Online Meetings on the Horizon – September 2020

Sisters and Brothers,

I hope this finds you and yours healthy and well. We are still struggling with this pandemic and the new normal which has disrupted all our lives. The Local Union, ETI and Pension and Health Trusts are diligently working to accommodate any changes required to keep everyone safe. We will get through this together and come out stronger on the other side.

While the International Union still forbids us to have any meetings to conduct business remotely, a membership informational update is in order. We look to start Unit Membership Meetings via zoom starting the month of October. While not able to read the minutes from the Executive Board or any other business, we can still get together and have some semblance of a meeting. The Local Union will send out a reminder with the link to the email address we have on file. It is important you update any changes in your address, phone number and email address so you are included in any correspondence. Also, if you have any life changes, contact the Pension and Health Trust. Even if someone purports to knowing the rules and intricacies of the Plan, check with the professional to make sure you are getting the right information.

The Trustees of the Pension and Health Plans will have a webinar, October 5, 2020 at 5 p.m. to report the status of each plan. Your Administrator and Plan Professionals will be on hand to answer any questions and address any problems you may have encountered. Look to the Trust Fund Website at scibew-neca.org to see any plan changes or updates. You should also receive by mail Amendment 3 to the Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Plan. The Trustees have given chair and co-chair the authority to extend, as needed, the increased benefit from $24 per week to $200 for apprentices and $300 for journeyman.

This is only for those classifications contributing to this fund. The increased benefit extends through the month of September.
Even though work has slowed down, construction is still one piece of the economy still functioning. With the completion of Sofi Stadium (go Chargers) and other large projects, the out of workbooks have increased. The future looks bright as we have signed an extension of the PLA at LAX, which encompasses 10 years of work as well as many other PLA’s which allow our signatory contractors to compete. Some projects have slowed down or have been put on hold, but I am confident they will resume once we eliminate this virus. Be sure to follow all safety precautions and always wear a face covering. The Local Union, along with our NECA partners, through LMCC, have been purchasing, designing and distributing face coverings with a theme and the IBEW 11 bug. If you have seen one that you like and would like to obtain one, contact the Pasadena Administrative Offices to arrange having one mailed or delivered to you.

In this edition, you will find IBEW Local 11 endorsements. We are still interviewing the down ticket candidates for City Councils, School Boards and Water Districts. Go to IBEWVotes.com for recommendations of those who believe in our cause and will work towards ensuring financial stability, job site safety, pension and health benefits and the belief in Unions for the working class. Above all, register and vote!

You will notice an addition to our September newsletter. Our IBEW/EAA members are an integral part of our Local Union and should have a report in this publication. I invite all the stewards of IBEW/EAA to register for a class given by the International Union on your obligations as a steward. Please contact your Executive Director, Steve Belhumeur at the EAA office. As always, it is my honor to serve as your Business Manager and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

In Solidarity,
Joël Barton

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