May 2020 Connector Letter is available!!
The Connector is available now. Check out the latest news and happenings in Local 498.
We hope you and your families are safe and healthy during these unusual times as we slowly transition back to some kind of normal.
April 2020 Connector is out!
I hope everyone is hanging in there and staying safe. The newsletter is out and available and there are some important things in there to check out regarding the pandemic and our contract that is set to expire May 31, 2020.
Also, if you are interested in the text service I have started sign up here.
It’s easy and you won’t be bombarded with texts.
Filing for Unemployment
All,
I received a Power Point Presentation regarding filing for unemployment in the state of IL which includes information on the $600 additional supplement (over your normal benefit amount) along with waiving the waiting week.
The link below may answer some questions, it includes links and phone numbers.
While I don’t have the same thing for our Wisconsin Brothers and Sisters, I also attached a link to the Wisconsin website for filing.
https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/apply/
I hope this helps you all get the needed benefits in this time when work is very limited with COVID-19 gripping our nation. We will get through this. Don’t hesitate to call me if you have questions.
Mark
Governor Pritzker Announcement and what it means for us.
Dear Members,
The Governor Announced Shelter in Place excluding construction projects. Also, we cover Wisconsin territory which does not fall under the Illinois order. If the end user/owner decides to shut the job down that is their prerogative.
Things are pretty fluid in the country with the COVID-19 Pandemic and these are unprecedented times we are in and it is likely to be this way for a period of time. This will affect us all in ways we haven’t quite wrapped our heads around. At this time, we will be operating as normal. The one thing I ask is that if you can limit personal interaction at the hall and handle dues and death benefits over the phone or internet if possible. I am aware some still need to take care of business in person, which is no problem. We should all do our best to adhere to the county, state, and federal requirements as best as we can.
As it stands right now operations will be as follows:
- Dispatch is still open 6am to 8am
- Office is still operational 8am to 4pm (I am here later usually if need be)
- Try and utilize the internet for dues and over the phone when possible to maximize Social Distancing. If you do need to handle things personally, of course we will be here for you.
- Apprentice Classes are canceled until further notice.
- April’s General Meeting is still on for now. We will update as it gets closer.
- My phone is always on, so don’t hesitate to call with questions.
Should the State or Federal Government mandate other restrictions and we will evaluate what is required and make adjustment needed. I will try and keep you all up to date on what I hear that is confirmed to happen.
As always use best practices wash your hands regularly and practice Social Distancing when possible. Act as if you have it and don’t want to give it to anyone.
Everyone be safe out there, we will get through this.
In solidarity,
Mark
March General Meeting Canceled
Dear Members,
In light of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak that has gripped Nation along with the state of Illinois closing all schools until the end of the month and functions with groups of people that have been recommended not to take place.
We are suspending March’s General Meeting. We will evaluate where we are prior to April’s meeting before we make that decision.
Apprentice Classes will be suspended this week and there Spring Break is the following week. Tentatively classes will resume March 30th unless otherwise notified.
I have attached the a flyer put out by the Center for Construction Research and Training partnered with North American Building Trades Unions that highlight best practices for both workers and employers.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me and I will answer them if I can.
Work Safe Brothers and Sisters.
We are saddened to report the passing of Raymond Forbes
We’re sorry to announce, Retired Member Raymond Forbes passed away yesterday March 11th 2020 at the age of 94. Ray was a member of the Iron Workers since 1951. We have no information on a memorial or service for Raymond as of yet. He passed in Florida however, we believe he will be brought back to Illinois to be laid to rest.
When we receive the burial information, we will pass it on.
Raymond Forbes was a participant of the Voluntary Death Benefit.
Services for Doug Schnor and Obituary
I have attached the obituary for Doug Schnor.
Click the link below to read his obituary.
Services are March 7, 2020 11-12:45 at Belvidere First United Methodist Church 610 Bonus Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008. Memorial Service to follow at same location.
Unfortunately another member, Doug Schnor has passed away.
We are sorry to be the bearer of more sad news, however we just received notice that Douglas Schnor also passed away Sunday Feb. 23rd. His funeral will be March 7th , the obituary hasn’t been posted as of yet. We will keep the membership posted as more details are received.
Douglas was a participant in the Local Death Benefit Program.
We are saddened to report the passing of John Partington
We’re sorry to announce Retired Member John Jay Partington passed away Sunday February 23rd. John was a member since 1974. A Memorial visitation will be 9-11:00 a.m. this Friday the 28th of February at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon followed by an 11:00 a.m. memorial service at the funeral home.
John was not a participant of the Voluntary Death Benefit.
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
