UIFU Newsletter - Fall Edition

Brothers and Sisters,

As we move through fall and prepare for the year-end, there's much to celebrate and reflect on. The United Independent Fabricators Union continues to work diligently to represent and support our members, ensuring we fight for fairness, progress, and better working conditions. Here are some of the exciting updates and upcoming events.

Thanksgiving Turkey & Ham Drive – Help Us Give Back!

This Thanksgiving, the UIFU is thrilled to host our Thanksgiving Turkey & Ham Giveaway, aimed at providing our hardworking members and their families with a delicious holiday feast! To express our gratitude for your commitment and contributions, we want to ensure that every UIFU family has the chance to celebrate the season with a festive meal.

Distribution Details:

• Date: November 21st

• Time: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

• Location: UIFU Union Hall

  
  

Each UIFU member will be able to pick up a free turkey or ham, along with a selection of side dishes to complement your holiday meal. We encourage all members to bring their families along for a fun afternoon of community and celebration.

This event is our way of saying thank you for your hard work and dedication. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the spirit of Thanksgiving together as a union family. Don’t forget to bring your member ID for verification!

Together, let’s make this Thanksgiving a memorable one!

President Richard Pantone’s Leadership Continues to Shine

A round of applause for our union president, Richard Pantone, who has led us through another year of significant progress. Under his leadership, we’ve settled two more critical bargaining agreements this past quarter, improving wages and securing stronger benefits for fabricators across two major plants in Akron. His tireless dedication ensures that our members’ voices are heard loud and clear.

This success wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the negotiation team and the unwavering support from you—our members. Together, we are making real change.

College Scholarships Awarded!

We’re proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 UIFU College Scholarships! These scholarships help the children of our members pursue their academic dreams and build their futures. This year, we awarded five scholarships, each worth $1,000, to deserving students who have shown exceptional academic achievement and a commitment to their communities.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients! You are the future, and we are proud to be part of your journey.

Union Updates: Two New Agreements Finalized

We are excited to share that we have recently finalized two new agreements with manufacturers in Ohio, covering over 60 members. These contracts provide higher wages, better healthcare benefits, and expanded training opportunities. Our members can now take part in new skills workshops, ensuring that they remain competitive in an evolving job market.

Thank you to the negotiating committees for your determination and perseverance in securing these victories. This is a big win for our membership and reflects our continued commitment to raising the standard for all fabricators.

Training and Apprenticeship Program Update

UIFU’s Training and Apprenticeship Program continues to be a vital tool for developing the next generation of skilled fabricators. We’re happy to announce that we’ve added three new partner companies who will provide hands-on training and job placement assistance to those entering the field.

If you or someone you know is interested in expanding your skills or joining the apprenticeship program, now is the perfect time to sign up. Reach out to your local union office for details on how to apply.

Safety First Initiative Continues to Make an Impact

Our Safety First Initiative, launched earlier this year, is already making a difference. Through this program, we’ve seen a 20% reduction in workplace accidents across participating shops. This success is a testament to the importance of proper training and equipment. Remember, safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a way of life. Let’s all continue to stay vigilant and committed to maintaining safe work environments.

If you haven’t yet participated in the Safety Awareness Training, be sure to attend the next session. Check with your local rep for upcoming dates.

Upcoming Shop Stewards Meeting – November 15th

All shop stewards are reminded that our quarterly meeting will take place on November 15th. This is a critical opportunity to discuss the progress of our union, ongoing campaigns, and challenges in the workplace. Your leadership at the local level helps us stay strong and unified.

Holiday Toy Drive – Starts December 1st

The holidays are fast approaching, and we’re proud to once again host our annual Holiday Toy Drive. Starting December 1st, we’ll be collecting toys to donate to families in need within our community. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a huge difference. Drop-off boxes will be placed at union halls and participating workplaces.

Let’s come together to spread some joy this holiday season!

Final Thoughts

As always, the strength of our union lies in the solidarity of its members. Whether we’re fighting for fair contracts, providing scholarships to the next generation, or supporting each other through tough times, the UIFU remains committed to fighting for fairness. Let’s continue to move forward together, united and determined to ensure a better future for all fabricators.

If you have any questions or need more information on the topics discussed in this newsletter, don’t hesitate to reach out to the office or visit our website.

In solidarity,