Brothers and sisters,

   To those who ask "Why union?". This informative article is reprinted from a labor research association. It’s a worthwhile read.

The Costco Challenge: An Alternative to Wal-Martization?

by Moira Herbst

Labor Research Association Online

http://www.laborresearch.org/print.php?id=391

Critics believe that Wal-Mart should play the role
General Motors played after World War II [and]
establish the post-world-war middle class that the
country is so proud of. The facts are that retailing
doesn't perform that role in the economy. Retailing
doesn't perform that role in any country.
-Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott, April 2005

To workers and union leaders, it is a familiar refrain. These
days, the story goes, consumers demand low prices,
meaning goods must be produced and sold cheaply - and
retail wages must be kept as low as possible. Companies
like Wal-Mart insist they're feeling the squeeze and must
pay workers poverty wages - even while netting $10.5 billion
in annual profits and awarding millions to top executives.

But there's another company that is breaking the Wal-Mart
mold: Costco Wholesale Corp., now the fifth-largest retailer
in the U.S. While Wal-Mart pays an average of $9.68 an hour,
the average hourly wage of employees of Costco, the Issaquah, Wash.
-based warehouse club operator is $16. After three years a
typical full-time Costco worker makes about $42,000, and the
company foots 92% of its workers' health insurance tab.

How does Costco pull it off? How can a discount retail chain
pay middle-class wages and still bring in over $880 million in
net revenues? And, a cynic may ask, with Wal-Mart wages
becoming the norm, why does it bother?

A number of factors explain Costco's success at building a
retail chain both profitable and fair to its workers. But the basic
formula is one the labor movement has been advocating for
decades: a loyal, well-compensated workforce means a more
efficient and productive one.

The Union Difference Though only about 18% of Costco's total
workforce is unionized, union representation creates a ripple
effect and helps determine labor standards in all stores. The
Teamsters represent about 15,000 workers at 56 Costco stores
in California, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
Workers are covered by West coast and East coast contracts,
negotiated in February and April of last year.

'The agreements lock in wage and benefits packages that are
the highest in the grocery and [discount] retail industries,' said
Rome Aloise, chief IBT negotiator for Costco and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 853 in San Leandro, Calif.

Costco passes on similar compensation packages to its
non-union workers; the contracts act as templates for other
stores' employee handbooks.

'The union contracts raise the bar and set the standard for all
employees,' explained Aloise. 'Still, while the company
extends wage and pay raises to non-union employees, only
union members enjoy benefits like seniority-based promotions,
a grievance procedure andminimum hours for part-ti e workers,'
he added.

The Payoff of Better Pay Strong union representation isn't the
only reason Costco jobs are so well compensated; the company
itself has an unusually forward-looking corporate philosophy.

Costco CEO Jim Senegal has said: 'We pay much better
than Wal-Mart. That's not altruism. It's good business.'

Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti explained: 'From day one,
we've run the company with the philosophy that if we pay better
than average, provide a salary people can live on, have a positive
environment and good benefits, we'll be able to hire better people,
they'll stay longer and be more efficient.'

A 2004 Business Week study ran the numbers to test Costco's
business model against that of Wal-Mart. The study confirmed
that Costco's well-compensated employees are more productive.

The study shows that Costco's employees sell more: $795 of
sales per square foot, versus only $516 at Sam's Club, a division
of Wal-Mart (which, like Costco, operates as a members-only
warehouse club). Consequently Costco pulls in more revenue
per employee; U.S. operating profit per hourly employee was
$13,647 at Costco versus $11,039 at Sam's Club.

The study also revealed that Costco's labor costs are actually
lower than Wal-Mart's as a percentage of sales. Its labor and
overhead costs (classed as SG&A, or selling, general and
administrative expenses) are 9.8% of revenues, compared to
Wal-Mart's 17%.

By compensating its workers well, Costco also enjoys rates
of turnover far below industry norms. Costco's rate of turnover
is one-third the industry average of 65% as estimated by the
National Retail Foundation. Wal-Mart reports a turnover rate
of about 50%.

With such rates of employee retention, Costco's savings are
significant. 'It costs $2,500 to $3,000 per worker to recruit,
interview, test and train a new hire, even in retail,' said Eileen
Appelbaum, Professor at Rutgers University's School of
Management and Labor Relations. 'With Wal-Mart's turnover
rate that comes to an extra $1.5 to $2 million in costs each year.'

