We are working away on the 50^th anniversary for Local 2034. The committee is awaiting the logo design, and are preparing for the celebration. Any suggestions that you, the member may have is always welcome.

The rising cost of fuel is becoming a hard pill to swallow. Timely, the fact that crude oil is the highest ever, just in time for the hard working union members as they travel throughout the country. We have passed on the concern of travel costs to management. The pump price is affecting us all. We have been asked to change unit meeting times so it can be right after work and a location closer to the shop so they do not have to go home and come back, due to the high cost of fuel. Northern fuel prices have normally been higher than southern locations, in the neighborhood of eight to twelve cents per liter more, making members upset with the current dollar amount fixed to northern travel. It is time to bring the Northern Benefits Committee together again; we need to address this issue.

We wonder what is on the memberships mind for the upcoming contract negotiations. The “list” will be mailed out and the opportunity will be there for all to be involved. The Executive Board just completed their Collective Bargaining Training.

 Enjoy the summer; it is going to a very busy fall and winter.