Winter 2014 Hoister.pub - Operating Engineers Local 520

IUOE Local 520
Volume 6, Issue 111
Winter 2014
Levee
Project
CAHOKIA - DUPO IL
Inside this Issue...
Ron Kaempfe,
Business Manager
Per Capita Tax Increase
DUES INCREASE— Effective July 1, 2014
3
At the General Executive Board Winter Meeting the Board
voted to increase the Per Capita rate Twenty-Five Cents
($0.25) per month.
The following monthly dues rates went into effect
July 1, 2014 for Local 520 Operating Engineers.
Mark Johnson, President
Mike Parkinson,
Treasurer
520, 520A, 520R .............................................. $34.25
4
News & Events
Retiree Recognition
Job Sites
Health & Welfare
Training Department
520D ................................................................... $34.50
Retirees (low dues)......................................... $11.25
Please note: Union dues are due by the first of each
month. After that time, there will be a $1.50 late fee per
month.
Vern Parmley,
Financial Secretary
Chad Goldschmidt,
Recording-Corresponding
Secretary
520B, 520C ....................................................... $29.50
5
Schedule of Events
Member meetings take place at 7 PM on the second Friday
of each month. Specific dates for the next 4 months are as
follows:
6-7
8-11
Friday, January 9
Friday, February 13
Friday, March 13
11
Friday, April 10
Pin Presentation
Labor Day Parade & Picnic
Officers, Retirees and
Obituaries
12-13
14
Page 3
Ron Kaempfe,
Business Manager
Brothers and Sisters,
It seems like there is much to talk about since the last Hoister. I must start back at Labor Day. At 8:15 on that morning I was sticking
boxes of shirts back in the Tahoe and wondering what we would do with 300 lbs. of fish if the light rain continued and people didn’t come out.
By 8:45 those worries were over and we had one of our largest crowds of 520 members and families I can remember. Thanks to all of those
who made the parade route a “sea of orange” as our contractors’ equipment rolled down the streets. I also want to thank the contractors who
let employees bring equipment to the parade. The crew that assembled and dismantled the fish stand, the members who took care of frying the
fish and the ladies who did all of the work in the stand all deserve a big round of applause. I am proud to say that our bunch of people makes it
happen and look good doing it. Again, thanks to all who participated!
The week following Labor Day the phone started ringing for operators and we had our biggest dispatches of the year. We used an extras
list at times to help fill jobs. We were about 20 CCO Operators short of filling all the jobs at Wood River Refinery. The work went well at U.S.
Steel. Asphalt contractors and dirt contractors were calling for people. This continued till almost the end of October. It made for some good
man hours worked for both September and October.
The morning of October 18th, Local 520 Health and Welfare held our annual Health Fair at St. Joseph’s Hospital at Highland. Over 300
people attended and I’m sure there would have been more except a lot of people had to work that day. Dave and his staff at the Health and
Welfare office always do a great job of getting this lined up with the hospital staff so that a person can get in and out in no time at all.
The evening of October 18th brought us to Albert’s Convention Center in Belleville for Local 520’s annual Pin Presentation honoring members for their years of service. Approximately 50 members were able to attend, many bringing their spouses or sons or daughters. Our secretaries here at the hall worked on making arrangements, sending out the invites, taking the RSVPs and giving out directions so people made it
there. These ladies do so much for activities like this that I for sure want to thank them here for all they do.
November 4th was Election Day and I believe across the Nation voters showed their disfavor for our President, and here in the State of
Illinois voters showed their disfavor with what has happened in Springfield. The effects flooded all the way down to local elections with some
people that are our friends getting beat. Time will tell how this is going to affect Local 520 in the future. Whatever it is, we will have to deal
with it as best we can. To me the really disgusting thing is how much money is spent by both sides in these elections. When is there going to be
some kind of limit put on it? If you don’t contribute, will you be forgotten about? If things don’t change, one of these days Local 520 will have
to increase contributions to the PAC Fund in order to be in line with what other Locals in this state do.
My thanks go to all the Veterans of this great nation for their contributions in making this country what it is today. Every year someone
has to call and ask if we can trade the Veterans Day holiday for the day after Thanksgiving or the Friday of deer season. My answer is always a
firm “No, we here at Local 520 honor our veterans on Veterans Day!” They did not make any trades in what they did for us.
I have mentioned several times in meetings over the last couple of years that there were places requiring that your O.S.H.A. 10 card had to
be no more than three years old. The time is here. We had our first requirement of this for a CCO hand at Patoka Tank Farm. Almost everyone with the exception of new apprentices have O.S.H.A. cards that are over three years old. Please take the time this winter to update your
O.S.H.A. 10 card along with all the rest of your updates. It is only a matter of time till this will catch up with you.
May you and your families enjoy the upcoming Holidays to the fullest! Hope all who can will make it to the
December meeting Christmas Party.
If I or the staff at Local 520 can help you with any questions or concerns you may have about something,
please call.
Be safe on the job and at home.
Always,
Ron
“Employers and employees alike have learned that in union there is strength, that a coordination of
individual effort means an elimination of waste, a bettering of living conditions, and is in fact, the father of
prosperity.”
— Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-N.Y., 1929-1932), in address before the New York Women’s Trade
Union League, 6/8/1929
THE 520 HOISTER
Page 4
Mark Johnson,
President
Mike Parkinson,
Treasurer
Brothers and Sisters,
Brothers and Sisters,
The 2014 midterm elections are now behind us and I have
spent much of the last few weeks talking to labor leaders throughout
the Midwest about the results. We discussed how Operating Engineers in Southern Illinois and around the country need to adjust our
tactics to best promote our cause and ensure the voices of working
families are heard.
The third quarter hour report has rebounded nicely from
the dismal first quarter report. The actual hours reported nearly
double in the third quarter what was reported in the first quarter
to 400,200 hours. Much needed road repair provided a portion of
the rebound in hours. Both the Dynegy Plant in Baldwin and
PSEC had outages, providing good work hours. The Pinckneyville
Hospital started this summer and the Mt. Vernon High School
began site work early this fall.
While it was discouraging to lose so many friends of labor in
House and Senate races around the country, it was clear that when
our issues of jobs and wages were put on the ballot we won. Not
only did Illinois voters support an increase in the minimum wage,
voters in Arkansas, Alaska, South Dakota and Nebraska voted by
wide margins to support an increase in their state’s minimum wage as
well. These results are a direct reflection of voter disappointment in
this country’s ongoing economic recovery. Jobs are coming back, but
wages are not and middle class Americans find themselves still living
paycheck to paycheck.
It is time to educate our newly elected leaders on how to
improve these conditions for hard working Americans. There are
no better tools to do this than raising the minimum wage, preserving
and enforcing Davis Bacon laws, and protecting the collective bargaining rights of working people.
Another topic that came up in many of these conversations
was the large increase in the amount of money being spent on
political campaigns. For example, in 2010 there was about
$50 million spent in the race for Governor in Illinois. In the 2014
election that number rose to over $100 million. While this trend
is disturbing to me, it is the reality of the political environment in
which we live. The cost of promoting candidates that champion our
cause is rising and our political contributions are going to have to
follow suit.
In Solidarity,
Mark
Season’s Greetings
from all of us
at the
Local 520 Office
Projects on the horizon that could have a major impact on
work activity to the southeast region of Local 520’s jurisdiction
are the development of the fracking industry and the construction
of a new ethanol plant in Waltonville.
Many parts of the country from Pennsylvania to North
Dakota, down to Texas have experienced the boom in oil and gas
exploration process called fracking. Fracking—hydraulic fracturing, a drilling process that injects water, chemicals and sand at
high pressure into shale rock to unleash oil and gas. A Chicago
Tribune article recently stated that an arm of Illinois State
Government recently cleared the way for oil and gas drillers to
apply for permits to begin fracking in Illinois. The counties where
the activity is to take place are east of the counties that Local 520
has jurisdiction. The geographical proximity and close relations
with sister locals to our east, will assist members’ access to that
work. Allowing drillers to apply for permits is a long way from
the reality of jobs. Ongoing criticism by environmental groups
and industry groups could slow or even halt the further development of this industry. The nearly year-long process developing
regulations to govern the fracking process in Illinois has had its
critics on both sides. Although we won’t likely see any fracking
activity until next fall, the potential is great. The New Albany
shale in Southern Illinois has been compared to the Eagle Ford
shale in Texas, one of the hottest fracking areas of the country.
It is estimated that each well could bring in $725,000 in new tax
revenue, and provide many direct and indirect jobs.
Two grants have been awarded to the Village of Waltonville
to develop new infrastructure to support the proposed ethanol
plant there. Illinois Department of Transportation awarded
$2 million and U.S. Congressman Bill Enyart presented $1.9 million from the U.S Department of Commercial Economic Development Administration. Details of the proposed ethanol facility are
relatively quiet, but one has to think that kind of governmental
assistance that has been provided would help make this proposed
project a reality.
I hope everyone and their family has a joyous Holiday
Season!
Respectfully,
Michael Parkinson
Page 5
Chad Goldschmidt,
Vern Parmley,
Financial Secretary
RecordingCorresponding
Secretary
Brothers and Sisters,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope by now you are ready for winter. I also hope that
your summer and fall work season was good for you this year.
I hope everyone has had a good and prosperous summer.
Unfortunately, the fall has brought the ill effects of winter on us
quickly this year and are slowly taking its toll on our work. But, at
this time there still seems to be a steady stream of jobs coming
through dispatch. The majority of the jobs are usually 1-2 day jobs
with contractors trying to finish up things before the brunt of
winter hits.
Let’s take a look at some of the larger jobs in our jurisdiction for 2015, mainly in Fayette, Macoupin, Madison, and Marion
Counties.
Union Pacific Railroad Work: A proposed job letting of 24
miles Southwest of Carlinville, IL to East Alton, IL section of
work. Estimated cost of work is near $100 million. The contract
letting will be just after the first of the new year.

I’d like to give you an overview of some of the larger jobs in
my area that are scheduled to start in hopefully early spring.

Sangamo Construction: River dock piling and parking lot
expansion project starting soon. Proposed work start date
unknown at this time, but this job should go through December,
January and February, weather permitting.

