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IBEW members at Northrop GrummanShip Systems’ shipyard in Avondale, La.,take pride exhibiting their skills to theworld with the launching of each new

naval vessel. With the completion of theUSS New York, a 684-foot long, 105-footwide, vessel built to support amphibiousassaults by the Marines, their pride turnedto humility.

The bow that welcomed the traditionalshower of champagne at the March 1 chris-tening on the banks of the MississippiRiver in New Orleans was forged in aLouisiana foundry out of twisted steel sal-vaged from ground zero at the World TradeCenter. The ship’s motto, displayed on abanner at the christening, is “Never for-get.” Hundreds of families of 9/11 victimswitnessed the ceremonies.

“It is more than fitting that the sameshipyard workers who restored the USS Coleand returned it to service three days afterthe 9/11 terrorist attacks, have now builtanother vessel whose very soul is a monu-ment to the heroes and victims of that day,”says Chico McGill, director of GovernmentEmployees, and a former business managerof Pascagoula, Miss., Local 733. Seventeensailors died in a 2000 terrorist attack on theUSS Cole in Yemen.

At peak construction, up to 200 IBEWmembers worked on the billion-dollar USSNew York, on projects that included theinstallation and testing of highly classified,sensitive electronics, advanced weapons andpropulsion systems. Crews began work on the

and a member of Boilermakers Local Union1814. Martinez, who helped weld steel fromthe World Trade Center into the bow, isstill living in a FEMA furnished trailer.

The USS New York will be commis-sioned in New York City in 2009 and basedin Norfolk, Va. The ship, which can travel inexcess of 22 knots (24.2 mph), will accom-modate the simultaneous launching andrecovery of four Sea Knight helicopters ortwo Osprey tilt rotor aircraft. The vessel,carrying 24,900 tons at full load, willaccommodate up to 800 troops and 360sailors. The prospective commanding offi-cer is Commander F. Curtis Jones, a nativeNew Yorker. �

2Verizon New England sale approved

FairPoint organized in Washington state

3Minority caucus inspires

New IBEW diversity committee meets

4San Antonio local nets utility members

Members ratify Okonite contract

Print office workers earn 21-percentraise

5North of 49°

6Circuits

Organizing Wire

IBEW on Duty

7Legislative Update

8Local Lines

14Editorials

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. 2 | No. 4 | April 2008

Steel Salvaged from World Trade CenterBuilds USS New York

IN T H I S I S S U E

Thousands gather on March 1 in New Orleans for the christening of the USS New York, whose bow containssteel from the World Trade Center.

ship in 2004 and were put to the test afterHurricane Katrina.

“I just wish the speakers at the chris-tening had said a little more about whatfolks at the shipyard are still going throughtrying to rebuild their lives after Katrina,”says Merlin Farria, assistant business man-ager of Unit 6, Local 733, who attended theevent representing the union.

Ron Ault, president of the Metal TradesDepartment, AFL-CIO, paid tribute to mem-bers of the metal trades who work in noisy,dangerous, heavy industrial environmentswith high humidity and air temperaturesoften hovering near 100 degrees, citing theexample of J.F. Martinez, a shipfitter/welder

Verizon-FairPoint Deal Approved;Union Objections Win Key Concessions

More than a year of an all-out cam-paign ended on Feb. 25, whenFairPoint Communicationscleared its final hurdle to pur-

chase Verizon’s land lines operations inMaine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

The New Hampshire Public UtilitiesCommission approved the $2.35 billion deal.With that, the IBEW and the CommunicationsWorkers of America, which together represent2,500 workers in those states, have vowed towork with the new company to move forward.

“I want to assure everyone that we willdo everything possible to work construc-tively with Verizon and FairPoint for asmooth transition,” said Frank Carroll, vicepresident of the IBEW’s New Englandregion. “Our members will work with ournew employer and regulators to ensurethat customers obtain the highest qualityand most advanced services that FairPointcan provide.”

Although the unions worked for morethan a year to stop the deal, the new attitudetoward what will become the eighth largesttelecommunications company in the countryreflects the mutual respect gained in toughbargaining that produced key improvementsto the deal that will help both union mem-bers and customers in the states.

The New Hampshire PUC acknowledgedlabor's contribution to the debate in its Feb. 25

decision: “Although they did not endorse thesettlement agreement, in our judgment thelabor intervenors' participation was key to theimproved outcome.”

Those “labor intervenors” were able towrangle $362 million more out of Verizontoward the deal, and convince FairPoint tocut its dividends by at least $200 million toreduce its debt load.

Manchester, N.H., Local 2320 BusinessManager Glenn Brackett praised those whospoke up to oppose the sale. “We can takecomfort in knowing that because of ourinvolvement, FairPoint will be strongerfinancially than it would have been underthe original deal.”

FairPoint, based in Charlotte, N.C.,will increase its size fivefold with this pur-chase. The deal is expected to close onMarch 31. IBEW leaders are already talk-ing to their counterparts at FairPoint.Those efforts are expected to intensifyonce the transaction is complete.

While the IBEW does what it can tosmooth the transition to new ownership,some longtime members have decided toopt for retirement. InternationalRepresentative Bob Erickson, a formerVerizon technician and business agent atManchester, N.H., Local 2320, said theconcern is that a great deal of institu-tional knowledge of the lines will go with

them. “They are mentors for a lot of theyounger people,” Erickson said. “FairPointmay have a problem replacing them in thenear term.”

But, as many expressed during thepast year, these employees are worriedabout their health insurance and pensionbenefits under a new owner. “There is a lotof apprehension about whether pensionsand retiree benefits will remain intact,”said Telecommunications DepartmentDirector Martha Pultar.

FairPoint agreed during the approvalprocess to expand broadband availability inNorthern New England with high-speedvideo capability, which would translate into

more opportunities for members. “We arehopeful that FairPoint will introduce next-generation technology,” IBEW InternationalPresident Edwin D. Hill said.

Now the unions and community activistsand residents will closely watch FairPoint toensure that it follows through on its commit-ment to the three states. But for now, at leastsome are giving the company the benefit ofthe doubt. “Telephone customers in NorthernNew England are better off with a telephonecompany that is publicly committed to serv-ing the state than with one that was lookingfor a way to unload this part of its business,”an editorial in the Burlington (Vermont)Free Press said. �

2 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � April 2008

In 2006, Matt Carroll, president of Seattle Local 89, called FairPoint,then a rapidly-growing 900-employee company, to talk about represent-ing the company’s workers. FairPoint’s managers said, “We don’t talk tounions.” The local union went on to hold a representation election atFairPoint’s subsidiary in Ellensburg, Wash. and lost the vote.

A year after losing the election, Seattle Local 89 took another shot atorganizing Ellensburg’s linemen, cable splicers and central office work-ers. This time, led by a new labor relations and human resources staffand a new chief operating officer, FairPoint took a different approach.

Carroll and Local 89 Business Manager Ray Egelhoff met withFairPoint. In the fall of 2007, after contacting other employers who main-tain collective bargaining agreements with Local 89, FairPoint signed aneutrality agreement providing for a “positive” organizing campaign.

Each party agreed to review the literature put out by the otherduring the drive. FairPoint even extended the union the opportunity tomeet with bargaining unit forces on company property during workinghours to answer questions. In December, Ellensburg’s workers voted18 to 5 for union representation.

Old-fashioned IBEW solidarity spread the union’s influence tonearby Yelm Telephone Co., a former family-owned company that waspurchased by FairPoint six years ago. Chris Martin, an organizer withSeattle Local 77, had spoken to a fellow parishioner of his church, aYelm retiree, about organizing. The retiree spoke to some activeemployees like Jim Holmes, a 12-year combination technician, whojoined the union’s efforts at Yelm after he heard about the Ellensburgcampaign.

In December, workers at Yelm voted 10 to 9 for IBEW representa-tion. Despite the close vote, Holmes expects more of his co-workerswill appreciate the benefits of organization after a first contract isnegotiated.

Carroll is now getting phone calls from nonunion FairPoint work-ers in other regions of the country who want to organize. He hopesthat Local 89’s experience will set an example.

“FairPoint didn’t have to sign a neutrality agreement,” saysCarroll. “We have a lot of contentious issues on the table in first con-tract negotiations, but I told them that if they work with us, we’ll workwith them.”

Washington Workers WinNeutrality, Organize FairPoint

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 r � April 2008 3

Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Charts Advances

participants that—despite Local 11’s cele-brated progress in building a diverse mem-bership—there are still obstacles that mustbe overcome.

Brown, a co-recipient of the EWMCAward of National Recognition, said therewill always be some members who try tostand in the way of progress, but “we have topush through our discouragement.”

Members often don’t want to support amentoring program or build a new EWMCchapter. “But if we gain respect because wehave been working for change, when theelevator hits the third floor, others will geton,” he said.

In his keynote speech, InternationalPresident Edwin D. Hill said, “I believethat the final judgment of the diversity res-olution passed in Cleveland will be basednot on the words it contained but on whatwe make of it.” Hill outlined a series of

The success of any conference ofactivists can be measured by what par-ticipants do when they get back home.If Linda Knolton’s activities are any

indication, the 18th Annual LeadershipConference of the Electrical Workers MinorityCaucus, held in Los Angeles in mid-January,marked a major advance.

Knolton, a member of San Antonio,Texas, Local 500, immediately started organ-izing an EWMC chapter after she returnedhome from her first national conference.

Over 150 members participated in a com-munity service day followed by plenary sessionsand workshops under the theme, “BuildingPower to Make the Dream a Reality.”

Delegates cheered the formation of anIBEW committee on diversity and inclusionthat was proposed in a meeting last yearbetween President Hill, EWMC PresidentRobbie Sparks and caucus members. And theyapplauded efforts to increase minority repre-sentation on the Membership Developmentstaff and other steps to comply with theresolution on diversity and inclusionpassed in 2006 at the 37th InternationalConvention.

Knolton, who 10 years ago helpedrecruit 273 fellow office workers at CPSEnergy to join a 60-year-old IBEW bargain-ing unit at the utility, was impressed thatL.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and otherpolitical leaders addressed the conference.

“It says a lot about the reputation of thecaucus,” noted Knolton, who is planning toinclude both veterans and newer members onthe steering committee of her local chapter tomaintain continuity and facilitate growth.

Sparks hosted a meeting for chapterpresidents and a youth caucus welcomedmembers between 18 and 36 years of age.Speakers and workshops—chaired byexperts from progressive organizations andIBEW leaders from all levels—addressedimmediate questions facing EWMC mem-bers, including immigration, buildingbridges in the community and mobilizing forthe upcoming presidential elections.

The EWMC executive board and chapterpresidents attended a training session pro-vided by the Breakthrough LeadershipTraining Institute founded by Sparks, retiredFifth District International Vice PresidentMel Horton and retired Director of HumanServices Royetta Sanford. (See“Breakthrough Leadership Training InstituteEmpowers Future Leaders,” The ElectricalWorker, December 2007).

A workshop entitled “Keeping It Real,”embodied the practical tone of the confer-ence as members discussed strategies forincreasing minority participation in theunion. Eric Brown, treasurer of L.A. Local 11,one of the sponsoring locals, told workshop

actions already under way tocomply with the resolution,including the new committeeon diversity.

Thirty percent of organiz-ers hired for the MembershipDevelopment program, saidHill, are drawn from minoritymembers and a course isbeing developed on diversityfor all organizers andInternational staff.

“Training and mentoringhave been part of the IBEWtradition since the begin-ning, but I recognize thatmany have reaped the bene-fit of these actions becausethey looked and sounded like those doingthe training and mentoring,” Hill said.“We want to develop ways to make sure

that all IBEW members feel a strongsense of belonging in their own union—no excuses.” �

Dublin, Calif., Local 595 apprentice Rachel Bryan and RecordingSecretary Earl Hampton participate in the community workdaykicking off the annual EWMC conference.

Karen Stoshnof and Clarence Larkin live 2,500 miles apart but, as they sat across from each other at the firstmeeting of IBEW’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, they found much more in common than the challengesthey surmounted rising to leadership of their local unions.

Stoshnof, assistant business manager of Calgary, Alberta, Local 254 and Larkin, business manager and presi-dent of Laurel, Miss., Local 1317, are both facing what Stoshnof calls “the changing fabric of who we are.”

Planeloads of skilled workers from the Philippines and other nations are landing in Alberta to fill positions for line-men and other trades left vacant by a growing labor shortage. In the South, Hispanic workers are joining native-bornworkers at manufacturing plants like Howard Industries, where Local 1317 recently organized 400 new members.

“How does the IBEW get ahead of the demographic changes and become a reflection of our society?” asks Stoshnof.The Committee on Diversity and Full Inclusion, formed to implement changes called for in a resolution passed at

the 37th International Convention, aims to increase the active participation of more minority members at all levels of theIBEW. President Hill appointed Chicago Local 134 Assistant Business Manager Russell Ponder chairman. Memberspoint to dynamic changes like those in Canada and Mississippi as closely connected challenges and opportunities.

After a strategic planning session facilitated by Education Department Director Jan Schwingshakl, committeemembers discussed different issues and problems.

Those breakout discussions, says Human Services Department Director Carolyn Williams, were only the firstpart of the strategic planning process. The members recognize the importance of their work and the opportunity itprovides to establish realistic goals for the “growth and sustainability of the IBEW.”

“I’ve watched the IBEW change,” says Lorraine Tinsley, business manager of Hartford, Conn., Local 1040, a 40-yearmember of the Brotherhood. “Now I have the opportunity toput my two cents in. I’m lucky to be part of this committee.”

Diversity Committee Aims for Minority Participation

The Committee on Diversity and Full Inclusion includes, from front left, CarolynWilliams, Director, Department of Human Services; Sabrina Hernandez, busi-ness representative, San Francisco Local 6; Karen Stoshnof, assistant businessmanager, Calgary, Alberta, Local 254; Lorraine Tinsley, business manager,Hartford, Conn., Local 1040. Second row from left are Javier Casas, businessmanager, El Paso, Texas, Local 583; Michael Yee, treasurer, New York Local 3;Clarence Larkin, president, Laurel, Miss., Local 1317; Ninth DistrictInternational V.P. Michael Mowrey. Third row from left are: Greg Lucero, SixthDistrict IEC member; Sixth District International V.P. Jeff Lohman; RussellPonder, assistant business manager, Chicago Local 134; Pat Lavin, SeventhDistrict IEC member; Victor Uno, business manager, Dublin, Calif., Local 595.

