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2,929 Entries

Gene Cunningham  
11/07/07

card number retired

Comments:

Raymond Phelan
PHELAN Raymond P. "Ray" of New Milford died on Nov. 6, 2007 at Hackensack University Medical Center. He was 81. Ray was a 30 year veteran of the United States Navy. He had been an Elevator Mechanic with National Elevators Union Local #1. He was a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 6467 and Lodge # 1477 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, both in Bergenfield. He was also a member of the Commanders Club of the Disabled American Veterans, Lt. Louis J. Faller Post 2290 V.F.W. in New Milford a Life member of the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, the Navy League of the United States and was an Avid Yankee Fan. Mr. Phelan is the beloved husband of June (nee Nitzel) Phelan. Devoted father of Robert Phelan of Virginia, Clifford Higgins of Arizona and Gary Higgins and his wife Debbie of Wyckoff. He was predeceased by his daughter the late Kathleen Phelan. He was the loving grandfather of Gary, Jr., and Jennifer Higgins. He also is survived by many nieces and nephew. Relatives and Friends are invited to attend the funeral at the Boulevard Funeral Home, 1151 River RD., New Milford (cor. of New Bridge Rd.) on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 11 AM. It is requested contributions be made to American Lung Assoc. or American Cancer Society. Friends may visit on Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Cremation will be private.
Published in The Record and Herald News on 11/7/2007.
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Brian Link Email
11/04/07

card number 1347

Comments:
My thoughts & prayers are with brother Tony DiStefano & his entire family in regards to the tragic loss of their 17 year old son Daniel. I can't begin to imagine their loss, I have 2 teenagers myself ages 17 & 14. For those not familiar with this tragic event, three young men were "taken too early" in a horrible auto accident in Smithtown, Long Island.
 Although I don't know brother Tony DiStefano personally, I grew up in Smithtown and know that stretch of Jericho Turnpike very well. For those of you who do know Tony, he needs all of us more then ever, we must continue to give our time to others (especially those in need). I will continue to pray for the DiStefano family to have the strength to endure through this most difficult time. We must never forget how special Daniel was to those of you who knew him, may he rest in peace.
I have some friends who's children went to school with Daniel , they talk about what a great kid he was, if you read Newsday you know first hand that Daniel was a giving person, he was extremely concerned about others . Daniel was a very thoughtful young man . Once again my thoughts and prayers are with Tony and the entire Di Stefano family.
     My sincere Condolences Brother Brian Link


Mike Duffy Email
11/02/07

card number 1613

Comments:
Brothers & Sisters,

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to inform you that  Brother Brother Tony Distefano's son, Daniel, passed away at the age of seventeen. The arrangements are as follows:

BRANCH FUNERAL HOME 
190 EAST MAIN STREET  SMITHTOWN, NY

SAT- 2-4 & 7-9 
SUN-2-4 & 7-9

 


Mike Duffy Email
10/28/07

card number 1613

Comments:
Dear Brothers and Sisters New Jersey Building Trades Needs Your Support During The Up Coming Elections. Click the link to view the candidates. www.localoneiuec.com/TempNotices/NJBCTC07Endorsement.doc


Mike Duffy Email
10/21/07

card number 1613

Comments:
Brother Husfeldt,

Thank you for the kind words. I wanted to clear up a few things you mentioned in your post. When you were an active member, helpers and mechanics paid the same rate of dues. After six months, the helper received 75% of mechanics rate. Then we started the apprenticeship program. It now takes Three years to reach the 75%. When we made the move to the apprentice program we gave the apprentices (helpers) a break on the dues. The motion I made would have increased the apprentice $40.00 a quarter and the journeyman $50.00 a quarter. The problem is not increasing the apprentice to the same as the journeyman, that is up to the members. I have a problem when it is not done according to the rules that have been set forth for all of us to follow.

Next time you post a comment, please leave your email address (you may click on the private box if you like) so I might contact you at your email address if there is a problem with the post.

Fraternally,

Mike Duffy


Bob Husfeldt 
10/21/07

card number Retired -1985

Comments:

     In this instance I have to float my straw downstream with Brother Mike Duffy's.  In this instance, and beyond question, he is absolutely correct when he states that the Chair (President) was in fault of Roberts Rules of Order. Either he ignored these rules, or he is ignorant of such.  You would have to read Brother Duffy's 10/19/07 E-Mail to understand what I'm talking about.

