A letter from IBB President Jones
Click below to read the most recent letter from President Jones dated March 25, 2020.
Letter to the Members
Letter to the Members
Click below to read the letter from President Newton Jones regarding union meetings for the month of March, April, and May.
Monthly Meetings
Monthly Meetings
Lansing Protesters Endanger Communities |
Local 169 Union Hall Covid-19 Protocols |
A Message Regarding Covid-19 |
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Protesters endanger communities
On display in Lansing yesterday was not life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness. Under the guise of our American right to assembly, a mob gathered, not only endangering themselves, but jeopardizing thousands of others throughout Michigan. News and social media abound with images of people ignoring medical science and common sense by congregating around the state Capitol without masks and without regard to distancing. The odds were high that asymptomatic COVID- 19 carriers were in the crowd. The probability these “patriots” will carry the virus to their families, essential workers, grocery stores, doctors, and nurses is astronomical. Areas that have so far eluded the coronavirus may now have it served to them on a platter of carelessness and stupidity. Wednesday's protest stands to be the delta for new cases - and possibly more deaths over the next month. We've seen how overwhelmed and underequipped large hospital systems in populous areas were to deal with this disease. How are small-town facilities going to be to deal with a spike in demand for ICU beds? The dangers and deadliness are known by all. Protestors either callously ignored that evidence or are too dumb to grasp it. Every COVID- 19 case eventually traced back to today at the Capitol was avoidable. Every ensuing death could be considered negligent homicide. Culpable also are the Republican Party and conservative groups that organized and promoted the event. Billed as “protest from your car,” there was exactly ZERO chance of avoiding a circus. They roused the rabble. They share the blame. If Michigan's quarantine needs to be extended due to Wednesday's gathering, more Michiganders will lose their jobs and more business fail to never re-open. Let's remember who aided and abetted today's mob. It was the Trump Republicans - not Governor Whitmer. I know which side I'll be choosing between now and November. Jeff Timmer Former Director Michigan GOP (2005-2009) Portland, Mich. |
After careful consideration, Local 169 will be implementing the following strategy to protect members and employees from the current Covid-19 pandemic:
We have seen a great reduction in foot traffic at our union hall during the last week. I want to thank every member for doing their part to reduce the spread of this virus. In addition, I would like to thank every member that is continuing to work for our owners and signatory contractors, while following the CDC recommendations. We are definitely in unchartered territory as we battle this pandemic and I appreciate the support and cooperation Local 169 members have shown during this trying time. These special protocols will be in place until further notice, as the health and safety of our local is paramount. |
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope all of you are healthy and safe during these challenging times. As you are well aware, the current Covid-19 pandemic has caused many of our jobs to be postponed or delayed. This is a good step in halting the spread of this deadly disease. I encourage every member to read and follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control, CDC. Links have been provided below. During this unprecedented event, the Boilermakers are being challenged in many ways. The vital infrastructure that supports our nation is dependent on the Boilermakers. While there is no question that health care providers and first responders are vital to the stop of this pandemic, imagine what would happen if there was no electric power to operate equipment and ventilators at the hospitals. What if there were fuel shortages or interruptions in chemical plants that provide raw materials for medicines, respirators, and manufactured goods? The support Boilermakers provide is vital to the health and safety of our nation, make no mistake. I would like to thank each of you for doing your part to support our nation during this time. As jobs return, it is important that Boilermakers follow the recommendations of the CDC in order to prevent the spread of this disease to your brother Boilermakers. We cannot afford to sicken a workforce that is so vital to the continued success of our country. The Stimulus package has provided benefits for unemployment to offset the financial hardship experienced during this pandemic. Additional funds and weeks have been included. During this recent event, Local 169 has made every effort to afford some flexibility to members who may become suspended, however, union dues are vital to the survival of Boilermakers Local 169. Please do your part to insure that this pandemic does not endanger your local through lack of payment. I would like to encourage and thank every member who is doing their part to support and protect our industry and our brotherhood. Together we can accomplish anything. I would also like to thank your Business Agents, Office Staff, and Union Stewards for their continued efforts. Make every effort to stay safe, remain rational and calm, and work together, one day at a time, to defeat this pandemic. In closing, I leave you with the following quote, “ Act as if what you do makes a difference. IT DOES.” - William James Bob Hutsell Business Manager Boilermakers Local 169 Detroit, Michigan CDC Coronavirus 2019 Michigan Unemployment |
Congratulations to the Spring 2020 Graduating Class!
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Local 169 Places Second at National Apprenticeship Competition
Congratulations to Justin Zueski, who placed second individually and won first in the team awards at the competition in New Jersey!
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Attack on the BNAP
If you have watched the news lately, you know that the Department of Labor (DOL) it doing its best to provide an inferior, and potentially dangerous, alternative to our Boilermaker National Apprenticeship Program (BNAP).
Why? Because they want to boost their profits. When they cut corners on training, they put more money in their own pockets. Click here for more information and to find out how you can help! |
Local 169 Scholarship Award Winners
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First place:
Joseph Hutsell Joe will be attending the University of Michigan Dearborn and majoring in Computer Science |
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Second Place:
Jordan Ratliff Jordan will be starting her second year at Henry Ford Community College and majoring in Elementary Education. |
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Summer
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Pulse Mig Welding Training Now Offered in Area One
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Journeymen, if you are interested in working the upcoming Bluewater Project, you must be RMD trained. Training will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4PM until 8PM at the Area One training center. Call Ashley at (313) 584-8520 to sign up. There is a maximum of four welders per training session.
If you cannot make a Tuesday or Thursday class, please call the union hall to speak with Jamie about scheduling training on an alternate date. |
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I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T . . .
Joshua Slater wins 2018 BNAP Apprentice of the Year Competition
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Branden Dormire wins 2017 BNAP Apprentice of the Year competition
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Congratulations to Branden Dormire on winning the BNAP Apprentice of the Year competition. Winners were announced at a banquet on Thursday, August 24, 2017 in Denver, CO. Branden and his partner from the Great Lakes Area also won the team award.
Branden worked and studied hard for weeks leading up to the competition. Thank you. Branden, for your hard work and dedication! |
