FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT CRAIG A. PINKHAM

BROTHERS AND SISTERS,

The last year and a half has been a testament to the power of our collective strength as a Union. Thank you to every one of you for your hard work as an essential worker and as first responders throughout the entire pandemic. Keeping the power running and the lights on was especially critical during a point in time when many people were working from home while facing financial uncertainty that made a difficult situation even more challenging. Without you, the pandemic would have been a much darker time for our region.

I want to commend our membership’s dedication to following COVID-19 safety guidelines to ensure the safety of our coworkers and their families. With the Delta variant driving the continued spread of COVID-19, I strongly encourage all members to consult with your primary care physicians and seek guidance on being vaccinated and continue to follow the CDC’s protocols so that we can continue to keep our communities safe.

Some employers may require members to provide proof of vaccination if they choose not to wear masks on the job. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employers can ask employees if they have been vaccinated. Doing so is not a violation of HIPAA, which protects against the disclosure of personal medical information by a health care provider. As this pandemic continues and medical science evolves further develops, please keep an eye our website to stay updated.

While we remain vigilant during the evolving pandemic, Local 369 continues to advocate on behalf of our workers. We have started the process of negotiating three (3) new contracts with Sunbelt Rentals that expire on August 31, and recently led a very successful negotiation with Eversource Energy for a new 4-year collective bargaining agreement. Strong contracts and agreements allow Local 369 members to enjoy industry-leading wages, benefits, and safe working conditions at all work sites.

While I look forward to holding our September 12th membership meeting inside at our Union Hall, I’m dedicated to ensuring the safety of our membership. Masks will be required whether you are vaccinated or not. This will be our first indoor meeting since February 9, 2020. As we will be negotiating our 8th, 9th and 10th contracts in 2021, I look forward to discussing our new contracts on these fronts with you all soon. You can read more about our contract negotiations on page 8 of this edition.

I also want to congratulate the 16 winners of Local 369’s 2021 scholarships. We’re proud to award $10,000 to students from Local 369 families and help them achieve their educational aspirations and propel them on the path to accomplish their goals. Turn to page 10 of this issue to see the full list of winners.

On a similar note, I’m excited to announce that we plan to have Local 369’s Scholarship Golf Tournament at one golf course this year. We will announce the final plans at our September Membership meeting. The funds raised will benefit our scholarship fund to ensure that we can continue to provide an opportunity to members and their families each year. I look forward to seeing the Local 369 membership come together in support of this program.

As we mark our 75th anniversary as the Utility Workers Union of America, our UWUA Constitution Preamble reminds us that “we are dedicated to improving the lives of our members and their families and to enhancing the quality of life of our communities.” The flexibility and resilience each member of our union has demonstrated in the face of the pandemic has shown that together, we are unstoppable. This summer, we will continue to work hard to advocate for one another, support working families, and strengthen the collective power of our Union.

Remember, it is never about the money…...because it is ALWAYS about the money!

In Solidarity,

Craig A. Pinkham

President UWUA Local 369