October ’20 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and Sisters:

Laborers Local 310, in compliance with all safety recommendations in force since the March announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, restricted access to the meeting hall out of concern for social distancing and possible transmission risks.  While the pandemic has limited the ability of IUEC Local 17 to hold regular member meetings, the officers met to conduct the normal business of the Local.  The first regular member meeting since March will be held October 13 at the hall.  All members are encouraged to attend and to keep in mind the need for masking and distance at the event.  This will be true for all meetings for the foreseeable future.

The November 13, 2020, December 11, 2020 and January 8, 2021 Local 17 meetings are mandatory for the nomination, election and installation of officers.  Fines will be levied by the Executive Board for non-attendance.

Apprentices started back to a virtual class experience on August 31.  Since NEIEP would not allow face-to-face instruction, Brothers Jerry Reitz and Tim Narowitz are available on Monday and Tuesday to answer questions about material.  NEIEP has also made available mentoring sessions with instructors around the country.  Students are reminded that they are required to keep on pace to be completed with their classwork by December 11 with finals week beginning December 14.

There are eleven apprentices eligible to take the Mechanics Exam.  Rick Myers is running a review class over Webex using the material he has accumulated over the years.  

Congratulations go out to Brother Joel Reyes on the accomplishment of passing the Mechanics Exam.

When this article reaches your door, there will be less than 30 days left before election day.  Whether you have chosen to vote by mail or will be going to the polls in person, you will be letting your voice be heard above the cacophony we have endured.  Be proud of your vote and remember those who fight in the trenches and the courts to maintain this obligation that is so fragile when practiced individually and so strong when practiced together.

As of this writing there are two mechanics and one probationary apprentice on the bench.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety

Don

Dknapik@windsttream.net