W W W . I B E W . O R G
In the past year, two California municipal-ities have passed anti-union initiativesthat have many construction workersthroughout the state worried about their
jobs and future.
PropositionG, passed this June, prohibitsChulaVistaâasmall city south ofSanDiegoâfromusing project labor agreements on govern-ment-fundedprojects, giving low-wagenonunioncontractors an advantage over union ones.
âThis is a blow thatwill reverberate acrossthe country,â said SanDiego Local 569Organizer/PoliticalDirector Jennifer Badgley.
Southern Californiais ground zero for theopen-shop AssociatedBuilders and Contractorsâ
legislative campaign against PLAs, a campaignwhich is increasingly taking on nationaldimensions as Republican candidates runningfor office across the countryâfrom the statehouse on upâpledge to end the use of PLAson both federal and state projects.
PLA opponents have been successfullytapping into votersâ concerns about tight gov-ernment budgets and declining revenues toconvince many of them that taxpayers canâtafford PLAs. Proposition G was spearheadedby ABCand the Coalition for Fair Employment,an anti-union group run by GOP operative and
I N T H I S I S S U E
F IRST PUBL I SHED IN 1893
I N T E R N A T I O N A L B R O T H E R H O O D O F E L E C T R I C A L W O R K E R S Vol. 4 | No. 9 | September 2010
PLAs continued on page 2
3 | Ore. coal plant pits IBEW,environmentalists
4 | Manufacturing plant expands in Wis.
North of 49°
6 | Transitions
Circuits
7 | IBEW on Duty
In Memoriam
8 | Local Lines
15 | Retiree Local Lines
18 | Editorials
19 | Letters to the Editor
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The jobs of thousands of IBEWmembers are on the line, as anti-union ABC campaigns to outlaw PLAs proliferate across the country.
PLAs INTHECROSSHAIRS
In Calif., D.C., the RightPushesABCâs Agenda
2 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | S e p t emb e r 2 0 1 0
PLAs IN THE CROSSHAIRS
Continued from page 1
former George W. Bush fundraiserEric Christen.
Chula Vista is ABCâs second bigwin after Orange County voted to banPLAs last year. And now the group isgunning for bigger victories.
The San Diego Board ofSupervisors has placed an anti-PLAinitiative on the ballot for November,and Christen boasted to the LosAngeles Business Journal that he isplanning to target Los Angeles andLong Beach in 2012.
âIf [ABC] wins [in Chula Vista],they will have momentum going intoother fights in California, and youcan rest assured that we will see thisstrategy replicated in short order inother states,â said Building TradesPresident Mark Ayers in a letter tounion leaders shortly before theJune vote.
YouGetWhatYou Pay For
Formore than 60 years, project laboragreements, project-specific, pre-hirecollective bargaining agreements,have been a vital tool for contractorsandmanagersâboth public and pri-vateâto provide cost-efficient, high-quality, on-time construction.
And for constructionworkers,both union and nonunion, PLAsmain-tain decentwages and benefits, whileensuring a steady supply of highly-trained and professional tradesmen.
âProject labor agreementsmake sense for public works proj-ects because they promote aplanned approach to labor relations,allow contractors to more accuratelypredict labor costs and scheduleproduction timetables, reduce therisks of shoddy work and costly dis-ruptions, and encourage greater effi-ciency and productivity,â wrote
Cornell University researcher FredKotler in a 2009 study of PLAs.
While PLAs are not automati-cally unionâas oftenmisrepre-sentedâmany do in fact includecollectively bargained wages andbenefits. Those wages and bene-fitsâwhich average $13more perhour than nonunion scale; $28.35when benefits are includedânot onlyboost workersâ paychecks, but alsotranslate into increased productivityand reinvestment in the community.
A report by labor researchersMaria Figueroa and Jeff Grabelskyanalyzing construction unionizationin Massachusetts found:âUnionization in (construction) notonly increases the incomes of work-ers but also yields economic benefitsthat ripple through the economy.â
PLA opponents routinelydenounce union labor for higherwages, but Figueroa and Grabelskyfind that low-wage nonunion laborhas widespread and indirect costs.
The authorswrite: âThere areeconomicand social costs associatedwith the lower quality of the trainingprovided to nonunionworkers, andthe consequent higher number ofoccupational injuries they endureâŚLabor costs savings, however, cantranslate into costs being shifted ontotaxpayers and society as awhole,when employers fail to pay appropri-ate levels of payroll taxes andwork-ersâ compensation premiums.â
Many nonunion contractors
donât provide health insurance, somedical bills in the risky industryare often borne by the state. Andmany nonunion employers misrep-resent their employees as independ-ent contractors, cheating thegovernment out of millions in taxes.
Decent wages also translateinto higher productivity and loweraccident rates.
The hidden costs of the ABCâlow-roadâ model are currently ondisplay in Reno, Nev. Managementat the Hyatt Place hotel at the Renoairport had to bring in local unionworkers to fix the shoddy work doneby an out-of-state contractor, whowas awarded the job back in 2008after underbidding union contrac-tors and using poorly paid, lower-skilled employees.
âThe contractor that did theworkis bankrupt,â said PaulMcKenzie ofthe Northern Nevada Building andConstructionTradesCouncil. âTheyâvegone out of business and so they haveto bring another person in to redo thework they did because they had aninferior product.â
He estimates that it will costthe owner nearly double his initialbid to have the work redone.
FromCalifornia toCapitol Hill
ABCâs efforts in California are onlyone part of the groupâs strategy to
eat away at union market share inconstruction.
The private construction indus-try has been hammered hard by therecession, making government-funded construction projects, partic-ularly federal ones, some of the onlybig jobs at the moment.
But an executive order issuedby President Obama in 2009, whichreversed a Bush-era rule banningfederally-funded PLAs, has made itharder for low-wage contractors toget their foot in the door.
So ABC is keeping a close eyeon the 2010 midterm elections andhoping the results will elevate one oftheir strongest congressionalalliesâOhio Rep. John Boehner (R)âinto the speakerâs chair.
ABChas been a top donor tothe GOPminority leader since hestarted his congressional career andBoehner has returned the favor,even introducing a resolution in Junehonoring the group.
More importantly, he has prom-ised to take up ABCâs agenda if theGOP picks up enough seats to forma majority this November. âI will runCongress differently than it is beingrun today,â he said at ABCâs legisla-tive conference in June.
Part of that agenda includesending federal encouragement ofPLAsâwhich is denounced onBoehnerâs blog as ameans to ârewardunion bossesââand defeating pro-posals to establish âhigh-roadâ con-tracting standards, whichwouldrequire federal contractors tomain-tain certain wage and benefit levels.
Themessage has also perco-lated to the right-wingmedia, with FoxNews andTVhostGlenn Beck takingup the anti-PLA agenda, denouncingthemas special-interest giveaways.
âABC is making this politicalbecause they donât want people tak-ing a closer look at their workplacemodel,â said Building andConstruction Trades Department,AFL-CIO, spokesman Tom Owens.âItâs a low-road model that providesno career opportunities, lousy bene-fits and that ends up being a drainon the larger community.â
Local 569âs Jennifer Badgleysays the building trades are gearingup to mobilize their members andcommunity allies to push backagainst ABCâs efforts this fall.
Shepoints to last yearâs success-fulmulti-milliondollarPLAbetween the
building tradesand theSanDiegoUnifiedSchoolDistrictâwhich is reno-vating andexpandingschool facili-tiesâasanexampleofhowPLAscanincreaseproductivity, save timeandmoneyandcreate good jobopportuni-ties. âThebidswere competitive andcame inunder theschoolâsbudget.â
The IBEW inCalifornia is alsofocusingon thehotly contestedguber-natorial racebetween formerGov. JerryBrownand formereBaychief executiveMegWhitman,building grassrootssupport for thepro-laborBrown.âNovember is abig organizing cam-paign forus, because the future of ourjobsand thisunionare going tobedecided inSacramentoandWashington,D.C,âBadgleysaid.
âItâs clear thatABCandopen-shop forcesarebetting onaGOPmajority to enforce their race-to-the-bottommodel on the industry,â saidInternational PresidentEdwinD.Hill.âItâs vital thateverymemberdo theirhomeworkandseewhere their repre-sentatives standon the issue, becauseitâs our jobs thatare atstake.â ďż˝
PLAs are project-specific, pre-hire agreements that provide high-quality,on-time construction while creating good, middle-class jobs.
One of President Obamaâs firstofficial acts in office was his 2009executive order encouraging fed-eral agencies to use project laboragreements in federal construc-tion projects.⢠Covers $3.73 billion in construc-tion work, providing thousandsof good, union jobs from coastto coast.
⢠Reversed ban on federal PLAsput in place by the Bushadministration.
⢠Executive order says, in part,âLarge-scale construction projectspose special challenges to effi-cient and timely procurementâŚThe use of a [PLA] may preventthese problems fromdeveloping.â
He also:⢠Stopped contractors from usingfederal funds for anti-unionactivity.
⢠Gives workers employed by afederal contractor first-bid rightson their job if another companytakes over contract. �
The ObamaAdministration and PLAs
ABCâs strongest ally in Congress isHouseMinority Leader JohnBoehner.
Environmental Quality. The improve-ments would lower mercury andnitrogen oxide emissions and permitthe burning of lower-sulfur coal.
Under its new 2020 shutdownproposal, the company is looking tomake many of the same improve-ments, while simultaneously devel-oping renewable and natural gasresources to replace the Boardmanplantâs capacity. New transmissionlines, essential to delivering the newpower to customers, are part of thecompanyâs plan.
StevenCorson, PGE spokesman,gives special recognition to the IBEWas one of themain stakeholdersâalong with economicdevelopmentgroups, business associations andcustomer groupsâin helping regula-tors understand the need for a rea-sonable plan for Boardman.
PGE is under pressure to movethe companyâs proposed shutdowndate to 2018.
âWe will keep working with thecompany,â says Putman, âbut ourindependent, grassroots lobbyingwill be decisive in seeing that anunrealistic date is not imposed.
âWe are not supporting any-thing sooner than 2020, and main-tain that 2040 is appropriate if thepollution controls are installed,âsays Putman. ďż˝
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W W W . I B E W . O R G
With only one powerplant running oncoal, Oregon wouldseem an unlikely
place for a major effort by environ-mentalists to shut down coal power.But Portland General Electricâs 585-megawatt power plant is embattled,with some in the environmentallobby pushing to shut the plantdown in 2015. They even opposed apublic utility commission meeting inthe plantâs surrounding communityto allow residents and workers tovoice their opinions.
Representing 125 bargainingunit members at thefacility, Portland Local125 is conducting agrassroots campaign tourge a balancebetween reducing car-bon emissions and theneed for a reasonabletransition to othersources of energyâonethat properly weighsthe needs of both work-ers and consumers.Members haveattended publicmeet-ings and are busy circulating peti-tions and writing letters to utilitycommissioners and newspapers.
âIf they havenât already, otherlocals could soon be facing the samesituation thatwe are here,â saysBoardman control operator JoshHagel, noting that the plant first wentonline in 1980,making it newer thanmany of themore than 600 other coalpower plants across the country. âThisis a sought-after job,â says Hagel, whohasworked at Boardman for 11 years.The plant, in the stateâs eastern quad-rant, he says, accounts for nearly 40percent ofMorrowCountyâs tax base.
âOurmembers fish and huntand are concerned about the environ-ment like other citizens,â saysMarcyPutman, Local 125âs political affairsrepresentative. But, she said, the2015 shutdown date being proposedby some in the environmental lobbyis not realistic. Many backers of theclosure, she says, have never seenthe plant and are driven by industrialrevolution images of pollution,despite the fact that PGEâwhich isproposing a 2020 shutdownâhasinstalled scrubbers and precipitatorsto reduce emissions and is preparedto spendmuchmore. When they visit,
critics have, saysPutman, âbeenamazed at how cleanthe facility is.â
PGE has a repu-tation for cognizanceof environmental con-cerns. The utility sup-ported the stateâs2007 renewable energystandard in the legislature, requiringthat Oregonâs largest utilities acquire25 percent of their electricity fromnew renewable energy sources by2025. The company is investingmorethan $1 billion in the BiglowCanyon
Wind Farmâlocated in the ColumbiaRiver Gorgeâwhich will supply 450megawatts when complete. Last year,PGE ranked eighth in the nationâandfourth in theWestâfor total solarpower generation, according to theSolar Electric Power Association.
âOur advocacy for keepingBoardmanPowerPlant open isnât justabout the IBEW, itâs about the econ-omy of our state,â says Putman.Withlong lag times for permits, engineeringand other technical considerations,Oregonwill not be able to replace theessential utility capacity thatwould belost in a 2015 shutdown.
In aMay letter to the PublicUtility Commission of Oregon, Local125 expressed concern for the jobsecurity of workers employed inenergy-intensive industries as well as
small businesses if regula-tors force a premature shut-down. In addition to IBEWâsbargaining unit, 25 contrac-tors and 225 seasonal main-tenance workersâ jobs aretied to the plant.
Oregonâs high unem-ployment rate makes anorderly plan for Boardmanâsclosure even more essential.One of the newmembers ofLocal 125 at Boardman, forinstance, was hired after he
lost his job when Boise Cascadeshut down a paper mill in St. Helensseveral hours away.
The IBEWâs need to competewith other voices in the debate overBoardmanâs future was punctuatedby the Sierra Clubâs opposition toIBEWâs request that the state publicutility commission hold a hearing onthe plantâs future in Boardman,where many of the facilityâs workersreside. The commission agreed tohold the hearing, defeating theSierra Clubâs questionable argu-ment that citizens in Boardman arenot customers of PGE.
PGE originally planned to closethe plant in 2040 and, in theinterim, invest up to $560 million inpollution controls to comply withrules of the Oregon Department of
M irroring Local 125âs efforts in Oregon, Seattle, Local 77 is chal-lenging plans for a premature closure of Washingtonâs only coalpower plant in Centralia.
Bob Guenther, Local 77âs lobbyist, is marshalling efforts to extend thelife of the TransAlta coal plant until 2025.Environmentalists are pushing fora 2015 shutdown.
âMany of the 300 jobs [in Centralia] pay an average of $88,000 a yearand will not be easily replaced,â says Guenther, who is visiting legislatorsand meeting with Gov. Christine Gregoire, advocating a responsible transi-tion from coal power to other forms of energy. ďż˝
Seattle Local Joins Neighborsâ Lobbying Efforts
Oregon Local Lobbies for ResponsibleTransition fromCoal Power
Portland, Ore., Local 125member Pat Winter,above left, with fellowunionists BrianWilliams,Doug Shaffer and DaveRichards, at right, areadvocating for aresponsible transitionfrom coal power to otherenergy sources.
Environmentalists are pushing for a 2015 shutdown of the Boardman Power Plant that wouldleave large energy users without sufficient power to run their enterprises.
North of 49° | Au nord du 49° parallèle
For more than half a century,the Red Seal has been abenchmark of excellence forCanadian tradesmen, serv-
ing as a national recognition of highskill and training for more than 50different crafts.
But a new effort by the federalgovernment to reform the programâsassessment standards is drawingopposition from the building tradesand many contractors, who are con-cerned that the proposed changeswill water down the Red Seal andweaken national training standards.
For more than a year, theCanadian Council of Directors ofApprenticeship, which is made up ofthe heads of each provincial and ter-ritorial apprenticeship program, hasbeen conducting a review of the RedSeal program. The councilâs initialrecommendationsâpublished thisspringâare troubling, says BarryStevens, political action/mediastrategist for the First District.
Currently, journeymenmustgraduate from a recognized appren-ticeship program and pass a writtentest in order to receive RedSeal certi-fication, which inmost provinces ismore demanding than the standardtrade certification. But under thecouncilâs suggested guidelines, alter-native assessments such as workreviews, oral interviews and employerrecommendations could be acceptedin lieu of a written exam, whichStevens says, opens the door toabuse by unscrupulous contractors.
âWeâre talking about a veryvague grading system that leaves alot up to the employer, so it wouldbe hard to tell what youâre gettingwith the Red Seal,â he said.
The governmentâs suggestedreforms come just as the program islosing some of its power to influencethe labourmarket. Previously, RedSeal certification was needed to workacross provincial boundaries. But lastyearâs changes to the labourmobilityclause in the Agreement on InternalTrade now allows anyworker certifiedin their own province or territory to
practice their trade anywhere inCanada, even if their home jurisdic-tion has lower certification standardsthan the province in which they work.
âThe effect will be to exertdownward pressure on credentials,because it forces local governmentsthat demand higher standards toaccept workers far below the skill andtraining it calls for,â said First DistrictVice President Phil Flemming.
The weakening of existing train-ing standards is part of PrimeMinister Stephen Harper and the rul-ing Conservativesâ broader agenda toderegulate the labourmarket, driv-ing down wages and working condi-tions, say union leaders.
âI think theConservatives aretrying tomakeworkers and companiesfight for the lowest commondenomi-nator,â saidAlex Lolua, director ofgovernment andpublic relations forthe IBEWâsConstructionCouncil ofOntario.
The temporary foreign workerprogram is one example, Stevenssays. Created in response to anational worker shortage, the pro-gram allows employers to bring inforeign nationals to work on a short-term basis, which critics chargemakes them vulnerable to abuse.
âThesemeasures weredesigned to enable unscrupulousemployers to bringmore foreignworkers into themarket, which wouldresult in reducing the costs of labourat the expense of Canadian workers,âhe wrote in his July column for theToronto Local 353âs newsletter.
And some federal officials agree.Government documents acquiredfrom theCanada ImmigrationOfficebyNewDemocrat ImmigrationCriticOliviaChow states that temporary for-eignworkers have had a negativeimpact onwages and employment.
âEmployers are using tempo-rary foreign workers as a way to sup-press wages and working conditionsand to avoid legitimate unions,âAlberta Federation of LabourPresident Gil McGowan said in astatement. âWe should be ensuring
4 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | S e p t emb e r 2 0 1 0
IBEWFights toUphold RedSealStandards
StimulusDollars FuelWis. Plant Expansion
Seven years ago,Milwaukee Local 2150organized a 320-memberbargaining unit at
Waukesha Electric Systems, a manu-facturer of medium-sized transform-ers. A long and challengingorganizing drive left labor and man-agement employees alike wonderingwhether they could move forward,improve relationships and build amore successful enterprise.
All of their doubts were put torest with aMay announcement bySPXCorporation, Waukesha Electricâsparent company. SPX announced a$70million, 140,000-square-footexpansion of itsWaukeshamanufac-turing plant using $12million inadvanced energymanufacturing taxcredits from the federal stimulus.
Adding capacity to the 292,000-square-foot plant will meet the grow-ing demand for transformers neededto transmit power generated bywindturbines and photovoltaic systems todistant load centers. Set to open inthe fall of 2011, the expanded plantwill add 250 new jobs. Two hundredwill be bargaining unit positions.
âThis expansion is good newsfor SPX, the city of Waukesha and allworkers in the plant,â says Local 2150BusinessManager Forrest Ceel. âWeaim to build the worldâs best trans-
formers right here inWaukesha,âsays Ceel. That is no idle boast.
Waukeshaâs growing footprintis geared to producing some of thelargest transformers available,including units rated at 500 mega-volts and up to 765 megavolts. Thetransformers, which weigh hun-dreds of tons, will sell for between$2 million and $10 million each.
Large power transformers areextremely sensitive to contamina-tion. The new facility will include astate-of-the-art clean room for finalassembly.
Ceel andToddScrima, chair ofthe bargaining unit that has grown to380members, say thatWaukeshaâsmanagement team, led by PresidentTomBrockley andVice PresidentDavidGoodwill, worked hard todevelop aworkplace culturemorecapable of taking on the challenges of
a toughmarket for electric equipment.âWe do a lot of internal audit-
ing of products and proceduresthat helps us locate problems withthe quality of the product,â saidScrima, an 11-year employee whobegan winding coils and now worksas a quality specialist.
In addition to federal stimulusdollars, SPX will receive $9 million intax-incremental financing from theCity of Waukesha and $4 millionfrom the state.