After completing some preliminary work this October on the
sizable I-70 Kaskaskia Bridge project located in Vandalia,
Plocher Construction is expected to resume work in the
spring 2015.
U.S. Pipeline Work: Enbridge Luxcor – Pigging Cleaning of old
10 inch line. A pre-job was completed on November 4, 2014.
U.S. Pipeline has the contract of 110 miles of decommissioning
the old line. We have sent out a few operators already. This job
will be split between Local 520, Local 649 and Local 965. We are
hoping this Luxcor line project will go through the winter months
before the start of the new Sax 24” or 30” line installation. We
will keep you updated on anything new that we hear at the union
meetings and also in the Spring Hoister next year.

Howell Paving will also be starting work on the I-70 project
they were awarded this year. This project has started with
some patch work earlier this year. Howell will come in this
spring and finish by overlaying this stretch of highway with
asphalt.

Marathon Oil Co: Foltz Pipeline is well underway with Piping
and Installation of 4 new tanks at Patoka Tank Farm. It is estimated at well over 2 years of work on that one job. Foltz also has
the piping work at the new Enbridge Pumping Station at Patoka
Tank Farm.

Enbridge Pumping Station: Jones-Blythe Construction is
the General Contractor, Subcontractors are Kolb Excavating
with the site work and Foltz Welding has the piping. A rough
estimate of the contract is well over $10 million. We currently
have 3 operators on site as of November 15, 2014 and another
operator through the winter project completion of September,
2015.

Thank you for reading your Hoister. Also, I would like to
wish you and your families a very Happy Holiday season.
Respectfully,
Vern Parmley
Now I want to touch on a political note for a moment. After
the final results were read from the November 4th mid-term elections, organized labor friendly politicians took one on the chin to
say the least. Although our former governor was not the most
popular governor, he never had Organized Labor in his crosshairs.
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for our newly elected governor.
If any of you noticed, in Rauner’s early campaign ads he was
targeting the “union bosses”, PLA’s, and prevailing wage as something he wanted to “do away with”. Then a little further into his
campaign he was consulted that if he wants a chance in hell to win
in the gubernatorial race that he should probably try a different
approach in the union friendly state of Illinois. He did, he won and
now he’s our governor. Just because he stopped using our livelihoods (union bosses, PLA’s, prevailing wage, etc.) as campaigning
material, doesn’t mean he forgot us. You can draw your own
picture of Mr. Rauner if you like, but anyone that is against raising
the minimum wage and takes $27 million out of his own pocket to
win a political race isn’t thinking of the middle class, he thinks he
stands to gain something.
Finally, last but not least, if anyone has any questions or
concerns about anything in my area, please do not hesitate to
call me.
In solidarity,
Chad R. Goldschmidt
The right to join a union of one’s choice is unquestioned
today and is sanctioned and protected by law.
– President Harry S. Truman, 33rd President
of the United States, 1945–1953
THE 520 HOISTER
Page 6
WELCOME NEW
SIGNATORY CONTRACTORS
Deep Foundations
Terra Firma Stabilization
D.E. Martin Roofing
KBL, Inc.
SENDING M AIL
TO T H E H A L L
PLEASE BE SURE TO:
1. Add your return address
2. Add postage (if required)
3. change
Seal your
envelope!
and
smoke
alarm batteries!
A BIG THANK YOU to Pat and Ronna Jenne
and all those who volunteered their time
to help at the DuQuoin State Fair!
Operating Engineers Local 520
sponsored nine $50 VISA gift cards for the
daily drawings held at the labor pavilion booth.
Congratulations to all who won!
Have you recently been to a doctor that has told you that you are
on your road to some dangerous, and expensive, medical conditions
should you not get proactive with your health? Are you nervous to go to
your doctor because you know what you are going to hear? Do you
have a family history of medical conditions that you’re worried you’re
going to be diagnosed with? If you answered, “yes” to any of these, you
may be concerned with where to go next.
Obesity is an epidemic. It is the #1
preventable cause of death in the United
States. Weight loss should be the first
treatment plan for any newly diagnosed
diabetic, high blood pressure, heart disease,
arthritis, sleep apnea patient. Weight loss and changing lifestyle behaviors is the best route to getting healthier; not tacking on a medication
that you are unclear what the side effects may be for you.
There are so many weight loss programs available that you have
no clue where to start. PHYSICIAN’S CHOICE WELLNESS (PCW) is
a program that your physician would tell you has all the tools to not only
help you get to a healthier weight, but more importantly—help keep you
there. PCW is a nationally recognized, award-winning program that
Operating Engineers Local 520 has allowed to share its information on
how to help its members battle this chronic disease.
This is a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive healthcare team educated and trained to help you take back control of your health. Whether
it is education, accountability, or support—PCW has what you have
been searching for.
Your Coventry plan has guidelines in place to make this
program affordable for you and your adult dependents. Call
PHYSICIAN’S CHOICE WELLNESS to schedule your free, no
obligation informational session to hear what level we offer that
meets your needs. For more information call (314) 449-6464 or
visit our website at www.healthylifestyleweightloss.com.
