June 1, 2021

TO ALL MEMBERS OF LOCAL #41, I.B.E.W.

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

This past year has been challenging for all of us.  Many of us have dealt with the effects COVID had on ourselves and our families.  Sadly, some of us have lost loved ones due to the pandemic.  I would like to express my deepest sympathy to those of you that have.  I hope that now we can begin to emerge from this terrible time in our lives.

As we start to see things open up again, I thought I would give you an update on what has taken place since my last mailing.  We have negotiated new contracts with Volland Electric, SE-MAR Electric, Niagara Transformer and NECA with the Inside Wireman’s and Motor Shop Agreements.  Work in our area has also picked up and we should have a good summer for employment.  Unfortunately, as far as our summer events are concerned, due to the uncertainty of the COVID situation and the fact that the venues were not allowing events to be scheduled, we do not have any events planned for this summer.  I hope that next summer we will be able to hold these events once again.

For those members who work under the referral system, the NECA/IBEW National Disease Emergency Response Agreement (NDERA) that took effect March 16, 2020, has been suspended.  To simplify the letter, it states that, “as of June 1, 2021, with respect to referral, all unemployed employees shall be subject solely to the local union’s referral process and rules, and contractors shall not be bound to the unemployment insurance claim provisions set forth in NDERA for any employee separated from employment on or after June 1, 2021.”  The suspension letter is posted on our website, www.ibewlocal41.com, along with other COVID related information and information pertaining to New York State Paid Sick Leave.

LOCAL #41 BLOOD DONOR PROGAM

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused critical blood shortages across the United States. Collections have plummeted because of the concerns about being out in the community. If you can help by donating blood, be sure to bring in your Blood Donation Receipt to receive a FREE baseball cap or $10.00 Philipps Bros. Gift Certificate. 

JUNE 1, 2021

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NEBF ONLINE BENEFITS PORTAL

You can register to get information online from the NEBF by going to NEBF.com.  If this is your first time using the portal, click “New User?” and provide the requested information.  Once you are registered, you can access your NEBF account, request a projection, and even apply for your NEBF pension.  You can also access your 1099-R forms, change your address with the NEBF, view plan documents and more.

VACATION ACCOUNT BALANCE REQUESTS

If you are withdrawing money from your Vacation Account at the credit union, please call the Local Union Office any time before 1:00 P.M. and your voucher form will be at the credit union by 2:30 P.M. that same day OR you can use the Credit Union App to check your balance!!  Then you can go to www.ibewlocal41.com, click on the “Vacation Withdrawal Request” tab, fill out all information needed, and your voucher will be processed and ready for pick up after 2:30 P.M. at the Credit Union.  No more waiting on hold while we check your balance for you!  The choice is yours. You must first contact the Credit Union to link your account!! 

Don’t forget, if you have recently moved, changed your phone number or need to update your beneficiary, please contact the Local Union Office.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the information provided, please feel free to contact me at the Local Union Office.  I hope that you and your families have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Fraternally,

Michael J. Gaiser

Business Manager

Financial Secretary