REGISTER AND VOTE!!!
A complete list of Montana AFL-CIO Endorsed Candidates is available on our website @ibew532.com. If you don’t have access, give us a call and we can send you a list. The major state offices are listed below:
U.S. Senate: Jon Tester
U.S. House of Reps.: Kim Gillan
Governor/Lt. Gov.: Steve Bullock/John Walsh
Secretary of State: Linda McCulloch
Attorney General: Pam Bucy
State Auditor: Monica Lindeen
Sup. Int. of Public Instr.: Denise Juneau
INTERNATIONAL DUES INCREASE Effective January 1, 2013:
Delegates to the 38th IBEW International Convention, which was conducted in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, during the week of September 19 through 23, 2011, approved several amendments to Article IX of the IBEW Constitution. Accordingly, effective January 1, 2013 there will be an increase of one dollar ($1.00) for the IBEW Pension Benefit Fund (PBF) contribution, which applies to “A” members only. There will be no change in the per capita that is paid to the general fund, and therefore, the rate for all “BA” members shall remain the same. The following rates will apply to the I.O. (International Office) portion of all monthly dues payments for January 2013, and thereafter:
A Members BA Members
Per Capita: $15.00 $15.00
Pension Fund $15.00 N/A
Total: $30.00 $15.00
In accordance with Article IX of the IBEW Constitution, $15 per month from each member will be deposited in the General Fund, and the additional amount paid by “A” members ($15/month) will be deposited into the IBEW Pension Benefit Fund.
These increases apply to the International portion of the dues only, there has been no change to the Local portion of the dues or assessments.
SOCIAL EVENTS:
BURGERS & BEERS… This monthly event has reached its budgeted dollar limit. If the membership wishes to continue having burgers and beers after the regular meeting during the warmer months, an additional expenditure will need approval from the members.
LOCAL 532 CHRISTMAS PARTY: The Executive Board of Local 532 has set a date for the Christmas Party to be December 14th from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. As always, food and a choice of beverages will be served along with holiday cheer! Spouses and significant others are welcome. Come by and celebrate the season with your fellow members.
NEW IDEAS FOR MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Local 532 is continuing to look for ways to improve membership participation and involvement. Do you want to have another “Chili Cookoff?” How about family day at “Geyser Park” or “Zoo Montana”? If you have any ideas, please contact the Local Union office. If you have anything you would like to see in the newsletter, i.e. classified ads, photos, comments, etc. please contact the local union office.
MEJATC UPGRADE CLASSES:
We have just received state approval for several classes and are in the process of putting together dates. Keep checking the website or call the hall.
FACEBOOK: We are still out there. You can find us at IBEW 532 so get on there and “LIKE” us!
LineCo TRUSTEES MEETING : (the following minutes were submitted to Local 532 in an email by Trustee, Michael Byrd, Bus. Mgr. LU 111)
The LINECO Trustees met on September 6th and 7th in Chicago.
We heard 21 Appeals cases.7 were work related cases. Please keep in mind if you claim anywhere along the way that your situation was work related LINECO WILL NOT pay the bills. Also make sure what your nurse or doctor writes on the admission form.
LINECO now stands at 19.3 months of surplus through July 2012 or $568,366,000.00 in assets.
We have 29,963 members.
The cost of coverage has risen:
- Medical is up 9%
- Dental is up 5%
- Disability is up 7.5%
There were 4.64 million man hours worked in July this helps offset the cost benefits.
The Trustees renewed the contract with Value Options for 3 more years at no cost increase to the fund.
We have put our prescription program out for bid and asking for proposals from vendors. Three have made the final review.
The Affordable Care Act has brought and is bringing a lot of changes. The Act is being viewed weekly to see how it will affect the LINECO membership. New updated Summary Plan Descriptions will be in the mail soon. Look for it and read what your benefit plan provides.
The Trustees have a great deal of concern over several issues:
Maternity C Sections costs are rising. The doctors believe women who use the prenatal program are more apt to have a normal delivery. So LINECO is going to offer these women a $250.00 baby care card for their participation in the prenatal program. Details will follow.
Child anesthesia costs are also rising: The Trustees moved the age from 4 years of age to 5 years of age to have anesthesia and added children from age 6 through age 12, the fund will split the costs with the member 50%/50% when the treatment is medically necessary. Details will follow.
The next trust meeting will be held on December 4th and 5th.
BIG BUCK CONTEST 2012
Open to all members in good standing, retired members and their immediate families. Entry fee is $20 per entrant, due at the hall by close of business on October 19, 2012. We will be paying out 3 places, whitetail or muley. Your contact person: 406-670-0597. See ibew532.com web page for details. Click on “Big Buck Contest 2012” link.
NEW ITEMS FOR SALE:
T-Shirts (womens and mens) – We will have these in by the time this newsletter hits your mailbox.
Hoodies are on order. A minimum number have been ordered to start so if you want one buy early.
Mag Levels – 5 different degrees on this one – $32
Tic Tracers – Local 532 engraved – $11
Griz Hats (Cats hats are sold out!) – $15
For Sale: 2000 Model 3555R 35’ Montana 5th Wheel
Super Clean, 3 Slides, Washer/Dryer, New Refrigerator, Separate Dinette, Queen Bed, Snap-on Vinyl Fabric Skirting, Stored for last 8 years, Complete Down to Linens and Dishes. Located in Roundup, MT. $22,000 OBO 406-670-4758.