Hey NALC Branch 17 Members!

How's everyone fairing so far this summer??  Between the heat and now the smoke plus vacations, Prime Days, it's been a summer indeed so far!  I hope everyone is having a chance to enjoy some of the summer!

Our next meeting is September 1st.  With vacations and hectic summer schedules, the meetings of July and August are suspended.  

Let's get this update out of the way... no news on the Climate study done last February 2025!!! Ugh! Go figure!!!

Next, our Union clambake is coming up, August 16th!!  It will be held at McDonnell's Grove located in Greenfield Twp.  The address is 167 Petrilak Rd.  It is always a fun day getting together with retirees and fellow carriers! There will be breakfast starting at 9am.  Food throughout the day with clams usually served are 5pm.  Please let Jim Notariani at 570-947-6761 or a steward know by August 9th.  It is a whole $5 for members and $50 for non-members.  Hope everyone can make it!  Oh yeah, and there will be prizes throughout the day!

If you were unable to attend our Union outing at PNC Field to see the Railriders v. the Iron Pigs, you missed a great time!!  It was a great day, a fun time, good food, and a great time!!! Oh and the Railriders won!

Next, let's talk about the union.  I know alot of people complain about the union.  The local. The National.  It's disheartening sometimes.  I get it.  We don't always see results or change right away.  One day while I was on the road, I was behind a pick-up truck. There were stickers on the truck. I thought oh great probably political stickers that I did not agree with it.  They weren't.  The stickers said "This truck was bought with union wages" and another one that supported the Iron Workers Union.  My point is that maybe we don't always see quick results or get instant satisfaction.  Or maybe, we don't always get the answer we want.  BUT.... if it wasn't for all the past and present work that the union does, we wouldn't have what we kind of take for granted.  We wouldn't have the pay we have, or our homes, cars, vacations, or healthcare.  We wouldn't be able to give our families what they need or want.  The paid holidays, the vacation or sick leave wouldn't be there either.  There wouldn't be protection at work - just in case.  So maybe take a breather next time when things don't go your way at work because at least you know you have a union to back you up.

With that being said, I am including this from the last newsletter.... have you ever thought about how the National NALC Union reps can compete with the big corporate lobbyists?  They are able to fight for our jobs and our rights through the NALC Political Fund.  Just $5 a pay can help with keeping our jobs safe!  Check it out!  It is easy to sign up and can be set up as an automatic deduction from your pay.  Check it out on the National Union website.  

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 I forgot to mention this above, there are no results from the "lite" version of the climate study done either.  So, when I hear anything about the any of the results, you will as well.  It is always inquired about with no response.