News & Notes from Your Union
Volume 21 | May 10, 2019

THEN
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS JOIN THE UNION DURING SIGNING DAYS

At the direction of Executive Secretary-Treasurer John Raines, the Regional Council has embarked on a new Signing Day program designed to bring new members into our Union right out of high school. This program is designed to complement our Career Connections curriculum that teaches students basic skills of the Carpenter crafts and is sold to high schools at a discounted price. These Signing Days will be a strong recruitment tool that will help lower the average apprentice age and provide long-term growth to our membership and overall security to our pension plans. 

As a reminder, please take the opportunity to mentor newer members and encourage them to produce high quality work and to stay active in our union. For more information on a Signing Day in your area or to help us set one up in your area, please leave a message with any of our Local Union offices or contact your Business Representative.
MEMBERS CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO IN OMAHA AND ST. PAUL

Members in Omaha and St. Paul gathered to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this past weekend. In St. Paul, members walked in the West Side Cinco de Mayo parade. In Omaha, members walked in the city's parade then gathered at their Union Hall for a celebration with friends and family.
NOW
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

There's no shame in asking for help when life gets a little messy. If you are struggling, please know that help is available. There are many resources you can utilize, or please reach out to a friend, family member or colleague. Talking to someone can make a huge difference. 
NEXT
NEGOTIATIONS

The end of April saw the passage of multiple new contracts for members in Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota. Members secured solid wage and benefit increases in all areas. Tentative agreements can be found online at northcountrycarpenter.org .

Negotiations are still taking place in May. Negotiations for the Northern Minnesota Floor Coverers contract, the Nebraska Millwright Local 1463 contract and South Dakota Working and Industrial agreements will all wrap up by the end of the month.

STAY CONNECTED! We primarily communicate contract negotiation details with members through email and teleforums. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and you've given us permission to contact you so we can call with important contract information.
LOCAL OFFICER NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS BEGIN THIS MONTH

Local officer nominations begin this month with elections following in June. Be sure to attend your next Local meeting and be involved in the process!
UPCOMING COUNCIL EVENTS

OMAHA SIGNING DAY: Omaha, NE, Wednesday, May 15 - Contact Matt Scott (402-657-0579) for more information

EAU CLAIRE SIGNING DAY: Eau Claire, WI, Monday, May 20 - Contact Steve Mann (715-216-6607) for more information

ST. CLOUD SIGNING DAY: St. Cloud, MN, Tuesday, May 21 - Contact Ken Huling (320-249-3189) for more information

TWIN CITIES PRIDE PARADE: Minneapolis, MN, Sunday, June 23 - Contact Barb Pecks (651-341-4420) or email ncsrccmnsisters@gmail.com to find out how to participate in this parade.
If you have stories or local events to share, email us: info@ncsrcc.org 
North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters 
877-426-3729 | 651-379-0200 | info@ncsrcc.org | northcountrycarpenter.org