Volume 3 Issue 2 - Operating Engineers Local 520
Volume 3 Issue 2 - Operating Engineers Local 520
Volume 3 Issue 2 - Operating Engineers Local 520
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IUOE <strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong><br />
<strong>Volume</strong> 3, <strong>Issue</strong> 2<br />
Spring 2011
Inside this <strong>Issue</strong>...<br />
Per Capita Tax Increase<br />
DUES INCREASE— Effective July 1, 2011<br />
Ron Johnson, Business<br />
Manager<br />
Ron Kaempfe, President<br />
Vern Parmley,Vice<br />
President<br />
Mike Parkinson,<br />
Treasurer<br />
Terry MacZura,<br />
Recording-Corresponding<br />
Secretary<br />
Mark Johnson,<br />
Conductor<br />
Chad Goldschmidt,<br />
Guard<br />
2011 Scholarship Info.<br />
Health & Welfare<br />
Welcome &<br />
Congratulations<br />
Training Department<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8-10<br />
11<br />
12<br />
Delegates at the 37th General Convention of the International<br />
Union of <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong>, held in April 2008, voted unanimously<br />
for a Per Capita Tax Increase of Fifty Cents ($0.50)<br />
per month, effective July first for the next five years (through<br />
2012).<br />
The following monthly dues rates will go into effect July 1,<br />
2011 for <strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong> <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong>.<br />
<strong>520</strong>, <strong>520</strong>A, <strong>520</strong>R…….……………………. $33.25<br />
<strong>520</strong>B, <strong>520</strong>C…………………….…………. $28.50<br />
<strong>520</strong>D……..……..…………….…………… $33.50<br />
Retirees (low dues)..……………………… $10.25<br />
Please note: A $1.50 late fee will be charged for<br />
each month that is paid late.<br />
Schedule of Events<br />
Member meetings take place at 7 pm on the second Friday<br />
of each month. Specific dates for the next 4 months are as<br />
follows:<br />
Friday, May 13<br />
Friday, June 10<br />
Friday, July 8<br />
Friday, August 12<br />
New Member and<br />
Retiree Recognition<br />
Reminders & Notices<br />
Officers, Retirees and<br />
Obituaries<br />
14<br />
15<br />
Retiree meetings take place on the first working<br />
day of each month. Specific dates for the next 4<br />
months are as follows:<br />
Monday, May 2<br />
Wednesday, June 1<br />
Friday, July 1<br />
Monday, August 1
<strong>Volume</strong> 3, <strong>Issue</strong> 1I<br />
Page 3<br />
Ron Johnson,<br />
Business Manager<br />
Hello Brothers & Sisters:<br />
Right now all around us, union-busting politicians are trying to weaken our collective bargaining rights and are<br />
working to stamp out organized labor. They say it is an effort to rebalance the system but it is nothing more than<br />
raw politics trying to destroy our ability to organize.<br />
Most anti-worker legislation is disguised as an attempt to reign in state budgets, but in reality it’s an attempt to<br />
break the back of organized labor. Stripping bargaining rights from workers is a tragic weakening of the middle class<br />
and does nothing to create financial stability for states’ budgets.<br />
As they have in the past, many right-wing politicians are targeting unions as being the problem. They see this as<br />
their opportunity to strike a fatal blow to the labor movement.<br />
Please don’t take the attitude that we are not affected here in Illinois, because we may be one of the next that<br />
the anti-worker right-wing politicians will come after. I can’t stress enough to everyone how important it is for us to<br />
take these challenges seriously and become informed and involved in political activity. We must rally together and<br />
support the candidates who support union labor so that we can keep them in office. Without our friends in office we<br />
are sure to be facing the same anti-union issues that many of our neighboring states are dealing with today.<br />
The Illinois State Council of <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> has a lobbyist at the State Capital (when in session) to represent<br />
us on the many important issues. Our International is working very hard to improve the lives of our members by<br />
supporting and promoting legislation that makes a positive difference to us. They have set up the EARN e-Activist<br />
(<strong>Engineers</strong> Action and Response Network). EARN e-Activist Center makes it easy for our members to take action to<br />
reach key decision makers in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives or the White House, via emails and<br />
faxes. Whether you like it or not, it takes political involvement to get things done. Please take a few minutes to go<br />
to the International website at iuoe.org and register so that all our voices can UNITE to help make a difference.<br />
As recognized by Martin Luther King Jr., all working Americans deserve certain basic rights: A voice in the workplace,<br />
freedom from discrimination, the right to unionize, affordable health care, and fair wages.<br />
It would be a mistake to allow the conservative right-wing politicians to undermine and weaken the groups that<br />
protect the basic rights for average working families.<br />
I hope the people across this country are paying attention to who is looking out for their best interests and who<br />
isn’t!<br />
Let us stand strong together --- your voice as a union member needs to be heard.<br />
Respectfully,<br />
Ron<br />
“In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by<br />
false slogans, as ‘right to work.’ It provides no ‘rights’ and no ‘works.’ Its purpose<br />
is to destroy labor unions and the freedom of collective bargaining.”<br />
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Page 4<br />
THE <strong>520</strong> HOISTER<br />
Ron Kaempfe,<br />
President<br />
Vern Parmley,<br />
Vice-President<br />
Brothers and Sisters:<br />
The calendar says that Spring is here and for me it can’t get<br />
