The Electrical Worker January 2011

W W W . I B E W . O R G

From city councils to theU.S. Senate, newlyelected officials acrossthe country take office

this month in the midst of theworst economic crisis since theGreat Depression. And while cor-porate America has restored itsprofit margins to pre-recessionlevels, working Americans con-tinue to feel the pinch, battered byjob losses, declining wages andrising health care costs.

Unemployment still hoversnear 10 percent, withmore than 15million people out of work. Andthose are only the official numbers.The number of workerswho havebeen unemployed for sixmonths ormore keeps rising, hitting 6.3mil-lion in December—a new record.

For IBEWmembers in the con-struction branch, the numbers areevenworse, running closer to 20 percent nation-wide andmore than double that in somepartic-ulary hard-hit regions.

America’s No. 1 priority in the midtermelections was made clear in poll after poll:jobs, jobs, jobs.

That means every elected official has amandate to cut through the partisanship tofocus on jumpstarting the economy and get-ting America back to work.

There is a heated debate going on—fromkitchen tables to state houses up to CapitolHill—about what our country’s priorities mustbe. Some lawmakers say that high levels ofunemployment are here to stay. They say weneed to focus on cutting programs like SocialSecurity and Medicaid and hope that more taxcuts for the wealthiest Americans will do thetrick. Some want to take away our right to adecent wage and freedom to join a union, driv-

ing down working stan-dards even further.

Some want to killmajor projects—likehigh speed rail—thatwould create thousandsof new jobs—all in thename of austerity.

But for IBEWmem-bers and their families,

more belt-tightening isn’t an option. The roadto financial prosperity is new jobs, not longerunemployment lines. Across the country thereare literally thousands of projects—from newpower plants and energy efficient buildingretrofits to new schools and manufacturingfacilities—that are ready to be built.

What is missing is the political will tomake them a reality. Regardless of how youvoted, it is up to every member of the IBEW tolet their lawmakers know—through one-on-one meetings, phone calls, letters and ral-lies—that we want them to fight for jobs.

In the coming year, we will be featuringstories from IBEW activists who are mobilizingmembers on the ground to push for good jobsand policies that help working people—layingthe foundation for a fairer and more prosper-ous economy and a stronger union. �

I N T H I S I S S U E

F IRST PUBL I SHED IN 1893

I N T E R N A T I O N A L B R O T H E R H O O D O F E L E C T R I C A L W O R K E R S Vol. 5 | No. 1 | January 2011

Fighting for Our Future:Putting Jobs First2 | Nov. results spawn electoral divide

3 | Workers hope to avoid the squeeze

How to get involved

4 | Fla. school trains future members

5 | North of 49°

6 | Circuits

7 | Transitions

IBEW on Duty

8 | Local Lines

17 | In Memoriam

18 | Editorials

19 | Letters to the Editor

Who We Are

Go “Green!”with our e-Edition

Get your Electrical Worker delivered eachmonth via e-mail. It’s convenient & helpscut down on paper waste.Go to www.ibew.org and sign up today!

Please recycle this newspaper.

It is up to every IBEWmember to let their lawmakers—from City Council to Capitol Hill—know that theirpriority must be jobs.

2 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1

The midterm elections are over. Our nation’s demo-cratic process has resulted in divided government.

On Capitol Hill, big money campaign contribu-tors to candidates from both political parties have

wasted no time knocking on doors asking for support fromnew legislators.

Everyone has a stake in the outcome of an election, butnone more than working families. The question for all of us—nomatter how we voted—is what will be done over the nexttwo years to put our nation back on the road to good, family-sustaining jobs and economic recovery?

We don’t claim to have all of the answers. But the IBEW,our members in every branch and the North American labormovement have generations of experience in what works forus and what doesn’t.

In this issue of the Electrical Worker, we discuss theimmediate tasks facing us and our elected leaders—buildinggood jobs, defending our gains and promoting economicpatriotism here at home by insisting upon fairness for work-ers, retirees and those who are still jobless.

Our governmentmay be divided, but on the importantissues of the day, we cannot afford to be. Let others speculateand bicker. We have work to do. �

T he “wave election” last November that precipitated theRepublican takeover of the House of Representativesalso resulted in a GOP takeover of both legislative

chambers and governorships in 20 states, while theDemocrats control all three in 10 states.

Some newly-elected leaders—mostly Republicans—pushed anti-worker proposals during their campaigns—likeending prevailing wage protections or initiating union-bustingright-to-work laws. While the new political alignment couldresult in the enactment of thesemeasures, InternationalRepresentative Dan Gardner, IBEW Political and LegislativeAffairs Department, cautions local unions against writing offopportunities for progress at the state level or “spending all ofour time playing defense”—nomatter which party is in control.

