The Electrical Worker January 2009

8/9/2019 The Electrical Worker January 2009

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FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1893

A re you a card-carrying member of the IBEW?

As of this winter, you will be.For the first time in its history, the

International Office is issuing smart cardsto all active dues-paying members.

We want the hard-working men and women of the IBEW to have tangible proof that they are part of the best, most knowl-edgeable and highly-trained electrical andcommunication work force the world over,International President Edwin D. Hill said.Each member can carry his or her card with

pride and dignity.The new cards also serve a technologi-cal purpose. Each members card will have abar code and number assigned to it connect-ing the member to a comprehensive databaseat the International Office. On receivingtheir cards in the mail, members are urgedto log onto a secure Web portal (see sidebar)to verify membership information on theirown personal Web pages.

This card is going to revolutionize the way business is conducted at theInternational and local level, as well as onthe job site, said Darren DeMarco, directorof Information Technology. Members canlook forward to a streamlined and user-friendly process for updating and accessing

union-related information.The evolving database will ultimately allow workers to go online to: Change address, phone, e-mail and demo-

graphic information

Calculate pension benefits from theInternational Office

Access I.O. pension application paperwork Verify I.O. pension beneficiaries Verify dues payments Confirm trade classification Access proof of all NJATC training

Perform other tasks As a show of continuing specialization in

their craft, members who have completed theCode of Excellence training will receive anelite gold card indicating their certification.

We hope that those on the job site who havent yet completed the Code of Excellence training will be inspired by themembers carrying the gold cards and willbe encouraged to take their skills to thenext level, Hill said.

By spring, local halls will have new com-puterized data readers to scan cards and

access information previously availableat the I.O.

For members, keeping their data cuand getting valuable information will so just a few mouse clicks away, DeMarcoT

2

IBEW powers up North Korean

hospitalsCode of Excellence at work in Illinois

3

North of 49

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Analysis: Economic turmoil hits IBEW

6

Organizing Wire

Circuits

7

Local Lines

14

Editorials

15

Letters to the Editor

Who We Are

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. 3 | No. 1 | January 2009

New IBEW Membership Cards:A High-Tech Sign of Pride

I N T H I S I S S U E

Washington, D.C., Local 26 member Ray Sbahi displays his new IBEW Code of Excellence membershi

1. Confirm all information on the by going online to the secure Wsitehttps://my.ibew.org . Enter yourpersonal key listed on the letteraccompanying your card.

2. If youhaveany questions, call(202) 728-6231or send ane-mail to [email protected].

What Should I Do When I Get My Card?

w w w . i b e w . o r g


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2 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e rRJanuary 2009

One of the most isolated regimes inthe world, North Korea has earnedthe moniker the Hermit Kingdomfrom the world community. Travel to

the communist state by U.S. citizens is very rare, but last fall two Portland, Ore., Local 48members were given an unprecedented oppor-tunity to see North Korea from the inside.

Twin brothers Dan and Dennis McCarty,both retired wiremen, spent two weeks in thecountry last September helping to installpower systems at three hospitals in the city of Haeju, which lies just north of the famous38th parallel, the militarized border thatdivides North Korea from the modern demo-cratic nation of South Korea.

A representative from the internationalglobal relief organization Mercy Corps calledLocal 48 a year ago looking for electricians who could take a humanitarian mission toNorth Korea.

The McCarty brothers, who specializedin hospital projects, agreed to take on theunique challenge.

They knew it would be daunting, but they saw it as a great opportunity to make a differ-ence in the lives of a community that neededtheir help. This was a chance to make surepeople could get the treatment they needed,simple as that, Dennis McCarty said.

The McCartys had to wait months beforethey could get permission from the NorthKorean government to make the trip. In themeantime, they tried to design electrical sys-tems for buildings they wouldnt get a chanceto inspect until they got there. It was likeflying blind, Dennis said. We tried to writemultiple scenarios.

The McCartys finally got the go-ahead inearly September. Traveling with two Mercy Corps representatives, they were held up inthe capital city of Pyongyang for four daysbefore they were permitted to go to Haeju.

The collapse of the Soviet UnionNorth Koreas main allyand continuingtense relations with the United States andSouth Korea, has left the country economi-cally and politically isolated. The years of iso-lation has taken a noticeable toll on NorthKoreas industrial infrastructure.

The road to Haeju from Pyongyang waspractically impassable. There was no running water and the hospitalsoutfitted with agedRussian generators that had been out of serv-ice for yearsfunctioned without the regularuse of electricity.

Doctors and nurses did their workeither during the day or by candlelight,Dennis said. Despite the backwardness of thetechnology, the North Korean work team they were paired up with was enthusiastic aboutgetting the job done. We finished setting upthe generators and the transformers at thehospitals so they could have power in less

than three days, which usually takes weeks, thanks to their work, Dennis said.

The team replaced the oldgenerators with new onesimported from South Korea.

While language was a barrier,Dennis found that the Koreansunderstood enough electricalcode so they could effectively communicate using blueprintsand schematic diagrams.

In only a few days, thepower systems at all three hospi-tals were up and running, givingHaejus doctors and nurses thebenefits of 24-hour electrical service for thefirst time in years.

The hospitals director and the local

provincial leader were so pleased by theMcCartys efforts that they were invited to an

official banquet in their honor onday in North Korea.

We are happy to help those Dennis said. The project was abpeople, not politics.

Mercy Corps is engaged in hrelief and economic developmentin more than 35 countries.

Were proud of the McCarty work theyve done in promoting

name of the IBEW halfway acrossaid Local 48 Business Manager

IBEW Members Take Humanitarian Missionto North Korea

A Terre Haute, Ind., Local 725 electri-cal contractor is doing its part toensure that its members workingat an Illinois refinery live the Code

of Excellence.Lytle Electric Co. in Robinson, Ill.,

recently received the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendationfor its Voluntary Protection Program Staraward, which recognizes companies that goabove and beyond industry safety require-ments. Local 725 leaders consider suchmutually beneficial partnerships key to theircontinuing success.

Weve taken safety a step higher, saidMac Thacker, Local 725 member and job sitesuperintendent. The Code of Excellence andthis recognition go hand in hand. Its allabout doing more than youre required to do.

IBEW members employed by Lytle per-form construction and maintenance work atMarathon Petroleums Illinois Refinery, which produces gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel,propane and butane.

Lytle employs 150 Local 725 journeyman wiremen and apprentices at the refinery. Jeff Reinoehl is the owner of Lytle Electric and aLocal 725 member.

Lytle Electric answered the challenge pre-sented by Marathon to constantly improve pro-duction through safety and hazard awareness,said Darrel Ault, Marathons safety coordinator.

IBEW members are trained in hazardrecognition and prevention and are encour-aged to anonymously report unsafe practices, which are tracked until a solution is found.

Each week, a Lytle safety representative anda field employee conduct job site safety reviews as a way for management and fieldemployees to cooperatively correct problems,prevent injury and raise awareness.

In order to receive the safety recommen-dation, Lytle was required to sign a manage-ment commitment to safety, provide electricalsafety training courses to employees andestablish a list of safety goals. Endorsementfrom the local union was also a requirement.

The union hall has been very forthcom-ing in trying to get the safety message out tothe membership. We are trying to spread themessage locally and really trying to affect thesafety culture in our local, said EricBiernbaum, the Lytle safety director andLocal 725 examining board member who

organized the safety recognition p All new hires at Lytle are req

complete a safety and health trainThey must pass a safety exam andstrate a firm understanding of all requirements before they are allow

They put their time and montheir mouth is, said Local 725 BManager Todd Thacker. They knier work force is a more productivforce and thats a good thing for t

Lytle is the first union electritractor in a six-state region to recrecommendation.

At the end of the day, the guthe same way they came in the moMac Thacker. Going home to youkids is a reward better than any re

Illinois Union Contractor PutsCode of Excellence to Work

Portland, Ore., Local 48 members Dan Mcand Dennis McCarty, shown here with a Kelectrician, teamed with a local crew to pothree hospitals in Haeju, North Korea, last

Local 725 members and officers played a major role in ensuring a safe work environment at Marath


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w w w . i b e w . o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e rRJanuary 2009 3

in Canadian history since Confederation in1867. The first was formed during World War I.

Every Member of Parliament received amandate from the Canadian people to delivera government that will face the economiccrisis, Dion told the Mercury News Service.The prime minister has failed.

In his fiscal message soon after theOctober election, Harpers finance minister,Jim Flaherty, avoided calls for a economicstimulus package and proposed to take away government workers right to strike. Harperalso proposed to cancel public subsides forpolitical parties, a move that would have crip-pled the opposition, which relies more heavily

on public funding than the Conservatives.The political crisis has come in the midstof Canadas first recession in 16 years. Thecountry lost more than 70,000 jobs lastNovember alone, the biggest loss since 1982.The suspension of Parliament is expected tobring even more disastrous consequences forthe economy as it will prevent the governmentfrom infusing the financial system with neededcredit and from responding to requests fromstruggling manufacturers for federal assistance.

While governments around the worldare taking action to stimulate theireconomies, our prime minister has shutParliament down, said Canadian LabourCongress President Ken Georgetti.

The accord reached by the Liberals andthe New Democrats called for a $30 billioneconomic stimulus package that would accel-erate infrastructure spending and invest-ment in Canadas manufacturing sector, while boosting unemployment benefits.

Strongly backing the new coalition ilabour movement, including the IBEW, wcalled for a series of mass demonstrationsupport of the Liberal-NDP accord in citacross Canada Dec. 4. Now is the time ernment to take immediate action to fix teconomy, the Canadian Labour Congresin a statement. The Liberal-NDP accordget Canada working again by providing idiate money for infrastructure projects, trclean energy, water, housing and retrofitsT

A u dbut du mois de dcembre, lePremier Ministre conservateur duCanada, Stephen Harper, a russi sesquiver dun vote de non confi-

ance, en obtenant un sursis alors quil met-tait fin aux travaux du Parlement jusqu lafin de janvier.

