Branch News
March 22, 2021
Fellow members- This weekend we lost a coworker and friend to COVID. The Lord saw fit to call John Kromer home on Saturday afternoon after giving him and us only 60 years of his presence on this Earth. John has been a dependable worker since he was hired here in March of 2008. He’s the husband of former Mail Handler/current window clerk Elizabeth (Liz) Kromer and they celebrated 28 years of marriage together in November. John loved his Sunday trips for breakfast with his wife and then taking drives for the day. He prioritized family and friends, especially looking out for his mother. Anyone who knew John also knows that he enjoyed watching sports and talking sports. I won’t soon forget the Union trip to the Phillies/Mets game when my chops were busted during the drive about stipulations that I had supposedly placed on the trip. I never had a conversation with John where I didn’t wind up laughing out loud at least once. His personality and big heart will be sorely missed. Please keep John and Liz, their families and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, John. There will be moments of silence on all three tours on Monday. There will also be EAP personnel available to the employees on Wednesday 3/24 from 12noon until 6PM. There is a card in the swing room and I will post the arrangements as soon as they are made public. While I have a lot to say in anger about how some of this played out; I will save that for another day and direct it all at the proper management personnel. What I can say is that Plant Manager Greg Miller did everything right in this difficult situation and even went above and beyond what I would expect from a PM, including making decisions that district may not have agreed with. I’m hoping that those decisions will be a sign of good things to come in the future as it pertains to keeping our employees safer and dealing with situations in a manner that is consistent with treating people as human beings and not just as Employee Identification Numbers, throughputs, or run-times. That just doesn’t go for management, though; it goes for the craft workers too. Treat people the way that you wish to be treated!! I ask that everyone please continue to stay vigilant and wear your masks. I also ask that you stay home if you are sick and call a healthcare professional if you have any symptoms. Finally, I strongly recommend that you inform the Union when you are being tested for COVID because we cannot depend on the District nurse or management to do the right thing when it comes to contact tracing and/or paying you. Stay safe and stay well- Stay United, Stay Strong- Sean |
Branch President Sean Craig John & Elizabeth Kromer
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Brother John Kromer of the Lehigh Valley P&DC. John succumbed to the effects of COVID-19, he was just 60 years old. Our deepest condolences go out to John’s wife Elizabeth, his mother Mary and the entire family.
50 YEARS! CONGRATS!
District Manager Kathy Hand, Claudio Martinez, Senior Plant Manager Michael DiPippa, Plant Manager Greg Miller
Michael DiPippa Senior Plant Manager, Kathy Hand District Manager, Bruce Rasely, Plant Manager Greg Miller
Your Union RepresentativesLocal Memorandum of Understanding |