Newsletter

The final Truss is was erected this morning at Chicago Rockford International Airport for AAR Corps. new Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility or MRO for short.  The Iron Workers Local 498 did a fantastic job erecting this structure. The erection for 2 identical buildings totaling 238K sq. ft. has been going on for quite a few months. The iron workers kept Rubb Building Systems on their toes at the rate they put this facility up. When complete it will be the largest Thermal Hull structure in the United States. It is designed to house Boeing 777 and 787 as well as wide body jets from Airbus for maintenance.

Great Job fellas!

March 7th and 14th will be First Aid and CPR training and certification. If your cards are expired now would be a good time to get them updated. It will be at the Hall at 6pm. 

March 21st and 28th will be Fork Lift Training at the Hall 6pm if you are interested. 

Let Dave, Me, or Penny know if you would like to participate.

You will receive a notice denying a claim on your spouse on their first claim of the year, this is normal. You must send a letter to the fund office whether your spouse is covered by another group plan. The letter should be faxed to 630-967-3080. This needs to be done so they can coordinate benefits if covered. This is their process for determining if your spouse has coverage each year. If you have questions or need clarification call me.

Another ‪‎Dollar General‬ going up Rat with an outfit from Missouri, Canyon Concrete. We are doing what we have to do. Unfortunately the ‪Dollar Generals‬ around here seem to always be bad. This particular one is relatively small, a one day set. If you look in the back corner of the picture that beam has been on the straps for 45 mins, and this is their 4th day setting. Not sure where Dollar General is saving money. On top of that a local townie had to spew his nonsense of our guys not knowing how to work. All he had to do was watch the non-union stumble around with one piece for almost an hour. He must be accepting of keeping the locals citizens in the area NOT working so some outfit from MO can come in and take the work. Then on top of it  Dollar General expects the locals to spend their money in there business. Don’t Patronize #DollarGeneral they don’t hire local labor. Thanks John Wheeler, Ray Beardin, and Jason Archer for picketing.

I know our International has endorsed Hillary for President and I can understand their position, but the rank an file are overwhelmingly supporting Bernie with his lofty goals. One thing is clear the people want REAL change which is why Bernie and Trump are the so popular among the rank and file.

If Hillary is the nominee, no matter how much you dislike her she has been good to labor overall and will be hands down better for labor than the other side of the isle by a wide margin. By not voting this election you are giving your vote to the anti labor candidate. We have seen the result of that all around us including this state. That has all been a result of labors apathy or just willful ignorance of what will keep them making a reasonable living in America. Remember making a reasonable living will give you the freedom to fight the other issues that are passionate to you.

One thing is for sure Trump is a businessman FIRST and he will not be good for labor and how you earn a paycheck union or non-union. Every Governor that came from business has been devastating to anyone who works for a living. Government can’t be run the same way a business can nor should it be just look at Flint, MI. And after all that came to light Republican controlled Congress tried passing a bill the made it harder for EPA to protect citizens of this country from more Flint, MI type problems. The Republicans at the Federal don’t care about people who work for a living, not in the least. Trump will be good for Trump only!

MRO is coming along. Top notch Local 498 hands doing a phenomenal job with Area Erectors. Work safe brothers.

Reminder:
498 Journeyman who would like to renew their weld certification, the weld shop is open on Monday evenings with Paul Kauffman. Use the slow time to prepare for the busy time and make yourself more employable. The weld shop is also available Tuesdays and Thursdays during class hours.

498 members:
OSHA 30 will be Feb. 6,7,13, and 14th. Let Eva or me know. Now is a good time to get current if you haven’t been or have lost your card.
Also, weld test is scheduled for Saturday March 5th. Let Dean, Eva, or me know. Welding certs will help maintain work for you in the upcoming year.
Take advantage of the slow time to get current.

9-11 Dedication & Memorial Services in Rockford. Iron was set at the Memorial this morning by Division 5 Metals, Tim Gulotta, Jeff Hobbs, Business Manager Dave Whitmore, and Apprentice and Marine Vet Matt Hippman. Great job!!
It was quite a turnout on the 14th Anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93 at the service here in Rockford.

September is approaching are you ready to take the challenge of becoming an Iron Worker? Applications will be accepted starting September 14th 8 -1pm.
See below for information on how to BUILD YOUR FUTURE!