Not pictured are Marvin Kropke, business manager, L.A. Local 11; Robert Klein,Tenth District International V.P. and Phil Flemming, First District International V.P.

4 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � April 2008

More than 250 white collar workersat CPS Energy are now membersof San Antonio Local 500, thanksto an internal organizing drive

that began last fall.The local has long represented mainte-

nance workers, linemen and other blue col-lar hourly employees at the nation’s largestmunicipally owned power company, butnever had a presence among the utility’ssalaried work force.

Soon after taking office last July, Local500 Business Manager Gary Kirby sat downwith Seventh District InternationalRepresentative Ralph Merriweather andRegion 4 Lead Organizer Kitty Prouse to cre-ate an ambitious internal organizing cam-paign to target the more than 1,500 workersat CPS Energy’s downtown office.

“We knew they wanted representation,but we never made an effort to reach out tothem, and that had to change,” Kirby said.

Texas labor law allows all municipalemployees the right of union representationwithout regard to their wage status. Thelocal mailed CPS employees a letter inform-ing them of their rights, which they followedup with site visits.

The response was overwhelming. “Newmembers started recruiting their co-workers,who would then go out and start recruitingon their own,” Merriweather said. “We got

most of them organized before the companycould figure out what was going on.”

More than 30 stewards were recruitedand given a crash course in internal organiz-ing and labor law.

One of the top priorities for the new mem-bers is stopping the company’s planned depart-mental restructuring, the details of which havenot been released to employees or the union.“They want to keep their agenda hidden fromemployees because it involves layoffs and forc-ing longtime workers to reapply for their jobs,”Kirby said. “It’s downsizing, plain and simple.”

Despite the local’s organizing success,CPS Energy has refused to recognize Local500’s right to represent the new salaried mem-bers. Management still won’t allow stewards tofile grievances or to be present at disciplinaryhearings and prevented members from postingunion messages on the company bulletin board.

The local has also accused CPS Energy ofunfairly targeting new union members, partic-ularly minorities and older employees, for ter-mination. “Right now, working here is likeRussian roulette because you don’t know whenyou could be fired or transferred,” Kirby said.

The fight made the local media when itwas revealed that a CPS Energy manager withauthority over white collar employees had foryears displayed a noose on his desk. “No com-munity can tolerate this kind of hatefulness ina public agency. It symbolized the culture of

repression towards minority workers,”Merriweather told the San Antonio Express-News. The noose was removed, but the man-ager stayed on, even receiving a promotion.

The continued harassment of unionmembers and management’s refusal to revealdetails of its planned workplace changes ledthe local to file an open lawsuit against CPSEnergy in U.S. District Court. The IBEW hasfiled 25 Equal Employment OpportunityCommission charges on behalf of CPS Energyemployees.

Local 500 also prepared a complaint forthe U.S. Attorney General’s Office allegingthe company violated labor and civil rightslaws of more than 90 employees.

Despite management’s opposition, thelocal continues to sign up new members.“Often we’re here until late at night, meetingwith workers who want to join,” Kirby said.“We’ll meet with anyone at any time of the

day to make sure that all CPS Energyemployees are represented.”

The local is also in the process of creat-ing a chapter of the Electrical WorkersMinority Caucus to be called the Local 500Electrical Workers Minority Coalition. �

San Antonio Organizing Keeps the Heat on CPS Energy

IBEW members employed by Richmond,Kentucky’s Okonite Co. ratified a five-yearcontract on March 3 that includes a 16percent wage increase over the life of the

contract and improvements to pension andlife insurance benefits.

Dental care benefits were tripled, butthe company insisted on employees taking abigger responsibility for health care premi-ums. Early retiree health care – for workersaged 60-65 – was also cut, although unionleaders held that provision off until 2012. Thecompany had wanted to make that changeimmediately, said IBEW ManufacturingDepartment International RepresentativeRandal Middleton.

“Retiree health benefits are underattack everywhere,” Middleton said.

Labor bargained in a coalition thatincluded Richmond Local 2356, a steelwork-ers unit in Paterson, N.J., and IBEW Local1196, representing 85 members in Ashton,

R.I., whose contract expires next January.The contract also calls for dependent

health care for a disabled employee be lim-ited to five years, and require 20 years ofservice for eligibility.

All in all, Middleton said, it was a faircontract for the wire and cable industry,where other companies pay workers $12hourly, while IBEW members of RichmondLocal 2356 make an average of $18. Workersalso receive generous benefits from theemployee stock ownership plan. Okonite hasbeen an employee-owned business since 1976and has been in the wire and cable industrysince 1878.

The nearly 240 IBEW members atRichmond also received a $1,000 ratificationbonus and a $1,000 enhancement on lifeinsurance per year. The pension increasereaches $2 per month for each year of serv-ice by the end of the contract. �

Contract Renewed atKentucky Okonite Plant

Nineteen months after commencingnegotiations over wages at theGovernment Printing Office, 60members of Washington, D.C., Local

121 won a new contract in March providingfor a 21 percent increase over five years. Tobreak the logjam over negotiations, the local,with support from the International Office,successfully lobbied the Committee on HouseAdministration, which oversees the GPO.

The hefty wage settlement includes thetermination of a two-tiered pay structurethat was established after the last negotia-tion. The pact, which enhanced respect forthe union, is boosting an internal campaignto sign up nonmembers at GPO.

Robert Tapella, the public printer of theUnited States, took a hard line in negotia-tions and tried to impose a settlement thathad previously been reached with six otherunions at the printing office, says Local 121Business Manager Bill Blevins. The IBEWunit at the GPO is one of only a few in theentire federal sector that bargains overwages rather than having them mandated bythe federal wage system.

Local and International representativesmet with Stanley White, chief of staff forCommittee on House AdministrationChairman Robert Brady (D-Pa.), and askedfor the committee’s support, suggesting that

meaningful negotiations would be preferableto federal mediation, which the union hadalready requested.

Within days after the Capitol Hill meet-ing, Tapella assigned his chief of staff, MariaLefevre, to take over negotiations. The par-ties agreed on ground rules for 10 days ofnegotiations, agreeing to summon a federalmediator if no settlement was reached inthat time frame. The settlement is retroac-tive to June 2007.

“Good faith bargaining only happenedbecause members at the GPO stood theirground,” says Dennis Phelps, InternationalRepresentative, IBEW GovernmentEmployees Department, a former businessmanager of Local 121. The local’s bargainingcommittee, supported by Blevins, EdWitkowski, the local’s vice president, andFourth District International RepresentativeJim Kaufman “showed what teamwork is allabout,” says Phelps.

Local 121 members, who include electri-cians, stationary engineers, elevator mechan-ics, planners and schedulers at the GPO’sfour-building complex in Washington, D.C.,and a remote facility in Stennis, Miss., main-tain printing presses and other equipmentused to produce the Federal Budget, theCongressional Record, passports and hun-dreds of government publications. �

Political Effort ClinchesContract at GovernmentPrinting Office

San Antonio Local 500 members organize materialfor a stewards training at the municipal utility.

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 r � April 2008 5

Liberal government of Prime Minister PaulMartin had earmarked $25 million for thedevelopment of union-run training centersacross Canada. The local applied for a grant,but it was Hurley who brought up the possibil-ity of using the money for renewable energy.

“I saw a future for the IBEW in instal-lation and maintenance in the sector,”Hurley said.

The provincial Liberal government ofPremier Dalton McGuinty came into officemore than four years ago with a promise todramatically increase the use of green power.Major projects involving wind, solar andhydro were announced, and in 2006, one ofOntario’s largest wind farms, Erie Shores,was opened, thanks to the work of more than50 members of Local 105 and London Local120, with additional assistance from linemenfrom Toronto Local 353 and Sudbury Local1687. Members of St. Catharines Local 303have also been involved in the project.

Located on the northern shore of LakeErie, Erie Shores’ approximately 90 turbinesgenerate enough electricity to power morethan 30,000 homes.

“It’s been a boon to job creation, andwe’re talking about good-paying union jobs,”Grimshaw said.

The local is also looking to get into thegrowing solar energy market. On the roof ofthe center’s office is a 52-panel solar array.That, along with a two-panel array on anearby residential tower, can provide enoughpower to keep the office running for up tofour hours at a time.

The government paid for a little underhalf of the $1 million wind turbine installa-

Un véritable tour du chapeau a étéréussi par la section locale 105 deHamilton en Ontario au mois d’octo-bre dernier, avec la mise en service

de trois éoliennes à leur centre de formation.En plus de fournir l’énergie électrique

au centre, ces turbines agissent comme unpanneau d’affichage virtuel rappelant quela FIOE est l’endroit de référence pourl’énergie éolienne. Elles serviront égale-ment à la formation pratique pour les com-pagnons et les apprentis de la S.L. 105intéressés à suivre un cours de formationsur l’énergie renouvelable.

“C’est une des rares installations auCanada capable d’offrir aux travailleurs spé-cialisés, une formation sur la technologie del’énergie renouvelable” déclare JohnGrimshaw, gérant d’affaires de la S.L. 105.

Les trois turbines éoliennes sont dedimensions variées offrant ainsi aux mem-bres l’opportunité d’apprendre sur trois mod-èles différents. La plus grande turbine estd’une hauteur de plus de 80 pieds, la taille

moyenne pour les sites industriels, alors quela plus petite de 30 pieds est utilisée pourl’électricité résidentielle.

Clarke Hurley, Directeur de la formationpour la S.L. 105 espère que les cours pour-ront débuter dès l’automne.

Le système d’énergie renouvelable de laS.L. 105 résulte d’un partenariat entre legouvernement fédéral et la section locale.Alors que Paul Martin était PremierMinistre, le gouvernement libéral avaitaffecté 25 millions de dollars pour l’amé-nagement de centres de formation organiséspar les syndicats à travers le Canada. La sec-tion locale a fait une demande de subven-tion mais ce fut M. Hurley qui a mentionnéla possibilité d’utiliser cet argent pour l’én-ergie renouvelable.

“J’ai vu un avenir potentiel pour la FIOEdans le domaine de l’installation et de l’en-tretien de ce secteur” souligne-t-il.

Lors de son entrée en fonction il y aplus de quatre ans, le Premier Ministrelibéral de l’Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, avait

promis de promouvoir l’utilisation de l’én-ergie verte de façon spectaculaire. Degrands projets de production d’énergierenouvelable furent annoncés comprenantdes projets éoliens, solaires et hydrauliqueset en 2006 on assistait à l’ouverture du plusgrand parc éolien de l’Ontario sur les bergesdu Lac Érié grâce au travail de plus de 50membres de la S.L. 105 de Hamilton et de laS.L. 120 de London.

Le Parc éolien des rives du Lac Ériésitué sur la rive nord du lac, comporte 66éoliennes produisant suffisamment d’élec-tricité pour satisfaire aux besoins d’au moins25,000 foyers. Une quarantaine de membresde la S.L. 105 et de la S.L. 303 de St-Catharines travaillent sur un deuxième parcéolien dans cette région.

Selon le confrère Grimshaw, ce tournanta contribué à la création d’emplois bienrémunérés pour les syndiqués.

La section locale est aussi intéresséepar le marché de l’énergie solaire en crois-sance au Canada. Le panneau solaire de 52

pieds recouvrant le toit du centre de for-mation et un autre module de deux pan-neaux sur une tour résidentielle àproximité, produisent de l’électricité àl’édifice, pour une durée de quatre heuresà la fois.

Le gouvernement a déboursé un peumoins de la moitié du million de dollarsprévu pour l’installation d’éoliennes dont laconstruction a débuté à l’automne 2006. Leséoliennes contribuent à réduire la factured’électricité de la S.L. mais sont aussi unepublicité extraordinaire pour la FIOE.“Difficile de ne pas les remarquer! Elles peu-vent également inciter les travailleurs spé-cialisés dans le domaine de l’énergierenouvelable à venir à notre S.L.” ajoute leconfrère Grimshaw.

“Plusieurs personnes défilent chaquejour au centre afin d’obtenir des informa-tions sur les éoliennes et nos membresnous demandent sans cesse quanddébuteront les cours de formation” conclutM. Hurley. �

Hamilton, Ontario, Local 105 scored ahat trick last October when threenew wind turbines went online attheir training center.

In addition to powering the center andserving as a large spinning virtual billboardthat says that the IBEW is the place to go forwind power, the turbines provide hands-onpractice material for Local 105 journeymenand apprentices who want to learn aboutrenewable energy.

“It’s the one of the few facilities inCanada that is capable of training skilledworkers in renewable energy technology,” saidLocal 105 Business Manager John Grimshaw.

The three turbines come in differentsizes to give members experience workingwith different models. The largest turbine ismore than 80 feet, the average size for indus-trial sites, while the smallest is 30 feet,which is used for residential power.

Local 105 Training Director Clarke Hurleysaid he hopes to start classes in the fall.

Local 105’s renewable energy system isthe result of a partnership between the fed-eral government and the local. The former

North of 49°

Ontario Local Riding Green Wave with Wind Turbines,Solar Panels

Au nord du 49° parallèle

Une section locale de l’Ontario prend un tournant vert avecl’utilisation de turbines éoliennes et de panneaux solaires

tion, which began construction in the fall of2006. The turbines help the local save on itselectrical bill, but they also serve as greatadvertising for the IBEW. “They’re hard tomiss,” Grimshaw said. “They let people knowthat Local 105 is the place to come for work-ers skilled in renewable energy.”

“We get a parade of people every daycoming into the center to ask about them,”Hurley said. “And our members haven’tstopped asking about when classes are goingto start.” �

IBEW Training Serves St. Louis Member Well in IraqPetty Officer 1st Class Thomas Hammonds knew there was a problem. The electricalservice panel powering the military installation in Northern Iraq was overloaded and hewasn’t sure how long it would hold. An Iraqi electrical engineer said it would be fine, butHammonds saw trouble coming.

His doubts were quickly confirmed when it blew out, knocking out the main powersupply. The back-up generator was also in immediate danger of failing, so he knew hehad only minutes before everything went dark.