here soon enough. The winter has been rougher than any in<br />
recent memory. We had the most people on the out-of-work list<br />
in 4 years. We had as many as 75 people on the A list; and about<br />
200 people total. As the big jobs at Conoco and Prairie State get<br />
completed, these numbers will probably be higher next winter.<br />
Some of our new people had their first taste of being off. It will<br />
happen to more next winter. The people who have worked out<br />
of this local for any number of years will understand.<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong>’s hours worked have gone as follows:<br />
2007 – 1.43 million, 2008 – 2.1 million, 2009 – 2.8 million, and<br />
2010 – 2.7 million. We will be lower in 2011, probably back to<br />
2008 numbers. If we lose 700,000 or 800,000 man hours, that<br />
means 700 or 800 men must give up 1000 hours each. Just as we<br />
have raised our expectations these last four years, we will have to<br />
lower them and get back to reality.<br />
Once we get the weather in our favor we should have a<br />
good work year. The piers that Case Foundation and Illini Drilled<br />
Foundation have been working on should be complete by June.<br />
MTA hopes to be up far enough that the Spring floods won’t<br />
bother them. Keeley & Sons will be working on the above<br />
ground portions of their piers. Baxmeyer will have Route 3<br />
relocation work in E. St. Louis. Fred Weber will have work on<br />
their ramp section of the New Bridge. Halverson continues work<br />
at Exchange Ave. bridge over 55-70 in E. St. Louis. Shores Builders<br />
are apparent low bidders on some mine reclamation work in<br />
St. Clair County. Illinois Excavators has work on Route 158<br />
between Millstadt and Belleville and on a bike trail in Swansea.<br />
At Conoco, U.R.S. is scheduled for completion on the S.B.U.<br />
unit by April 29 th and to be moved out by May 29 th .<br />
Bechtel still has about 100 operators and still has a second<br />
shift. Their completion is August, but I don’t think they will make<br />
it. Cherne has picked up some work and continue to have about<br />
6 operators.<br />
Our new training facility will be open soon. I encourage<br />
members to contact the training department to upgrade their<br />
skills as time permits. As our hours decrease, those who have a<br />
wider variety of equipment that they can run will have a better<br />
opportunity of working.<br />
There will be upcoming Labor rallies throughout the state. I<br />
don’t have the dates yet but will get notices to the bigger jobs as<br />
we find out. A person can look in about every direction from<br />
Illinois and see how politicians are working against Labor. Make<br />
time to let them know how you feel. We must stand together<br />
and speak out against the assault on workers’ rights underway in<br />
Wisconsin, Ohio, Missouri and Indiana.<br />
Always,<br />
Ron<br />
Hello Brothers and Sisters:<br />
I am looking forward to the upcoming springtime 70 to 80<br />
degree weather that we can all enjoy. This quarter I would like to<br />
touch base on the basics of economics in our area and the Project<br />
Labor Agreement in progress on projects in our area; thus, the<br />
importance on Southern Illinois Construction jobs. The Southern<br />
Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council AFL-CIO is lead<br />
by Dale Stewart, Executive Secretary and Treasurer. Most jobs try<br />
to be on a working schedule and on budget. This is why we, union<br />
brothers and sisters, have a PLA. The PLA agrees that all skilled<br />
crafts perform work on time and within budget constraints ensuring<br />
work stays here in our Southern Illinois District. Otherwise, we<br />
have outsourced labor and contractors coming into our jurisdiction<br />
and taking all our funds out of our economy into theirs. Therefore,<br />
all the hard-earned tax dollars we have put forth are leaving our<br />
jurisdiction and benefiting other areas outside our jurisdiction.<br />
Thus, leaves our area’s tax dollars without union craftsmen on the<br />
job. Our local economy is dependent upon our PLA, GPPMA’s,<br />
NMA and our unions with prevailing wages to list a few. Our local<br />
unions enable our tax dollars to benefit our areas. So, it is imperative<br />
we maintain these agreements whenever and wherever possible.<br />
Now, ongoing and upcoming work stated as follows:<br />
1) Interstate I-55, both north and south bound, will be under construction<br />
for most of the remaining portion of this year.<br />
Bridges, ramps, main line drainage, milling and resurfacing will<br />
commence throughout this year. The primary contractors are<br />
Keeley and Kilian, and Central IL Tile Co. This project starts<br />
just North of I-270 and I-55 and ends up just north of<br />
Livingston on I-55.<br />
2) Bridge replacement on I-55 and 162 at Troy, IL has been under<br />
construction with Petroff, Theims, and Christ Paving.<br />
3) I-255 North of Godfrey is under construction for the new interstate.<br />
Primary contractors are Keller, R.C.S. Construction<br />
and Mahoney for paving.<br />
4) Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company has started pumping<br />
sand from the Mississippi across the canal to the east side of<br />
the berm. Twenty-three <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> are working<br />
7 days a week, 12 hours a day within 2 shifts.<br />
Lastly, I would like to take a moment to mention we have<br />
several apprentices out of work since last fall. We are actively looking<br />
for work to place these individuals as soon as possible. We are<br />
reliant upon weather for a break to put them to work. I assure<br />
everyone, we are working hard to get work for all of our members.<br />
I wish you and your families well and look forward to seeing<br />
you at the next union meeting.<br />
Respectfully,<br />
Vern
Page 5<br />
THE <strong>520</strong> HOISTER<br />
Mike Parkinson,<br />
Treasurer<br />
