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Plumbers & Gasfitters
Local Union
No. 5, U.A.
Local 5 Pipeline
FEBRUARY 2015
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2
Local 5
Leadership
Tim Haley
President
Jim Killeen
Business Manager
Financial SecretaryTreasurer
Jack Taylor
Assistant Business
Manager
Joe Short
Business Representative
Organizer
Janice Boismenu
Recording Secretary
Jeff Guido
Vice President
Cedric Gooden
Inside Guard
Dan Garrison
Hugh Riddell
Jim Stacho
Calvin Perry
Executive Board
Chris Biondi
Bill Garity
Mike McKenzie
Finance Committee
Mike Bell
Percy Jackson
Scott Caudill
Examining Board
125th Anniversary Gala Celebration is coming on April 18, 2015 at
the Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Road, NW Washington,
DC 20008. Tickets are $90 each, $50 for Life Member plus one
guest. Tickets on sale now! See our website for details. Those
who purchase tickets will be notified of table assignments in early
April.
Gala Tickets and Information
See Frequently Asked Questions on Page 7
LOCAL 5 PIPELINE
Page 2
Membership News
Please, please, please members, keep your paystubs!
We cannot say this enough!
Keeping your paystubs protects your own interests! It
is your only proof if an employer does not make contributions on your behalf to
the local funds, but also to
Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, etc.
We send get well wishes to
Brother Kevin Robinson.
He underwent an emergency appendectomy on December 19, 2014. Hope this
finds you feeling much better, Kevin!
We send our congratulations to Brother Frank
Blanch and Vanessa Arnold
who were married Thanksgiving Day in a sunrise service on Tybee Beach in
Georgia.
We send our congratulations to fourth-year apprentice, Brother Christopher
Wright and his wife Jessica.
Their second child, Benjamin Aaron was born on
January 1, 2015! Happy
New Year!! Baby Benjamin
weighed in at 8-pounds, 7.5ounces and measured 215/8-inches E-E. Baby Benjamin joins big sister Madison at home. Brother Jess
Bryan and his wife Patricia,
are proud grandparents. We
wish them all many years of
happiness.
Our prayers and sympathy
are extended to the family
of Brother Clifford J. Rease
(Life Member). Brother
Rease was born on December 13, 1945 initiated on
November 10, 1964 and
passed away on December
26, 2014.
Many of America’s military
veterans sadly find themselves today struggling to
make ends meet for their
families. The stress associated with those struggles
only increases during the
Holiday season when many
of these families find it difficult to provide a happy
Christmas for the children.
This past year, Plumbers
Local Union No. 5, in conjunction with other North
America’s Building Trades
Unions and Helmets to
Hardhats, coordinated the
“adoption” of 58 military
families for Christmas gift
sponsorship.
Each child in every one of
these “adopted” families
submitted his or her Christmas gift “wish list” and an
army of sponsors and volunteers made sure that each
and every wish was granted.
On Friday, December 19th,
the families joined with
Plumbers Local Union No.
5, C.H.O.I.C.E., North
America’s Building Trades
U ni o ns, Hel m ets t o
Hardhats, and Washington
DC Mayor Vincent Gray,
for joyous celebration and
gift distribution that left a
vast number of families,
staff and other attendees
with Holiday tears of joy.
It was a shining example of
what the “Season of Giving” is truly all about. The
organizations who adopted
these families included:
U n i t e d
AssociationPlumbers & Gasfitters Local No. 5
Plumbers & Gasfitters Apprenticeship Program
Jeff Guido
C.H.O.I.C.E.
North America’s Building
Trades
Helmets to Hardhats
Sheet Metal Air Rail &
Transportation Local 100
Iron Workers Local 5
United Union of Roofers,
Water proofers & Allied
Workers
United Union of Roofers,
Water proofers & Allied
Workers Local 30
Heat & Frost Insulators Local
24
International Union of
Painters & Allied Trades
District Council 51
Union of
Operating Engineers Local
77
International Brotherhood
of Electrical Workers Local
26
United Brotherhood of
Carpenters Local 101
Stromberg Metals
Rodman Workers 201
AFL-CIO
A F L - C I O - A c c o u n t i n g
Dept.
AFL-CIO-Maritime Trades
Dept.
A F L - C I O - C a m p a i g n s
Dept.
AFL-CIO-Facility Mgnt.
Dept.
The Kelly Companies
International
Please see pictures of this
event on page 3.
Training Classes
DC Waiver Application
Feb. 6, Mar. 6, 2015
Virginia Continuing
Education
Feb. 20, May 1, Aug. 21, 2015
OSHA 30 Course
Feb. 17, 19, 24, 26, Mar. 5, 6,
10, 12, 17, 19, 2015
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Welding
Classroom is open most
nights at 3 p.m. during
regularly scheduled classes.

