July 1, 2020
Brothers and Sisters,
It saddens me to inform you that President Ed Taylor pulled the pin and retired on June 30th, 2020. He’s doing what every Operating Engineer wants to do: put blood, sweat and tears into your job and after many years decide it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. He has put in 19 years as a rank and file member and another 22 years of services as a Representative of this great Union. Ed’s commitment to the Operating Engineers Local 612 is one for the history books. This man is an organizing machine and has done so much to build relationships with contractors and grow this local over the years. We will continue his legacy on organizing companies to give our membership more opportunities to work. I want to wish Ed a long and exuberant retirement.
On June 24th the Line Officers met, according to the constitution, and unanimously voted to backfill Ed Taylor’s unexpired term as President with Brother Kevin Tedrick. The line officers also unanimously voted to backfill Kevin Tedrick’s unexpired term as RCS with Sister Christina Hall. I want to congratulate both Kevin and Chris on their new positions; I know they will do a great job for Local 612. We will keep you informed as the Executive Board continues to follow the guidelines of the IUOE Constitution and 612 by-laws to backfill the positions left open by the movement.
In other news, Local 612 is cancelling the July District 1 and 2 meetings to stay in compliance with the Governor’s Safe Start Washington, a Phased Approach to Recovery. We are in Phase 2 of the Stay Home Stay Healthy process and will continue to make sure that everyone’s health is our number one priority. I’m hoping that someday we will be able to get back to having our monthly meetings, but for now I will continue to update you as much as I can with letters and website updates. We will continue to keep the in-office visits by appointment only. Please work with us to make sure we keep the staff healthy and safe by handling your business over the phone.
Washington state is seeing a worrisome trend of rapidly increasing coronavirus cases so please follow the Governor’s guidelines by wearing a mask, continuing your social distancing efforts, and washing your hands. Let’s be respectful and not politicize the efforts of others so we can get back to some sort of status quo. We can only get there by making sure we all participate to stay safe and healthy.
Just in Per General President Callahan: Due to the rapid advance of Covid-19 pandemic in Harris County Texas, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, ALL TRAINING CLASSES AND REGULAR OPERATIONS AT THE ITEC ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL AT LEAST AUGUST 1, 2020.
Please check the website for updates.
Take care.
In Solidarity,
Todd J. Mickelson
Business Manager
