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FROM THE DESK OF LOCAL 601 UNION PRESIDENT NOEL CHRISTMAS
PSE&G A PROFITABLE 2009 & Projected Profitable 2010
Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to thank everyone who attended the Union meetings in January and February. The attendance was great. The solidarity in the room was a beautiful sight. It shows how far our union has come. PSEG announced their profits for 2009 and it was a whopping 1.6Billion. Shares increased from $2.34 cents to $3.14 cents. In addition the dividend was boosted for the shareholders at 3%. Next year's projections are $3.00 to $3.25 a share. What a pie for PSEG. Of course we want the company to be as successful as possible, and continue their success; Is it too much to ask to have your hard work recognized and appreciated? Now while we are pleased that the company is able to enjoy these immense profits, it is simply irreverent that they would now ask for you to give back what you have worked so hard for. After all, was it not your diligence that helped create these profits? How could a company, after reaping these rewards, then ask that you make more sacrifices and not have the opportunity to have your fair share of that pie? Stand up and stay solidified so you can get what you deserve! One Vein, One Bloodline, One family, One Union!!!!!!! Brothers and Sisters
Preparing for the new SAP system consists of extreme commitment from all members. The way we complete this transition can direct our path for the future.
In order for a Union to be successful you must have the following:1. A Union Heart 2. Solidarity of ALL MEMBERS 3. Members getting Involved 4. Solid Internal Infrastructure 5. Financial Stability
I would like to thank our political team of Eddie Collins, Felix Flores and Lee Herbert. We have gotten involved politically and now have many friends in the legislature that support us as we support them for standing up for the rights of working families.
In Closing I would like to mention that the love and passion I have for this Union is only driven by the love and passion of you The membership. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the truth by only a handful of members. There are some who complain that the Union does nothing for me. Obviously I beg to differ. You are the union, please dont be the person that just gripes but never attends a union meeting, never brings ideas to improve working conditions for the Union or your fellow Union Brother and Sister. When I started with this Union I also questioned on how things were done and decided upon. Instead of being complainer I realized the Union gave me a voice at work and bargained on my behalf on wages, benefits, pensions, disciplines etc. So I engaged myself on what I could do to help enhance the Union knowing that it could not only benefit me, it would benefit my future, my daughters future and the lives of my working family if I participated. ASK NOT WHAT YOUR UNION DOES FOR YOU. ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR UNION!!!!! We Take many things for granted that we must realize only exist because of the struggles labor movement!!!! 1. Paid Vacation 2. Paid Holidays (Labor Day) 3. Weekends Off 4. Paid Illness 5. Medical Benefits 6. Retirement Pensions 7. Retirement Medical Benefits 8. Negotiated discipline Policy 9. Grievance Procedures 10. 40 Hour Workweek 11. Overtime Pay 12. Shift and Night Premiums 13. Meal Expenses 14. Travel Expenses for training and meetings 15. Negotiated wage increases 16. Separation Pay 17. Maternity Leave 18. Family medical leave 19. Military Leave 20. Disability Benefits 21. Incapacitation 22. Promotional process 23. Health & Safety Practices
This list is endless. I know we dont get everything we want, but you must ask yourself, would any of the above (which many of us take so lightly) exist if it wasnt for the Labor Movement? What would happen if the following occurred at a Non Union Job?1. If you questioned a work assignment 2. If you disagreed with the Manager and questioned their decisions 3. If your manager just didnt like you, even though your work performance was exceptional. You get the picture The Answer is you would be fired. ALWAYS REMEMBER WE WILL GET THERE One Vein, One Bloodline, One Family, One Union Human Rights Advisor- Lee Herbert and Mike GarciaQFP Committee- Patricia Plantier, Edward Collins and Wayne ZarosPolitical Team- Edward Collins, Felix Flores, Lee Herbert
Thanks to all the Local Union Leaders from Chairman to Steward We all know you are the ones that make it happen from the beginning. A Special Thanks goes to my office assistant Pat Atkins for her dedication and her tenacious work ethic. In SolidarityNoel J. Christmas
BIO - Noel Christmas, UWUA Local 601 President
Noel is currently the President of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 601. Noel also serves as the Chairman of the New Jersey State Council of the Utility Workers Union of America, National Executive Board member of the Utility Workers Union of America, New Jersey State AFL-CIO Executive Board member, Board member of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey, Trustee of the American Labor Museum, Board member of the United Way, Industrial Union Council member and a member of A. Phillip Randolph. Noel is also a graduate of Rutgers University Union Leadership Academy.
Noel Christmas has served Local 601 with the utmost dedication and loyalty for over 22 years. He has served as Steward, Treasurer, Vice Chairman and Chairman in Garret Mountain. Noel also has served as Steward and Chairman in the Northern Inquiry Collection Center and as Steward and Vice Chairman in the Southern Inquiry Accounting Center. On the Executive level, Noel has served in the capacity of Trustee, 1st and 2nd Vice President and current Local 601 Union President, he has fought thousands of grievances on all levels encompassing all positions in our bargaining unit. Noel has recently graduated from the Rutgers University Union Leadership Academy.
Out of his beliefs and principles, NoeL's goal is to uplift the rights of working class families from sub-standard to middle class living with intensions of, one day, reaching upper middle class living for all members. He has fought this fight tirelessly so everyone in his scope of responsibility can provide a decent living for themselves and their family.
MY STATEMENT
Not only is it an Honor to be a part of the National Executive Board. It is an Honor to be part of a Board where its leadership attacks every issue, regardless of how menial the task with passion and intelligence. I plan on bringing creative and Innovative ideas that help steer the Vision of this National to improve the lives of working families. All leaders should keep a hands on approach with it members to understand their concerns. Organizing the unorganized and educating young members about the history and significance of organized labor are the core principles to a successful Union.
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