Customer Service
March start date scheduled
by number of participants.
Rigger II Certification
Requirements: Current Rigger I
working with Rigger II. Letter
from Employer Required.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2015


Classes are provided to
members in good standing free of charge. Member’s standing is checked.
Interested members
should call the school at
(301) 322-8810 to sign
up for classes.
Classes are offered on a
first-come, first-served basis.
Classes are subject to
cancellation based on
poor participation, so
don’t wait until the last
minute to sign up.
Volume 2, Issue 2
Page 3
Membership News
Student Council President Mike Canales, recipient, Santa, recipient, Mrs.
Santa, Joe Short and recipients’ Mom.
Brother Joe Short, on Elf duty.
Joe Short, Santa & Mrs. Santa, and Mike Canales
Calendar
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 - Monthly Union Meeting at 5:00
p.m. at the U.A. Mechanical Trades School.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - Executive Board Meeting at 3:00
p.m. at the Union Hall.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 - Monthly Union Meeting at 5:00
p.m. at the U.A. Mechanical Trades School.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 - Executive Board Meeting at 3:00
p.m. at the Union Hall.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015 - Monthly Union Meeting at 5:00 p.m.
at the U.A. Mechanical Trades School.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - Executive Board Meeting at 3:00
p.m. at the Union Hall.
Mike Canales, recipient’s Mom, Santa, recipient, Mrs. Santa.
LOCAL 5 PIPELINE
Page 4
U.A. Standard for Safety
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Member & Union
Responsibilities
Take pride in working safely
Never take shortcuts or
chances
Always wear the proper
personal protective equipment
Pay attention at safety meetings
Don’t try something if you
don’t know how to do it
Make sure your work area is
clean and well lit
Keep walkways clear
Focus on your task at hand
Know where the exits are
Lift with your legs and push
rather than pull a heavy load
Inspect all rigging equipment prior to use
Remove defective equipment from service immediately
Never work under a suspended load
Use and place ladders carefully
Never stand on the top two
rungs of a ladder
Fall protection to be worn
when exposed to a fall of
6 feet or more
Never attempt to move a
person who has fallen unless
they are in immediate danger
Learn CPR, first aid and
emergency procedures
Don’t overload electrical
outlets
Report near misses
Keep hazardous substances
off of skin and clothing
Report exposures to your
employer
Know the hazards of the
materials you work with
Never take lunch boxes into
work areas where chemicals
may contaminate your food
 Carry sharp tools with the
points down
 Lock out Tag out machinery
before repairing it and
prove that it is de-energized
 Inspect tools for damage
and repair or remove from
service.
 Check for fraying on power
cords
 Have properly guarded tools
 Dress right for heat or cold
 Long hair should be tucked
away under hard hat or cap,
 especially when working
around moving equipment
 Always wear long sleeved
shirts when working with
welders or
 around steam
 If you wear prescription
glasses, have your eyes
checked annually
 Stay alert and get the proper
amount of sleep
 When taking medications,
know the side effects such
as dizziness, etc.
 When working shift work,
never drink alcohol within 8
hours of your shift
 All UA jobs have zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol
 In the hot summer months,
drink plenty of water to stay
hydrated and avoid heat
stroke
 Cell phones are to be used
at break and lunch time only
 Always put caps on oxygen
and acetylene bottles when
transporting them
Employer & Management
Responsibilities
 Store flammables correctly
 Lock out Tag out machinery
before repairing it
 Check for fraying on power
cords
 Remove unsafe tools from
service
 Have properly guarded tools
 Provide adequate sanitary
facilities
 Supply first aid kits with
periodic inspections
 Treat injuries promptly
 Provide safety training
 Require pre-task planning
for potentially
 hazardous tasks
 Provide proper ventilation
 Plan the job before you
start
 Provide Material safety data
sheets
 Have basic, standard personal protective
 equipment available for use
 Require fall protection to be
worn when exposed to a fall
of 6 feet or more
 Maintain rigging equipment
in safe operating condition
 Remove defective equipment from service immediately
 Encourage all foremen and
general foremen to advance
and take OSHA 30 when
available. (This will increase
their safety awareness, like
recognizing if a scaffold is
built properly before they
ask their UA brothers and
sisters to get on a dangerous
scaffold.) OSHA10 &
OSHA 30 are available at no
charge at the school. Call
(301) 322-8810 to put your
name on a list.
DC Waiver Information
Classes to assist with filling
out Waiver Application February 6, 2015 and March 6,
2015 at 4 p.m. in “A” Building at the UA Mechanical
