46 The ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTOR Local Roundup LOCAL 36 • Detroit, Michigan Greetings from the Motor City. I want to start by extending best wishes to the brothers and sisters who have retired. They have put in a lot of years on job sites, a lot of days taking calls, a lot of hours away from their families and a ton of minutes thinking this day would never come. It’s finally here and I hope you spend many decades collecting those pension checks. I hope you all keep in touch, and I see all of you at the picnic with big smiles on your faces and a cold beer in hand. Speaking of retiring I would like to take the time to wish Brother Scott Hultstrom a congratulations on his retirement. The feedback I have received from my apprentices who have taken the code outreach and tabbing classes has been incredible. They all have said it was instrumental in them passing their state test. Thanks again and good luck on your future endeavors, Brother. As I write this, I have two mechanics on the open employment list and the work picture looks good for the foreseeable future. Just because times are good and have been for a while doesn’t mean your boss can bend or break rules. We don’t cut corners, break rules, or skip safety because your boss wants you to just so he can collect a bigger bonus or look good to his boss. In the end it will all be on you. I truly believe this is why members are getting injured or dying. Workers are being pushed to go faster, get it done quicker even when we know it’s not the right thing to do. You will never hear at your company safety meeting that a member was hurt because his boss told him he had five days to do a job when it really should take ten days. It takes what it takes to put in a job that meets your local codes, working the safest way and living up to the IUEC SKILLED trade standards. Your life is not worth a couple bucks in your boss’s pocket. Now that all politicians are firmly in their new seats, it’s time for us to hold their feet to the fire on their campaign promises. I know one of my biggest goals is to reverse Right to Work in this state. I know past business managers have talked to some of these politicians who voted for Right to Work, and they had no idea what it was and some of them didn’t even read it before they voted. I would love to go to their country clubs and tell them I want to join and reap all the benefits but not pay initiation fees or monthly dues and then maybe they would understand. This is exactly what they did to unions!!! I don’t care if they are Republican or Democrat. If they are for workers’ rights we will make sure they keep their promises. I hope all of you have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day, and remember to get involved, attend meetings, stay strong, and remember dues are due at the end of the month. “You don’t succeed by saying what you are going to do; you succeed by doing what you say you are going to do.” – George Orwell, 1984 Michael R. Waker Business Manager IUEC Local 36 Detroit, MI Honorary Brother Scott Zilch is pictured receiving his honorary card. Congrats, Brother, and enjoy your retirement! Newly initiated members, from left to right, are Brother Brian Miles and Brother Evan Cevora. Congrats, Brothers! Pictured is newly sworn in Executive Board Member Brother Justin Smith. Brother Kyle Austin is with his dad Brother Mark Austin on his last day of work. Enjoy your retirement, Brother! Be AWARE to Be SAFE
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