     What I don't understand, even though it doesn't affect me personally, is why there was a need to increase the dues in the first place.  There are other ways to again make the union solvent, without placing a financial burden upon the members, and dividing them by charging more from one group than the other. I would say that this action was discriminatory at the very least and the apprentices (Helpers) should resent it.

     For over thirty-five years we have collected union dues in an equal manner, two hours pay at the current rate, whatever the members status.  To me, this has been a fair requirement and there has never been a complaint.

     During the last election there were claims that there were "rats" in the union, and, as there are in any union, or any organization, I'm  sure that there are a few rats in Local 1, there always are.  However, from what I've observed, I think that there are more mice in this union then there are rats, members that squeak but are afraid to open their mouths. 

     Why is it that on important issues, such as the past election, or at the October meeting, where a motion to increase the monthly union dues was voted upon, that there was such a lousy turnout?  Why, out of the entire membership, did only 161 members see fit to vote?  Where the hell were the rest of you?

     I may be nearing my end, but thank God I can still remember when there was a time when the rails were made of wood and the men made of steel.  Today the opposite seems to be true.  All that we fought and sacrificed for in the past to make this the great union that it became, gaining the respect and admiration of other unions, seems to have been for naught.

     It is encouraging, however, to know that there are still some, such as Brother Duffy, that cares enough to commit himself to righting a wrong, by speaking out, even without the support of those who lack the balls to speak out themselves.  Carry on Michael.

 


Mike Duffy Email
10/20/07

card number 1613

Comments:

The vote to raise the dues passed. However, there seems to be some confusion over what the change to the Constitution is. The original motion had an amendment added to it (the original motion can be viewed at www.iuec1.org under constitutional amendments). I cannot quote the amendment to the original motion, since it was read by the chair and I do not have it in writing. After speaking with officials, it is my understanding that dues will increase $60.00 a quarter for the Journeymen and $110.00 a quarter for the Apprentice.

I would be remiss however, if I did not point out that the amendment added to the original motion was clearly out of order. Let me explain. According to Roberts Rules of Order, for example, if a motion is made to raise a member’s dues from $265.00 a quarter to $305.00 a quarter, an amendment may be added to the original motion as long as it is between $265.00 and $305.00. If the amendment to the original motion is less than $265.00 or greater than $300.00, it is out of order. This fact was pointed out to the Chair in writing. The Chair decided to ignore the fact and proceeded with a vote on the amendment to the original motion. This type of behavior is very dangerous for any organization. Although many may be happy with the outcome, the next time the rules in the Constitution are not upheld, we may not be as happy with the outcome. The question is, does the end justify the means? If the answer is yes, then what is the cost?


Mike Duffy Email
10/18/07

card number 1613

Comments:
The results for the votes at the October regular meeting are as follows:

Article IV: Dues Fines & Assessments (dues increase)

124 - YES
 37 - NO


Article XVII: Executive Board

67 - YES
94 - NO



Article IV: Dues Fines & Assessments (death assessment)

138 - YES
 25 - NO



Mike Duffy Email
10/18/07

card number 1613

Comments:

Retirement Party
Honoring Ray Walsh

Friday November 30th 2007
6:00pm to 10:00pm
Paddy Doherty’s Ale House
3363 East Tremont Ave
Bronx NY 10461
718-239-0154

$75.00 Per Person
Includes Open Bar and Buffet
Gift Included

Contact:
Shane Powers 201-523-0200
Liam Hiney   646-258-2402


bill madden Email
10/16/07

card number 16

Comments:
Just A Reminder:
   LOCAL ONE PIPES AND DRUMS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
   TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MEETING THURSDAY

      FIRST PRIZE; $$$  10,000.00
      Ticket Donation $100.00 Includes admission for two to the raffle drawing which includes open bar and buffet dinner,
       There is also a performance by  Local One Pipes and Drums
       and other entertainment. A great chance to come out and Support YOUR Band, and socialize with your brothers and sisters.
      As I Stated in my last post , The only way we can be sure a Local One brother or sister wins the top prize is if we only have Local One brothers and sisters in the raffle. We only sell 300 tickets so it should not be difficult to keep this among ourselves if YOU come out and support YOUR band. 15 PRIZES IN ALL!!!!