Trades School. Please call
Jack Taylor at (301) 8997861, ext. 1015 to sign up.
The class is free, but DC
does charge $175 for the
waiver. If you currently hold
a DC License, please contact
Jack. He is compiling a list of
DC licensed journeymen.
4.
5.
Applications are avail at:
www.local5plumbers.org
You will also need:
1.
2.
3.
Two (2) 2” X 2” photos
(Not digitally generatedcan use passport photo
from CVS, etc. (Print
name on back of photo.)
Copy of Government
Issued Photo ID
Formal Designation Certificate (in packet) – must
be sealed in envelope
from Hall.
6.
7.
Contact the Hall for certificate (301) 899-7861.
Certificate of Completion (of Apprentice Program) – obtain from the
UA Mechanical Trades
School at (301) 322-8810
if you do not have original certificate. Certificate
will only be issued if you
obtained a completion
certificate when you
came out of your time.
Members who failed to
obtain an Apprenticeship
Completion Certificate
upon graduation will not
be issued a certificate
now.
Certificate of Moral
Character (in packet) –
must be completed by
persons who are in a
position to testify to your
morality, cannot be related to the the people
listed on your form.
Certificates will be provided for members in
good standing.
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2
Page 5
From The Assistant Business Manager
BRRRRR! It’s cold out there!
As this article is written we are
in the middle of a “polar vortex” with daytime temperatures in the teens to low twenties. I thought I’d take a minute to remind all to KEEP
WARM!
Layer up: the layer closest to
your skin should have moisture wicking properties to
draw the sweat away from
your body. The second layer
should be made up of a
breathable material, like fleece,
to insulate your body. The
outermost layer should be
made up of something to protect you from the elements this means wearing something
that is wind and water proof.
Protect your extremities:
As our body temperature
drops, the brain constricts the
blood vessels in our extremities in order to increase blood
flow to our core. A good pair
of gloves, some wool socks
and insulated boots can keep
hands and feet warm. A pair
of hand warmers in your
pockets is a great way to keep
your hands warm if gloves are
not an option.
change into dry clothes immediately. It’s a good idea to
keep a spare set of clothes,
socks and boots in the car.
Know the signs of hypothermia: Hypothermia occurs when your body is losing heat faster than it can
produce it and your core
temperature falls below 95°.
Common symptoms include
shivering, shallow breathing,
confusion, loss of coordination, drowsiness, slurred
speech and slow, weak pulse.
If you suspect someone is
suffering from hypothermia,
it is critical to get their core
temperature back up. Remove any wet clothing, move
the person to a dry, warm
area. Using blankets and additional clothing, increase
their body temperature.
Warm beverages should be
given if conscious or CPR
administered if unconscious
and 911 should be called for
emergency medical service.
Let’s be aware this winter
and stay WARM!
Important Notice
Regarding 125th Tickets
If you do not have internet
access, or cannot buy your
125th Anniversary tickets
online, please call Pat Richitt
at ImageCrafters (240) 3981800 to purchase them. Do
not call the Business Office.
They are not being sold
through the Business Office.
Discounts on
Movie Tickets
NEW! AMC Gold E-tickets
are now available to purchase
and print instantly 24/7
online. Tickets do not expire
and are good at any AMC
Theatres®, AMC® Loews,
AMC Showplace, Cineplex®
Odeon, Magic Johnson and
Star theatres (excludes Canada). IMPORTANT: Reference
Union Plus Company Member ID: 744387769 when calling or ordering tickets online.
Pre-order your tickets to the
movies and save! Buy multiple tickets and use them over
time.
Variety of discounts.
Competitive discounts for
union families.
Members receive unique
services, including e-mails
about the newest discounts
and group sales for 20 or
more for events not included in the current offerings.
Cover your head: It’s a myth
that most of your body heat is
lost through your head, but
that’s no excuse not to keep
your head warm. Get a good
fleece liner that covers the
back of your neck and fits
inside your hard hat.
Stay dry: Moisture will lower
your body temperature. If any
of your clothing gets wet,
The Northern.VA Labor Federation participated in the 23rd Martin Luther King Day
March & Celebration in Leesburg VA. Our own Joe Short is 3rd from the left and you
can see his wife Cassandra just over his shoulder. They were joined by Glen Lintleman,
Bob Moses, Joe Bertini, John Sullivan and Joe Bertoni Jr.
LOCAL 5 PIPELINE
Page 6
From The Business Manager
NOTICE:
At the Union Meeting of January 14, 2015, the membership directed the Business Office (Business Manager)
to strictly enforce Section 53 of the Bylaws which covers
Burial Expense Benefits.
As of this date, January 15, 2015, please be advised that
if you pass away, and if owe more than $25, or are
more than 90 days in arrears, your beneficiary would
