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Well
we managed to get through another holiday season and now we must prepare for
another storm season.
First, before traveling out of your home jurisdiction, make sure you are registered with ERTS. You can do this by contacting your local union’s office and inquiring. Second, always advise the host local when you travel out to insure they notify ERTS that you are working there. This is the only way the plan knows you entitled to contributions and direct them to the proper benefit plan.
DO NOT take the employers word that it will be taken care of. They are extremely busy trying to secure work and keep everyone happy and safe and tend to forget about minor issues like your benefits.
By notifying the host local union you are also insuring that your wages and benefits will be paid according to the host local’s bargaining agreement. If the local union is not notified they can not very well represent you in a grievance later when the discrepancy is discovered.
Remember also that all work in a declared emergency will be paid for at time and one half.
PLAN AHEAD:
History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
The local union picnic will be held again at the east gate river ranch, in central Florida. The date of this year’s event will be April 26, 2008. We expect the same great food and entertainment we enjoyed the past 3 years.
The facility offers an abundance of activities for the whole family so plan on staying the weekend. For additional information please visit their web site. http://www.westgateriverranch.com/
DUES:
As you know local union 222 pays dues for members only. It is a good idea to make sure you are paid up at least 6 months ahead. This is a good cushion for you in the event you decide to travel out or if you are unable to work in the jurisdiction for a period of time.
Also be advised of the local union benevolent fund. You can write the local union executive board and request that your dues be paid and state the reason for your request. The board makes the recommendation and the membership must approve.
You can also pay your dues with a credit card on this web site by clicking on the link and following the simple directions. You are only permitted to pay for 3, 6 and 12 months. The program will not accept any reinstatement fees or any other types of payments.
Future code of excellence and new member orientation classes are being scheduled at this time. If you are interested in attending, please call the local union office.
Remember to work safe in 2008 and attend the membership meetings. It is your business we are deciding.
