THE CUTTING EDGE NEWSLETTER
December, 2014 | Vol. 23, No. 2
Winter 2014 INSIDE
➡ Priority One
Is Our Contract
Page 2
➡ Members Presented
with Service Awards
Pages 6-9
➡ FDNY Announces New CoF for Batteries
Page 13
Business Agents Kuba Brown , Business Manager/President • John Kramer, Vice President Business Representative Downtown - Manhattan and Brooklyn • Mike Gadaleta, Treasurer/ Business Representative Uptown and Queens • Tom Hart, Recording Corresponding Secretary, Business Representative of Midtown Manhattan, Health & Safety Officer • Ray Macco, Financial Secretary/ Political Director Business Representative of New York City Public Schools located in Brooklyn and Queens • Kelly Drummond, Trustee/ Business Representative of Hotels, Clubs and Commercial Residential properties of New York City • Jack Redden, Guard/Business Representative of New York City Public Schools located in Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island
Executive Board Kuba J. Brown Business Manager & President John Kramer, Vice President Thomas M. Hart, Recording Secretary Ray Macco, Financial Secretary Eddie Burke, Conductor Jack Redden, Guard John Cancel, Kelly Drummond, Bill Caramico, Trustees Anthony Fasulo, Rocco Ferrigno, Dave Rodriguez, Auditors
| THE 2 | 2THE CUTTING CUTTING EDGE EDGE NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER
Contract Negotiations
President’s Message
With Cold of Winter Rolling in Contract Negotiations Heat Up
Securing a New Contract is Our Christmas, New Year Priority
“I will stay at the table until the cows come home, or until management tells me to take a walk. I will take that walk, with the members of our union.” – Kuba J. Brown Business Manager and President IUOE 94 That message has been a year-long mantra for Business Manager/President Kuba Brown. With the current agreement with the Realty Advisory Board (RAB) due to expire at the end of the year, Brown has been using as a reminder to the membership: prepare for every contingency. Whether it was to a roomful of newly sworn-in members, or 40 year veterans during the Service Award ceremonies in June; or the September meeting seeking contract proposals from the membership; Brown’s message was clear: be prepared to fight. “It’s going to be a fight,” Brown told the membership at the September 23d meeting, “it’s always a fight.” Along with meeting reminders Local 94 officials published a strike preparation booklet “Operation Deep Freeze,” to the membership in early September. The booklet explains in detail the each member’s responsibilities and obligations in the event of a strike. Fully aware of what would be expected of them in a worst case scenario, the members unanimously approved a strike authorization for the leadership at the
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
September 23d meeting. Following the vote, President Brown then sought member input in creating a list of demands to be addressed in a new contract. The demands went beyond a wage increase. Among the issues were calls for improvements to the dental plan; increased contributions to the pension, health, and annuity funds; stronger job protection language; and increases in “call back” and meal money. After thanking the members for their input, and for keeping an eye on their future, Brown once again vowed not to leave the table until an agreement acceptable to the members was reached.
A Note on Ratification, Your Dues Must be Current Under the IUOE Local 94 Constitution and By Laws, only members in good standing will be permitted to vote on any new collective bargaining agreement. If you are delinquent in paying your dues, you cannot, and will not, be permitted to vote! “Article VI, Section 6: Section 6: Members who have not paid their current dues, fines or assessments within thirty (30) days after they shall have become due and payable shall, upon vote of the Local Union, be denied voice or vote within the Local Union or at any meeting of this Local Union.” Protect your vote. Be sure your dues are paid!
Let me begin by wishing all of our members and your families a healthy and Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and joyous holiday season. Through your hard work and diligence we have much to be thankful for; but there is still work to be done. No one needs to be reminded that even as we reflect and celebrate the joys of the season, we do so with an eye towards the future. Right now, that means a new collective bargaining agreement. Our priority must be to secure a new collective bargaining agreement which will continue to ensure the health, safety and security of our members and our families. During our pre-negotiation meeting in September you made it emphatically clear that maintaining quality health care and a secure financial future were to be our priorities at the bargaining table. I cannot tell you how proud I was to hear our members call for increases to our health, annuity, training, and other benefit funds! By making those demands a priority demonstrates a vision that is too often lacking in our world today. Apparently, that vision has been instilled among our members from the earliest days of this local. As we move forward with our negotiations it is important we remember and thank those members who stood strong and walked those early picket lines which helped create those funds. They were the members who insisted we not only invest in pensions and health care, but also invest in training. They understood the value and importance of developing new skills. That is why we are among the best trained and highly skilled engineers anywhere in the world. So as we work toward a new contract, and celebrate this holiday season, let’s be thankful for their foresight and courage, and committed to build upon their legacy.
Local 94 members know how to spread Christmas joy!