Une coalition majoritaire forme par leslibraux et les nodmocrates et appuyepar le Bloc qubcois, avait rclam un votede non confiance [vote qui aurait assur ladfaite de Harper] qui aurait prpar la voiepour son remplacement par le chef libraldalors, Stphane Dion.

Dion a annonc quil quittait ses fonc-tions de chef du parti libral le 8 dcembreet cest Michael Ignatieff, un ancien pro-fesseur et journaliste, qui a t choisi pour leremplacer la direction du parti.

Le 4 dcembre, la gouverneure gnrale,Michalle Jean, une figure de proue appointepar la Reine lizabeth II, sur recommandationdu Premier Ministre, acquiesait la requtesans prcdent de Harper.

Le 14 octobre dernier, Stephen Harper

remportait un autre gouvernement minori-taire. Mais linaction de son gouvernement quina prsent aucun lment concret dun planpour contrer la crise conomique a motiv, dsle 1er dcembre, la formation dune coalitionlibrale-nodmocrate appuye par le Bloc, unaccord historique entre les trois partis.

Si ce gouvernement de coopration rus-sissait prendre le pouvoir, ce serait la deux-ime coalition gouvernementale dans lhistoiredu Canada, depuis la Confdration en 1867.Le premier gouvernement de coopration avaitt form durant la Premire Guerre mondiale.

Tous les dputs ont reu un mandatdes Canadiens sollicitant le gouvernementde prendre des mesures pour faire face lacrise conomiqueet le Premier Ministre achou, avait dclar Dion lors dune entre- vue accorde au Mercury News Service.

Dans son nonc conomique prsentpeu de temps aprs llection doctobre, JimFlaherty, Ministre des Finances du gouverne-ment Harper, prvoyait supprimer le droit degrve des salaris de la fonction publiqueplutt que de rpondre aux demandes rcla-

mant un plan de stimulation de lconomie.Harper prvoyait galement abolir le finance-ment public des partis politiques, une dcisionqui aurait eu pour effet de couper les vivres lopposition qui compte beaucoup plus sur cefinancement que les Conservateurs.

Cette crise politique est survenue alorsque le Canada entrait dans sa premire rces-sion depuis 16 ans. Il sest perdu plus de 70,000emplois en novembre au pays, la pire pertedemplois depuis 1982. Des consquencesencore plus dsastreuses pour lconomie sont prvoir avec la prorogation du Parlement, carle gouvernement sest retrouv dans limpossi-bilit dinjecter les fonds ncessaires dans lesystme financier et de rpondre aux besoinsdaide financire fdrale des manufactures etdes usines en difficult.

Tandis que les gouvernements traversle monde prennent action pour stimuler leurconomie, notre Premier ministre met fin auxtravaux de notre gouvernement dclaraitKen Georgetti, prsident du Congrs du tra- vail du Canada.

La coalition librale-no-dmocrate

appuye par le Bloc stait entendue surplan de relance de 30 milliards de dollarlintensification des programmes dinfrature, des investissements pour soutenir leindustries manufacturires et pour lamtion du rgime dassurance-emploi.

La FIOE, comme lensemble du moment syndical, avait donn son appui ccoalition. Une srie de manifestations onlieu le 4 dcembre dans plusieurs grande villes canadiennes. Le prsident du Congtravail du Canada avait ragi la prorogadu Parlement en ces termes : Cest maintenant que le Parlement doit se mettre au vail pour relancer lconomie. La coalitiolibrale-nodmocrate appuye par le Blpermettra dacclrer le versement desfinancements actuels au titre de linfrastrture de mme que des nouveaux crdits ple transport en commun, lnergie proprela construction et la rnovation de logem

La nouvelle de la fermeture du par-lement est tombe pendant le droulemdes nombreuses manifestations, attisantcolre des dirigeants syndicaux.T

Canadas Conservative Prime MinisterStephen Harper stopped a planned vote of no-confidence Dec. 4 by shutting down Parliament until the

end of January. A majority coalition of the Liberals and

New Democrats, backed by the Bloc Qubcois,had called for a vote of no-confidence inHarpera vote he was sure to losewhich would have prepared the way for his replace-ment by Liberal leader Stphane Dion.

Dion announced that he would stepaside as Liberal Party leader four days later,paving the way for former journalist and aca-demic Michael Ignatieff to take the reigns.

Governor-General Michalle Jean, a fig-urehead appointed by Queen Elizabeth II,granted Harpers unprecedented request.

Harpers minority government was re-elected October 14. The Liberal-NDP coali-tionwhich came together Dec. 1citedHarpers inaction in the face of the globaleconomic slowdown as the motivation for theparties historic alliance.

If successful, the Coalition for Change would only be the second coalition government

North of 49

Conservative Prime Minister Shutters Parliament in

Face of Opposition

Au nord du 49 parallle

Fermeture du Parlement la demande du chefconservateur, face une opposition coalise

More than 2,000coalition govern-ment supportersrallied Dec. 4 infront of OttawasParliament Hill.

Plus de 2,000 par-tisans pro-coalitionstaient mobilisssur la collineParlementaire, le 4dcembre.


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Economic Crisis

First of a series on the effect of the economic

crisis on IBEW members.

Financial CrisisHits Home for IBEW

The fragile economy has a nation on its edge. From the 2 mill workers who have lost their jobs since last Januaryto watching the value of their savings plummetlife is a zfears of another Great Depression and hope that the Oba

administration and a new Congress will find the keys to recovenomic stimulus measures.

Bad economic news is not unique to the tens of thousands of IBEW mlost their jobs or suffered through unemployment over the last 30 years, as moved away, aided by corporate tax breaks and bad trade policies.

Jeff Dondrea is one of them. At 51, Dondrea, a 15-year employee of Acuity Lighting Brands, is stra

has announced the shutdown of its Newark, Ohio, plant that manufactures ing fixtures. Acuity is moving production to Mexico.

This is Dondreas second scrape with a runaway employer. Before he slighting fixtures, Dondrea, vice president of Newark Local 1853, worked foauto parts plant that moved production to Mexico.

During the past several decades, Jeff Dondrea and millions like him have about where our nations economy ends up when the good manufacturing occthe rise of our nations middle class are exported and replaced by lower-payin

In 2008, that question was answered with all of the shock and awe andfinancial turmoil in decades.

The spiraling mortgage foreclosures, the plummeting stock market, thetheir jobs last year, the prospect of more bank failuresall of these frightenclosely connected to trade deficits and resulting federal budgets running in costs that flow from our nation importing more goods than we export. Andnot accidental.


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Seeds of DisasterIn a New Republic article entitled, Debt ManWalking, John B. Judis offered a comprehen-sive analysis of the monetary and economicforces that shaped the North American econ-omy from the post-World War II era to thepresent. The most startling fact is that theU.S. governmentprimarily during theadministration of Ronald Reaganessen-tially allowed the transfer of the Americanindustrial base to other nations that financedthe growing federal budget deficit throughthe purchase of U.S. treasury securities.

This allowed taxes to be kept at rela-tively low levels, at the expense of literally millions of jobs. Unfortunately, subsequenttrade policies, under both Republican andDemocratic presidents, further eroded thenations manufacturing base. To read thefull article, go towww.tnr.com .

With manufacturing playing a less promi-nent role in the U.S., where would the banksand financial institutions and their wealthy investors go to make their big profits?

First, they turned to speculation onstocks for emerging technologies. After thedot-com balloon busted in 2000, their answer was a flood of investment in mortgage-backedsecurities. On the heels of deregulation in theutility and telecommunications sectors, they proposed loosening regulations on bankingand investment, rejecting constraints that were enacted after the Great Depression, free-ing their path to engage in risky speculation.

Many of the nations largest banks andnewer financial institutions set up in thederegulatory atmosphere issued mortgages tobuyers who could ill afford them. Housingprices continued to balloon and the banksbegan trading even the riskiest mortgages likechips on a casino table.

The gambling on Wall Street spread down- ward. Hundreds of thousands of working fami-lies secured home equity loans and made evenmore purchases on credit, rolling the dice ontheir housing values continuing to climb.

Dean Baker, co-director of the Centerfor Economic and Policy Research, drawsthe link between declining wages and lostgood-paying union jobs and the new high-risk economy. With wage-driven consump-tion growth no longer possible, the economy needed a different engine for growth, hesaid. We had a growth cycle spurred prima-rily by the stock bubble in the 1990s and by a housing bubble in the current decade.

Something had to give. With last fallscollapse of some of the nations largest invest-ment banking houses, the precarious condi-tion of Wachovia, Citigroup and other banksand an accompanying plunge in stock valueson Wall Street, the torrent of credit turnedinto a trickle. Businessesfrom GeneralMotors to the smallest electrical contrac-torswere in trouble.

How bad the economy will get is anyonesguess. One economist predicts that 32 percent

cutbacks in capital improvement projects.Verizon, a major IBEW employer, is askingfor modifications of its required paymentsunder the Pension Protection Act because of the growing burden of maintaining adequatefunds as the stock market drops.

On Dec. 4, AT&T announced massive layoff plans. Hawaiian Telecom Communications, thelargest IBEW-organized telephone company inHawaii, has filed for bankruptcy protection.

FairPoint, which bought Verizons IBEW-organized land line assets in Northern NewEngland last year, has seen its stock price dropby $13 a share. This raises concern that thecurrent economic environment will hinderFairPoints plans to expand into broadband,says International Representative Bob Erickson,IBEW Telecommunications Department.

