Dear Sisters and Brothers,

From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The celebration this year will be much different than those we’ve celebrated for our entire lifetime since we’re still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and protests are ongoing around our country due to the gross injustices that have occurred.

The Local 223 Executive Board asks you to remember, regardless of how you decide to celebrate or have your voice heard, remember to be safe this holiday.

Please continue to maintain social distancing of six feet and wear masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. We’ve seen reports of several places in Michigan, including East Lansing and Traverse City where they have traced individuals who were out in public and unknowingly spreading the coronavirus. In Texas, one surprise birthday party resulted in 18 family members getting COVID-19, with the father hospitalized in ICU.

Local 223 General Council selected Bill Dyer as the Local 223 Treasurer on June 3. The General Council selected a new treasurer because of the time frame to the next election in January, according to Local 223 Trustee Leroy Huckleberry who oversaw the selection process.

The selection was an historic and unusual event due to this happening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The voting occurred on the first hot, humid day this year. We did selection in the parking lot and people were very understanding considering the circumstances we’re in due to the coronavirus,” said Huckleberry. “We practiced social distancing and brought people into the hall in small groups to vote due to the need for secret ballots. Everyone wore masks, gloves, and we gave out individually wrapped lunches with sandwiches and bottles of water.”

Dyer has served as Fermi 2 Board Chair for more than eight years and six years prior to that as the Chief Steward. He has worked at Fermi 2 for 19 years.

Prior to Local 223 and DTE Energy, he served in the United States Navy for 10 years and was a Hull Tech Nuclear Welder, E-6.

Congratulations Bill! We look forward to your leadership!

Local 223 would like to thank DTE for observing Juneteenth. Many companies claim to “pay it forward” but DTE isn’t just talking, they are doing it.

This day in 1865, marked the end of slavery in the U.S., the true beginning of freedom for the nation and started the healing from a history of oppression, stained with blood and tears. Even today, as we experience gross injustices and protests nationwide, all on the heels of a worldwide pandemic, we must let this be a turning point. Not just a turning point for DTE employees but also for our region, state and nation.

In 1865, we may have freed the people, but now we must strive to free our minds. True freedom sees the next person as a brother or sister and shows respect. If we divide ourselves, we weaken our country, our states, our cities and our neighborhoods. In solidarity,