Updated December 24, 2008
Hello Fellow Union Members,
The vote is in, and the ballots have been counted. The Union has
decided to keep heading in the direction plotted by Pres. Harrigan and Scy./Treas.
Brandon. The vote was lopsided in their favor and a true mandate was given
to our leadership. The race was hard fought and at times downright dirty,
but it is OVER, and it is time to dedicate all of our efforts to the
betterment of the membership.
Let the healing process begin, and let all of us join
together in unity and strength, the mutually destructive fighting is over,
our attention must be brought to bear upon the boat-owners, and management
who feel as if they can do as they please with the lives of our
membership. The real enforcement of existing contracts start with the
union member. The union member must be vigilant in his own area of
control, let us know if there are violations of the contract. Once
the union is aware of the violation we can begin the process to correct
it. It takes courage to stand up for ones' rights, but we
are many, and we have the resources that your dues pay for. All it takes
is a phone call to start the process, we will let you know what the
contract allows and what is illegal. If you have a copy of the contract
make sure you read the entire section, not just the sentence you like,
some times sentences taken out of context are easily misinterpreted. These
errors are avoidable with a little diligence. November is the
beginning of the holiday season, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving Day are
the harbingers of Christmas season, try to remember your less fortunate
brothers during this time of feasting and gifting. If you are able, please
contribute to the food and warm-gently used coat drives that will begin to
appear in your neighborhoods. Your generosity will feed the hungry and
help keep them warm in a time of economic hardship. Brotherhood is
something you have to work at on a daily basis, and Christian Charity is a
founding stone of Unionism. We all need to look out for our Brothers. It
is the duty of the membership, and the duty of a member of the human
race. In closing I would like offer congradulations to the winning
slate of Executive Board Members, and hope they will be successful in
their efforts to bring our union together, and make us stronger, smarter,
and better able to deal with the future. It saddens me to announce the
passing of Brother Nick Nigro, Nick was a Tankerman at Reinauer, and a
longtime Union Brother,they are passing the coffee can in Erie Basin, and
you can drop off a donation for his family at the hall or at the monthly
meeting. If youneed more details call me at the hall at Ext. 13, or call
Ron at Ext. 12.
Be safe out there, Remember, EVERYONE COMES HOME ON
CREWCHANGE, HEALTHY AND WHOLE!!!
Fraternally,
bigmike
cell-917-324-1462
Hello Everybody,
I hope that everyone is well ,and your money is in T-Bills. It
seems that we will all have to work a little longer to be able to retire
in this current market of dive bombing stocks. It is a fiscal wake up call
to remind you to get out and vote. Make sure your voice is heard. If you
will not be home for the national elections, make sure you have made
arrangements for an absentee ballot. It only takes a few minutes to fill
out and send in. It is your duty as a citizen to exercise the franchise.
It is also your duty as a Union Member to vote, the ballots from the
Election Service people should have reached everyone by now. If you have
not received a ballot from them for the Union Elections, Please call
Marilyn Falik or Sandee Tovin at Election Services, the number is
1-800-864-1263. Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM. The ballots should be
sent back immediately. The ballots will be counted on the day before our
National election.
Any sailor worth his salt can smell a
change in the weather, cool mornings and the smell of wood smoke are the
first signs of fall. The runs upriver are all eye candy this time of year,
and the Hand of God is evident in the beauty of Nature. The colors are
spectacular, but they are warning us of the onset of our most cruel
season. Make sure you are starting to bring some of the new fabrics that
seal in your body heat with you. These innovative pieces of protective
clothing will carry you through some of the worst weather spells.These
new fabrics are light and supple, they allow a range of motion that is a
blessing to those who must work outdoors in less than favorable
conditions. A lot of old sailors would have given a months pay for this
new gear. The dividend is a smaller chance of arthritis in your joints
from exposure to the elements for long periods.This Fall season is also an
opportunity to check your gear on the boat, splice that extra line, lube
that wire rope, fabricate that heavier monkey fist, you know, the one that
will cut through a winter gust. Make a checklist and follow it. Remember
that your hands and line are much easier to work with in 50 degree
weather. Make sure that you put in an order for insulated gloves, your
hands will thank you. Do not forget to use your sunscreen in the winter as
you are exposed to those ultraviolet rays all year round. Stay healthy and
enjoy life. Look out for your shipmates and make sure everyone goes home
on crew change day, Healthy and Whole.
If you are at the stringpiece give me a call, I will come visit.
917-324-1462. Call anytime........
Fraternally,
bigmike
Updated September 22, 2008