A Head Scratching Election The midterm elections brought some good news for labor and our local. Along with the re-election of Governor Cuomo, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli all but one of the candidates endorsed by Local 94 won their races. It is good to see that New York is still and will remain a pro-labor state. The national results I fear do not bode so well for organized labor, and all working-class families. What has me scratching my head is how the Republicans captured control of the senate by running against the president’s record. So the nation voted against a man who: ended two unpopular wars; helped raise wages and salaries; provided health insurance for more than 10 million men, women and children; has unemployment under 6%;
and gas prices about to fall under $3.00 a gallon. The people have spoken. Now let’s work together to build a better America. One way we can help build a strong nation is to buy American. When doing our Christmas shopping let’s read the labels. Let’s buy Americanmade and help keep America working. It’s not as hard as you might think. In this internet age we can now go online to find sites like Buy American at http://buyamerican.com/ and the I Buy American Store at: http://www.ibuyamericanstore.com/?module =Directory&event=View&comID=5 Most importantly, have a healthy, safe, and joyous Christmas and Happy New Year. Kuba J. Brown
December, 2014 | 3
Mike Gadaleta
John Kramer
Local 94 Provides for the Tower of Strength at One WTC Local 94 Team Bringing the Power at the Penn South Plant If it’s true that history repeats itself then developments like Penn South in Chelsea provide a pattern worth following. Created through a partnership between the United Housing Foundation, the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and with union and federal, state and city loans and incentives, more than 2,800 units of affordable rental and co-operative were created. Stretching from 24th to 29th Streets between Eighth and Ninth Avenues these units would provide housing for ILGWU within walking distance to the Garment District. More than 50 years Penn South is still going strong and running by its own power plant. A power plant operated by a Local 94 team under the direction of Ed Johnson and his crew of Assistant Chief Eoin Hassett, Jamie Ambia, Sal Coraci, John D’Ambra, Michael Daly, Lead Mechanic George Dirzis, Donald Hartnett, Eoin Matthew Hassett, Michael Luka, Timothy Lyons, Dale Maloney, John Maloney, and Michael Perrotta. Since opening its doors in 1962 the resident-owners of Penn South have consistently pursued energy and economic efficiencies. Never was that more apparent than during the fuel crisis of the 1970’s and early 80’s. Not wanting to go through again, the power plant was converted to co-generation in 1986. No longer buying energy from Con Ed it
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Penn South Crew Front Row (l to r): Mike Luka, Sal Cofaci, Mike Loise,Tom Lyons, Jamie Ambria, Mike Daly. Back Row: George Dirzis, George Fellows, Assistant Chief Eoin Hassett, Chief Ed Johnson, John Maloney, Dale Maloney Donald Hartnett and Mike Perrotta. Left, an ariel view of Penn South.
is estimated the residents have saved the co-op $500,000 a year. “And, when Sandy knocked out all the electricity below 34th Street, our lights were on,” said Johnson. “In fact the co-op opened the community rooms to let people charge their phones and other devices.” The complex is undergoing another major renovation including replacing all the risers. Johnson’s crew is kept busy 24-hours a day with regularly scheduled maintenance, repairs and periodic overhauls of the equipment.
“Some of the major overhauls are 6 to 8 week projects,” said Johnson. “That is in addition to our responsibilities for all the pumps, valves and emergency generators in all 10 buildings,” said Johnson. Along with all the other major projects, sometime before the end of the year work will begin on replacing the existing 750 hp diesel fueled boilers. “We’ll be pulling out the old boilers soon. This is going to be a very busy two years,” said Johnson.
They were pouring the deck for the 26th floor when One WTC Chief Engineer Thomas Hoar, first reported to work in 2010. “I will never forget it” admitted Hoar. And as construction on the 1,776-foot tower progressed, Hoar kept track of the construction and engineering installations while patiently putting together his Local 94 team. Although there may have been construction problems and logistical problems, Superstorm Sandy left 13-feet of water in the WTC basement, Hoar had no problems attracting qualified candidates. After all, four members of Local 94, Vito DeLeo, John Griffin, Charles Magee and David Williams, lost their lives as they tried to help others during the September 11th attacks. “We have a connection here. There are a lot of guys who would like to work here,” said Hoar. By the time construction is finished and the tenants, shops and observation deck have opened Hoar will have a crew of 25. Currently there are some 20 engineers, mechanics and helpers working within the 104-story, three-million square-foot tower. Working side-by-side with Hoar, is a trio of Assistant Chiefs: Ed Stakemann, Vincent Grillo and Noel Drago. Other members of the team include: Chris Annesi, Robert Peplinski, Dominick Manzi, Darren Woods, John Morris, Sean Lally, Andy Meccia, Charlie Ippolito, Ed Jelic, John Grubic, Tom Raferaci, Hector Eligio, Jose Vega, Domenic Mattia, Louis LoCricchio, Ed Peralta, and Desmond Caulfield. Just as tourists are sure to marvel at the spectacular views from the Observation Deck, engineers, technicians and luddites alike will marvel at safety and engineering design and capabilities Hoar and team will oversee and operate. Tenants and visitors will be kept
(L to R) Assistant Chief Engineer Noel Drago, Engineers Sean Lally, Ed Jelic, Mechanic Thomas Raferaci, Assistant Chief Vinnie Grillo, Engineer John Grubic, Assistant Chief Ed Stakemann, Chief Engineer Tom Hoar, Engineers Andy Meccia, and John Morris. Left, the spire at One WTC.
comfortable through 162 custom designed McQuay package units. The units operate with HFC - 410A refrigerant which ensures there is no ozone depletion. “These machines were designed to the specifications of the design engineer JB&B,” said Hoar. “When McQuay realized what they had they’re now marketing the units.” The 13 rooftop cooling towers provide 13,300 tons of cooling capacity. There are three water storage tanks capable of holding 480,000 gallons of water for the steam condensate recovery system. An electrical sub-station with 15 transformers power the building and smart – switch generators are capable of providing 8 mg of emergency power with 37 automatic
transfer stations will ensure the lights remain on and the 70 elevators are running. And then there is the spire which will also serve as a broadcast antenna. Should there be an outage the crew is capable of bringing up 100 amps of emergency power. Anywhere you go throughout the building its apparent security and safety were incorporated into every decision. Both fingerprints and swipe cards are required to enter secure areas, emergency staircases are twice the width required by law, and there is even a dedicated staircase for firefighters. Beyond all the bells and whistles Hoar said the Local 94 crew will keep alive the memories of the four Local 94 heroes from 9/11. “We are trying to get some of the steel from the original towers. We will use it to create an appropriate and fitting memorial,” said Hoar.