Broad support was essentialto win necessary financing, saysCeel. Key partners in the advocacyeffort include Gov. Jim Doyle; PhilNeuenfeldt, Secretary-Treasurer ofthe Wisconsin State AFL-CIO; formerWaukesha Mayor Larry Nelson; GaleKlappa of Wisconsin Energy andJohn Procario of AmericanTransmission Company. ďż˝
More than300 workersat WaukeshaElectricSystems havehelped themanufacturerattract majorfederal andlocal stimulusdollars forexpansion.
IBEW on the Huffington PostPresident Hill has a blog championinggood jobs andmore. Read it atwww.huffingtonpost.com/edwin-d-hill.
HourPowerTwoOmaha, Neb., Local 22journeymen give us an âoldschoolâ job tip about fixinga broken head inside apipe during awire pull.Check it out, and enter theHour Power awards onwww. IBEWHourPower.com.
YouTubeThe IBEW has its own channel on YouTube,devoted exclusively to videos about theunion and its members. Watch online atwww.youtube.com/user/theelectricalworker.
ElectricTVA founder of Greenpeace, Dr. PatrickMooreadvocates for a return to nuclear energy.Wesit down to talk safety, viability, economicsandmoreâon the latest edition ofelectricTV.net.
IBEWMEDIAWORLDInaddition to yourmonthly issue of The Electrical Worker, check out the wealthof IBEW-related information in cyberspace.
Canadians are properly trained first,so they can take advantage of exist-ing job opportunities.â
Anti-worker governments inWestern Canada have also joined thecampaign to drive down labour stan-dards. Gordon Campbellâs Liberalgovernment in British Columbia hasgone the furthest. Soon after takingpower in 2001, that administrationderegulatedmuch of the trades,eliminating mandatory certification
for many skilled jobs.In 2007 the governments of
BritishColumbia andAlberta signedtheTrade, Investment and LabourMobility Act, a trade bill which placesmany provincial regulations, includingworker qualification tests, at risk ofbeing declared a barrier to free trade.
Harper and corporate lobbyistshave also been pushing for a free-trade agreement with the EuropeanUnionâthe Canada-European Union
Comprehensive Economic and TradeAgreementâwhich would make iteven harder for provinces to main-tain their own training programs.
Labour leaders and contractorsare calling on the government tomain-tain the RedSealâs current assess-ments and for the program tobecomethequalifying benchmark in everyprovinceâas it already is inOntarioand inmanyMaritimeprovincesâtoprevent the construction industry from
being floodedwith a low-skilled andeasily-exploitablework force.
âWewant to protect and upholdour certification standards, notweaken them in order to bring in less-skilled foreign workers to fill thosepositions,â saidWayne Peppard,executive director of the BritishColumbia and Yukon Building Trades.
Lolua of theConstructionCouncilof Ontario points to theworkof theNational Electrical TradeCouncilâa
joint labor-management partnershipbetween the IBEWand theCanadianElectrical Contractors Associationâindeveloping national electrical trainingstandardswhich could encouragelabourmobility whilemaintaining ahighly-trainedwork force.
âWithout mandated nationalstandards, workers and contractorswill end up on a downward spiral,âPeppard said. ďż˝
Depuis plus dâun demi-siècle, le Sceau rougereprĂŠsente une normedâexcellence pour les
personnes de mĂŠtiers au Canada,assurant la reconnaissance de leurscompĂŠtences et de leur aptitudeprofessionnelle Ă travers le pays;plus de 50 diffĂŠrents mĂŠtiers sontdĂŠsignĂŠs Sceau rouge.
La nouvelle tentative du gou-vernement fĂŠdĂŠral visant Ă rĂŠformer leprogrammedâĂŠvaluation desnormessuscite des rĂŠactionsparmi lesmĂŠtiers de la construction qui sontopposĂŠs Ă une telle rĂŠforme craignantque les changements proposĂŠsnevisent quâĂ diluer le systèmeduSceaurouge et affaiblir les normesna-tionales pour lesmĂŠtiers spĂŠcialisĂŠs.
Depuis plus dâun an, le Conseilcanadien des directeurs de lâappren-tissage, regroupant des directeursprovinciaux et territoriaux de lâap-prentissage, conduit une analyse surle programme du Sceau rouge. Selonle confrère Barry Stevens qui agit Ă titre de coordonnateur de lâactionpolitique et de la stratĂŠgie mĂŠdia-tique pour le Premier District, lespremières recommandations duConseil parues ce printemps sontplutĂ´t inquiĂŠtantes.
Actuellement, les personnes demĂŠtier doivent complĂŠter un pro-grammedâapprentissage reconnu etavoir un certificat dâaptitude profes-sionnelle avant de passer un examenĂŠcrit pour obtenir lamention ÂŤSceaurouge Âť; dans la plupart desprovinces, cettemention est beau-coup plus difficile Ă acquĂŠrir que laclassification demĂŠtier habituelle.Toutefois, suite Ă certaines directives
suggĂŠrĂŠes par leConseil, dâautresmoyens dâĂŠvaluation tels que lâhabi-tude de travail, les entrevues orales etles recommandations de lâemployeurpourraient ĂŞtre envisagĂŠs, en rem-placement de lâexamen ĂŠcrit; le con-frèreStevens craint que lâapplicationde cette alternative nâouvre la voie auxentrepreneurs sans scrupules.
ÂŤ Nous parlons dâun système declassification très vague, qui re-poserait en grande partie sur lâĂŠvalu-ation de lâemployeur; il serait doncdifficile de reconnaĂŽtre les avantagesque procurent le Sceau rouge Âť, dit-il.
Les rĂŠformes suggĂŠrĂŠespar legouvernement surviennent juste aumoment oĂš le programmeest en voiedeperdre de son influence sur lemarchĂŠdu travail. Avant, le travailleurdevait avoir leSceau rougepour allertravailler dansune autre province.Mais les changements apportĂŠs lâandernier Ă la clause sur lamobilitĂŠ de lamain-dâoeuvre dans lâAccord sur le li-bre-ĂŠchange interprovincial, permet-tent Ă tout travailleur qualifiĂŠ au titrede compagnon, selon les normesdecertification de saprovince respectiveoude son territoire, de pratiquer sonmĂŠtier partout auCanada,mĂŞmesices normesde certification ne sontpas aussi ĂŠlevĂŠesque celles envigueurdans la province oĂš il travaille.
ÂŤCeci aura pour effet dâexercerune pression Ă la baisse sur les qual-ifications car les gouvernements rĂŠ-gionaux exigeant des normes plusĂŠlevĂŠes seront contraints dâaccepterdes travailleurs nâayant pas les qual-ifications et la formation quâils exi-gent Âť, dĂŠclare Phil Flemming, Vice-prĂŠsident du Premier District.
Selon les dirigeants syndicaux,
une des prioritĂŠs Ă lâagenda duPremier Ministre Stephen Harper etdes Conservateurs est lâaffaiblisse-ment des normes actuelles dans lebut de dĂŠrĂŠglementer le marchĂŠ dutravail, ce qui entraĂŽnerait unebaisse des salaires et des condi-tions de travail.
ÂŤ Je crois que les conservateursveulent que les travailleurs et lescompagnies se battent pour le pluspetit dĂŠnominateur commun Âť, ditAlex Lolua, directeur en relationspubliques et gouvernementalespour le Conseil de la construction delâOntario de la FIOE.
ÂŤ Le programmedes travailleursĂŠtrangers temporaires en est un exem-ple! Âť ajoute le confrèreStevens.CrĂŠĂŠafin de faire face Ă la pĂŠnurie demain-dâĹuvre, ce programmepermet auxemployeurs dâavoir recours Ă desressortissants ĂŠtrangers pour venir tra-vailler Ă court terme; les critiques seplaignent que cesderniers deviennentainsi plus vulnĂŠrables Ă lâexploitation.
Dans le bulletin dâinformationde juillet de la S.L. 353 de Toronto, ilĂŠcrivait : ÂŤ Cesmesures avaient ĂŠtĂŠprĂŠvues afin de permettre aux em-ployeurs sans scrupules dâamenerencore plus de travailleurs ĂŠtrangersdans lemarchĂŠ, ce qui aurait pour ef-fet de rĂŠduire les coĂťts de lamain-dâĹuvre au dĂŠtriment des tra-vailleurs canadiens. Âť
Des fonctionnaires fĂŠdĂŠrauxsont dâaccord avec son ĂŠnoncĂŠ. Lacritique du NPD en matière dâimmi-gration, Mme Olivia Chow, a obtenudes documents officiels du BureaudâImmigration Canada indiquantque le recours aux travailleurs tem-poraires ĂŠtrangers a eu un impact
nĂŠgatif sur les salaires et lâemploi.Gil McGowan, PrĂŠsident de la
FĂŠdĂŠration du travail de lâAlberta,dĂŠclarait dans un communiquĂŠ:ÂŤ Les employeurs se servent des tra-vailleurs temporaires ĂŠtrangers afindâabaisser les salaires et les condi-tions de travail et dâĂŠviter les syndi-cats lĂŠgitimes. Nous devrions dâabordnous assurer que lesCanadiens ontles qualifications et la formationnĂŠcessaire pour profiter des opportu-nitĂŠs dâemploi actuelles. Âť
Les gouvernements anti-tra-vailleurs de lâOuest canadien ontaussi participĂŠ Ă cette campagnevisant Ă abaisser les normes na-tionales de travail. Câest le gouverne-ment libĂŠral de Gordon Campbell, enColombie-Britannique, qui est allĂŠ leplus loin. Dès son arrivĂŠe au pouvoiren 2001, son administration a dĂŠrĂŠ-glementĂŠ la plupart desmĂŠtiers,supprimant ainsi le certificat de re-connaissance obligatoire pourplusieurs emplois spĂŠcialisĂŠs.
En 2007, les gouvernements dela Colombie-Britannique et delâAlberta ont signĂŠ lâAccord sur lecommerce, les investissements et lamobilitĂŠ de la main-dâĹuvre, une loisur le commerce selon laquelleplusieurs rĂŠglementations provin-ciales, incluant celle sur les exam-ens de qualification des travailleurs,courent le risque de constituer unobstacle au libre-ĂŠchange.
Harper et des lobbyistes pour lesentreprises ont ĂŠgalement fait pres-sion en faveur dâunAccord de libre-ĂŠchange avec lâUnion europĂŠenneâlâAccord ĂŠconomique et commercialglobal Canada-Union europĂŠenneâlequel rendrait encore plus difficile le
maintien des programmes de forma-tion dans chaque province.
Les dirigeants syndicaux et lesentrepreneurs demandent au gou-vernement de maintenir la recon-naissance professionnelle actuelledu Sceau rouge et dâen faire leniveau de qualification dans chaqueprovince, comme câest le casactuellement en Ontario et dansplusieurs provinces maritimes. Lebut de telle requĂŞte est dâempĂŞcherlâindustrie de la construction dâĂŞtreinondĂŠe par une main-dâĹuvre peuqualifiĂŠe et facilement exploitable.
ÂŤ Nous voulons protĂŠger etfaire respecter nos normes de certifi-cation; elles ne doivent pas ĂŞtreabaissĂŠes afin de pouvoir amenerdes travailleurs ĂŠtrangers moinsqualifiĂŠs pour remplir ces postes Âť,affirme Wayne Peppard, DirecteurexĂŠcutif du Conseil des mĂŠtiers de laconstruction de la Colombie-Britannique et du Yukon.
Le confrère Lolua duConseil dela construction de lâOntario asoulignĂŠ le travail du Conseil nationaldesmĂŠtiers de lâĂŠlectricitĂŠ (NationalElectrical Trade Council)âfondĂŠ surle partenariat syndical patronal entrela FIOE et lâAssociation canadiennedes entrepreneurs ĂŠlectriciensâqui adĂŠveloppĂŠ des normes sur la forma-tion nationale en ĂŠlectricitĂŠ. Cesnormes vont encourager lamobilitĂŠdes travailleurs tout en conservantunemain-dâĹuvre parfaitement for-mĂŠe et hautement qualifiĂŠe.
ÂŤ Sans la reconnaissance desnormes nationales, les travailleursainsi que les entrepreneurs serontentraĂŽnĂŠs dans une spirale descen-dante infernale Âť, conclut Peppard. ďż˝
La FIOEmène une lutte afin demaintenir les normesinterprovincialesSceau rouge
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RETIREDJoseph F. Lohman
Sixth DistrictInternationalVice PresidentJoseph F. âJeffâLohman retiredeffective Sept. 1.
Initiatedinto Local 481 in Indianapolis, Ind.,as an inside wireman apprentice in1966, Lohman was elected vice pres-ident, serving from 1978 to 1981.When his business manager askedhim to be a business agent,Lohman, at first, resisted. He agreedto try the job for a year. âThirty-twoyears later, Iâm retiring,â he says.
Elected Local 481 businessmanager/financial secretary in 1983,Lohman served for five years until hisappointment as InternationalRepresentative. Among his proudestaccomplishments were helping todevelop the COMET (ConstructionOrganizing Membership EducationTraining) program and being the firstIndiana graduate of the B.A. programat the National LaborCollege in 1988.
In 1991, Lohman was assignedorganizing coordinator for the SixthDistrict. Under his leadership, theunionâs market share increasedfrom 45 percent in 1995 to 70 per-cent in 2000.
Lohmanâwho served as secre-tary of the IndianaState BuildingTrades and as a boardmember of theCentral Indiana LaborCouncilâwasnamed assistant toSixth DistrictInternational Vice President PatCurleyin 2002. Hewas appointedSixthDistrict International Vice President in2005, uponCurleyâs retirement, andelected in 2006.
âI have very mixed emotionsabout my retirement,â says BrotherLohman who, most recently, servedas a member of the IBEW Committeeon Diversity and Inclusion. âIâmexcited about starting a new chapterin my life. But Iâm struggling a littlebit with what Iâm leaving.â
Looking forward to traveling andfulfilling a long-held desire to go backto school, Lohman also plans to vol-unteer his time to two organizations.
The officers, staff and membersof the IBEW wish Brother Lohman a
well-deserved, healthy and happyretirement. ďż˝
APPOINTEDLonnie R.Stephenson
IBEWInternationalPresident EdwinD. Hill hasappointed LonnieR.Stephenson asSixthDistrict
International Vice President, effectiveSeptember 1. He succeeds Joseph F.Lohman,who retired.
BrotherStephensonwas born inMoline, Ill., graduating fromRockIslandHighSchool. He started hisapprenticeship as an insidewiremanwith Rock Island Local 145. Hewas ini-tiated into the Brotherhood in 1976.
Stephenson soon becameactive in the union and was electedvice president in 1984 and presidentin 1987. Less than a decade later, hewas elected business manager, aposition he held until his appoint-ment as InternationalRepresentative in 2002. He was
active in the community, serving onthe executive board on the UnitedWay, the Quad Cities Federation ofLabor and the Illinois State ElectricalWorkers Association.
One of the biggest campaignsheledwasa joint effortwith local busi-ness leaders to pass a$5million bondinitiative inDavenport, Iowa, to helprenovate the cityâswaterfront area.And in 1998,Stephensonhelped over-see the construction of theQuadCitiesElectrical Training center.
As International Representative,he serviced locals throughout theupperMidwest. From 2003 to 2005,he served as organizing coordinatorand then as the in-office representa-tive for Vice President Lohman. âJeffwas a great mentor to me and helpedkeep the district moving in the rightdirection,â said Stephenson.
As the new Sixth District VicePresident, he will oversee IBEWoperations in Illinois, Michigan,Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
âIâm looking forward to thechallenge, and in this economy itdefinitely will be a challenge,â hesays. âBut the Sixth District is very
lucky to have some great locals,great leaders and great staff.â
The IBEW officers, staff andmembership wish BrotherStephenson much success in hisnew position. ďż˝
RETIREDGregoryG.Shafranski
Sixth DistrictInternationalRepresentativeGregoryShafranskiretired April 1following more
than four decades of service tothe IBEW.
Brother Shafranski initiatedinto Minneapolis Local 292 in 1972,a time when apprentices wererequired to rotate to a new contrac-tor every year to ensure a well-rounded education and immersioninto the profession, he said.
AMinneapolis native,Shafranski served on various commit-tees in the local andwas elected busi-nessmanager in 1992. His activismon the localâsmarket recovery com-mittee during the recession of theearly â90swas instrumental in secur-ing bids for signatory contractors andman-hours formembers desperate forwork in the slumping economy.
Shafranski was appointed tothe Sixth District office in 1997 byInternational President J.J. Barry.
As a field representative,Shafranski serviced utility, insideand outside construction localsthroughout Minnesota andWisconsin. He recently worked withthe NJATC, its local branches and theInternational Office to establish awind turbine training program out ofRochester, Minn., Local 343. Thelocal boasts one of the first-builtwind training towers on IBEW prop-erty in the Brotherhood.
âMany of our contractors noware requiring members to gettrained in wind so we can stay com-petitive with the nonunion side,â hesaid. âItâs a lot of physical workâyouâre up 300 feet high in the airdealing with the elements, so wewant to ensure that our membershave the cutting edge on technicalknow-how and safety.â
Transitions
In early July, newspapers, radio and TV stations across Nova Scotia, NewBrunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton Island reported that IBEWLocal 1928âs Business Manager Michael MacDonald and Nova Scotia PowerCEO Rob Bennett had reinforced their commitment to health and safety bysigning a pact known as the CEO Health and Leadership Charter.
It was the first time a union and company jointly endorsed the pledge,signed by 250 organizations across Canada. While the symbolic signing pro-moted making safety the first priority in the workplace, NSP and Local 1928accompanied their pledge with an active public awareness campaign warn-ing against the dangers of electrical lines.
An Atlantic-TV news report that included interviews with MacDonaldand an NSP spokesman opened by showing the aftermath of a 2005 accidentwhere two men who were not employees of NSP in Sydney, Nova Scotia, wereelectrocuted when their bucket truck came in contact with overhead lines. Itemphasized the need for residents to keep a 20-foot distance from powerlines when pruning trees or performing other home projects.
MacDonald says that the charter signing and the awareness campaignfollow a path of productive relations between Nova Scotia Power and Local1928, which represents 850 workers including mechanics, linemen, steamplant operators, electricians, technicians, utility workers and others.
âLabor and management have parked their hats outside the door andpartnered on health and safety for many years,â says MacDonald.
Apress release fromNSP reported that the companyhad achieved amillion
person-hours ofworkwithout a lost time injury in someareas of the province.âSafety is non-negotiable in the utility industry. You canât compromise
or cut corners in any way in our industry,â said NSP CEO Rob Bennett.MacDonald says that he and Bennett promote safety by giving credit toexemplary workers out in the field.
Local 1928 members sit on numerous joint safety committees with NSPmanagers and the local union recognizes IBEWmembers with awards forsafety excellence. Because Local 1928 has developed a good overall relation-ship with NSP, says MacDonald, âThere is more time to focus on the job andtask at hand rather than other issues between us.â
Union and management efforts on safety were praised in a luncheonwhere Nova Scotia Minister for Labour and Workplace Development MarilynMore announced that Workersâ Compensation Board claims between 2004and 2008 had dropped 7 percent.
In late July, the Cape Breton Post published an ad placed by the NovaScotia Department of Labour showing MacDonald and Bennett signing thesafety charter.
The ad says, âNSP and the IBEW understand the value of partnership inoccupational health and safety, and theyâre showing Nova Scotiaâs employ-ers and employees how to do it right.â More, pictured in the ad behindBennett and MacDonald, writes, âI challenge employers and workers to findthree ways to cooperate on workplace safety, and to implement these plansbefore the Thanksgiving holiday.â ďż˝
NovaScotia Local andUtilitySignSafetyCharter
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CloseCallCapsMemberâsThirdTour inMiddle East
Staff Sgt. Jesse Davis was in themid-dle of a workout at his base in north-ern Afghanistanwhen he heard theexplosion. He dropped hisweightsand looked at his fellow soldiers inthemakeshift gym, wondering if theywere all thinking the same thing:Anothermortar attack?