“It was only because I used my IBEW skills that I noticed the voltage situation priorto the first time working on it,” Hammonds said.

A member of St. Louis Local 1439 for 25 years, Hammonds is serving his first tour inIraq, having been stationed there since September as a member of the Seabees, the U.S.Navy’s construction battalion. Assigned tothe Construction Corps, he has alreadybeen awarded with the Seabee CombatWarfare Pin, which recognizes his qualifica-tions and training.

Safety was always Hammonds’ top pri-ority, but in Iraq it takes on even greaterimportance. Back home, work gloves, steeltoed boots and protective goggles wereenough before starting a job, but in theIraq war zone he is required to have aKevlar helmet, body armor, flame resistantcoveralls, and an M-16 rifle before he canget to work.

But as Hammonds said in a messageprinted in the Local 1439 newspaper, “Nomatter what we are doing, there is somerisk involved. Safety is a universal lan-guage in any environment.”

Hammonds is hoping to return homesometime in the spring. �

6 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � April 2008

IBEW-Organized Sign CompanyServes Labor’s Candidates

When citizens who campaign for publicoffice call Heartland Signs in Omaha, Neb.,to put word of their candidacy on the street,they get far more than cardboard on a stick.“We arm them with information because win-ning matters,” says Matt Saimp, a companymarketing representative and a new memberof Omaha Local 1974.

Last October, International RepresentativeRon Hug approached Gary DiSilvestro, one offour workers at Heartland, about joining theIBEW. Three months later, with the support ofowner Brian Heinsley, they voted unanimouslyfor IBEW representation. Negotiations on afirst contract went smoothly.

“It’s been a really good process,” saysDiSilvesto, who works in sales and customerservice at the company. As a union shop,Heartland will more readily attract cus-

tomers who are looking for votes or supportfrom organized labor.

Saimp, who grew up in a union family,has included 25 articles on the company’s Website advising candidates how to maximize thedesign, placement and visibility of signs.

Heartland’s work, which includes silk-screened T-shirts, picks up every fall, saysSaimp, but demand is present year-round forsigns promoting campaigns across the nationfor offices from school boards to sheriffs.

Heartland is the second IBEW sign shopin Omaha. Design 4 Inc., organized about sixyears ago by International RepresentativeC.J. King, now serving as director ofMembership Development for Region 3,employs six IBEW members specializing inbanners and vinyl signs.

For information on IBEW-made cam-paign products, e-mail Heartland atwww.CandidateSigns.com or Design 4 atsigns@design4inc.net. �

Circuits

Kansas City Journeyman Wireman Wins Union Plus ScholarshipPorifirio “Pete” Raya, a Kansas City busi-

ness representative, is one of nine recipientsof the 2007 Union Leaders of the FutureScholarship from Union Plus. Raya traveledfrom Missouri to Washington, D.C., to attend ascholarship mentoring session, tour the AFL-CIO and meet with President John Sweeney.

The son and grandson of Sheet MetalWorkers, Raya has served Local 124 as a fore-man, steward and executive board member.The 22-year IBEW journeyman is a memberof the Greater Kansas City Building andConstruction Trades Council and the LaborCouncil for Latin American Advancement. Heserves as president of the Kansas CityElectrical Workers Minority Caucus.

The scholarship’s financial assistance will help Raya pay tuition at Metropolitan CommunityCollege and the Cornell University Institute for Labor Relations, while his spouse and two sonsalso attend college. His son, Pete Raya Jr., is a second year apprentice in Local 124.

“I can utilize my knowledge and training when I am called upon to negotiate collectivebargaining agreements ensuring that all union members receive fair pay, benefits and workingconditions,” says Raya.

The Union Leaders of the Future Scholarship Program, open to union members, leadersor staff, provides annual awards of up to $3,000 to union women and people of color to helpcover the cost of continuing their education or training to pursue their career goals anddevelop their leadership skills.

Each scholarship recipient is linked to an experienced trade union leader. Mentoring Rayais James Andrews, president of the North Carolina AFL-CIO.

Scholarship candidates are evaluated for leadership potential, career goals, social aware-ness and financial need.

To receive an application for the 2008 Union Leaders of the Future Scholarship, visit:www.UnionPlus.org/DiversityScholarships. �

Organizing Wire

IBEW On Duty

St. Louis Local 1439 member ThomasHammonds was awarded with the SeabeesCombat Warfare Pin for his service in Iraq.

Pete Raya, Kansas City Local 124, right, meetsmentor James Andrews, president of the NorthCarolina AFL-CIO.

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 r � April 2008 7

DeceasedName

TY POC O N T E S TSAFE STERIBEW 2008

Continuing in our proud tradition as a leaderin promoting safety and health, InternationalPresident Edwin D. Hill and InternationalSecretary-Treasurer Lindell K. Lee are pleasedto announce the 2008 Safety Poster Contest.

RULESThe contest is open to all active IBEW members only. Artwork may be doneeither in black and white or in color. Each poster must be submitted on8-1/2 x 11-inch white unruled paper or poster board. Posters cannot includea company’s logo or company name. A contestant may submit a maximumof three posters. The following information must appear on the back ofeach poster entered: name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number,local union number and card number.

Posters will be judged on content of the safety message, originality andartwork. All posters become the property of the IBEW and may be used inany manner by the IBEW.

MAIL ENTRIES TO:

IBEWSafety and Health Department900 Seventh Street, NW,Washington D.C. 20001

Deadline for entries is April 30, 2008.The winning posters will be published in a future publication of the IBEW.The winners will be notified by mail.

2008 CONTESTWINNER PRIZES

FIRST PLACE $250SECOND PLACE $200THIRD PLACE $150HONORABLE MENTION $ 50

LegislativeUpdate

Minnesota Lobbying Puts Teethin Prevailing Wage LawA year ago, Minnesota’s 34-year-old prevailingwage law had no teeth. Gov. Tim Pawlenty, aRepublican, enjoyed close ties with nonunionelectrical contractors. Pawlenty left the stateDepartment of Labor short on investigatorswho could hold his business friends account-able, even when glaring pay abuses deprivedworkers on state-funded construction proj-ects of their fair pay.

Today, Minnesota contractors are underthe gun to properly pay their workers,thanks to an amendment to the prevailingwage law, passed last year, after extensivelobbying by Minnesota IBEW locals and thestate building trades. The new statute hasliterally deputized nonunion employees tostop their bosses from short-changing theirpaychecks. The law is tough, providing fordouble damages and attorneys fees for vio-lating contractors.

“Minnesota is ahead of the curve,” saysattorney Justin Cummins who—only a fewmonths after the new legislation waspassed—sued Cole’s Electric Inc. ofOwatonna, Minn., on behalf of threenonunion workers. Their case was filedunder the prevailing wage law’s new amend-ment, which allows plaintiffs to act as “pri-vate attorneys general.”

The concept of private attorneys gen-eral, says Cummins, goes back to the civilrights laws passed after the Civil War andthen in the 1960s. Recognizing that federaland state attorneys general often lack theresources to enforce laws that are in thepublic interest, private citizens are empow-ered under that law to act in their place.

The December suit against Cole’sElectric is the first under the new amend-ment and one of the first in the nation usingthe private attorneys general concept.

While some observers believe that pre-vailing wage laws don’t serve the publicinterest, Cummins says he strongly disagrees.Keeping highly-trained, capable workersemployed clearly benefits municipalities andthe state. Workers who have complaints needto be protected.

“Often the employer tries to demonizeworkers and call them money-hungry. Thatcouldn’t be further from the truth,” saysCummins. “These workers are seeking fair payin the face of employer resistance. They’reshowing great courage in coming forward.”

Rochester Local 343 and otherMinnesota locals worked hard to success-fully elect a Democratic majority inMinnesota’s legislature to pass worker-friendly legislation like the prevailing wageamendment, says Local 343 BusinessManager Al Stork. After the 2006 electoral

victory, the locals asked the law firm ofMiller O’Brien Cummins to draw up the pre-vailing wage amendment and plan a lobbyingcampaign. Stork also hired a compliance-research/organizer, Derek Backus, who holdsa degree in criminal law, to document viola-tions of the prevailing wage statute.

Local 343’s successful efforts “showedleadership and vision and have been instru-mental in helping others in the trades under-stand how prevailing wage laws can beenforced,” says Cummins. �

House Votes to StrengthenProtections for Workers Hurt byTrade DealsA House bill to help workers who have beendownsized thanks to trade laws was passedwith strong bipartisan support, but PresidentBush and the Senate GOP are already set tooppose it. The Trade and GlobalizationAssistance Act of 2007, passed last fall, reau-

thorizes and overhauls the Trade AdjustmentAssistance program.

“The American people are right to beconcerned about the impacts of internationaltrade agreements, particularly in light of thelack of safeguards available to workersaffected by trade,” said bill sponsor Rep.George Miller (D-Calif.).

The TAA was cre-ated in 1994 as part ofNAFTA to help retrainworkers whose jobs wereshipped overseas, butthe program has beencriticized for not meet-ing the needs of thegrowing number ofdownsized workers.

The bill doublesthe TAA’s funding,requires companies toprovide more advancednotice of impending joblosses and extends the

time period that workers can continue theirhealth coverage at their own expense withtheir former employer.

Also, for the first time, public and serv-ice sector employees would be covered bythe TAA.

A Senate version of the bill is pending. �

The Hong Kong-based owner of the Hoover plant in North Canton, Ohio,shuttered the factory, moving jobs to Mexico and Texas, and displacingmembers of Local 1985.

8 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � April 2008

Community Volunteer CrewL.U. 6 (c,i,st,&u), SAN FRANCISCO, CA—OnSaturday, Dec. 22, last year 20 members volun-teered to perform electrical work at St. AnthonyFoundation’s new administrative offices. St.Anthony’s feeds the homeless 365 days a year andprovides services to those less fortunate. TheIBEW crew installed and wired five floors of gen-eral lighting, exit lights, switches and plugs. ASFElectric and Metropolitan Electric committedservice trucks to support our efforts and madethis a true Labor Management Cooperative com-munity service day. A great crew turned out forthe project, and we had a lot of fun doing it.

The third annual Local 6 MembersBenevolent Fund Crab Feed was a great success.Several hundred members participated despiteinclement weather. This event is made possibleby the generosity of many individuals who giveselflessly of their time and resources. Specialthanks to Joey Alioto, of Alioto’s Restaurant, whodonated the crabs for the evening; he also spentmany hours preparing the meal with the assis-tance of his nephew Michael, a Local 6 appren-tice. Items contributed for the raffle wereawesome and generated additional revenue forthe fund.

Emily S. O’Rourke, Unit 1 Chair/P.S.

Gladieux’s as in past years. Please plan to attendwith your spouse or significant other, and spendtime with your Local 8 friends and family.

Bro. Tim Tarka recently passed away. Amoment of silence was held at the Feb. 4 mem-bership meeting. May he rest in peace.Congratulations to Ed and Heather Hobbs ontheir nuptials. Best wishes for many happy yearsof married life together!

Please work safe and attend your unionmeetings.

Red Tackett, P.S.Jim Kozlowski, B.M.

Light Display VolunteersL.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN—IBEW Local 16once again took the lead in serving the disabledof the tri-state area by using its skills at theRitzy’s Fantasy of Lights event in Evansville’sGarvin Park. This premier seasonal event willfund 4,414 rehabilitation therapy sessions forhandicapped children and adults in the comingyear. Over 10,800 vehicles paid admission todrive the loop through the beautiful light show.This event allowed Easter Seals to raise $134,422for 2007, and it brought the total to $1,789,250for its 14-year run. Retired members made neces-sary repairs throughout the year to the largerthan life displays, ensuring that the synchronizedlighting worked as designed. Special thanks tomembers Kathy Boyd, Ben Ipock and NickVaught for their willingness to supervise setupand nightly maintenance needs.

Union building trades members are alsodonating their skills at the Holly’s House project,which will provide a safe haven for abuse victims.The fourth year apprenticeship class and theirinstructors have volunteered for this worthy cause.

Local 16 has been evaluating its insuranceoptions and wishes to thank committee membersfor their dedication and hard work toward secur-ing the best choice.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S

DAD’s Day Golf OutingL.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON,DC—Local 27 is busy planning events for thewarmer weather.

Our annual Dollars Against Diabetes golf out-ing is May 5. The popularity of this event hasspread to over four golf courses, and the big winnerof the day is the diabetes foundation. Thanks toBro. Butch Ramos for a great job coordinating thegolf outing again this year. Hope to see you there!

Our annual picnic in the D.C. area will beheld at Camp Letts in Edgewater, MD, on Aug. 2.Don’t miss out on the fun and brotherhood. Watchyour quarterly magazine for details or go onlineat www.ibewlocal26.org for information and aticket request form.

Work Picture UpdateL.U. 8 (as,em,i,mar,mt,rts,s&spa), TOLEDO,OH—The work situation is not the greatest, butthere are some bright spots ahead. The Monroecoal burner will be taking almost 200 people forthe ongoing SCR, scrubber and conveyor proj-ects. A small shut-down project is coming soon.The Fed Ex building will be gearing up. GEM hasthe building, but the conveyor portion has notbeen let yet.

Our current inside agreement expires inApril. Pres. Joseph Cousino presented theNegotiating Committee at the Jan. 21 member-ship meeting. Good luck to our team!

Mark your calendars for our annual dinnerdance scheduled for April 5. It will be held at

The Local 26 Scholarship Committee issorting through the many qualified applicants,and the two winners will be announced soon. Wewill publish the names in our third quarter INCharge magazine.

The following brothers passed away sinceour last article: Laray E. Davis (retired), Jerry M.Parsons Sr. (retired), Christian Argueta, DelmerC. Dotson (retired), Anthony Casarella andMichael R. Dempsey.

The following brothers retired since our lastarticle: Thomas D. Clarke, William E. Jeffers, AlvinG. Pennington, Gordon J. Dodson, Michael W.Mahoney, Charlie G. Ranson and Leon H. Sexton.

Charles E. Graham, B.M.