Terry MacZura,<br />
Recording-<br />
Corresponding<br />
Secretary<br />
Brothers and Sisters:<br />
The demand remains strong with the continued progress of<br />
existing large projects, and the start of smaller ones.<br />
Prairie State Energy Campus in Lively Grove was near 70% completion<br />
at the beginning of March, with approximately 4300 people on<br />
site. Bechtel direct-hire craft personnel totaling 3268, made up of 777<br />
Boiler Makers, 284 Carpenters, 12 Cement Masons, 693 Electricians,<br />
104 Iron Workers, 257 Laborers, 91 Millwrights, 140 <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong>,<br />
8 Painters, 86 Pipefitters, 4 Sprinkler Fitters, 33 Teamsters and<br />
a combined night shift craft total of 797. A project that has made<br />
staggering numbers common place has craft personnel working conservatively<br />
200,000 hours per week, which would translate to over<br />
$10 million in wages and benefits per week. The schedule calls for gas<br />
fire of Unit 1 in May-June, and coal fire in July-August. The turn-over<br />
completion is December on Unit 1, and Unit 2 is scheduled for August<br />
of 2012.<br />
The Dry Flue Gas Desulfurization (scrubber) project at Dynegy<br />
Midwest Generation in Baldwin has about 326 craft personnel. Unit 3<br />
is complete. Unit 2 turnover is scheduled July-August, in time for the<br />
fall outage September to November. Unit 3 has a target completion<br />
of fall, 2012.<br />
Great Lakes Dock & Dredge has begun two dredging projects<br />
under the direction of their recently-acquired company, L.W. Matteson,<br />
Inc. The first is stockpiling sand near the chain of rocks canal on<br />
the Mississippi River and the second is the removal of material from<br />
the channel south of Fayetteville, IL on the Kaskaskia River. The two<br />
projects are not long in duration, lasting from 3 to 6 weeks, but will<br />
work around the clock.<br />
Pinckneyville and Du Quoin are two Perry County neighbors<br />
starting high school construction this spring. Pinckneyville Community<br />
High School District 101 has selected Holland Construction Services<br />
as their construction manager. Holland is a reputable firm, having<br />
constructed the corporate office building for Prairie State Generating<br />
Company, and currently constructing the new Okawville High School.<br />
Project Labor Agreements were secured on those projects. Du<br />
Quoin High School reportedly has taken a different approach by utilizing<br />
the superintendent as the manager. A Project Labor Agreement<br />
was denied there.<br />
Always represent yourself and your <strong>Local</strong> well.<br />
Respectfully,<br />
Mike<br />
ASSAULT ON LABOR<br />
Spring is here – the weather is beautiful, everything is blooming,<br />
jobs are plentiful, life seems wonderful. On the other hand, life<br />
is not so good for our Union Brotherhood across the United<br />
States; in particular Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin<br />
(17 total States) are facing Right-to-Work legislation and the<br />
abolishment of Unions collective bargaining rights.<br />
The reduction of “Prevailing Wage” to an average wage, reduction<br />
or elimination of Project Labor Agreements on publicly<br />
funded construction jobs are just a few of the beliefs by Republican/Tea<br />
Party legislators, (both state and federal). Taking benefits<br />
and rights from the middle class working people and giving it to<br />
“Big Business” is yet another belief that will somehow bring or<br />
inspire businesses to create jobs within our States and throughout<br />
the Country. Union busting is the banner they do not want publicly<br />
acknowledged, they would prefer to hide their agenda behind<br />
balancing budgets and fiscal responsibility - trying to, ”dictate to”<br />
and dissolve Unions so their agendas can be shoved down the<br />
throats of any organization standing in their way! In Wisconsin: the<br />
Unions agreed to pay for more of their benefits to help the financial<br />
budget of their state while their Governor gave millions of dollars<br />
in tax breaks to Corporations. Was that enough? No. The GOP<br />
Governor and Legislators’ real agenda was to eliminate collective<br />
bargaining, Union elimination at its best. *“ Billionaires play a vital<br />
role in Union-Busting. Funders include charitable foundations of<br />
the nations largest corporations and a host of wealthy conservative<br />
& libertarian benefactors including: Charles G. Koch Foundation<br />
(Koch Industries); Dick & Betsy DeVos (Amway Foundation); the<br />
Edgar & Elsa Prince Foundation (founder & CEO of Blackwater);<br />
and The Walton Family Foundation (Wal-Mart). Those corporations<br />
who donate to Carl Rove’s non-profit group: Crossroads<br />
GPS, The Mackenac Center, and The Heritage Foundation to name<br />
a few, have contributed money to GOP Governors and Legislators<br />
for the sole purpose of breaking the Unions of this country.” We<br />
have a voice in <strong>Local</strong>, State and Federal elections with our vote;<br />
we have to support those who have supported hard-working Union<br />
middle-class workers. Non-Union individuals do not understand<br />
how Unions have improved this nation, improved their wages as<br />
well as improving their benefits (medical, pension, vacation time,<br />
work hours, etc).<br />
Our major projects are slowing; with 2-4 year jobs a thing of<br />
the past for the time being. We cannot allow ourselves to be lulled<br />
into thinking that this is the norm. Our Representatives, Senators<br />
and Congressmen need to hear from us so they understand that<br />
because of our Union affiliation our lives are better, our communities<br />
are better, what we earn is put back into our local systems<br />
which improves the general health of the entire area.<br />
An injury to one is an injury to all,<br />
Terry<br />
* Sources: Mother Jones/David Corn & Money in Politics articles.