But it was far worse. A suicidebomber disguised as a police officerhad breached security and blownhimself up near the doorway of themain barracks at the Dand aw Patanbase. Five U.S. Airborne Infantrytroops were injured in the blast thatobliterated part of the structure.
For the second-year apprenticeand Salt Lake City Local 57 member,it was a chilling close call.
âIâm usually in that building onthe Internet chatting with my wife atthat time of night,â said Davis, 29. âIfthings had gone differentlyâif I had-nât decided to go to the gym, Iâm sureI would have been seriously hurt.â
The February bombing onlyadded to the daily dangers Davisfaced in his three tours of duty,including deployments to Iraq in2003 and Afghanistan in 2005.Davisâ boots hit the sand in June oflast year for his final mission: train-ing scores of enlistees inAfghanistanâs fighting forces. Fromhis arrival through October, hehelped lead nearly 100 new Afghanarmy soldiers through their trainingat Forward Operating Base Orgun-E.
He was reassigned to Dand awPatan the next month, where helogged time instructing the countryâs
fledgling border patrol troops alongthe northern boundary betweenAfghanistan and Pakistan.
Davis worked as a second-in-command when planning logisticsfor daytime missions. He dodgedgunfire on patrols and emergedunscathed from random roadsidebomb explosions. Away from com-bat, he headed up ad-hoc construc-tion projects at Dand aw Patan,building outhouses, shelving unitsand the gym area he was in when henarrowly averted disaster.
About a week after the bomb-ing near his barracks, Davis camehome to a heroâs welcome thatincluded a parade through his townof Spanish Forkâabout an hourâsdrive south of Salt Lake City.
Reunited with his wife, childrenand stepchildren, he is back on thejob at utility Rocky Mountain Power.As his tenure in the military drew toa close in July, he can now devotehimself full-time to his career as aunion lineman.
âThe IBEW has been a real ben-efit to my family,â Davis said. Hejoined the Brotherhood in May 2007and appreciates that his employerand the union have allowed flexibil-
ity in his trek toward journeymanstatus. âI didnât think I would gettreated so well. The company andthe local worked together to makesure I had a job when I got back. Igot to keep my seniority, too.â
Davis signed up for the Army in2002, partly for the economic secu-rity it offered.
âIâd done construction, workedon oil rigsâbut I got tired of alwaysbeing laid off,â he said. âI have awife and kids and needed more of asteady paycheck. Iâd also alwaysbeen interested in being in the mili-tary, ever since I was younger.â
Even with the recessionâsadverse impact on the trades, Davisfeels secure in his transition fromsoldier to union lineman. He drawsparallels between the camaraderiehe felt on missions and amongunion members in the trade.
âIn themilitary, itâs partly aboutthe friendships youmake while work-ing together as a team,â Davis said.âWe can saywemade it throughsome challenges together. Itâs thesame on a tough job. If some car inthemiddle of the night knocks a poledown, you and your crew have got tobust your butts to get the power backon. Thereâs tons and tons of work thatgoes into it. So, again, itâs nice to lookup and say, âWe did that.ââ
âJesseâs a hardworker, and heâsgoing tomake a really good lineman,âsaid Local 57 President LarryWalker,who is Davisâ general foreman. âWehave good attitudes around the shop,and he contributes to that.â
âWeâre glad heâs homeandappreciate everything heâs done,â saidBusinessManagerByronNielsen. ďż˝
Salt Lake City Local 57 apprenticeJesse Davis served in Iraq andAfghanistan.
IBEW On Duty
1 Akers, G.W. 6/12/20101 Eudy, B. D. 5/6/20101 Lintner, K. A. 6/4/20101 Teuber, E. A. 5/6/20101 Warner, T. D. 6/3/20103 Baldwin,W. J. 5/17/20103 Bannard, D. J. 5/25/20103 Bardoville, T. A. 6/5/20103 Baron, A. 4/5/20103 Brown, R. L. 6/19/20103 Burbes,W. T. 5/17/20103 De Leo, C. 6/5/20103 Degrosa, R. 6/17/20103 Ehrenfreund, B. 5/19/20103 Fischer, V. J. 6/30/20103 Fumagalli, V. 6/25/20103 Iacono, C. V. 5/19/20103 John, V. 10/27/20093 Judd, T. R. 6/28/20103 Kuzmak, J. 9/6/20093 McCormick, R. B. 6/1/20103 McGuire, R. J. 6/12/20103 Nacincik, D. E. 6/12/20103 Naya, J. A. 6/25/20103 Orlando, B. 6/6/20103 Pacello, M. A. 6/24/20103 Pontillo, A. 6/17/20103 Rozakis, N. P. 6/11/20103 Schnipper,W. 6/30/20103 Schroeder,W. D. 5/18/20103 Schweizer, J.W. 6/19/20103 Sharples, R. A. 1/29/20103 Soltren, C. 3/22/20103 Stein, J. 5/26/20103 Student, J. M. 5/14/20103 Tarantal, S. 5/30/20105 Shoemaker, F. M. 5/21/20106 Butte,W. F. 6/23/20106 Derner, B. P. 4/25/20106 Lera, M. M. 5/1/20106 Schneider, M. M. 5/23/20108 Donofrio, J. T. 6/5/20108 Smallridge, H.W. 5/16/20109 Bodkin, F. J. 9/19/200911 Alarcon, J. H. 4/26/201011 Carroll, F.W. 4/2/201011 Emami, M. H. 5/25/200811 Foley, D. B. 3/11/201011 Fuertsch, C. R. 5/25/201011 Gingerich,W. E. 6/16/201011 Graeff, D. E. 5/25/201011 Jennex, M. M. 2/24/201011 Mears, R. A. 6/27/201011 Neff, K. A. 5/21/201011 Neumann, N. D. 6/8/201011 Stowater, R. R. 5/5/200911 Trezise, C. M. 6/14/201011 Zauss, H. 5/31/201013 Harl, J. R. 5/10/200816 Rexing, M. T. 6/16/201017 Armstrong, R. G. 4/30/201017 Munck, D. C. 5/6/201018 Humphries, R. A. 9/15/200820 Baker, Z. C. 5/22/201020 Carlen, C. H. 6/4/201020 Dillard, B. A. 6/19/201020 Gilbreath, T. A. 5/25/201020 Johnson, D. B. 6/3/201020 Mueller, H.W. 3/8/201020 Terry, A. C. 4/12/201022 Hand, B. D. 5/1/201022 Howell, H. J. 5/24/201022 Svoboda, D. J. 5/1/201024 Campbell, C. F. 6/16/201024 Daniel, J. L. 3/27/201024 Ovelgone,W. T. 4/23/2010
24 Williams, D. D. 4/7/201025 Anderson, R. C. 5/25/201025 Blanck, D. A. 1/19/201025 Castonguay, L. G. 6/20/201025 Grant, K. 12/28/200925 Kelly, J. J. 6/22/201025 Nichols, B. 6/12/201025 Roberts,W. H. 6/2/201026 Hannon, J. E. 6/21/201026 Hauhn,W. F. 6/7/201026 Smith, B. C. 6/19/201026 Waybright, G. L. 5/14/201032 Benham, N. 4/12/201034 Shay, P. D. 5/3/201034 Smith, F. D. 6/8/201034 Swardenski, G. A. 6/2/201035 Brousseau, D. 5/25/201035 Goodale, R. L. 6/2/201038 Fortenbaugh, R. B. 6/21/201038 Picha, J. A. 4/22/201041 Burkhardt, J. C. 12/9/200941 Smith,W. F. 4/17/201043 Bensing, R. F. 5/4/201043 Davis, R. J. 6/21/201043 DeSalvo, A. 6/30/201043 Long, V. L. 4/30/201043 McKee, T. P. 6/7/201045 Kopp, L. 3/26/201046 Bethea,W. C. 12/10/200946 Saunders, R. J. 6/26/201048 Black, R. C. 6/17/201048 Dials, M. A. 5/27/201048 Sullivan,W. R. 6/22/201048 Willis, G. L. 6/8/201051 Kritz, J. L. 3/23/201051 Lavender,W. F. 5/15/200951 Spikes, B. P. 5/2/201055 Baker, D. A. 6/9/201057 Lindley, R.W. 6/1/200958 Baytarian, P. 6/4/201058 Brewer, A. K. 6/12/201058 Cloutier,W. E. 3/20/201058 Coen, J. D. 9/24/200958 Edie, L.W. 5/14/201058 Langlands, R. C. 5/4/201058 McCabe, M. J. 5/29/201058 Salk, P. 6/29/201058 Scott, J. A. 7/29/200758 Szyniszewski, H. B. 6/17/201058 Thompson,W. C. 6/10/201058 Trueman, J.W. 6/10/201060 Walters, R. S. 5/31/201068 Jackson, C. L. 3/26/201068 Mettam, P. M. 2/23/201068 Nordlander, J. T. 5/15/201068 Zajac, D. A. 9/21/200770 Clark, D. E. 5/20/201070 Jackson, C. E. 6/27/201077 Carlson, M. G. 4/9/201077 Cook, S. F. 7/1/200777 Johnson, L. V. 12/6/200977 Liapis, G. S. 6/6/201077 Myers, C. B. 11/3/200977 Smith, E. N. 7/6/201083 Knickerbocker, N. H. 5/7/201086 Conrad, S. P. 3/1/201086 Ferry, L. P. 5/19/201089 Simmons, F. R. 4/26/200790 Valenti, E. F. 5/26/201095 Long, G. V. 1/1/200897 Berecka, E. J. 6/5/201098 Leach, J. A. 6/23/2010102 Flanagan, A. J. 2/3/2009102 Havison, H. 1/9/2007
Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death
In Memoriam
MEMORIAM continued on page 20
Members forWhomPBFDeathClaimswereApproved in July2010
In the late 1960s, Shafranskiserved four years in the Navy as anaviation electrician working on air-craft that flew reconnaissancemis-sions monitoring Russian submarineactivity along the Atlantic andEuropean coasts. He earned a two-year degree in electrical constructionfromMinneapolis Technical Collegeafter his naval experience and joined
the Brotherhood soon afterward.His family includes his wife,
Vonnie, three children, seven grand-children and one great-grandson.
Life in the labor movement is afamily affair. His son, Reed, is a jour-neyman lineman with MinneapolisLocal 160. Both of Shafranskiâsdaughters are married to unionmembersâone a fellow 160 member
and the other a plumber. Shafranskilooks forward to spending more timefishing and hunting.
âMy time in the IBEW has pro-vided me with a better life than Imight have had otherwise,â he said.
The staff, members and officersof the IBEW thankBrotherShafranskifor his service and wish him an enjoy-able, well-deserved retirement. ďż˝
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Unity Rally inSt. LouisL.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MOâOn June 15, a rally was held atSt. Louisâ Forest Park by building tradespeople fromacross the area, joined by IBEW Int. Pres. Edwin D.Hill and leaders of eight other trade unions.
Attending the 3,000-strong rally were unionelectricians, laborers, bricklayers, sheet metalworkers, painters, sprinkler fitters, plumbers, pip-efitters, and cement masons.
The rally was held to protest the Carpentersâunionâ in St. Louis. The Carpentersâ âleadershipâis organizing nonunion electrical contractors in St.Louis and performing electrical work under theâLocal 57â umbrella. The attack on IBEW Local 1 inSt. Louis is also being fought by other buildingtrades across the country, as the Carpenters try totake the work of other trades. The St. Louis rally wasjust the start of an AFL-CIO national campaign tostop the Carpenters from raiding the work of othertrades. Thanks to all Local 1 members whoattended. [See âIBEW, Allies Fight CarpenterCompetition,â The Electrical Worker, August 2010;and videos on IBEW Web site www.ibew.org.]
Wemourn the death of members: GregoryJones, Daniel Heeney, Ahmed Hamada, EdwardSchoenbein, Joseph Lupicki, Bernice Sapp, HarveyHeidemann, Joseph Novogoratz, Daniel Specker,Harry Baird, Tilford Griffis, Donald Bradshaw, JohnRufkahr Sr., Bernice Forir, Donald Sebacher, CliffordLindsey, Walter Lallis, Arthur Kemp, Carl Bock, JamesPrunty, Brian Eudy, Erhard Teuber, Charles Foster,Louis Duchinsky, ThomasWarner, James Foerster,Kirby Lintner, Matthew Ervin, Kenneth Jennewein.
Matt Gober, P.S.
Rally for Jobs and JusticeL.U. 11 (i,rts&spa), LOSANGELES, CAâThank you toour organizing committeemembers, elected officersand staff who rallied to challenge bureaucrats to has-ten stimulus spending and adopt project labor agree-ments. These efforts andmore have resulted in goodpaying jobs in our community. Adopting suchmeas-ures ensures a level playing field for our contractorsand promotes local hiring at key projects. Your dedi-cation to this worthy cause is greatly appreciated byeveryone who benefits from these projects.
The 12th Annual IBEW Local 11 Local-WidePicnic is scheduled for Sat., Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to4 p.m.âat the L.A. Police Revolver and AthleticClub,1880 N. Academy Dr., Los Angeles. There will begames, prizes, food, bingo and fun for the entire
family. Donât miss this opportunity to reconnect withold friends andmake new ones. Bring your lawnchairs! No pets allowed. No alcoholic beveragesmaybe brought to the picnic. Beer and winemay be pur-chased at the picnic. Donation of $6 per person.Children 10 years and under are free. Be sure to getyour ticket request with payment into the Local 11office by Friday, Sept. 17. We hope to see you there.
Bob Oedy, P.S.
SafetyMedal AwardedL.U. 15 (u), DOWNERSGROVE, ILâOn July 19, newlyelected Local 15 officerswere sworn in.Congratulationsto Bus. Mgr./Pres. Dean Apple, Vice Pres. TerryMcGoldrick and Rec. Sec. Christine Watkins on theirre-election, and to Treas. Tom Christ on his election.Congratulations also to our elected Executive Boardmembers: incumbents Tom Tibbles, Joe Alvarez andJose Rodriguez, and newly elected, Tom Hinspeter,Richard Lewis, John Gavin and Ricky Johnson.
Local 15 announced that 10 $500 scholarshipswill be awarded to Local 15 members or their fami-lies. Application forms and guidelines are availableat our Web sitewww.ibewlocal15.org.
Exelon Nuclear received the prestigious GreenCross Safety Medal from the National SafetyCouncil, in recognition of efforts in safety, commu-nity service and corporate citizenship.Congratulations to our IBEWmembers at Exelon.
Our members at Midwest Generation continuein the right direction on safety. Will County Stationis approaching 1 million man-hours without a DARTinjury, and Powerton Station set a station record ofmore than 577 days without a lost-time accident.
Their benefitspackage expiredJune 15 and talkshave started on anew package.
The polehauling arbitrationis finally settled,with negotiationsresulting in thereturn of the workand establishing12 new jobs.
Local 15 heldnew steward train-ing in May; all Local15 stewardshavenowattendedstew-ardâs school.
Doug Vedas, P.S.
PromotingValues ofUnionismL.U. 21 (catv,govt&t), DOWNERS GROVE, ILâLocal 21member Brian Mellenthin was awarded the RobertE. Gibson Community Service Award in June. Theaward is named for the Illinois AFL-CIOâs first direc-tor of community services, who went on to becomea president of the state federation and who wascommitted to community service throughout his32-year association with the Illinois AFL-CIO.
Among Bro. Mellenthinâs numerous volunteeractivities: he adapts and adds switches to toys sochildren with physical and intellectual disabilitiescan enjoy the toys. Brian Mellenthin is one of themuch-appreciated human beings of the world, ful-filling the values and decency of pure volunteerism.Congratulations, brother!
On July 4, memberMark Evans completed amassive effort, arranging delivery of pizzas for ourtroops in theMiddle East and other countries, onfive different continents! This is Evansâ third year ofproviding a slice of home for our troops. Heâs enlist-ing your help. If you would like to knowmore, pleasevisit his Web sitewww.pizzas4patriots.com. IBEWLocal 21 supports Mark in his efforts.
Stay informed by attending monthly unit meet-ings and signing up for news updates and e-mailaction alerts atwww.ibew21.org.
Thomas Hopper, P.S.
UnitedWayAwardL.U. 29 (u), PITTSBURGH, PAâWe are proud recipi-ents of the United Way Paul Stackhouse Sr. Award.The late Paul Stackhouse Sr. was a former presidentof the Allegheny County Labor Council who trulybelieved in the United Way. The award recognizesthe localâs involvement in contributing to the UnitedWay campaign and its dedication to community serv-ice. The award was presented to Bus. Mgr. Jeff Davis.
The always highly anticipated annual golf out-ing was held in June. Local 29 members and friendsgathered for a day of golfing followed by dinner.
CommunityServices donated twoHDTVs to theHoly Family Institute. The institute is temporarily hous-ing orphans from the earthquake-torn island ofHaiti.
Scheduled for September is the secondannual gun-bash. This event raises money used tohelp those in need in the community. A specialthank-you to members Mark Benkart and Bill Webbfor making sure this event takes place and gettingthe help to where it is most needed.
Please remember safety at all times, on thejob and at home.
Kim Washburn, R.S.
ACareer ofServiceL.U. 41 (em,es,govt,i,se&spa), BUFFALO,NYâA fondfarewell to Local 41 Pres.Michael J. Franey. After 31years aspresident of the local and 41 years as an IBEWmember,Mike announcedhis retirement effective July1, 2010. He gave aheartfeltmessage abouthis yearsaspresident, and themembership respondedwith astanding ovation. Bestwishes,Mike!
The Executive Board of Local 41 appointedMatthew J. Hilmey to fill the vacancy of president.We all wish Matt well in his new position.
Local 41 proudly announces the 2010 graduat-ing class of Inside and Residential wiremen. Joiningour ranks are Raymond Ayala Jr., Kevin Bacon,Joshua Braunscheidel, Matthew Cercone, MichaelForant Jr., Karl Kulu, Nicholas Machelski, MarkMahoney, James Pike, David Strianese, Jeremy Vito,Joseph West, Thomas Donohue, Thomas Ryan,Charles Shanahan and Matthew Tisdale.
Anthony S. Coppola, B.M.
WorkPicture ImprovesL.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NYâThe work picturefor our area improved dramatically through July andAugust. School work was slow to start but once it
Trade Classifications(as) Alarm & Signal (ei) Electrical Inspection (lctt) Line Clearance Tree Trimming (mps) Motion Picture Studios (rr) Railroad (spa) Sound & Public Address
(ars) Atomic Research Service (em) Electrical Manufacturing (lpt) Lightning ProtectionTechnicians
(nst) Nuclear Service Technicians (rtb) Radio-Television Broadcasting (st) Sound Technicians
(bo) Bridge Operators (es) Electric Signs (o) Outside (rtm) Radio-TelevisionManufacturing
(t) Telephone
(cs) Cable Splicers (et) Electronic Technicians (mt) Maintenance (p) Powerhouse (u) Utility
(catv) Cable Television (fm) Fixture Manufacturing (mo) Maintenance & Operation (pet) Professional, Engineers &Technicians
(rts) Radio-Television Service (uow) Utility Office Workers
(c Communications (govt) Governmentmow) Manufacturing Office Workers
(so) Service Occupations (ws) Warehouse and Supply
(cr) Cranemen (i) Inside (ptc) Professional, Technical &Clerical
(s) Shopmen
(ees) Electrical Equipment Service (it) Instrument Technicians (mar) Marine (se) Sign Erector
Efforts are made to make this list as inclusive as possible, but the various job categories of IBEW members are too numerous to comprehensively list all.
IBEW Los Angeles Local 11 members attend jobs rally.
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got rolling the members took advantage of it. Thereare some future projects that should carry throughthe winter months at St. Josephâs Hospital, theVeterans Hospital and Onondaga CommunityCollege. Also the James A. Fitzpatrick nuclear planthas a refuel outage planned for September.
We held our apprentice graduation dinnerthis year atColemanâs Irish Pub&Restaurant.Unfortunately, I could not access their photos in timefor the print publication. Congratulations to the newjourneymen: Frederick Eaton IV, Joshua Fagan, BradleyGalton, KevinMullen, NikolaySenkiv, PatrickTwomey,JerrettWhite and JosephWilcox.