Other analysts of the retail industry agree that happier, well-
compensated workers help generate bigger profits. George
Whalin, president of Retail Management Consultants in San
Marcos, Calif., disagrees with many of Wal-Mart's critics, but
said: 'There's no doubt Wal-Mart and many other retailers could
do a better job taking care of their employees. The best retailers
do take care of their employees - Nordstrom's, Costco, The
Container store - with fair pay, good benefits and managers who care about people. You have fewer employee issues, less
turnover and more productivity. It lessens costs to the company.'

Still, Wall Street analysts intent on cutting up-front labor costs
tend to frown upon Costco's model. 'Costco's corporate philosophy
is to put its customers first, then its employees, then its vendors
and finally its shareholders. Shareholders get the short end of
stick,' said Deutsche Bank analyst Bill Dreher.

But Costco's stock has quadrupled in the past ten years, and has
in the past year inched closer to Wal-Mart's per-share-price. In
fiscal year 2004, Costco recorded record sales and earnings.
While Wal-Mart continues to profit and expand, its stock has lost
value - in recent months it is 16% off its 52-week high - as sales
have been more sluggish as gas prices cause customers to cut
back on driving to and from the store. The negative publicity
around the company has also caused some damage.

Of course, other factors besides low turnover and employee
productivity are responsible for Costco's efficiency. The company
has a wealthier customer base than Wal-Mart's; these customers
buy higher-margin goods, purchase in bulk and have steadier
spending habits. Costco also saves millions because it does not
advertise.

More Than Hot Air Besides the efficiency of its workforce, another
reason Costco can afford to pay more is that it cuts the fat from
executive paychecks. The overall corporate philosophy is that
workers deserve a fair share of the profits they help generate -
not just a pat on the back or a new job title like 'associate.'

For example, while CEOs at other major corporations average
531 times the pay of their lowest-paid employees, Sinegal takes
only 10 times the pay of his typical employee. His annual salary
is $350,000, compared to about $5.3 million awarded to Wal-Mart's
Lee Scott.

After California Costco workers ratified their Teamster contract
last March, CEO Jim Sinegal said Costco workers are 'entitled to
buy homes and live in reasonably nice neighborhoods and send
their children to school.'

That the company's stated ideals match up with workers'
paychecks helps explain employee loyalty at Costco.

Originally from El Salvador, 28-year-old Cesar Martinez has
worked at a Redwood City, Calif. Costco for 10 years, serving
as a Teamster shop steward for seven years. His pay is now
up to $19.42 an hour, which he estimates brings him $43,000
per year.

'There's a feeling here that the company takes care of its
employees and wants to share the profits. We feel compensated
fairly,' Martinez said.

'I've stuck with it so long because I like the job. And the salary
is solid and we have a pension that gives me security into the
future. That's important to me,' he added.

By contrast, some Wal-Mart employees experience the
supposed care for 'associates' as empty rhetoric. Forty-two-
year-old Rosetta Brown, a Sam's Club employee in Chicago, Ill.,
for example, stands back each morning when managers and
associates gather for the Sam's Club cheer.
'I refuse to do it,' she said. 'I don't believe the company lives
up to what they're cheering for,' she said.

Rosetta, mother to five children ranging in age from three to 25,
does not feel well compensated at $11.34 per hour after five years.
She is also suing Wal-Mart, parent company to Sam's Club, for
costs associated with a herniated disc she suffered when she
said she was locked in while working the night shift.

Twenty-seven-year-old Jason Mrkwa, who works as a frozen
foods stocker in Independence, Kansas, also stands back when
it's cheer time at his store. But he insists he doesn't hate
Wal-Mart: 'I'm not another disgruntled employee. I like my job.
I just feel cheated with the pay I get.' He started at $7 per hour
five years ago, and now makes just $8.53 per hour.

Julie Molina, 38, has worked at Costco's South San Francisco
store for 19 years. 'People stick around - most people in my
store have been there ten years more. No one in retail makes
as much as we do. Plus it's a good working environment.'

Molina attributes the positive working environment in large
part to the Teamsters' presence. 'It works really well now.
When problems arise management comes to the union for
advice. But without the union I'm not sure what would take
place. Would they treat us like Wal-Mart treats its workers?
You hear horror stories,' she said.