Page 6<br />
THE <strong>520</strong> HOISTER<br />
Mark Johnson,<br />
Conductor<br />
Chad<br />
Goldschmidt,<br />
Guard<br />
Brothers and Sisters:<br />
Over the past three months we have seen numerous attacks<br />
on the collective bargaining rights of workers in states throughout<br />
the Midwest. I am pleased to report that Illinois is not one of<br />
those states and in fact, the majority of proposed legislation moving<br />
through the Illinois Legislature favors the rights of union<br />
workers in this state. Our state is making policy that the majority<br />
of its residents support.<br />
There are also some bills introduced in the State House that<br />
would be positive for <strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong>. SB 2172 Procurement: Responsible<br />
Bidder, would amend the Illinois Procurement Code to<br />
require that in order to be considered a responsible bidder under<br />
the Code, a bidder must submit a signed affidavit stating that it<br />
will maintain an Illinois office as the primary place of employment<br />
for persons employed in the construction authorized by the contract.<br />
In addition, HB 2987 would create the Project Labor<br />
Agreement Act. If passed, this Act would make Governor<br />
Quinn’s 2010 Executive Order requiring agencies under the control<br />
of the Executive Branch to use project labor agreements on<br />
public works projects law. This is a necessary measure in the<br />
event that a future Governor does not respect project labor<br />
agreements.<br />
If you have any questions or would like any more information,<br />
please give me a call.<br />
Respectfully,<br />
Mark<br />
Dear Brothers and Sisters:<br />
The weather is breaking and the work is picking up!<br />
We have had multiple picket lines up in different areas. As<br />
all of you know, picket lines aren’t nearly as effective as they used<br />
to be, but we won’t let that deter us from trying. There are<br />
definitely cases where they DO work. We are also working with<br />
some of the other crafts on hand billing and bannering certain<br />
locations. If there are any of you interested in helping, please call<br />
in to the Hall and let us know.<br />
I am also going to start meeting with the members of our<br />
voluntary organizing committees. We definitely have some issues<br />
in certain areas that need immediate attention. If any of you are<br />
still interested in participating in the committees or would like<br />
more information, please contact me.<br />
In Solidarity,<br />
Chad<br />
Moving, or have a new telephone number?<br />
Please let us know.<br />
I have moved<br />
I have a new and/or additional phone number.<br />
Name:____________________________________________________<br />
Register Number: ___________________________________________<br />
Correct Address: ___________________________________________<br />
City:_________________ State:_____________ Zip code: __________<br />
Home phone:_____________<br />
Mail to: <strong>520</strong> Engineer Road, Granite City, IL 62040<br />
Cell phone: _______________________
Page 7<br />
THE <strong>520</strong> HOISTER<br />
Applications for the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong> Annual Scholarship can now be picked up at the Hall.<br />
Three eligible winners will each be awarded scholarships of equal dollar amounts. Please pick up<br />
an information sheet/application for complete details on eligibility or call the hall so we<br />
can mail one out to you.<br />
A big “thank you” to Don Dixon, Dale Evans and Steve Dawdy<br />
for providing us with their collection of hat pins so that we<br />
could replicate them. We have five top-notch, made in the<br />
USA designs to choose from!<br />
“Then join hand in<br />
hand, brave<br />
Americans all!<br />
By uniting we stand,<br />
by dividing we fall.”<br />
- John Dickinson<br />
“Be sure to put your<br />
feet in the right place,<br />
then stand firm.”<br />
- Abraham Lincoln<br />
You want to know what’s going on?<br />
ATTEND YOUR UNION MEETINGS!!!
Page 8<br />
THE <strong>520</strong> HOISTER<br />
HEALTH & WELFARE, PENSION, ANNUITY, AND VACATION FUNDS<br />
BENEFIT REPORT<br />
Administrative Manager – David Glastetter<br />
I am pleased to have this opportunity to provide an update on matters relating to your Health & Welfare, Pension, Annuity, and Vacation Funds.<br />
HEALTH & WELFARE FUND:<br />
The Health & Welfare Fund processed 45,929 claims (43,817-Medical and 2,112-Optical) during calendar year 2010 and paid benefits totaling $10,349,455<br />
($8,742,327-Medical, $1,274,289-Dental, and $332,839-Optical) compared to $9,553,189 that was paid out during 2009, an increase of $796,266 or 8%. Also,<br />
Death Benefits totaling $346,000 were paid to eligible beneficiaries during 2010 as a result of the death of Retired Members or their Surviving Spouse. The<br />
Pharmacy Benefit Program administered by CVS/Caremark processed 54,033 prescriptions during calendar year 2010 at a cost of $2,600,502, an increase of<br />
$218,702 or 9% from the previous year. Effective June 1, 2009, the annual (June-May) maximum benefit limit available under the Prescription Drug Plan increased<br />
from $2,850.00 to $3,500.00 per covered individual, an increase of $650.00 or 23% per person.<br />
As of January 31, 2011, the Health and Welfare Fund had Total Assets of $33,572,617 compared to $27,631,451 as of January 31, 2010, an increase of<br />
$5,941,166 or 22%. As of December 31, 2010, the Health & Welfare Fund had a Reserve Bank liability of approximately $10.25 million covering 790 individuals.<br />
As of March 1, 2011, the Health & Welfare Fund was providing coverage to 1,667 families (1,082 Active, 403 Retirees, and 182 Widows) representing<br />
3,647 individuals.<br />
Removal of $1 million Lifetime maximum for all covered expenses.<br />
Removal of $500,000 Lifetime maximum for Organ Transplant benefits.<br />
Removal of $50,000 Lifetime maximum for Prosthetic Devices.<br />
Removal of $40,000 Lifetime maximum for Cochlear Implants.<br />
Changes mandated by Patient Protection and Affordable<br />
Care Act as of January 1, 2011:<br />
Changes to Annual Maximum Benefits:<br />
Added a $1 million dollar limit on the annual amount of Covered Expenses for each participant during calendar year 2011.<br />
Removal of the dollar limit for physical exam benefits for adults age 19 and older, such exams being limited to one per Coverage Period (June-May).<br />
Limiting physical exam benefits for Dependent Children under age 19 to the periodicity guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics Bright<br />
Futures. Exams in excess of this maximum are not covered under any other benefit of the Health & Welfare Plan.<br />
EXTENSION OF DEPENDENT COVERAGE TO AGE 26<br />
During November 2010, we announced a change that was effective January 1, 2011. You now have the opportunity to enroll your dependent children up to age<br />
26, regardless of their student status or marital status.<br />
In order for your child to be eligible to enroll in coverage through the Plan, your child must not be eligible to enroll in other employer-sponsored coverage<br />
(other than through a parent). This means that if your child has group health coverage available through his or her own job (or his or her spouse’s job), he or<br />
she will not be permitted to be covered under the Plan.<br />
Revised Definition of Dependent Children<br />
Because of the age extension for dependent children, the Plan’s definition of a Dependent child is changing. Effective January 1, 2011, an eligible Dependent child<br />
(whether a student, married or unmarried) will include your:<br />
