A Message from Business Manager Chris Erikson
I remember meeting a first-year apprentice a few years ago on a jobsite. I think it was his first week, and he had a question for his Business Manager. “When can I retire?” he asked me. Unbelievable! The kid was thinking ahead, and I got a kick out of that. He knew that he had a solid, hard-earned retirement in his future, and we should all be proud of that.
The fact is that I never gave my own retirement much thought until I actually got here. That’s not to say I haven’t thought about all of your retirements, though. It’s truly unbelievable what we as Local 3 members have: defined benefit pension plans with the JIB, the NEBF (which will increase considerably with the new NEIB supplement negotiated in the last agreement), and the IO pension. Additionally, there is your Annuity, 401(k), Social Security and, most importantly, your retiree medical plan.
Our pension plan first went into effect in 1941, and one contract later we started the medical/hospitalization program (PHBP). We have come a long way and continue to make improvements in each contract when we can, including bumps in the pension for our retirees. To our younger members, don't forget that it’s never been just about wages. You have a long career ahead of you. God willing, if we keep our Union strong, we will keep up the progress we have earned and enjoyed. As Harry Van Arsdale Jr. said, “Brothers and sisters, you’ve earned a living in retirement over your long careers. Enjoy it.” We all get there someday.
Keep the Union Strong.