New Agreement RatifiedL.U. 34 (em,i,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL—Local 34recently ratified a new four-year inside agree-ment. Thanks to Bus. Mg./Fin. Sec. Mike Everettand his team of negotiators for all their hardwork and a job well-done. On the negotiatingteam were: Asst. Bus. Mgr. Marty Clinch; Bus.Reps. Todd Holzinger, Mike Hall and Rich Jones;E-Board members Meredith Booker, MarcBurnap, Ron Maurmen and Dave Lowder; Pres.J.J. Walker; Vice Pres. Doug Sanford; Rec. Sec.Dennis Greiner; Treas. Mark McArthy; andExamining Board members Greg Happ, ScottMcKnight and Andy O’Neill.

Check our Web site at www.ibew34.org forall the details. The work outlook at the time ofthis writing is slowly picking up after the holi-days, with powerhouses manning up for theirshutdowns and scheduled projects. Other proj-ects are gearing up as well.

This will be another very busy year forLocal 34. Please remember to vote! Your votedoes and will count. The November election isvery important! Only 200-plus days left in theBush administration!

Our sympathies to the families of memberswho recently passed away: Bros. William Lepper,Ken Schwinn, William Riggs and Mike Hunt.

Paul O’Dear, P.S.

University Hospitals PLAL.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH—At this writingwe have about 200 wiremen on Book I. Severalupcoming projects should provide employmentopportunities for members.

Ben Venue Laboratories in Bedford contin-ues its explosive growth in the pharmaceuticalindustry and is building another $50 millionexpansion for research and development andmanufacturing. Harrington Electric is complet-ing a $2.5 million job there and Herbst Electricwas just awarded a contract worth $5 million.U.S Communications will perform all the VDVwork on the site.

Local Lines

(as) Alarm and Signal

(ars) Atomic Research Service

(bo) Bridge Operators

(cs) Cable Splicers

(catv) Cable Television

(c) Communications

(cr) Cranemen

(ees) Electrical Equipment Service

(ei) Electrical Inspection

(em) Electrical Manufacturing

(es) Electric Signs

(et) Electronic Technicians

(fm) Fixture Manufacturing

(govt) Government

(i) Inside

(it) Instrument Technicians

(lctt) Line Clearance Tree Trimming

(lpt) Lightning Protection Technicians

(mt) Maintenance

(mo) Maintenance and Operation

(mow) Manufacturing Office Workers

(mar) Marine

(mps) Motion Picture Studios

(nst) Nuclear Service Technicians

(o) Outside

(p) Powerhouse

(pet) Professional, Engineers and Technicians

(ptc) Professional, Technical and Clerical

(rr) Railroad

(rtb) Radio-Television Broadcasting

(rtm) Radio-Television Manufacturing

(rts) Radio-Television Service

(so) Service Occupations

(s) Shopmen

(se) Sign Erector

(spa) Sound and Public Address

(st) Sound Technicians

(t) Telephone

(u) Utility

(uow) Utility Office Workers

(ws) Warehouse and Supply

Trade Classifications

IBEW Local 6 members volunteer for St. AnthonyFoundation electrical project.

Local 38 members work-ing for the City ofCleveland at ClevelandHopkins InternationalAirport, from left: FredMack, Carl Onacila, KevinSmith, Pat Chambers, EdWarren, Joe Baran andWendell Fuller.

Charity Rockfish TournamentL.U. 50 (u), RICHMOND, VA—The fourth annualIBEW Local 50 Charity Rockfish Tournament heldNov. 16-17, 2007, was organized to benefit theLocal 50 United Way campaign. Organizers BillPeeples, Doug Williams and Raymond Cassidy col-lected entry fees, sold tickets to the weigh-incookout and had a raffle to raise funds. Anglershad 12 hours to compete for the prize money.

Notably, 100 percent of the registrationfees went directly to United Way. The tourna-ment became a tradition in 2003 when Bill,Doug and Raymond realized there was an oppor-tunity to raise enthusiasm for the campaign byusing their fellow anglers’ passion for rockfishand a healthy competition. Local 50 is gratefulfor the support of Bros. Peeples, Williams andCassidy; all the tournament anglers; and VirginiaNatural Gas Pres. Robert Duvall for making thisevent a success.

Special thanks to Captain Mark Pulliam, anIBEW member, who donated an offshore fishingtrip that was raffled off to help needy families inSouth Hampton Roads. Local 50 members at VNGwon the “Labor Union of the Year” award inSouth Hampton Roads five out of the last sixyears. Thanks to all who participated. We hope tosee you again in 2008.

Mike Barclay, R.S.

Gov. Granholm Visits LocalL.U. 58 (em,i,rtb&spa), DETROIT, MI—On Jan.31, Gov. Jennifer Granholm toured our trainingfacility. Asst. Training Dir. Tom Bowes gave a pres-entation and briefly outlined the history of theIBEW/NECA partnership and the JATC.Subsequently, he conducted a walking tour thatculminated in the workshop where displaysrelated to our solar program were discussed. Gov.Granholm spoke to studeohnts from classes 07B4and T07B1. The governor acknowledged theprogress we have made and our leadership in thedevelopment of training methods in the renewableenergy field.

The fifth annual Ken Fitzhenry dinner partyon Super Bowl Sunday is one of Local 58’s greatnew traditions and the Benevolent Fund’s mainfund-raising event. Members and their guestsenjoyed the game on the big screen and a buffet-style dinner. Once again, the festive footballevent was a huge success! Many members volun-teer their time to help set up, cook, serve, andclean up. They deserve a heartfelt thanks for alltheir efforts.

Michael Curren, P.S.

Unions Lobby for ReformL.U. 86 (ees,em,es,i,rts&spa), ROCHESTER,NY—At the time of this writing, work is a littleslow but steady. Spring should be more promis-ing with many jobs starting to break ground.

Rochester Building Trades took a bus toAlbany filled with many of our local labor leaders tolobby our state legislators on IndustrialDevelopment Agency (IDA) reform. We met withour senators and Assembly members to impress onthem the importance of prevailing wages and whatthey pay for—health care, retirement, apprenticetraining, safety training, and a fair wage. Our mes-sage seemed to be very well-received. We will haveto wait and see how they vote. We will be watching.

On a lighter note, the annual Kiddie EasterEgg Hunt was held Sat., March 15. Everyone hada good time. Thanks to all the volunteers whomade it happen.

We hope to see you at the seventh annualLocal 86 Awards Dinner on April 26 at theRochester Airport Marriott. Contact the unionhall for more information.

Ron Freida, P.S.

Project Labor AgreementsL.U. 90 (i), NEW HAVEN, CT—The work picturein Connecticut is holding its own. We are antici-pating some long awaited projects to start man-ning up. 2008 should be a busy year. Work hasstarted on a $450 million cancer center PLA proj-ect, as well as several other large PLAs.

Local 90 recently held an open house for 2nd,3rd, 4th and 5th year apprentices. We sent out mail-ings to registered nonunion apprentices to get theminterested in the IBEW. The turnout was good andwe are now testing these applicants to slot theminto the program. Our future relies on taking in thebest before they become our competition.

Sean Daly, V.P.

Annual Holiday DinnerL.U. 96 (i), WORCESTER, MA—At the Local 96annual holiday dinner meeting on Dec. 3, 2007,active and retired members were honored.Retiring members were commended for theirdedication, and service pins were presented tomembers celebrating milestone years of service.Congratulations to all recent retirees and mem-bers who received service pins! Recently retiredmembers include: Ralph Giangrande, James

Bartlett, James Rolfe, Joseph Bacinskas andDonald Chad, Peter Liddy, Douglas Pirani, WayneCooper, William Doiron, William Pugliese, EdwardO’Toole, Wayne Theriault and Lawrence Baker.

Also, in the spirit of the holiday season,Local 96 retirees enjoyed an evening at the BostonPops, with tickets compliments of the local.

Bus. Mgr. Leo Miller appointed GeorgeCarpenter as organizer last October. The localwelcomes George to his new position and wisheshim success with challenges ahead.

Thank you to Bro. Paul West for his six yearsof commitment to the local as press secretary.

Luke E. Carpenter, P.S.

Leadership For SuccessL.U. 98 (as,em,i&it), PHILADELPHIA, PA—IBEW Local 98 made some significant leadershipmoves early in 2008, which should ensure thelocal’s continued success for years to come.

Pres. Harry Foy announced his retirement onDec. 31, 2007. Well-liked and highly regarded withinLocal 98 and the IBEW, Harry served Local 98 aspresident with great distinction for 12 very produc-tive years. Although his retirement is well deserved,his presence here at the hall will be greatly missed.

Succeeding Foy as president is BrianBurrows, longtime director of ApprenticeshipTraining. Brian is the logical and best choice tosucceed Harry. Like Harry, Brian understandsevery aspect of the operations of this local and hasa tireless work ethic. Through his years of leader-ship as a business agent and director of ApprenticeTraining, Brian has earned the respect of localunion members as well as Philadelphia’s broaderlabor community. The transition has been seam-less and Local 98 is well-positioned for the future.

Assuming Burrows’ former responsibilities forapprentice training is Michael Neill, who will con-tinue to run the local’s telecommunications train-ing efforts, along with his new responsibilities.

With these changes, we have a great teamof established young leaders who understand andare ready to take full advantage of 21st centurytechnologies and exciting new opportunities forthe continued growth of this local.

John J. Dougherty, B.M.

Fresno Work PictureL.U. 100 (c,em,i,rts&st), FRESNO, CA—At thiswriting we are at full employment, and the out-look appears good through the summer. We may

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 r � April 2008 9

The Cleveland Building Trades just negoti-ated and signed a Project Labor Agreement withUniversity Hospitals (UH). The PLA includes$1.3 billion of new construction work. UH callsits new expansion Vision 2010. The major newfacilities include a cancer hospital, a neonatalintensive care unit at Rainbow Babies &Children’s Hospital, and a center for emergencymedicine. Also planned are the expansion of car-diovascular facilities at UH Richmond and UHBedford Medical Centers.

This election year is our chance to help puta labor friendly candidate in the White House. Ifyou, or a family member, need to register to votesimply call the union hall and we will send youthe forms. If you changed your address you willneed to register with your new address.

Dennis Meaney, A.B.M.

Commitment to InclusionL.U. 48 (c,em,i,rtb,rts&st), PORTLAND, OR—Local 48 sent 14 delegates to the 18th annualElectrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC)conference held Jan. 17-20 in Los Angeles. Theconference theme was “Building Power to Makethe Dream a Reality.” The gathering was veryspecial with over 250 members from all levelsof the IBEW and the union movement comingtogether in unity to promote Resolution 15,which was adopted at the IBEW 37thInternational Convention. Guest speakersincluded L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, IBEWInt. Pres. Edwin D. Hill and AFL-CIO OrganizerEddie Acosta.

More changes at the hall: We returned toserving sandwiches at the general membershipmeetings. The savings will be spent on Local 48shirts to be given to those in attendance.

COMET classes began Feb.18 at the hall andare scheduled for the third Monday of each month.

Special thanks to Bro. Ed Barnes, retiredbusiness manager, for his tireless work on trans-portation issues in both Washington and Oregon.Ed was honored at a reception Jan. 23 for his 12years of service on the Washington StateTransportation Commission. He is replaced on thecommission by Local 48 Vice Pres. Phil Parker.

Voting Reminder: April 29 is voter registra-tion deadline for the May 20 Oregon primary.

Donna Hammond, P.S.

Portland, OR, Local 48 delegation to the 2008EWMC Conference in Los Angeles, joined by IBEWInt. Pres. Edwin D. Hill (middle row, third from left).Front row, from left, NIETC Exec. Dir. Ken Fry, ChrisBrown, Luis Rojas, Yedo Le, Marjorie Ramirez; mid-dle row, Local 48 Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Clif Davis,Terry Tims, Int. Pres. Hill, Local 48 Pres. Eric Hayes,Local 48 Lead Organizer Larry Warren; and backrow, Abdul Love, Hilary Colbert, retiree Gus Miller,Donna Hammond, IBEW Int. Rep. Keith Edwards andretiree Bob Palandech.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (left) visitsapprenticeship class at the Detroit Local 58 TrainingCenter. Also pictured are Bus. Mgr. Joe Abdoo (sec-ond from left) and Training Dir. Gary Polulak (thirdfrom left, front row).

Local 96 Bus. Mgr. Leo Miller (third from right) joined by several of the recently retired members. From left:Ralph Giangrande, James Bartlett, James Rolfe, Bus. Mgr. Miller, Joseph Bacinskas and Donald Chad.

have achieved record man-hours for the 2007calendar year (final figures are not in yet), butwe have not gained in market share. It takesevery member to go over and above the normalworkday to think and act on organizing.

The Panoche 400-megawatt power plant inMendota is ready to start; a second power plantin the town of Parlier is in the works. The Pixleyethanol plant, by Contra Costa Electric, should becompleted by April 1. A project labor agreementwas finalized for an ethanol plant in Hanford.

The December 2007 inside wireman’s wageincrease was $1.00 ($0.50 wages, $0.25 pensionand $0.25 Healthcare). The June 2008 increase is$1.00; distribution to be determined.

The Local 100 JATC recently conducted itsfirst class on solar power and installation of solarphotovoltaic systems. The JATC is conducting ongo-ing classes and just finished a confined space safetyclass. Remember, your California State Certificationrequires 32 hours of continuing education everythree years to maintain your certification.

M.A. Caglia, P.S.

Apprentice GraduationL.U. 102 (c,catv,i,it,o&t), PATERSON, NJ—OnSept. 18, 2007, Local 102 apprentices celebratedtheir hard work by attending their graduationdinner at the Birchwood Manor. We had a greatturnout for the occasion. There were 117 insidewireman apprentices topping out to the ranks ofjourneyman, along with seven residential wire-men and two teledata communications techs top-ping out also.

Special honors went to Steve Thul for high-est five-year grade point average for the insideJW program; William Christian for the residen-tial program; and James Scerbo for the commu-nication division.

Honored guests included DennisFitzgerald from the N.J. Department of Laborand Dr. Kent Bania from Passaic CountyTechnical School. Local 102 officers were thereto enjoy the celebration and to welcome all thegraduates to our ranks.

A heartfelt thanks to Tom Rillo, JATCadministrator, and all the instructors, officersand committee members for a job well-done. Tosee photos of the graduation celebration, pleasevisit our Web site www.ibewlocal102.org.