Government employees are left vulnera-ble as the subprime mortgage debacle leavesfalling property values and tax revenues acrossthe nation. Vallejo, Calif., a city of 125,000northeast of San Francisco, has declared bank-ruptcy, asking a judge for permission to vacatelabor contracts with firemen, policemen andLocal 2376, which represents other municipal workers. Over 5 percent of the homes in thecity are in foreclosure.

Utilities electric demand is dropping asconsumer spending has seen its sharpestdecline in 28 years, says a report inMarketWatch. The financial crisis is changing every-ones focus, says International RepresentativeLinda Mathews, IBEW Utility Department.Some utilities are seeing their credit scoresdowngraded, thus reducing their access tocapital for scheduled improvements. As con-sumers are squeezed, others will find it evenharder to get rate increases approved by pub-lic utility commissions. Industry veterans who were readying to retire are staying put as thestock market reduces their savings.

Even the Broadcasting/Recording branchis being pinched. The main advertisers on localTV news stations are automobile dealers, saysDirector Ro Wratschko, and the sharp declinein that industry is having an impact on rev-enues. Consolidation is also a factor. Longtimecompetitors NBC and Fox have launched a venture in Philadelphia and other cities to jointly produce local TV news stories. The cost-cutting moves will undermine union jobs.

IBEW members have a strong interest inCongress plans for the auto industry. Prior to2002, around 60 percent of Detroit Local 58sinside work was covered by maintenanceagreements in auto and steel plants and pow-erhouses. A combination of bad trade policy and the industrys lack of attention to markettrends led to a major drop in maintenancecontracts. Union autoworkers were forced intoconcessionary contracts and began performingsome of the work formerly done by the trades.

It flat out scares me, says Local 58Business Manager Joe Abdoo, who has 1,500members on his out-of-work list. No one wants to get in a race to the bottom.

Deneen Smith, a 17-year Local 58 neyman electrician, has been unemploysince October. Last year, she was forcedtravel to Louisville, Ky. with her pre-scchild to work in a Ford plant; her mothtraveled with her to babysit. Michiganbeen in an economic slump for six yearsays Smith. I dont understand those wsay let the automobile industry go dow

An economic stimulus package cancome too soon for Paul Mitchell, a 14-yMinneapolis Local 292 journeyman elecian. As retail and commercial work haup, Mitchell, one of 14 core employees50-man contracting shop, is on the stree wife, a nurse, is facing a possible layoffthe first in memory at her hospital.

With medical insurance costing an ational $450 per month since his layoff,Mitchell is painting rooms to put his hofor sale and move his wife and two chilinto his mother-in-laws house. Purchasthree years ago for $300,000, Mitchellshas lost a third of its value. Ill be payibetween $30,000 and $40,000 just to geof the house and keep from ruining my credit, says Mitchell.

It will take imagination and hard wfor a new administration to help dig ha working Americans out of the hole cre years of bad trade policy and so-calledtrickle-down economics, says InternPresident Edwin D. Hill.

In the February issue, well look at howthe crisis is hitting Canadas working families and what kind of economic stimulus would best help IBEW members. T

of mortgages issued with teaser rates of 4percent or less will end up in foreclosure by 2010. Greater strains on the worlds monetary system will require delicate negotiationsbetween the U.S., China and our other tradingpartners to avoid a global currency collapse.Chinas foreign currency reserves are nowapproaching $2 trillion, much of the money invested in U.S. treasury bonds.

Pension Funds Hang OnIBEW members are paying close attention asCongress and a new administration debatethe merits of economic stimulus proposalsand grapple with bailouts. The health of pen-sion funds is a prime concern.

Every pension fund is under pressure when the stocks lose 50 percent of their

value. The PBF and NEBF are no exceptions,says Larry Reidenbach, Senior Executive Assistant to the Secretary-Treasurer.

Great pains have been taken to diver-sify the funds investments, and we will sur- vive, says Reidenbach. Instead of opting forrisky residential real estate investments, thetrustees of the PBF and NEBF invested insolid commercial projects, balanced by adiversified portfolio of stocks.

Some single-employer defined benefitplans could be facing very difficult challenges.The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requiresmany of the plans to sharply increase funding.With the stock markets volatility, thoserequirements could jeopardize their viability.

The pressure of the financial crisis on

some IBEW branches is already being felt; it will take time to assess its impact on others.

IBEW Outook Construction has fueled much of the IBEWsgrowth in 2007-08, but the engine is slowing.McGraw HillsConstruction Outlook for 2009predicts that commercial building spending will drop 12 percent. Institutional buildings will slip 3 percent in dollars and 6 percent insquare feet. Manufacturing buildings areexpected to plunge 32 percent, public worksconstruction by 5 percent and electric utility construction by 30 percent.

Some local unions still have travelers working on large projects, while others are flat

as a pancake, says Director Jerry Westerholm,IBEW Construction and MaintenanceDepartment. IBEW and the Building Tradesare preparing to give the Obama administra-tion a list of shovel-ready projects that canbe funded in the shortest time possible. Thelist of public projects, drawn from each vicepresidential district in the country, wasrequested for the anticipated infrastructureportion of an economic stimulus project. Ina lot of cases, one or two projects can turnthe fortunes of a local around, he says.

Tightening credit is straining thetelecommunications companies and forcing

In his book,The Squandering of America , economistRobert Kuttner dis-cusses the hugegrowth of debt thataccompanied thehousing bubble and

has left many families in distress: Between 1989 and 2006, credit

card debt grew from $211 billionto $876 billion.

College debt has gone from pract

nothing a generation ago to an avage of $20,000 per graduating stu The ratio of mortgage debt to the v

of an average home has gone fromunder 20 percent in the 1960s to o50 percent today.

All forms of household debt increfrom 66 percent of household incin 1973 to about 140 percent toda

One Nation,Under Debt


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Bostons Fox BroadcastWorkers Say Yes to IBEWMore than 100 technical workers at WFXT-TVBostons Fox Television Station Inc.affiliateare in the midst of bargaining fortheir first-ever union contract, hoping tomatch the wages and benefits of their IBEWbroadcast brothers and sisters.

Last March an overwhelming majority of employees who shoot, edit and produce newsand programming for the station voted to berepresented by Boston Local 1228. While theIBEW represents Fox employees at many sta-tions across the country, this is the firstIBEW organizing victory at a local Fox stationsince the company was first launched in 1986.

Its historic because while Fox was will-ing to honor existing contracts at stationstheyve purchased, theyve opposed any attempts to organize new ones, said Local1228 Business Manager Andy Dubrovsky.

Dubrovsky said Fox employees saw thehigher wages and better benefits negotiated by IBEW members. A lot of folks had come to Fox25 after working at unionized stations so they knew the difference, he said. And they wanted some basic respect from management.

Fox 25s strong ratings also served tohighlight the gap between the stations prof-its and employee pay.

Fox 25s rise in ratings is directly relatedto their hard work and professionalism, saidLocal 1228 Organizer Fletcher Fischer.

The organizing drive started nearly a yearago, when the local anonymously received alist of Fox 25 employees.

Management initially opposed the unionsorganizing attempt by holding company meet-ings with employees. Despite this, Dubrovsky is hopeful that they will bargain in good faith.

I think once managers found out howticked off employees were during thosemeetings they mellowed their opposition,Dubrovsky said.

Local 1228 has had more than a dozenbargaining sessions with station managementand Dubrovsky is hopeful that an agreementcan be reached early next year.T

Ottawa Local Takes to theStreets, Airwaves to BolsterMembership An eight-foot-long sign on the side of a down-town Ottawa bus asks a pointed question toelectricians in the area: Did you get yourraise? We did.

In a months-long advertizing blitz, OttawaLocal 586 launched a large-scale campaign torecruit new members via billboards, radio adsand bus signs throughout the metro region.

Weve had a great response so far, saidLocal 586 Business Manager James Barry.Our organizing is typically very successful,but we wanted to do something to create

new momentum. Since April, Local 586 hasadvertised on more than 600 buses coveringnumerous routes, put up eight billboard adsand hit the airwaves on sports radio pro-grams in an effort to bring qualified electri-cians into the Brotherhood.

Are you getting what youre worth? oneof the radio ads asks, because Local 586 issetting the standard for the highest hourly wages, the best pension and health benefitsin the industry. Join the winning team.

Barry said the marketing campaignhelps make the IBEW more of a householdname. We want people to have an immediatemental connection to what our union is, hesaid. With our ads everywhere, people learnquickly what IBEW meansgood workman-

ship and a solid career. Creating this kind of brand awareness is extremely important. And expensive. The local has invested

more than $100,000 Canadian in the adpushmoney well spent, Barry said. Thelocal has received hundreds of phone callsfrom both contractors and electricians inter-ested in unionizing. John Bourke, lead organ-izer, said that at least 50 new members in thepast few months were drawn in by the ads.

Leaders at the local also stressed theirefforts to organize contractors. Local 586 boastsnearly 1,200 active members and more than 100signatory contractors in the area. By organizingthe contractor, you not only get the company onboard, you get the work that comes with thecompany, Barry said. It might be unorthodox,

but its increased our numbers.T

CircuitsOrganizing Wire

More than 100employees atBostons Fox 25 arein the midst of bar-gaining for theirfirst contract.

Hearings Sought on Future of Navys New Stealth DestroyerThe International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is calling on Congresshearings on the future of a new generation of advanced destroyers.

The Zumwalt-class destroyer, the DDG-1000, was first unveiled nearlya high-tech stealth design that makes it nearly invisible to enemy radar andboard computer systems that reduces crew size by one-third, the Zumwalt itechnologically advanced ships in the naval world. (See IBEW Members Stealth Destroyer, October 2008, the Electrical Worker).

Bath Iron Works in Maine, whose employees are represented by the Int Association of Machinists, and the Ingalls Shipyard in Mississippi, whose sented by Pascagoula Local 733 and the Metal Trades Council, have been ibuild the first two DDG-1000s.

