Dear Brothers and Sisters,

    Anyone interest about refinancing or a new home mortgage contact me before you sign on the dotted line. I'm working part time as a loan officer for an honest mortgage company. We will show you everything the other company's won't. Since I have been working on new loans, I can't believe how bad some of these company's screw people. You don't have to use us but a Little information will save you a lot of money. Call me at 914-447-9034, or 631-2441622. Thanks, Steve Meyer    Work Safe

Mr. Brock.........Well Said....Well Needed...Thank you!!

I just heard the international has reached a tentative agreement with  NEBA. The officers and members of local #1 should be proud of standing united during the lockout. The copanies  knew the couldnt break us.they wanted no part of another losing battle .

Stand  Proud local #1 You led the way. Again !

ED Brock

After watching President Bush speak tonight, I asked myself?

   What is the state of OUR UNION ? Here at Local One?

1) We need to UNITE! In union their is strength

2) We need to be educated , while educating one another.

3) We need to STOP pointing fingers at everyone else, we all need to take responsibility!

4) We need to take the necessary steps to bring OUR Union back!

5) We all need to be more involved

6) We need to look into elevator/escalator licensing for all of our members. We shouldn't look at the cost $$ , but what we will lose if we don't!

7) We need to educate and get all our younger members involved, we need to be grateful for our decent wages, and continue to protect and preserve ALL OF OUR WORK!

8) We need to ALWAYS WORK SAFE!

9) We need to realize it's not about YOU or ME , Its about what is best for our membership at Local One.

10) We need to be PROUD of our trade and our knowledge and be committed to make it better!

 **** It's all about OUR union, what you put in is what you get out. Don't let what all the hardworking labor union leaders fought for over 100 years be lost.

I wanted to also THANK the constitution/by laws committee for all their hard work. I would also like to let all the elected officials know that I thought the last meeting was one of the best and most productive meeting I have attended in quite a while. The concerned members had valid issues and concerns ( Regarding revisions) and I thought they were very well addressed . I am grateful to be part of the democratic process.

So I wonder ? If you continue to not be involved today? What will the future bring? Be part of the solution, not the problem.

February meeting should be standing room only.

         In Union their is STRENGTH!

                  In solidarity Brother Brian Link

Local 1 Retirement Party

When:  Friday January 26, 2007

6pm-9pm

Where:  Kaptain’s Ketch 181 Pearl Street (side entrance of 70 Pine St.) Manhatten

Cost: $60 (includes food and open bar)

Performers:  The Championship Local 1 Bagpipe Band 

Please join us as we celebrate the retirements of

Richie Amberson

John Bono Sr.

Ron Cohen

Daniel Colacrai

Roy Dahlen

Godfrey Griffin

Bernd Heinrich

James Hieb

George Howley Sr.

Joseph Imbasciani

Carl Magnussen

Dennis Murray

Tommy Noonan

James O’Donnell

Robert Pfeifer

Errol Plummer

Jimmy Reilly

William Tracey Jr.

Yes it was a sad turnout,Who am  I  to talk,I don't make all the meetings myself,( I try)Moral has been low,We have been through alot,Times are bad and it has worn many of us out,I hope it passes soon.We really do need a revival,the power will continue to leave us as long as we are walking around  with our heads down not attending meetings,( Although I wish the meetings were back in Long island city)The meeting was good,it was informational(is that a word) and I thought it was very fair  and balanced, but 100 members making law for 2600 is sad.But here's what lit a fire under my tush...........20 new members were sworn in the night before.They received cards........and where were they?..........They waited several months,bitched about paying  a large sum and then blew off into the wind.They have no clue what its like to be union,They have no clue about the beginnings of unions The history ,The struggles.........working without  bathrooms,lighting,  chemicals,no breaks, no lunch,Being locked in windowless rooms to sew all day,(Many died when a massive fire broke out)no hearing protection ,people deaf by the age of 30 in machine shops,and yet these young foolish apprentices come  to work like tough guys,bragging about 500 dollar rims for there cars and bitching about dues........So I make a motion that if you just received your card and you cant make at least 2 meetings(especially the one after your sworn in)  then your card should be rescinded and you can go deliver phone books for 5 dollars an hour somewhere.There are many people on the bench,and this apprentice program is bringing  people in like cockroaches,(with not enough work in site)you are making good money with benefits,You are working steady while loyal members with many more years then you are home starving,So the only thing  Anyone should hear is   ....I paid my dues and I  gave an extra fifty to help somebody out.I am so happy I got in this apprentice program, Cant wait to attend a meeting. I think the school should have movie night and play Fist  or some other great union movie for the new hires,I saw Norma Rae when I was ten and well that was it for me,She was and is my hero, As for you Bill,you look marvelous!!!...........Be well,In solidarity.........Your twisted sister.........Liz

To add to Brother Bill Benetts post, I was extremely disappointed in the LOW turnout. I was more disappointed that all the members who asked me questions about the changes? Who had some specific issues or concerns . Although they might have been at the meeting, they just sat silent? I refuse to sit idly by. I refuse to give in to the lack of passion shown by so many members. We need to move forward , we need to address some very serious issues facing OUR local. I hear some great ideas and some true concerns but they remain in "the field".

