From Robert Potter, Business Agent

Greeting Brothers and Sisters

I hope this letter finds you all healthy and safe. These truly are different times we’re living in. To all of you who have been affected by this terrible virus you have my greatest sympathy my family has had its own battles with it thankfully my brothers only had mild symptoms my sister in-laws father was not so lucky. We only expected the international to skip a month or two of monthly meetings I do not believe anybody could’ve expected anything like is. We currently have around 18 members out of work, the outlook for the winter looks typical for our local at this time of year with good work coming next year.

If you are currently off work and are looking to travel, I can put you to work in Pittsburgh on the large oil refinery project they have going. They are currently working 4/ 10’s and 2/ 8’s and paying $77 per day travel we have a handful of guys on the project. On a brighter note we had a very successful fall election cycle with the passing multiple School referendum which will put our members to work over the next few years. Madison Metro School district referendum was for $350 million dollars for plumbing, heating & cooling improvements in all four high schools a new elementary school just off Rimrock Road and the beltline.

Sauk Prairie referendum was for $65 million and we just this week received news we were successful keeping North American Mechanical Inc off the project with General Heating being awarded the project which will mean good work for our members over the next two years. In the Janesville School District, a $37 million dollar referendum replacing the boiler systems in multiple schools also in the Janesville area a $32 million dollar buildings referendum for Blackhawk Technical College building three new buildings at the central campus. Keeping in the Beloit Janesville area the Clinton School district also passed its referendum for $32 million dollar for a new school.

Great news on the $165 million dollar new Sun Prairie High School that was passed in the spring we were successful keeping North American Mechanical Inc off this project too General Heating was awarded the project which will mean a good amount of hours for our members over the next two years or more all these referendums took a lot work by us and the other building trades, our joint employment of Andy Jorgenson with the other mechanical trades is really paying off in union building trades retaining public work after the loss of prevailing wage.

On the casino front both projects in Beloit and Rockford are still a go unfortunately they are on hold for obvious reasons both look to be breaking in the spring / summer the Beloit Casino is a Ho-Chunk property totaling $550 million dollars it’s a 300 room hotel a 150,000 Sq foot gaming floor a 45,000 Sq foot food and beverage space also a 40,000 Sq foot waterpark and finally a 45,000 Sq foot convention / entertainment center. The Rockford Hard Rock casino is an estimated $315 million dollar 65,000 Sq foot gaming center, will come with a 1,500 slot machines 55 gaming table games and a 1,600-seat entertainment venue. The second phase of the planned casino project would eventually build a hotel.

The $300 million-dollar Haribo gummy bear factory coming to Pleasant Prairie phase one will include a 490,000 Sq foot three story production building with a warehouse and administrative offices. The Couture project is a $190 million-dollar 44 story luxury tower on the lakefront it will be a mixed-use development consisting of apartments, stores, restaurants, public park terraces and a station for the streetcar and bus rapid transit system. The Wisconsin Center convention center in downtown Milwaukee will undergo a $420 million dollar expansion work will begin mid 2021 and be ready for opening early 2024.

Just a reminder if you work in another local’s territory you MUST call their union hall and check in if you do not that local can and might bring you up on charges. Also, if you do not work in local 19’s territory at least one day during a given month you owe a $15-dollar per cap, this isn’t a local 19 rule this is an International Bylaw.

In closing I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Fraternally Yours,

Business Agent Robert Potter