The Navy had initially proposed to build more than 30 Zumwalts, but reto seven due to budgetary constraints. Last year Congress appropriated half sary for a third DDG-1000, with the other half scheduled to be approved in

While there are many in Congress who continue to support the programDDG-1000 is still up in the air, with some members of the House Armed Ssubcommittee advocating putting the entire DDG-1000 program on the cho

Members of Congress need to look at all the arguments regarding the the whole story, said IBEW Government Employees Department Director

McGill and other supporters of the Zumwalt argue that the ships techno would give the United States an overwhelming global lead in naval technoloship could end up saving the Navy money in the long run due to its smallerT


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who now enjoy the benefits of IBEW membership.Our organizers have been busy bringing in newCW/CEs. To date 60 have been sworn into member-ship. The IBEW and Local 43 welcome them also.

Jim Corbett, P.S.

SCE AgreementL.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CAWe have a three-year tentative agreement withSouthern California Edison. Wages will increase3.5 percent in 2009 and 4 percent each in2010/2011. The company and local will meet inearly 2009 to discuss improvements in overtime.

We organized 28 planners at SCEs SanOnofre Nuclear Generating Plant and 41 SCEemployees on Catalina Island.

More than 200 IBEW members from Locals47 and 441 rallied at a Riverside City Councilmeeting, supporting a project labor agreementfor a new city-owned generating plant. The city agreed to include most of the language typically found in PLAs.

Several Local 47 teams placed at theInternational Linemens Rodeo. Senior Division3rd placeBruce Thompson, Dale Lorz, KevinBest and 5th placeJack Flavin, Juan Pulido,Willie Rios; Municipal Division 3rd placeDave Aguon, Vincent Santos, Melvin Wooden;Contractor Team 5th placeLorenzo Deliso,John Satterfield, Clayton Loback; Contractor

Apprentice 3rd placeJeremy Taylor.Our 5th Annual Brotherhood MotorcycleRun was Sept. 27, 2008.

We are saddened to report the passing of Bros. Rubin Lopez, Joshua Fulayter and Tony Penguin Avila. Our prayers are with their families.

Stan Stosel, P.S.

A Win For the History BooksL.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,rtb,t&u), SPRINGFIELD, ILThe November 2008 election was one for the history books. Local 51 thanks all IBEW members and theirfamilies who worked to bring about the change working people desperately need. With the anti-labor Republicans now where they need to be, welook forward to a future that will allow organizedlabor to flourish as it once did in our great nation.

On the organizing front, negotiations arecontinuing at the cities of Geneseo and Oglesby in an attempt to secure a first-time agreement.The campaign at the City of Peru continues while we wait on the labor board to determine the unitthat was challenged by the city administration.

At press time, our work outlook remainsgood with journeyman linemen needed. Memberscan access our labor needs at the jobs board at www.ibew.org . Local 51 congratulates membersJohn Rea and Walter Ridgeway on completion of their apprenticeship and advancement to jour-neyman lineman status.

With great sadness we report the passingof John Chesher. Bro. Chesher, a 24-year lineclearance member, died unexpectedly on Oct. 20,2008. Our condolences to his family, friends andfellow union brothers with whom he worked.

Remember to work safe, give eight hours workfor eight hours pay and attend union meetings.

Dan Pridemore, Pres.

MDA FundraiserL.U. 83 (u), BINGHAMTON, NYLocal 83 VicePres. Gary Bonker was locked up! However, it wasfor a good cause. Bro. Bonker raised over $1,500for the Muscular Dystrophy Association by goingto jail. He thanks everyone who donated to MDAon his behalf to spring him from the big house.Vice Pres. Bonker wore his stripes very well.

Don S. Tuttel, P.S.

Union SolidarityL.U. 99 (govt&i), PROVIDENCE, RIIBEWLocal 99 continues its battle against forces thattry to evade the standards and values we have worked so hard for. E.W. Burman, a general con-tractor, falls into this category. We have donemany projects with them in the past and nowthey are practicing standards that allow themmore profits and the community less due to wages. We have been picketing them daily forover a month at the time of this writing.

Organizer John Shalvey gave an interviewto the Brown Daily Herald; however, E.W.Burmandeclined comment. Several Brown University stu-dents showed some interest in becoming activistsfor the cause. We appreciate and welcome any help they can give us.

Local 99 also sent a contingent of brothersdown to Mississippi to help Hurricane Katrina victims in this still devastated area. These menshed good light on the IBEW and show what atrue brotherhood is all about.

Stephen P. Callaghan, P.S.

Two Important ElectionsL.U. 103 (cs&i), BOSTON, MAO America voted to rebuild itself and from the bottom up. The past eight once again that Reagan/Bush/Bush economics does not work; benefitsrate before reaching the American w

We thank members in New HamMaine who helped phone bank, leafout the vote for Barack Obama, andNew Hampshire and Maine blue stamembers went to the IBEW caucus Hampshire on Oct. 11.

Another important election was2008, when Local 103 Bus. Mgr. M was re-elected with over 90 percentCongratulations, Mike.

A milestone was reached in theily. Bro. Robert Leahys family has dition of IBEW membership. Roberrelatives who are Local 103 membefather, Edward, was initiated into LNov. 17, 1905.

Congratulations to Bus. Agent Antonellis, who was chosen to go to

Trade Union Program for the class oThe 25th Annual Pension DinneSat., Sept. 27, 2008, at the union hallple attended to congratulate this year

William Molinea

Honor Flight VeteransL.U. 109 (u), ROCK ISLAND, ILSteve Wilson traveled to Washingtoa group of nearly 100 World War IIeastern Iowa and western Illinois asinaugural Honor Flight of the Quadmade the journey to see the World WMemorial dedicated to their braverysacrifice. Steve, who attended as a gfrom LeClaire, IA, and is a substatiman at MidAmerican Energy Co. Ascheduled for spring 2009.

Lori Sm

Labor Effort in ColoradoL.U. 111 (em,govt,lctt,mt,o,rtb,spa&COThanks to the diligent effort anof hours put forth by labor in Colorato-work proposal (Amendment 47) flames! This battle was fought from and labor was relentless in our drivesuch a negative proposal. Bus. Mgr. Byrd graciously loaned political warMgr. Timio Archuleta to the Labor 2along with Vice Pres. Kristie Knudsobers Mary Autry-Lopez, Bob Campb

use 95 percent less water and will be more envi-ronmentally friendly then older fossil fuel plants.

Bana Electric is the prime electrical contrac-tor. General foreman Jimmy Foote said, Im proudof Local 25 members. Everyone has worked hard andthe quality of workmanship is outstanding. We haverave reviews from the customer and contractor.

Caithness should be the prototype for allpower plants constructed in the future. The costof electricity will be greatly reduced. It will freeus of our dependency on foreign fuel and ensurea clean, safe environment.

Jack Majkut, P.S.

Thanks to VolunteersL.U. 41 (em,es,govt,i,se&spa), BUFFALO, NYIn 2008 we experienced a good summer and fallseason. With winter upon us, the work picture isslowing. Hopefully this is temporary and the work picture will turn around and we will haveanother year like 2008.

Congratulations to President-elect Obama.Thanks to all our volunteers and the Local 41COPE Committee for their participation with thephone banks, labor walks in Erie, PA, leafletingand house calls. Hopefully our hard work will pay off for the labor movement. It is time to hold allour elected officials accountable.

The annual pensioners luncheon and theannual outing were a great success. The food was

outstanding, the weather was good and we had agreat turnout for both. It was nice to see our youngmembers getting a history lesson about our localfrom many of our retirees.

The annual children Christmas party also was a huge success. Thank you to Jim Devany and the committee of elves, and also to Santa,for a wonderful job. The kids loved it.

Michael J. Gaiser, B.A.

Our Past & Our FutureL.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NYRecently our membership had the opportunity to observeboth the future of Local 43 and its rich legacy. InSeptember 2008, Pres. Don Morgan swore in 37new apprentices. One of the swearing-in cere-monies coincided with a monthly union meetingthat was also our yearly retirees dinner. Aftercomments from Bus. Mgr. Bill Towsley thankingretirees for their years of dedication, 17 recently retired members received service watches. Atthis same meeting 20 service pins for 50 years of service were awarded. Six 55-year pins and five60-year pins were also awarded.

During the dinner many new apprenticesmingled with the old timers and enjoyed theirstories of the past. What a great example of how we continue to introduce the past and thefuture in Local 43.

Congratulations and welcome to newly organized US Mail Electric and its 15 employees,

Local 83 Vice Pres. Gary Bonker wears stripes forthe Muscular Dystrophy Lock-Up fund-raiser.

IBEW Springfield, IL, Local 51 members atwork on the Havana 138-kv rebuild.

IBEW Local 25 electricians are employed on the Caithness Power House project in the town of Brookhaven,Long Island, New York.

Local 109 Bro. Steve Wilson (right) joins John Keenan and Bill Case on a visit to thWar II Memorial in Washington, D.C.


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others to educate and encourage our membershipthroughout this historic campaign. Colorado isalso grateful to our International Office for provid-ing staff from Washington, D.C., to aid in our bat-tle to protect the future of Colorado.

Most importantly, we acknowledge the lead-ership of Bus. Mgr. Michael A. Byrd, who not only served on the Executive Committee of ProtectColorados Future, but also worked tirelessly withbusiness and labor to successfully protect therights of all working families.

Again, thanks to everyone who got out andcast their vote. And remember, when workingtogether we have only one goalYes We Can!

Dennis Z. LeTurgez, P.S.

New Training ProgramsL.U. 125 (lctt,o&u), PORTLAND, ORTo ensureour union leaders have the skills and knowledgeto perform the duties and fulfill the responsibili-ties of their roles, the local has developed twonew training programs.

