As I sit here and write this article for the Conduit, it is the last week in March and spring has arrived. Hopefully, most of us have received the vaccine or are going to get it soon. So by the 4th of July this country can get somewhat back to normal. I hope we can have our Annual
Softball Tournament and our Labor Day Block Party. It has been over a year that we all have been hibernating from our family and friends. I think we all could use a good party.
Employment has been very good all winter with full employment and approximately 50 travelers working in the jurisdiction. Unfortunately, the Third Track Project has been shutdown for a few weeks due to an Iron Worker being critically shocked when a crane that was installing some steel came in contact with an energized 13.2 kv transmission line. I have been in direct contact with the Business Manager of the Iron Workers since the day of the accident. I am happy to report the Iron Worker, after being in the hospital for 10 days, is now home recovering and doing well. The Third Track job is on a safety standdown until the investigation is complete.
Some jobs getting ready to start very soon are the two Amazon projects, one in Syosset and one in Westhampton; the 23 mega watt solar farm in Calverton should be starting in May; lots of big hospital work at multiple sites; lots of work at Brookhaven Lab. Employment should stay very good for the rest of the year.
Maintenance unit contract negotiations have started. So far, we have had three meetings. I will keep the membership informed at the next union meeting. Once the Maintenance contract is done, we go right into the Telecommunications contract negotiations. And then in June, the Neon Sign contract negotiations will start. Busy year for contract negotiations.
It looks like the funds will have a pretty good year. With the numbers being approximately: Annuity, 6.8%, 401k, 8% and the Pension, 9.5%. In such a crazy year, those are some good numbers.
Before I end, I just want to thank Jim Wisdom for his 41 years of service and 19 as the Local 25 Organizer. Jim will be retiring March 31, 2021. I just want to wish him the best in his retirement years, he certainly deserves it.
Brothers and Sisters, that ends my report for this issue of the Conduit. Remember to work safe, turn off energized circuits, and always look out for each other out there.
IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH