Member-to-member communication is never more important than when we are involved in contract bargaining.

If you have questions during our upcoming contract negotiations, feel free to reach out to the CAT Team member on your floor or in your department.

Our CAT Team coordinator is R.J. Hufnagel, and the team includes Megan Condello, Steffi Domike, William Eakin, Don Faulkner, Carol Gehm, Carolyn Kazdin, Josh Keirsey, John Lepley, Paula McLuckie, Amber Miller, Barb Pugliese, Mollie Relihan, Eric Russell, Don Shaffer, Barb White Stack, Julie Stein, Christopher Taylor, Doug Ward, and Andy Zanaglio.

By now you no doubt are aware of how destructive so-called “right to work” laws are, not just for union members but for all workers. They result in lower wages, fewer benefits and more dangerous workplaces for all. For years, we have been able to keep these laws out of Pennsylvania.

Now, out-of-state interests are making a full-court press to eliminate public-sector workers’ ability to use payroll deduction to collect dues. By threatening our resources, those advancing these bills are undermining our ability to operate successful unions. We need unity to oppose this, or we’ll also be facing a “right to work” fight imminently.

Our first step of our work is to find out where lawmakers stand on the bills that will eliminate payroll deduction, House Bill 1507 and Senate Bill 1034. We need all USW members in Pennsylvania to contact your state legislators as soon as possible.

Find contact information for your State Senators and House members here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/

When You Call: Ask the lawmakers what their position is on House Bill 1507/Senate Bill 1034. Make sure to share your name, where you’re from and that you want them to oppose the bill and any similar legislation. The information on lawmakers’ positions is extremely important. Please share any information you receive with Bob McAuliffe, District 10 Rapid Response Coordinator, right away. Bob is reachable at 412-303-6235 or rmcauliffe@usw.org.

Thank you!

If you have had trouble using the Benny Visa card you received through your USW Health Reimbursement Account, you are not alone. Sentinel Benefits, which administers the program, has experienced computer glitches that have led to some cards being denied as “unauthorized.” If this happens to you, don’t worry – just hold on to any receipts for medical related expenses starting January 1, and you will be reimbursed when the situation is corrected.

USW Local 3657 members (both regular and excluded) who work at the International Headquarters in Pittsburgh are invited to join us for the annual Local 3657 Holiday Party on Thursday, December 5, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Lobby Conference Room.

Please RSVP by Friday, November 22, to Barb Pugliese or Lisa Nutter if you plan to attend.

Happy Holidays!

Local 3657 Members enjoyed the good weather, good food and good company on Saturday, September 14, at the local picnic at North Park.

Please check out this website launched today by the Workgroup for Safe Markets. It is a collection of groups united by common concern about hazardous chemicals in our homes, our bodies and our environment; and a common vision of a cleaner, healthier economy.

Visit www.safemarkets.org or the links below to find out more.

Why Chemicals Matter: http://www.safemarkets.org/why-chemicals-matter

Toxic Chemicals in Products: http://www.safemarkets.org/toxic-chemicals-in-products/overview

Finding Safer Products: http://www.safemarkets.org/finding-safer-products-simple-steps-to-protect-your-health-and-family

Summer is the season of bug bites, and bug repellents. Many Local 3657 members will be spending a lot of time outdoors with their families and might be surprised to learn that both the bugs and the repellants you use can pose risks for you and your children. The Environmental Working Group, the nation’s leading environmental health research and advocacy organization, recently released a report that can help you decide what repellant is right for you. Click here to read more.