Brothers and Sisters,

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a “Stay at Home, Stay Healthy” order in Washington State that is effective March 23^rd for a minimum of two weeks. Wednesday, March 25^th the Governor issued a narrower interpretation of his order in regards to Construction Guidance – Stay Home, Stay Healthy Proclamation (20-25). Not all commercial and residential construction is authorized under the proclamation because not all construction is considered to be an essential activity. However, there are exceptions to the order that allow for many construction sites and construction work to continue as an essential activity or in support of essential activities. All construction activity must meet social distancing and appropriate health and worker protection measures before proceeding. Also, if you are working, a special reminder that some companies are trying to get you to sign a declaration that you are not sick nor have been around anyone that shows certain symptoms to be able to go to work. In my estimation, this is a change in working conditions and therefore up for negotiation. If enforced, it is an unfair labor practice. I urge the members not to sign such a declaration.

If you find yourself laid off due to “lack of work” or on standby status make sure to check in with dispatch to be placed on the out of work (OOW) list and sign up for unemployment benefits. Depending on individual situations you may be eligible for other benefits like Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick Leave or the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Remain in contact with your Supervisor, Foreman, Contractor and Field Reps for updates to job site status and/or return to work status.

Here at Local 612 Member and Employee safety continues to be of paramount importance. Based on the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus and the Governors order, Local 612 will continue day to day operations with the exception of walk in business.

Please practice social distancing and preventative behaviors:

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoid close contact with people who are sick, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, and stay home when you are sick.

For the best sources of information refer to the Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov or the Washington State Health Department www.doh.wa.gov for updated information.

I hope everyone is doing the best they can in the circumstances that are before us and that this order to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” is done sooner than later so we can get back to what we do best, Build America!

 

In Solidarity

 

Todd J. Mickelson

IUOE Local 612

Business Manager

Brothers and Sisters,

I am writing to update you on the status of IUOE Local 612’s operations regarding serious health concerns of COVID-19 virus outbreak. Here at Local 612, employee and member safety are of paramount importance. As of today, nobody from the office has tested positive for the virus. I feel it necessary to make sure that the health, safety and well being of all IUOE members, employees and their families is our primary concern and we are taking all reasonable and necessary measures to support and protect you.

I am locking the doors of the Tacoma office from March 16ththrough the 31th for walk in business as a precautionary measure, but we will still be open to take care of day to day things by phone. I will be cancelling both District 1 (on March 16th ) and District 2 (on March 25th ) membership meetings for the month of March to help with potential health issues. If assistance is needed my agents will still be able to help you with any jobsite problems.

Our plan is to resume normal operations and meetings beginning April 1, 2020 unless we have been instructed otherwise.

Please practice preventative behaviors:

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoid close contact with people who are sick, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, and stay home when you are sick.

Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov or the Washington State Health Department www.doh.wa.gov for updated information.

Thank you for your patience and hope all is well for you and your families.

 

In Solidarity

 

Todd J. Mickelson

The Trustees would like to invite you and your spouse to attend a Benefit meeting to be held March 3, 2020 from 7-9 PM at

Holiday Inn Express Suites

11751 Pacific Hwy SW

Lakewood, WA 98499

There will be presentations on both plans and personnel will be available to answer any questions you may have regarding your medical coverage or your retirement plan.

The Tacoma City Council has chosen to delay the vote on the LOI for the new soccer stadium until Tuesday March 3^rd .

We will no longer need you to attend the City Council meeting on February 11th.  Please show your support on March 3rd.

Please see the correspondence below and come show your support for building a professional soccer stadium in Tacoma.

See you at the Tacoma Municipal Building

747 Market Street First Floor, Tacoma 5pm Tuesday, Feb.11th

THE SOCCER CLUB OF TACOMA AND GOAL TACOMA NEEDS YOUR HELP!

It is time for the Tacoma City Council to hear from YOU!

Please Join Goal Tacoma and the Soccer Club of Tacoma in showing your support for a unique partnership to build a soccer stadium in Tacoma. The Tacoma City Council will be taking the critical next step in the project, to authorize the execution of a Letter of Intent which outlines the key deal points and next steps on February 11^th at 5pm and we need you there.  This is the time to make sure we are in person, letting our elected leadership know how important this transformational project is to our community.  Our efforts will ensure that Tacoma has a project that includes:

• The most community-centric professional sports stadium in the US, period, hosting Tacoma’s youth soccer needs over 100 days per year coupled with Cheney Stadium’s commitment to youth and high school baseball
• To reinvigorate Central Tacoma with a world-class medical facility, attached to the stadium, in partnership with MultiCare.
• Create a true ‘district’ in Central Tacoma, with mixed-use development flourishing in between the soccer stadium and Cheney Stadium, providing affordable housing, jobs and economic development on land that is currently a parking lot, and provide more affordable entertainment options for the south sound.
• A permanent, best in class, home for the two newest Tacoma professional sports franchises (Reign FC and Tacoma Defiance).
• Providing a new affordable regional attraction for our community’s families.
• Position Tacoma to participate in the Puget Sound region’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup (men) and 2027 FIFA World Cup (women) with a world-class training venue

Supporters will be meeting at An American Tavern for free food and drink, directly across the street from City Hall – 744 Market St 102B, Tacoma, Washington 98402

Please RSVP to Luke Schindele at Luke@thompsoncg.com, or via telephone at (253)879-1250

Please see flyer below for details on membership meeting and Lemay party.

RSVP by November 25, 2019

Holiday Parties

October 16, 2019

Brothers and Sisters,

We are looking forward to resuming our monthly meetings beginning Monday, October 21, 2019 at 7:00 PM for District 1 and Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 7:00 PM for District 2.  A lot has happened during our summer break! We have very important information, specific to Local 612, to share and discuss.  Come as you are and be informed.  Please join us if you can.

Fraternally,

 

Todd J. Mickelson

Business Manager

Please see attached flyer for the upcoming health fair October 26th.

If you plan to attend, you must pre-register at https://coalitionhealthfair.org/ or 877-441-1212 option 4

Health Fair

 

Help save our apprenticeship programs.

Hello.  This is James Callahan, General President of the International Union of Operating Engineers. I’m calling about an issue of great importance for our members. Anti-union contractors want to destroy the Operating Engineers’ apprenticeship programs, but your voice can help us stop them.  We need you to email prepared comments to the Department of Labor about the importance of our training.

 

This can easily be done through a website portal.  Please go to saveiuoeapprenticeships.org today.  There is a deadline for input coming up very soon so please visit the site today. You can also submit a comment as a friend or family member of an IUOE member. Your participation will help save the IUOE apprenticeship programs.  Thank you.

 

 

Regarding recent allegations, charges and communications, you may have heard or read on social media concerning the Local, please be aware that the duly elected officers of Local 612 are following the process in the Constitution and Bylaws of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Local 612 for resolving internal disputes. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Hall  253-572-9612 and ask to speak with an Officer or Business Representative. We will continue to post updates on this website. For the sake of our members and the future of Local 612 please do not depend on information you may have read or heard about on social media.