Ed Fredericks, P.S.

Work Picture SlowL.U. 110 (em,i,rts,spa&u), ST. PAUL, MN—At thiswriting, work is a slow with 227 on Book #1, anadditional 46 out on short calls, and 96 on Book#2. The summer outlook is somewhat better.

The November 2008 general election is onlymonths away. Please support those who supportus! Then please vote!

See accompanying photo taken at the com-pletion ceremony for the class of 2007 inside

wireman apprentice graduates. The ceremonywas held at Mancini’s Char House in St. Paul.

Steve White, P.S.

Tribute to MembersL.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se&spa), KANSASCITY, MO—We remember the followingdeceased members: Frederick Algaier, Ernest W.Bregg, Frank G. Clark, Paul D. Craig, JamesFennesy, Charles L. Ford Sr., Frank A.Halbhuber, Robert E. Happy, Jack Hawkins,Herbert G. Hines, Ernest R. Hirt, Joe R. Hoge,Charles J. Holmes, Oscar B. Jack, Phillip E.Jack, Thomas E. Land, Royce C. Marshall,William B. Murray, Royce A. Myers, Herman F.Notz, Richard James Ost, William H. Phillips,James E. Rice, Frank Leonard Shaw Jr., VincentSmiley, Timothy N. Thurber, Thomas R. Urton,Charles R. Zurn. We extend our condolences totheir families. These members will be missed.

Congratulations to the following retired mem-bers: Howard W. Allen, John W. Barnes, John F.Batliner, Frederick Brownlee, Don Davis, John A.Deruse, Samuel Easter, George W. Ernst, SamuelM. English, Michael L. Hall, Bob Littell, William H.Richardson, James L. Rome, Roger Schroeder, JohnC. Sifers, Tony K. Skeen, Ira W. Smith, Kenneth E.Starr, Fred Stevens, Byron L. White.

Jim Beem, B.M.

Successful OutageL.U. 146 (ei,i&rts) DECATUR, IL—We recentlycompleted another successful outage at theClinton Power Station. Thanks to all the travelingbrothers and sisters for their help on that project.

As of this writing, unfortunately, work hadslowed until spring or early summer. However onthe bright side, Local 146 is excited about beingawarded the Future Gen Project and work isexpected to continue at the Coffeen Power Station.

Congratulations to 2007 retirees: JonThompson, Dennis Montgomery, Jim DaughertyJr., Duffy Haremaker, Caleb Wayne, Jerry Gash,Matt Wrigley, Kenny Hayes, Kenny Schrader, andBrian Heise. We wish them well.

With deep regret we announce the passingof Barry Carr on Dec.12, 2007. Barry was 48 andhad been an IBEW member for 22 years. We alsowere saddened by the passing of Robert Youngeron Jan. 13. Brother Younger was 83 and a 58-yearIBEW member. We extend our condolences theCarr and Younger families.

Rich Underwood, R.S.

Picnic Date SetL.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL—Thelongest presidential campaign in history is sloggingon. The endless primary season keeps on going. I,for one, cannot wait for this election to take place.Let’s put a Democrat back in the White House.

The Local 150 picnic will be held July 19 atthe usual location of the Lakewood ForestPreserve. Stay tuned to this spot for the date ofthe Local 150 Golf outing.

The cold and snow season really hit us hardthis year. Please use caution when working ininclement weather.

We recently lost a fine union man whenBro. Jack Kolb passed away on New Year’s Day. Iworked with Jack several times and he wasalways a lot of fun to be around, in addition tobeing a great electrician. He was a mentor inevery sense of the word. He started his appren-ticeship in 1971 and was a Local 150 member foralmost 36 years. He served on the ScholarshipCommittee since its inception and was alsoactive with the SPARKS. He also was a memberof the CRG. A fine man gone too soon.

Wendy J. Cordts, P.S.

Industry Night EventL.U. 158 (i,it,mar,mt&spa), GREEN BAY, WI—Ourlocal held a successful industry night event on Feb.21. This followed an all-week blitz Local 158 put onwith the participation of state market developmentspecialists, reps, and members. The industry nightwas well-received and we gave an awesome presen-tation, with 68 people in attendance. There were fiveapprenticeship applications and 20 interviewees.Many journeymen, apprentices, organizers, con-tractors and a few reps participated.

The work situation has been good andhopefully will stay that way throughout thespring. Negotiations will start in earnest by thetime of this printing.

Donald C. Allen, B.M.

Focus on Labor’s SurvivalL.U. 180 (c,i&st), VALLEJO, CA—Each year wehear the same battle cries for action—organize,raise our P.R. profile, get out the vote. But sel-dom are we inspired to effectively mobilize andleverage our numbers. Our basic needs mount asour job security weakens and our solidaritywanes. Is it possible we’ve become more con-cerned with “want” than with “need”?

Marketing experts have identified the closelink between these two, and they’ve parlayedtheir insight to the point of leveraging us againstourselves. The “need” for transportation becomesthe “want” for an SUV. Precious home equitybecomes a vehicle for short-lived luxury, even atthe peril of losing our homes! Once weaned fromlackluster “need” to glitzy “want,” we find our-selves subject to insurmountable debt.

Politicians have mastered a variation of thissame tactic. They’ve lured our focus from labor-respecting initiatives to exciting, single-issuestances. Guns, gay rights, Roe v. Wade. … Whilethey draw our attention to who crosses the bor-der for work, they pave the way for entire manu-factories to relocate overseas.

It’s time for us to refocus on our basic“needs”—to pursue initiatives that help organ-ized labor at home and to hold politiciansaccountable for furtherance of such initiatives.

Michael Smith, B.A.

Distribution Work Picks UpL.U. 196 (govt,mt,o,t&u), ROCKFORD, IL—Ouroverhead and underground distribution work hasstarted to pick up. Currently we could use sixjourneyman linemen. Our transmission work wasslow but also has picked up. We have two smalljobs, both related to wind turbine projects. Weare also gaining on the telephone work but thisis a slow process. We have made headway andwill continue this struggle.

Our local has moved. Our new address is1829 Suncast Lane Batavia, IL. Our phone num-ber is (630) 761-1829 and our fax number is(630) 761-1919.

Please make sure to vote in all elections.Remember to attend your union meetings—thatis where it all starts.

Edgar R. Mings Jr., B.M.

Canadian Sports CentreL.U. 230 (c,catv,em,i,mar&u), VICTORIA,BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA—The CanadianSports Centre Pacific project at Camosun Collegeis on time and on budget. Local 230 membersworking for Emery Electric on this 75,000 squarefoot, $38 million facility are going full out toensure this sports complex of excellence gets thesame treatment by the IBEW.

The Sports Centre Pacific is a world-classfacility designed to bring sport and exercise aca-demic programs, community sport and fitnessprograms, high performance athlete services andapplied sport research together under one roof.It will house classrooms, sports research andsports medicine services, a triple gymnasium, alit all-weather playing field, an outdoor trainingtrack and a high-performance fitness centre.

Dr. Gordon Sleivert, the Canadian team exer-cise physiologist at the Athens 2004 summerOlympics, is vice president of Sport Performancefor PacificSport. “The connections between sportstechnology, innovation and health are importantto all Canadians.” says Dr. Sleivert. Phase I of theInstitute opens to the public in September 2008.

Philip Venoit, B.M./F.S.

Monterey Bay Hotel ProjectL.U. 234 (i,rtb,rts&spa), CASTROVILLE, CA—We are always eager to support our many localcharitable organizations. It was gratifying todonate nearly one ton of food to the SecondHarvest Food Bank holiday season drive. Also,as a regular supporter of our area high school’s

10 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � April 2008

Local 110 inside wireman apprenticeship graduates, joined by local unionofficers and JATC representatives, attend 2007 completion ceremony. Fromleft, back row: JATC Instructor Michael Gruber, Jeremy Reule, Jose Lopez,Kenneth Lewis, Benjamin Wood, Jason Whipple, Michael Roberts, ChadLanger, Scott Madson and Michael Highland. Middle row: JATC Training Dir.William Kendle, JATC Instructor Jerry Hagen, Michael Moore, Peter Everson,Daniel Weir, Conrad King, Kevin Peterson, Christopher Steinke, ChristopherBrunsoman, Joshua Rezac, William LaPlante and Local 110 Bus. Mgr. MichaelRedlund. Front row: Tony Sponsler, Bob Wegner, Mathew Reich, MatthewFisher, Stephan Broughton, Dave Eschbach, Kenley Bonn, Mark Ostertag,Local 110 Pres. Jamie McNamara and JATC Asst. Training Dir. Ed Nelson.

Local 230 Apprentice Leah Chailler (left), Dr. GordonSleivert and Emery Electric Foreman Dave Mills infront of the Canadian Sports Centre project.

fund-raisers, we were encouraged by the suc-cess of their most recent event, sponsorship ofa wrestling tournament involving 16 highschools. Although our contributions may bemodest, they are always a heartfelt reflection ofour members’ generous response to the needsof our community.

One of the projects Local 234 members haveproudly worked on for the past year is theCannery Row Hotel in Monterey, which reflectsthe breathtaking beauty along our central coast.To each of our members we say job well-done andkudos for your skilled contributions to this mag-nificent project on the pristine Monterey Bay.

Stephen Slovacek, P.S.

Customer Service Rep SummitL.U. 266 (u), PHOENIX, AZ—On Jan. 25, 2008,we held a very productive Customer ServiceRepresentative Summit. It had been several yearssince we held a CSR summit and we were pleasedto be able to get them started up again. The nextsummit is being planned for February 2009 and iscurrently set to be held in Los Angeles.

At the Jan. 25 summit we had representa-tives from Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas,Missouri and Texas, for a total of 23 participants.It was wonderful to meet everyone and exchangeinformation, concerns and successes.

We discussed the common problems all ourphone centers experience and the different solu-tions we have all tried. Many great and variedremedies were shared. We also talked about cur-rent trends each of us are seeing and how best tohandle them. We had lively discussions on internalorganizing and new employee orientations. It wasinformative to hear about different approaches wehave tried and what was found most successful.

The summit concluded with a tour of theSalt River Project phone center. We thank every-one for their participation and insight on issues.We had a great time and hope to see everyone atthe next summit.

Wanda Waldo, A.B.A.

Journeyman ClassesL.U. 280 (c,ees,em,es,i,mo,mt,rts&st), SALEM,OR—At this writing, it is the end of January andthe weather is cold with a lot of snowfall in themountains. The work picture is seasonally slow andshould pick up this summer with reports of a $200million basketball arena to be built in Eugene.

The journeyman class schedule is out, somake sure to sign up for some of these fineclasses. Please don’t wait until you have to getyour hours in to renew your license; take thoseclasses now! Dedicated instructors teach ourapprentices and many of them, such as MarkDeForest, teach fiber optics and other BICSIapproved courses to journeymen as well. Mark has

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 r � April 2008 11

done an outstanding job of taking our LimitedEnergy program to the highest level and all of usreally appreciate his efforts. Our Limited Energyjourneymen do an outstanding job out in the fieldand on job sites representing the IBEW. Keep upthe good work and please attend the union meet-ings to let the local know how best to serve you.

Local 280 mourns the passing of retireesRobert Stephens, Cecil Scott, Cliff Hieble andArlo Joranger.

Please work safe. Remember the picnic atTimber Linn Park on Sat., Sept. 13!

Jerry Fletcher, Pres.

Code of ExcellenceL.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS,MN—IBEW Local 292 has been a front-runner inthe Code of Excellence program. The local imple-mented the training program in August 2007.Local 292 has trained approximately 1,278 mem-bers and certified four shops as COE in a contin-ued effort to be second to none in this competitiveconstruction market. The Code reaffirms what wehave always tried to be: the best value for electri-cal construction in the industry today.

In an increasingly competitive market, it isimportant to hone and improve our skills everyday, and the Code is an attempt at doing just that.Come to work on time fit for duty; Obey recognizedcustomer and employer work rules; Demonstratezero tolerance for alcohol and substance abuse;Exercise proper safety, health and sanitation prac-tices. The Code is a selling point that customershold in high esteem when considering the contrac-tors for a project. So far, 10 jobs have been won, inpart, by the COE program. The Code is an effectivemeans of continued growth and security.

Brandon Romann, P.S.

Construction Foreman TrainingL.U. 300 (govt,i,mt&u), MONTPELIER, VT—IBEWLocal 300 recently announced an intensive construc-tion foreman’s training session for its members.

The five-week course, coordinated by theLocal 300 JATC, follows the “project control sys-

tem” methodology, a mechanism that allowsmanagers to efficiently execute the work beingperformed. Core subjects covered include instal-lation, documentation, administration and super-vision. Classes were held Feb. 23, March 1,March 8 and March 15 at Local 300’s SouthBurlington union hall.

“Leadership skills are undoubtedly in highdemand throughout the building trades,” saidApprenticeship Dir. Jean Watkins. “This lessonprovides best practices for running a construc-tion job from soup to nuts. Local 300 apprenticesand licensed electricians receive the finest train-ing in the business, which ensures that cus-tomers get top-shelf service from our membersand contractors.”

Jeff Sanford, owner of JS Electric in St.Albans, taught the course. For details aboutfuture IBEW Local 300 classes, contact Watkinsat (802) 864-5864 or jmw@ibewlocal300.org.

Matt Lash, P.S.

Progress Brings HopeL.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OH—The work year hasbegun on a positive note as property acquisitionand demolition equipment have gotten busy inAkron. The utility infrastructure and streetscapeconduits will be going in at the East AkronGoodyear Campus and the new Akron UniversitySports Complex, along with adjacent retail andhousing facilities, as this issue goes to press.

The presidential election process is in fullswing and reminds one of the past AndrewJackson (our first popular vote president ofhumble beginnings) elections where“Democracy Versus Aristocracy” was the cry ofthe day! Washington lobbyists are shovingmoney anywhere they can to hedge their bets onthe outcome of this election. The world watchesand waits as we exercise what our forefathersrisked everything for—the right to vote! Don’tlet them down!!

We mourn the loss of Bro. Pat Yankulov andretired Bros. George Csanyi and Forrest Ryan.