In October 2008, the local offered shop stew-ard and unit chairman/recorder training to existingand potential holders of these positions. Topics of the training sessions included Weingarten Rights,rights of shop stewards, strategies to increaseattendance and participation at meetings, andmanaging conflict.

Members employed by Bonneville Power Administration, Clark County PUD, Columbia BasinElectric Cooperative, Columbia River PUD, NECAcontractors, Oregon Trail Electric ConsumersCooperative, Pacific Power, and Portland GeneralElectric attended the training. As the local stressesthe need for accountability, responsibility and con-sistency, these courses should provide a foundationfor handling our business.

For more information about these courses,please call (503) 262-9125.

Marcy Putman, P.S.

Kudos to VolunteersL.U. 141 (ees,i,o&u), WHEELING, WVWork inthe area is slowing, with many projects finishingup. The annual picnic was well-attended. Thanksto all who helped out and volunteered their time

A completion dinner was held to congratulatethe 2008 graduating class. Joining the journeyman wireman work force are: Jim Fisher, Tom Greaves,Jason McFarland, Matt Shunn, Gary Shaver, DaveSquier and Kevin Stingle. Congratulations to all!We were honored to have Fourth District Int. VicePres. Salvatore J. Sam Chilia and WheelingMayor Andy McKenzie as guest speakers.

The local entered a float in the 2008 WheelingChristmas parade. Shown in the accompanyingphoto are the second-year apprentice class mem-bers who volunteered their time and painting skillsto help out. Thank you to Dan Morris for use of his

trailer and to Pat Ging for use of his yard. Thanksto everyone who had a part in building and wiringthe float. At this writing we were looking forward tothe locals Dec. 5, 2008, Christmas party.

Justin Klempa, P.S.

2008 Full EmploymentL.U. 145 (em,i,o,rts,spa&u), ROCK ISLAND, IL A group of Local 145 members enjoyed a bus tripto the National NECA Electrical Industry TradeShow at McCormick Place in Chicago on Oct. 5,2008. The event featured 175 booths, with venders displaying their new technology andsharing information.

Work has been good here through 2008 withfull employment. We thank the traveling brothersand sisters who helped staff the work in our juris-diction. The Triumph Foods hog plant project ison temporary hold, but we hope other commer-cial and/or industrial projects will pick up someadditional work. Our outside members have been very busy all through last year, working overtimeto repair damage due to several storms. In addi-tion, many crews are working on power line main-tenance throughout our jurisdiction.Thank you to all members who volunteered with the 2008 election.

We pray for the families and friends whorecently lost loved ones.

Alan Anderson, P.S.

Gov. Gregoire Visits LocalL.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WAWashington state Gov. Christine Gregoire (D)attended Local 191s October 2008 meeting. She dis-cussed some of the national issues affecting thestate of Washington, her actions as governor andher position on numerous issues. She also had timefor members questions. Amazingly, the Republican2008 candidate for governor made no attempt to

attend one of our meetings to discuss his candidacy.Our local overwhelmingly supported Gov. Gregoire, who cares about the issues important to us. To allour brothers and sisters in the IBEW, if your govern-ment isnt working for you, its time to replace yourgovernment![Editors note: Gov. Christine Gregoire won her bid for re-election in November 2008.]

Marcus Abarcus, P.S.

Union Volunteers Step UpL.U. 193 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), SPRINGFIELD, ILLocal 193 volunteered to help the area homelessshelter bring its building up to Code. The local was happy to help those less fortunate in our jurisdiction!

The Railsplitter Wind Farm project north of Lincoln, IL, is a joint project with co-jurisdictionbetween sister Locals 34, Peoria, and 193. This

projected is just getting off the ground and willstaff up soon.

IBEW Local 193s Poker Run raised over$4,000 for the Computer Banc under NeilHerveys planning. The program provides com-puters for underprivileged kids.

City Water, Light & Power of Springfield hasa substation expansion project going on atInterstate Substation. L.E. Meyers Company isthe general contractor.

Fortunately, we now have a pro-labor presi-dent-elect, with a majority of the same in theU.S. House and Senate. It has been a long eight years since our voices have been heard underG.W. Bush and Dick Cheney, sworn enemies of organized labor and working folks nationwide.

Please note our departed Local 193 broth-ers: Richard Jake Jakowsky and Lawrence Lane.

At press time, plans for the 2008 Christmasdance were under way.

Don Hudson, P.S.

Work Picture Still SlowL.U. 197 (em&i), BLOOMINGTON, ILBook I,unfortunately, is still moving slowly. Unemploymenthas remained at least 20 percent for our local for

some time. Projects currently under way have beenmoving slowly, thus the reason for slow Book Imovement. We are pleased with results of therecent elections on the national scene as well asthe local offices. Hopefully this will catapult theeconomy and get everyone back to work.

Recently our officers attended a leadershipclass taught by IBEW Sixth District Int. Rep.Michael Daugherty. We thank Bro. Daugherty forpassing on his knowledge, and we plan to take what we learned to make our local even better.

Congratulations to Jayne Adams for 20 years with our local as office secretary. Jayneshard work and dedication are why she is a per-fect fit for the IBEW.

We look forward to good things to come in2009. On the job we must remember to abide by the contract and maintain the conditions of thelocal agreement. Take pride in your local union,get involved and stay involved!

Mike Raikes, P.S.

Election Wins for WorkersL.U. 223 (em,govt&i), BROCKTON, MAAfter anelection win for a Democratic president andDemocratic majorities in Congress, we can finally anticipate elected officials who support the bestinterests of working families. We now have a presi-dent-elect who looks favorably upon unions and will work to strengthen the middle class. Specialthanks to all union locals in swing states that

worked hard and helped elect Barack Obam well as Democratics for Congress.

Our work situation has been slow witprojects slow to start or delayed. In fall 20town of Plymouth overwhelming voted to the Plymouth Rock movie studio. This is aproject for our local and should break grou2009. The Brayton Point power station cootower project is slated to begin in the sprinhope these projects begin in early 2009. StElectric has been working on the coal gasition project in Somerset. This is a test faciclean coal technology designed to advancecoal in a way not harmful to the environm

Dave Fenton, A.B.M

Safety Record SuccessL.U. 229 (em&i), YORK, PANewly eleLocal 229 officers were installed at the Julmeeting: Bus. Mgr. Matthew Paules, Pres.Waltersdorff, Vice Pres. Larry Willis Jr., TrBlaine Feree, Rec. Sec. Scott Moul; ExecuBoard members Bob Ferree, Eric GallagheHenchey, Brian Shultz, Jeremy Shultz; andExamining Board members Mike Brady, JBrenneman and Bruce Brown.

The Pennsylvania Power & Light BruIsland scrubber project completed 2 millioman-hours with no lost-time accidents. This continuing with Local 229 members anders completing turnover packages to suppocontinued commissioning. We thank all oueling brothers and sisters for helping us coplete this project.

The new 545-MW gas fired power planproject being built by Connectiv Energy, is u way. At this writing, the local expected to beting members on the job in late 2008. The cstruction phase will take approximately 30 m

Our signatory contractors are targetingeral large projects. The work outlook appe very promising for local members and travTravelers may sign Book II Mondays throuFridays, 7a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mark Tomes, P.S.

Fresh Start for New YearL.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rrb&u), TOLEDO, OHJanuary presidential inauguration approachethere is great excitement all across the count well as right here at home. This new breath air is exactly what this country, the world anmiddle class need. With this fresh start to a n2009, hopefully our economy will rebound speople will get back to work, and purchase American made goods! Also, for now the thnational right-to-work agenda has ended.

IBEW Local 193 electricians, joined bytravelers from sisterlocals, are working atthe City Water, Light Power plant additionin Springfield, IL.

Local 141 second-year apprenticesvolunteered their work on the localunions float for the Wheeling, WV,Christmas parade. From left, back row, are David Kovalski, Kurt Paulus,Nathan Pettit, Manny Dehner, DustinRice, John Garrett and Derek Leach;front row, Luke Warren, Joel Traylorand Travis Locke.


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Local 245 also held its election of officers,and I am pleased to announce that Bus. Mgr. Larry Tscherne was re-elected to a fifth term. Our Local245 officers are: Pres. Phil LaCourse, Vice Pres.Bob Coffman, Rec. Sec. Steve Herman and Treas.Lisa Tracy. Executive Board members are: JohnCarman, Tom Foster, David Kebker, Tim Rudolph,Tim Tscherne, Jack Schell and Charles BuckModrowski. Examining Board members: ChrisKnaggs, Charles McGhee and Kris Szamania.Thanks to all for stepping up to guide and promotethe IBEW and Local 245 over the next three years.

Philip LaCourse, Pres./P.S.

Continuing GrowthL.U. 317 (i,o,rts,t&u), HUNTINGTON, WVIt was good to see members, retirees and appren-tices at our annual summer picnic last year.Thanks to Dale Simmons, Jimmy Gillette, and theEntertainment Committee for a job well-done.

The Local 317 work picture continues tolook good for our inside and outside classifica-tions with the commercial and new high line jobsgoing through our jurisdiction. Our building corpsis working on an additional building for the con-tinuing growth of our local.

Local 317 thanks all members who volunteer tohelp build Habitat for Humanity projects. It is goodto see our members give back to the community.

Charles Shane Wolfe, Pres.

Appointment to State PostL.U. 347 (em,i,mt,rtb,rts&spa), DES MOINES, IA As we adapt to the new reality of a State of IowaElectrical Examining and Inspections Department, we wish to congratulate Bro. Pat Merrick on hisappointment as chief electrical inspector of theState of Iowa. We are counting on Pat to providethe leadership necessary to guide the authority having jurisdiction, with a singular standard for all

electrical work performed in this state. Another issue that has surfaced during thisperiod of transition is the use of unclassified workers. We see this as an attempt to skirt therules and avoid accountability. Journeyman toapprentice ratios are in place to protect the pub-lic and the customer. There should be a classifi-cation for everyone employed by an electricalcontractor, with a clear and transparent pathtoward the position of journeyman.

