Vanessa James Foxe, chairman of the North Florida retiree chapter and others welcome fellow retirees to the 29th Florida Pension Luncheon.
The 29th Florida Pension Reunion å_Luncheon of the Electrical Industry of New York City was celebrated on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollyå_wood, Florida. The sky was clear and blue as our retirees made their way into the Great Hall of the hotel to spend some time with other Local 3 members and share memories of times well-spent in our industry.
Pension Director Thomas Gallagher, opened the luncheon at noon with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for all our members who passed on since our last gathering. He stressed the importance of all our members to be involved with the retiree chapters in Florida and New York. The Chapters are the conduit for members to receive correct information regarding their questions and concerns. He mentioned he is in contact with all twelve retiree chapters on a monthly basis, sharing information in a timely fashion. Why rely on rumors and hearsay when you can get the right information.
Mr. Stephen Gianotti, President of the New York Electrical Contractors Association and a member of the Pension Committee addressed the gathering concerning the status of the pension plan and the welfare plan. He commented on how fortunate we are to have an industry, where employer and employee representatives are so mindful of our plans continued success. He mentioned the new “state of the art” Medical Center in Queens N.Y., spoke about the new programs for Healthy Living being offered to our members. He touched on the fact that there are contract negotiations ongoing and all suggestions are welcome.
Mr. Raymond Melville was next, speaking about the state of the Electrical Industry. He described the different divisions of Local 3 and their present condition. He reported that the work situation in all divisions was improving. He reported on the new Residential Electrician and Residential Wireman divisions and their duties and functions, as they pertain to recovering work share in an area that we have been blocked out of for the past few years.
Dr. Gerald Finkel was next speaking about the Joint Industry Board’s role in the pension plan and the welfare plan. The JIB administers the plans negotiated between the employers and the Union. He mentioned the direct correlation between the hours worked and the condition of the plans. As the hours worked grow the plans become stronger, there is a direct relationship between market share and plan solvency. Dr. Finkel assured everyone the plans are in good shape and will remain that way looking into the future.Mr. Christopher Erikson was the last speaker of the day. He stressed the importance of the upcoming elections and how we should not get bogged down by one issue, whether it is guns, God, or gays. We should look at the whole political picture. He spoke of the corporate agenda and the conservative agenda taking over the airwaves and clouding the issues that matter to working people. He spoke about how the politicians are preying on the fears of the many to advance the agenda of the few. He impressed the importance of organizing the non-union workforce in order to increase the living conditions of all working people.
Thomas Gallagher
Director of Pension & Retirement Services
