November 18, 2020
Local 265's Membership,
As we finally approach the end of 2020, I would like to take a few minutes and capture some of my thoughts of what we as a Union, a brother and sisterhood, an industry and a country have been through. In my 47 years on this earth and nearly 30 years of membership with Local 265, this year has been one to remember or maybe to forget… Our nation has been through a lot. The emotional turmoil of the political climate, the mistrust of leadership from the White House, the CDC and our State, fueled by social media rhetoric, has left many of us exhausted, frustrated and angry. Mix in a worldwide pandemic that has affected so many people we love, devastated many small businesses, and has changed what each of us have come to consider normal life.
I write this message to you today from my home. My wife, my son and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are all on the mend and I believe the worst is behind us. I believe, we as a country, are moving in the right direction but still have a way to go. We are hearing that there are two vaccines that are very close to becoming available. It is likely we will begin to see the positive effects of this vaccine over the next several months. Until then, it is imperative that each of us mitigate the spread of this disease by maintaining social distance, wear face coverings when around others and sanitize our hands frequently. We must all do our part to slow the spread and protect one another as we near the finish line of this pandemic.
I also believe we will begin to heal as a Nation. The fear and hatred we have seen in society, from all perspectives and political points of view is beginning to turn. Over the past several years we as a people, have been used, whipped up and pitted against one another. I understand that some may feel that Joe Biden may not have been the ideal candidate for President for our great country. However, I do believe that he was the best choice for our country at this moment in time. His political experience shows he works across the aisle, he may be the strongest Labor candidate our country has ever seen. In fact, he has already appointed more than two dozen labor leaders to his transition team, showing his commitment to Unions and the voice of the working class.
The holiday season is upon us. I want to wish each and every one of you the best possible Thanksgiving and Christmas. This holiday season may look different than those of past. Enjoy the time with your family and friends, remember those we have lost and have peace in the moment and the better days that are yet to come.
COVID-19
Yesterday, the State of Illinois announced new restrictions under tier 3 mitigation. Understanding the new restrictions, we will be making modifications within our physical building. Beginning Monday, November 23, the Union and the Benefit Funds office will have the majority of the staff working remote. We will have staff in the office every day, but we will be limiting the physical number of employees in each department. We worked in this fashion earlier in the year and do not anticipate this process negatively impacting the services we provide. Due to the remote workforce, our office hours will be temporarily modified to 7 am – 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The Education department will continue to be open; apprenticeship class will continue as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the State, IDPH and CDC guidelines during the coming weeks and will notify the membership as the situation evolves.
December 8, 2020 Union Meeting Information
Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, our union meeting on December 8, 2020 will be held virtually using ZOOM. If you have already attended one of our ZOOM meetings, you will receive the ZOOM registration link via email, to the email address you previously registered with.
If this is your first ZOOM meeting with us, you will need to complete the registration within our website prior to receiving the ZOOM registration link. This step is in place to maintain the security and integrity of our official membership meeting. First time registration can be completed by selecting this link: Register Now.
If you have any questions regarding this, please contact one of the Organizers; Matt G. (224-277-7303) or Brian D. (630-940-6159) for tech support.
Fraternally,
Business Manager/President
SMART Local 265