FUELING PROGRESS: YOUR UNION, YOUR VOICE
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
FEBRUARY 2024 ​ISSUE 1
LEVI WITT
NICK VASKNETZ
After winning the Local, State, and Regional contests, Levi and Nick represented Local 525 and the JATC at the National Apprentice Competition in Ann Arbor last August. They showed the country what Local 525 has to offer for training. We could not be more proud!
UNION MEETING NIGHTS
FEBRUARY 9, 2024
FEBRUARY 23, 2024
7pm
PRESIDENTS PODIUM
Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
I’d like to start off with thanking the membership for re-electing me as President of Local 525. I’d also like to say what an honor it has been serving alongside such great Brothers like Matt Lydon and Justin Eighmy. When you all look at your paychecks they reflect the efforts of putting the members first with the highest pay increase this local has ever seen.
Now let’s look at what the future holds. My opinion is it’s very bright. I’ve already got to see first hand our new manager and agent's hard at work bringing themselves up to speed to serve the membership. With every humbling experience it has just fueled the fire in their bellies to become better at their positions. We’re also seeing positive movement with the women’s committees leadership! I’ve appointed Chelsea Raduziner as Chairman and Nichelle Prock as Co-Chair. All women members are welcomed and encouraged to participate. Just a great vibe in the Local from retirees to apprentices.
If you attended our last meeting you seen a great financial report from newly elected Financial Secretary Jonny Whalen. He has also hit the road running with learning our finances. He has also started working on budgets and trends to better serve our community. Speaking of community The Community Outreach is branching out with holding a Saturday morning 525 community breakfast twice a month. Our hope is to reach out to Brothers and Sisters going through the challenges of life that the local sees from time to time. Yes Brothers and Sisters the future looks bright. I’m very proud of all accomplishments over the last 30 plus years and I truly believe that we have a great group of officers excited to serve the members!
Always Fraternal,
Eric Rubeck
MEET YOUR NEW EBOARD
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jason Anderson, Domanikk Boyd, Joe Esquivel(VP),
Rich Lee, Eric Rubeck Jr.
I’m honored to get the chance to serve the membership as an Officer. I turned out in 2022 with perfect attendance, I also received the Ralph Alsup Award. I’m actively serving as the Steward on the BLVD Mall Project. I'm prepared to carry out my civil duties as an officer and to represent this great union with the integrity and respect that it deserves.
Fraternally, Jason Anderson
It is an honor to be elected and apart of this Great Executive Board. During my apprenticeship, I received the perfect attendance award. I plan on carrying that same work ethic serving the members as an officer. You can count on that. I campaigned on bringing unity, fairness, and opportunity to the membership and that will be at the forefront of my decision-making.
Fraternally, Domanikk “D-BO” Boyd
It will truly be an honor to work alongside the new board members and vice president. I am committed to upholding our organization's bylaws, constitution, and the time-honored traditions set forth by our esteemed predecessors. Together, let us strive to make a positive impact and further the goals of our members and community.
Fraternally, Rich Lee
I would like to thank the body for electing me to serve on the Executive Board. I completed the apprenticeship in 2021 with perfect attendance and was also a recipient of the Ralph Alsup Award. I’m excited to serve the members and be on the E-Board while getting a front seat to the growth and success of the Local.
Fraternally, Eric Rubeck Jr
EASTER EGG HUNT
MARCH 23, 2024
11am
EBOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 2024
5pm
FEBRUARY 21, 2024
5pm
APPRENTICE
MEETING
FEBRUARY 23, 2024
5pm
JATC NEWS
UPCOMING CLASSES
VRF Installation
M/W 2/12/24 - 4/3/24
T/T 2/13/24 - 4/4/24
4:30pm-7:30pm
Weld Shop
Mon-Thur
12:00pm-7:30pm
Business Start-up
2/13/24
4:30pm-7:30pm
VRF Installation Class
Be at the forefront of innovation!
Stay ahead in the industry by mastering the technology that's replacing outdated systems. If we are not ahead of technology and training, we are falling behind. Other trades will jump all over our scope if we show weakness.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority has banned evaporative cooling in new commercial buildings because the systems are one of largest consumers of water in Clark County. The ban went into effect September 25, 2023 but does not apply to businesses that applied for building permits before then. Instead of evaporative cooling systems, which use a steady stream of water and a fan to blast cool air throughout buildings, new structures will use air conditioning units with a recirculating refrigerant.
