Dispatch

January 28, 2010

Well here we are starting a new year again. There are still a great many of you on the OOW List and our Contractors are still trying to recover from a real rough 2009.

We were fortunate we were able to put most all of our pavers to work with the stimulus monies or things would have been worse. The competition for work was brutal but the bright side to that is many of the stimulus money jobs bid for less than expected. Now there are unspent stimulus dollars and they need to spend them on additional transportation work by March 2010. The politicians have been busy too, funding other jobs like commuter train improvements.  It looks like maybe we will get some help that way also.

Looking at job bids, it looks like there will be a little better start this year. There are jobs being let all over our area, most are not real big, 500 K to 3mill, but there are a dozen big jobs on-going from 2009;  Nalley Valley, I-5 HOV Lanes and some big Port of Tacoma jobs to name a few.  I am hoping that core crews will be called back early and then maybe we can start dispatching some of you that got high centered on the OOW list in 2009.  There is supposed to be some pipeline work kicking off late spring so if you’re into that, get your QPLO card and be ready. Do any training you need and get all your certs up to date. Remember no CCO, no Crane work.

I can’t promise anything but, I feel confident that there will be work in 2010. Now is the time to start renewing your contacts and rattling cages so the contractors know your available when they’re ready. Have a good year and make sure you check in so Dispatch can find you when they need you.

Fraternally Yours,
Charlie

Key Points to Remember

•  Keep your contact numbers current.
•  Most dispatches are for the very next day. Check messages before 5:00 p.m.
•  Maintain your dues. Stay current and a member in good standing. Washington Employment Security requires you to maintain union status or actively search for work.
•  Has your martial status changed? Update your Beneficiary Card.

Some Definitions You Might Find Useful:

Doby: Also referred to as "Travel Service Dues". Dues paid by an Operator while working in another locals jurisdiction.

Dues Check-Off: A percentage of your gross wage that is paid only when a member is working, as part of your total dues. Typically deducted by your employer. Check your pay stub.

Membership Dues: Also referred to as "Monthly Dues". This dues must be paid by the member each month. There are some payment options; pay quarterly, yearly and by credit card.

Vested: Participants in the pension trust that have acquired five years of service or 7500 hours. Receive a non-forfeitable right to benefits.  Benefit amount is determined by how many hours paid into the plan.

Withdrawal Card: Issued by application, when a member is no longer working in scope of work as stated in our IUOE Constitution.