Of course Costco is not paradise - 'On a local level, some
managers don't play fair - they might harass workers, fire
them unreasonably or pattern bonuses unfairly. That's where
union representation is the real advantage,' explained Rome
Aloise.

Into the future, the question will be which model of employee
compensation predominates in retail - the high road of Costco
or the low road of Wal-Mart.

'When companies like Wal-Mart are setting the standard, we
have to ask: Do we want to live in a country where the largest
employer pays below poverty-level wages, whose workers
cannot afford health care?' says Paul Blank, chief
spokesperson of Wake Up Wal-Mart, the United Food and
Commercial Workers' new campaign to change the company's
practices. 'Or do we want Americans to enjoy a decent income
and a sense of security in return for their work?'

Costco v. Wal-Mart: How They Stack Up

Global Workforce
Wal-Mart: 1.6 million associates
Costco: 113,000 employees

U.S. Workforce
Wal-Mart: 1.2 million
Costco: 83,600

U.S. Union Members
Wal-Mart: 0
Costco: 15,000

U.S. Stores
Wal-Mart: 3,600 Costco: 336

Net Profits (2004)
Wal-Mart: $10.5 billion
Costco: $882 million

CEO Salary + Bonus (2004)
Wal-Mart: $5.3 million
Costco: $350,000

Average Pay
Wal-Mart: $9.68/hour
Costco: $16/hour

Health Plan Costs
Wal-Mart: Associates pay 34% of premiums + deductible ($350-$1,000)
Costco: Comprehensive; employees pay 5-8% of premiums

Employees Covered By Company Health Insurance
Wal-Mart: 48%
Costco: 82%

Employee Turnover (estimate)
Wal-Mart: 50%
Costco: 24%

Sources: Wal-Mart, Costco, Business Week, Forbes.com

(c) 2005 Labor Research Association

I am hoping that I read this incorrectly....

The Family Picnic has been canceled!

Is this so?

We know it is costly, and time consuming (maybe after what we've been thru it's over budget.) but...Please reconsider.... 

If it is a bit "over the top"  than what about down-sizing (even a bring your own " a pot luck"?   Just contact me .... Im happy to help out.

It is my opinion that, after what we have endured... we should celebrate our "ONE~NESS" 

I look for ward to watching those "big gallutes" (just an expression of affection) embrace in brotherhood, and joy!

I look forward to meeting the other women who (like myself)had to help keep it together. 

And would love for the children to see,and meet, first hand, the people who fought for their future.   

yes .... We are the Union, the mighty, mighty Union.  "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger." And stronger we are....

But at the picnic....

we are the families,  the many, many Happy Families! 

Think about it.....                   

But, If it doesn't work out.... we'll see you next year. 

Or.... if you know me.... lets catch that fish & maybe barbecue.   Me cassa, seu cassa   (oh boy! my Spanish stinks!)         

 lets do it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope everyone had a great Holiday can someone post the reason why the picnic was cancelled my family and myself always look forward to going. I know it's a lot of work for the commitee to run it maybe we can do it at a later date or did Enemy ruin that day for all of us also

Happy fourth of July everyone.  God Bless the United States of America.  God bless you and yours.  God Bless Local One.

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Let me first apologize for not being able to respond to the postings directed to me sooner.   The problem is that my computer is at my house in PA & I'm in NY during the week.   I only have access to it on weekends.   To all the brothers who e-mailed me, I will get back to you as soon as I can.

To the heart of my posting--it is a comparision of the 2 companies, Millar & Schindler, not Locals three and one.   Please re-read the original posting.   I have spoken to many former members of Millar before and after the merger.   It was always how Millar was one big family, with company picnics,etc.   I wanted people to realize that they are now working for a bunch of mean spirited SOBs who have no qualms about screwing with your medical coverage, annuity fund and unemployment benefits.   The reference to the Wizard of Oz is that you're not in that family anymore.   If you read Pat Farada"s posting(wife of Tim-6/28/05) regarding Schindler, it pretty much summarizes the meaning of my posting.   I thank her for saying it better than me. 

It was never meant to be a insult to Local 3 members or former members.   It was meant to show the differences between Millar & Schindler.

Hope this clears up my posting.