Regarding the meeting , I felt their were some valid points and issues brought up, debating on and discussed. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.

 For all those members who continue to make a poor decision to stay home? When will you wake up? I challenge every member who is a regular to most meetings to at least bring one member  to next meeting, pick him/her up don't take no for an answer.

 We never did address or vote on Emergency Relief Fund? Anyone who can answer please do. Most of all get off your a...es and pick yourself up and get involved . ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, stop blaming everyone . You looking for answers? Stop pointing fingers, because one will be pointing back at yourself .

 I am so damn proud to be an Union Elevator Mechanic, we need to start showing everyone WE ARE THE FINEST DAMN TRAINED MECHANICS. We are the best! Why The lack of interest?  Got ideas? Bring them out.

I will as always be an involved , educated and truly concerned and proud member of Local 1 . IN UNION THERE IS STRENGTH........In solidarity Brother Brian Link

Lets move forward , Lets bring Local 1 back where it belongs.

****For those of you that continue to bash , your time is extremely counter productive. It's a shame because many of you are well educated . Bring your ideas to the meetings . Thanks for letting me vent

   Another poor turnout.What is it with you guy's. I am quite disappointed. I expected that place to be packed to the rafters, instead I see poor Al Krause all alone in the balcony.

   Miss Lizzie, I am happy to know you are working and you are doing well. It's always a pleasure to see you.

   I hope we will do better next month,when we accept or reject

this constitution.I would hate to see 52 accept-51 opposed as

the final count, that would be alarming!

                       That's that on that

                         Bill Bennet    B squared

Hello Brothers & Sisters of Local One,

For all of those who read this web page, regardless of whether you complain about my lengthy posts or not . NO EXCUSES , get out to the next scheduled union meeting on Thursday January 18th.  Why? The future of Local One is on the line, many changes in the revised constitution/by laws. Read it ! Understand It , come to the meeting with all your questions and concerns. Most of all make an educated decision , ask questions. I'm  looking forward to seeing all the truly concerned members at the meeting.

Continue to work safe , stay involved and be a part of the process.

    respectfully submitted Brother Brian Link.

*****Once again I am asking all members from the constitution/by laws committee to PLEASE be at the next 2 meetings to address the memberships questions &  concerns. Thanks in advance .

Local 1 Retirement Party

When:  Friday January 26, 2007

6pm-9pm

Where:  Kaptain’s Ketch 181 Pearl Street (side entrance of 70 Pine St.) Manhatten

Cost: $60 (includes food and open bar)

Performers:  The Championship Local 1 Bagpipe Band 

Please join us as we celebrate the retirements of

Richie Amberson

John Bono Sr.

Ron Cohen

Daniel Colacrai

Roy Dahlen

Godfrey Griffin

Bernd Heinrich

James Hieb

George Howley Sr.

Joseph Imbasciani

Carl Magnussen

Dennis Murray

Tommy Noonan

James O’Donnell

Robert Pfeifer

Errol Plummer

Jimmy Reilly

William Tracey Jr.

Retirement Party update:

The Championship Local 1 bagpipe band will be giving a performance at the January 26th retirement party.

Grover Freideman (retiree) had to cancel due to travel plans.  

We have added Godfrey Griffin, George Howley Sr. and William Tracy Jr. to the list of celebrants.

The updated flyer will be posted behind this.

Last night brother Moore called me and explained what he said about me and brother Crawford,if there was a misunderstanding about what was said I apologize to brother Moore.

Like brother Crawford I have been trying to get some help from our local and international leaders,I have spoken to lot of people at all levels of the union and it seems nobody is willing to help the injured brothers who lost their jobs when our leadership could not retain the majority of the work operating cars.If you are a injured and cannot work again please contact me via email.I have been in contact with the EEOC [equal employment opportunity commision]a branch of the federal government about us losing the majority of our pensions and our medical benefits their is good  Chance they can help us.I also have  an appointment to meet with my local congressman about the way our union has handled itself with regards to the way the older brothers and injured brothers were told  we would lose 60% of our pensions and all other benefits.