  COME OUT AND HAVE A GREAT TIME AND THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

    GOD BLESS ALL


THANKS,  Brother Bill Madden


Mike Denenberg Email
10/13/07

card number 354

Comments:
   I want to make a comment about why this administration has gotten a negative reaction to the dues increase proposal. TRUST, plain and simple. This administration has not built up a trust with the members yet. At the last meeting Mike Riegger was put on the front line with the financial report he only just saw two days prior to this meeting. Then the questions started. I believe if Lenny, and Mike and the rest of our officials would have done their homework and then presented the financial report with explanations before opening it up to questions it would have went over better. Hind site I know, but that is how you win trust. Know your product. Bore the membership to tears with detailed explanations and take out all the vagueries and grey areas. We are not CPA's and lawyers. This organization will give you the shirt off their back, but we need to trust you. Do your homework and take the time to explain in detail your plan. All anyone wants is the truth good or bad. There are no secrets here in Local one. Everyone knows whats going on, except when you look at the financial report. Break it down, good bad, or indifferent, we can take it. Then we can feel safe that our officials are doing whats best for this Union. No amount of chest beating and "Not on my watch" sayings can replace TRUST.
  Goodluck All and be well 


Mike Duffy Email
10/09/07

card number 1613

Comments:
Brothers & Sisters,

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to inform you of the passing of Brother Billy Bennet (son of Brother Bill Bennet) Sunday morning.

Funeral Arrangements
Martin A. Gleason Funeral Home
149-20 Northern Blvd
Flushing, NY 11354
718 - 359-6300

Thursday, October 11, 2007 2 - 5 and 7 - 9 
Friday,     October 12, 2007 2 - 5 and 7 - 9 
 
A service will be held Saturday 10:00 am.


Mike Duffy Email
10/02/07

card number 1613

Comments:
Brothers & Sisters,

I am sorry to inform you of the Passing of Retired Brother Kenneth Murray Sr. on October 1st 2007.


Funeral Arrangements

Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home
125 Hillside Avenue
New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Phone: (516) 354-0634
www.daltonfuneralhomes.com

Hours
7:00pm-9:30pm Wednesday October 3rd
2:00pm-5:00pm & 7:00pm-9:30pm Thursday October 4th


Joe Harrison 
09/25/07

card number 192

Comments:

I think people are getting the wrong idea here. I don't know one member in this organization who would not be willing to give more money to help out the organization in the time of need. I would just like to see some effort by our current administration to cut back on their end before they come to the members for the money.If that would be the case I am sure the members would step up and help out in any way possible. Work Safe


KENNETH KUHN Email
09/25/07

card number 251

Comments:
 BROTHERS & SISTERS.
HONESTLY AND SINCERELY I UNDERSTAND THAT GIVING MORE MONEY FOR DUES.IS AND WILL BE A BURDEN ON EACH AND EVERYONE OF US BUT REMEMBER WITH (OUR ) UNION AND THE ABILITY OF (OUR) UNION TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. WHICH IT CANNOT DUE WITH OUT THE SUPPORT OF THE MEMBERS,OF THIS GREAT ORGANIZATION THE END IS IN SITE,AS WE GET MORE AND MORE SOLVENT THE UNION HAS ALREADY STATED THERE WOULD BE DUES REDUCTIONS SO THE SOONER WE GET BEHIND THIS GREAT ORGANIZATION OF (OURS) THE SOONER THE HARD TIMES WILL BE RSOLVED. WE ARE THE ONES WHO SHOULD BE 100% BEHIND (OUR )UNION AND OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS . RESPECTFULLY BROTHER KUHN


Mike Duffy Email
09/23/07

card number 1613

Comments:

At the October 18th  union meeting, we will be voting on a constitutional amendment that will save the local between $40,000 and $50,000 a year.

 It currently costs the membership in the neighborhood of $100,000 a year in salaries and benefits on board meetings alone. Unfortunately, we can no longer afford to carry this financial burden.

 The proposal will eliminate the additional 8 hours of salary and benefits that the full time salaried officers currently receive for every board meeting attended. In addition, it will reduce the hours paid to the non-salaried officers from 8 hours to 7 hours per meeting.