Happy 4th of July to everyone and say a prayer for Gary and our troops overseas.

We wake up today on the fourth of July 2005 with MANY freedoms. Why? Because our forefathers fought for US ,Because we are fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world The United States. Take a moment of your busy holiday, barbequeing ,at the beach or just floating around in your pool, and APPRECIATE the fact that we wouldnt have anything today If it wasnt for the men and women of all the Armed Forces who have PROTECTED US and continue to protect us now from future attacks of terrorism. I wake up today with my family with many choices, not afforded to other people of less fortunate countries. Please get involved in your community, get involved in your family at home and at work, please be involved in your faith.Take a moment and pray for Gary Haynes, this brother is some fighter, God bless his fiance Sissy for being there with Gary 24/7. When you go back to work Tuesday please remember and respect Why we have all of this?? Because people before us never gave up ,because men and women lost their lives so we can BE FREE. When you go to work dont take anything for granted APPRECIATE YOUR LIFE!!! Make  a decision to part of the solution , NOT THE PROBLEM.Keep your chin Up , we are citizens of the UNITED States, count your blessings , not your shortcomings. Well Its time to go test my well practiced "not yet perfected" red ,white and blue cannonball at a neighbors house . If you live on Long Island around 2p.m. step outside and FEEL the splash. Thanks again for reading , whether you agree with me or not.Just remember to be grateful, but never ever give up on what you believe. Still educated,informed, well trained and proud member of Local 1 Brian Link card #1347 On a personal note thank you to Mario V (Local 18) and Jay Cox (Local 21) for supporting me and Local 1 during the lockout, brothers Mario and Jay If you ever need anything In life Im always here for you and any other brother and sister of any Union, WE ARE FAMILY , WE ARE UNITED, WE ARE UNION, and most of all we are citizens of the best damn country of the world THE UNITED STATES . God Bless The USA.....

I spoke to Gary's fiance(Sissy) last night and she told me that Gary had one of his best days so far. He was responding to some commands and he seemed to notice  certain objects in the room. So please remember what is REALLY important in life, LIFE!!! Keep up the prayers and he will come through this like the champ he is. Please have a nice holiday and ENJOY your families.

Semper Fi,

Brother McCourt

We like to wish everyone a great 4th of July. Please enjoy your time with your families and have a safe holiday. Please remember the true meaning of the holiday as we have troops fighting all around the world as we speak to preserve our FREEDOM!!!

Executive Board

Local One

Good Morning brothers and sisters...

Happy 4th of July to one and all...We spent out first week at work, and although we didn't draw a paycheck it felt good to

get back up on the horse again after being knock off it.... There's much I would like to say and reflect upon but instead I will just echo brother Link's words..If it wasn't for our soulmates, and our union brothers we wouldn't have made it through..Words cannot adequately describe the respect and admiration that our union leaders deserve...The locals around the country deserve mucho credit because without their financial backing and encouragement

we would have had to carry the burden of the medical cost, their contributions made it happen..We shall never forget!!!! Those  individuals who drank the Kool-aid and came all the way to New York to suck our blood, need special recognition as well..If I could I would round up everyone of them, put them in a cage and display them for what they are.... &%$@#$!@##... above the cage where I would make them live for three and half months I would write the following....."Here are the weak links of any union".. The ones that worked for Otis wore blue helmets..I was wondering wether  the color red would have been more appropiate...Blue stands for courage.so that would not fit...however red is the color of blood..the color of the money they made while we suffered....We ALL suffered... One instance in particular portrays what these individuals did to me personally and I'm sure we all have stories of personal sacrifice to tell...One afternoon after picking my grandaughter up from daycare my she ask Gen and i ...how come grandpa is not working..she paused and then asked.. "why..pause..!! why (empahtically) there is no cookies and cream ice cream in the frigerator?.." We had $27.46 in the checking account and we had just come from pathmark....

it was 1:45 in the afternoon...I apologized and  told Ariella

(my granddaughter)..that granpa just forgot the ice cream because he was in a hurry because he was late to go and pick her up....We went to the bank withdrew $15 dollars went to pathmark and bought two cartons of ice cream.... Life was great after that ...Grandchildren our crowning glory. Amen?

To Gary and his family love and prayers...We're happy hat he's coming around...and yess prayers work...