As an example, says Gardner, Republicans who cam-paigned pledging to reduce state and federal deficits shouldbe urged to support legislation penalizing businesses thatmisclassify workers as independent contractors.Misclassification has hurt IBEWmembers in the telecommuni-cations, broadcasting and construction sectors by creating anuneven playing field for wages and benefits and preventingworkers from organizing (See “Cheating Workers Out of Rights,Benefits,” The Electrical Worker, June 2010).

Requiring unscrupulous businesses to start paying SocialSecurity, Medicare and unemployment insurance taxes thatthey are now evading could bring up to $8 billion of lost rev-enue into state budgets over the next decade and enableworkers who are currently cheated out of rights to organize.

Gardner, who formerly served asOregon’s labor secretary,says that states have always been the proving grounds for federallegislation.When 40 percent of the states pass similar legislation,the federal government starts paying attention, saysGardner.

Keeping the ball rolling on job-creating projects is important.Some newly-elected governors have already rejected fed-

eral stimulus funds for projects, including planned high-speedrail lines in Ohio and Wisconsin. Gardner said members shouldcontinue to contact legislators in both political parties for sup-

port. If they are serious about reducing deficits, says Gardner,they should support putting more money into school construc-tion and transportation projects to put unemployed workers,including IBEWmembers, back to work, allowing them to con-tribute to our nation’s economic recovery. �

0

1

2

3

4

5%

0

10

20

30

40

50%

2010200019901980197019601950

Long-Term UnemploymentShare of labor forceunemployed for 27 weeks or more

Share of unemployed populationunemployed for 27 weeks or more

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics andNational Bureau of Economic Research

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities | cbpp.org

as share of total unemployedas share of labor force

Electoral Divide a Challenge toWorking Families

WA

OR

CAUT

ID

CO

NMAZ

TX

SD

NDMT

WY

NV

HI

NE

KS

OK

MN

IA

MO

AR

WIMI

IL IN OH

KYTN

AL

LA

AK MS GA

FL

WV VANC

SC

PA

NY

NJ

MD

CT

NHME

MARI

VT

DE

DC

State Control by Party

Republicans control state legislature and governorshipsDemocrats control both

Nebraska’s unicameral legislature is nonpartisanDivided government

NowWhat? HowWill ‘Wave’ Election AffectWorkers?

Republicans control 20 state housesand governors’ mansions.

S o what else can local unionsand active members do toget Republicans and

Democrats working together on jobs?“All local unions and active

members need towade into the ongo-ing publicdebate over how our nationcan recover from the current recessionthat is hurting somany families,includingmany IBEWmembers,” says

International President Edwin D. Hill.Reducing unemployment and

our national debt are not opposinggoals, says Hill. On the contrary, arecent report, “Investing inAmerica’s Economy,” published bythe Economic Policy Institute, dis-cusses how America’s powerfulpostwar economy that “enabledmost workers to share in productiv-ity gains” owed much to “invest-ments in infrastructure, technology,public education, and housing—aswell as monetary policy that facili-tated low unemployment.”

Whether by calling congres-sional representatives, or sendingletters to the editors of town newspa-pers, local unions and active mem-bers, says Hill, should underscorethe research, cited by EPI, showing:

• Each dollar spent in replacing orrepairing bridges and drinkingwater systems creates $1.57 inadditional economic benefits.

• Each job supported in the con-struction industry supports twoadditional jobs. �

I n California, the IBEW is pushing lawmakers to get behind newly-elected Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to have the bulk of renewable energyused by residents and businesses to come from inside the state.California’s utilities are mandated to procure 20 percent of their energy

supply from renewable resources by 2020. The IBEW is backing Brown’spush to develop 20,000megawatts of new, renewable energy inside theGolden State, which would put thousands of members to work installingsolar panels and building wind farms and new renewable power plants.

“We are talking tens of thousands of new jobs across the state if thisgoes through,” says Scott Wetch, the IBEW’s chief lobbyist in Sacramento.

In Illinois, IBEW locals have waged a one-year campaign to win statesupport for a privately-owned $3.5 billion coal gasification project, theTaylorville Energy Center.

Tenaska would be built in Central Illinois at a cost of $3.5 billion, creat-ing an estimated 2,500 construction jobs and hundreds of mining and engi-neering jobs in post construction.

The campaign has been led by Michael Carrigan, the state’s AFL-CIOpresident, an IBEWmember, and strongly supported by Sixth DistrictInternational Vice President Lonnie Stephenson. �

Mobilizing for Jobs in Calif., Ill.