Child under age 26 who is your natural child, adopted child, child placed with you for adoption, or stepchild;<br />
Unmarried child under age 26 for whom the financial responsibility for medical, dental, or other health care expenses has been assigned to you by a court,<br />
provided the child maintains a principal residence with you for more than one-half of the calendar year, that you provide more than one-half of the child’s<br />
support during the calendar year, and that the child is younger than you;<br />
Unmarried child age 26 or older who is permanently and totally disabled, which means that the child is unable to engage in any self-sustaining employment<br />
because of a medically determinable mental or physical handicap, and is covered for benefits under the Plan on the date the benefits would otherwise end<br />
due to reaching age 26, provided:<br />
The child remains disabled and incapable of self-sustaining employment;<br />
The child is dependent on you for more than one-half of the child’s support;<br />
The child has a principal place of residence with you for more than one-half of the calendar year;<br />
The child is younger than you;<br />
The child’s coverage under the Plan does not end for any other reason; and<br />
You provide proof of disability to the Fund Office within 60 days after the child reaches age 26. Proof of continuing disability may also be required from<br />
time to time.<br />
The Plan recognizes all Qualified Medical Child Support Orders (QMCSOs), and children who are named as alternate recipients in such orders will be considered<br />
Dependent children under the Plan. Procedures for QMCSOs are available from the Fund Office, upon request, at no charge.<br />
If a permanently and totally disabled child or a child for whom the financial responsibility for medical, dental, or other health care expenses has been assigned<br />
to you by a court, does not have a principal place of residence with you, the child will be a Dependent child, provided that:<br />
The child’s parents are: 1) divorced or legally separated under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance; 2) separated under a written separation<br />
agreement; or 3) live apart at all times during the last six months of the calendar year;
Page 9<br />
<strong>Volume</strong> 3, <strong>Issue</strong> 1I<br />
The child’s parents provide over one-half of the child’s support;<br />
The child is in the custody of one or both of their parents for more than one-half of the calendar year;<br />
You provide over half the child’s support and the child is not a “qualifying child” of any other person.<br />
The new definition of Dependent child applies not only to health benefits, but also to life insurance coverage for an active Employee’s Dependent child and to<br />
the death benefit paid by the Plan for a Retired Employee’s Dependent child.<br />
PLAN'S RIGHT TO RECOVER OVERPAYMENTS OR MISTAKEN PAYMENTS<br />
If a payment for a claim filed by or for you or one of your Dependents is found to be more than the amount payable under the terms of the Plan or is found<br />
to have been made in error, then the Trustees at their option may seek to recover the overpayment or mistaken payment from the provider, from you, or<br />
from any other party that may be responsible to refund the excess or erroneous payment. The Trustees may take whatever action they deem necessary to<br />
recover the overpaid or mistakenly paid amounts, including, but not limited to, reducing benefits payable for future claims filed by or for you or your Dependents<br />
to offset the overpaid or mistakenly paid amounts or bringing a legal action against you and/or your Dependent to collect the overpayment. If it is necessary<br />
for the Trustees to institute legal proceedings to collect an overpayment and they prevail, you and/or your Dependent will be responsible for paying the<br />
reasonable attorney’s fees and costs they incur in connection with such action.<br />
STATEMENT OF GRANDFATHERED STATUS<br />
Federal regulations require us to advise you that this group health plan believes this plan is a “grandfathered health plan” under the Patient Protection and<br />
Affordable Care Act (the “Affordable Care Act”). As permitted by the Affordable Care Act, a grandfathered health plan can preserve certain basic health<br />
coverage that was already in effect when the law was passed. Being a grandfathered health plan means that your plan may not include certain consumer protections<br />
of the Affordable Care Act that apply to other plans, for example, the requirement for the provision of preventive health services without any cost<br />
sharing. However, grandfathered health plans must comply with certain other consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act, for example, the elimination<br />
of lifetime limits on benefits.<br />
REIMBURSEMENT FROM RESERVE BANK FOR DEDUCTIBLES & CO-PAYMENTS<br />
The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the extension of an existing benefit. As you are aware, hours worked over 2000 in any calendar year are accumulated<br />
into a Reserve Bank in order to help pay for extending coverage as an Active or Retired Participant. After review of the Health & Welfare Fund’s<br />
financial condition with the Fund’s professional advisors, the Trustees have determined that, effective for medical services provided on or after June 1, 2011<br />
until May 31, 2012, the Reserve Bank may be used to reimburse amounts paid toward deductibles and co-insurance for you and your covered Dependents<br />
under the Comprehensive Major Medical Benefit up to a maximum of $1,000 during that time period. Those participants with a Reserve Bank balance of less<br />
than $1,000 may only receive reimbursement up to the amount of that balance. To receive reimbursement you will be required to submit a copy of the Explanation<br />
of Benefits (EOB) reflecting the Deductible(s) and/or Co-Payment(s) for which you are requesting payment and a copy of the corresponding paid receipts,<br />
along with a completed Reserve Bank Reimbursement Claim Form that will be supplied by the Fund Office. Please note, use of your Reserve Bank for<br />
this purpose is optional and we will continue to first utilize your Reserve Bank account to help pay for maintaining coverage under the Health & Welfare Plan.<br />
The Trustees reserve the right to renew or discontinue this expanded benefit after May 31, 2012, based on the condition of the Health & Welfare Fund at that<br />
time. Please contact the Fund Office if you have any questions.<br />
THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY MATTERS:<br />
The Health & Welfare Fund will be the secondary payer in those situations where the injury or illness of a Covered Individual<br />
(member or dependent) is the result of a negligent or wrongful act by a third party (automobile accident, etc.) who is primarily<br />
responsible for the payment of medical expenses incurred by that Covered Individual. Once you notify the Fund Office your<br />
condition is the result of an injury or illness caused by a liable Third Party, the Health & Welfare Fund will not be in a position to<br />
consider any related medical expenses for payment until the responsible Third Party or their Insurer have paid up to the maximum<br />
limit of their liability in the matter. You should promptly notify the Fund Office of the name, address, and phone number of<br />
the responsible Third Party, Attorneys and Insurance Companies involved in such matters as well as keeping us informed when<br />
legal action is instituted and the progress of that legal action. The Health & Welfare Fund, at your request, will notify medical<br />
providers that the Fund will be in a position to process all eligible claims in accordance with Plan Provisions after the maximum<br />