Happy Anniversary!
Jack & Waunita Cohlmeyer of Salem, IL
55 years of marriage on September 19, 2014
Donald & Lois Dauksch of Bunker Hill, IL
55 years of marriage on September 19, 2014
Joseph & Rose Cicardi of Pinckneyville, IL
60 years of marriage on October 17, 2014
Reminder: Dues Increase Effective July 1, 2014
The following monthly dues rates went into effect July 1, 2014
for Local 520 Operating Engineers:
520, 520A, 520R ......................................................$34.25
520B, 520C................................................................$29.50
520D ...........................................................................$34.50
Retirees (low dues).................................................$11.25
Accounts have been adjusted to reflect the recent rate change.
If you have paid Union Dues in advance, please call the Hall to
check on the amount you may owe.
James & Patricia Grah of Rockwood, IL
60 years of marriage on October 30, 2014
Joseph & Gledith Chapman of Pinckneyville, IL
60 years of marriage on October 30, 2014
James & Mildred Chapman of Wood River, IL
50 years of marriage on November 22, 2014
Scott & Kathleen Raitt of Waterloo, IL
50 years of marriage on November 28, 2014
Gerald & Carolyn Wright of DuQuoin, IL
50 years of marriage on November 30, 2014
Morris and Betty Long of Jerseyville, IL
60 years of marriage on December 4, 2014
Page 7
October 2014
RETIREE
Henry Hurst — 4 years
JOB SITES
Left to right:
Jason Wright & Blake Wolff
Levee Project
Cahokia-Dupo IL
Left to right: Chase Vanuytven, Danny Kellerman, Gary Schicker
Gateway Commerce, Edwardsville IL
Donnie Knope, Northwest Mechanical, Inc.
Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, IL
Gary Schicker
Levee Project
Cahokia-Dupo IL
Page 8
THE 520 HOISTER
HEALTH & WELFARE, PENSION, ANNUITY, AND VACATION TRUST FUNDS’
BENEFIT REPORT
Administrative Manager – David Glastetter
As we approach the end of the year and celebrate the holiday season, on behalf of everyone in the Fund Office, I am pleased to have this opportunity
to wish you and your family all the best in the year 2015 and provide you with this update on matters relating to your Health and Welfare, Pension,
Annuity, and Vacation Funds.
HEALTH & WELFARE FUND:
The Health and Welfare Fund processed 27,117 claims (25,574 Medical, and 1,543 Optical) during the first 10 months of 2014 and paid out benefits, including
Humana Advantage Plan premiums, totaling $10,934,520.28 ($7,772,405.11 Medical, $924,402.88 Dental, $272,831.09 Optical, and $1,964,881.20 Humana Premiums) compared to $9,963,396.72 that was paid out during the first 10 months of 2013, an increase of $971,123.56 or 9.7%.
The Managed Pharmacy Program, administered by CVS/Caremark, processed 26,859 prescriptions during the first 10 months of 2014 at a cost of $1,325,357.77
compared to 44,948 prescriptions filled during the first 10 months of 2013 at a cost of $2,174,672.39, a decrease of $1,849,314.62 or 39%, due to the fact that
prescription drug coverage for Medicare-eligible participants was transitioned to Humana effective January 1, 2014. Also, the prescription drug benefit limit was
removed effective January 1, 2014, in accordance with the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
As of September 30, 2014, the Health & Welfare Fund had total assets of $29,669,650.65 compared to $30,109,495.91 as of September 30, 2013, a decrease of
$439,845.26 or 1.5% during that 12-month period. As of December 31, 2013, the Health & Welfare Fund had a Reserve Bank liability of $11.2 million, covering
656 individuals. As of November 1, 2014, the Health & Welfare Fund was providing coverage to 1,371 families (743 Active, 460 Retirees, and 168 Widows)
representing 3,111 individuals.
ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR:
The 15th annual Health Fair was held on October 18, 2014, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, IL. Over 350 individuals participated in the Health Fair and we
want to thank all of those who attended. The Trustees of the Health & Welfare Fund feel these types of blood tests, flu shots, and health screenings can be
extremely important in the prevention and early detection of potentially serious medical problems. We want to thank the staff and volunteers at St. Joseph’s
Hospital for all of their hard work in preparing for and hosting this event in their impressive medical facility. A special thanks also to the representatives of
Crown Vision, Delta Dental, Coventry Health Care, Humana, Great West Retirement Services, and Investment Consulting Services (ICS) for giving up part of
their weekend to participate in our Health Fair and helping to make it a success.
HUMANA MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN:
After much discussion and consideration these past few months, and after taking into account the concerns expressed by many of our Medicare covered participants, the Health and Welfare Fund Board of Trustees has made the decision to cancel the medical coverage portion of the Humana Medicare Advantage Plan
effective January 1, 2015. Please note, your prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D will continue to be insured through Humana, with the same copayment amounts that were in effect during 2014. You will receive a new Humana prescription drug I.D. Card during December 2014. Please be sure to keep
your current Humana medical/prescription drug card through December 31, 2014. We have decided to insure the prescription drug benefit through Humana in
order to have the least disruption in terms of prescriptions that may be on file and to continue to place a limit on the liability of the Health and Welfare Fund for
prescription drug expenses for calendar year 2015.