Jim Corbett, P.S.
OrganizingSuccessL.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMONDBAR, CAâHappyLabor Day! With fall approaching, work at our OutsideLine Construction is beginning to pick up. Work atSouthern California Edison remains steady, but sev-eral of ourmunicipal utilities continue to struggle.
Organizing continues to be a bright spot for thelocal. In addition to organizing electrical utility con-tractors, we are in the process of organizing the fewremaining line clearance contractors in our jurisdiction.
We are gearing up for the November electionsand encourage all ourmembers to register and vote.
We have a new Executive Board member,Tyrone Chamois, an SCE journeyman lineman; anda new recording secretary, Chris Avila, a troubleshooter from the City of Riverside.
The 2010 SCE/Local 47 Linemanâs Rodeo washeld June 12. Overall winner in the journeymanteam: Ryan Araujo, Andy Cervantes and JuanRomano (SCE). The winning senior team was BruceThompson, Dale Lorz, and Richard Jimenez (SCE).The winning apprentice was Aaron Wirt (SCE), andthe winning groundman was Chris Sanchez (SCE).Congratulations to all the competitors!
We are sad to report the passing of KentGreathouse, Mark Cassidy and Bruce Balderas.
Live safe, live well, work union!
Stan Stosel, P.S.
Local Holds ElectionsL.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,rtb,t&u), SPRINGFIELD, ILâOnJune 4, Local 51 election ballots were counted.Congratulations to our elected officers: Bus. Mgr. JimBates, Pres. John Powers, Vice Pres. Walter Westfall,Treas. Julie Brandt and Rec. Sec. Deb Perry. Electedto the Executive Board: Tom Kane (Wood River unit),Bill Toohey (Clinton unit), Dusty Swanson (Galesburgunit), Corey Stone (Springfield unit), Paul Behl Jr.(Lincoln unit), Chris Blount (Construction unit), BobColby Jr. (Champaign unit), Mike Scott (Bloomingtonunit), Dennis Trowbridge (Jacksonville unit), DanSmith (Peoria unit), Tom Hocking (LaSalle unit),Roger Beran (Baldwin unit), RodneyMontague(Decatur unit) and JoshMibbs (Havana unit).
Thanks to election judge Jason Carl, alternatejudge DickWood and all the tellers who helped.
With the amalgamation of former Local 1306,an additional unit (Decatur Clerical) will be addedafter the membership approves a bylaw change.
Congratulates to our golf outing scholarshipwinners: Robert Stockham, son of Havana unit mem-ber Randy Stockham; and BryannaMcDormand,granddaughter of member Carol McDormand, aClinton Power Station employee. Winners received$500 to further their education.
Another $500 scholarship will be awarded atour Sept. 18 annual picnic at Clinton Lake.
At this writing, work remains slow for con-struction unit members.
Work safe; give a good dayâs work for a gooddayâs pay; and attend union meetings.
Dan Pridemore, Bus. Rep.
Contracts RatifiedL.U. 57 (lctt,mo,o,t&u), SALT LAKECITY, UTâThe localrecently completed negotiations on two contracts. Aone-year agreement with the City of Idaho Falls wasratified by themembership. A newly organized groupwith Fairpoint Communications in St. Anthony, Idaho,ratified their first contract. We welcome the newmembers to the IBEW.
As of press time the work picture is currentlyslow, but steady. At this writing, the Populus toTerminal 345-kV line is winding down, with comple-tion slated for late August. The light rail expansionunderway in the Salt Lake Valley should continue fora couple of years. The consensus is that workshould pick up in late summer or early fall.
At a recent AFL-CIOConvention in Idaho, thedelegates had the opportunity tomeet with Jim Klattof the UnionSportsmenâs Alliance (USA). The Allianceis doing great things across the country, workingwith local unions, in conjunction with state wildlifedepartments and conservation organizations. If youhave an opportunity to visit with USA or check out theWeb page,www.unionsportsmen.org, do so. Unionmembers are alreadyworking with these organiza-tions, but are not getting wider recognition for theirservice. This is one way to show our communitieswhowe are. Join USA and get involved. The strengthis in the numbers.
Scott Long, P.S.
ProjectsMove ForwardL.U. 103 (cs&i), BOSTON,MAâTwomajor projectsthat will be a great benefit to ourmembers, both inconstruction and permanent jobs, and to our areacontinue tomove forward. TheCapeWind project andthe casinos have been discussed and debated forseveral years. Both, hopefully, will come to fruition.
A major reason these jobs may start soon isthe tireless effort of Local 103âs officers, membersand their families. Both projects, despite their envi-ronmental and economic benefits, have met withstaunch opposition. Local 103 must be even moresteadfast in our resolve to get these projects off andrunning. Please keep up the great work.
Kenny Tallent, P.S.
AnnualMeeting&TrainingL.U. 125 (lctt,o,t&u), PORTLAND, ORâLocal 125âsannual meeting and shop steward, unit chair, andunit recorder training were held June 11-12 inPortland, OR. More than 130 participants attendedeither unit chair/recorder training or one of two shopsteward classesâbasic and advanced. The annualmeeting was well received by those who attended,andmembers have requested that we plan anothermeeting for 2011. In an effort to improve attendanceby avoiding conflicts due to graduation season, thelocal is looking at hosting the next meeting in April2011. Local 125âs section of the Northwest LaborPress August issue will feature details and photo-graphs from the training andmeeting.
At this writing, Local 125âs annual golf andsoftball tournaments were scheduled for Aug. 13-15in Bend, OR. Proceeds from each event benefit theOregon Burn Center. For more information, pleasevisitwww.ibew125.com.
The localâs newWeb site has been launched.To access membersâ only information, you need tohave a log-in and password. If you have not regis-tered for a log-in and password yet, please go towww.ibew125.com and follow the registrationinstructions.
Marcy Putman, P.S.
BrighterWorkPictureL.U. 139 (i&u), ELMIRA, NYâRecently, Local 139elected officers for a three-year term. Elected were:Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Ernest Hartman, Pres. DavidPatton, Vice Pres. Joshua Benjamin, Rec. Sec. JerrySteed, Treas. Brett Patton. Executive Board: SteveSpaziani, Steve Janeski, William Corbett, RobertHolden and Glen Decker. Examining Board: DanielStaub, Jeff Reynolds and Brian Jones. Alternate tothe Convention: Dave Blauvelt. Officers were swornin at the July meeting.
Over the summer, members helped withHabitat for Humanity projects. As of press time, acurrent project in Corning, NY, has kept our mem-bers busy, thanks to Johnny Balch and retired mem-ber Mike McLaughlin; the service has beencompleted and rough-in has begun. At this writing,more work was scheduled for upcoming weekends.Many thanks to all volunteers.
Work in the jurisdiction has brightened. TheCVS Distribution Warehouse project was awarded toa union contractor back in December, only afterLocal 139 discovered undocumented workers work-ing for a Tennessee ABC contractor. Local 139worked with local officials to have CVS remove thenonunion contractor and hire a union contractor. Asof this writing, the union contractor has employed40 brothers and sisters for the past six months, and
that is phase one. Phase two should begin soonwith the same union contractor in charge.
Dave Blauvelt, P.S.
ApprenticesGraduateL.U. 145 (em,i,o,rts,spa&u), ROCK ISLAND, ILâOurlocal proudly announces the inside journeymanwire-man graduating class. [Photo above.] Congratulations,graduates! After five years of hard work, you haveearned the status of journeymanwireman. Wewel-come you to an industry where your skills and contri-butions will be needed to helpmeet the everincreasing and constantly changing demands.
Local 145 wishes to acknowledge the passingon June 22 of member Paul Lartz. Paul was a dedi-cated union brother who served as our apprentice-ship coordinator for 13 years. A stalwartrepresentative for the apprentices in his charge,Paul oversaw the education of scores of future JWs.He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early2010. Our prayers also go out for all of our recentlydeceasedmembers and their families.
Summer events for Local 145 included the QCBlues Fest during the Fourth of July weekendâplusour Local 145 annual picnic, held July 31 at LoudThunder Forest Preserve. As always, there were lotsof picnic activities for children, bingo for adults,door prizes, great food, plus service pins awards.Thanks to the members who volunteered their timeto make these events possible and a great success!We look forward to great participation again thisyear in our upcoming Labor Day parade and picnic.
Steve Long, P.S.
âJobs for Jacksonvilleâ DriveL.U. 177 (bo,ees,i,mo,o&pet), JACKSONVILLE, FLâOurMembership Development Volunteer Committee(MDVC) participantsâthe driving force behind âJobsfor Jacksonvilleââare still attending city councilmeetings twice amonth and asking questions aboutthe cityâs contracting policies. Hopefully, in thefuture we will be able to get some legislation insur-ing the use of local workers for city projects. TheMDVC is currently working to educate the publicabout the IBEW and unions. TheMDVCalso is mak-ing plans to volunteer at future events. The commit-tee is looking for more volunteers and invites themembers to attendMDVCmeetings every firstTuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the union hall.
As I talk to our members who are running outof unemployment compensation or canât make it onthe dismal amount of unemployment compensationwe have in Florida, I remind them to let their con-gresspersons and senators know just how bad itreally is and ask the public officials if they support
Local 51âs 2010 Golf Outing Championshipteam, from left: Charlie Barre, Tim Foran,journeyman lineman, Ameren-IP; CurtisHayes, journeyman lineman, Ameren-IP;and Kyle Dines.
Local 145 congratulates the recent apprentice graduating class. From left are: Michael Harl,Cory Neff, Ryan Skoff, Steve Clark, Matt Siebel, Tom Allardyce, Jake Ortiz, Zachary Smith,Danny Hankner, Tony DeBaillie, Joel Catour, Jarrid Griffith, Mark Hessman, Craig Weeks, TonyOrtega, Rod Perrin and Rob Adams. Not pictured: Chad Sieverding.
Local Lines
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our issues important to working people. If theydonât, then letâs elect someone who will.
Ourworkpicture in northeast Florida is still verybleak; I thankall the other IBEW locals that are able toemploy our brothers and sisters in these tough times.
Alan Jones, Pres.
Veca Electric Lifesaving AwardL.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WA-On the morn-ing of May 26, member Bob Gilmore felt some chestpains and went to see his steward, Charlene Clack.He wanted the address of the nearest clinic thatopened at 8 a.m.
Charlene initially insisted that she drive himto the clinic and Bob reluctantly agreed. Charlenethen noticed Bob sweating profusely and lookingpale. She asked him how he felt and he said his fin-gers were tingling and he had chest pains.
Thanks to Charleneâs close observation, shesaw that something was severely wrongâand shequickly took appropriate action. She convinced Bobto go to the emergency room at the hospital wherethey were working on a Veca Electric project.
Sometime after Bob was rushed into the emer-gency room, the doctors informed Charlene that Bobhad told them to treat her like family. After surgerythe doctors told Charlene she had saved Bobâs life.She received a Lifesaving Award from Veca Electric.
Charlene later passed a card and the hataround the job site, with approximately 150 wire-men on the job. She also organized a group of wire-men to finish a fence and various other householdjobs at Bobâs residence. Charlene said it best, âTheBrotherhood is still alive and it shows.â Thanks toall who helped a brother in his time of need. Itâsgreatly appreciated.
Rob De Velder, P.S.
OpenHouse for NewHallL.U. 193 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), SPRINGFIELD, ILâTheopen house for the newhall was quite the 193 event!Int. Sec.-Treas. Lindell K. Lee andSixth District Int. VicePres. Joseph F. Lohmanwere guests of honor. RetiredBro. TomRachford, age 100, and Int. Sec.-Treas. Leecut the âwireâ to open the fabulous newhall!
Six new first-year apprentices were hired. Thework scene has some jobs starting in Local 193âs
jurisdiction for the following projects: ScheelsSporting Goods, District 186 Schools, SpringfieldSanitary District, St. Johns and Memorial Hospitals,as well as âcutback detailâ at the Illinois State Fair.
The Local 193 softball team will enter the IBEWState Tournament. The Annual Rick Ross MemorialGolf Outing at Greenview was held Aug. 21.
This current Illinois economic downturn canturn into a job-filled recovery anytime soon.
Please be advised of the passing of Bro.Ralph Webber.
Don Hudson, P.S.
Labor DayParade&PicnicL.U. 197 (em&i), BLOOMINGTON, ILâWe are happyto report that Bro. Sean Tibbs has made it homefrom Afghanistan. Bro. Tibbs is a teledata appren-tice and had spent the last nine months fulfillinghis Marine Corp obligations. Thanks to Bro. Tibbsfor fighting the war on terrorism. Be sure to wel-come him home; as of this writing, he is going backto work for Zeller Digital.
We are still waiting for the work to pick up.There are a few projects that were supposed to bestaffing up by this time. Hopefully soon we will getall our brothers and sisters back to work.
The November elections are approaching andit is very important to get out and vote for candi-dates who back organized labor. Without ourfriends in Springfield, IL, and Washington, D.C.,our fight will be that much more difficult.
Sadly, we report Bro. Jack Klem has passedaway. Letâs keep his family in our thoughts.
We hope to see all members at the Labor Dayparade and picnic. Local 197 officers and membersattended a Workers Memorial Day ceremony. [Photoabove.] Remember, stay involved in your local union!
Mike Raikes, P.S.
First Camp-Out of theSeasonL.U. 237 (i), NIAGARA FALLS, NYâThe local enjoyedour Family Camp-Out over the Fourth of July weekendat the beautiful Allegany State Park. Everyoneenjoyed canoeing, hiking nature trails, fishing andnightly camp fires. Our annual camp-outs includethe Kids Camp-Out, the Couples Camp-Out and theStag Camp-Out, but due to a schedule conflict at theparkwe had to combine the Kids Camp-Out with theCouples Camp-Out, thus the Family Camp-Out. Itwas an overwhelming success; wemay have starteda new tradition in our lineup of camp-outs! The Stag
Camp-Out will be in November. If youâre in the areaand like to camp in the wilderness, come join us!
Our Annual Golf Tournament is Sept. 11. It is aâstagâ event. Several members are excellent golfersand some participate just to enjoy a day of brother-hood, laughter and good food
The local held elections in June. Congratulationsto new officers: Pres. David Naus; Executive Boardmembers Jeffrey Davis, Paul Pawlak, Fred Dumais;and Rec. Sec. Josh Hagar. And congratulations toincumbents who were re-elected: Bus. Mgr. RussQuarantello, Vice Pres. Larry Krueger; ExecutiveBoard members Mike MacDougall, Joe Bielec III,Randy Shepard; and Examining Board membersDennis Schmidt, Jeff Janese and Ken Smith.
Also, a sincere thank-you goes to all outgoingofficers for their countless hours of support to ourlocal union.
Russ Quarantello, B.M.
MembersHelp InjuredVeteranL.U. 257 (em,i,rtb,rts,spa&t), JEFFERSON, MOâMembers of the Local 257 helped wire Army StaffSgt. Robert Canineâs new handicapped-accessiblehouse. More than 30 of our retirees and journey-man wiremen helped work on this wonderful houseto get it ready for Sgt. Canine. Bus. Rep. JimWinemiller helped coordinate the labor effort for theâHomes for Our Troopsâ nonprofit organization. Jimgot workers from the pipefitters, bricklayers,plumbers and sheet metal trade unionists to helpin the effort. Thanks to all Local 257 members andother union trades who helped make this a greatblessing for Sgt. Robert Canine and his family.
In June we held our election of officers.Elected were: Bus. Mgr. Don Bruemmer, Pres. GregSchrock, Vice Pres. William Cunningham, Rec. Sec.Nancy Giofre and Treas. Dave Hurst. Elected to theExecutive Board were: Jim Winemiller, MikeFanning, Glenn Bruemmer, FrankWansing, MikeWinemiller, Dave Apperson and Don Hurst. Electedto the Examining Board: Sam Luebbering, BillLuebbert and Daniel Murphy. Thanks to all mem-bers who voted.
Work is steady in the central Missouri area.We are hopeful for a few more big projects to gounion to clear off our books. Our Local 257 meetingsare held the second Wednesday of every month at7 p.m. Support your local unions so we can keepour unions strong.
Ryan Buschjost, P.S.
Labor DayTributeL.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MNâAs of this springwriting, our local has high unemployment like manyother construction locals. At press time, our con-tract is presently being negotiated. By Labor Day wehope to have a fair contract in place and employ-ment increasing.
The phrase âglobal economyâ seems to bebecoming more of a reality. With the help of ourunion leadership, we as individual members mustcontinually work at being more knowledgeable, bet-ter trained and more innovative.
This Labor Day let us again remember andappreciate the brothers and sisters who have gonebefore us. They banded together and worked forbetter wages, better benefits and better workingconditions for all working men and women.
Phil Heim, P.S.
Election ofOfficersL.U. 347 (em,i,mt,rtb,rts&spa), DESMOINES, IAâOurlocal held a runoff election for the office of businessmanager/financial secretary, and Kevin Clarkwon theelection. Assistants are Jerry Kurimski and BobThomas. Elected as our new president is PatWells.RandyTucker was elected as the new recording secre-tary and Jason Ballard was re-elected to the positionof treasurer. Executive Boardmembers are: DougBuchman, Scott Farnsworth, Chris Keiser, MikeOâBrien, Dave Reid and DougWolf. Delegates to theConvention are Doug Buchman, Scott Farnsworth andDougWolf. We wish the new local officers well andrealize that they have their work cut out for them.
Local 257 members assemble to work on a âHomes for Our Troopsâ project. From left are:Rick Stokes, Bob Kauffman, Joe Rowland, Chris Schaefer, Joe Winemiller, Jerry Rehagen,Jim Winemiller, Rob Kemna, Glenn Bruemmer, John Krchmar, Ryan Buschjost, Randy Surls,Bart Pendelton and Jonathan Chott.
IBEW Local 177 Bros. Steve Serago (left),David Bryant, Allen Hester, Bill Stuart andJulius Chick, wearing âJobs for JacksonvilleâT-shirts, stand in front of the JacksonvilleCity Hall and invite everyone to join in forthe city council meetings.
Local 197members and officers attend aWorkersMemorial Day ceremony on the campus ofIllinois State University. From left are: Gary Eichleberger, Zeke Paire, Bus. Mgr. Lance Reece,Pres. Rich Veitengruber, Terri Spencer, Dustin Hall, Derek Bauer, MarkWagner, Scott Wissmiller,J.R. Gordon, Mike Raikes, Brian Graves, Matt Strupp and Al Longworth, ISU foreman.
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We also call to mind the efforts of all thebrothers and sisters in the military, and we espe-cially recognize Travis Bougher, as he deploys forthe third time to the Middle East. Godspeed, Travis.
Mike Schweiger, P.S.
Kudos to Class of 2010L.U. 415 (c,govt&i), CHEYENNE, WYâThis summerour work picture finally began showing some relief.After a tough winter, we now see somemovement.Gillette area contractors have a couple of projectsmoving forward, as well as somemovement inCheyenne. Please call Local 415 if interested; ourdispatcher will be helpful.
We achieved some legislative success as well,with passage of bills that will require public bidopenings on all projects funded with state monies.Congratulations and thanks to all who worked tohelp bring integrity back to the construction indus-try in Wyoming.
Congratulations to the outstanding Class of2010 graduates on a job well done. Our apprentice-ship requires extensive travel away from home aswell as rigorous attention to academics. The gradu-ates and their families should be proud! Class of2010 graduates: Ben Nordvick, Ryan Scott, JaysonWillson, Ryan Terry, Antonio Gonzales, JaredTalkington, Jeremiah Brown, Art Hansen, ScottRorabaugh, Dave Hurlbert, Bill Fliris, EricMann,Bradlee Hooper, Mike Collamer, Jesse Roseberry andJordan Gose. We look forward to working with you.
Jordan Gose, a fine young brother in the classof 2010, was tragically killed in an automobile acci-dent. Our condolences go out to the Gose family.Bro. Jordan was third-generation IBEW, and the Gosefamily has a long history of service to the IBEW.
John M. Voytko, P.S.