  I recently took the QEI course and test,at the last union meeting our new BA Tom Moore said I have been working non union .Just to clarify, I am still unemployed I have not worked since my last job as an operator ended.Our local has never sent any brothers or sisters out to work as inspectors.With my unemployment insurance about to run out and prospects of employment from my union non existent what can the injured do to pay the bills.I have worked part time for the past 3 years so the bank account is empty and my union is unwilling or unable to help its injured out of work brothers,what am I supposed to do so I do not lose my home and everything else I own which i have worked for.I have been a good union man for 26 years like I have said in the past my only crime was getting hurt on the job.I have begged the union for help but none is forthcoming.If any body has any answers or ways to rectify this unjust situation please tell me how.I became a union person so I would have some security and have a pension when I retire.My union has turned a blind eye towards this situation so any help would be greatly appreciated.

  I strongly urge every brother and sister to read the changes in the constitution and by-laws very carefully before you vote and  if you have questions go ask them at the next meeting.There are some things in there that need to be questioned.

 Thank you for your time and everybody work SAFE so you do not have to be in the same awful position as so many good brothers and sisters are in.

Congrats Tommy McDonough on retirement! Well done! The West Hempstead Raiders (football team) is planning a "reunion" sometime in '07. I'll let you know where and when.

to billy bennet and all concerned

just like to say nice to hear a proud

member like you speak up

I myself could not have been prouder

to tell EVERYONE how much I loved

the job from repair maintenance construction

and winding down as an operator,I still do

lets bring back all the pride we had

an old timer who still reads our web page

                                 billy wallace

Re: revising the constitution.

The 1972 draft of the constitution was revised in an item by item

vote.Which requires a two thirds majority.What this means is that 2/3 of the membership must pass each and every revision.

  Considering the current malaise that is keeping many of our members from attending meetings,I don't know how we will pass

or delete any revisions.

 First of all we must review all revisions and vote item by item

 This is an important document.It's impact and influence will be felt for a long time.It is way too important to be rushed through

and voted on in 3 month's,in a majority vote (a majority of those

who happen to be present on the night of the vote).We as a body must begin to function as one, without the fragmentation and the apathy. What has happened to us that we do not care that a part of our body  has been amputated (the operators).

We as a union must do more to help our brothers and sisters

who have lost their livelihood. 

Loyalty and personal honor mean a great deal to me and those

of you who are like me,It's time to restore these values and care for our people. How many more have to retire, or seek disability.

We are losing our senior members at a time when we need the

benefit of their wisdom and counsel.It is time to act and save our

beloved organization from complete chaos. I am open to discussion if you have any thoughts or comments please feel free

to contact me.

 To those of you who say screw the operators,you will see what 30 or 40 years in our trade will do to you. One day soon or not so soon you will wish that an operators job was there for you!

You won't be able to jump through your ass forever, everybody

gets old or injured and there will be nothing for you to fall back on!

 Yes I ran a car when I was injured, thank God it was there for me. Now I swing wrenches just like the rest of you and I love it

it is like no other trade in the world, I am damned proud to work in construction,Next year I will have 30 years in and yeah I'm

beat up who is'nt,I have every kind of Itis you can imagine.

arthritis,tendonitis,bursitis so far I have been spared appendicitis

I have 3 herniated discs,one heart surgery,2 knee operations, I'm

53 but somedays I feel like I'm a hundred. But ya know what I would'nt trade places with anybody...Well maybe Brad Pitt for an hour or two,but once all those kids of hers started squalling I would regret it!!

                            It's been fun sharing this with you

                                  I remain your loyal Brother

                                           Bill Bennet

To All Concerned Members of Local 1 ,

January 18th 2007 will be the second meeting regarding the revisions made to our current Constitution and By-Laws. A portion of the meeting will be set aside for any discussion and consideration of the proposed Constitution. Any questions which any member has concerning any proposed change should be raised at these meetings and will be discussed and explained by the Constitution Committee . HERE is the most important part, any revisions and changes can be raised by any member at the above meeting or February meeting and THE MEMBERSHIP will vote to alter or vary the proposed revisions.

Please set some  time aside for these next 2 HUGE meetings.

Please read the revisions and understand them .

Please get out to these next 2 meetings and SHOW you are a truly concerned member of Local 1. Bring your questions and concerns to the meeting. Information is knowledge

I also wanted to commend brother Joe Devlin of Local 4 regarding his great article in the January Constructor ! Great content.

 I will as always remain involved, concerned and proud to be a member of Local One IUEC.

                 Thanks for reading Brother Brian Link

 *** I would also ask that all eleven members of the committee/ by-laws be available at the next 2 meetings so OUR true concerns can be properly addressed . Thank you