A happy and a safe holiday to all..

The Colon family

Its the fourth of July weekend  Happy birthday America,Its so nice to be off .The week was brutally hot,not use to wearing them steel tips, I'm walking like Herman Munster,I guess it will become norm again,I hope.Meanwhile I'm still broke but managed to scrape a few bucks up(hope my brother ain't reading this) And take the kids go kart riding.What a pissa.My oldest , the Harmonator started ramming this car over and over again.I was laughing,and yelling ,thats not me stupid, but she couldn't hear,so I drove around the track laughing my a** off.Finally it ended and this tall guy gets out and says what the f***.......I had to cross my legs,I thought I was gonna pee.Harmony just stood there mouth wide open.DUH...OH I am still laughing.Just wanted to say Happy Fourth to everybody.Enjoy the weekend,Tuesday will come and there is much work to do.Brother Bill,Welcome back?  Thanks ,but I never went anywhere,love all of you  too.  Work safe everyone,Prayers to Brother Haynes and Family,I pray he hears the fireworks,opens his eyes,and says will someone stop making all that noise.To the wonderful wives who banded together and showed how tough you really are, keep in touch,and if you have the time for summer reading,read "Shoot the moon "by Billie Letts,starts off slow but by chapter 2 your hooked.Have a great summer.

As I sit here counting up ALL these UNEMPLOYMENT check's that technically I wasn't supposed to receive,that is until some brother's went to the TOP and made some changes, just goes to show what can be done when we focus on an issue!!!!! And we still as union members have issues that we need to focus on! I personally am sending in one of my checks to the strike fund,something that we should FOCUS on building up. Some of us are going to get retro check's,ratification bonus',and those miracle unemployment check's,let's not forget what this UNION has done for us!!

                  NOW IT'S OUR TURN!!!

Remember what the other Local's did for us!

Will we be there for them?

Union's are only as strong as it's member's,and they don't run on AIR! So BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S, if you got something to give,

DO IT,JUST DO IT!

And let's try to keep this site POSITIVE and INFORMATIVE!

No more VENTING...WAHHHHH WAHHHH...Get over it!

P.S. WELCOME BACK LIZ N  WE LOVE YOU,Stick with US don't worry about Them!

I would just like to take a moment to say THANK YOU for all the prayers for Gary and our family. Your support and concern has meant a great deal to us. I let him know everyday that everyone is thinking about him and today I was able to tell him about the overwhelming response to the donation drive at the vote on Sunday. I would like to express my sincere gratitude 

for everything that has been done for us at our time of need.  

I would like to extend a special THANK YOU to Fred McCourt for keeping in contact with me everyday and getting updates on Gary. Fred you have done an amazing job keeping all of Gary's brothers and sisters updated with his condition.

Please continue to keep Gary in your prayers and I KNOW he will be back on his feet in no time!

Sissy

To all the brothers and sisters of Local 1 and ALL the Elevator Unions thru out the country who continue to support US United as ONE. I want to extend to everyone the best 4th of July weekend EVER, when your barbequeing, beach bound or just relaxing, PLEASE reflect on all you and your family should be grateful for. PLEASE take amoment of your valuable "HEALTHY" time and say a prayer for Gary Haynes and his family. Gary we are praying for you 24/7 brother!!! Keep fighting.As brother Paul Agnello adressed in his post reflect WHY we are the best!!!! reflect why we need to Work Safe and be professsional. Keep your heads up, dont get entangled with management regarding "  Lockout". Most of all be proud, educated and informed and realize realize realize that it is a DAMN priviledge to carry a LOCAL 1 IUEC PAID up union card, challenge fellow brother and sisters to show their card while you show yours. Most of all reflect back how time your wife and family over the course of the lockout, was something for me I will NEVER NEVER forget. To my wife Suzanne, you are truly a gift from GOD , nothing in life worth anything comes easy, but with the right people and family and friends at home and at work IT IS DEFINITELY WORTH IT. God Bless AMERICA on the 4th of July. To all our elected officials of our negotaiting team, please enjoy your holiday. When your at work and you see a active union member , someone who was proud and strong during lockout reach out to that brother and sister and tell him/her how proud you are to be atrue brother to one another. Thanks for reading signed the red white and blue cannonball king of the south shore , Brother Brian Link