Therefore, effective January 1, 2015, your medical expenses will once again have traditional Medicare Parts A and B as the primary payer and the Local 520
Health and Welfare Fund will provide secondary coverage, as was the case prior to calendar year 2014. You will no longer use the Humana I.D. card that you
currently have when you receive medical services on or after January 1, 2015, and you will receive a new I.D. card from the Fund Office to be used when you
receive medical or optical services on or after January 1, 2015, so the providers may bill the Health and Welfare Fund as your secondary coverage.
If you agree with this decision to return your coverage to traditional Medicare with the Local 520 Health and Welfare Plan processing your medical claims as the
secondary payer, and Humana providing your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you do not need to take any action. If you decide not to continue in
the Fund’s offering, you may be eligible to enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan in your geographic area, or you may choose to go back to original Medicare
and elect your own Medicare Supplement plan. You can obtain information about the Medicare Program and Medicare health plans by visiting
www.medicare.gov on the web or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. If you decide to drop coverage for any reason, you MUST notify the Fund Office in writing
no later than December 1, 2014, that you are dropping coverage as of January 1, 2015. This is required so that deductions from your pension payment for
self-payments (if applicable) can be stopped. Please remember, once you terminate retiree coverage from the Health and Welfare Fund, you may not purchase
coverage from the Fund in the future.
The Trustees, the Fund Office, and Humana will make every effort to ensure this transition on January 1, 2015, is as smooth as possible. Please call the Fund
Office if you have any questions.
Reimbursement of Excess Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
On July 30, 2014, the Fund Office mailed payments totaling $139,235.77 to 451 Medicare-eligible retirees and widows, as reimbursement for excess deductibles
and out-of-pocket maximum expenses that those individuals incurred for medical services received during the period June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014. This
Page 9
payment was authorized and directed by the Board of Trustees to make sure that no one individual incurred a 12-month (6/13-5/14) deductible of more than
$500 or an out-of-pocket expense of more than $2,000 for that same period, as a result of the transition to the Humana Medicare Advantage plan on January 1,
2014. The Trustees and those of us in the Fund Office want to express our appreciation to those of you who waited patiently for this reimbursement, but it
was necessary to wait until Humana had processed the claims for medical services received through May 31, 2014, before the final accounting could be completed in order to determine the correct amount of the reimbursement.
The Board of Trustees have authorized a similar review and reimbursement program related to excess deductibles and out-of-pocket maximum expenses incurred for medical services received during the period June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015, for those Medicare-eligible participants that exceed the plan limits,
after the transition back to original Medicare on January 1, 2015.
WORKER’S COMPENSATION MATTERS:
No benefits are payable under the Plan for any expense covered by a Worker’s Compensation Act or similar legislation or any injury arising out of or in the
course of any employment for wage or profit. Once you file a Claim Form with the Fund Office indicating your condition is the result of a work-related accident or injury, the Health & Welfare Fund will not be in a position to consider any related medical expenses. Should your Worker’s Compensation Claim be
denied, you must file an Appeal with the Industrial Commission for a final determination. If your claim is found not to be work-related, then the Health & Welfare Fund will be in a position to re-evaluate the submitted medical expenses.
THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY MATTERS:
The Health & Welfare Fund will be the secondary payer in those situations where the injury or illness of a covered individual (member or dependent) is the
result of a negligent or wrongful act by a third party (automobile accident, etc.) who is primarily responsible for the payment of medical expenses incurred by
that covered individual. Once you notify the Fund Office your condition is the result of an injury or illness caused by a liable third party, the Health & Welfare
Fund will not be in a position to consider any related medical expenses for payment until the responsible third party or their insurer has paid up to the maximum limit of their liability in the matter. You should promptly notify the Fund Office of the name, address, and phone number of the responsible third party,
attorneys, and insurance companies involved in such matters, as well as keeping us informed when legal action is instituted and the progress of that legal action.
The Health & Welfare Fund, at your request, will notify medical providers that the Fund will be in a position to process all eligible claims in accordance with
Plan Provisions after the maximum amount has been paid by the liable third party.
PENSION FUND:
As of September 30, 2014, the Pension Fund had total assets of $173,557,771.54 compared to $161,670,700.42, an increase of $11,887,071.12 or 7.4% during
that 12-month period. The Pension Fund is currently paying benefits to 868 Retirees or their surviving beneficiaries, such payments totaling $10.25 million
during the first 10 months of 2014 or slightly more than $1 million per month at the present time. Thus far during 2014, we have had 18 members retire, after
having had 63 members retire during calendar year 2013.
