Dear Brothers and Sisters:
This past Saturday we had the opportunity to bring together Delegates, Business Representatives and staff of the newly formed Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council for a daylong gathering in Springfield, Illinois. It was the first chance since our merger in September to meet in person and get to better know the members of our vastly expanded Regional Council family. I’m happy to report the meeting exceeded all my expectations.
It was truly inspiring to hear from so many about the impressive hard work underway and continuing in all parts of our territory stretching from Illinois to Missouri to Kansas to eastern Iowa. Our cohesion was already apparent from the discussions I had with members throughout our entire jurisdiction.
As I told everyone in attendance, there is strength in numbers and this consolidation makes all of us stronger. We will never lose sight of the fact that everything we do is first, foremost and always about the 52,000 members we’re honored to represent to give you a powerful voice and unparalleled wages and benefits.
I was especially proud to introduce to our new Brothers and Sisters from Missouri, Kansas, and southern Illinois a valuable supplemental benefit package we receive as members of the Midwest Coalition of Labor. The Midwest Coalition of Labor is made up of several labor unions throughout the Midwest and through our negotiating power we’re able to provide members everything from free life and accidental insurance coverage, to free legal and tax preparation services, to steep retail discounts and auto loans. These benefits are only available to our active members, and we’re very proud to make them available to you. More information, including upcoming enrollment periods, will be coming at the beginning of the year.
We were also honored to have Illinois Governor JB Pritzker attend our meeting and wish us well on our new merger. Gov. Pritzker has been a strong ally to the labor movement during his time in office. He helped pass both the $45 Billion Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that will both save and create thousands of jobs for our members. We’ve built great relationships with the elected officials throughout our jurisdiction and our power and influence will only continue to grow.
I am confident that our merger will create more opportunities for our membership and that the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council will be a recognized leader throughout the Midwest. We are stronger together, smarter together and with this expanded network of experienced, dedicated union leaders, we now have the resources to serve our membership like never before.
Please enjoy this photo album from the meeting as well as this video featuring members from different regions talking about why they are excited about the merger. While we are strong alone, we are unstoppable together.
In solidarity,
Gary Perinar
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