Love your families – install AFCIs (arc faultcircuit interrupters) and GFCIs (ground faultcircuit interrupters) in your home!

Robert Sallaz, V.P./P.S.

Organizing/Ad CampaignL.U. 322 (govt,i,it,lctt,o&u), CASPER, WY—

We are blessed with a boom in the energy mar-kets that has supplied good work for our localand traveling members. A big thanks to travelerswho have helped man our work.

2007 was a busy year for our local. TheOrganizing/Advertising Committee embarked onan aggressive campaign to improve market shareand educate residents of Wyoming on what wehave to offer as a labor organization.

Local 322 made contributions to the ‘Make-A-Wish’ Foundation and that turned out to bebeneficial all the way around. Not only did themoney help other families in the community –but we were also pleased that Local 322 memberJon Van Meter’s daughter was granted a wish togo to Disney World!

Local 322 held several food drives anddelivered food to various organizations that helpthe needy.

2008 promises to be busy. The local’smonthly meetings in Casper were moved fromSaturday to Tuesday to increase participation,and that has been a success. We also plan tomodify the guidelines for the 40-Hour Club, toimprove rewards members receive for participat-ing/helping with local functions.

Chris Morgan, P.S.

Solar PV Workshop & SeminarL.U. 332 (c,ees,i&st), SAN JOSE, CA—At thiswriting, Local 332 was making plans to host asolar workshop for members scheduled forMarch 29-30, 2008. This two-day workshop pro-vides electricians with an introduction to thelatest and best techniques for installing photo-voltaic systems. We will be training and certify-ing up to 200 Solar Integrators. At press time,130 members were signed up for the class.

IBEW/NECA also was scheduled to host a“PV Solar Business Development” Seminar onMarch 5, 2008. This one-day workshop, for elec-trical contractors and future contractors, willprovide management with an executive sum-mary of the latest and best techniques for build-ing and enhancing their commercial andindustrial solar photovoltaic business. At presstime we were expecting 30 contractors toattend this seminar.

The solar industry is growing by leaps andbounds. We need to have a workforce of membersand contractors available to claim this work.This is one of many classes and seminars to beheld. Please actively support solar by attendingthe classes.

Gerald Pfeiffer, Pres.

Local 280 instructor Mark DeForest (far left) talkswith apprentices on last day of school. Apprentices,from left, are: Daniel Castillo, Michael Henebry,Dean Wilson and Derek Saele.

Proud members of Local 292 on one of many Codeof Excellence certified projects.

Local 322 members and families attend annual picnic.

Local 234 members, employedby Cupertino Electric, are work-ing on the Cannery Row Hotelproject in Monterey, CA. Fromleft: Jake Mahler, Steven Luiz,Andy Gattis, John Parker, JuniorTrujillo, Ruben Lozano, ChrisKiner, Devin Fehn, Robert Perez,Jesus Ramirez, Rudy Martinez,Seth Dietz, Tony Lazaro, JoshSanderson, Ismael Estrada,Casey Chadwick and Mario Vera.

We Can Make a DifferenceL.U. 340 (em,i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA—I’m writing this on Tues., February 5, 2008,Democratic Primary day in California. Resultsaren’t in yet so I don’t know who the voters havechosen, how the propositions turned out or evenhow many of our Local 340 members voted. But Ido know this. Those of you who did not votetoday will probably kick yourselves tomorrow fornot voting and I am sure you will have an opinionon the results! The upcoming elections inNovember are critical to the “health & welfare”of the middle class in America. We all need toget involved in politics and believe that this is atime in our democracy when we can makechange! For our local to get larger and stronger,it will take the efforts of many. Join your localvolunteer committees and get involved, whetherby representing the IBEW at events such aspolitical rallies, city council meetings, schoolboard meetings, phone banking and precinctwalking, wherever you are needed. You can helpmake the difference. Please vote in November!

We mourn the passing of retired membersCharles L. Bachus, Vinton Byron Champe,William R. Johnson, Henry A. Talken and Henry“Hank” Wilson. Rest in peace, brothers.

A.C. Steelman, B.M.

Salt Lake City WorkL.U. 354 (i,mt,rts&spa), SALT LAKE CITY, UT—The work picture for Utah looks very good for theupcoming year. We have a number of jobs awardedand will start as soon as the weather breaks.

With Bus. Mgr. Rich Kingery’s guidance, ourapprentices have started a committee to fosterbrotherhood and unionism. The ACES,Apprentice Council Encouraging Solidarity,started several recreational activities in whichall members are welcome to participate. Watchthe monthly newsletter for more information.

The following members passed away in2007: Richard Woodbury, David Kunze, CarlosClark, Larry Geisler, Ervin Gustaveson, FrankMathews, Ronald Grange, Cory Olsen, MarcusGriffin, Ace Bills, William Holder, Lynn Nelson,Blen Morgan, Blair Kennedy, Warren Kister,Devon Boothe, Frank Brower, Robert Fry, BrianMonk, Larry Baker, Richard Beatty and RonaldRohner. Our sincere condolences to the familiesof these fine members.

Local Registrar Carl Brailsford is gettinginformation to the members about the upcomingelection, and the entire staff is busy helpingmembers register for the very important electionthis fall.

“Bad officials are elected by good citizenswho do not vote.”—George Jean Nathan.

Manya Blackburn, R.S.

Register to Vote!L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCK-FORD, IL—With great sorrow we learned of thetragic loss of Bro. Josh Boomgarden, who died asa result of an automobile accident. Bro. Josh,who recently topped out, was an asset to ourlocal and the IBEW. He will be sorely missed.Please pray for Bro. Boomgarden’s family.

At this writing, the primary election cam-paign is in full-swing, with the Illinois Democraticpresidential primary occurring the day this isbeing written. We are proud that both remainingDemocrats, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary

Clinton, are from Illinois. We are very fortunatethat either one will be a strong advocate forAmerica’s working families.

We’re working to register to vote 100 percentof our membership for the upcoming election. Weplan to contact our membership numerous timesleading up to Election Day, to ensure they areaware of the candidates who are proven friends ofunion families.

On March 1 our LMCC held its annualevening for members to attend a RockfordIceHogs hockey match. The IceHogs are theminor league affiliate of the NHL’s ChicagoBlackhawks. The “Hogs” are fighting for firstplace this season. The event was a fun-filledevening of brotherhood coupled with excitinghockey. Go IceHogs!

Ray Pendzinski, P.S.

Weston 4 Power PlantL.U. 388 (em,i,rts&spa), STEVENS POINT, WI—The local wishes to recognize its members fortheir professionalism and outstanding work ethicon a recent project. The following members per-formed tasks for the startup and commissioning ofthe instrumentation and control systems for theWeston 4 Power Plant: Fred Sharer, Ron Fraser,Mike Grocholski and Glenn Kulas.

Many more IBEW members, too numerous tolist here, helped build the Weston 4 plant, locatednear Wausau, WI. Without the fine work of allinvolved – their attention to safety and their com-mitment to excellence – this project, which wascompleted on time and on budget, would not havebeen such a great success.

Engineering firm Black & Veatch wrote a let-ter commending the work of IBEW members onthe project. “We can honestly say this projectwould not be where it is today without the devo-tion and work ethics exhibited by these individu-als,” the firm wrote.

At press time, the work is slowing down, butwe hope to have a busy spring and summer.Thanks again for the great work of the Local 388members and the traveling brothers and sisters.

Guy LePage, B.R./P.S.

Oil Sands Plant ConstructionL.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc,rtb,rts,spa&u),EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA—Announcements regarding construction of sev-eral Ft. McMurray oil sands plants are madealmost weekly. Staying on top of events, alongwith a full employment picture, keeps the busi-ness office extremely busy. To lighten the workload and better service the membership, Bus.

Mgr. Tim Brower recently made several staffadditions. Bro. Jim Watson assumes full-timelocal union president duties. Bro. JamesStevenson is assigned as a business rep, andBro. Doug Mark as business assistant for someof the Edmonton area industrial sector. In addi-tion, Bus. Asst. Gord Graham, trustee for MRTF,has hired two more organizers. Bro. RyanSaunders is assigned to Edmonton and north-ern Alberta, and Bro. Andrew Fowler to south-ern Alberta.

The rapid pace of developments hasrequired innovative decisions. One such decisionwas to sign a “project labor agreement” forSuncor’s multi-year, $20 billion “Voyageur” expan-sion. Through shrewd negotiating, this PLA isvastly improved from Suncor’s first offer, ensur-ing that millions of man-hours of electrical workare done by 424 at full benefits, (thereby enrich-ing the members’ Pension & Benefits Funds),with all overtime at double time and round tripairfares at the end of a 10-day shift. This allowsour members, (southern Alberta residents inparticular) and traveler members a more benignand safer commute to and from the job site.

Dave Anderson, P.S.

Valentine’s COPE DanceL.U. 494 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), MILWAUKEE, WI—Our local’s annual Valentines dance was a bigsuccess this year and keeps on growing. Weraised over $2,000 for COPE and danced thenight away. Fernando Hernandez was the bigwinner on a raffle for an $800 Midwest Expresstravel voucher. Congratulations to Bro.Hernandez and all who helped make the eventa success.

Tim Hanson, B.R.

Turtle Creek Casino ProjectL.U. 498 (c,catv,em,i&spa), TRAVERSE CITY,MI—At this writing our local is in the middle ofthe Turtle Creek Casino Resort project inWilliamsburg, MI. This project should keep worksteady through the spring of 2008, and otherprojects on the horizon are keeping us opti-mistic. We welcome all new Inside, Residential,and CW/CE members.

JATC Instructor Bob Schramski wasrecently recognized for 20 years of service to theTraverse City JATC. Congratulations to thosewho completed the inside and residentialapprenticeship in the last year.

Our local recently lost retired Bros. JohnWeeman Sr. and Gerald Rickard. Our condo-lences go out to their families.

Tim R. Babcock, P.S.

Mega Projects BeginningL.U. 502 (c,em,i,it&t), ST. JOHN, NEWBRUNSWICK, CANADA—Local 502 members arebusy on two sites preparing for the refurbish-ment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power stationwith Local 502 contractors SafeguardsTechnology, Lorneville Mechanical, O’BrienElectric, ICS State and Sunny CornerEnterprises. The Canaport liquefied natural gasterminal is currently home to more than 60 Local502 wiremen through Gardner Electric and ICSState with a peak of 150 expected in early spring.Several other projects include the Petcoke fuelproject at Colson Cove generating station, thePotash Corp. mine and McCulley natural gasfield near Sussex and a new hydrogenationamine tail gas unit at the Irving oil refinery.

We are pleased to welcome new contractorsSafeguards Technology and Scoudouc Industries,currently working on projects at the Potash Corp.mine and Point Lepreau generating station.

The generosity of Local 502 was overflowinglast Christmas. The Saint John ChristmasExchange, Hestia House for Battered Women andChildren, the Romero House Soup Kitchen, theSisters of Charity and five local needy familiesreceived food, clothing, presents and cash.

We mourn the loss of Bro. Harold Haggerty.Harold proudly served as recording secretary andEEAP resource agent.

Dave Stephen, P.S.

Marketing Our SkillL.U. 508 (i,it&o), SAVANNAH, GA—Local 508 hasestablished a new committee whose purpose is tocreate a portfolio advertising our craft. To excelin today’s world, every business must spend sometime and money promoting itself. Our committeegoal will be to market our union skill. Subjects tobe highlighted will include apprenticeship train-ing and our safety objectives.

Our apprenticeship program is one of our mostimportant selling points. The finest electrical work-ers in the country receive their education throughthe National Joint Apprenticeship and TrainingCommittee. The National Electrical ContractorsAssociation (NECA) and the IBEW form the part-nership that produces the most up-to-date electricalapprentices and journeymen in the country.

Our Brotherhood also boasts a Safety andHealth Department that is dedicated not only tothe safety and health of our members, but also tothe safety and health of all working people.

This portfolio may be a wonderful organiz-ing tool that will win new contractors and drawmore electricians to our local.

Judith U. Sheahan, R.S.

Tulsa Centennial CelebrationL.U. 584 (ees,em,es,i,rts,spa&u), TULSA, OK—IBEW Local 584 recently celebrated its 100thanniversary. The local's charter was grantedSept. 24, 1907, predating Oklahoma statehood bynearly two months. This charter’s listed addresswas Tulsa, Indian Territory, USA.

To celebrate this monumental occasion, ourlocal hosted an outdoor affair on the evening ofSept. 15, 2007, attended by over 800 members,retirees, friends and family.

The centennial event featured a cateredbarbecue dinner, children’s games, and livemusic from three bands, each of which includedmembers of our local. A service pin award cere-

12 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � April 2008

Local 388 members and IBEW travelers worked onthe Weston 4 Power Plant project.

Local 498 JATC Instructor Bob Schramski is hon-ored for his 20 years of service to the Traverse City,MI, Electrical JATC.

mony was also held. Additionally, commemora-tive 100-year pins were given to each memberand retiree in attendance. Presenting the pinswere: Seventh District Int. Vice Pres. JonathanB. Gardner, Seventh District Int. Rep. GaryBuresh and Local 584 Bus. Mgr. Mike Burton.

Photos were made of each pin presentation,and will be made into a commemorative book soon.IBEW Local 584—100 years old and going strong!

Johnny Patterson, A.B.M.

Confined Space Safety ClassL.U. 606 (em,es,i,rtb,spa&u), ORLANDO, FL—The JATC recently held a “confined space” classfor some of our members who work for BuenaVista Construction Co. In order to work forBVCC, the IBEW members must have a currentconfined space card.

The work picture looks good this spring.Through the hard work of our organizers andrepresentatives, our local has organized ninenew contractors this past year.

We extend sincere condolences to the fami-lies of the following members who recentlypassed away: Bros. Tom Hand and James Stakes.

Janet D. Skipper, P.S.

Benefit Golf TournamentL.U. 636 (as,catv,em,spa&u), TORONTO,ONTARIO, CANADA—Welcome to our newestExecutive Board member Ian Morris, fromHorizon Utilities, St. Catherines centre. Ianreplaces John Thornton, who was recently pro-moted to Local 636 vice president! Congratulations,gentlemen, and we wish you both well in yourrespective stations and trust you will serve thelocal exceptionally.