If you plan to retire in the near future, you may want to contact me to request a draft of your Pension
Quotation detailing the various benefit options that will be available to you at the time of your retirement. When you file your application for pension benefits, you will need to provide a copy of your
birth certificate, your spouse’s birth certificate, and a copy of your marriage license, if applicable, in
order for us to process your retirement papers. Once you make your benefit selection and begin receiving payments, you are not permitted to change your pension option. Pension payments are made
on the first day of each month, for that month, either by Direct Deposit or check. Currently 68% of
the pension payments are being made by direct deposit, which reduces the amount of clerical work and
eliminates concerns about timely mail delivery. If you need a Direct Deposit Authorization Form to
initiate direct deposit or notify us of a change in your bank account information, please contact the
Fund Office. As of January 1, 2014, the Pension Fund has a Funded Percentage of 91.4% and is classified in the “Green Zone” under the Pension Protection Act
of 2006 (PPA). Based on the current contribution rate and actuarial assumptions, the Pension Plan is projected to attain a Funded Percentage of 100% during
the year 2016 or 2017.
ANNUITY FUND:
The Annuity Fund assets continue to grow at a steady rate. As of September 30, 2014, the market value of Plan assets was $128,008,974.16 compared to
$117,532,976.69 as of September 30, 2013, an increase of $10,475,997.47 or 8.9% during that 12-month period. We have listed below the Year-to-Date,
1-Year, 5-Year, and 10-Year average returns as of 10/31/2014, for the 23 Mutual Fund and one Stable Value Fund selections that are currently available to you
under the daily valuation investment program:
Fund Name
1-Year
Return
5-Year Average
Return
10-Year/Since
/ŶĐĞƉƟŽŶ
Avg. Return
Year-to-Date
Return
as of 10/31/14
ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶŽĨ
Investments
&ĞĚĞƌĂƚĞĚĂƉŝƚĂůWƌĞƐĞƌǀ ĂƟŽŶ;zͿ
.97%
1.94%
3.04%
.80%
25.54%
Federated U.S. Gov’t: 2-5 Years (Svc.)
.43%
1.45%
2.99%
.77%
2.34%
1.83%
3.60%
4.46%
3.84%
1.09%
T. Rowe Price U.S. Treasury Intermediate
continued —
THE 520 HOISTER
Page 10
1-Year
Return
Fund Name
Dodge & Cox Income
5-Year Average
Return
10-Year/Since
/ŶĐĞƉƟŽŶ
Avg. Return
Year-to-Date
Return
as of 10/31/14
ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶŽĨ
Investments
5.28%
5.34%
5.32%
5.24%
2.02%
Dodge & Cox Balanced
12.28%
13.69%
7.23%
7.08%
4.12%
Vanguard Small Cap Index (Admiral Shares)
10.79%
18.91%
10.08%
5.13%
<.10%
Vanguard 500 Index (Admiral Shares)
17.21%
16.66%
8.19%
10.95%
3.30%
Dodge & Cox Stock
15.59%
16.72%
7.91%
7.86%
5.13%
Fidelity Focused Stock
12.14%
18.06%
11.05%
5.07%
1.04%
T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Growth
14.89%
18.76%
11.47%
8.97%
4.93%
Fidelity Low-Priced Stock
10.03%
17.94%
10.31%
5.64%
4.03%
&ŝĚĞůŝƚLJ ŝǀ ĞƌƐŝĮ ĞĚ/ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů
2.48%
7.92%
6.33%
-1.87%
2.47%
Manning & Napier Target — Income
5.54%
6.93%
5.65%
4.52%
<.10%
Manning & Napier Target — 2010
5.71%
8.23%
4.72%
4.45%
<.10%
Manning & Napier Target — 2015
6.13%
N/A
9.63%
4.51%
N/A
Manning & Napier Target — 2020
6.60%
9.93%
5.16%
4.68%
.10%
Manning & Napier Target — 2025
7.37%
N/A
12.30%
4.94%
<.10%
Manning & Napier Target — 2030
7.69%
11.47%
5.06%
4.87%
.10%
Manning & Napier Target — 2035
8.00%
N/A
14.32%
4.81%
<.10%
Manning & Napier Target — 2040
8.30%
11.71%
4.73%
4.76%
<.10%
Manning & Napier Target — 2045
8.50%
N/A
15.89%
4.66%
.29%
Manning & Napier Target — 2050
8.53%
11.99%
4.89%
4.70%
<.10%
Manning & Napier Target — 2055
8.49%
N/A
14.86%
4.73%
<.10%
Buffalo Flexible Income Fund *
6.76%
11.22%
7.91%
4.50%
43.32%
* Default Fund
Designation of Beneficiary:
With the transition to Great West Retirement Services on October 1, 2012, it became necessary to complete and file new Designation of Beneficiary information, since that information was not transferred to Great West by the prior record-keeper. You can file your Beneficiary Designation on the Great West
website at www.oe520annuity.com or you can obtain a paper form from Great West or the Fund Office, which should be completed and returned as soon as
possible if you have not already done so.
Great West has a New Name:
Great West Retirement Services is now “Empower Retirement.” Empower unites the retirement businesses of Great West Financial, J.P. Morgan Retirement
Plan Services, and Putnam Investments. This announcement does not affect your account or how it is serviced, and there is nothing you need to do. You will
continue to call 1-855-463-5520 or go to www.oe520annuity.com to access your account. All retirement plan materials and websites will be gradually updated
to reflect the new name, with an expected completion date of March 2015.