not be entitled to the $7,500 Burial Benefit.
Section 53.
Immediately upon notice of the death of a Journeyman , Speculative Journeymen, Metal Trades
Journeymen, and Apprentice member, the Business Manager/FST shall collect the burial expense assessments of
five dollars ($5) from each Journeyman and Apprentice to reimburse the burial expense benefit fund. Any member who fails to maintain his/her good standing in the Local Union by payment of all dues, fines, or fails to pay
the burial expense assessments within ninety (90) days and owes twenty-five dollars ($25.00) or more will not be
entitled to receive the burial expense benefits.
At the Union Meeting on January 14, 2015, the membership
voted to strike section 24 and amend sections 52 & 53 of the
Bylaws to include Speculative Journeymen and Metal Trades
Journeymen in the Burial Expense Benefit Fund.
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2
Page 7
Frequently Asked Questions about the 125th Gala Celebration
*GALA TICKETS & INFO*
and we'll be happy to accommodate your health needs.
*Q: How much are tickets?*
A: Tickets are available for $90 per person at the early bird rate
through February 1st. After February 1st the ticket price will
increase to $125 each. For individuals who've been loyal members of Local 5 for more than 50 years, tickets are available at a
special reduced rate of $50 for a member and one guest.
*Q: Loud music hurts my ears and I don't like dancing. What if I
just want to catch up with old friends?*
A: No worries! Guests can enjoy dessert, coffee, drinks and quiet
conversation after dinner on the Mezzanine level.
*Q: Where can I purchase my 125th Anniversary Gala tickets?*
A: Please visit the Image Crafters website: www.icrafters.com/
local5
*Q: What if I don't have a computer and want to purchase a ticket to the event?*
A: Call Pat at Image Crafters at 301-986-9564, he will register
you for
tickets.
*Q: I see credit cards are accepted. What if I want to write a
check for my ticket?*
A: You can write a check, but the sale will not be final until the
check is
received in the mail. Please make the check out to Image Crafters and mail
it to: 2217 Distribution Circle, Silver Spring, MD 20910
*Q: What if I need to change my reservation?*
A: If you've registered through the Image Crafters website,
please go to www.icrafters.com/local5 click on "Register," then
"Already Registered?" in the bottom right, and enter your email
address and confirmation number. From there you'll be able to
add more guests or change a guest's name.
*Q: Will there be tickets available at the door?*
A: No, tickets will not be sold at the door. The deadline for purchasing
tickets is 3/31.
*Q: What is the dress code for the Gala?*
A: Cocktail attire. Men should wear suits; Women, dresses (or
the equivalent).
*Q: You mean I can't show up in my Plumbers Local 5 t-shirt
and jeans?*
A: No.
*Q: Do I really have to wear a tie/heels?*
A: We're celebrating a milestone! Dress for the occasion!
*Q: I have food allergies and/or dietary restrictions. What's for
dinner?*
A: Please contact us in advance about your allergies/restrictions
*Q: Where can I learn more about the bands?*
Please visit their respectives websites. Radio King Orchestra:
www.rkoswing.com
*HOTEL RESERVATIONS & INFO*
*Q: What if I don't have a computer and want to reserve a room
at the hotel?*
A: You can call the hotel at 202-328-2000 or 877-212-5752 to
make your reservation. Be sure to mention you're calling about
the discounted rooms for the Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 5
event on April 18th in order to receive the discounted rate of
$169 plus tax per room. If you are reserving multiple rooms for a
group, you will need individual names for each room.
*Q: Is there a discounted room rate for Gala attendees?*
A: Yes! Local 5 negotiated a rate of $169 plus tax per room. Up
to four people can stay in a room. If you call to make reservations by phone, be sure to mention you're attending the Gala in
order to receive the reduced rate, or book online using this link:
https://resweb.passkey.com/
Q: Is parking available at the hotel?*
A: Yes, parking is available at a discounted rate for Gala attendees. The cost is $24 for self parking, or $36 for valet. There
will be an Event Parking station in the hotel lobby so you can
pay by cash or credit at your convenience.
*Q: What if I want to take public transportation?*
A: The Wardman Park Marriott is a short walk from the Woodley Park-Zoo metro station. Visit wmata.com for more information about metro fares and schedules.
*PROGRAM ADVERTISING*
*Q: Where will my ad be placed in the program?*
A: The ads are placed on a first come, first served basis. Premium placement at a higher rate is available. Call Janice at 202-342
-0002 for more information about program ads.
*Q: What if I just want to put in a small congrats to show my
support?*
A: We have options for every budget, including "shout-outs"
starting at just $50. For more information about rates and sponsorship options: [email protected].
Reminders