 I urge all members to attend the October 18th meeting and vote YES on the constitutional amendment because it is the responsible thing to do.


Mike Duffy Email
09/22/07

card number 1613

Comments:
I have been asked by many members at the union meeting and by email, what happened to the vote on the constitutional change, as many are unfamiliar with Roberts Rules of Order.

 Once the amendment was read the third time, an amendment was added to the original amendment. A voice vote on whether to accept or reject the added amendment was taken. At that point, the Chair would normally state whether the motion to amend was accepted or rejected. If no determination can be made, or a member disagrees with the Chair's determination, a division of the house is in order. This is when all those who voted to accept the motion would stand or raise their hands and be counted. The same would be done for those who opposed the motion. A determination would be made one way or the other and the membership would then discuss and vote on the constitutional change. For some reason this was not done. A motion was made to table the vote until next months meeting. That motion was carried.

 As it turns out, the motion to add an amendment to the original amendment was out of order and never should have been accepted in the first place.


E. Ryan 
09/21/07

card number 7371

Comments:

To all the members of local one,I know a dues increase sounds crazy and  you are all thinking noway but I wanted to just give you some food for thought.Life is rough right now,the price of gas,food, housing,its rough living in the tri-state area,believe me I know.Being  out of work for some time hasn't been easy,but I can tell you from reading the classifieds daily,you will never see this kind of money anywhere,ever,it doesn't exist.Some of you are making insane money, with rates and overtime,you earn it brothers ,I know you do,but  we as humans must support certain causes,whether it be the Red Cross,a child's little league,or your  union,it must be supported.We don't have 30,000 members like the laborers and so basic math 101 tells you we just cant  keep the cost low.Sure we can sell a building,but what do we sell the  next time,have a garage sale with left over picnic supplies.Its time for some of you to stop  and think about your wages,your health insurance and the great trade you have been blessed to be a part of.Its not perfect but its yours.It has been a rough few years, and we have a  President  you elected and it was no secret what position Mike Halpern would get.It is long overdue for an organizer ,MIke halpern is an asset to  local one,the more company's sign,the more work we have ,the less lay offs there will be.I highly doubt that the president or his staff of Elected delegates would in any way do something so stupid and unnecessary to put there own selves out of work. we used to be the strongest,and now we are looked upon as whiny greedy people.I found it sad a long time ago that a death assessment had to be passed   in order that we take care of our own.When you are standing outside the meeting with a box collecting donations for someone close to you,how much money do you collect and is it really good business,Is it collecting interest,or investing,no its just a quick fix,a band aid,a nice thought, Would bill gates do that?I always wanted an injury fund,because like the sale of a building,the donation box is a one time thing. Brothers you make real good money,support your union,Have any of you ever made a donation to the local one scholarship fund?Its time you thought different.To lead by example,I am sending an extra 25 dollars with my dues this month,to support and ensure the future of local one.I hope that you do the same.


Danbo Email
09/21/07

card number 1899

Comments:
During the recent campaign, it was said that close to $200,000 was on the street in delinquent dues. If there is a member on the bench with a paid up card, and a member working who owes money, SWAP THEM! You will see how fast everyone will pay then. Just a thought.
Danbo


Christopher J Marren 
09/20/07

card number 1752

Comments:

Well here we are, the vote is over. NO increase. There is still a problem, if you attended the meeting you heard the discussion about the financial report. We need to do something a.s.a.p. Perhaps someone has a bright idea??? I don't know if this would help but I think we should send in $100.00 per quarter of next years dues (400.00 total) to give relief to the general fund. This would only delay the pain as a more permanent solution is found. There have been talks about selling property, re-developing it and getting it leased out, and the ever unpopular but more likely than not needed assessment. I would prefer to pay an assessment than sell off the property in N.J. It does look very attractive, but as Bro. Legotti stated you only get to sell it once. This may not be the Right time to do it, but it is an option.  Bro O'Hare may have a Better solution with the development by an outside co. and a lease out afterwords. There is one thing that is certain, no matter what has happened in the past the local needs funding to conduct business. As members we have an obligation to make it happen. Some people have said that they want better accountability before they will pony up, these are also the same people who don't get up at the mic and ask questions or make suggestions...If you got a better idea, contact you B.A.

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