One of the locked out Brothers pointed out something to me. Scabs leave a paper trail. I would like to suggest to anyone working for Otis, Kone or Schidler. The replacement workers have left behind a lot of paper work tickets, signed in and out of Log books,left names on part orders left in machine rooms also depending on what type of computer you use with Otis,Kone or Schindler,their names are in the history reports.It was suggested to me that any paperwork,time tickets or parts orders with possible scab names and adresses should be mailed to the International Attention: Dana Brigham . When they go back to their part of the world, People should know where they REALLY were lately

Brothers and Sisters,

      To all of us who were locked out, our first week back is almost behind us.  I know many buildings have units shut down as well as other problems that were left for us.  It should make us proud.  My building on the other hand, was up and running Monday morning.  But talking to some of the tenants, and other contractors, I heard the horror stories of the lock-out.  The most common response was, "Thank god you guys are back!".  The whole point of this post is SAFETY.  I think the buildings with cars shut down tell the story a little clearer.  The buildings up and running are more mysterious.  In my building, I'm starting to see some "operational glitches", parts that were ordered(most of them wrong), and parts that are damaged, yet no one from Otis has filled me in.  In either situation, noisy building, quiet building, don't take anything for granted.  Just because the car is running, doesn't mean its safe, but its our #1 job to make sure WE are.

       This lock-out has given me a new perspective on life, my job, and what it means to be a union member.  I am proud to be a member of this great Local 1.  Thank you Ray Hernandez, and all of our officials for your hard work.  Lets perform our jobs as only Local 1 can, and make this industry the best its ever been.  Be proud to be UNION, but more importantly, LETS WORK SAFE!

        Brother Paul Agnello(proud husband of Lori Agnello)

I just wanted to thank Ed Krull for all the information he has provided about NJ unemployment...from the links to write our legislators about passing a new law for locked out employees (and I did use your link to write our legislators!) to the latest news that the law passed. Thanks for all the hard work of following this important issue!  

And thank you to all who support and post on this website. It's been a great source of information during the lockout! I will continue to check the website daily for the latest and greatest news. Many thanks!

I was so glad to read that brother Gary Haynes condition was upgraded to stable !!! From what I read this KID is some FIGHTER!! It is great when I sign on here to see He is doing better. Dear brother Gary and your fiance and family and friends who continue to pray and support you, we are all praying for you for a FULL recovery. I have lit a candle of hope at my church every Sunday and you are in my family prayers at our dinner table .The Link family of Sayville, NY are extremely grateful to have one another and our health. We will continue to keep our prayers going strong for you Gary, continue to fight the fight. On a second note I was extremely glad to see Brother Ed Krulls hard work 24/7 Is being recognized by the State of New Jersey, Regarding the unemployment victory. For any brothers and sisters who havent paid $250 assessment, please send it in ASAP , so OUR local can take care of one another.We must remember that we should never take safety for granted, we must always work safe and be proud and professional. We must be united, protect and preserve all of our work and continue as brothers and sisters to work together as ONE .  Looking foward to Sept meeting when we can start our Pac Fund , Strike Fund and adress all concerns regarding our contract. We also need to adress the Safety Bill. Unionism, organizing and protecting , preserving OUR TRADE as well as all labor trades , is something that needs to be adressed 365 days aweek.To everyone have a Happy 4th of July. Thanks for reading Brother Brian Link.

Brothers & Sisters,

I have been getting requests from other Locals for any additional pictures of scabs that might be out there. If you have pictures that are not on line yet, e-mail mail them or mail them to me so they can be posted on line. You can also upload them yourself by joining the photo album. If new pictures are added, I will post that information here.

Brothers and Sisters

I am pleased to inform you that the New Jersey State Department of Labor, Unemployment Insurance division is currently redetermining our members claims (ACCEPTED! instead of denied by applying the new law S-2264/ACS  ) and will be issuing the new determinations and retro payments within the next few days.

Please contact me if you have made a claim in New Jersey and you do not receive notification and or payment by next Wednesday 07/06/2005.

In Solidarity

Ed Krull 

I spoke to Gary's fiance today and she had some great news. Gary has been upgraded to stable condition. He will now start  extensive therapy. This kid is putting up some FIGHT and he is going to WIN!!! Keep saying the prayers for him because it is certainly working. Brother Mc Court