Congratulations to municipal worker membersat Central Huron, who recently ratified a two-yearcontract, and to the members at Sutherland-Schultz, who recently ratified a three-year contract.

Good luck to the members at Nexans,Chubb, ADT and Brampton Hydro OneNetworks, who are currently embroiled in con-tract negotiations.

Mark your calendar for the fifth annualIBEW Local 636 “Chatham-Kent” GolfTournament on May 24, at Country View GolfCourse – 18 hole scramble, cart, buffet, prizes,shotgun start at 12:00 p.m. Cost is $70 per per-son. The event is hosted by Chatham-KentEnergy Services and Chatham-Kent Hydro &Utility Service Employees. Proceeds go to the CKHealth Alliance MRI Initiative. For information,e-mail: joezimmer@ckenergy.com.

Shown in the accompanying photo is the lat-est group of apprentices at Enersource HydroMississuga, who are at varying stages of their line-man, substation, metering and control roomapprenticeships. Welcome and good luck, brothers.

Robert Mogus, P.S.

Members Win Township OfficesL.U. 654 (i), CHESTER, PA—We congratulateBro. Rich Digregorio on his election to the officeof Borough Councilman, and Bro. Fred Grant onhis re-election to the office of TownshipCommittee. Bro. Grant was also sworn in asmayor. The increasing number of members becom-ing involved as candidates is encouraging to see.These positions present the surest way to learn ofupcoming work. They also provide the ability tointeract directly with other legislators, which iscritical to developing sympathetic relationshipswith our lawmakers. These are the people whodesign the policies, ordinances and laws thataffect not only our ability to secure prevailingwage work, but also the legislation that addresseshealth care, retirement, workers’ compensationand workers’ rights. These posts can also serve asthe first step to a position of greater significance.

Congratulations also to Bro. Bill Martin onhis recent election as president of theInternational Foundation of Employee BenefitPlans. [See article in IBEW Journal, spring 2008issue.] This is a great honor for Local 654, as Bro.Martin becomes the first IBEW member toachieve this position.

Jim Russell, V.P./P.S.

Richmond Work PictureL.U. 666 (i,mt&o), RICHMOND, VA—The workoutlook in our jurisdiction really looks good! AtPhilip Morris, primary work will be underway byApril 2008 at the Bells Road Plant. Also sched-uled to begin by April 2008 are the LogisticsUniversity project at Ft. Lee, and the ReynoldsCrossing project for Philip Morris headquarters.

Congratulations to recent retirees: ThomasAgee, Terry Pettiford-Barnes, Kenny Degan,Harry Hitechew Jr., Ronnie Lawhorne, ShermanMinter, Moses Mitchell, Wayne Neale, Ramon

Pollard, Jack Violette, Donald Welch andConald Whitaker.

We mourn the passing of: Clarence Cumber,Andre Guimond, Aubrey Hall, Kenny Heath,Sterling Hill, George Lester, Todd Lester, ToddLewis, Curt McMunn, Cecil Parker, Jack Pettygrew,Bill Satterwhite and Herbert “Willie” Williams.

Larry Southward, P.S.

Work Forecast ImprovesL.U. 684 (c,i,rts&st), MODESTO, CA—The workforecast in our jurisdiction has improved more. Weanticipate full employment for Book I. We haveconsecutive blast furnace projects at Gallo Glass,the Gregori High School project, the El Nido bio-mass co-generator and Modesto Water Treatment,as well as the wastewater treatment plant jobs.

Electrical Project Supervision (EPS)classes are being offered at our JATC. Local 684urges our members to attend these classes forthe valuable skills this training provides.

Local 684 invites everyone to explore ourWeb site: www.ibewlu684.org. This new venuewill expand as features are added.

Remember to vote. Together we can changethe world.

Torrey Newton, P.S.

‘Welcome Aboard’L.U. 700 (em,i,o&spa), FT. SMITH, AR—Local700 congratulates the following members oncompleting their apprenticeship: James Goberand Steve Hammers. Bro. Hammers won theOutstanding Apprentice Award. We are veryproud of these brothers.

We extend a warm welcome aboard to ournew full-time JATC Coordinator, Debbie Carter.Debbie has been the secretary for the JATC since1989. She invites everyone to visit the JATC’s newWeb site at www.fort-smith-electrical-jatc.com.

Local 700 remembers all those serving inthe armed forces, especially those from our ownlocal. Bro. Donald McKinney will soon bedeployed for his second tour of duty in Iraq. Ourprayers and thoughts will be with him.

Charles D. McKinney, B.M.

Award RecipientsL.U. 702 (as,c,catv,cs,em,es,et,govt,i,it,lctt,mo,mt,o,p,pet,ptc,rtb,rts,se,spa,st,t,u,uow&ws), WESTFRANKFORT, IL—Fifty-year-plus members werehonored at the January union meetings. Awardrecipients in attendance at the West Frankfort meet-ing were: James Hagler, Donald Wheat, FrederickDailey, William Eutsler and Raymond Flanigan. ThePana Unit had one attendee, Ralph Hughes; and theEvansville Unit had one attendee, Charles Koestring.

We currently have 104 journeyman wiremenand two apprentice wiremen on the Book 1 Out ofWork List.

The organizing campaign in Missouri foroutside construction is progressing well, and the

Power Line Consultant employees are awaitingthe NLRB election results.

The Evansville, IN, members employed atALCOA recently received $3.92 an hour, out of a$4 maximum, in 2007 for their incentive pay.Safety was included in the calculation with zerolost time and zero recordable accidents.

Brothers and sisters, this is the year to winback the White House. Be active in the politicalprocess. Get out and vote!

Marsha Steele, P.S.

Service Pins AwardedL.U. 712 (c&i), BEAVER, PA—The following mem-bers recently received their 50-year IBEW serviceaward pins: Joseph Bahurinsky, James E. Barnett,James A. Bluedorn, Richard E. Bradley, John B.Etheridge, Hubert Gerstnecker, Robert K. Harry,Oliver T. Hill, F. Willis Kaufman, Robert H. Low,Glen A. Lutz, Herbert McClelland, FrankMcCracken, Duane McCullough, Richard C. Merritt,Robert M. Namadan, Raymond H. Peters, WilliamPhillips, Allen E. Sluder, Robert R. Smith, Gerald L.Talbot, Roy W. Turney, William E. Waid, Richard E.Weber, Donald W. Wilcox and Leslie W. Wise.

Members who received 55-year IBEW serv-ice awards are: Carlyle W. Davis, Clyde H. Ellis,Walter W. Kirchel, Earl Roman, Salvitore J. Tateand David R. Thompson.

Recent recipients of the 60-year IBEW serv-ice award pins are: William C. Attaway, Charles H.Bender, William N. George, Robert C. Hoke,Richard V. Leonard, Michael Namadam andWesley F. Winkle.

The local building trades are negotiating aproject labor agreement for a new harness racingtrack and casino, Valley View Downs, inLawrence County, PA. The project should breakground in June.

Larry Nelson, P.S.

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 r � April 2008 13

LOCAL LINES continued on page 16

IBEW Local 584in Tulsa, OK,recently cele-brated its 100thanniversary.

Local 606 journeymen who recentlyparticipated in a confined space safetyclass at the JATC are, from left: MikeKing, Allen Guy, Mike Stohlmann, TomLicari, Ralph Fasan, Barry Krumwiede,Tom Carey, Ronnie Fields, Cliff GilmoreJr., Lonnie Canady, Neil Benton, JavierRamos and Mike Gonnelly.

Local 636 apprentices at Enersource HydroMississauga.

Local 702 winners of the 24th annual Lineman'sRodeo, 1st place overall journeyman team - con-tractor division, from left: Brad Logan, Ian Mooreand Kurt Diekemper. Not pictured: Jeremy Byers,1st place overall construction apprentice winner.

Local 712 members receive 60-year serviceawards. From left: Richard V. Leonard, William N.George, Charles H. Bender, Wesley F. Winkle andWilliam C. Attaway.

The steel columns of the World Trade Center left stand-ing after the explosions and the searing fires of 9/11were symbols that all was not lost. But it was clearthat our nation and our values were being tested.

Those values are alive in the work force that gave birth tothe USS New York and its bow, forged from some of thosetwisted columns. It takes teamwork and solidarity to build agiant vessel. At Northrop Grumman, those qualities weresharpened on the job in a long, difficult quest for safe workingenvironments, fairness, decent pay and working conditions.

The ship is built. Powerful armaments are in place. Butour American values are still being tested just a few milesdown the road from Northrop Grumman’s Pascagoula yard.

A group of electricians, welders and other workers atSignal International Shipyard, a subcontractor, are building

sections of new Navy ships. They have been brought over from India under H-2B “guestworker” visas and housed in windowless trailers.

Though they are paid prevailing wages, the Indian workers are forced to rebate largesums of their pay in exchange for their accommodations. It’s a modern-day version of “I owemy soul to the company store.”

In March, 100 Indian workers at Signal walked off the job. Singing “We Shall Overcome” intheir native language, they threw off their hard hats in protest. They told Biloxi’s WLOX that theywere sick of living “like pigs in a cage.” The company has threatened them with deportation.

Signal International says that they are filling a shortage of labor. But the federal govern-ment awarded contracts for Navy ships with the expectation that work would be performedon American soil by American workers.

“Never forget,” the motto of the USS New York, doesn’t apply only to our enemies on for-eign soil. It’s a warning that, if we are not vigilant, we can lose our most cherished values hereat home, too. �

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

HOWTO REACH US

We welcome letters from our readers. The writer should include his or her name, address and, ifapplicable, IBEW local union number and card number. Family members should include the localunion number of the IBEW member to whom The Electrical Worker is mailed. Please keep lettersas brief as possible. The Electrical Worker reserves the right to select letters for publication and editall 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: publications@ibew.org

©2008 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 503RPO West Beaver CreekRichmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6

The Electrical Worker was the name of the first official publication ofthe National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1893 (the NBEWbecame the IBEW in 1899 with the expansion of the union intoCanada). The name and format of the publication have changed overthe years. This newspaper, along with the IBEW Journal magazine,now published quarterly, now constitute the official publications ofthe IBEW and seek to capture the courage and spirit that motivatedthe founders of the Brotherhood and continue to inspire the union’smembers today. The masthead of this newspaper is an adaptation ofthat of the first edition in 1893.

14 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � April 2008

Thirty-nine years ago when I was initiated into KansasCity, Mo., Local 124, I couldn’t have imagined thatsomeday I would be speaking to you as InternationalSecretary-Treasurer. I want to thank International

President Edwin D. Hill and the members of the IEC for theconfidence they have placed in me.

Born and raised in the heart of the Midwest, I’ve heardpundits, radio show hosts and others bash the culture ofWashington, D.C., for years, criticisms echoed by members,neighbors and friends back home. “They just don’t get it,”was the frequent complaint.

I have to admit, going to work every day at my newoffice, I sometimes wonder if I’m stuck in a parallel universe.

Our president has managed to rack up the biggest debtin our country’s history while vetoing health care coveragefor children. Within walking distance of my office, Congresscontinues to push for more tax cuts while our industrial infrastructure starves for funding.

I’ve seen the damage unlimited free trade has inflicted on working families across theMidwest and Great Plains, but the conventional wisdom is that NAFTA was a stunning successfor our country.

But as the gray clouds of winter lift, it’s hard not to sense the opportunities for realchange that are opening up with the final days of the Bush administration. It’s the kind ofchange we made in the Eleventh District through our organizing and political mobilizationefforts, just as has been done in other districts of the IBEW.

There is no doubt that this is a great time to be here at the I.O. The legacy of leadershipleft by Jon Walters will act as my road map in the coming years.

President Hill’s leadership has put our great union on the path of growth and stability.This is the time to kick it up a notch and build on what we have accomplished, and that iswhat I intend to do in this office. �

F R OM T H E O F F I C E R S

EXECUTIVEOFFICERS

Edwin D. HillInternational President

Lindell K. LeeInternational Secretary-Treasurer

INTERNATIONALEXECUTIVECOUNCIL

ChairmanRobert W. Pierson

First DistrictJoseph P. Calabro

Second DistrictMyles J. Calvey

Third DistrictJohn R. Clarke

Fourth DistrictJackie E. Goodwin

Fifth DistrictStephen Schoemehl

Sixth DistrictGregory A. Lucero

Seventh DistrictPatrick Lavin

Eighth DistrictRick Dowling

INTERNATIONALVICE PRESIDENTS

First DistrictPhillip J. Flemming

Second DistrictFrank J. Carroll

Third DistrictDonald C. Siegel

Fourth DistrictSalvatore J. Chilia

Fifth DistrictJoe S. Davis

Sixth DistrictJoseph F. Lohman

Seventh DistrictJonathan B. Gardner

Eighth DistrictTed C. Jensen

Ninth DistrictMichael S. Mowrey

Tenth DistrictRobert P. Klein

Eleventh DistrictCurtis E. Henke

THE ELECTRICALWORKER

EditorEdwin D. Hill

C. James Spellane

Mark Brueggenjohann

Mike Nugent

Malinda Brent

Len Shindel

Carol Fisher

Alex Hogan

Elizabeth Pultar

Lindell K. LeeInternational Secretary-Treasurer

On Course for Change

Never Forget

Edwin D. HillInternational President

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 r � April 2008 15

In the late 1950s and early1960s, I spent the summer andwinter breaks working in my latefather’s electrical contracting busi-ness with his three main electri-cians, Bud, Fred and Rice.

I learned electrical workfrom them, but it all goes handin hand with the union move-ment. Pay people well, give themgood benefits, and people enjoytheir lives. It’s what I thinkunions are about.

Bud at 135 pounds is the strongest personfor his size I ever met. He could bend 1-inch EMTwith the smoothest motion, a feat most all electri-cians struggle with. He would pick me up and wewould have coffee with Fred and Rice beforegoing to work. They loved to joke with the wait-ress and each other. We’d arrive at the job site15 minutes early, open the gang box and talkabout work or current events. At 7:30 a.m. wewere up and working.

Fred was amazing about laying out work. Hehad a “grab it and growl” philosophy: figure outwhat you want to do and go after it. No job wastoo hard. His racks of conduit were always niceand clean and efficient. He is extremely smart.