FortunateWorkPictureL.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO,IDâSo far this year we have been very fortunatewith work in our local. We have about 65 to 70 trav-eling brothers and sisters working and we thankthem for helping us staff the work. At this writing itseems that work for the summer will be good, butstill unsure about the winter. It appears that we willhave some bigger projects coming in the future sowe are crossing our fingers.
We just went through our elections and havesome new officers; we are excited for somemoremember involvement.
Congratulations to our completing appren-tices: James Smith, Dustin Chandler, Jared Trimble,Sean Roberts, Russell Smythe and Chet Cawley.
We also congratulate Bud Schrand and JamesWeimer for reaching that goal that we all want toreach someday and that they have worked hard for.Happy retirement, brothers.
We extend our condolences to the family ofBro. Steve Uttich, who passed away.
Rodney James, Pres./Organizer
Tribute to LongtimeContractorL.U. 453 (govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), SPRINGFIELD, MOâPhilip Leon Roper passed away June 30 at 89 yearsof age. Mr. Roper owned and operated RoperElectric for the past 60 years, providing many broth-
ers and sisters with a fair and decent wage over theyears. Our condolences go out to the Roper family.
At press time, our local is still at full employ-ment with recent powerhouse calls going into BookII. Donât forget to thank our traveling brothers andsisters for helping us staff our work. Work looks slowafter the powerhouse finishes, so hopefully every-one will be able to prepare for possible hard times.
With contract negotiations ongoingwe shouldtry tomake our regularmeetings sowe can have someinput on our future.Meetings are the secondThursdayof eachmonth at 6:30 p.m. Please try to attend.
Kevin McGill, P.S.
Election ofOfficersL.U. 459 (ees,em,govt,so&u), JOHNSTOWN, PAâLocal459 held its election of officers and Bro. Donald J.Hoakwas re-elected as businessmanager/financialsecretary. Other elected officers: Pres. Kenneth L.Richards, Vice Pres. Paul L. Cameron, Rec. Sec. MaryM. Perdew and Treas. Kevin N. Poling.
Elected as Executive Board members: RobertL. Ashbaugh, Tony Henry, Larry D. Himes, Donald M.Hull, Ronald D. Itell, Keith G. Kinsman, Joseph L.Oliver, Jay S. Schlegel III and Joshua A. Young.
Congratulations to all the newly elected offi-cers. Local 459 thanks Michael S. McGuirk, whoserved as judge of elections, and the entire ElectionCommittee for their many hours of hard work.
Kenneth L. Richards, Pres./A.B.M.
Awards for Rescue AssistanceL.U. 547 (rr), GALESBURG, ILâIt was roughly 22below zero on the day that Paul Siewing, MarkRogers and John Reinert, an IBEW Local 547 mem-ber, assisted survivors of a fatal car accident.
The three Burlington Northern Santa FeRailway employees noticed a pick-up truck that hadleft the snowy, icy roadway in Montana and rolled.All four occupants of the vehicleâteenagers on theway to school in Hinsdaleâwere ejected from thevehicle. After determining that one of the truckâsoccupants was fatally injured, the three BNSFRailway employees took action to provide warmth,comfort and first aid to the three survivors.Emergency responders arrived and transported theyoungsters to regional hospitals for treatment.
The three BNSF Railway employees recentlywere presented with awards by CEOMatt Rose inFort Worth, TX.
Terry R. Pind, R.S.
Power Plant Job CompletedL.U. 551 (c,i&st), SANTA ROSA, CAâCongratulationsto class of 2010! To all of our brand new Inside jour-neyman wiremen and Sound and Communicationsinstallers, we wish you the very best!
Also congratulations to re-elected Bus. Mgr.Jack Buckhorn. And to all of our new officers, weknow that all of you will do the hard work it takes torun Local 551. Elected are: Pres. Jim McQuaid, VicePres. John McEntagart, Rec. Sec. John Lloyd;Executive BoardâGary Giuliani, Larry Metz, MitchClarey and PatrickWheeler. Delegate toInternational ConventionâDenise Soza. ExaminingBoardâCharlie OâNeil, Thomas Ritch and SteveStobel. Thank you for serving this great local!
Local 551 has partnered with Green Ray LEDLighting. Their technology will save commercial andresidential structures 50 percent to 60 percent ontheir lighting usage. Organizer John Lloyd is workingto get lighting retrofits to createmuch-needed jobsfor our local, at the same time greening our economy.
Thank you to all the brothers and sisters whocompleted the Humboldt Bay Power project. Thiswas a great job for Local 551. We had close to 100union electricians on board. We were even able toput some of our travelling brothers to work. Thanksto all for the help! [See photo.]
Denise D. Soza. B.R./P.S.
ApprenticeGraduatesL.U. 573 (as&i), WARREN, OHâOur local recentlyheld its elections for all offices including president,vice president and business manager. Local 573congratulates all its newly elected officials andwishes to thank their predecessors for their time ofdedicated service.
Our hall also recently held its graduation forour fifth-year apprentice class. We congratulate ourbrothers and look forward to working with them inthe field as journeymen.
David Bush Jr., P.S.
Railroad Local ReportsL.U. 589 (rr), JAMAICA, NYâLocal 589 is celebratingits 75th anniversary. Local 589 was chartered onApril 18, 1934. and represents more than 800mem-bers employed by the Long Island Railroad andAirTrain. Ourmembers keep the LIRR on schedule. Itis the largest commuter railroad in the country withthousands of commuters a day. Local Union 589members are very dedicated and proud IBEWmem-bers playing a vital part in the transportation systemin the New YorkCity metropolitan area. We thank allof ourmembers for their hard work and dedication.
Augie Maccarone, R.S.
Pres. ObamaVisits JurisdictionL.U. 595 (c,govt,i&st), DUBLIN, CAâI recentlyattended my 30th âpre-jobâ markup meeting in aneight-week period, all resulting from the successfulnegotiation of project labor agreements. We workclosely with our allies in local agencies and withelected officials to reach agreements that protectboth the customer and the workers. Our work situa-tion remains difficult in this deep recession.
We held celebrations in June for 66 graduatingapprentices from our Inside and Sound andCommunication programs in Stockton and AlamedaCounty. Congratulations to all new Inside wiremenand installers. We are starting a new class of 1stbracket Inside apprentices in Alameda County, the
first in two years.Our organizing depart-
ment has been working hard toset up the CE/CW guidelines forInt. Pres. Edwin D. Hillâs MarketAdvancement Initiative. Wehope this program helps ourcontractors regain markets andput more members to work.
Great summer activitiesincluded: a retirees barbeque,our annual union picnic andthe Ninth District softball tour-nament.
Lots of activity is under-way for November elections.With our crucial governorâsrace, and with Sen. Barbara
Three BNSF Railway employees receiveawards. From left are Maintenance (BMWE)welders Paul Siewing and Mark Rogers, andIBEW Local 547 member John Reinert,telecommunications.
IBEWmembers gather at the job site of the Local 551 Humboldt Bay Power project.
Local 573 congratulates graduating fifth-year apprentice classmembers, from left: Michael Pawcio, Raul Sanchez, JamesMackenzie and David Bush Jr.
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Boxer and Rep. Jerry McNerney up for reelection, ourmembers are busy. Our COPE leader, Greg Bonato,led a successful voter registration drive andattended campaign school sponsored by the statefederation. Thanks to Greg and the volunteers.
We thank Pres. Obama for his words ofencouragement when he visited the Solyndra solarmanufacturing plant being built in our jurisdiction,and we welcome the signing of the partnership ofTesla Motors and Toyota at our old NUMMI plant tomanufacture electric cars here in America.
Tom Mullarkey, B.R.
Service PinsAwardedL.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, ILâSevenapprentices were indentured at the July 6 Local 601unionmeeting. In addition to recognizing theachievement of our apprentices, fourmembers werepresented service pins: E. L. Ruthstrom for 60 years,Joseph Berbaum for 55 years, and ChuckMcCartneyand Ronald Weidner each for 50 years of service.
The Local 601 annual softball tournament washeld Aug. 14 -15 with 16 teams from across the stateof Illinois competing. This is a family event withmembersâ families and friends coming out to cheeron the Local 601 team and to enjoy the cookout.
At press time the annual golf outing wasscheduled for Aug. 22 and the annual clay shootingcompetition for Aug. 28.
Work is still slow with 65 members on BookOne and 493 travelers on Book Two. At this time,there are no apprentices on the Book.
Dan Hatter, P.S.
WorkPictureSlowL.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), ALBU-QUERQUE, NMâIn the July issue of The ElectricalWorker, a photo submitted with the Local 611 articledid not appear in the print edition (because it wasnot sufficiently high resolution for print publica-tion.) However, if you wish to see the picture online,go to IBEWWeb sitewww.ibew.org; click on the July2010 issue of âThe Electrical Workerâ; then clickâLocal Linesâ and scroll down to the Local 611 entry.
This yearâs picnic was once again a successâlots of food, great prizes, fun for the kids and agreat turnout. Again the picnic committee did a fan-tastic job as always. [See photo, at right.]
As of this writing, work has been slow exceptfor an occasional call to Eunice.
Local 611 extends condolences to friends andfamilies ofmemberswhopassed away: Joseph E.Lynch, F. Glenn Frazier, LuisS.MaezandTonyW. Bruce.
Darrell J. Blair, P.S.
IBEW613Annual PicnicL.U. 613 (em,i,o,rts&spa), ATLANTA, GAâThe worksituation in Atlanta is about the same as around thecountry. Jobs are slowly coming in, contractors arenot winning many bids, and this does not mix wellduring our contract negotiations. At a recent meet-ing, we had more than 300 in attendance who votedalmost unanimously to freeze our wages and bene-fits for two years and add 55 cents to our H/W fund.
Though things look a little bleak, smiles wereon every face during our annual picnic. On July 17,nearly 3,000members enjoyed a fun day at StoneMountain Park. Each yearmembers get a chance towin valuable prizes. Bus. Mgr. Gene OâKelly startedthe drawing off by pulling the winning ticket for a 65âtelevision, won by 38-yearmember Arthur âBobbyâSearles. Some of the prizes were donated by ourcontractors. The prizes included: Dewalt 18â cord-less drills, iPods, large boom boxes, surround soundsystems, five-piece Dewalt sets, socket sets, lap-tops, microwaves, 46â televisions andmanymore.
All attendees received a wristband thatallowed them to enjoy every amenity the parkoffers. They could ride the train around the moun-tain, take the sky lift up the mountain, play golf,ride the riverboat, climb the ropes, play in the sand,and top it all off by staying for the fireworks. Eachyear gets better and better.
Beatrice Andrews, A.B.M.
Hospital&Wind FarmProjectsL.U. 625 (ees,em,i,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NOVASCOTIA,CANADAâHiring at theTruro Hospital finally started inJune after a 14-month delay in awarding the contract.Themembers in Unit #2 had a longwait for this proj-ect to finally start. Workon twowind farms in Unit #2and a third in Unit #5will be carried out this summer.
On behalf of Local 625, I wish to thank Bro.Greg Gaudet of IBEW Local 529 for the calls to ourlocal for travellers. In these slow times, every jobhelps. Thank you.
I would like to make very special mention ofthose members who recently received their jour-neyperson status in the construction electriciantrade: Bros. Dan Jordan, Howard Pancura, TrevorWilson, Scott Malloy, Jonathan Hart, MatthewRafuse, Robert Handley, Jasper Jordan, Mike Smith,Peter âLukeâ Duggan, Daniel Henneberry and TylerMcMahon. Congratulations on your great achieve-ment! The local is proud of you for completing theapprenticeship program.
Retiring in the first half of 2010 are Bros.Richard Pyne and Robert Salsman. Congratulationsand best of health in your retirement years.
Tom Griffiths, Pres.
Perry Power Plant ProjectL.U. 673 (catv,i,rts,spa,t&u), PAINESVILLE, OHâWorkatthe PerryNuclear PowerPlant, DryCaskStorage Facilityproject, was recently finished.This project employedLocal 673wiremen formore than sevenmonths.
Congratulations to elected officers: Bus.Mgr./Fin. Sec. David C. Thomas, Pres. Robert M.Gamiere, Vice Pres. Joseph P. Gamiere, Rec. Sec.
Gretchen A. Bryan, Treas. Craig M.Egeland; Executive Board membersMike Kubacki, Rory Breedlove, BrianGillespie; and Examining Boardmembers Mark Rutkowski, ChuckDedich, Andy Erickson, Sean Mcvoyand Dave Parisi. Delegate to theInternational ConventionâDaniel A.Lastoria. Alternate delegateâGretchen A. Bryan.
Looking forward to seeing allmembers at our annual Local 673Golf/Clambake, to be held Sept. 25this year.
Mark A. Rutkowski , P.S.
Hope forWorkL.U. 681 (i,o&spa), WICHITA FALLS, TXâWork hasslowed around the jurisdiction but there is somehope for the future. Some projects are scheduled tohappen in the upcoming year, and we are workingwith as many contractors as we can to secure thesejobs. On a brighter side, we recently turned outanother group of new journeymen to the trade.Wehad eight apprentices graduate, all of themwith ajourneyman license in their pocket. JamesWolf wastheOutstanding Apprentice for the group.
Leland Welborn, A.B.M.
Graduating Class of 2010L.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OHâLocal 683 congrat-ulates the graduating apprenticeship class of 2010.The new journeyman wiremen are: Alison Berens,Jeremy Boomershine, Jeffrey Bowling, GreggDivelbiss, De Quincy Fields, Adam Frost, ChristopherGearing, Joe Gockenbach, Ryan Hartman, RichardKohler, Michael Lamar, JordanMills, Keith Moton II,Randall Priestas, Eric Roth, Varghese Samuel, DaleSchmidt, Guy Schooley, Jonathon Stenson, AnthonyStepp, Justin Thirtyacre, Andrew Totten, Jared Troyer;and Installer Tech Phillip Lawless. The topping outparty wasMay 14. The emcee was Apprentice Dir.Steve Lipster; speakers included Local 683 Bus. Mgr.Mario Ciardelli and AndyMaciejewski, OhioApprenticeship Council.
Thanks to Malcolm Giffen and Dillon Isaac,co-chairs of the May blood drive.
Congratulations to local members who tooktheir local union pension effectiveMay 1, 2010:Robert Bray, Ronald Coleman, Richard Herrell,RichardMcPommell, Daniel Morris andSteve Scheel.
The retirees had a busy summer with theannual picnic, a breakfast meeting and a trip toCuyahoga Valley National Park.
Condolences go to the family of recentlydeceased member Joe D. âthe Roperâ Wright Jr., a47-year member.
Please see Local 683 photo on pg. 13.
Rick Deime, V.P./P.S.
NFPAArc FlashTraining ClassL.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se), GARY, IN & HAMMOND, INâLocal 697 provided a National Fire ProtectionAssociation 70E Arc Flash training class for appren-tices and journeymen July 7-8 at Dynasty ConferenceCenter. In cooperation with Sargent Safety, the classwas designed to educate members to the dangersof arc flash. The training seminar was formatted to
Local 601 Bus. Mgr. Micheal Herbert (right)presents IBEW 50-year service award to Bro.Chuck McCartney.
Attending Local 611âs annual picnic are, from left: BillThompson, Hunter Wood, Alan Jander and Patrick Pollard.
Attendees enjoy the Atlanta Local 613 picnic at StoneMountain Park.
Local 673 members suited up for work on theDry Cask Fuel Storage Facility project at thePerry Nuclear Power Plant are, from left: JoeBerninger, Bob Horesh, Mark Rutkowski andBrian Coons. Not pictured: Dan George.
Local 681 congratulates recent apprentice graduates, from left: Dustin Stone,James Wolf, Matt Wachsmann, Daniel Walker, Kenneth Cates, Kenny Ochoa,James Riley and Ryan Graham.
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define responsibilities within a safety program,analyze electrical hazards and train those workingwith potential arc flash situations to utilize theproper tools for safe work and identify the properPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The course provided information about the hid-dendangers in the design of specificequipmentwithinthe Flash ProtectionBoundary establishedby theNFPA70Eandprocedures for safeworking clearances.
The fact that more than 2,000 workers areadmitted to burn trauma centers every year, coupledwith the knowledge that arc flash can create temper-atures of up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, speaksto the need to make sure that injuries due to arcflash are prevented, through the training of all elec-trical workers to provide knowledge of the hazards.
On July 3, a group of 12 members from Local697 provided water to participants running in theAnnual Hobart, IN, 5-Mile Brickyard Run. It was abeautiful Independence Day weekend.
Dave A. Soderquist, P.S.
First Comcast ElectionL.U. 827 (catv&t), EASTWINDSOR, NJâLocal 827recently won a first election with Comcast in the cableindustry. [See âComcast Workers Choose IBEW Local827,â The Electrical Worker, April 2010.] These newmembers from Fairfield, NJ, will, for the first time,involve themselves in putting together their collectivebargaining demands. Because this is a newCBA, thetask ahead will be a challenge. Since the election,our newmembers havemet and started the processof putting forth demands and have elected whowillrepresent them locally in negotiations. Bus. AgentsRich Spieler and Bill Laing andChief Steward DennisSlaman chair the bargaining. Local 827 currently rep-resents two other Comcast locations in New Jersey.Bargaining beganMay 21, 2010.
Local 827 obtained a settlement with Verizonover a pending lawsuit dealing with subcontractorsdoing buried fiber service wire. The agreementdefines language, eliminates subcontracting, andprovides new work into our bargaining unit. Thesecond item dealt with the New Jersey FiberSolution Center (NJ FSC). Our NJ FSCmembers willbe given first priority routing to deal with New Jerseycustomers. This center is an area where our mem-bership declined, due to layoffs last year. Thesenegotiations also protect the two titles in the NJFSC. The Fiber Customer Service Analyst and theFiber Network Technicians cannot be laid off prior toMay 1, 2011. Our goal is to increase membership inthis center. Currently calls are re-routed to nonunionFSCs around the country.
Bill Huber, Pres./B.M./F.S.
JATCGraduation BanquetL.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FLâThe JATCBanquet andCompletionCeremony for 2009-2010was chaired byChmn. BobCoopersmith.Wehad a combined class of29 graduating to become Inside journeymanwiremen.
One graduating apprentice had perfect atten-dance for the entire apprenticeship: Nicholas Mora.Six graduates had perfect attendance for their fifthyear: Eric Fabiani, Mitchell Hackney, Chris Hallock,Jeffery Klein, EricMcCabe and Nicholas Mora.
We had two fifth-year year outstanding appren-tices. The August 2009 outstanding apprentice isJeffery Klein, and the April 2010 outstanding appren-tice is NicholasMora. They each received a plaquefrom both the JATCand Local 915, and also a tool setdonated by Klein Tools as well as a certificate ofachievement personally signed byThomas Klein.
The Local 915 Brad Felker Award recipient isTimothy Cline. The Felker award goes to an individ-ual who displays qualities consistent with theawardâs intent and who has taken on increasedresponsibilities, become an asset to the union andrepresents the IBEW in character.
Local 915 extends our best wishes for each ofthese graduates for a successful and prosperouscareer.
Theresa King, P.S.
November ElectionsL.U. 1049 (lctt,o,u&uow), LONG ISLAND, NYâInNovember, wewill have the opportunity to elect a newgovernor and our representatives forCongress. It isimperative that thosewe elect support and under-stand laborâs issues. Throughout the year ourGovernmental AffairsCommittee strives to ensure thatourmembers and elected officials are educated aboutthe issues affecting labor. Currently the committeeâsvoter registration drive is in full swing. The goal is to
have 100 percent of themem-bership registered to vote.
The Long Island PowerAuthority recently sent out arequest for formal proposals forthe Maintenance ServicesAgreement. In those proposals,there is language that protectsand ensures that the Local1049 work force is and will bethe work force going forward.
This fall we will begincontract negotiations on behalfof our members who workunder our Waste RecyclingSolutions Inc. collective bar-
gaining agreement. As of this writing we are cur-rently in negotiations with National Grid HomeEnergy Services and Home Service USA. This yearwe will also be negotiating with our largestemployer, National Grid.
With all that is going on, I encourage themembership to attend the general meetings. Usingour state-of-the-art media center, we are now ableto more effectively communicate all current informa-tion so the membership is thoroughly informed.