amount has been paid by the liable Third Party.<br />
WORKER’S COMPENSATION MATTERS:<br />
No benefits are payable under the Plan for any expense covered by a Worker’s Compensation Act or similar legislation or any injury arising out of or in the<br />
course of any employment for wage or profit. Once you file a Claim Form with the Fund Office indicating your condition is the result of a work-related accident<br />
or injury, the Health & Welfare Fund will not be in a position to consider any related medical expenses. Should your Worker’s Compensation Claim be<br />
denied, you must file an Appeal with the Industrial Commission for a final determination. If your claim is found not to be work-related, then the Health &<br />
Welfare Fund will be in a position to re-evaluate the submitted medical expenses.<br />
PENSION FUND:<br />
As of January 31, 2011, the Pension Fund had Total Assets of $130,271,332 compared to $110,420,274 as of January 31, 2010, an increase of $19,851,058 or<br />
18% during that 12-month period. The Fund is currently paying benefits to 765 Retirees or their surviving Beneficiaries, such payments totaling $9,399,355<br />
during calendar year 2010 or approximately $825,000 per month at the present time. During 2010, we had 39 members retire, after having 30 members<br />
retire during calendar year 2009. If you plan to retire in the near future, you may want to contact me to request a draft of your Pension Quotation detailing<br />
the various benefit options that will be available to you at the time of your retirement. When you file your Application for Pension Benefits, you will need to<br />
provide a copy of your Birth Certificate, your spouse’s Birth Certificate, and a copy of your Marriage license, if applicable, in order for us to process your<br />
retirement papers. Once you make your benefit selection and begin receiving payments, you are not permitted to change your pension option. Pension payments<br />
are made on the first day of each month, for that month, either by Direct Deposit or check. Currently 65% of the pension payments are being made by<br />
Direct Deposit, which reduces the amount of clerical work and eliminates concerns about timely mail delivery. If you need a Direct Deposit Authorization<br />
Form to initiate direct deposit or notify us of a change in your bank account information, please contact the Fund Office.
<strong>Volume</strong> 3, <strong>Issue</strong> 1I<br />
Page 10<br />
Pension Fund Remains GREEN<br />
As of January 1, 2011, the Pension Fund has been certified by the Segal Company to be in the “Green Zone” with a Funded Percentage of 87.3%. Thanks to the<br />
foresight and willingness of the membership to allocate substantial contribution rate increases to the Pension Fund over the past several years and the conservative<br />
investment philosophy of the Board of Trustees, we have gone from a Funded Percentage of 74.35% as of 1/1/2008 to 79.49% as of 1/1/2009 (both of which<br />
were in the endangered or “Yellow Zone”) to its current position in the Green Zone. As recently as January 1, 2006, the Pension Plan’s<br />
“funded current liability percentage” was 61.81%, so the attainment of a Funded Percentage of 87.3% in only five years is a noteworthy<br />
accomplishment. After the devastating investment returns of 2008 many pension plans such as ours had to drastically reduce future benefit<br />
accrual rates while our accrual rate remained the same during this volatile economic environment and increased by 21% effective January 1,<br />
2010, retroactive to hours worked on or after January 1, 2004, while making this tremendous improvement in its funding position.<br />
ANNUITY FUND:<br />
The Annuity Fund assets continue to grow at an impressive rate. As of January 31, 2011, the Market Value of Plan Assets was $93,482,092 compared to<br />
$74,282,095 as of January 31, 2010, an increase of $19,199,997 or 26%. We have listed below the year-to-date and 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year Average Returns<br />
as of 3/22/11 for the 18 Mutual Fund selections that are currently available to you under the Daily Valuation Investment Program:<br />
Fund Name<br />
1-year<br />
Return<br />
3-year Average<br />
Return<br />
5-year Average<br />
Return<br />
Year-to-Date Return<br />
As of 3/22/11<br />
Distribution Of<br />
Investments<br />
Federated Capital Preservation (IP)* 2.98% 3.53% 3.92% .42% 40%<br />
Federated U.S. Gov’t: 2-5 years 3.26% 3.85% 5.64% .40% 3.17%<br />
T. Rowe Price U.S. Treasury Intermediate 5.55% 4.36% 6.66% .41% 1.26%<br />
Dodge & Cox Income 6.17% 7.68% 6.67% 1.44% 2.05%<br />
Dodge & Cox Balanced 10.10% 2.35% 1.92% 3.15% 2.87%<br />
Vanguard 500 Index 13.06% 1.30% 1.80% 3.29% 1.84%<br />
Dodge & Cox Stock 10.84% -.24% -.37% 3.57% 3.18%<br />
American Century Ultra 14.02% 2.97% 1.97% 2.34% .71%<br />
T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Growth 24.62% 10.24% 7.04% 4.87% 3.39%<br />
Fidelity Low-Priced Stock 15.14% 6.59% 4.59% 3.31% 2.76%<br />
Fidelity Diversified International 11.71% -2.74% 1.02% 1.29% 2.14%<br />
Forward Aggressive Growth Fund 7.90% -1.37% -.72% 2.02% .70%<br />
Forward Growth Allocation Fund 8.86% .72% .78% 1.83% .93%<br />
Forward Growth & Income Fund 9.11% 2.40% 1.95% 2.22% 2.16%<br />
Forward Balanced Allocation Fund 8.82% 3.25% 2.70% 2.14% 1.24%<br />
Forward Income & Growth Fund 7.63% 3.98% 3.28% 1.69% 31.39%<br />
Forward Income Allocation Fund 6.27% 5.55% 4.54% 1.60% .13%<br />
Federated Treasury Obligations Fund .01% .32% 1.96% 0.00% .08%<br />
There were 3,481 Annuity Fund Participants as of March 1, 2011. If you have any questions regarding the Annuity Fund investment options that are available to<br />
you, please contact our First Bank representative, Sheila Hester, at (314) 889-1079 or (800) 452-1414. Your Annuity Fund Account Statement for the period<br />
ending March 31, 2011, will be mailed during the latter part of April 2011.<br />
VACATION FUND:<br />
On November 12, 2010, the Fund Office mailed Vacation Benefit checks to 2,328 Participants, such payments totaling $ 2,848,123. The Vacation Benefit amount<br />
was determined by the number of hours reported and paid by Contributing Employers for the work period October 2009 through September 2010. If you<br />
worked for an employer that is delinquent in the payment of fringe benefits for any month(s) during that period, you will receive an adjustment Vacation check<br />
when the Fund Office collects those deductions from that employer. If you did not receive your Vacation check, please let us know as soon as possible.<br />
A copy of your Work History Report and Dues check-off report for calendar year 2010, detailing those hours reported on your behalf by Contributing Employers,<br />
was mailed to all Participants during February 2011. Since your Health & Welfare eligibility and level of Pension and Annuity benefits directly relate to the<br />
number of hours worked, we ask that you carefully review the Quarterly Work History Reports and notify the Fund Office of any discrepancies as soon as possible.<br />
It is very important that you keep your check stubs as it may become necessary to use them to verify the number of hours that you worked for a particular<br />
employer.<br />
As always, we ask that you notify the Fund Office of any changes in your mailing address, phone number, marital status, beneficiary status, etc. If you have any<br />
questions about your fringe benefits or need a current Summary Plan Description (SPD) please let us know. The Fund Office is open from 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.<br />
Monday through Friday to assist you and your dependents in whatever way possible.