T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 3

W hether it’s in politics orcollective bargaining,you’re either at the table

or you’re on the menu. Nov. 2 is his-tory—but people still need to get outthere and raise their voices. Here’ssome practical advice from BrianBaker and Juanita Luiz of the IBEWPolitical/Legislative Department inWashington, D.C.

Attend PublicMeetings

Local meetings of groups like yourcity council are open to the public,and these are prime opportunitiesto get out the message of good jobs.

“These legislators in the stateand city council, they’re the same asus,” said Baker, department direc-tor. “Rank-and-file members need togo to these meetings. This is a greatopportunity to expose lawmakers tocritical labor issues.”

How?Say your city is going to putup a newbuilding, and city hall wantspublic input. Go tomeetings and askthe council, “Are youwilling to useresponsible builder language? Use aproject labor agreement? Hire locallabor?”Talkwith your businessman-ager to help craft yourmessage. And

wear your IBEWshirt to themeeting.

Get FaceTimewith YourElected Leaders

When representatives and senatorsaren’t on Capitol Hill, they’re back intheir local offices.

This is the time to talkwith repre-sentatives one-on-one about theissues. If you’re in construction,wherewe’re facing high unemployment, theyneed to hear that the reason you’re notworking is because of the economy.

“You’re who they represent, andthey need to be reminded. Tell themthat you come from this community,

that you vote here, that you have afamily and a career here, and theywilltake you seriously,” Luiz says. “Askyour lawmakers about their stance onunemployment benefits and remindthem that youwant to beworking.”

BecomeYourOwnRepresentative

There are plenty of opportunities foreveryday people to become changeagents in their communities,whether it’s being active in local citycouncils, school boards, businessclubs or charity organizations.

“We have several hundred IBEWmembers nationwide serving in localpublic offices,” Luiz said. “And any-thing you can do to increase yourown power—whether it’s getting aspot on the city council or running foroffice of a local charity—is helpful.”

ChangeBegins atHome

“Members should always rememberthat the union is not the businessmanager or the InternationalOffice,” Baker said. “The union isthe people who make it work.”

Still, it’s always good to com-

municate with your business man-ager about how to flesh out yourmessage and how to get supportfrom fellow members.

“If you don’t feel confident orprepared enough to go to city coun-cil meetings, that’s OK,” Luiz said.There are lots of things to do at the

local, like volunteering to help theregistrar or—if your local uniondoesn’t have a registrar—becomingone yourself.

Do you have ideas about how toget active in your community? Wewantto hear from you! E-mail your thoughtsto [email protected]. �

Getting Involved Locally, 101

Workers still need to make theirvoices heard.

HowNOT to Cut the DeficitEveryone is concerned about spending—but the wrong belt-tightening willsqueeze working families harder.

CUTTING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS is not the answer.

Jobless Americans put this money directly back into the economy by payingbills, buying food and supporting businesses.

Every $1 paid out increases the gross domestic product by $1.60, a report bythe U.S. Congress Joint EconomicCommittee said.

Unemployment benefits funneled $225 million into our economy every dayin 2010, according to a study by the California Budget Project.

SLASHING SOCIAL SECURITY will only hurt the 51 million seniors, disabledcitizens and children receiving benefits.

Much like unemployment insurance,nearly all of Social Security dollarsare channeled back into localeconomies.

While some lawmakers talk about thesystem soon going broke, SocialSecurity is fully solvent until 2037,even at today’s retirement age andfunding levels, according to a jointreport by Demos, the Economic PolicyInstitute and the Century Foundation.

Among those 65 and older, SocialSecurity is the major source ofincome for 57 percent of families, and amounts to only $14,000 per year onaverage—barely above the poverty line for a household of two.

CARVING UP MEDICARE won’t save money.

Reducing the amount the government puts into Medicare will shift costs toelderly recipients.

The EPI states that the average senior is already spending 30 percent oftheir Social Security benefits on Medicare out-of-pocket costs. Cutting fund-ing would drive that amount higher.

RAISING THE RETIREMENT AGE will jeopardize worker health and safety.

If the eligibility for Social Security benefits is raised to 70, many workers willexperience an undue physical and emotional burden.

It would also block the pipeline for younger workers who desperately needto enter the job market.

EXTENDING TAX CUTS TO THE WEALTHY would increase the debt, not fix it.

The top 2 percent of Americans do not recirculate their tax savings back intothe economy, as middle-class families do.

