Margret Titus is Local 545’s 2009 winner of the Jess M. Webb Memorial Scholarship. Margret will be attending Onondaga Community College in the Fall to take General Education classes. Margret is then planning to pursue a nursing career. Margret is the daughter of Gregory and Susan Titus of

Jamesville, N.Y.

 

 

Congratulations to Margret Titus

The 2009

JESS M. WEBB SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

             Throughout the Northeast work shortages

have been common but they are far worse on the

West Coast where our union brothers and sisters are

experiencing nearly 16.2% unemployment rates.

Many Locals that have experienced high unemployment

have sought work in our area.

             Unfortunately, we are all affected by this

economy and we have not been able to help other

Operating Engineers outside of our Local. However,

given the status of the economy we have been very

fortunate to have a number of good-sized projects

that are providing employment for many members.

These projects include ALCOA East Remediation,

MATES facility at Fort Drum, work at Cornell University

and the Onondaga Lake Cleanup PLA.

             My recent conversation with the New York State Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, indicated that a

number of stimulus projects are to be awarded next season. Mr. DiNapoli also agreed to consider the use of PLAs on projects that were of sufficient size to show cost savings for the taxpayers. We are hopeful that a PLA is considered for a number of the stimulus projects. Please contact your legislative representatives in

support of PLA agreements and remind them that PLA agreements ensure good wages and benefits, which is ultimately a better investment of taxpayer’s money.               

             Any members willing to participate or volunteer to help Stephanie Miner in the Syracuse Mayoral race are strongly encouraged to do so by contacting the Main Office at 492-1752. The Operating Engineers have a good working relationship with Stephanie and she will be an ally for working men and women and their families as the next mayor of Syracuse. A strong leader like Stephanie would have protected taxpayers and workers from the Destiny Project debacle. The citizens of Syracuse and Local 545 cannot afford to give developers free reign anymore. Please support Stephanie Miner for Mayor.            

             Finally, I would like to give a special thanks to all those who volunteered at the Annual Picnic where good food and good conversation was plentiful. Fortunately Mother nature gave us a dry day to make the Picnic a success!