December, 2014 | 5
2014 Service Award Recipients
45
Years of Service
40
Jaime Ambia Chris Benson Naum Blazeski Wing Cheng Matthew Cledaras Peter Cullen Allen Delyon Ronald Friedman Nicholas Fusco Rogelio Girado Bryan Harron Joseph Hrinyak Robert Johnson Maurice Kahn William Lavin, Sr.
Peter Cambria Joseph Dorio David Nelson
Nearly 350 Members Recognized & Presented With Service Awards Some 350 Local 94 members – some with as much as 40 years of service – were recognized and thanked for their hard work and union loyalty. Before presenting the members with their awards President Kuba Brown thanked the members for their efforts.
30
“I am sure some of you can remember when our members were considered nothing more than glorified janitors. Through your work we now run the most sophisticated buildings in the world,” said Brown.
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35
Years of Service Nikolaos Makresias Manuel Mendez Darryl Montoya Phillip O'Grady Leonard Romano John Schirippa
Michael Stephan Patrick Synan, Jr. Patrick Keaveney John Welsh William Woods Robert Zimmer
Years of Service
Joseph Alexander John Appelo William Auletta John Barberi Eric Bassin Anthony Barnes Joseph Barraco James Bicknell Scott Bowen Thomas Boyd Peter Braunstetter Charles Brenner Daniel Cabral William Caughey Joseph Cianciotta
Christopher Cullen John Cofsky Kevin Daly, Sr. Philip Dalessio John Doelger Patrick Dolan John Farley Anthony Fasulo Victor Ferrara Paul Fiumano Francisco Flores John Flynn Thomas Foti Dominick Galluscio Peter Gavin
Ben Gerlak Joseph Giambrone Vincent Ginefra Lionel Guerrero, Sr. Jeffrey Irving Michael Kapln Kieran Kelly Denis Kiely Kevin Kiernan Albert LaMarch Carlos Lizarazo John Mallon James McGinley Robert McMahon Kevin McCarvill
Years of Service
Paul Bachhuber Kim Blackman Jim Bowens William Boyd Joe Brayuha John Byers Michael Cofane Steve Costello Joseph Covucci Matthew Cully Lawrence Descisciolo Zeqir Demiraj John Dobbins Richard Dowling
Anthony Ducret John Finnegan Michael Fucci Benjamin Gonzalez Richard Harty Michael Hoyt Patrick Lambert Lawrence Mannarano Ronald Moccio Pietro Modena Lawrence Morton Robert Naegely Frank Odery John Orlando
Joseph Pantano, Jr George Picon Brennan Quintano Daniel Ratigan Frank Reynolds
Pasquale Roma Anthony Rubino Daniel Sabato David Schatz William Schweitz
Shawn Montague Steven Montalvo John Moreno Roger Manganiello Robert Murray Angelo Manniello Kevin Millerick Joseph Mizzi Matteo Navarra Ted Nimmoms Frank O'Donohue Thomas Pantano Samuel Pesce Kenneth Petermann Ferdinando Prete Joseph Prisco Daniel Pugliese Robert Pulzone John Respass Anthony Ribaudo
Dany Spitzfaden Mark Sullivan Ivica Vucenik Lucky Wong Thomas Xanthos
Keith Ryan Christopher Troia John Salerno Joseph Tymocz David Schley Joseph Sobanko Joseph Wagner Kevin Walsh Mark Roberts Robert Rodriguez William Rodriguez Michael Rogers Louis Rojo Thomas Southard John Sundeberg Curtis Taylor Kenneth Tokar Raymond Torres Joseph Trimboli Bernard Woods
December, 2014 | 7
2014 Service Award Recipients In keeping within the tradition of the awards members with 25 years of service were presented with watches; 30year members received key chains, 35-year members were awarded money clips; 40 and 45-year members were each presented with a ring.
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25
Years of Service
Christopher Agli John Agosta Thomas Aloi Dominick Amodio Nicholas Anzalone Antonio Araujo Edwin Atkinson Perry Basile Bruce Berger Michael Biglin Walter Bilecky Gary Black Jacinto Bordador John Bowden Brian Burns Kevin Byrne Kevin Campbell Edward Casano JosephCaraciolo Nicholas Carnevale Thomas Carney Frank Caruso Anthony Crisa Thomas Colleran Lucien Coppola Christopher Court Reuben Cabral Michael Cama Raymond Colonn Robert Crivici Veda Deonaraine Jean Destine Erwin Diemer Michael Downing Philip Du Neil Duggan Kieran Egan Jolan Espiritu Omar Estevez Grantley Ewart Raymond Feliciano
Enrique Feliciano Charles Fisher Richard Frisch Mark Fuentes Patrick Feeney Patrick Feeney Martin Feeney Esteban Garcia Edward Garcia, Jr. Raymond Garrity, Sr. Rafael German Timothy Giatas Jose Gonzalez Tony Ford James Grace Jose Gregori Vincent Frasca Andrew Hardy Michael Harvey James Hollywood Leo Incorvaia Peter Italiano Kelvin Joseph John Kehoe John Ketcham James Kostulas Joseph Kowalski James Hemmingway John Hewitt John Horan Fitzgerald Hosine Terrence Larkin Michael Leo Georgino Lima Michael Locicero Lonnie Long Tomas Lopez William Losco Paul Loughran Robert Lora Mark Jankowsky
Thomas Jonas Edward Maciej Eugene Madine Thomas Mahoney Desmond Maguire Christopher Marley Robert Marone Brian Mattews Fred Mazza Terence Mcconnon Charles Mignoli Edward Mikoleski Luis Pabon Henry Pape Patrick McCue Michael McDonald Barry McFadden John McKee Matthew McNeill, Sr. Bernard Monteleone Anthony Melfi Joseph Mendez Carlos Menendez Michal Mezzo John Milazzo Edwin Morales Shaun Mooney Joseph Murnan John Murphy Carl Musco Jeffrey Passafaro Edward Pekarik Herman Perez Steven Petruzzo Anthony Polito Joseph Primiano Joseph Nolan Kevin O'Grady Frank Olsen, Jr. Herman Quiles Christopher Racz
