masthead
Rotary check
Cindy Galvisky, president of the Granite City Rotary (second from right) presents a check for $18,000.00 to officers of USW Locals 68 (Jeff Evans, 2nd from left), 50 (Jason Chism, 3rd from left) and 1899 (Dan Simmons, center).  The funds were raised to support laid off Steelworkers during the idling of USS Granite City Works in December, 2008. The money will be administered by United Way under guidelines created by the USW officers in the three Locals.  Also shown in the photograph are Al Schuler, Gene Hudson, Rick Fancher , Granite City Mayor Ed Hagnauer, Ken Kohnen, and Missy Churchmanm.

Hot news for and about members

 

System Repair Testing

From the President

Brothers and Sisters,


At our Training committee meeting we discussed the Company's obligation  to provide the System Repair test. If you pass this test you will be qualified to be paid Labor grade 5 instead of the Labor grade 4 that Electricians make. Also if you pass this test you are eligible to bid to the Control Specialist job (separate LOP).


This test will be available to take sometime in February. The test consists of two parts. There is a written test and a hands test. The tests are hard but manageable if you prepare for them. I have a study guide that is available to help you prepare. Come to the next Union meeting or see your area griever for a copy of the study guide. Our next Union meeting is next Wednesday February 1st.


I have been trying to get a class together to help prepare our members for this test but have some hurdles I need to clear to get the class together. I still believe we'll get over these hurdles and get this class together.


I would suggest that anybody who is interested in the Control Specialist job or if you just want to take the System Repair test for the Labor grade 5 to sign up for this test this time. When I get the notice from the Company I'll email it out so you can sign up and you'll have the dates and times. The test should also be posted on your schedule bulletin board.


If you have any questions concerning this feel free to call me.

 

T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

For those who are interested I ordered extra Tee shirts which could be sold. Call me or let me know if you wish to buy a Tee Shirt. The Local passed a motion to sell the shirts for $10.00 each.  Click here to contact Jeff by email.
Thanks, (Jeff Evans)

 

Q3 Profit Sharing

Local 68 president, Jeff Evans, reports third quarter profit sharing is approximately  $2.00 per hour worked up to 40 hours/week. Based on a 12 week quarter that is about 480 hr x $2.00 per hr = $960.00.

 


 

2012 Bargaining Survey

Bargaining will begin at the beginning of 2012 for the current contract which expires September 1st 2012. In preparing for bargaining I want to get input from you the members. At the monthly Union meeting there will be a chance to discuss any issues brought up on the floor for the 2012 bargaining session. Please take some time to fill out the survey by http://www.68.comoj.com/ 

To obtain a user ID and password, please contact Jeff Evans or Jim Johnson.

 

 

Local 68 Supports Middle Class

USW Locals 68 and 1899 joined other private sector and public sector Local Unions in support of the American Middle Class that has decreased over the years as Union membership decreased.  See photos of the June 9 Rally by clicking here or going to our Photo Gallery page.

 

USW Celebrates 69 Years of Continuous Service

What is now the United Steel Workers (USW) celebrated its 69th anniversary May 22, 2011.  To read USW President Gerard's message on this occasion click here .

 

Link courtesy of USPA News Breaks

 

 

Washington Post Unveils Important Tax Graph

In an article by Ezra Klein the Washington Post revealed a graph showing how the income of the rich in this country has risen as dramatically as their tax rates have fallen.  Click here to read the story and see for yourself why you're paying more than your fair share taxes.

 

Link courtesy of USPA News Breaks

5/20/11

 

Another Republican Tries to Stamp Out Free Speech

Rep. Dan Webster (R-FL) angered his constituents by giving them the choice of being silent or leaving a recent town hall meeting.  Isn't it time to stand up for the working people and stop the Republican war on the middle class?  Click here to read the article and watch the video.

 

Link courtesy of USPA News Breaks

 

Republican Tea Party Employs Gestapo tactics

Youtube video shows GOP congressman Allen West surrounded by his hired guns at a Florida town hall meeting where the only person permitted to speak is Allen West.  When a small business owner speaks up Tea Party thugs remove him from the meeting.  This apparently is "GOP democracy" where you have to listen and are not permitted to speak.  View the video by clicking here.

Link courtesy of USPA News Breaks

 

 

Department of Labor joins 21st century

The US Department of Labor has provided a no cost smart phone application designed to help keep track of hours worked and pay.  Not yet rated by any Local 69 members, it is available for download by clicking here.

Link courtesy of USPA News Breaks

 

 

Another attack on American Workers

American Workers are also Voters, and Congress in now attacking your right to vote while disenfranchising minorities and the poor.  Read the details by clicking here.

 

Link courtesy of USPA News Breaks

 

 

"Right" to Work Laws

Republicans have been hard at work putting pubic service unions out of business in several traditionally labor friendly states.  Find out what "Right" to Work laws really mean for businesses, taxpayers, and the work force by clicking here.

 

 

Made in America?  NOT!

In a recent television appearance Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) stated that Apple iPhones and iPads are made in America.  Apple, A proud American company that was started in a garage and was built into a multimillion dollar company actually has those products manufactured in Taiwan by Foxconn, a company that  "gained notoriety last year when its overworked employees began committing a rash of suicides." Read the whole story by clicking here.

 

Links provided by USPA and ThinkProgress.org.  Quote by ThinkProgress.org

 

What's the Difference Between a Wisconsin Teacher and a Bailed-Out Corporate CEO?

Jon Stewart is one of America's favorite political satirists and his Daily Show program on cable is top rated.  In a recent segment, Jon took aim at Fox news reporting by comparing Fox's talking heads views on bailing out Wall street and unionized teachers in Wisconsin.  To read his comments and see some video covering this important topic click here.  (Link provided by USPA News Breaks )

 

 

What's Your Tax Rate?

Check you last pay stub to see what your tax rate is then compare that to Corporate America's tax rate that can bee seen by clicking here

 

 

 

Update to Local 68 officers and committees

To veiw the list of current Local 68 officers and committee members click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/18/10        From Randy Virgin, Contract Joint Efforts Coordinator, concerning PBGC

 

As members know the PBGC took control – or became the trustee of – our terminated National Steel Pension Plan in 2002.  As some time has passed since most of us have concerned ourselves with the PBGC, below is information regarding your PBGC Pension which may be helpful.  Click her to read more.

 

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LOCAL 68

was chartered in 1942 to serve the electrical trades workers at Granite City Steel Corporation in Granite City, IL.  Although the company has changed hands and names several times since then, LOCAL 68 has remained steadfast in its support of workers' needs, safety, and rights.

 

UNITED STEELWORKERS

USW is an international union that represents workers in manufacturing, mining, retail, and service work environments.  To find out more about UNITED STEELWORKERS, and to discover what a union can do for you, visit www.usw.org for more details.