Rice was great with his hands. He showedme how to hold a hacksaw, screwdriver, a drill.He showed me how to use my hands and how toposition myself to do the work, how to make thework go easy and correct.

Rice was a sign man. He did any kind of highwork.We’d put lights on skyscrapers in Cincinnati,and he’d go out on the ledges on top of a 50-storybuilding and it was no problem. He had great con-centration. In World War II, he crossed severalmiles into enemy territory in Germany to be a spot-ter for tank-mounted guns. He’d tell them wherethe allies’ bombs were landing. He would say aimto the left or right, or up or down.

We started off doing small jobs, installing afew light fixtures for a shoe store. Things like that.We had a very small company. I studied on myown. I got my master electricians license when Iwas 24 and my MBA at the University of Cincinnati.

Fred, Rice and Bud all wound up being fore-men on our big jobs. They went from being men-tors to my employees.

In 1984, there was a strike here. I had topreserve Mayers Electric. We had asked for a

wage cut. I was trying to reach an agreementthat would allow me to survive. Freddy told me atthat time, “I agree with you but I can tell you I’mgoing to be union person all of my life.” I realizedthen I had to come up with a settlement. I wantedto maintain these people as our employees,because they were such good employees. Theydidn’t strike me. Of 50 contractors, 35 werestruck over second shops.

The local didn’t want second (open) shops.Other companies had started them, but I said Iwould sign an agreement that I would not. If youwant to be open, be open, but if you want to beunion, commit to the system and try to make itthe best.

I was president of our NECA chapter for 14years and have been on the health and welfaretrust for 20 years. I try to make our signatory sys-tem the best way of work.

Bud worked 37 years, Rice 32 and Fred31 for our company. In 100 years total on theirjobs, there was never a serious accident to anyone of them, or their other workers. And thiswas in a time with no safety books, manualsand programs. How did they do it? By getting tothe job a little early – not running in, ringing thebell and jumping to work, but by relaxing andthinking about what they were going to do.They had a presence of mind and focus ontheir job. Not only did they perform their worksafely, but they did correct work in an efficientand quick way.

At 10 minutes before 4 p.m., they cleaned upand at 4, they left to go home, most always happywith their day and ready to do something else.

I still have lunch about once a month withBud, Fred, Rice and some more of the retiredfolks. It is still just as much fun. They showed mehow to truly enjoy your job and have time and theability to have a great family life. �

A Contractor’s Tribute

Lettersto theEditorLettersto theEditorUnions for Kids

The IBEW is a title sponsor for the 6th annual Unions for Kids Poker Run and Chili Cook-Off in Portland, Ore. Our little poker run has grown from raising $2,500 in 2003 to$30,000 in 2007. We have asked for and received help from IBEW local unions as faraway as Los Angeles in support of our project.

Though we are supported by many labor unions, the event starts and ends atPortland Local 48. Many of the photos have IBEW somewhere in the background, fur-ther highlighting the IBEW as a leader in the community. The recipient of our event isDoernbecher Children's Hospital, certainly the foremost children's hospital in thePacific Northwest, and well recognized for its accomplishments in children's healthcare across the nation. Our Web site, www.unionsforkids.org, has more information.

Thanks again to all involved. We are on our way to donating $50,000 to the kidsin 2008.

Lee DuncanLocal 48 member, Portland, Ore.

Two Cents on FairPoint

As a customer of FairPoint Communications, I would like to add my own two centsabout them. I have found them to be mediocre. When they purchased the local privatephone company, FairPoint closed the local office. When we need assistance, we speakto someone in Washington state. When we purchased a bundle, not all of what we pur-chased was turned on. We have yet to receive any acknowledgement or directionsabout bundling, other than the bill. While the Internet access has improved, it is not asfast as I expected.

There are other inconveniences with them but they are just that, inconvenient.I was actually quite surprised to read of the proposed expansion as reported in the

Electrical Worker. Based on my experiences, I don't think that FairPoint has the kind ofresources to consider such a move.

Gerardo J. CaprarioLocal 102 retiree, Paterson, N.J.

Brotherhood Lives On

Brotherhood is alive and well in Local 25. At the December meeting Brother MichaelO’Grady addressed a tragedy that affected many in our local union. February 2007 sawthe untimely passing of Brother Elias Anchundia in a horrific electrical accident. Due to afund rule, the family was left without dental coverage.

After becoming aware of the problem, Brother O’Grady went to work helping thefamily. Mike’s son and brother are both dentists with ties to the IBEW. Mike Jr. worked asa summer helper in our local and Dr. John O’Grady worked in Local 3’s dental clinic.These two doctors have agreed to provide free general dental care to the wife and chil-dren of Elias Anchundia.

Thanks to Dr. John O’Grady and Dr. Michael O’Grady for their caring gesture andspecial thanks to Brother Michael O’Grady for putting this together.

James DonahueLocal 25 member, Long Island, N.Y.

If you have a story to tell about your IBEW experience, please send it topublications@ibew.org.

Who We Are

If you would like to receive your Electrical Worker via e-mail instead of in your mail-box, contact us at publications@ibew.org. Give us your name, IBEW local union num-ber, card number and e-mail address and we will send you the link to access TheElectrical Worker electronically.

Get Connected

In 1980, Howard Mayers took the reins of Mayers Electric Co., a small signatory shop in Cincinnati.Now president of one of the largest electrical contractors in the city, Mayers told the ElectricalWorker how his career in the industry was intertwined with the three IBEW members who shapedhis approach to life and work: Everett “Bud” Brown, Fred Holthaus and Adron Rice, all retired mem-

bers of Cincinnati Local 212.

Fred, left, Rice and Bud at the 1990 retirement dinner for Bud and Fred.

Houston Work PictureL.U. 716 (em,i,rts&spa), HOUSTON, TX—Thework picture in Houston continues to improve andseveral projects are still in the planning stages.Thanks to our organizing efforts and our travelingbrothers and sisters, we are manning our work.

We are continuing our “Get Out The Vote”campaign. Thanks to those members who blockwalked and phone banked during our primaryelections for our labor-friendly endorsed candi-dates. If you are not a registered voter, pleaseregister now. Your vote will count in November.

Thanks to our Pension trustees for their con-tinued diligence in our recent increase in pensionbenefits for our active, retired and future members.

Our annual children and adult Christmasparties were a great success. Thanks to FredEllis and the Entertainment Committee foranother great time!

Congratulations to John Easton Sr., on hisretirement—and thanks for the years of serviceto Local 716 as a member and an assistant busi-ness manager. I love you, Dad!

Local 716 will have a Brotherhood Bash forall members in May. Also our last Code Updateclass will be held May 31 for those needing torenew their state license.

John E. Easton Jr., B.M./F.S.

New Contractors Join 760L.U. 760 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), KNOXVILLE, TN—Local 760 recently welcomed its two newest sig-natory contractors: Tennessee Services Electricand Design 1 Building Systems. When asked whyhe moved his electrical division into Local 760,Design 1 Building Systems owner Ken Davis said:“IBEW 760 has the business sense we are lookingfor, access to skilled manpower we need—andthe training program is huge.”

Local 760 outside construction membersratified the Tennessee Statewide Agreement. Ourjourneyman linemen, apprentice linemen,groundmen and operators will see a well-earnedgrowth in wages over the next three years underthe new agreement.

The work outlook on TVA projects in 2008 isto be at an all time high with the expected proj-ects at Bull Run, Kingston and Watts Bar.

Voter Registration: Local 760 RegistrarFrank Anderson and our Political ActionCommittee are assisting members who are notregistered to vote. Frank will visit job sites,along with Asst. Bus. Agent Frog Jones, to getone-on-one with the members during thisimportant election year. To contact Frank, call(865) 776-8772.

George A. Bove, B.M./F.S.

Service to CommunityL.U. 796 (u), DOTHAN, AL—IBEW Local 796members at Farley Nuclear Plant teamed up tobrighten the holidays of 23 families with “Toys forTots.” The project received wish lists from fami-lies who are serviced by the House of Ruth, WiseChildren’s Center, and Alfred Saliba Services.With the help of each agency, the mothers wereable to pick up the presents for their children intime for Christmas. Each family was presentedwith a large box of food items and a certificatefor a turkey. Extra food items went to the FoodBank. Many thanks to all who participated in theholiday project to serve those in need.

A.G. James, Pres.

65th Anniversary CelebratedL.U. 804 (i&o), KITCHENER, ONTARIO,CANADA—With great joy this past year Local804 celebrated its 65th year as a chartered local,and on Dec. 7 we celebrated. From our earlybeginnings as a local not large enough to man asmall project, to a force of almost 1,300 memberstoday, we all have something to be proud of.

Along with those celebrations, we also con-gratulated the following members for 55 years ofservice: Morris Brown, John Heron, Basil Krusky,Maurice Levesque and John Shantz. Also recog-nized were 50-year pin recipients: Charles Bard,Bruce Church, John Couch, Gerald Guidolin,Wesley Henry, David Rendell and Kenneth Tuffnail.

Thanks to everyone for their hard work anddedication to Local 804’s success!

Glen Hicks, P.S.

WCIU Contract RatifiedL.U. 1220 (rtb), CHICAGO, IL—On Tuesday, Jan.29, bargaining members working at WCIUChannel 26 ratified a four-year contract. Thevote was cast at Local 134’s union hall, which istwo blocks away from WCIU’s broadcast facility.“Our thanks to Tim Foley [Local 134 businessmanager], who let us use his hall. Our memberswork strange broadcast hours, so they were ableto meet and vote on break or lunch,” said Local1220 Bus. Mgr. Madeleine Monaco.

“The last negotiations took over threeyears; this time Ms Monaco requested JavierRamirez, a federal mediator, to help the processalong,” said WCIU steward Chris Faulkner. “Iwas able to give a day-to-day report on the sta-tion’s practices and procedures.”

“It was pretty important to have someonefrom the bargaining unit at the table each timewe met,” Monaco said. “Chris told us exactly whatthe company was doing and how the bargainingunit felt about it. He spent a lot of his time for theunion and kept his brothers and sisters informedand involved for over a year. … He was invaluableand greatly appreciated,” added Monaco.

Jim Sterne, B.R./P.S.

AmerenIP Contract RatifiedL.U. 1306 (uow), DECATUR, IL—Our local union,in coordination with IBEW System Council U-05(comprised of Locals 51, 309, 649, 702 and 1306),reached a five-year agreement with AmerenIP.The contract was ratified by the membership onDec. 14, 2007. We are currently scheduled tomeet with AmerenIP on our benefits agreement.

Our members working at Clinton PowerStation successfully supported the latest refueloutage by performing additional tasks while stillmaintaining their routine duties. Members sup-ported by manning the Outage Control Center,

performing core verifications, ensuring workpackages were prepared and ready to work, andassisting with processing over 2,000 temporaryworkers. Congratulations to our members forhaving zero safety incidents during this outage.

Congratulations to Sister Angela Pierce,Sister Tami Ballenger and Bro. Brian Nicholsonon becoming Senior Engineering Representatives.

Remember to vote in the November election.We must support the candidates who are working-family friendly. Please attend your unit meetings.

Karlene Knisley, B.M./F.S.

New Officers WelcomedL.U. 1900 (so&u), WASHINGTON, DC—NewExecutive Board members are William Miller Jr.,Transmission, and Steve Sanner, Distribution.Ernest Harrison was sworn in as the local’s newtreasurer; and Vice Pres. Greg Waller agreed totake the position of local union registrar.

As the first order of business, Bro. Wallerinvited IBEW Political/Legislative Affairs Dir.Brian Baker to attend a Local 1900 ExecutiveBoard meeting and Bro. Baker gave an overviewof the process to get members involved in COPE.

I testified on several occasions at the D.C.Public Service Commission regarding PEPCO’saging work force and the deterioration of infra-structure due to little or no maintenance beingdone as a result of deregulation.

The officers are working closely with theoffice of the International Secretary-Treasurer inan attempt to have the companies we representadopt the IBEW Health Care Plan. Presentationsto the respective benefit managers are now takingplace. In solidarity, the IBEW business managerswho represent members of the holding companyare meeting on a regular basis to discuss changesthat can potentially affect all the local unions.

John L. Holt, Pres./B.M./F.S.

Congratulations to RetireesL.U. 2324 (t), SPRINGFIELD, MA—Our localextends congratulations and best wishes to the41 members of Local 2324 who recently retiredfrom Verizon. The departing members took earlyretirement packages in an effort to relieve thesurplus declared by the company. Their serviceto the IBEW and their skills on the job weregreatly appreciated.

The local reminds every member to takethe time to work safely, especially duringinclement weather. On the job safety is yourresponsibility, and your family wants you hometonight. Best of luck to all in the year ahead!

Joe Floyd, P.S.

16 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � April 2008

Local Linescontinued from page 13

Local 716 Bus. Mgr. John E. Easton Jr. (left), Asst.Bus. Mgr. John E. Easton Sr., Terry Neal, MembershipTraining director; and Roger Foster, MembershipDevelopment coordinator. IBEW Local 796 members employed at Farley

Nuclear Plant sponsored a community service holi-day project.

IBEW Tenth District Int. Rep. Brent E. Hall (front row, far right) recently presented the initial Code of Excellencetraining course to Local 760 officers and construction stewards. Training Dir. A.J. Pearson (front row, fifth fromleft) also attended. Bus. Mgr. George Bove snapped the photo.

Springfield Local 2324 Executive Board members attend December 2007 E-Board meeting. From left, DonWasuk, Unit 2 Pittsfield; Jeremy Dillensneider, Unit 3 Northampton; Matt McDonnell, Unit 1 Springfield; Bus.Mgr./Fin. Sec. John D. Rowley Sr.; Steve Booher, Unit 5 Westfield; Dave Wasuk, Unit 4 N. Adams/GreatBarrington; Karen Dowd, Unit 6 Greenfield; Chris Casino, Traffic at Large; Vice Pres. Richard Armida; JosephFloyd, Plant at Large; and Chuck Duffy, Avaya at Large; Pres. Bruce R. Lambert. Wearing Santa cap is formerE-Board member Paul Mark, now a Local 2325 member. Not pictured is Treas. Katherine A. Collins.