David Ramirez Joseph Ramsay John Randberg Bill Reinhard Joel Riley Andrew Scozzari Edward Rivera Juan Rivera David Rodriguez Jorge Rodriguez Larry Roiter Joseph Rossano Sean RuddyJoseph Salgado Douglas Schook Leon Seetaram Noel Sesenton Joseph Shearin Martin Sierra Pramedat Sookhoo Brett Sontag Kevin Smith Robert Syracuse John Tedaldi John Thompson Michael Tong Milton Tirado Michael Tooze Nicholas Trupia Joseph Tufano Christopher Turano Domenico Vezza Desmond Walcott Joel Wax David West William Zickl Peter Zupcich
December, 2014 | 9
Ray Macco Jack Redden
Tom Hart
Commitment to Learning, Advancement at Covenant House Since its founding in 1972, Covenant House has provided homeless children and young adults with the necessary tools toward building a better life. That lifesaving work has justifiably won broad public attention. Just as remarkable are the success stories being written in the Covenant House engineering rooms at 460 W. 41st St. These are success stories that begin with Chief Engineer Lennox Edwards. Hired as a mechanic in 1992, Edwards attended and successfully completed the mandatory core courses offered at the Local 94 Training Fund. Edwards did not stop there. As have many other Local 94 Chief ’s, Edwards kept up his studies. “I became more and more interested in the programs that were being offered, I was always asking about new programs that were being offered,” said Edwards. “To me, having the technical knowledge and the experience not only opens up opportunities, it validates what we do.” Taking advantage of Covenant House’s close proximity to Local 94, Edwards continued his studies. At the suggestion of Training Fund Co-Director, Howard Styles, in 2006 Edwards enrolled in a CUNY degree program created in conjunction with the Murphy Institute. Finally, after six years of weekend study, and having been promoted to Chief Engineer, Edwards was awarded a B.A. in Facilities Management from New York City Technical College. As Chief Engineer for Covenant House Edwards serves as a model and a mentor for his Local 94 crew. He has encouraged his crew to follow his example, and his message has resonated. His engineering team of five engineers includes Ralston Donaldson, Jose “Bob” Cruz, Gary Wright, Smiley Vaughn and
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Local 94’s Prevailing Wage Battle Takes a Hit, Even as it Gains Support in the City Council
Covenant House Chief Engineer Lennox Edwards is flanked by helper Orlando Gray (l) and engineer Ralston Donaldson. Left, Edwards in the office.
helper Orlando Gray, who have mostly been promoted from within. “Ralston Donaldson started here in the kitchen,” said Edwards. “He went to school, earned an Associate’s Degree, got his license and we brought him in,” said Edwards. “I tell my guys we stress education. When you consider the type of work we do we need to stay current,” explained Edwards. To ensure everyone keeps with
their skills, Edwards rotates his crew’s schedule to maintain everyone’s skill levels. “Our primary goals are safety and helping management save money,” said Edwards. The team helps save money by “trying to do everything we can to be done in-house,” said Edwards. To ensure safety most of that work is performed during the day shift when there are at least four men working. “That is why we rotate. We want to make sure everyone gets involved. We want to ensure everyone develops to the same skill level,” Edwards explained. “We are here to perform a service. Thanks to the Training Fund, we have been able to develop the knowledge and necessary skills to provide that service to the agency.”
Even as the City Council was preparing to schedule hearings on legislation to provide wage and benefit equality for our members working at private contracted schools and the custodial schools, our brothers and sisters in 32BJ SEIU, agreed to a new contract with the Department of Education. Obviously this agreement by a union involved in the same prevailing wage battle, has delivered a damaging blow to our legislative strategy. And, our team led by Business Manger Kuba Brown will meet to discuss our next steps. While there was no guarantee the legislative strategy would have succeeded we should make every effort to thank the Council Members who supported us. In fact, an overwhelming majority -- 38 of the 51 council members -- signed on as cosponsors of our bill New York City Council Intro 386, which was sponsored by Council Member I. Daneek Miller (D- St. Albans). Joining Council Member Miller were: Council Members Margaret S. Chin, Rosie Mendez, Ydanis A. Rodriguez, Deborah L. Rose, Andrew Cohen, Ben Kallos, Costa G. Constantinides, Inez E. Dickens, Andy L. King, Ritchie J. Torres, Mark Levine, Vanessa L. Gibson, Helen K. Rosenthal, Antonio Reynoso, Maria Del Carmen Arroyo, Mark Treyger, Rory I. Lancman, Donovan J. Richards, Julissa Ferreras, Corey D. Johnson, James G. Van Bramer, Inez D. Barron, Mathieu Eugene, Daniel Dromm, Mark S. Weprin, Carlos Menchaca, Brad S. Lander, Rafael L. Espinal, Jr., Karen Koslowitz, Jumaane D. Williams, Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., Laurie A. Cumbo, Stephen T. Levin,
‘Obviously this agreement by a union involved in the same prevailing wage battle, has delivered a damaging blow to our legislative strategy.’
Members of Local 94 and 32BJ once stood side-by-side in the Prevailing Wage fight.