THE <strong>520</strong> HOISTER<br />
Page 11<br />
Welcome & Congratulations!<br />
Liz, Darlene and Amy<br />
There are a couple of new faces in the office. We<br />
hope you’ll join us in welcoming Liz and Darlene to the<br />
family! We were all sad to see Meghan go but we’re sure<br />
the new girls are going to work out wonderfully. Our<br />
membership is such a good group of people and I’m looking<br />
forward to them meeting you and seeing just how great you<br />
all are. We wish Meghan the best of luck and much success<br />
in her new endeavor.<br />
Remember that dues will increase .50 per month beginning<br />
in July. We have a lot of checks come in that are<br />
just short of a month’s dues so please check your receipt<br />
when you get it back in the mail. If the paid-through date is<br />
a month behind what you think it should be and there is a<br />
large amount in the “over paid” then you were probably<br />
just short for the month. Always feel free to call us if<br />
you’re not sure of how much to send in. That’s what we’re<br />
here for!<br />
Amy<br />
I hope everyone has a safe, enjoyable and BUSY Spring!<br />
Congratulations to the following!<br />
Harvey & Jean Brock of Collinsville, IL<br />
60 years of marriage on January 20, 2011<br />
Fred & Irene Moretti of Collinsville, IL<br />
60 years of marriage on February 3, 2011<br />
Roy & Imogene Smith of Wayne City, IL<br />
70 years of marriage on April 7, 2011<br />
Robert & Gayle Braun of Columbia, IL<br />
50 years of marriage on April 26, 2011<br />
NEW<br />
SIGNATORY CONTRACTORS<br />
Con-tech Carpentry, LLC<br />
Prado Construction<br />
Terry Laible Excavating
Page 12<br />
<strong>Volume</strong> 3, <strong>Issue</strong> 1I<br />
TRAINING DEPARTMENT<br />
Our winter training season is over and everything went fairly well. It’s April and we are finally making our move to the new site and are<br />
currently setting up the new office. Please make note of our new mailing address, phone and fax numbers: 1969 Triad Rd, St Jacob IL 62281,<br />
618-644-1969, 644-JATC (5282) and fax number 618-644-3787. Once the office is up and running well we are going to start moving more<br />
equipment and working on the new site so we can resume training as soon as possible.<br />
We hope everyone gets a chance to come up and look at the new facility, but be careful—you might get put to work! I think you will be<br />
very impressed by the quality and beauty of our new building.<br />
I know the training department is a little unorganized during this move but we will be working diligently to get everything up and running<br />
as soon as possible. So, if anyone needs anything training related, give us a call and we will take care of you as quickly as we can.<br />
The Mailbox<br />
Hallway, Plocher Project<br />
Dale Krump, Superintendent<br />
Office Area<br />
Big Classroom<br />
Ron Place and Rusty Redman, Instructors<br />
We had three apprentices graduate this winter. They<br />
are: Kory Watson, Bradley Minks and Neil Eschmann.<br />
We hope that they have a long and prosperous career<br />
as journeyman for <strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong>.<br />
Pat Jenne, Instructor<br />
Watson Minks Eschmann
Page 13<br />
<strong>Volume</strong> 3, <strong>Issue</strong> 1I<br />
Christmas Party<br />
Dave Rucker, Rich Showalter<br />
John Gebelein, Paul George, Stan Klein<br />
Rodney Moss, John Gebelein,<br />
Bob Carmack<br />
Walter Cole, Bill Stevens<br />
Wayne Cripps<br />
Matt Whitley, Brandon Fricke, Dave Porter<br />
Dennis Wright, Victor Lorusso<br />
Job Site Photos<br />
Mike Sanders, Kip Genteman, Shane Clore,<br />
Mike Clore—Dredge Job<br />
Mt. Vernon Hospital<br />
Mike Hayer, Jack Munie, Ron Johnson,<br />
Chris Hayer—PSC’s job at Ameren Site, Centralia<br />
Lock 27—Granite City<br />
McKendree College—Lebanon<br />
Demolition at Chinese Restaurant—Collinsville
Page 14<br />
THE <strong>520</strong> HOISTER<br />
NEW MEMBERS<br />
RETIREES<br />
(left to right): Tyler Washburn, Derian Boyce,<br />
Josh Krontz<br />
December 2010<br />
(left to right): William Blackwell, Ed Pisarski,<br />
Allen Schaeffer, Javie Mueller<br />
(left to right): Kenneth Schultz, Justin Mueller,<br />
Steve Womack, Joseph Degenhardt,<br />
Nick Giovanetti, Joel Blair<br />
(left to right): Henry Hurst, James Gary Toon, Ryan<br />
Vaughn, Tracey Ulmer, James Ritchason<br />
January 2011 February 2011 March 2011<br />
Marvin Ellis—41 years<br />
November, 2010<br />
Donald Rakers<br />
November, 2010
Page 15<br />
<strong>Volume</strong> 3, <strong>Issue</strong> 1I<br />
ATTENTION LOCAL <strong>520</strong> MEMBERS<br />
Please contact the Union Hall or any agent in the event of an illness or death of any<br />
member or any member of their family.<br />
Please make sure that the Union Hall, Health & Welfare Fund Office and Training<br />