Thomas J. Dowling, R.S.
Teledata& InsideGraduatesL.U. 1253 (i), AUGUSTA,MEâLocal 1253âs graduationwasheld June 18. [See photo below.] Teledata gradu-ates areDustinCampbell, ChristopherGray, JoshuaPerry andAndrewThurlow. Inside graduates areChancellor Burris,ScottCuddy, John LibbyandMichaelMeader.Congratulations toScottCuddy,whowasvotedOutstandingApprentice. Also congratulations toScott andwife Kate on thebirth of their newson.
Local elections were held June 19. Thanks to allwho participated in the process. Congratulations toall elected to serve as officers for a three-year term.
The local was pleased to host anAMPSmeetingheld June 29. All Maine IBEW locals were invited andparticipationwas excellent. Thanks to all InternationalRepresentatives for their coordinated effort.
William Gifford, P.S.
Power PlantMember RetiresL.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY, MDâCongratulations toBro. Thomas Jackson on his recent retirement. Bro.Jackson started with Delmarva Power as a stockhandler in the Cambridge District in 1973. He trans-ferred to Vienna Power Plant as a laborer in 1974and later worked maintenance helper and fuel han-dler jobs. In 1979, Tom was promoted to auxiliaryoperator. In 1980 he transferred to Indian River
Power Plant. He accepted a plant equipment opera-tor position in 1981 before transferring back toVienna Power Plant in 1985. He remained in thatpost until he retired April 1, 2010. We wish Bro.Jackson a long and happy retirement.
We ask those members who do not contributeto COPE to contact your steward and get signed up.COPE channels funds to candidates who support uson key issues affecting working people. In these tur-bulent times we need all the friends we can get ingovernment. Big business contributes to help electpeople who vote in their favor. COPE is our answer.If you are already contributing, thank you. If not,please reconsider. The job and way of life you savecould be your own.
Save jobs, limit imports.
Edward D. Sparks, P.S.
âShowMeâMissouriL.U. 1439 (u), ST. LOUIS, MOâLocal 1439 and theother IBEW bargaining units on Amerenâs Missouriproperty received the Edison Electric InstituteEmergency Recovery Award for outstanding perform-ance restoring power following the January 2009 icestorm in the Missouri Bootheel region and sur-rounding southeast Missouri. Recognition also wasextended by both the Missouri House ofRepresentatives and Senate. Additionally, recogni-tion from U.S. Rep. John Dingell of Michigan (D-15thDistrict) resulted in a certified U.S. flag, which wasflown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
As a result of intervening in the utility ratecase, Local 1439members will benefit by $3.2 mil-lion. Themoney is specifically set out for hiring 13newmembers, training, and an addition to the train-ing center to address smart-grid related technology.
Wewelcome our brothers and sisters of IBEWLocal 4, representing the broadcasting division, whorecentlymoved into our offices. Their presence is wel-comed and further fosters union solidarity inSt. Louis.
Ken Carroll, P.S.
Slots at RacetracksL.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,rts&t), BALTIMORE, MDâGov. Martin OâMalley is quoted as stating he wouldrather see slots at racetracks than at a mall in a res-idential area. His views are not shared by DaveCordish, the Baltimore developer who won thelicense to build a casino.
At stake is a billion-dollar Arundel Mills Mallcasino, which Cordish is determined to builddespite community opposition. Those residentssuccessfully petitioned the Anne Arundel CountyCouncilâs slot zoning law, putting it on theNovember ballot allowing county residents to voteon it. Cordish went to court and had this taxpayer
Columbus, OH, Local 683 members meet on the battlefield ofGettysburg. From left are Terry and Sally Hassell, DwayneVanscoy and Brett Zwahlen. Rick Deime snapped the photo.
Local 915 congratulates the 2009-2010 JATC graduating apprentices, from left: Eric McCabe,Eric Fabiani, James Burdick, Nicholas Mora, Timothy Cline, Ryan Kroeger, Michael Hammond,Jeffrey Klein, Matthew Norton, Stephen Glover, Roberto Bruzos, Michael Slicker, MichaelMaquire, Jonathon Daniels, David Jacobs, Moises Abreu, Michael Prevatt Jr., Donald Steele,AlexanderMeadows, Shane Mullins and Chris Hallock.
Local 1253 congratulates recent apprentice graduates. From left, front row: Josh Perry, InstructorAmy LeGasse, Andy Thurlow, Chris Gray, Dustin Campbell, Scott Cuddy, Chance Burris, JATCcommitteemember Rick Broad, Instructor Bill Heavener, Instructor Ed Peteraf, John Libby; backrow, Bus. Mgr. Jeff Rose, Instructor Pat Dauphinee, InstructorMike Varney, MikeMeader.
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petition ruled invalid, only to have the MarylandCourt of Appeals reinstate it. Both sides realize thisvote will have statewide impact. With the country ina recession, these endless delays have cost thestate much-needed slot revenue estimated at $100million. Though Maryland approved five casinos,none have opened. It appears that the only peoplemaking money off slots in our state are lobbyistsand slot machine manufactures, as the state hadalready approved the purchase of machines.
This is a fight no one wanted. The irony is thatracetracks want slots, but the business communitywants them near Marylandâs largest mall as theythink customers who frequent the mall will alsovisit their casino.
Bus. Mgr./Pres. Dion F. Guthrie states that thehorse racing industry in Marylandâwhich includesour members at Amtoteâneeds help and we willcontinue to do everything possible to put slots atthe racetracks.
Thomas J. Rostkowski, R.S.
GreenTeamActive in KansasL.U. 1523 (u), WICHITA, KSâA big thank-you to Local1523 members Bob Rising, Jerod Vathauer, ChadLynnes, Leo Rhea, Mike Branscum and Pete Winans,all fromWichita; and from Arkansas City, JimPoynter, Shawn Stoner, Hughe Stewart, AndyDaughhetee and Billy Bob Lemon.
These finemembers volunteer for theWestarEnergyGreenTeam, a group of employee and retireevolunteerswho take on environmental projects acrossKansas. [For more information about the WestarEnergy Green Team seeWeb site:www.westaren-ergy.com/greenteam.] CoordinatorMike Nolanâsphone rings off thewall with requests on all types ofenvironmental projectsâfrombuilding bridges, windturbines and bird house kits to rescuing eagles.
One recent project involved construction of anobstacle training course built using 20 60-footpoles milled by Green Teammembers from recycledpoles. The course will be utilized as a physical fit-ness ropes course at Clearwater High School inClearwater, KS. it will also be used for training byKansas City area firemen.
The Green Team recently celebrated its 20thanniversary. After tornados in Greensburg andChapman, KS, the team set up three-year projectsto plant trees in those two towns. The team is com-mitted to building a better environment throughout
Kansas. Hats off to all Local1523 members who partici-pate in this program.
Congratulations to MikeJones for his promotion tosubstation foreman. Be safe.
Candy C. Cruz-Dodd, P.S.
Working FamiliesL.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA,GAâWhen we look at the worksituation in the Augusta area,we feel fortunate compared toother locals in the state. Wemust acknowledge that a lotof our work would not have
been possible without the help of our working fam-ily friendly politicians.
If you watch the news or read your local news-paper, you are reminded every day that Election Dayis right around the corner. As Nov. 2 gets closer, goahead and do some research on these candidates.Check to see if a candidate is going to benefit yourfamily and community by supporting good payingjobs in your area. Call your local union and find outwho the IBEW is supporting. Vote for candidateswho will support the interests of working families.
Condolences and prayers go to all IBEWmem-bers and their familieswho are out of workor in need.
Will Salters, A.B.M.
Election ofOfficersL.U. 1701 (catv,ees,i,o&u), OWENSBORO, KYâThe localunion held its election of officers in June. Officerselected are: Bus.Mgr./Fin. Sec. GaryOsborne, Pres.Larry Boswell, Vice Pres. Gary Brown, Rec. Sec. TimBlandford, Treas. Steve Kaelin; Executive Boardmem-bers RicheCook, Joe Fulkerson, Cliff Greenwell, ByronHunt, Ashley Payne,Mike Vanwinkle andTimWest;Examining Boardmembers JamesBenningfield, JoeBrown, TomBrown andTimHoward. Bus.Mgr.Osborne is 1st delegate to the 38th IBEW InternationalConvention to be held in Vancouver, BritishColumbia,inSeptember 2011. Other convention delegates: TimBlandford and Larry Boswell.
Results of Big Rivers Electric Generation elec-tion held in May: Chmn. Tim West, Vice Chair DonnaHaynes, Recorder Jim Gregory and ExecutiveCommittee members Keith Harley, Ray Jenkins,
Jerrame Swift and Jerry Wilson.Results of Big Rivers ElectricTransmission elec-
tion held in June: Chmn. Tom Howard, Vice Chmn.Ron Tucker, RecorderMarty Hite, and ExecutiveCommittee members Danny Gish and KennyWright.Congratulations to our newly elected officers.
The ExaminingBoard gave the journeymanwire-man exam recently toCraigWheatley.Chmn. JoeFulkerson reports he passed.Congratulations, brother,andwelcome.
In sadness we report the passing of retiredBro. James Weakley. Bro. Weakley served as treas-urer for Local 1701 for approximately 36 years beforeretiring. May he rest in peace.
Tim Blandford, R.S.
Nobel Transformer ProjectL.U. 1739 (i&o), BARRIE, ONTARIO, CANADAâShownin the accompanying photo are IBEWmembers fromLocal 1739 and Sudbury Local 1687 working for S & TElectric at Hydro Oneâs Nobel Station transformersite in Ontario.
Approximately 30 IBEWmembers wereemployed on this job.
Frank Kastle, P.S.
MidtermElectionsL.U. 1749 (u), NEW JOHNSONVILLE, TNâCongratula-tions to recentStudentGenerating PlantOperatorgraduates: JustinMaples, ChadMitchell, RobinTaylor,JamesAndrews, BrianMinniehan, TylerMcMillan,JessicaWalker, RonnieWatson and JohnGamble.
Remember to update your voter registration(change of name, address, etc.) by Oct. 2 for the gen-eral midterm election! Or bySept. 14, for early voting.
Remember these candidates:⢠StateSen. RoyHerron, candidate for the U.S.Congress inTennesseeâs 8thCongressional District,will preserve gun rights and is a pro-life, verymod-erate Democrat. He startedChristians in politics inthe state legislature and has published recom-mended books. He is a friend toTVA employees!
⢠Greg Rabidoux, candidate for U.S. Congress fromthe 7th Congressional District, is a professor atAustin Peay State University. He is challengingincumbent Marsha Blackburn, who supports bigcorporations, not working people.
⢠Ben Leming, retired Iraq war veteran, is runningfor the U.S. Congress from the 6th CongressionalDistrict, seeking retiring U.S. Rep. Bart Gordonâsseat. It is very important to retain these seats.
⢠KimMcMillan, candidate for mayor of Clarksville,TN, is a friend to working folks.
⢠Mike McWherter, candidate for governor, is abusinessman and good friend to TVA!
Candidates listed above are friends of laborâunlike the following: RonRamsey (who opposeswork-ersâ compandprevailingwages andhas cutfirefighters, school teachers andpolice); Bill Haslam(owner of Pilot gas stations,who favors big oil andbigbanks); andZackWamp (no friend ofworking families).
Remember: We need three state House seatsto regain control of the Tennessee legislature. A lossof seats would set working families back 20 years!
Mark J. DeJuliis, P.S.
AdvancedStewardTrainingL.U. 1837 (rtb&u), MANCHESTER,MEâStewards fromeight of our represented companies enjoyed a day-long advanced training presented byCharleyRichardson, an award-winning labor educator andformer instructor for the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Labor Extension Program. IBEW Local 1837stewards talked about some of the challenges andconcerns facing our union, and they developedstrategies we can all use to help deal with them.
Bro. Richardson led a great discussion abouthow the difficult economic landscape facing workersimpacts all of usâeven though we enjoymany bene-fits by belonging to a union. Stewards also exploredthe pros and cons of the grievance process. Whileeveryone agreed that the grievance and arbitrationprocess plays a vital role in the representation of ourmembers and the defense of our collective bargain-ing agreements, they also recognized that resolvingproblems outside of the process can have real bene-fits on our relationships with employers and foractually building solidarity within our union.
âCharley Richardsonâs presentation was aclear call to action,â said assistant steward AnthonyZeli fromWGME-TV. âStewards must engage ourmembers in new ways if we are to beat back theconstant assault on our rights. We cannot wait forcontract negotiations to activate the workplace.â
Matthew D. Beck, Organizer
IBEW Locals 1739 and 1687members display S&T Electric sign at the Nobel transformer job site.
Local 1837 stewards attend advancedtraining session.DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30, 2010
IBEW PHOTOCONTESTSee www.ibew.org to enter
2010
IBEW Local 1523 members who volunteer for Westar EnergyGreen Team projects helped build a physical fitness obstacletraining course at a high school in Clearwater, KS.
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St. LouisUnity RallyRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 1, ST. LOUIS, MOâLocal 1retirees enjoyed their annual attendance at the St.Louis Cardinalâs ballgame on May 13. Everyone hada great time. The Cards lost, but they are lookinggood this year.
The second Retirees meeting of 2010 was heldMay 19. The usual business was conducted, fol-lowed by lunch. The club also met on July 21, andupcoming meeting dates for 2010 are: Sept. 15(luncheon) and Nov. 17.
A rain-shortened golf outing was held June 8.We all got wet but enjoyed the event. Funds wereraised for the Local Relief Committee.
The job situation is still desperate and reliefdoes not appear to be close. The new workingagreement, recently signed, reflects the willingnessof Local 1 to adapt to the changing economy, butmakes the promise of renewed effort to insure adynamic future for our craft.
A rally attended by thousands was held inSt. Louis on June 15 to protest raiding tactics of theCarpenters union leadership. Many retirees werepresent, as distinguished speakers frommanytrades urged unity in a national effort to stop thesepolicies of greed and dissension.
Don Appelbaum, P.S.
Club ActivitiesRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY,WESTCHESTER/PUTNAMCHAPTERâMembers visitedThe Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New YorkCity. U.S. aircraft carrier Intrepid served in thePacific Theater during World War II. The outing washosted by chapter member DickMills and retiredmembers of the Intrepid crew.
The Golf Classic in May was well attended anda good time for all. A golf outing is planned forOctober. Golf chairman is Gerry Pasquale.
In June the âFamily Day in the Parkâ outing forLocal 3 members, family and guests was a success.
A fishing trip is planned for Sept. 15. Fishingchairman is DickMills.
At this writing, plans were underway for anAugust trip to the Local 3 Educational Center inCutchogue, Long Island.
At the June meeting, our chapter and mem-bers donated $700 to the Sloan Kettering ResearchFund in memory of Andrew White, former Local 3apprentice director.
Results of the June election: Chmn. Dominic
Pironti, Vice Chmn. WilliamRobertson, Treas. DickMills, Fin.Sec. DominicMalandro, Rec. Sec.Martin Hogan, Sgt.-at-Arms JohnWasilko, and Trustees John Hansen,Robert Cuneo and VincentPanzarino.
Vincent Panzarino retiredafter 15 years as financial secretary.Job well done, Vinny.
Our chapter supports our mil-itary service men and women. Wewish them home safe. And we hopejob conditions improve for workingmembers.
Edward A. Rubow, P.S.
AnnualSummer LuncheonRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 11,LOS ANGELES, CAâTheLocal 11 Retirees Club heldits annual summer lunch-eon at the ElectricalTraining Institute.Member Harvey âButchâBachand and his wife,Sharon, served a wonder-ful gourmet meal. Thegroup enjoyed salads,salmon, tacos, chips andsalsa, along with othertraditional Mexican food.
Joanne Keller, assis-tant administrator for theHealth and Pension Trust,
answered questions and greeted attendees. DonDavis briefed retirees on changes to the apprentice-ship from night school to day school. Local 11 Pres.Joel Barton thanked those present and all theretirees for fighting for the conditions enjoyed bymembers today. Retirees Club Pres. Marty Cohenacknowledged all the volunteers who helpedmakethe occasion a special one. Photos are available onthe IBEW Local 11 Facebook page.
Congratulations to Harvey Fiederer, whorecently announced his retirement after 40 years ofservice as an apprentice instructor. His dedicationto the trade and the labor movement helped count-less students lead successful careers. We all aregrateful for his contribution. We wish himmanyyears of health and happiness ahead.
Thank you to all retirees who remain activethrough the organizing committees. Your participa-tion is appreciated.
Bob Oedy, P.S.
ClubOfficers ElectedRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 21, DOWNERS GROVE, ILâOfficer elections for the Oak Forest Retirees Clubwere held in May. Members re-elected BrendaHowington as president and Rich Ratzel as vicepresident. Leonard Trentz was elected secretary-treasurer. Congratulations to all.
This has been a great year for our membersand spouses. In June we enjoyed the musical com-edy âSugarâ at Drury Lane Oak Brook, and enjoyeddinner at Papa Joeâs in Orland Park. On July 26, wesizzled as we watched the red-hot Chicago WhiteSox defeat the Seattle Mariners.
By now, retirees should have received infor-
mation about the IBEW Local 21 Retiree VisionProgram. Negotiated by our local union, the VSPVision Plan offers a great value on your eye care andeyewear, and provides for many options, savingsand other discounts. Please pass the word to otherLocal 21 retirees who may not know about the plan.
Formore information about theOak ForestRetireesClub, e-mail a request to [email protected]. For other retiree issues or to estab-lish a Local 21 retirees club in your area, contact Local21 retiree liaison Larry Moeller at (630) 432-3836 orby e-mail at [email protected].
Thomas Hopper, P.S.
Alaska Cruise in AugustRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 26, WASHINGTON, DCâAtthe Retired Members Club in September, we sawsome fresh faces as we celebrated many years ofservice by awarding pins, jackets and plaques tolongtime members!
Our fourth cruise for 2010 tookmore than 60retirees and guests to Alaska in August! We look for-ward to sharing their excitement, photos and sto-ries at the September meeting.
In October we will hold our Annual R.M.C.Crab Feast at Mikeâs Restaurant in Annapolis, MD,as well as a new steam train adventure and a tourof a Pennsylvania dairy farm.
We will soon be making plans for 2011. Ourtrip to the Amish Farmerâs Marketâfollowed bylunch on the Eastern Shoreâis a delight and regu-larly sells out. Itâs never too early to add your name.So, contact our V.P. and travel guru, RickWarner, forinformation about trips. Phone: (240) 472-0430.
If you wish to help with mailing our club meet-ing minutes, we generally meet at the hall theTuesday following our meetings at 7:30 a.m. Coffee,donuts and laughter are usually our pay scale.
Special thanks tomemberswho keep us con-nected to thosewho have not joined the growingnumber of e-mailers. If youwould like a tutorial beforeyou buy your first computer, just askat ameeting!
Susan Flashman, P.S.
News FromTheGreat LakesRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 38,CLEVELAND,OHâOn thisspring day, as I lookout thewindow, I hear someham-mersworking in the distance on anewhousebeingbuilt. I hope thismeanswork is picking up somewhat.At our retireesmeeting lastmonth,wordwas thatthings are getting better in this areaâthankGod.
Our retirees havemany planned events andspeakers scheduled at several of ourmeetings. At a
Local 1 retirees celebrate the camaraderieat a June 8 golf outing and fundraiser.From left are: V. Sims, L. Hepburn, M.Muckler and J. Callahan.
Local 11 apprenticeinstructor HarveyFiederer, recentlyretired, attends theRetirees Clubâsannual luncheon.
Attendees enjoy a Local 21 Retirees Clubdinner at the Robert Morris Culinary Collegein April.
Retirees
Local 3 Retirees Club, Westchester/Putnam Chapter,members enjoy a visit on the flight deck of U.S. aircraftcarrier Intrepid at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Retirees
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recentmeetingwe enjoyed our annual chicken dinner.At our March meeting, we had our traditional
corned beef & cabbage meal as well as Irish singersto entertain us. Very well done!
In April, we had a bountiful brunch at a localparty center with our club president as themainspeaker on events to come and our retireesâ election.