Ruben Wills, Vincent J. Gentile, and Eric A. Ulrich. They were ready to hold the hearings which would have allowed us to demonstrate the inequity our members have faced. The bill would still have to be voted on and signed by Mayor de Blasio, but clearly, the Council was ready to work for a solution. You can find the names and contact information for your local City Council Member by visiting the City Council website at http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml Going forward, we must remember to stand up and support those council members who stood up for us on this very important issue. One easy way to do that is to join and support our Local 94 Political Action Fund. We urge all members who have not already signed on to seriously consider joining the Political Action Fund. We need your voice and your participation to win this fight! Remember, your Council Member was elected to serve and represent you “the people.” You are also responsible for ensuring your representative is aware of issues like the prevailing wage, and why it’s important that it becomes a law. Please contact your business agent after you visit your local elected official so we can keep track of council members that were visited. Let us know if you need a Political Action enrollment card. If you have any questions please contact Ray Macco (212)586-7633 or Jack Redden (212)245-7935.
April, 2014 | 11 December,
Howard Styles Bob Fantine
Kelly Drumond
FDNY Launches Their B-29: A New CoF for Battery Systems
Keeping it Comfortable and Cool at the Yale Club Standing just west of Grand Central Station, the Yale Club of New York City has been a fixture on Vanderbilt Ave. and E. 44th for nearly 100 years. With 138 guest rooms, three restaurants (one with a roof top terrace), a health club with a pool, a library with more than 39,000 volumes, and numerous other amenities, the 22-story club provides a comfortable home away from home for its 11,000 members. Making sure the building runs smoothly are the 10 members of the Local 94 engineer team. Led by Chief Engineer Stephan Lehmann, Assistant Chief Jorge Rodriguez, Lead Mechanic Joe Marano, Vito Gadaleta, Steve Lech, Sal Logrande, Eduardo Mendoza, David Murawski, Michael Brothers, Kevin Maneiro, and Alex Wilster are prepared to respond 24/7. Powering the building is a rooftop 300ton Trane absorber, steam is provided through Metro North. “There are also a half-dozen split units, and two portable a/c, heating units,” said Rodriguez. The assistant chief is also the senior member of the Local 94 crew with 26 years in the building. “I remember when that absorber unit was brought in,” Rodriguez recalled. “It’s still going strong. In fact, last year we did a complete overhaul of the system. “I think we spent some $150,000 dollars on that absorber alone,” he said. According to Marano, doing that type
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The Fire Department is now offering a new Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Battery Systems and other related equipment called the B-29. This means that any battery system in place today, regardless of installation date, must be under the general supervision of a person holding a Certificate of Fitness from the FDNY. This applies to all stationary storage battery systems (i.e. facility standby power, emergency power or uninterrupted power supplies) having an electrolyte capacity of at least 50 gallons for: flooded lead acid nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA), 1,000 pounds for lithium-ion lithium metal polymer
Yale Club engineering team members (l to r) Kevin Maneiro, Eduardo Mendoza, Sal Logrande, Stephen Lech , David Murawski, Lead Mechanic Joe Marano and Assistant Chief Jorge Rodriguez.
‘Engineering is difficult and dangerous work. It’s not like a shirt factory “you do the buttons, you do the pockets.” Our guys are exposed to a lot of diverse mechanical repairs.’
of hands-on work is typical for the Yale Club crew. “We’re always busy, we respond to problems in the rooms, everything from changing a light bulb to fixing problems with the heat,” he said. “You never know when someone is going to ask for something,” added Rodriguez. According to Lehmann, no matter what the request, his team is ready to fix the
problem. “Engineering is difficult and dangerous work. It’s not like a shirt factory ‘you do the buttons, you do the pockets.’ Our guys are exposed to a lot of diverse mechanical repairs,” said Lehmann. “What impresses me is how they work with each other and help each other. It’s really been good for the young guys, especially to see how much they’ve grown.”
Because of the potential property and human loss, safety is paramount. Unfortunately, these extensive battery systems can pose several hazards including: Fire Explosion High voltage electricity Electrical and Acid burns Acid contamination
Please Note If a battery system does not meet these specifications it is NOT required to comply with the NYC Fire Code. The B-29 Certificate of Fitness does NOT authorize the C of F holder to perform any repairs on the battery system. Study material includes information taken from the new 2014 NYC Fire Code Chapter
A Special Note on FDNY Certificates for School Workers
Local 94 Traing Fund hosted the IUOE Regional Training Safety & Health Conference in August. Training Fund Co-Director Howard Styles shares a moment with IUOE International Director of Stationary Affairs Russell Duke.
6, NYC Fire Department Rules, Chapter 9 and NFPA Standard 25, (2011 Edition) Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems. The time-limited B-29 exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions administered on a “touch screen” computer monitor. Study material can be found on the FDNY website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/ cof_study_material/B_29_st_mat.pdf. This study material will help you prepare for the written examination for the Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Battery Systems. You can call the FDNY COF office at (718) 999-1988 Monday – Friday 8 am to 2:30 p.m. for more information.
The New York City Fire Department has adopted new fire code regulations resulting in many changes in previous certificates. Those certificates are required to be updated and new certificates will be required in all buildings — including school buildings. Additional certificates may also be required. A list of all the changes in Certificate of Fitness can be found on the FDNY website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/firecode/new_cof_test_list.pdf You must make every effort to obtain all required Certificates of Fitness. All firemen and engineers are required to obtain these Certificates of Fitness for the school and/or building. Please also be reminded to obtain any and all required Certificates of Fitness required for your school or school building. Most schools require a minimum of P-99, S12, S13, G35, P98 and EPA Air Pollution certificate. Please check your school for all required certificates. As always, the Local 94 training center continues to provide the necessary classes and training required to obtain many of these required certificates. You can also find study material on the FDNY website at: http:// www.nyc.gov/html/fdny//html/c_of_f/coff. shtml. For Training Center class information and enrollment call (212) 956-4854 weekdays between 8 am and 4 pm.
December, 2014 | 13
Local 94 News In Brief FDNY Licensing, Testing; Storm Preparations Highlight April Chief’s Meeting
FDNY Director of Licensing Steven Ertrachter explains FDNY licensing changes at Local 94 Chiefs Meeting.