VACATION FUND:
The 2014 annual Vacation benefit check was mailed to 1,431 participants during
mid-November 2014. Your Vacation benefit amount was determined by the number of
hours reported and paid by contributing employers for the work period October 2013
through September 2014. If you worked for an employer that was delinquent in the
payment of fringe benefits for any month(s) during that period, you will receive an
adjustment vacation check when the Fund Office collects those deductions from that
employer.
continued —
Page 11
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
A copy of your work history for the period October 2013 through September 2014, detailing those hours reported on your behalf by contributing employers, was mailed to all participants during November 2014. Since your Health & Welfare eligibility and level of Annuity, Vacation, and Pension benefits
directly relate to the number of hours worked, we ask that you carefully review the quarterly work history reports and notify the Fund Office of any discrepancies as soon as possible. It is very important that you keep your check stubs as it may become necessary to use them to verify the number of hours
that you worked for a particular employer. Also the quarterly Health & Welfare eligibility letters were mailed during the first week of November 2014 for
the coverage period December 2014 through February 2015.
As always, we ask that you notify the Fund Office of any changes in your mailing address, phone number, marital status, beneficiary status, etc. If you have
any questions about your fringe benefits, please let us know. The Fund Office is open from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist you and
your dependents in whatever way possible.
TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Brothers and Sisters:
Well it’s that time of year again to get signed up for your classes whether it’s refresher or initial. If you haven’t signed up
for your classes you need to do it as soon as possible because classes are filling up fast. When you attend your classes
make sure and bring your old cards that you are refreshing so we can put your sticker on the back or give you a new card.
We are offering a couple new classes this winter which we hope will make everyone more
employable. OSHA 30 is a 30 hour class that some people have been asking about so this year
we put a class together. This class is required of superintendents and foreman but could be very
beneficial to have if the contractor would be required to use OSHA 30 trained people. Another
class we have added this year is the INITIAL for MSHA. We have been doing refresher for MSHA
and now will offer initial to those who are interested in working on mine property.
Well it has been discussed at the last couple union meetings about the OSHA 10 card expiring or not. There has now been some jobs that are requiring your OSHA 10 card to be current
in the last 3 years. If you want to get current on OSHA card call the training department and get
signed up for the OSHA 10 class.
We have had one apprentice graduate from the program this November
meeting. Congratulations to Eric Dasenbrock for completing the apprenticeship program and I hope you have a long and successful career as an
Operating Engineer.
November 2014
Bring your union card to the training department with you and make sure
your dues are paid for the month you are using the facility.
It looks like old man winter is moving in fast so please be careful driving to
and from work and also be extra safe as the cold always presents a lot more
unsafe conditions on the job site.
In closing, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Respectfully,
Rick Cicardi
Administrator / Coordinator
Local 520 JATC
Eric Dasenbrock
THE 520 HOISTER
Page 12
2014 PIN PRESENTATION
25 Years:
30 Years:
Left to right—Scott Schuepbach, Ken Frisse,
Bus. Mgr. Ron Kaempfe
Left to right—Kurt Schroeder, Jeff Christ, Kathy Brown,
Bus. Mgr. Ron Kaempfe
35 Years:
40 Years:
Left to right—Derrick Huebner, David Heim, Charlie Diekemper,
Dennis Frey, Bus. Mgr. Ron Kaempfe
Left to right—Don Santel, Wyatt Smith, Reginald Marion,
Bus. Mgr. Ron Kaempfe
45 Years:
Seated left to right—Lewis Lorenzini, Ronaldo Marion, Corky Kleber, Mark Weinel, Ronald Place, William Himes, Gary Hammel, Butch Krieg,
Bus. Mgr. Ron Kaempfe; Standing left to right—Michael Landreth, Robert Saatkamp, Ron Peppenhorst, Larry Pierce, Lou Simpson, Al Nicol,
Gene Etchason, Terry MacZura, Charlie Arnold, Don Fadler, Elmer Holthaus, Fred Eisenhauer
Page 13
50 Years:
Seated left to right—Larry Walz, Richard Behnken, Ferd Roth, Don Dauksch, Morris Long, Bus. Mgr. Ron Kaempfe
Standing left to right—Richard Showalter, Ronald Dailey, Ralph Griebel, Lawrence Havel, Charlie Holthaus,
Jack Hicks, Robert Warner, Douglas James
55 Years:
60 Years:
Left to right—Bus. Mgr. Ron Kaempfe, James Hediger, Paul Holthaus,
Dale Newcomb
Left to right—Bus. Mgr. Ron Kaempfe and Fred Moretti
THE 520 HOISTER
Page 14
2014 LABOR DAY PARADE AND FISH STAND
We’d like to thank all members and their families who walked with us in the Belleville Labor Day Parade
and helped out with the fish stand.
A special thank you to our fish stand helpers!!
Susan Place
Ron Place
Sheila Slifka
Julie Parmley
Vern Parmley
Michelle Coats
Denise Andrews
Dean Andrews
Natalie Watts
Bill Hasty, Jr.
John Grimm, Jr.
Butch Dohrman
Walt Rohwedder
Rich Kaiser
Rusty Redman
Taylor Tabing
David Parkinson
Mike Hare, Jr.
