Dear Brothers and Sisters:
As this year comes to a close and we look forward to the coming year, it is our sincere hope that you and your family are safe and healthy and enjoying the holiday season. We wanted to take this opportunity to report to you on some decisions, and actions your Executive Board, and trustees have taken that will be of interest to you.
DUES
Last year at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the monthly dues for apprentices were reduced to $20 per month. The Executive Board has acted to keep the monthly dues for apprentices at $20 for 2022.
At the end of this year the monthly dues for members were scheduled to increase $2.00 per month, from $38 per month to $40. The Executive Board has asked the International Union for a variance to allow for a $1.00 increase, raising the monthly dues to only $39 for 2022.
LEGAL SERVICES
The Board of Trustees of the Local 78 Legal Services Plan have announced that effective January 1, 2022 the plan has been modified as it relates to immigration and naturalization services. The eligible member, the member’s spouse and the member’s child will now be eligible for this service. The number of hours covered under the plan for this service will also increase from 8 hours to 25 hours per year. Further details of this new and expanded benefit will be provided to you from the Trustees in the coming weeks.
LOCAL 78 CHARITABLE CORP.
This past year Local 78 established a new charitable foundation to benefit the members of the Local. This New York non-profit corporation was established to benefit the members of Local 78. It is up and running and in the coming year we are committed to expanding the charity and continuing to support our members.
Beyond the actions we have taken there has been much activity and new developments that have an impact on our union. Obviously the COVID pandemic continues to impact our lives. The best way to combat this pandemic and finally put it behind us, is for everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. If you have not done so yet, we urge you and your family to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
In November, the Congress passed, and President Biden signed into the law, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This $1.2 trillion law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure. LIUNA was a big supporter of this law because it means one thing for our union and members – JOBS. We are confident that our members and industry will see a significant increase in work in the coming months and years as a result of this important new law.
On January I, 2022 Eric Adams will become the new Mayor of New York City. We look forward to establishing a good working relationship with the Mayor and the newly elected members of the City Council. By all indications, the Mayor should be an ally and supporter of both our union and industry. We wish him well and look forward to working with him and his administration.
Brother and Sisters, on our behalf, and your entire Executive Board, we want to thank you for your continued support. Your hard work and commitment to your union is what keeps us strong. The new year holds great promise for us. Moving forward, unity, we will continue to grow and improve the lives of all our members and their families. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and continued good health in the new year.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Pawel Gruchacz, Business Manager
Joel Burgos, Secretary Treasurer
Jan Sanislo, President