As the presidential inauguration approaches, we are hopeful for the changes that are requiredto stem the unbridled greed we have witnessed fordecades. Ethics cannot be a top-down initiative. Itmust be a bottom-up movement. As we do theright thing on the job site, at the local hall andelsewhere, we gain the credibility to demand thesame of our elected representatives. Be a part of change for the better.

Mike Schweiger, P.S.

Service Award RecipientsL.U. 349 (em,i,mps,rtb,spa&u), MIAMI, FLOurlocal had its annual picnic at Tropical Park andnearly 700 members and their families shared abeautiful day of fun, games and great food. (Forthe first time in 50 years, the PBA Park is underrenovation.) A lot goes into planning a picnic.Hats off to Pres. David Karcher and theEntertainment Committee for a job well-done.

Congratulations to all members who recently received service pins. Raymond Englebright is a


65-year pin recipient. We had 25 members receive60-year pins. Thirteen received 55-year pins, and43 received 50-year pins. We also had five mem-bers come to the September 2008 meeting toreceive their pins. Donald Fox received a 60-yearpin; and David Jordan, John Kenney, Carl Nagleand Bill Prudham received 50-year pins.

Remember our troops here and abroad. Wehave a couple of members serving in the armedforces. We hope for their safe return to family and friends.

Support your local union; attend your localmeetings and events. Help keep your union strong.

Frank Albury, P.S./Exec. Brd.

Events of 2008L.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NVLocal357 congratulates the 82 new journeyman wire-men and the 14 installer/technicians who gradu-ated from the apprenticeship program in May.We wish them continued success.

On Sept. 13, 2008, we held our annual pic-nic. There was plenty of food and family fun, andplenty of interaction with the political candi-dates. This was the biggest picnic turnout Local357 has ever had.

Early voting began in Nevada on Oct. 18,2008. Local 357s political action committee pro- vided buses the week of Oct. 20 for all the appren-tices who wanted to go and early vote as a group.

Our 7th annual charity golf tournament forthe brotherhood welfare trust fund & St. JudesRanch was held Oct. 18 at the Silverstone golf course and was the largest fundraiser we havehad to date. We thank everyone who participated.

Finally, we thank Bro. Jeffrey Westover forhis many years of service to Local 357 as a busi-ness representative and Executive Board member.Jeff began working for NECA in November 2008.

Timothy W. Bolton, P.S.

Habitat for Humanity BlitzL.U. 363 (catv,em,govt,i,t,u&ws), NEW CITY, NYWe have been actively involved with Habitat forHumanity for several years. Last year, Habitatcommitted to build 263 homes in 34 states duringone week in June. Local 363, in conjunction withthe Hudson Valley Chapter of NECA, participatedin the building blitz by wiring two local Habitathomes in one week.

Approximately 80 percent of the construc-tion materials for the homes was donated. Thenew home owners are volunteers themselves whohelped build Habitat homes for others.

At the dedication ceremony, the new home-owners expressed gratitude to Local 363. The time,talents and labor the union apprentices and journey-man wiremen donated was immeasurable. A specialthanks to Bus. Mgr. John Maraia, Training Dir. CraigJacobs and full-time instructor David Nasuti.

Timothy Poulin, P.S.

Contract NegotiationsL.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO,IDWe concluded negotiations with Fall RiverElectric Co-op, and the membership ratified thetwo-year agreement. Thanks to Brent Gamett,Jeremy Banta and James Nash for their efforts inthese negotiations. We are working on Building &Trades negotiations at the Naval Reactor Facility at the Idaho National Lab site for Philotechnics. Asof press time, we hope to have an agreement for

the membership to ratify shortly.The Eastern Counties Inside Wireman,

Western Counties Inside Wireman, Residential,Voice Data Video, Motor Repair and Maintenanceagreements, as well as Salmon River Electric Co-

op and Lost River Electric Co-op, will be open fornegotiations in 2009.Please bring your suggestions for changes to

these agreements to your local meetings.The local now has three organizers employed:

Mike Miera, Kirk Edge and Jeff Smith. They havebeen working hard getting the union message outin a state that is very conservative. All membersneed to help promote the union ideal.

Congratulations to Bros. Steven Walters,John Millard, Terry Cobbley and Phillip Oakes ontheir well-deserved retirement.

The local extends condolences to the family of retired member Ariel Hill, who passed away.

Bob Bodell, B.M.

Membership MeetingsL.U. 459 (ees,em,govt,so&u), JOHNSTOWN, PAThe locals Northeast District held its annualmembership meeting Sept. 13, 2008, at theTowanda American Legion. Steamed clams andother great food were on the menu for lunch. Thehospitality of volunteers at the American Legion was terrific. Membership turnout surpassed last years numbers although some brothers were onstorm work. The meeting took place at the timeHurricane Ike struck. Local 459 and the NortheastDistrict members thank Lewis Elliott and his com-mittee for putting this event together.

Also our Northeast District was pleased tohave IBEW Third District Int. Vice Pres. Donald C.Siegel attend our October 2008 district meetingand speak to the members about the upcomingelection. Members commented on how great it was

to have the vice president attend our meeting. Other guests attending incluJames Ayrer, I.O. Education Dept.; TInt. Rep. Keenan Eagen; and Int. LeaJoseph Sanna, a Local 459 member.

who attended. Kenneth L. Richards, Pres

Members Recognized for ServiL.U. 551 (c,i&st), SANTA ROSA, Creally happy here in northern Califooutcome of November 2008 electio we have an outstanding new presideour local candidates won important 551 is presently at 78 percent registWe worked long hours with some fateers on our local campaigns. We nogressive majority on our City Councendorsed candidates won two of thr were up for grabs on the Board of S

Our 60th Anniversary Member and Service Pin Dinner was well-atthighest pin honor for 2008 went to Thorsen, with 55 years of service! Dtook 50 years; Jerry Hancock, 45 ye Antoine, 40 years. Thirty-year honoMark Wetjen, Scott Ackerman, CraiMcQuaid and Randy Roberts. Receawards were Mark Laskey and BriaCongratulations, brothers!

We are in full force volunteerinHabitat for Humanity build. (See phOur members showed up on a Saturgeared up and ready to wire one of ta lot in Sebastopol, CA. Thanks to vtheir solidarity and trade unionism!

Denise D. Soza,

Local 557 membemployed by Thicomplete final phcounty hospital reproject. From leftrow, are: Evan AlJim Markel, ChriNickodemus, LarKaren Carter, BreNeumeyer; front Jeremy Kiley, BraFink, Tony Bell, Tand Matt Hamilto

Santa Rosa, CA, Local 551 members volunteer for a Habitat for Humanity project. From left areDee Soza, journeyman wireman; Sam Wimmer, journeyman wireman; JATC Instructor Tom Ritchwiremen Pat Harder and Michael Frank; and residential wireman Jesus Reyes.


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A Union MandateL.U. 557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW, MIMichigan was alive with politics during the 2008 campaignseason. In a heartbeat all the political buzz goesaway, barring a few straggling signs, and the candi-dates return to the problems of making things work. Billions are being allocated for the rich dur-ing this financial crisis. Looking at the past eight years, deregulation and spreading the wealth to the wealthy have proved again not to work. We havebeen building Habitats for over 20 years and nowit is difficult to find people with qualified incomesto move in. Wall Street has run businesses into thefinancial sewer, all at the workers expense.

When Pres.-elect Barack Obama moves intothe White House on Jan. 20, a union mandate willbe implemented. Organize! The Employee FreeChoice Act and union card check will be sup-ported, and every IBEW member should take thisopportunity to help all electricians earn a living wage and benefits. Some dont like working thesmall shop jobs that require lots of self disciplineto move jobs forward, so the IBEW needs mem-bers willing to do that. Michigan law may becomeone journeyman to one apprentice ratio, and if

that becomes enforced even our employers willrethink business. ( Local 557 photo on page 10.)

John E. Clemens, P.S.

Sam Bass HonoredL.U. 569 (i,mar,mt,rts&spa), SAN DIEGO, CAOn Oct. 18, 2008, the IBEW Local 569 ElectricalWorkers Minority Caucus held a luncheon tohonor Sam Bass and his many contributions tothe IBEW. Bro. Bass was initiated in 1964 intoIBEW Local 1547, Marine division. He trans-ferred his ticket to Local 569 in 1966, working inthe shipyards until 1971. He served on the localsExecutive Board and as treasurer. In 1980 he wasappointed as the first training director, a post heheld until 1983. He was assistant training direc-tor from 1983-84 and 1989-95. He also served asapprenticeship instructor from 1983-2004.

Bro. Bass has mentored many members. Heis a well-respected and beloved brother. Nearly 100 members attended the luncheon in his honor.There were countless heartfelt stories of howSams compassion and leadership have touchedmany lives. A letter from Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hill was read, stating that Bro. Bass epitomizes whatit means to lend a helping handand he hasensured that opportunities are afforded to count-less apprentices and journeymen alike. This isthe meaning of true brotherhood.

Nicholas J. Segura Jr., P.S.

Midwest Softball TournamentL.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, ILOnthe weekend of July 25-27 last year our softballteam traveled to Dayton, OH, to play in theannual IBEW Midwest Softball Tournament.

The team traveled with 13 players, threecoaches, the business manager and assistantbusiness manager. On Friday, July 25, they vis-ited Dayton Local 82 and were hosted for foodand beverages. We thank Local 82 members forthe wonderful hospitality and camaraderie.

On Saturday, our team had a first winagainst Local 16. For the second game we playedLocal 176 and lost. The third game we wonagainst Local 150. The fourth and final game of the day, we lost to Local 212.