We tooka trip toMichigan inMay. As of this writ-ing, our 2010 picnicand clambakewere upcoming.
As retirees, we hope that all you active IBEWmembers are finding more work in your area.
Till next time, God bless America, God blessour troops, and God bless our families. Peace bewith you all.
Arthur Lesjak, P.S.
Service PinsAwardedRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 99, PROVIDENCE, RIâOnceagain our local has supported the Retirees Club andhosted a May breakfast. It was well attended asusual, with visits from Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Robertsand state Rep. Peter Kilmartin.
Local 99 Bus. Mgr. Allen P. Durand and Local 99Pres. John Shalvey assisted club Pres. Robert Piercein awarding service pins and certificates to our hon-ored guests, Michael Carty, Richard Irace, WilliamLepore Jr., Paul Forest and Gerald Trottier.
Bus. Mgr. Durand gave a brief report on thepoor work picture in our state.
We are saddened to report the recent deathsof Robert Corry, Edward Davies, Thomas Finnegan,J. Edmund Brennan Jr., Michael Messier and MelvinSarkisian. May they rest in peace.
As of this writing, Bro. Robert Beardwood wasplanning three fishing trips for the summer. Thesetrips are always a great success.
We sincerely thank our local for all the supportthey give our group; surely the spirit of brotherhoodhas never been greater.
We hope everyone had a great summer withgood health to all. Please note: Our next club meet-ing is Sept. 21 at noon.
Raymond Germershausen, P.S.
Luncheon CelebrationRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 104, BOSTON, MAâWe hadour tri-annual Retirees Club luncheon April 15, 2010,at Doyleâs CafĂŠ in Jamaica Plains, Boston. The ninebrothers shown in the accompanying photo repre-sent more than 450 years of service to the IBEW.
Bro. Edward Ellieswaspresentedwith his 55-year service pin at theAprilmeeting. Everyone enjoyeda good timeand lots of laughs this day; youwouldnâtbelieve someof the stories sharedby these guys.
We will hold our next Retirees Club meeting inOctober. Please contact the hall for time and loca-tion. As always your attendance at club meetingswill ensure that the club will be able to continue forall of the retirees.
Chris Blair, P.S.
Awards for OutstandingServiceRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 130, NEW ORLEANS, LAâAtthe June 27 meeting, we awarded two plaques.Henry Daries received a plaque for 25 years of out-standing service and Harry âBuddyâ Carver for 17years of outstanding service.
Buddy Carver is out of the hospital and stay-ing with his daughter through his recovery. We allwish him well.
We have new leadership: Durel Legendre, sec-retary and Michael Dupius, treasurer.
The officers scheduled a July 22 bus trip to theHollywood Casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,and everyone had a great time.
Theweather is finally cooperating and they havefinally capped the oil spill, which has been contami-nating ourwater for the last 85 days as of this writing.We pray every day that this procedurewill work.
We are saddened to report the passing of:Bros. Alton âBillâ Raines, George Albert, Philip G.Creger, John Carey Jr., Joseph S. Barocco, Gregory C.Hoffman Sr., Herman A. Richard Jr., James E. Carterand Lloyd April. May they rest in peace!
Until our next reading, God bless America.
George Clesi, Pres.
LongtimeMembersHonoredRETIREESCLUB OF L.U. 134, CHICAGO, ILâAnniversary greetings to all the 50-, 55-, and 60-yearmembers of Local 134 Retirees Club. They are as fol-
lows: Thomas Bahde, Marvin Ball, John Burchall,Richard Casale, Edward Dewbray, Ervino Elmy, JamesEnright, Daniel Fegan Jr., Ronald Fibiger, JamesFlaherty, James Fliris, Richard Grove, SamGuzzo,Michael Harris, Robert Hennessy, Richard Howe,John Jaeger, James Kassner Sr., Jerome Koch, EugeneLewaniak, Steven Lindskoog, Robert Lobojko, RonaldMarsden, Donald Meisinger, Daniel McCarthy, JamesMcNamara, Robert Mersch, HenryMueller, KennethMueler, George Randle, Wayne Schroeder Jr., GeraldThompson, JamesWalsh and ClaudeWolcott.
Brothers, we are proud to honor and acknowl-edge your contributions to your union and country.Thankyou for everything you have done and continueto do tomake this a better Local 134 RetireesClub. Youhave Local 134membersâ admiration and respect.
All enjoyed a wonderful luncheon and livemusical entertainment. There are no strangers atLocal 134 only friends we havenât met.
We welcome all retirees. The Retirees Clubmeets on the second Wednesday of each month.Noon to 1 p.m. is âgreet & meetâ time and the regu-lar meeting continues until 2:30 p.m. at the unionhall, 600 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago.
Louis Rodriguez, P.S.
Proud&Active IBEWRetireesRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 164, JERSEYCITY, NJâThe long-standing Local 164 Retirees Association offers AtlanticCity trips, golf outings, fishing trips, baseball trips,financial seminars, holiday parties andmore.
We contribute to theWoundedWarriors Project,Bold, Brave &Courageous, and Habitat for Humanity.
This yearwe started a scholarship for retireesâgrandchildren. Proceeds fromourOldiesShow,Hawaii vacation raffle and other fundraisers enable usto give a total of $15,000 to five recipients this year.
We have 250-plus members. Approximately100, including spouses, attend our monthly lunch-eon/meetings. Treas./Sec. Tom Barry sends out amonthly newsletter. And we are proud of our Web
sitewww.lu164retirees.squarepins.org, designedby Dave Judovinâs daughter. It is updated often withnews, events, photos and useful resources. Our e-mail group also sends notices of events, etc.
Seeing union friends at meetings, the cama-raderie stands firm and stories flyâof fish caught,grandkidsâ graduations, etc. As retired IBEW electri-cians, we enjoy being together and we pray foreveryoneâs well-being.
Retirees appreciate the support extended byLocal 164, Bus. Mgr. Richard Dressel Dressel andPres. John DeBouter. Retirees volunteer during criti-cal elections and we teach the public about theIBEW. We worked hard as IBEW electricians, and wecontinue our union activism. We attendmeetings,support union events and enjoy friendship. Being apart of this union was the best choice we evermade.
David Judovin, P.S.
CommunityService ProjectRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 223, BROCKTON, MAâOnJune 9, a combined business meeting/cookout washeld with 43 people in attendance.
Treas. Dick Bradbury reminded themembersthat it is important for all members to pay their duesif the club is to become financially self-sufficient.
Pres. Bouldry told the membership that one ofthe purposes of the club is to be a resource to thecommunity. He then introduced his wife, who spokeabout a community service project that would servethe entire geographical area covered by Local 223.She hoped everyone would support âGifts to Give,âa nonprofit organization that provides clothing,school supplies and books to needy children in NewBedford, Fall River, Taunton, Brockton and CapeCod. Several members signed up to participate in athree-hour work shift to be held this fall at Gifts toGive on Cove Street in New Bedford. Spouses whoknit were asked to make childrenâs hats and mit-tens, to be delivered to Gifts to Give.
The monthly raffle included a portable gasgrill and clothing with the IBEW logo.
A moment of silence was held in remem-brance of recently deceased members: BruceHiggins, Richard Maxwell, Tom Peters, AlbertDumais, Donald LaJoie and Mrs. John (Joanne) Revil.
Burton Bouldry, Pres.
âHomes for Troopsâ VolunteersRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 257, JEFFERSON CITY, MOâThe Retirees Club held a monthly luncheon/meetingTues., July 27, at the Knights of Columbus inWestphalia, MO.
Officers were elected at our June 29meeting.Our officers have done a great job andwere re-elected by acclamation. They are: Pres. Jerry Rehagen,
Attending the Local104 Retirees ClubâsApril luncheon are:from left, standing,Chet Marsh, RayBrady, Bob Salvati,Fran Fitzgerald,Armand Cabral,Charles âMickeyâRooney; seated,Hugh Boyd Sr.,Edward Ellies andRich Rock Sr. (Photoby Hugh Boyd Jr.)
Local 134 Retirees Club pays tribute to longtime IBEWmembers.
IBEW L.U. 257members and retireesvolunteered to helpwith the Homes forour Troops project inColumbia, MO. Fromleft are: Gary James,Bob Kauffman,Rick Stokes, JimWinemiller, DannyMelloway, JerryRehagen, Emil Fischerand Herman Grothoff.
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W W W . I B E W . O R G
Vice Pres. Betty Nichols, Sec./Treas. June Lenger; andExecutive Committeemembers AliceMurray, BobKauffman and Juanita Fischer. We appreciate theirefforts planning our luncheons and activities.
Certificateswere presented tomemberswhovol-unteered at theSkills USACompetitions at LinnTech,helping judge the electrical andVDVcompetitions.
The club is getting the float ready for the LaborDay parades in Mokane and Jefferson City. ForNovember, Juanita scheduled our group to see a playat the LyceumTheater. More activities will follow.
On June 27, keys to a newhome inColumbia,MO,were presented to ArmyStaff Sgt. RobertCaninethroughHomes for ourTroops. Volunteers and dona-tionsmade the project possible. Labor unions thatprovidedmaterial and labor included: IBEW Local 257,SheetMetalWorkers, and Plumbers and Pipefitters.Many Local 257members and retirees volunteered.Staff Sgt. Canine will re-join his family at their newhome after he completes rehabilitation at WalterReed ArmyMedical Center. We thank JimWinemiller,of Local 257, who helped coordinate this project.
Delores Melloway, P.S.
Spring& Fall PicnicsRETIREESCLUB OF L.U. 291, BOISE, IDâJune is gener-ally the time for an outdoor picnic. However, MotherNature fooled everyone with a chill, which almostresulted in cancelation. But you know, the prouddie-hard electricians of Local 291, who never let theweather stop them, showed up for hamburgers and
hotdogs. They were there to support the club, evenin the cold. So we had our June lunch/picnic atSettlers Park in Meridian and everyone enjoyed themeal, even though they had to wear coats, as seenin the picture. Approximately 40 people attended.Local 291 supplied a retireeâs license plate frame asa door prize, which was won by Roberta Stith.
Now weâre preparing for our September picnicand hoping for warmer weather without coats. It willbe held at Settlers Park, 12 noon, on Sept. 9, whichis our normal second Thursday luncheon. I encour-age all retirees to come and break bread while enjoy-ing our fellowship. See you at the next meeting.
I hope everyonehad a safe andhealthy summer.
Joe Sirani, Pres.
Service AwardHonoreesRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 313, WILMINGTON, DEâForour last spring meeting until September, RetireesClub Pres. Moe McKinley gave out service pins to allthose eligible who attended.
The most notable were those who receivedawards for 50-, 55- and 60-years of service. We tooka picture of the group, joined by the Local 313 presi-dent, the business manager and club Pres.McKinley. [See photo below.]
It should be noted that the service of thesebrothers was the glue that held our local togetherfor many years.
Greg Stilwell, P.S.
Charlestown,WV, RetireesRETIREESCLUB OF L.U. 466, CHARLESTON,WVâThe hills of West Virginia weep for the29miners we lost at the Upper Big Branchmines in early April. We send our condo-lences to all the miners and the families ofthose lost. Hopefully, elected officials will
takemajor steps tomake conditions safer forminers.Our clubâs monthly meetings are held the first
Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at our unionhall. We also have a breakfast meeting at Suziâs, inNorth Charleston on 4th Avenue, on the thirdWednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Please comeand share your memories with us.
The pictures I took at the golf outing are at theunion hall if you wish to see them.
We pay our final respects to recently deceasedmembers Wilbur Brown, Jackie Bennett, JerryMondy, Daniel Myres, Jim Meddings, Ross Stone,Manuel Legg Sr., Richard Holder, Arleigh Ellis,Arthur Ostrin and Dave Hardman; and also to long-time housekeeper Velma Reed.
At press time we were looking forward to thesummer picnic. Also, remember the upcoming NewYearâs Eve dinner.
Larry Fogarty, Pres.
NewMembersWelcomedRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 611, ALBUQUERQUE,NMâTheaccompanying picture (above) is a collectorâs item. Bro.Glen Frazier passed awayon June 24,while two of theother brothers, NapDuran andHarold Paschke, and
theirwiveswere unable to attendmeetings this yeardue to health problems.MembersCarl BrownandVivian âRainboâ Romero are still active at ourmeet-ings, with only five of us left attending currently.Wehave changed ourmeetings to Fridays, hopingmoreretireeswill attend.Weneed you youngermembers toattend andhelp usboost ourmembership.Wewel-come twonew retirees: JoseCrespin andRobertAvery.
Did you know there have been 12 IBEW localunions in NewMexico? Two locals were organizedbefore Local 611, but went defunct by 1909. Therehave been locals in locations including Albuquerque,Belen, Gallup, Hobbs, Roswell, Santa Fe andSilverCity. Four localsmerged with Local 611. Still active outof Albuquerque are: Local 611; Local 1199 (railroad) inBelen; and Local 1988 (Kirtland Air Force Base).
We extend condolences to the families ofBros. Michael P. Murphy, Ted A. Lopez, Joseph E.Lynch and Glen Frazier. Bro. Frazier was truly anasset in sharing his stories of the localâs history forthe upcoming 100th anniversary celebration.
Attend union meetings and stay in touch.
Tracy Hall, Pres.
Tribute toMembersRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 613, ATLANTA, GAâOurmeet-ing was held June 17. We sadlymourn the followingmembers: Bill Watson, Daniel Pickering, BudGentry,JamesMoody, Thomas Jennings, Earl Bartsch, JamesWalters, JackDrew, John Hendrix, WilliamMartin,Charles Rolling, Lamar Abbott Sr., Milton Clowers,JamesWilliams, Thomas Hanekamp and Bruce Clark.
Blake McLeod, Pres.
Attending April meeting of the Local 611 Retirees Club are, clockwise, from left: GlenandWanda Frazier; Yolanda and Carl Brown; Harold and Christine Paschke; VivianâRainboâ Romero; Nap and Erlinda Duran. (Bro. Tracy Hall snapped the photo.)
Fort Lauderdale, FL, Local 728 Retirees Club members gather for a clubmeeting at the union hall. From left, front row, Larry Duggar, RemieHammond, Don Love, Willie Spangler, Mike Bogar, Hank Perry, RosemaryInglis; back row, Norb Ritter, Steve Cunningham, John Meagher, BobCummings, Hugo Inigi, John Nydam, Harold Shrewsbury, ButchGrosenbaugh, Raleigh Masters and Carl Wuest.
Fort Lauderdale Retirees
Local 313 retirees, joined by officers, display awards for longtime service. From left are: Local 313 Pres.Paul Campbell, Steve DiSabatino (accepting the award for Olley DiSabatino, who was unable to attend),Thomas Clark, John Healy, John Kachmar, Raymond Ademski, Ray Burton, James Keating, Warren Snavely,Retirees Club Pres. Moe McKinley, Richard Cutone, Local 313 Bus. Mgr. Douglas Drummond and ScottyHudghton. (Retiree Vince Jankowski shot the photo.)
Local 291 Retirees Club members enjoy June lunch/picnic gathering at Settlers Park.
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HOWTO REACH US
We welcome letters from our readers.The writer should include his or hername, address and, if applicable, IBEW local union number and cardnumber. Family members should include the local union number of theIBEW member to whom The Electrical Worker is mailed. Please keepletters as brief as possible. The Electrical Worker reserves the right toselect letters for publication and edit all submissions for length.
Send letters to:Letters to the Editor, The Electrical Worker, 900 Seventh Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20001Or send by e-mail to: [email protected]
Š2010 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Electrical Worker,900 Seventh Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20001.
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Publications Mail Agreement No. 40011756.Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:P.O. Box 503RPOWest Beaver CreekRichmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6
F rustration is growing as policy makers, energy companies and thepublic struggle for a responsible approach to reducing carbon emis-sions from coal-fired power plants.Like Portland, Ore., Local 125, which is featured in this issue, many
are facing unreasonable, pie-in-the-sky or downright hypocritical opposi-tion from some environmental organizations.
We, too, want a safe environment for our children. Many of our mem-bers hunt, fish, hike, boat and enjoy camping. We are deeply engaged inwind, solar and other renewable energy technologies.
But instead ofworkingwith us on issues facing coal-fired powerplants,someenvironmentalists are taking anundemocraticapproach that is hostileto ourmembers, our jobs, our communities and ournationâs economichealth.
Thereâs no better example than the Sierra Clubâs opposition to apublicmeeting in Boardman, Ore., for workers at the stateâs only coal
power plant to express their thoughts on the clubâs insistence that the utility shut the plant down by 2015.Let me restate that: they opposed a publicmeeting in the community that would lose its biggest employer.
This is not an isolated case. The Sierra Club is spending $18 million and has deployed 100 lobbyistsacross the nation to challenge coal power.
The IBEW would rather be lobbying Congress, where citizens and unions have a voice for comprehensiveenergy legislation that would include building more nuclear plants.
But an energybill isnât going to bepassed anytime soon.So the executive branch of governmenthas steppedinto the vacuum.Now the Environmental ProtectionAgency is issuing unrealisticmandates on carbon emissions.
It would certainly make sense for environmentalists and conservationists to work with us on how theseregulations will be implemented. Instead, we have more hypocrisy.
InMarch, I sent a letter to Sen. RonWyden (D-Ore.) supporting the building of amassive wind farm, con-sisting of 45 wind turbines on private land. The projectâwhich would create hundreds of jobsâis being held upby conservationists who claim that turbines could be seen from 25miles away on a federally-protected desert.
I want to thank IBEWmembers and leaders who are standing up for reasonable energy policy. Yourefforts are in the best interests of your communities, our nation and our labor movement. ďż˝
I n t e r n a t i o n a l B r o t h e r h o o d o f E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r s
The Electrical Worker was the name of the first officialpublication of the National Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers in 1893 (the NBEW became the IBEW in 1899 withthe expansion of the union into Canada). The name andformat of the publication have changed over the years.This newspaper is the official publication of the IBEW andseeks to capture the courage and spirit that motivated thefounders of the Brotherhood and continue to inspire theunionâs members today. The masthead of this newspaperis an adaptation of that of the first edition in 1893.
T he U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the premier lobbying group for bigbusiness, announced earlier this summer that it would spend atleast $50 million on political races in 2010, a 40 percent increase
from 2008. This money comes on top of the nearly $800,000 a day theChamber spent lobbying against President Obama on everything fromâBuy Americaâ provisions in the stimulus act to new regulations on WallStreet excess for the last two years.
Thatâs a lot of cashâcash which would have been better spent creat-ing jobs for someone else besides KStreet lawyers and beltway lobbyists.
Despite the Chamberâs endless complaints against Congress andthe Obama administration that they are anti-business, corporate CEOsare doing pretty well these days. Corporate profits are now $1.2 billion,higher than they were than before the recession, writes Washington Postbusiness columnist Steven Pearlstein.
Columnist Robert Samuelson reports that industrial companies are sitting on a record reserve of $838billion, money that could be used to revitalize our manufacturing sector or rebuild the power grid.
But corporate Americaâs newfound profits have yet to find their way into the pockets of working families.âCompanies are doing much better than workers,â Samuelson concludes.
Nearly one in six workers remains unemployed or underemployed. For those lucky enough to hang on totheir jobs, employers are resorting to drastic pay and benefits cutsâlarge enough to have some experts con-cerned about deflation.
Itâs no secret that the Chamber is funneling most of its money to Republicans, but ironically it was theefforts of Obama and the Democratic Congress that helped rescue the economy, as economists Alan Blinderand Mark Zandi point out in a recent report. Those efforts led to businessâs rebound in profitsâprofits thatcorporate CEOs are now using to help Obamaâs GOP opponents take back Congress.
