set up, I will send that out.
If you have a chance, reach out and wish him good luck.
In solidarity,
Mark Richeson
January 2020 Connector is out.
We are saddened to report the passing of Phil Luebke Sr. on Saturday January 18, 2020. Phil was a retired from Local 498 in 1978. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Please check the latest newsletter attached. January 2020 Connector
The International has requested feedback from the members on their thoughts on the Presidential Election coming up. I have attached the link below.
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/2020-political-comment-box?clear_id=true&source=direct_link
October Connector is Out!
Check out the latest Connector. There are updated dates for weld tests and pictures from the Pin Party. The party was great and it was awesome to see some of the guys we haven’t seen since they “Pulled the Pin” and retired. There was a lot of reminiscing and chatter all night.
The passing of Ron Meier Union Member and Contractor
It is with a heavy heart Local 498 mourns the passing of Ron Meier who lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday September 18, 2019. Ron was a multi-generational iron worker who became contractor, Advanced Crane Technicians (AACT), that many have worked for in their career.
Ron Meier’s family will be having a Celebration of Life at Williams Tree Farm from 12-7pm October 8, 2019. Come pay your respects to the family for a good Union Man and good Union Contractor.
Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers in the time of need.
Labor Day Parade was a success!!
The Labor Day Parade and float was a huge success for us. We made the front page of the Rockford Register Star and all the news cycles. Anyone who understands labor understands what we were representing. “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper”(September 20, 1932) is such an iconic picture that is seen all over the country and Local 498 knocked it out of the park! Thanks to Paul Kauffman for the work he and the apprentices did on the trailer and float. Thanks to all that rode the float:
Austin Savant, Deshawn Simmons, Seth Fish, Dillon Pontnack, Sharon Anderson, Josh Olson, Emerald Sanders, Garrett Schmidt, Eli Monier, Isai Ruiz, and Garret Johnston. With honorable mention to Haley O’leary who couldn’t ride due to a work injury.
We only won 3rd place in the float contest. I don’t believe that the judges actually recognized the reaction and the significance to the people watching along the parade route.
The July Connector is out!
Check out the news in the local.
IRAP comments are still being encouraged, accepted, and forwarded on to the International. Please take this seriously. Thank you to all those that have taken the time to fill them out and submit them to us.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO HELP PROTECT YOUR UNION AND YOUR APPRENTICE PROGRAM.
Your Union and the International needs you to ACT!
I have attached a link to a communication that you will receive from us regarding potential changes in how apprentice programs are governed. You may also have received mailers and read about it in the Ironworker Magazine. They are looking for letters from our membership on the benefits of being in or graduating from a real apprentice program, not some watered down version they would like to change it to. The end result will make it harder for us to compete with the nonunion more than ever.
We are looking for responses from all members including retirees who have seen the most changes in our industry.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ IT. IRAP COMMUNICATION (more details are in this)
You can download the comment form and drop it off or mail it to us or come down to the hall and fill it out personally. The other option is to directly email you response to us and we will scan it and send it to the International, which is what they are requiring of us of all the communication we receive on this. The deadline for commenting is August 26th, so please don’t delay.
IRAP Comment Form if you chose to hand write it.
Email your response to iwlocal498@iwlocal498.org
- Subject line should say IRAP RIN 1205-AB85.
- Tell your story on what being part of the certified apprentice program meant or did for you. How the apprentice program changed your life. How you got in, how safe the workplace is, the structured training, and your rights at work. How allowing lower standard IRAPs in the construction Industry would hurt ironworkers like you. Also, you must make sure you address the fact that you believe the construction Industry should be exempt from the IRAP requirements.
- Your name, city, state, book number, and date need to be on it as well
Please if you have questions let us know.
It is imperative we attack this and keep it positive on what the apprentice program means for you and your family.
June 2019 Connector is out!!
The June Connector is out and available. Check out the happenings in and around the local.