On Sunday we started a single eliminationday. We beat Local 164, Local 1365 and Local 176.We lost to Local 1365 in the middle division. Webrought home a second-place trophy for placingin the middle division. We thank everyone whohelped with the tournament. We had a great timeand will enjoy the fine memories.

Dan Hatter, P.S.

New Journeymen WelcomedL.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), ALBU-QUERQUE, NMCongratulations to Local 611snewest journeymen. Recent graduates are: RickMartinez, Adrian Mariah, Randall Wade Brodesser,Lester Ortiz, Jason Phillips, Benito Chavez, Rudy Yardman, Joaquin Anderson, Richard Clines, Corey Klingaman, Peter Lohberger, Antonio Martinez, Andrew Rodriguez, Rudolph Rothenhauser andDavid Schroeder.

We thank all members who voted inNovember 2008. With the support of workingpeople, Democrats finally won the White House.

After 47 years of service, Bobby Atencio hasretired. Bobby served as an assistant for 18 years.He also worked for the I.O. as an organizer, servedon the Local 611 Executive Board, was a commit-teeman and trustee for the SW Line Constructors

Apprenticeship and Training Committee, andserved on the Local 611 Line ApprenticeshipSubcommittee. A very capable negotiator, he rep-resented our members well. He also volunteered atthe local union picnics and childrens Christmasparties. Thanks, Bobby, for your longtime service. You will be missed.

The 2008 C.S. Mitchell award went to Aubree Espinosa.

Our condolences to the families of recently deceased members: Sam S. Martinez, Jim M.Hensley Jr., Emmett N. Reed, William S. Benton,Charles R. Devine, Frank T. Lovato Jr., Delmar F.Duncan and Max Luna.

Darrell J. Blair, P.S.

Celebrating Historic ElectionL.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SAN MATEO, CANov. 4,2008, is a moment in American history that work-ing families will hold dear for generations tocome. For those of us who lived through the1960s and early 70s, President-elect Obamas vic-tory was particularly poignant, as seen in thetears on the faces of so many that night as they listened to his acceptance speech. We are seeingthe beginnings of the real hope and change weall fought for in this campaign.

Local 617 distinguished itself in the battlefor positive change through phone banks,precinct walks, rallies and protests. RegistrarMark Leach staged a phenomenal GOTV effort with the help of a potent volunteer army of retirees, active members, apprentices and theirfamilies. Over 100 joined the labor community on

the Labor Council phone banks housed at ourhall, and 150 workers participated in buildingtrades sponsored precinct walks.

On Dec. 12, 2008, the retirees held theirannual holiday luncheon, and on Dec. 13, Santa visited the hall to host our annual holiday party for members and their families.

May God bless and keep President-electBarack Obama, his family and this great country of ours.

Dan Pasini, V.P.

New Year Brings HopeL.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OHYeNow that the elections have come and goncan hope for the change that was promisedour new president-elect. Thanks to all volu who helped on phone banks and door-to-derature drops to elect Obama/Biden.

At our locals 25-Year Club Dinner/Daheld Oct. 3, 2008, service pins were presenmembers with service of 25 years and up. A

ular business meeting, 4members received pins 15 and 20 years of serv

Congratulations toBuzz Pearson on his paticipation in the MarcLevison 5K Run/Walk Lou Gehrig s disease(ALS), held Aug. 30, 2in Bexley, OH. Buzz wfirst place in his agegroup and 26th overall

Golf League finalleague champions for2008 are: Jeff Culp, Lo

Burton, Tom Kollmer,Mark Brigner and Bob Liston. Great job!Heres to a new year, a new president,

hope and new dedication to the IBEW!We extend condolences to the families

recently deceased members: Randall A. ShGeorge G. Monroe and Eddie W. Peck.

Rick Deime, V.P./P.S

Update on NegotiationsL.U. 723 (em,govt,rtb,rts&t), FORT WAYNWe recently completed negotiations with SCommunications in Dillsboro, IN. A five-yagreement was ratified Aug. 22, 2008. Higof the contract include a 3.5 percent per yeincrease, minimal increases in health care cage, and job protection for construction wo

An agreement was reached Nov. 3, 20 with the Rochester Telephone Company inRochester, IN. The three-year agreement, wfeatures a 3.5 percent per year pay increasno changes in health care premiums or covhas been ratified and signed.

Negotiations with the City of Fort WaDepartment of Parks & Recreation were dpending the approval of the 2009 budget. Wlooking at a one-year contract there, due tochanges in Indianas property tax laws andimpact on municipal revenue.

At this writing, contract negotiations wscheduled for mid-December 2008 with GBroadcasting/Indianas NewsCenter. The pagreements expiration date was Dec. 31, 2

The IBEW 723 annual Essay ScholarshContest for 2008 was under way at press tim

2008 essay topic: Eugene V. Debs: Hoosier and American Labor Hero. The contest wasuled to run through Nov. 30, 2008, and up to$1,000 scholarships will be awarded in Janua

Shelly Barbour, P.S.

Report from WindsorL.U. 773 (as,em,i,mo&o), WINDSOR, ONCANADALocal 773 hosted the 2008 OnProvincial Council Baseball Tournament, wlocals from around the province attending. the sixth year in a row, Local 773 won the sion; Local 105, Hamilton, won the B div

IBEW Local 611 members are employed by U.S. Electric on a project at theUniversity of New Mexico cancer research facility.

The Local 601 softball team wins a tro-phy at the 2008 IBEW Midwest SoftballTournament. From left, front row, CodyNichols, Matt Logston, Shane Street,Mark Lowery; middle row, Bob Kacich,Doug Dahl, Blake Withers, ChrisBromley, Brandon Bailey,Tony

Hubbard; back row, Ryan Logston,TedBurgin, Rick Mullen, Keith Grob, MikeSiems and Jake Henderson.

IBEW Local 569 EWMC tribute luncheon honors Bro. Sam Bass (front row, standing, second from right).


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The work picture slowed down considerably since completion of our long-term projects, includ-ing the addition at Caesars Windsor, our new City Sports Complex, 44 windmills at Port Alma, andthe Lou Romano and Belle River water treatmentplants. These were great jobsour members tookpride in their work and it shows.

In 2009 we are setting our sights for thenext long-term projects, which are WindsorWestern Hospital and the University of WindsorEngineering Building. Our thoughts go to allmembers who are traveling and we hope 2009can bring them home.

We also have quite a few new retirees. We wish Richard Blanchard, John F. Brown, RichardLowe, Richard McMaster, Roy Scott and Brian Young all the best for a happy retirement.

David Spencer, P.S.

Class of 2008 JATC GraduatesL.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FLOur 2008 JATCbanquet and completion ceremony held in August2008 was chaired by Darrell DePue. We had 14apprentices graduating to inside journeyman wire-man and one to residential wireman. Graduating were: Erin Applegren, Pedro Bonet-Seara, GlennBrown, Jaimeson Bruns, Peter Bubonja, KyleBurke, Devin Moran, Lee Oliver, Charles Perry,Michael Phillips, James Pla, Matthew Talbert,Thomas Villanti, Timothy Wolfe and Sean

Sondgerath.Michael Phillips and Matthew Talbert had per-fect attendance throughout their apprenticeshipprogram. Matthew Talbert also received the fifth- year outstanding apprentice award. He received aplaque and a set of tools from Klein Tools Co.

Erwin Applegren received the Brad FelkerMemorial Award, which honors leadership, vol-unteerism, service and academic achievement.

Congratulations also to Karen Hill and MattTalbert for their opportunity to go to Tennessee forthe NJATC National Training Institute. They wereinvited to attend as our locals most outstandingapprentices. Both are commended for their aca-demic skills and their future in our local union.

Congratulations to Barack Obama, our nextpresident of the USA!

Theresa King, P.S.

Welcome to New MembersL.U. 949 (em,t&u), BURNSVILLE, MNLocal949 is proud to represent its newest members,employees of the City of Rogers, MN. The 24employees include firemen and policemen as well as administration, public works, and parksand streets department workers.

Executive Board Pres. Scott Darsie admin-istered the oath of membership to the group onJuly 18, 2008.

Cy Grover, P.S.

A New DirectionL.U. 965 (em,govt,ptc&u), MADISON, WICongratulations to labor-supported candidatesacross the United States who won election inNovember 2008, including President-elect BarackObama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden. Wehope these victories will result in a new directionfor our country, and particularly a redirection of government entities that directly affect workers andtheir families, such as the Department of Labor.

Local 965 established an Online Store forpurchasing apparel and accessories emblazoned with the Local 965 logo. All items are made inthe USA and can be ordered online at www.ibewlocal965.promoshop.com .

The local is targeting organizing in the new year. Local Organizer Kemp Grutt says: With the

failing economy, workers are being laid off and letgo while upper management continues to collectlarge wage and benefits. It is more important thanever for all workers to join together in one voice.

Members of the local testified at publichearings in support of the proposed power plantnear Cassville, WI.

Continuing Local 965s tradition of commu-nity service, Chief Steward Dan Reilly presented a$100 check from Local 965s Unit #5 to Boy Scoutsof America representative Kelli Kayser, WisconsinRiver District executive, Glaciers Edge Council.

Kurt Roberts, P.S.

2009 Projects ScheduledL.U. 993 (catv,em&i), KAMLOOPS, BRITISHCOLUMBIA, CANADAGreetings, brothers andsisters. 2008 marked the retirement of Wayne deDelley, our business manager/financial secretary of the last 28 years. His tribute dinner was well-attended. First District Int. Vice Pres. Phillip J.Flemming was among those attending. Waynehas served this local with dignity and honour and we wish him the best in his new life.

In July 2008 our Executive Board was sworn in.We welcome Pres. James Gooch, Vice Pres. RonBourdois, Treas. Lyle Harpe, Rec. Sec. MollieRoutledge, Unit 1 Chair Dale Nixon, Unit 2 Chair RobWilson; Executive Board Mike Russell, Jim Gorek,Colin B. Johnson; and Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. GlenHilton, who is pleased to be working with this board.

