A Message from the Officers - (3/23/2020)
Brothers and sisters,
Most of you are aware of Governor Cuomo’s latest Executive Order calling for a 100% closure of non-essential businesses statewide, effective 8pm March 22, 2020 . As of March 21, 2020, construction continues to be identified as an essential business in New York. Therefore, all construction sites and service & maintenance work are allowed to remain open and continue. Any management, office, and non-field personnel needed to support the essential business may also continue. You can click to read more on the Guidance on Essential Service. With that said, any one who does not feel safe going to a job site for any reason at all should stay home. No one can force you to go to a job site if you do not feel comfortable doing so.
We are also writing to our members to provide an update on our plans in light of COVID-19. The Union Office and Fund Office continue to remain open at this time. Ultimately, we have to follow the recommendations of the experts at the CDC, Mayor DeBlasio, and Governor Cuomo.
The primary concern of the Steamfitters Union is the health and economic security of our MEMBERS and their FAMILIES. Rest assured, we have been meeting with Fund Administrator Kevin Driscoll and his staff regarding all of our Trust Funds. Currently, these are troubling and historic times in our country. As a result, these unforeseen issues have had a major impact on our funds. Moving forward, we will continue to closely monitor this ever-changing situation and its impact on Local 638.
Recently, we had an emergency conference call with our security benefit fund trustees to discuss what is available to our members. I am proud to say that we were able to make major changes to the security benefit fund to help our members during these difficult times. As always, we will continue to do what we can (legally) in the best interests of this membership.
Currently, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, we have cancelled and postponed a number of Local 638 events. The Educational Fund Trustees took immediate steps by shutting down the school and evening classes. Our Training Director Steve Cuadra and teachers are in the process of setting up online classes for our Apprentices and Metal Tradesmen. Also, the Steamfitters Graduation scheduled for March 28, 2020 has been postponed and moved to June 17, 2020. The Executive Board meetings of March 23, 2020 and April 6, 2020, along with the Union Meetings on March 25, 2020 and April 8, 2020 have been cancelled.
Your health and the health your families has been at the forefront of our minds. We understand the anxiety and uncertainty of our members. This situation continues to change by the hour. We can tell you that every officer of Local 638 is working tirelessly for the best interests of its members. We have no doubt that we will eventually defeat COVID-19. However, until we do, please continue to listen to the CDC. We will continue to correspond with each of you about the developing challenges presented by the virus. We will also provide the important steps that you and we can take to both meet and overcome these challenges. STAY SAFE, STAY STRONG!
Fraternally,
The Officers of Local 638
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