MESSAGE FROM BUSINESS MANAGER, SCOTT HOLLERUD

Spring outage season will be starting soon and it is going to be a busy one.  Mesabi, Ellendale, and Fraser Shipyard are already going.  We are going to indenture some new apprentices in February and some in March so there will be some new people on our jobs this spring.  Please take the time to help them and teach them. With Bill Polchow’s departure, Local 647 does not currently have an MSHA instructor.  We are in the process of getting some people trained to be instructors.  If you need an MSHA refresher you can do it online.  There is a link on our website.  Make sure you get a receipt to us so we can reimburse you for it.

 

Just a reminder that nominations for officer elections will be at the February meeting.  Delegate nominations for the July convention will be at the March meeting.  Ballots will be sent to all eligible members by mail.  Please update your address if needed.  When you receive the ballot, read the instructions, fill it out, and return it as soon as possible.

 

Luke Voigt is the new Assistant Business Manager for Northern MN.  He is also leading our new Business Development program.

 

On a sad note, retiree Robert “Bob” Peterson passed away at the age of 93 on January 29, 2026.  A celebration of life will be held on May 2, 2026 at Able Hearts CCC in Princeton.

 

Suicide is still an ongoing epidemic.  PLEASE check on your friends and family and ask how they are doing.  There is help available: 988 is the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline, MD live for Cigna is 800-235-7748, Boilermakers Substance treatment Program is 877-244-3572, Brightside Health is 415-360-3348.  You can also text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor.  Suicide is an epidemic within the Boilermakers as well as the construction industry.  We are losing too many brothers and sisters to suicide.

 

Please take the time and review your pay stubs to make sure everything is correct.  It is a lot easier to deal with issues right away rather than waiting.

 

Take care and work safe.