LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER BY JEFF SULLIVAN

Unfortunately, another newsletter article requires my attention to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. I know we have all been doing everything possible to keep ourselves and our families healthy and safe during these trying times. Much has been written and said about COVID-19 and the issues surrounding the various vaccines that are available. Your District Council was one of the first labor organizations to direct its members to stay home until it was shown that job sites were safe. That was nearly eighteen months ago. It was done for one reason – we must look out for each other.

The same can be said for the choice to become vaccinated. The best available medical information is clear; the best way to avoid serious illness and hospitalization is to get vaccinated. The best way to protect yourselves, your Brother and Sister members, and your families is to get vaccinated. It’s the best way to protect yourself, and it may also keep you employed.

Recently, many end-users of the various construction projects we work on are requiring each subcontractor to ensure that its workforce is vaccinated. Certainly, school and hospital projects, where many of our apprentices and journeypersons are working, can direct its subcontractors to certify that its employees are protected against the virus. This is not a political argument or an issue of personal freedom. Some have personal reasons for not wanting to get vaccinated. Some of these reasons are sincerely held and I would never question that sincerity. In addition to the clear health reasons, the reality is that there is an economic reason to get vaccinated. Your Union will always look out for you- it’s why we are here.

We are stronger when we look after each other, on the job, at home, and in our communities. This care, this solidarity is one of the hallmarks of the union way of life. It means being part of a team and putting the interests of the group over the interests of the individual. Selfish motivation and putting yourself before the team is never successful. This past June’s contract negotiation was a perfect example of what we can achieve when we look out for each other.

Contract negotiations are always tough. Our signatory contractors are valued partners in our work, but that doesn’t mean we always see eye-to-eye. When our membership voted to reject a contract proposal during the last week of June, as we recommended, the entire District Council office continued the work to turn the tide. We developed a strategy across our entire jurisdiction to educate the entire membership about the status of the negotiations. We also educated our signatory contractors, project owners, and general contractors as to the merits of our position. It was all about looking out for each other. In the end, at the largest turnout for a contract ratification vote in the history of the District Council, YOU approved the contract proposal. It was union democracy at its finest. I was never prouder to lead this organization of ordinary men and women who can achieve the extraordinary when we look out for one another.

Please take the time to read this edition of the Newsletter. You’ll learn about all the work being done here at District Council 35. You’ll read about opportunities to get involved in your union and ways that you can look out for each other. From our recently graduated apprentices just starting their careers to our valued retirees who paved the way for all of us, we are all in this together. I’m happy to report that your Funds Trustees just secured a 13th pension check for our retired members. From top to bottom, we look out for each other. If you want to do it right, it really is the only way to do it.

Please stay vigilant in protecting your health and safety as well as the health and safety of those around you. The only way to move forward and through this is together. Your union is here for you and will be every step of the way.