With unemployment still nearing 10 percent, the last thing we need is corporate America funding multi-million dollar ad blitzes in favor of candidates who have no solutions to our economic problems besidesmore of the same Bush-era policies that landed us in trouble in the first place. What we need is more invest-ment in our economy, so we can put American workers back on the job again. ďż˝
F R O M T H E O F F I C E R S
EXECUTIVEOFFICERS
Edwin D. HillInternational President
Lindell K. LeeInternationalSecretary-Treasurer
INTERNATIONALEXECUTIVECOUNCIL
ChairmanRobert W. Pierson
First DistrictJoseph P. Calabro
Second DistrictMyles J. Calvey
Third DistrictJohn R. Clarke
Fourth DistrictWilliam W. Riley
Fifth DistrictStephen Schoemehl
Sixth DistrictGregory A. Lucero
Seventh DistrictPatrick Lavin
Eighth DistrictJohn F. Briegel
INTERNATIONALVICEPRESIDENTS
First DistrictPhillip J. Flemming
Second DistrictFrank J. Carroll
Third DistrictDonald C. Siegel
Fourth DistrictSalvatore J. Chilia
Fifth DistrictJoe S. Davis
Sixth DistrictLonnie R. Stephenson
Seventh DistrictJonathan B. Gardner
Eighth DistrictTed C. Jensen
Ninth DistrictMichael S. Mowrey
Tenth DistrictRobert P. Klein
Eleventh DistrictCurtis E. Henke
THEELECTRICALWORKER
EditorEdwin D. Hill
C. James Spellane
MarkBrueggenjohann
Malinda Brent
Len Shindel
Carol Fisher
Alex Hogan
Lucas Oswalt
James H. Jones
Len Turner
Tim Prendergast
Curtis D. Bateman
John Sellman
Lindell K. LeeInternational Secretary-Treasurer
WeNeedMore Jobs, Less Lobbying
Edwin D. HillInternational President
Wanted: Reasonable Carbon/EnergyDebate
T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | S e p t emb e r 2 0 1 0 19
W W W . I B E W . O R G
Few of the delegates at anearly morning session of theIBEWWomenâs Conferencehad heard of Lisa Dugan, a
sister journeyman inside wireman.But they cheered Dugan, a four-
termmember of the Illinois House ofRepresentatives, after IBEW HumanServices Director Carolyn Williamslisted some of her accomplishmentsduring decades of public service andpro-worker activism.
âThis has not just beenmy jour-ney. This is our journey,â said Dugan.Amember of Joliet Local 176, whohas served on the boards of dozensof non-profits, Dugan has been rec-ognized as legislator of the year byseveral business and labor groups.
Long before entering herapprenticeship in 1979, encouragedby three senior unionmen she callsher âjourneymen angels,â Duganwas faced with a choice between theadvice of her grandmothers who saidshe should follow her dreamsâregardless of what society thought âand others who, she says, needed tobe taught to âtake the blinders offand open up to a society that isinclusive for women andminorities.â
âMy journeymen angels didnâttell me about the other guys,â saidDugan, laughing. On her first job, ageneral foreman told her: âIf you askme, Missy, you should be home tak-ing care of your children and cookingdinner for your husband.â
âI didnât ask you, and my nameis Lisa,â replied Duganâwhoremembers digging âtrenches tonowhereâ and sweeping so manyfloors on construction sites that âIshould have been in GoodHousekeeping magazine.â
One of only twowomen in herclass, Dugan gained apprentice of theyear honors in her second year. Duringher third year, while pregnantwith hersecond daughter, Dugan advocatedchanging her localâs bylaws on tempo-rary disability to include pregnancywhile continuing her pursuit of excel-lence and leadership in the trade.
She recalls opening her firstmeeting as superintendent on a 40-man project. Dugan told her startledmale co-workers, some of whom
attempted to make her early yearsdifficult, âItâs fortunate for you that Iam all about the IBEW,â not aboutholding grudges for past slights.
A serious injury on the job in1993 forced Dugan to leave the elec-trical trade. She deepened her com-munity activism, taught a course onwomen in non-traditional jobs at thelocal community college and won acampaign for trustee in the Village ofBradley, 60 minutes from Chicago.
Her labor-management effortswere instrumental in pushing througha âBuy Local-Hire Localâ resolution inKankakeeCounty.
In 2003, a member of theIllinois House asked Dugan toaccept an appointment to finish theterm of a legislator who had retired.She accepted.
âPolitics is a strange game,âsays Dugan, âBut there comes a timewhen labor needs to have a strongvoice in government. And no one isbetter suited to speak for us thanus.â Making it through her appren-ticeship was still her greatest accom-plishment, says Dugan.
Dugan focuses on keepingclose contact with constituents. Sheis often available for âcoffee shopstopsâ up and down her jurisdic-tion. âIâm very hands-on and work24-7,â she says, often meeting at 6a.m. with workers and farmersbefore they start the dayâs labor andshe heads to her office.
In 2003, Dugan established a
Community Service ScholarshipProgram to recognize students whohave taken a leadership role in theircommunity. The scholarship providesfinancial assistance, donated fromthe lawmakerâs salary, to one seniorfrom each high school in her district.
Because union members liveall over her district, they are a pow-erful force that truly âbrings theteam together,â she says.
âLisa is a great sister, a greatfriend and a true never-forgot-where-she-came-from union person,â saysLocal 176 BusinessManager SteveMagruder. Dugan, he says, wasinstrumental in winning responsiblebidder legislation in electrical con-struction. And her advocacy helpedwin prevailing wage provisions andapprenticeship training require-ments in enterprise zones where tax-increment financing is utilized.
Re-elected in 2004, 2006 and2008, Dugan is currently facing achallenge from a Republican and aGreen Party candidate. Despite thewell-publicized troubles facingDemocrats in Illinois and nationally,she is upbeat.
âWe can fix Illinois and we canfix what America needs to move for-ward,â says Dugan, who rips intothose in U.S. politics who contendthat a strong labor movement hurtsthe U.S. economy. Reality is reality,she says. âThis country is built andwill stay strong because of hard-working men and women.â ďż˝
Lettersto the Editor
If you have a story to tell about your IBEW experience, please send it [email protected].
Who We Are
ANovember Plea
Please help me to convince all IBEWmembers to vote to prevent theRepublicans from retaking Congress in November. Many are forgetting thatit was their policies and overwhelming greed that got us in the mess weare now in!
Dennis StoverLocal 8 member, Toledo, Ohio
CreditWhere Credit is Due
I really enjoyed the article âAfter the Flood, UnionMembers Help Re-ener-gize Cedar Rapidsâ July 2010, The Electrical Worker. I would like to point outa couple of other guys that deserve the credit for the work that was done atAlliant Energyâs Prairie Creek powerhouse. It was Local 405member GarryWagner who led the reconstruction on the powerhouse. He was on site thefirst day I arrived as soon as the water was down enough to safely work. Ispent the next 11 months working for him. I stopped back a couple ofmonths later and he was still leading the charge for Acme Electric âfinishingup theminor details and doing all the extras that Alliant wanted. Garry alsoreceived additional help fromSteve Hauschild during the project.
Mike MuellerLocal 159 member, St. Paul, Minn.
Retirement: A Primer
I am recently retired and have noticed some changes in my life. I have writ-ten down a few of my favorites. I hope you find the list entertaining. Itbrings smiles to the faces of everyone I share it with.
You Might Be Retired If:1. You watch all four quarters of Monday Night Football2. You put the trash out a day early3. You forget where you put your lunchbox4. You are watching âRegis and Kellyâ while eating breakfast5. You have refolded all of your sweaters for the second time6. You have to buy your own wire nuts and electrical tape7. You are being tailgated by someone with their high beams on8. You use less sandwich bags and plastic wrap9. You ran downstairs to get a tool, and when you get there,
you forgot what it was10. You have to buy your own Christmas ham11. You forgot how to set your alarm clock
David P. OrdakowskiLocal 24 retiree, Baltimore, Md.
Jobs for America
I feel that the jobs issue within Michigan and the United States needsurgent attention, so I sent a letter to Michigan legislator Kenneth Horn, aRepublican. His response was weak and lacking any substantial direction.There is all kinds of talk about the United States from our members inCongress. So far, thatâs all it is, just talk. The âservice economyâ theyspeak of will not support the American workerâs lifestyle.
We need to turn this thing around beginning yesterday, lastweekor lastmonth! I knowwhatwe had and I knowwhatweâre losing. I am a retiredmember ofSaginaw Local 557,master electrician, prior electrical inspectorand former recording secretary, press secretary, treasurer, organizer, assistantbusiness agent. I am currently the charter chairman of theSaginawUnionLabel &ServiceTradesDept. AFL-CIO, representative on theSaginaw LaborCouncil AFL-CIO and chairman of theSaginawCounty Board ofCanvassers.
Michael R. SmithLocal 557 retiree, Saginaw, Mich.
Illinois IBEWLegislator Lisa Dugan:âMy Journey isOur Journeyâ
Lisa Dugan, four-termmember of the Illinois House of Representatives,is a journeyman wireman member of Joliet, Ill., Local 176.
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424 Hackman, J.W. 5/30/2010428 Logan, L. D. 6/13/2010429 Dayvolt, R. J. 6/23/2010429 Fox, G. 5/24/2010429 Haskins, D.W. 5/27/2010436 McCurdy,W. A. 5/31/2010441 Furey, M. 4/2/2010441 Jaeger, P. J. 4/27/2010443 Hardy, D. H. 4/30/2010456 Peterson, A. C. 5/10/2010461 Clementz, M.W. 5/11/2010461 Kendall, C. H. 5/12/2010461 Uebel, P. H. 5/14/2010464 OâBrien, J.W. 6/5/2010474 Burgess, T. E. 6/19/2010474 Hunter,W. J. 4/13/2010474 Warren, J. R. 12/12/2004477 Jackman, H. J. 5/31/2010477 Miller, H. L. 6/14/2010480 Hegwood, L. G. 3/28/2010481 McBride, D. I. 6/26/2010481 Medlen, C. D. 5/2/2010481 Steinhauer, C. 5/17/2010483 Peterson, R. E. 5/14/2010488 Howe, R. D. 10/11/2006490 Pow,W. S. 5/15/2010494 Arildsen, R. A. 5/15/2010494 Huberty, M. J. 6/3/2010494 Jakubowski, R. 6/21/2010494 Laimans, E. J. 5/5/2010494 Wilkinson, H. G. 6/29/2010499 Dreher, R. M. 11/12/2009499 Rossow, H. B. 5/19/2010499 Wendt, J. H. 6/11/2010505 Gill, J.W. 5/21/2010508 Driggers, I. E. 7/2/2009508 Ellis, G. L. 4/25/2009520 Hotz, O. E. 5/6/2008527 Barron, J. E. 11/5/2009527 Durio, J. A. 12/9/2007527 Ringer, L. J. 3/4/2010538 Noel, M. J. 6/19/2010540 Coleman, P. E. 5/28/2010551 Jennings, C. C. 5/27/2010558 Cornett, B. 5/18/2010558 Edge, C. R. 5/5/2010558 Johnson, R.W. 7/6/2010558 Kirkland, N.W. 6/13/2010558 Peeler, B.W. 5/21/2010558 Williams, L. F. 5/26/2010569 Arosin, T. A. 4/25/2010569 Kelly, J. F. 4/30/2010569 Lovin,W. E. 1/12/2007569 Murphy, E. L. 6/9/2010569 Nothwang, E. C. 4/20/2010569 Starke, R.W. 6/13/2010569 Wesley,W. H. 5/14/2010570 Alewelt, J. P. 5/24/2010570 Mull, R. M. 5/5/2010583 Brannon, J. M. 5/21/2010583 Flores, R. E. 5/6/2010584 Boyd, E. E. 5/29/2010584 Vancuren, J.W. 5/4/2010595 Bishop, K. H. 3/15/2010595 Crumpacker, L. E. 5/13/2010601 Schaede, A. H. 6/15/2010602 Mack, L. J. 6/16/2010606 Eberwein, D. C. 6/21/2010606 Long, D. S. 5/5/2010611 Lopez, T. A. 5/9/2010613 Clowers, M. L. 5/20/2010613 Freeman, J. B. 2/17/2007613 Hanekamp, T. E. 6/13/2010613 Parker, D. R. 12/27/2009613 Rolling, C.W. 5/11/2010613 Terrell, E. C. 7/6/2010613 Williams, J. L. 6/5/2010617 Kenyon, G. J. 5/13/2010617 Kurtz, R. H. 2/20/2010617 Simpson, D. T. 3/31/2010
617 Towle, E. B. 5/7/2010625 Hatt, J. S. 4/24/2010632 McMichael, B. H. 5/9/2010640 Greene, E.W. 6/18/2010640 Michaels,W. T. 2/22/2010640 Orr, T. K. 4/12/2010650 Crosbie,W. G. 6/8/2010659 Maier, A. H. 5/28/2010659 Wilson, M.W. 5/18/2010666 Wilkinson, R. A. 5/28/2010676 Johnson, J. 6/10/2010682 Williamson, R. A. 5/12/2010683 Burchett, M. R. 11/26/2009683 Curry,W. O. 6/16/2010683 Gerhold, L. L. 6/22/2010683 Ripley, L. 6/3/2010692 Stump, J.W. 5/31/2010700 Strain,W.W. 6/5/2010701 Ekstrom, T. G. 5/19/2010701 Hopshire, G. 6/18/2010701 Weiland, J. M. 12/5/2009702 Eastman, R.W. 5/8/2010702 Miller, I. L. 6/14/2010702 Spurlock, K. 5/24/2010716 Blackmon, T. E. 5/27/2010716 Chaplin, C. 6/15/2009716 Diehl, B. C. 4/23/2010716 Miller, J. E. 5/22/2010716 Morgan, T. H. 6/10/2010716 Richters, D. P. 6/18/2010716 Smith, J. B. 5/24/2010725 Nichols, R. D. 6/8/2010728 Collins, E. O. 6/20/2010728 Stull, J. O. 2/9/2010744 Harfman, A.W. 2/22/2008744 Mead, S. 5/8/2008760 Dearmond, D. L. 5/28/2010760 Gilliland, B. L. 6/6/2010760 Patterson, D. H. 4/1/2010760 Reasor, S. 11/23/2008760 Sams, D. A. 8/31/2009760 Tatham, D. C. 5/31/2010767 Peltier, H. J. 11/23/2009768 Gilley, G. D. 5/13/2010772 Lindler, J. V. 6/1/2010773 Jennings,W. 5/16/2010804 Nielsen, E. 3/21/2010804 Oakey, E. G. 5/7/2010816 Fields, H. P. 6/17/2010861 Roy, D. J. 5/24/2010861 Rozas, H. J. 5/26/2010870 McKinley, J. A. 6/8/2010876 Jones, R. L. 5/31/2010889 Gardner, D. B. 5/16/2010890 Stamm, D. 4/24/2010903 Shifalo, T. E. 6/2/2010914 OâNeill, J. J. 10/14/2009915 Lawther, R. 5/31/2010915 Lumsden, L. R. 6/5/2010934 Hill, P. M. 5/29/2010934 Price, B. A. 12/3/2009952 Gavin, G. E. 5/7/2010970 Green, H. B. 3/18/2010993 Burgart, E. L. 2/20/2010995 Bourg, J. L. 5/24/2010995 McDaniel, T. F. 8/10/20091002 Johnson, J. C. 4/27/20101003 Lewis, A. T. 4/29/20101141 Staley, B. D. 5/31/20101186 Noah, N. K. 8/20/20091186 Sakata, M. D. 1/27/20101186 Uyeunten, K. 5/13/20101245 McElvain, M. 5/21/20101316 Crosby, R. L. 6/8/20101319 Dyer, R. M. 5/16/20081377 Grove,W. 2/8/20101377 Wilson, R. B. 6/17/20101379 Dettner, H.W. 7/12/20071393 Gardner, S. E. 6/22/20101426 Tabor,W. C. 5/22/2010
1439 Hutfless, J. G. 3/22/20071525 Lefler, B. L. 6/16/20101531 Watson, M. L. 3/22/20101547 Anderson, R. J. 5/1/20101547 Rebischke, L. L. 5/4/20101547 Simpson, L. C. 5/31/20101547 Walker, K. A. 5/25/20101579 Corley, G. L. 4/23/20101579 Parks, M. S. 6/14/20101701 Weakley, J.W. 5/31/20101837 Walker, P. L. 5/23/20101923 Bridges, R. H. 5/13/20101956 Skiba, S. 5/22/20102113 Moore,W. L. 1/26/20102150 Schuh, N. S. 6/12/20102166 Caissie, R. A. 5/25/20102286 Warlick, D. C. 7/9/20072330 Tucker, E.W. 5/20/2010I.O. (11) Mathes,W. B. 5/15/2010I.O. (266) Sund, D. M. 5/23/2010I.O. (304) Hausherr, B. L. 3/27/2010I.O. (424) Henriquez, C. S. 6/30/2010I.O. (1245) Gallaher, J. D. 6/6/2010I.O. (1393) Williams, M. J. 5/28/2010Pens. (101) Detherage, G. V. 5/25/2010Pens. (323) Cowart, A. 5/18/2010Pens. (353) Scitnik, B. 7/12/2010Pens. (629) Wright, N. K. 2/27/2010Pens. (637) Surface, L. T. 5/31/2010Pens. (1788) Cross, J. F. 1/29/2010Pens. (I.O.) Accardo, J. 5/23/2010Pens. (I.O.) Baldwin, M. R. 6/1/2010Pens. (I.O.) Barhorst,W. F. 6/20/2010Pens. (I.O.) Barnes, G. S. 5/15/2010Pens. (I.O.) Bohon, H. R. 6/10/2010Pens. (I.O.) Colegrove, R. E. 6/11/2010Pens. (I.O.) Cooper, M.W. 10/20/2007Pens. (I.O.) Cordle, O. J. 6/18/2010Pens. (I.O.) Crumpton, Z. 6/15/2010Pens. (I.O.) Edwards,W. F. 6/2/2010Pens. (I.O.) Fisher, C. G. 6/8/2010Pens. (I.O.) Gagnon, P.W. 5/16/2010Pens. (I.O.) Gay,W. P. 5/27/2010Pens. (I.O.) Gustafson, A. E. 5/27/2010Pens. (I.O.) Hamlin, C. C. 4/17/2010Pens. (I.O.) Hutchinson, P. E. 2/28/2008Pens. (I.O.) Johnson, G. C. 4/14/2010Pens. (I.O.) Jones, R. 5/21/2010Pens. (I.O.) Jones,W. C. 11/20/2009Pens. (I.O.) Kennedy, L. J. 3/9/2010Pens. (I.O.) Key, C. K. 5/27/2010Pens. (I.O.) Kopala, C. 8/9/2009Pens. (I.O.) Kost,W. B. 6/15/2010Pens. (I.O.) Krumm, J. P. 5/13/2010Pens. (I.O.) Kubek, J. M. 6/8/2010Pens. (I.O.) Lynn,W. A. 6/11/2010Pens. (I.O.) Markelwith, F. C. 6/20/2010Pens. (I.O.) Maxfield, H. R. 5/13/2010Pens. (I.O.) McWatters, M. A. 10/4/2009Pens. (I.O.) Miller, H. H. 6/13/2010Pens. (I.O.) Mills, F. L. 6/6/2010Pens. (I.O.) Mordigal, J. P. 5/28/2010Pens. (I.O.) Phillips, H. J. 2/26/2010Pens. (I.O.) Rich, V. O. 11/7/2007Pens. (I.O.) Schmidt, B. R. 3/15/2010Pens. (I.O.) Seed,W. C. 3/29/2010Pens. (I.O.) Sehlmeyer, F. B. 3/11/2010Pens. (I.O.) Shaw, P. R. 5/28/2010Pens. (I.O.) Shinn, A. G. 3/11/2010Pens. (I.O.) Shirley, J. E. 5/31/2010Pens. (I.O.) Sonneville, R. C. 4/20/2010Pens. (I.O.) Stickling, L. 5/26/2010Pens. (I.O.) Stiff, G. 4/13/2010Pens. (I.O.) Szymanski, R. H. 8/17/2009Pens. (I.O.) Testa, J. E. 6/26/2010Pens. (I.O.) Thedens, R. G. 4/4/2010Pens. (I.O.) Thomas, J.W. 4/16/2010Pens. (I.O.) Warmuth, G. H. 6/15/2010Pens. (I.O.) Wisemore, B. 6/26/2010
Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death
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