FDNY Director of Licensing Steven Ertrachter provided insight and guidance to the rapid and ongoing changes in FDNY licensing, testing, certification, and renewal procedures at the April Chief ’s Meeting in lower Manhattan. For nearly an hour Ertrachter stressed the importance of downloading the new study guide. “The Fire Code has been updated and there is a downloadable PDF that will help everyone look up all the changes that have been made since 2011,” said Ertrachter. He also noted that additional changes have been made in the fire code, testing scenarios, and certifications, including a new Fire & Life Safety Director certification. Ertrachter said changes are a result of lessons from Sandy and other emergencies. “When we were creating the EAP floods were hardly ever mentioned,” he said. “Eight new Certificates of Fitness will be created,” said Ertrachter. “We’re at a stage where we are creating a new overall plan.” Along with news about the new test, Ertrachter announced that Certificates of Fitness can now be renewed online and testing can now be arranged by appointment from the FDNY website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/c_of_f/coff.shtml Following his presentation Ertrachter took numerous questions, many of which were related to the dissatisfaction among the Chiefs who complained of high-handed conduct of the FDNY Inspectors during their visits. Ertrachter, who seemed genuinely surprised by the number of complaints, promised to look into the problem. “Fairness is our first obligation,” he said. Council Member Margret Chin opened the meeting by praising the efforts of Local 94 in the aftermath of Super storm Sandy. Chin, who represents lower Manhattan, also sought the input from Local 94 Chief ’s on how to prepare and deal with future events. 14 | THE CUTTING EDGE NEWSLETTER
Showing Union Pride; Remembering Heroes; Supporting Others
Union Plus Opens Door to New Homes for Local 94 Members With an assist from Union Plus several Local 94 families will be welcoming their holiday guests as new home owners. And, in a twist worthy of a holiday movie, the doors to home ownership were swung open during the Local 94 post Sandy emergency meeting. Along with representatives of FEMA, the Red Cross and other agencies, the Local 94 Executive Board invited representatives from the New York City Central Labor Council and Union Plus to educate the membership about the homeowner program. “Once a member sees that it can be less expensive to purchase a home rather than pay rent they are motivated to enter the program,” explained Union Plus coordinator Christine Dawson. “The response is really amazing.” Union Plus participants soon learn that the program offers more than educational and navigational assistance through the home buying process. The program offers credit counseling and access to grant money and down payment assistance programs. Open only to members of the AFL-CIO, Union Plus will provide mortgage payment relief should a member go on strike, is locked out or disabled. In fact, Union Plus will pay your mortgage for up to six months depending on the circumstances. “The program can help a first time home buyer or a seasoned homeowner. The real benefit is how the Union Plus program comes with special benefits that not only limit the cost of buying a home but help a member keep their home,” said Dawson. Those Local 94 members who took advantage of the program couldn’t agree more. “We are so happy to be in our first home,” exclaimed Jairo Atanacio. “And, it’s all because Local 94 was able to guide us into
a UNION PLUS mortgage from our representative Christine Dawson at Wells Fargo.” “We also have peace of mind knowing that we have strike, layoff and disability coverage from UNION PLUS,” Atanacio added. Joe Hudson, who closed on his new home this past summer learned that Union Plus offered benefits beyond mortgage protection. “I also received $500 from Wells Fargo after my closing and, an additional $500 first time buyer award from UNION PLUS,” said Hudson. Rich Fiorentino, who also received a $500 gift card after his closing, also had high praise for the Dawson. “Christine Dawson of Wells Fargo worked with us for six months,” said Fiorentino. “We spoke weekly as we were shopping for our home and through our purchase and closing.” If you would like to learn what it takes to start down the path of home ownership please contact Local 94’s Union Plus representative Christine Dawson at 516-445-0521.
Local 94 was well represented as they, along with their brother and sister engineers and other unions, marched with pride in the Labor Day Parade. The crowds, which once lined the sidewalks, may not be as large as in the past. It certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the marchers as they strode past St. Patrick’s Cathedral and up along Fifth Ave. In keeping with the Local 94 tradition after the march everyone returned to Local 94 headquarters for the post parade Labor Day barbeque.
Along with International Union of Operating Engineers General President James Callahan, the members of Local 94 honored the memories of our September 11th heroes Vito De Leo, John Griffin, Charles McGee and David Williams with a Memorial Mass.
The annual event held on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks also provides an opportunity to reflect and offer prayers for our brothers and sisters we have lost in the past year. Father Richard Baker, pastor of St. Malachy’s R.C. Church, once again offered the mass. At the end of the service Father Baker noted he was raised in a union home and expressed his great appreciation for the members of Local 94. “Not only do I appreciate the great work you do. But I want to thank the members of Local 94 for your support of St. Malachy’s.”
It’s not every day you see the members of Local 94 in a hard hat, especially if it’s pink. Pink hard hats it was on October 7, when dozens of Local 94 members donned the pink safety gear as part of EMCOR/ Penguin’s “Pink Ribbon Hard Hat” event in lower Manhattan. Nearly 800 men and women from the building trades, along with Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan), helped to create the world’s largest pink ribbon to raise money in the battle against cancer. The event was far more than a photoop. As a result of individual donations and contributions the event raised more than $110,000.
