Pension Director Thomas Gallagher welcomes the approximately 900 pensioners to the February 10th luncheon.
The thirty-seventh retiree pension luncheon was held on February 10, 2017 at the Sheraton Hotel in New York City and was attended by approximately 900 retired members ranging in ages from 55 to 85. The amazing part though, the fact that it snowed 12 inches the day before and so many still managed to attend, which says volumes about the fortitude of our retired members.
The luncheon opened with the procession of the Trustees and special guests to the dais. Pension Director Thomas Gallagher welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Pension Committee Chairman Steven Lazzaro addressed the luncheon remarking on how the Pension Plan is in excellent condition at 81.4% funded and the Health and Welfare plan is also in excellent condition. He spoke of the interaction between the Employer Trustees and the Employee Trustees to assure the continued success of both plans.
John E. Marchell, President of Local 3 was the next speaker. He went into detail about new programs being offered to keep our union and its members at the forefront of our industry.
Senior Assistant Business Manager Raymond Melville spoke next about the employment situation and the new RE/RW divisions and the formation of the Veteran’s Club.
Assistant Business Managers Luis Restrepo and Elliot Hecht spoke about the divisions that they oversee, the employment picture and future employment opportunities.
Christopher Erikson Jr. spoke about his position as the Local 3 Young Workers Coordinator for the IBEW Third District and the need to develop leadership skills for the future.
Dr. Finkel, Chairman of the Joint Industry Board of the Electrical Industry spoke about the new training center opened in Long Island City for skills development and the many programs offered to our members.
Business Manager Christopher Erikson started his address off with his traditional “Say hello to the person sitting next to you.” He spoke about the work opportunities in our industry and how elections have å_consequences for all of us, pensions and welfare benefits in particular. He stressed the importance of remaining unified in our struggle to maintain our industry’s high standards and the right to retire in dignity.
Some of the many retirees who braved the weather to attend the luncheon.