Nick Santel
Andrew Slifka
Trent Halstead
Daniel Milano
Dylan Rutz
Charles Penford
Josh Miller
Scott Hefner
Justin Brisk
Dave Hirschl
Tyler Kempfer
Robert McKinney III
Page 15
ATTENTION LOCAL 520 MEMBERS
Please contact the Union Hall or any agent in the event of an illness or death of any
member or any member of their family.
Please make sure that the Union Hall, Health & Welfare Fund Office and Training
Department have your correct address, phone numbers and beneficiaries on file.
NOTICE
DOYOU HAVE OLD PHOTOS ?
We may include them in an issue of
The Hoister!
Please contact the office or email:
edeterman@iuoelocal520.com
Local 520 will not be accepting new
referral applications until further notice.
Next Referral Re-registration date:
Monday, January 5th
REMINDERS
MONTHLY CARD CHECK
Please make sure you have
your card with you and that
your dues are paid up when you come to the
union meetings.
A late charge of $1.50 will be added to
dues if received after the second Friday of the
month. If you are mailing in your dues,
please keep this in mind.
IUOE WEBSITE
Visit www.iuoe.org for information regarding the International Union of
Operating Engineers and the latest in labor news. Also visit
www.oe520.org/news.deceased.php to stay informed of member deaths.
LOCAL 520 CONTACT INFORMATION
www.oe520.org
Operating Engineers Local 520
520 Engineer Road
Granite City, IL 62040
618-931-0500
Health and Welfare Office
8 Executive Woods Court
Swansea, IL 62226
618-233-7978
Training Department
J.A.T.C. Operating Engineers Local 520
1969 Triad Road
St Jacob, IL 62281
618-644-1969 and 644-JATC (5282)
Office Hours - 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Office Hours - 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Office Hours - 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
NONPROFIT ORG
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
EDWARDSVILLE, IL
PERMIT NO. 88
Operating Engineers Local 520
520 Engineer Road
Granite City, IL 62040
618-931-0500
IUOE Local 520
Officers
Business Manager .................................... Ron Kaempfe
President ..................................................... Mark Johnson
Vice-President................................................ Steve Smith
Recording-Corresponding
Secretary .....................................Chad Goldschmidt
Financial Secretary .....................................Vern Parmley
Treasurer ................................................. Mike Parkinson
Conductor .....................................David “Kelly” Brown
Guard ............................................................. Rick Cicardi
Trustee ............................................................ Jim Stevens
Trustee ...................................................... Don Robinson
Trustee ......................................Raymond “Alex” Burris
Auditor .................................................. Bryan Anderson
Auditor .................................................. Christy Hopkins
Auditor ............................................... William Schlueter
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Retirees
David Porter
Rex Moreland
Charles Hundley
Mike Grzegorek
Edward Bryan
James Boehler
Timothy Wall
Wilbert McMath
Carol Horton
Larry Hixenbaugh
Joseph Thyer
Mark L. Gelly
Lawrence Kanallakan
John L. Schellingburger
Mikel D. Alexander
Jeff Stamps
Wayne Baur
Warren C. Courtoise
Stephen A. Awalt
Robert E. Pepple
Leland Jones
Russell Broadwater
George Robinson
Gerald Bathon
Mark McDonald
David Awalt
Henry Hurst
Robert Dunihoo
12/01/2013
12/01/2013
12/01/2013
12/01/2013
12/01/2013
12/01/2013
12/01/2013
12/01/2013
12/01/2013
12/01/2013
12/01/2013
01/01/2014
01/01/2014
01/01/2014
01/01/2014
01/01/2014
04/01/2014
04/01/2014
05/01/2014
06/01/2014
06/01/2014
06/01/2014
06/01/2014
07/01/2014
07/01/2014
09/01/2014
10/01/2014
10/01/2014
Obituaries
We extend our condolences to the families of:
Charles Stephens, Jr.
05/06/2014
Lee Otten
05/21/2014
Anthony Draege
05/25/2014
Virginia Cortner (Norman)06/03/2014
Audrey Ragland (Roy) 06/03/2014
Roger Poos
06/04/2014
Neil Eschmann
06/07/2014
Matthew Barrios
06/19/2014
Gloria Wofford (Jack) 06/24/2014
Cletus Kreher
06/27/2014
Charles Kujawski, Sr.
06/29/2014
Gregory Spurgeon
07/03/2014
Thomas Griffin
07/11/2014
Patricia Schroedel (Walter) 07/17/2014
Floyd Lay, Jr.
07/19/2014
Mary Lohr Behme (Eugene Lohr)07/20/2014
Johnnie Hearty
08/08/2014
Judy Mills (Gary)
08/21/2014
Gerald Hopper
08/24/2014
Janet Engel (Omer)
08/28/2014
Robert Fally
09/03/2014
Donald Hoeffken
09/11/2014
Lydia Stodnick (Frank) 09/13/2014
Jeanette Walz (Larry)
09/13/2014
Billy Kelly
09/20/2014
Melvin Lark
09/24/2014
Kenneth Dunahee
09/29/2014
Gloria Behnken (Richard) 10/10/2014