Sign up at the JATC to:
- Gain technical knowledge of highly complex VRF system components.
- Receive training that is tailored to help you meet the demands of future work.
- Learn how to lay out, install and service VRF systems to ensure quality work.
- Overview of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system technology, theory, and operation.
PAC NEWS
Jennifer Atlas (Candidate for Nevada State Senate District 5), Crystal Naegle (HVAC Assistant Coordinator), Venise Karris (Retired IBEW, Candidate for Nevada Assembly District 10)
Cinthia Moore (Candidate for Nevada Assembly, District 11), Crystal Naegle (HVAC Assistant Coordinator)
Every year, the Political Action Committee compiles a list of candidates that support the Building Trades Unions and ask that it be used as a guide when voting. The goal is to build the political strength of the United Association and use that strength to secure more work.
Many candidates ask to participate in our endorsement process. We start with a tour of our training facility to give them a better understanding of the trade and the role we play in the community. Then we discuss the importance of project labor agreements, apprentice utilization, and other legislative priorities. We base our endorsement on their responses as well as multiple other factors. If you see a candidate taking a tour, please feel free to introduce yourself. Candidates always appreciate meeting members.
Local 525 is an affiliate of the Southern Nevada Central Labor Council (CLC) and the Southern Nevada Building Trades Unions, and both organizations conduct candidate interviews. We participate in those interviews to meet candidates and listen to input from other Unions. The CLC interviews are an excellent opportunity for members to learn about the endorsement process, and everyone is welcome to participate. Please contact the PAC if you’re interested.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The COC will begin hosting Saturday Fellowship Breakfast on the Saturday morning at 8am after the Union Meeting with the first taking place 2/24/24 . Just to break bread and support each other in whatever capacity is needed.
In the month of January, the Community Outreach Committee met on January 5th to make a plan for the new year. Some of the topics discussed were:
- Fundraising to help support the members unable to work because of injury
- COC pins
- Cookouts
- Pay It Forward Program
- Raffles
- Assisting our traveling apprentices with gas money to get to the job
- How to promote the Community Outreach Program so all members know that there is assistance available
In the month of December, we were able to help 6 members with keeping their self-pay/insurance paid up to date.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact the Union Hall or a member of the COC.
Another service available to members in good standing is ULAN. They can help with rental or utility assistance at ULAN.org
SUICIDE/CRISIS HOTLINE
HELP IS AVAILABLE 24/7
DIAL 988
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
702-598-1888
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
800-934-1582
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
888-442-2110
SATURDAY FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST
2/24/24
8AM
COC MEMBERS
CHANCE ALBIN
RYAN LITSTER
EVELYN PACHECO
AUSTIN PECK
WARREN PETERS
ERIC RUBECK
TINA RUSSELL
JONNY WHALEN
JENNY WITT
DAVE WOOD
HEALTH AND WELFARE NEWS
Effective 1/1/2024 Local 525 transitioned to The Highmark Pharmacy Program.
There are a few ways to connect with Highmark:
Customer Service: 866-431-2551
Online: myhighmark.com
App (IOS & Android): My Highmark App
Assistance Registering: 877-298-3918
On the website and app, you can access your virtual member ID card, manage your costs and claims, and search for care.
Scan the QR code to
Download the App
ORGANIZING DEPARTMENT
The Organizers took some time to assist the JATC in getting a new temporary boiler piped and running in time for a new boiler start up and service class to start
Growing the membership for Local 525 Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, & Service Technicians requires a strategic approach:
- Community Engagement
- Organize Job Fairs to showcase the career opportunities available through union membership.
- Online Presence
- Networking
- Collaborate with local Vocation schools and Colleges to promote careers in Plumbing, Pipe Fitting & HVAC/R.
- Most of all, invest in your membership!
NEW CONTRACTOR ALERT
We would like to welcome Gordon Mechanical to the roster of contractors that are signatory with Local 525. Gordon Mechanical is also signatory with Local 675 Hawaii. Gordon Mechanical was started by a Local 675 member and through its success in Hawaii they have decided to expand to the ninth island here in Las Vegas. They specialize in kitchen equipment and refrigeration piping.
IN MEMORIAM
Rest In Peace Brothers
Michael Weaver 1/1/24
Raymond Peterson 12/27/23
Edward Wagley 12/20/23
Thomas Sidebottom 12/14/23
Eric Smith 12/14/23
Justin Snyder 12/5/23
Donald Evetts 11/16/23
Daniel Jolley 10/26/23