Department have your correct address, phone numbers and beneficiaries on file.<br />
DOYOU HAVE OLD PHOTOS ?<br />
If you have any old photos of<br />
job sites or members,<br />
we may include them in an issue of The Hoister!<br />
Please contact the office or email:<br />
awilson@iuoelocal<strong>520</strong>.com<br />
NOTICE<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong> will not be accepting new<br />
referral applications until further notice.<br />
Next Referral Re-registration date:<br />
Tuesday, July 5th<br />
MONTHLY CARD CHECK<br />
Please make sure you have<br />
your card with you and that<br />
your dues are paid up when you come to the<br />
union meetings.<br />
REMINDERS<br />
A late charge of $1.50 will be added to<br />
dues if received after the second Friday of the<br />
month. If you are mailing in your dues,<br />
please keep this in mind.<br />
IUOE WEBSITE<br />
Visit www.iuoe.org for information regarding the International Union of<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> and the latest in labor news.<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong><br />
<strong>520</strong> Engineer Road<br />
Granite City, IL 62040<br />
618-931-0500<br />
Office Hours - 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<br />
LOCAL <strong>520</strong> CONTACT INFORMATION<br />
www.oe<strong>520</strong>.org<br />
Health and Welfare Office<br />
8 Executive Woods Court<br />
Swansea, IL 62226<br />
618-233-7978<br />
Office Hours - 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<br />
Training Department<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong> J.A.T.C.<br />
1969 Triad Road<br />
St Jacob, IL 62281<br />
618-644-1969 and 644-JATC (5282)<br />
Office Hours - 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
STANDARD<br />
U.S. POSTAGE<br />
PAID<br />
MAILED FROM<br />
62034<br />
<strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong><br />
<strong>520</strong> Engineer Road<br />
Granite City, IL 62040<br />
618-931-0500<br />
PERMIT NO. 12<br />
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED<br />
IUOE <strong>Local</strong> <strong>520</strong><br />
Officers<br />
Business Manager ............................................ Ron Johnson<br />
President ............................................................Ron Kaempfe<br />
Vice-President .................................................Vern Parmley<br />
Recording-Corresponding Secretary ..... Terry MacZura<br />
Financial Secretary...............................................Steve Wolff<br />
Treasurer........................................................ Mike Parkinson<br />
Guard ......................................................Chad Goldschmidt<br />
Conductor........................................................ Mark Johnson<br />
Trustee ................................................................. Jim Stevens<br />
Trustee ........................................................... Don Robinson<br />
Trustee ........................................................... Marlene Krotz<br />
Auditor ................................................................. Don Dixon<br />
Auditor ............................................................... Rick Cicardi<br />
Auditor ................................................................ Steve Smith<br />
Retirees<br />
Jerry Dobrinich 08/01/2010<br />
Floyd Lay Jr. 08/01/2010<br />
Ray Kellerman 08/01/2010<br />
Rodney Rausch 09/01/2010<br />
Jason Hemken 10/01/2010<br />
Roy Hixenbaugh 11/01/2010<br />
Donald Rakers 11/01/2010<br />
Ronald Houghland 11/01/2010<br />
Marvin Ellis Sr. 11/01/2010<br />
H. Joe Gain 12/01/2010<br />
Kenneth Slatton 12/01/2010<br />
Daniel W. Ellis 01/01/2011<br />
James A. Munie 01/01/2011<br />
Tyrone Treadway 01/01/2011<br />
Tim Burns 03/01/2011<br />
Michael Huch 03/01/2011<br />
David J. Brink 04/01/2011<br />
Allen Flath 04/01/2011<br />
Ralph E. Griebel 04/01/2011<br />
Kurtis Ott 04/01/2011<br />
Kenneth L. Williams 04/01/2011<br />
Obituaries<br />
We wish to extend our condolences to the<br />
families of:<br />
Melbert Kueker 10/12/2010<br />
Ted Wolfe Sr. 10/22/2010<br />
Odella Cata 10/24/2010<br />
Maud Matlock 10/28/2010<br />
Betty Schicker (Melvin) 11/03/2010<br />
Dorothy Harmon 11/07/2010<br />
Edmund Renner 11/15/2010<br />
Fern Knutt 11/15/2010<br />
Gilmore Melliere 11/16/2010<br />
Corey Kloth 11/19/2010<br />
Merle Dilbeck 11/27/2010<br />
Paul Butler 12/05/2010<br />
Louis Norton 01/06/2011<br />
Geraldine-Jerrie Johnson 01/12/2011<br />
Paul Bohnenstiehl 01/24/2011<br />
Rex Daily 02/20/2011<br />
Clarence W. Benhoff 03/02/2011<br />
James D. Chapman 03/03/2011<br />
Vicki J. Jany 03/05/2011<br />
Wilhelemine A. Beal 03/10/2011<br />
Paul Hornbostel 03/15/2011<br />
Bill Stevens 04/07/2011