Dear Brothers and Sisters

I am asking you to join with me as our hearts go out to the members, families and friends who have lost their battle or have been called home during this struggle.

During this crisis, we are not able to come together to mourn the loss of so many, however, know that your loss is felt deeply and you remain in my heart at all times.

I want to commend those of you who have been designated as essential workers who continue to keep this country running every day, as well as our first responders, doctors, EMT's, nurses, maintenance workers, and cooks, who put their lives on the line each day to keep America strong.
At the appropriate time, I will work with all the companies and government entities represented by IBEW members to set up memorial services so that we may come together to share our sorrow and show our respect and love for all those we have lost.

I urge you to take time to reach out to each other by phone, email, Facetime, or video chat to support one another and together we will make it through this crisis.

Check on our seniors and those in need of special care and help when you can.

I have joined with Governor Murphy to lower the flags at our IBEW Local 1158 Union Hall to half-staff and they will remain that way throughout this crisis.

Stayed together, stay unified, stay strong, and stay safe.


Fraternally yours,

Joseph P Calabro
Business Manager
IBEW Local 1158

Relief for Workers and Families Affected by the Coronavirus

Unemployment Benefit Improvements

• Benefits are retroactive to January 27, 2020 for Coronavirus-related separations.
• An additional $600 per week payment is provided to each recipient of unemployment insurance for up to four months, through July 31, 2020.
  
  • This would be in addition to standard UI benefits, so for example, the $433 average weekly state benefit + $600 weekly Federal benefit = $1,033 weekly unemployment benefit.
• An additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits is provided through December 31, 2020 to help those who remain unemployed after state unemployment benefits are no longer available.

Recovery Rebates for Individuals

• Maximum grant of $1,200 ($2,400 joint) per taxpayer, plus grant of $500 per child.
• No phase-in or other limitation for low-income taxpayers.
• Cash grant tax rebate is treated as a fully refundable tax credit, therefore available to taxpayers with net negative income tax liability.
• Phases out by 5% of the excess of adjusted gross income over $75,000 ($150,000 joint), fully phased out at $99,000 ($198,000 joint) and Secretary may apply 2018 amounts to determine the phase-out.
  

Paid Leave

• Generally, private sector employers with fewer than 500 employees must provide employees up to 80 hours of paid sick leave based on their regular rate of pay, paid at:
  
  • 100% for a Coronavirus-related illness, up to $511 daily and $5,110 total;
  • 2/3 to care for a family member affected by the Coronavirus, up to $200 daily and $2,000 total; and
  • Up to 12 weeks of paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave paid at 2/3 to provide child care for a child impacted by a school closure, for up to $200 daily and $10,000 total, provided the employee has been employed for at least 30 days prior to their leave request.

Use of Retirement Funds

• Consistent with previous disaster-related relief, the provision waives the 10-percent early withdrawal penalty for distributions up to $100,000 from qualified retirement accounts for coronavirus-related purposes made on or after January 1, 2020. Further, the provision provides flexibility for loans from certain retirement plans for coronavirus-related relief.
• The provision also waives the required minimum distribution rules for certain defined contribution plans and IRAs for calendar year 2020. This provision provides relief to individuals who would otherwise be required to withdraw funds from such retirement accounts during the economic slowdown due to COVID- 19.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NJ Department of Health

Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania

Coronavirus Delaware

Sisters and Brothers,

Your are being called upon during this national crisis to go above and beyond what anyone could have expected. Know that I and my team are working tirelessly to help protect you and your rights during this unprecedented emergency. Each of you has stepped forward and shown the value of your worth and what can be accomplished when we stand united

The next few months will undoubtedly test the very fabric of each of us and I know you will rise to the challenge. Working in compliance with Federal and State mandates, I want to assure you that IBEW has been and will continue to be on the forefront of the battle to help protect you and your families and keep everyone safe.

I will have new information posted to the website as it arrives.

Stay safe, stay strong, and most of all, stay united as one union, as one brotherhood. Together we will get through this crisis!

Fraternally yours,

Joseph P. Calabro
Business Manager
IBEW Local 1158

CLICK HERE to download the Official Letter.

From the Desk of Business Manager, Joseph Calabro

Teamwork gets things done!

It is important during these tumultuous times that we do not lose sight of the fact that everyone must work together for the common good. Our country and our state are being pushed to limits never imagined. To get through this unprecedented event we must work together as a team, even as a family.

I have been working daily with Executive Director Tramontozzi, Chairman Tucci, and the Commissioners, over the past three weeks to prepare PVSC to handle this emergency event.

Through cooperation we have managed to build a path to serving the residents of the great State of New Jersey while also protecting you, the members, from further spread of the COVID-19 virus. You, your families, and loved ones, are the most important asset of PVSC. Our teamwork provides a safe path towards your protection.

We are undertaking safety measures at PVSC to minimize exposure to our members and assure that the facility is able to function. While our mission to the public is vitally important, we have made certain PVSC recognizes your safety is critical.

I want to personally thank Executive Director Tramontozzi, Chairman Tucci, and the Commissioners for their help in reaching these results.

To our members, know that you always have my gratitude and respect, but also have the gratitude and respect of the Executive Director, Chairman, and Commissioners for the difficult job you perform daily. You are the very definition of American pride and dedication.

Stay safe, stay strong, and most of all, stay united as one unit, as one brotherhood. Together we will get through this crisis!

Fraternally yours,

Joseph P. Calabro
Business Manager
IBEW Local 1158

CLICK HERE to download the Official Letter

From the Desk of Business Manager, Joseph Calabro

Mr. Administrator, I am writing to express the concerns of the members regarding Covid 19 Preparedness and Procedures.

Your quick and timely response to my inquires can help to put the members minds at ease during this hectic time.

After close consultation with public health officials, my legal team and the national representation, I want to assure you that IBEW 1158 will work with you and the administration during this trying time to protect the members and the public alike.

Given the public health hazard that currently exists, I will advise all of our stewards and members that they should fully cooperate with memorandums issued by your office.

A few questions have come up from the members that it would be helpful to have answers for.

1. Has there been any discussion or decisions made in regards to any member currently using a hand scanner or like device to sign in, to allow them to use a different process during this time?
2. Has there been any discussion or decisions made in regards to any members child care that is affected by Covid 19 closing and staff rotations, in order to comply the NJ State Civil Service recommendations and Guidelines?
3. Has there been any discussion or decisions made in regards to any members that cares for a sick family member ?
4. If your office adopts any of the CDC standards and a country is not currently on the self-quarantine list, will the members be asked to self-quarantine or will that be determined on a case by case basis?
5. Is there any voluntary effort currently underway to identify employees that may have already traveled in these regions?
6. If a member will not be required to use their accumulated time, will they be compensated if they meet CDC and federal criteria?
7. If a member has a job that allows them to work from home will they be given that option?

IBEW 1158 is fully aware that some of these answers may not be readily available however, we must bring them to your attention as they are questions being asked by our members and those of the many unions.

Finally, be assured that I and my team will work to encourage all members to help battle the crisis facing New Jersey and the Country as a whole.

I have explained to the members that we must all come together for the common good of the people here in the Great State of New Jersey.

Please reach out to me if I may be of any assistance.

Fraternally yours,

Joseph P. Calabro
Business Manager
IBEW Local 1158

CLICK HERE to download the Official Letter

From the Desk of Business Manager, Joseph Calabro

Both houses passed the legislation on March 19th and Governor Murphy is expected to sign these bills into law.

Due to the length of the bills, we ask that you CLICK HERE to download the legislation.