With the signing in August 2008 of the RioTinto Alcan project labor agreement, BritishColumbia Building Trades have secured this proj-ect for union labourand more importantly thisshows that the trades can and must work withour contractors and their customers. Along withBC Hydros project rebuilding and adding capac-ity in Revelstoke, Mica Creek and Hudsons Hope, we are looking at the best years in a long timeand hope to have travelers by summer 2009.

Glen Hilton, B.M./F.S.

Solidarity in South TexasL.U. 1015 (em&i), WESLACO, TXGreetingsfrom the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. Lessthan six years since its charter, Local 1015smembership is currently at 247 and growing! This would not be possible without the commitmentand determination from our International andfrom Locals 130, 278, 479, 505, 527, 716, 861, 903and 995 (Gulf Coast local unions) and the Quality Coastal Initiative. Many other locals in Texas, andthe IBEW Seventh District as well, also have pro- vided support. We truly are a Brotherhood!

You know you are part of something great when so many in our great Brotherhood helpmake it possible for electrical workers who livein a very economically disadvantaged area of thecountry to organize toward a better standard of living and working conditions.

We will never stop in the pursupay and improved working conditioimportant, pride in who we are, nevthose who support our cause. Our mhere in South Texas is taken from thEmiliano Zapata, who said: It is betwo feet than to live on your knees.

Horacio Gar

Standing Up for LaborL..U. 1049 (lctt,o&u), LONG ISLANseveral years of lobbying, we finallygetting the New York State Call Cenby both the State Assembly and the bill would have required utilities to kcenters within their own regions. Unthe governor vetoed the bill. This setdeter us from getting this and other ilegislation passed. When the legislatreconvenes we will once again be kndoors, writing letters and doing whatsary to ensure that our voices are heaadvocates, we must and will continufor what is right. Right not only for lour communities as well. These charemind us of the importance of gettin

ing involved in the political process. At our October 2008 general m welcomed U.S. Reps. Tim Bishop aIsrael. Both congressmen thanked thship for all our support over the yea ward to seeing you at the next gene

Thomas J. Dowli

Florida Election VolunteersL.U. 1205 (em,govt,i&u), GAINESVCongratulations to all who worked inpresidential campaign! Many workedbring a labor-friendly administration House. Best of all here in Florida is tcounted among the blue states for thmany years. Volunteers from Local 1long hoursand it paid off! Alachuathe lone blue county in a sea of red ththe north central Florida map. Now ttion is over, we must switch gears anpoliticians to their campaign promise

Recently, a former 1205 memb222 retiree, Murl Mutt Price, stophall and told the staff stories about tdays. A few of the stories I had heanot, but all were good memories jus

Our current work picture is slowpick up this spring. In the meantime, the locals presently working our mem

Lanny Math


Local 993 congratulates Bro. Wayne de Delley, long-time former business manager/financial secretary,and wife Diane on his 2008 retirement.

Local 915s class of 2008apprentice graduates attendbanquet. From left, standing,are: Kyle Burke, Lee Oliver,Michael Phillips, Charles Perry,Erwin Appelgren, Matt Talbert,Jaimeson Bruns, Devin Moran,Pete Bubonja; kneeling,Tom Villanti, James Pla, PedroBonet-Seara and Glenn Brown.Not pictured are: Timothy Wolfeand Sean Sondgerath.

Local 949s newest members,employed by the City of Rogers, MN,are sworn in by Executive Board Pres.Scott Darsis (far right).

IBEW Weslaco,TX, Local 1015 staff meminclude, from left: Organizer Horacio GarciaKenneth Strumpler (retiree from Local 1), OManager Cindy Ayala and Bus. Mgr. Sergio

Local 965 Chief Steward Dan Reilly (left) presentscheck from Local 965s Unit #5 to Boy Scouts of America representative Kelli Kayser.


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No on H Campaign SucceedsL.U. 1245 (catv,em,govt,lctt,o,pet,t&u), VACAVILLE,CALocal 1245 members beat back the fourthattempt in seven years to municipalize Pacific Gas

& Electrics assets in San Francisco. Proposition H,on the Nov. 4 ballot in 2008, was defeated by anoverwhelming margin.

The local union reached out to dozens of community groups to join the No on H campaign,building a broad base of opposition. In weeks lead-ing up to the vote, union members hung door-hangers on thousands of doors in the city.

The local union made a persuasive case thatthe proposed takeover of PG&E would harm theinterests of union members who provide electricservice to the city, would threaten service reliabil-ity, would adversely affect electric rates, and woulddivert resources from the propositions stated goalof increasing green energy in San Francisco.

The local union mourned the untimely deathof Bus. Rep. Dan Lockwood, 55, who passed away onOct. 25, 2008, after a brief hospitalization. Bro.Lockwood, who represented members at PG&EsDiablo Canyon nuclear plant, was widely respectednot only for his aggressive defense of membersrights in the workplace, but also for his even temper,good humor and knowledge of the labor agreement.

Eric Wolfe, P.S.

Picnic and Service PinsL.U. 1253 (i), AUGUSTA, MEOver 100 attendedour annual picnic in Skowhegan Sept. 13, 2008.There were miscellaneous IBEW items for sale,entertainment for everyone and fun for all. Thecooks did an outstanding job. Thanks to all whohelped with setup and breakdown.

Years-of-service pins were presented to sev-eral members. Receiving 30-year pins were HowardHaas, Bill Heavener and Harry Lyons. Bob Gray

received a 35-year pin, and 40-year pins went toWalter Morris and Bob Thompson. A 50-year plaqueand pin were presented to Bill Gifford.

We are saddened to announce the death of retired member Peter Perkins on Oct. 27, 2008,

after a battle with cancer. He was a longtimemember and served as steward on many projects.

William Gifford, P.S.

IBEW Lifesaving AwardsL.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY, MDIn April 2008 acontractor working at NRG Energys Indian RiverPower Plant was seriously injured while doingmaintenance on an elevator. The contractor was working on the underside mechanism of the eleva-tor, which moved down while he had his headunderneath, trapping and partially crushing hisface. Local 1307 member Chris Impson found the victim and alerted the plants first-responder team.Members Bruce Willey, D.J. Gardner and GeorgeBush responded, rendered immediate first-aid andsummoned 911 for medical evacuation. Bleeding was controlled and oxygen was being applied whenambulance crews arrived. The injuries were lifethreatening, but thanks to the quick action of these four members, the victim was airlifted to atrauma center for his recovery. IBEW Lifesaving Awards were presented to Bros. Impson, Willey,Gardner and Bush.

Congratulations to Sister Carol Serman onher June 2008 retirement. Carol started work withDelmarva Power at the Indian River Power Plant in1981. In 1989, she transferred to Millsboro Districtfor a CIS position. She advanced through the ranksand retired as a service associate specialist. Best wishes for a happy retirement, Sister Serman.

Edward D. Sparks Jr., F.S.

Scholarship FundraiserL.U. 1357 (t), HONOLULU, HILocal 1357 raisedover $13,000 for our scholarship fund, led by VicePres. Thomas Grogan and local union Rep. KimiKoge, who tirelessly planned and executed our2008 Labor Day Scholarship Golf Tournament.

IBEW members in the Commonwealth of theNorthern Mariana Islands continue to work hard togrow the business market share on Saipan, Rotaand Tinian. Pacific Telecommunications Inc. hasgrown its call center; now we must make sure thatnew employees join the union. We have tasked UnitChmn. Ray Tenorio with helping to change theright-to-work laws in both the CNMI and Guam.

Although the 2008 elections are behind us, we continue to drive home the message that wemust elect union and labor-friendly candidates topublic office. After eight years of poor leadership, we have much to make up for and are working toeducate our members about the urgency of partic-ipating in the political process.

Karenann Wedge, P.S.

St. Louis Job Fairs a SuccessL.U. 1439 (u), ST. LOUIS, MOThe Ameren/UECompany, based in St. Louis, recently increasedits signing bonus to $15,000 for journeyman line-men and we continue to bank apprentice line-men thanks to our two successful job fairs, whichattracted over 300 potential members.

We had an organizing drive at Purcell Tire inPotosi, MO; it was unsuccessful, but very worth- while in many aspects.

Amerens Power On program has producedmany contractors on property, namely our broth-ers and sisters of Local 2, and we are fortunateto have them versus nonunion.

More than 12 volunteers from Local 1439 par-ticipated on two different Habitat for Humanity projects, building a total of 19 homes.

We had two successful charity golf tourna-ments raising $11,377.

Local 1439 apprentices Mike Myers, JohnFarris, Mike Stuckey, Dan Schwartzmeyer andDavid Kearns scored and placed in the top five atthe 2008 Linemans Rodeo. The Eleventh District was represented well!

There appears to be a very good potentialthat we will see an IBEW Regional Training Centerin Missouri. We are also continuing our efforts toestablish a directional boring classification within Local 1439 on the Ameren/UE property.

Ken Carroll, P.S. Mike Walter, B.M.

Business Manager MournedL.U. 1465 (u), FALL RIVER, MAWe are saddenedto report the passing of our former business man-ager, Thomas E. Rodriques. Tom passed away unex-pectedly Sept. 26, 2008. He was 48 years old andleaves many friends. He was a great union leaderfor our local for so many years. I ask all union mem-bers to keep Tom and his family in their prayers.

Steve P. Wrightington, R.S.

Mediation SettlementL.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,rts&t), BALTIMORE,MDLocal 1501 filed a grievance on behalf of the employees working for Amtote in referenceto overtime not being paid in a week where aholiday falls in acco

The Electrical Worker January 2009

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Transcript of The Electrical Worker January 2009