Page 2 - NYCDCC The Carpenter, Spring/Summer 2020

A LETTER FROM OUR
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY-TREASURER

JOSEPH GEIGER

T his issue of The Carpenter Thank you again to the members who
worked during this difficult time.
comes during a time previously
thought unimaginable. As I write
Equally important are those who stayed
this, construction projects have home to help flatten the curve. We
just begun to re-open after being shuttered depended on each one of you, and you
due to COVID-19. There is not an inch of all contributed in different ways.
space across the country and the world
that COVID-19 hasn’t touched. I want to As of June 30, 2019, the Welfare Fund
acknowledge how difficult these times had over 25 months’ worth of reserves This made it so all members who are
have been for all of you. It saddens me to and it has maintained that level since May currently eligible for NYCDCC Welfare
report that we lost some fine carpenters 31, 2020. The Pension Fund also never Fund coverage will be credited with
over the past few months. They are gone dropped below 95 percent funded. It was 250 hours so that they may continue
but will not be forgotten. Our thoughts through careful planning and preparation their coverage through the third quarter.
and prayers go out to the members and that we can come out on the other side We put forth every effort to ensure
their families who we have lost. This is of this mostly unscathed. No one could no member was at risk for suspension
why it is still more important than ever to have predicted a pandemic, just like no one and loss of benefits because of the
maintain safety standards and protocols. could have predicted 9/11 or Hurricane hardship caused by this pandemic.
I must also give my thanks and sincere Sandy, but this illustrates the importance
appreciation to our members who served of making difficult, sometimes unpopular, Finally, I must announce that our Annual
as essential workers. During a time with financial decisions so that we have healthy Charity Golf Tournament for Jared Allen’s
so much fear and anxiety, you rose to the funds for when the unthinkable happens. Homes for Wounded Warriors (JAH4WW)
challenge, despite the risk to yourself and has been canceled for this year. Over the
your loved ones, to help your community. Unfortunately, we did have to enact last five years, and with the generosity
Your dedication makes me proud to be a several cost-saving measures, such as of contractors and individual donors, we
union carpenter. As quarantine restrictions furloughing administrative staff from the have raised over $1 million dollars for
start to lift and members start to go back Council, Benefit Funds, Training Center, JAH4WW. We may not be able to make
to work, I see a bright future ahead of us and the Carpenter Contractor Alliance tee time this year, but we will be back next
as a Council, and that is largely due to our of Metropolitan New York (CCA Metro). year with even more vigor and enthusiasm!
unwavering and highly-trained membership. Additionally, all representatives and business I must also announce that our Annual
agents worked on a part-time schedule Softball Tournament and Family Picnic has
I am fortunate to share that during these of one week on and one week off. been cancelled, as well as the Labor Day
Parade. While it’s not ideal, we must follow
unprecedented times, we were able to react protocols as it pertains to large gatherings.
quickly as a Council and enact changes that The District Council and the Benefit Funds We want to ensure members and their
kept members working and eased financial established several relief measures to help families are protected and remain safe.
burdens. Never have we had to be so nimble ease the financial burden to protect the
to transition from an old norm to a new well-being of our members as well. We I know this has been said a lot, but we are
one quite so fast, but even during a time waived copayments and associated costs all in this together and your union is here
of loss we were able to find opportunities on COVID-19 testing and visits, second for you no matter what. Please reach out
for our membership. Our members quickly quarter dues were paid by CCA Metro to member services, your business agent
became essential, not only because of the for all active members in good standing, or shop steward if you have any questions
nature of our skill set, but also because of vacation payments were released early, about work, training, or benefits. Our
expertise, training, and reliability. Almost as and we made it easier for members to members are always our top priority. The
immediately as NYC became the epicenter access their individual retirement savings leadership will continue to do what’s best
of the pandemic, our members just as through Prudential, as well as permitted for our membership to ensure their safety
quickly became essential workers. We Coronavirus-related distributions up to and livelihood on and off the job site.
mobilized emergency construction teams $100,000. As an extra precaution, CCA
to build out desperately needed COVID-19 Metro purchased supplemental PPE. Most Fraternally,
units, patient care facilities, and temporary recently, we waived retiree premiums for
morgues. We also built plexiglass shields and three months beginning August 1, 2020.
modified ventilators.

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