December, 2014 | 15
2014 Family Picnic More than Fun and Games to Golf Outings and Picnics
2014 Golf Outing
The members of Local 94 demonstrate their commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability every working day. Our members and their families show that same commitment to our Scholarship Fund by supporting the Family Picnic, Spring and Fall Golf Outings, and other Local 94 events. This year was no exception as hundreds of Local 94 families and friends once again enjoyed a fun-filled day at the Platzl Brauhaus Picnic Grounds in Pomona, NY. Whether it was enjoying a day at pool, playing games, watching the children race across the fields or simply catching up with family and friends at a picnic table, it was a day to remember. The Spring and Fall Golf outings served as fundraising bookends for Picnic. Held in May the Spring Golf outing was held on Staten Island at both LaTourette and South Shore golf courses. The luncheon and awards ceremonies were once again held at the Old Bermuda Inn. There was a bit of chill in the air when the golfers tee’d it up at Split Rock on September 29th. But there was plenty of warmth and laughter as served with the pulled pork during the awards ceremony. The big winner after all these events is the Local 94 Scholarship Fund, which has now distributed more than $1.2 million in scholarships. And, on the evening of January 9th 2015, the 2014 Local 94 Scholarship honorees: Michael Agovino, Sarah Clahane, Connor Connaughton, Michael D’Alessio, Samantha Fowler, Eric Gbur, Dayna Herling, Christian Magorrian, Steven Rizzo and Julia Trantel, will be presented with their awards at Russo’s On the Bay. Congratulations all!
16 | THE CUTTING EDGE NEWSLETTER
December, 2014 | 17
Labor Press Awards
Financial Reports (l tor) Labor Press founder/publisher Neal Tepel, Local 94 Co-Training Director Bobby Fantine, Emblem Health Director of Sales Shawn McLoughlin, IUOE Local 94 Business Manager/ President Kuba Brown, Local 94 Co-Training Director Howard Styles, and Emblem Health Vice President Jerry Gallo.
International Union of Operating Engineers
Local Union 94, 94A, 94B 2013 & 2012 Financial Reports Our independent auditors, Schultheis & Panettieri, LLP, prepared the following financial statements. INTERNATIONAL UNION OF ENGINEERS The first statement outlines the assets held byOPERATING the Local Union, and the second statement LOCAL UNION 94, 94A, 94B - 2013 & 2012 FINANCIAL REPORTS presents the income and expense as they were incurred during the years 2013 and 2012. Our independent auditors, Schultheis & Panettieri, LLP, prepared the following financial statements. The first statement outlines the assets held by theBy: Local Union, Gadaleta, and the second statement presents Sumitted Michael Treasurer the income and expense as they were incurred during the years 2013 and 2012.
Submitted By: Michael Gadaleta, Treasurer
Training Center Directors Honored as Labor Heroes
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL UNION 94, 94A, 94B COMBINED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS - MODIFIED CASH BASIS DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL UNION 94, 94A, 94B COMBINED STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT, REVENUE AND EXPENSES - MODIFIED CASH BASIS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 (WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS FOR 2012)
ASSETS
Local 94 Training Center Co-directors Howard Styles and Bobby Fantine were among a dozen honorees to be named as “Heroes of Labor,” by Labor Press and Emblem Health. President Kuba Brown presented the awards during the October 2nd ceremonies. “Their hard work and dedication helped transform our members into the most elite professionals in the industry; able to operate the most sophisticated buildings in the world,” said Brown. “They are certainly my heroes because they make my life easier when going into negotiations. They make our members’ lives easier by developing their skills. It is their work that helps make our union great.”
NYCOSH Still Offering Post - 9/11 Medical Assistance Although the September 11th tragedy happened over 13 years ago, many union men and women are still impacted by the event. Advocates throughout New York
18 | THE CUTTING EDGE NEWSLETTER
continue the work to ensure that those who responded to the tragedy are able to receive adequate medical care and other benefits to support them in dealing with illness and injury as a result of their service. While some important deadlines for those seeking compensation through Workers Compensation or the Victims Compensation Fund may have passed, it is not too late to receive important medical care benefits. New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health is one of the primary organizations supporting union members around the city in signing up to receive medical care benefits through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). The WTCHP is a medical monitoring and treatment program that provides annual health screenings and treatment for any responders or survivors of the World Trade Center tragedy. Responders include those who did any kind of volunteer or paid rescue, response, or recovery work, while anyone who lived, worked, or went to school below Canal Street between September 11,
2001 and July 31, 2002 qualifies for coverage as a survivor. Participants in the program will be able to see WTC-certified doctors with multiple years of experience treating the particularities of 9/11-related respiratory illnesses, PTSD and related conditions, and WTC-related cancers, all with no extra cost to the patient or any current insurance carriers. We know that our union brothers and sisters are the first to respond when disaster strikes and some are just coming forward with illnesses, with the number of lives lost still rising from various illnesses and cancers. If you think you might qualify for care or have any questions about the WTCHP, contact NYCOSH by visiting our website at nycosh.org/initiatives/world-trade-center-health-program or call our free hotline at 1.855.4WTC-AID. Do it for yourself, do it for your family; even if you aren’t sick, your loved ones will thank you for the peace of mind that extra care provides. NYCOSH thanks you for your service.
Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Investments - at fair value Receivables Related organizations Total current assets
2013 $
Property and equipment - net Other assets Total assets
$
704,940 3,172,139
2012 $
630,852 3,207,977
3,877,079
3,002 3,841,831
334,669 3,873
335,583 3,867
4,215,621
$
4,181,281
$
Notes payable - long term portion Total liabilities Net assets Unrestricted Temporarily restricted Total net assets Total liabilities and net assets
$
64,491 2,100 5,734 72,325
$
8,797 500 6,310 15,607
72,325
1,466 17,073
3,923,202 220,094 4,143,296
3,975,239 188,969 4,164,208
4,215,621
Unrestricted $
$
$
160,898
Total $
74,523
129,773
Total revenue and support
Total expenses Change in net assets Net assets Beginning of year End of year
4,663,265 98,050
Expenses Program services Management and general
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current liabilities Related Organizations Notes payable - current portion Deposits from applicants Other current liabilities Total current liabilities
Revenue and support Members dues and assessments Political action contributions Interest and dividends Net appreciation in fair value of investments Net assets released from: restrictions: Satisfaction of program restrictions
2013 Temporarily Restricted
(129,773)
4,663,265 160,898 98,050
$
4,622,102 165,748 107,653
74,523 -
48,957 -
-
-
4,965,611
31,125
4,996,736
4,944,460
4,161,002 856,646
-
4,161,002 856,646
3,971,433 875,143
5,017,648
-
5,017,648
4,846,576
(52,037)
$
2012
3,975,239 3,923,202
31,125
$
188,969 220,094
(20,912)
$
4,164,208 4,143,296
97,884
$
4,066,324 4,164,208
4,181,281
December, 2014 | 19
iuoe local 94, 94A, 94b international union of operating engineers 331-337 west 44th Street New york, Ny 10036
94
PRESORTED 67$1'$5' MAIL US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT # :$86$8:,
IUOE LOCAL 94 UPCOMING MEETING AND EVENT Wednesday, SCHEDULE June 10, 2015
Local 94 2014 - 2015 Calendar
General MeMbership MeetinGs times: 8:30 aM, 2 pM, and pM Wednesday, December 10,5 2014 Meetings are held at the Hotel Trades Council Auditorium, General Membership Meeting (Holiday Toy 305 West 44th Street
and Coat Drive) – 8:30 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM – Hotel Trades March Council 305 West Wednesday, 14,auditorium, 2012 44th Street. Wednesday, april 11, 2012 Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Wednesday, 7, 2015 Wednesday, January June 13, 2012 (Service Award Ceremony) New Members Meeting Begins promptly at No meetings are scheduled in–July and August 4 Wednesday, PM -- Hotelseptember Trades Council auditorium, 305 12, 2012 Wednesday, October 10, 2012 West 44th Street. Wednesday, november 14, 2012
General Membership Meeting – 8:30 PM, sChOlarship DeaDline Monday, May 7, 2012 2 PM, and 5 PM – Hotel Trades Council Applications are available at the auditorium, 305 West 44th Street. Service Local 94 website: local94.com (select Scholarship Fund)
Awards Ceremony will be conducted at 5 PM.
retireMent seMinar (No meetings scheduled in July and August) thursday, May 10, 2012 4-7 PM. Saturday, July 25, 2015 Hotel Trades Council Auditorium, 305 West 44th Street
Local 94 Family Picnic, Pomona NY,
Contact: John Kramer or Kelly Drummond sprinG GOlf OutinG (212) 331-1800. Monday, May 14, 2012 LaTourette or South Shore Golf Courses Call: Jack Redden 212-245-7935 Wednesday, September 9, 2015 Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Wednesday, December Friday, January 9, 201512, 2012 Nineteenth Annual Scholarship Dinner Dance General Membership Meeting – 8:30 AM, General Membership MeetingpiCniC – 8:30 AM, MeetinGs – neW 7 PMMeMber – Russo’s on the Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay 2 PM, and 5 PM – HotelfaMily 2 PM, and 5 PM -- Hotel Trades Council Trades Council New MemberHoward Meetings Beach, are held atContact: the Hotel Trades Council Auditorium, saturday, July 28, 2012 Boulevard, Michael auditorium, 305 West 44th Street. auditorium, 305 West Pomona, 44th Street. 305 West 44th Street NY Gadaleta (212) 245-9649. Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Monday, May 11, 2015JOurnal aD DeaDline Wednesday, January May 2, 2012 Wednesday, 14, 2015 New Members Meeting – Begins promptly Local 94 Spring Golf Outing – 8July AM 31, – South tuesday, 2012 (New Members Meeting start promptly at 4 PM) General Membership Meeting – 8:30 AM, at 4(
[email protected]) PM – Hotel Trades Council auditorium, PleaseCourses, mail or e-mail ads to Lisa Gualtieri Wednesday, October 3, 2012 Shore and LaTourette Golf Staten 2 (New PM, and 5 PM – Hotel 305 West 44th Street. Members Meeting startTrades promptly Council at 4 PM) If you have questions please call Lisa at: 212.245.7040. Island. Contact: Jack Redden (212) 245-7935. auditorium, 305 West 44th Street. Chief’s MeetinG Wednesday, 11, 2015 Wednesday, February March 28, 2012 General Membership Meeting – 8:30 AM, 5 PM 2 United PM and 5 PM of – Hotel Federation TeachersTrades Council 52 Broadway 305 (Mezzanine) auditorium, West 44th Street.
All ads will be on white background paper Wednesday, October 14, 2015 (Note: the entire amount of your journal ad is tax deductible for federal tax purposes) Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 General Membership Meeting – 8:30 AM, fall GOlf OutinG Wednesday, December 9, 2015 2 PM, and 5 PM – HotelMonday, TradesOctober Council8, 2012 General Membership Meeting – 8:30 AM, auditorium, 305 West Pelham/Split 44th Street. Rock Golf Course, Bronx Call: Mike Gadaleta 212-245-9649 2 PM, and 5 PM – Hotel Trades Council Wednesday, June 3, 2015 auditorium, 305 West 44th Street. Wednesday, March 11, 2015 The Cutting Edge, the Newsletter of Local 94, 94A, New 94B, I.U.O.E., is produced the Union’s offices at 331-337 West 44th Street, Members Meeting –quarterly Begins at promptly General Membership Meeting – 8:30 AM, New York, NY 10036. Copies are sent free to Union Members. Editor: Thomas Costello Associate Editors: Pitta Bishop Del Giorno & Giblin, LLC at 4 PM – Hotel Trades Council auditorium, Be sure to visit the Local 94 website at 2 PM,|and 5 PM – Hotel Trades Council 20 THE CUTTING EDGE NEWSLETTER auditorium, 305 West 44th Street. www.local94.com for updates 305 West 44th Street.