The Medical Fund requires coordination of benefits with Medicare eligible retirees and eligible dependents. It is important
that you and/or your dependents enroll for Medicare at age 65, or if disabled prior to age 65, when you are eligible for Medicare coverage. Be sure to enroll in both “Part A” and “Part B” of Medicare. Failure to do so will result in lower medical protection and greater out-of-pocket expense. Refer to “Coordination with Medicare” in the medical plan’s Summary Plan Description.

Your medical coverage is under a reserve account. In order to qualify to use the reserve account, you must:

Remain available for work in covered employment on a daily basis. You must remain in the geographical jurisdiction covered by the Union unless you are working under a United Association or UA Local collective bargaining agreement outside the Union’s geographical jurisdiction (working as a Traveler).

Sign the referral book every thirty days. Cannot refuse more than two jobs in covered employment.

Cannot work at the trade for employers not signed to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, or to any United Association
or U.A. local union collective bargaining agreement.

Some of you let your assessments get way out of hand. Please do not put us in the position of telling your family there is no
death benefit for you upon your death because you are too far in arrears in your assessments. Currents assessments are available at the end of each monthly article, our website www.local5plumbers.org , or by calling the Union Hall.

125th Anniversary Gala Celebration is coming on April 18, 2015 at the Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Road,
NW Washington, DC 20008. Tickets are $90 each, $50 for Life Member plus one guest. Tickets on sale now! See
our website for details. Those who purchase tickets will be notified of table assignments in early April.
Special Order of Business
The Special Order of Business at our February 11, 2015 Union Meeting will be:
 Vote on the Finance Committee’s Report.
The Special Order of Business at our March 11, 2015 Union Meeting will be:
 Vote on the Finance Committee’s Report.
The Special Order of Business at our April 8, 2015, 2015 Union Meeting will be:
 Vote on the Finance Committee’s Report.
Current Assessments Due: Death 1190 and Michael A. Collins Assessment (2015).
Proudly serving the
Washington, DC Metropolitan
Area Since 1890
5891 Allentown Road
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Phone: (301) 899-7861
Fax: (301) 899-7868
http://local5plumbers.org
Plumbers & Gasfitters
Local Union No. 5
Presort
Standard
U.S. Postage
Paid
Southern, MD
Permit No. 139