The Economic Policy Institute reports that the Bush-era cuts to the wealthycost the treasury more than $2 trillion over a decade. �


Jobs: A Good Investment


September International Executive Council Meeting

Minutes and Report of TheInternational Executive Council’s

Regular Meeting

The regular meeting of the InternationalExecutive Council was called to order at8:30 a.m., by Chairman Pierson, onSeptember 10, 2010, in Los Angeles,California. Other members of the Council inattendance were Briegel, Calabro, Calvey,Clarke, Riley, Schoemehl, Lucero and Lavin.

International President HillInternational PresidentEdwinD.Hillmetwith themembers of the International Executive Councila number of times to discuss a variety ofmattersaffecting all branches of the Brotherhood.

International Secretary-Treasuerer LeeInternational Secretary-Treasurer Lindell Leepresented financial reports covering the IBEWPension Fund and the Investment Portfolio ofthe Brotherhood both in Canada and in theUnited States.

Legal DefensePayments for legal defense, made from theGeneral Fund, were examined and approvedin accordance with the requirements ofArticle X, Section 1, of the IBEW Constitution.

Financial ReportsThe International Secretary-Treasurer’s reportsfor the various funds of the Brotherhood werepresented to themembers of the InternationalExecutive Council, examined and filed.

Appointment of International ExecutiveCouncil Member Conference Call—Thursday, July 15, 2010In accordance with Article IV, Section 2,Paragraph 2 of the IBEW Constitution,International President Edwin D. Hill appointed,and themembers of the council approved, theappointment of John F. Briegel, the BusinessManager of Local Union 254, inCalgary, Alberta,Canada, to fill the unexpired term of office leftvacant upon the death of Rick Dowling, for theIECMember position of the Eighth District.President Hill, having the InternationalExecutive Council confirmation of the appoint-ment of John Briegel, took the opportunity toswear Brother Briegel into the office as amember of the International Executive Councilfrom the Eighth District at the all CanadaProgress Meeting, on August 23, 2010.

Appointment of International VicePresident Conference Call—Thursday, July 15, 2010In accordancewith Article IV, Section 2,Paragraph 2 of the IBEWConstitution,International President Edwin D. Hill appointed,and the members of the council approved,the appointment of Lonnie R. Stephenson, tofill the unexpired term of office left vacant byInternational Vice President Joseph F. Lohman’sretirement, for theSixth District’s InternationalVice President’s office. President Hill, havingthe International Executive Council confirma-tion of the appointment of LonnieStephenson, took the opportunity to swearBrother Stephenson into the office ofInternational Vice President of the IBEW SixthDistrict, at the National Training InstituteGraduation Ceremonies, on August 5, 2010.

Per Capita Objection Plan andLM-2 ReportsMembers of the council discussed and com-pleted their IBEW Reporting Forms for the PerCapita Objection Plan.

Investment StrategyMembers of the council requested, and

International Secretary-Treasurer Leeresponded to the affirmative, to workwith theinvestment advisors to craft a fund position ofless risk after the market losses have beensubstantially recouped. In essence, to create along term investment strategy with more guar-anteed income, rather than that of a retire-ment fund. (Long term and with minimal risk.)

Local Union(s) Under InternationalOffice SupervisionInternational President Hill advised the coun-cil members that there are no local unions, asof this meeting, under the supervision of theInternational Office.

Article XX and XI CasesThere has been no activity under either ArticleXX or Article XXI in the second quarter of 2010.

Retirement of InternationalVice PresidentJoseph F. Lohman,International Vice PresidentSixth District—Effective September 1, 2010

Retirement of InternationalRepresentativeHarold L. Higginbotham,International RepresentativeFifth District—Effective October 1, 2010

Retirement of Office EmployeesJanice Lim, Secretary III, Grade 6Utility Department—Effective October 11, 2010

Elbert Monroe, Accountant II, Grade 6Accounting Department—EffectiveSeptember 10, 2010

Nancy A. Taylor, Web Development SpecialistInformation Technology Department—Effective August 4, 2010

Charges Filed With the InternationalExecutive CouncilAgainst Arthur R. Cirimele—Retired Memberof Local Union 302, IBEW

OnMarch 31, 2010, BrotherMichael Yarbrough,BusinessManager of Local Union 302, filedcharges against Brother ArthurCirimele, amember presently on pension in the IBEW.

These charges were pended and will bereaddressed upon receipt of additionaldocumentation.

Reporting RequirementsMembers of the council discussed certainchanges the IRS has made to the reportingrequirements of Form 990 and after a thor-ough review, implemented changes to IBEWpolicies to address and implement thesereporting requirements.

The Next Regular InternationalCouncil MeetingThis regularly scheduledmeetingwasadjourned,on Friday, September 10, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.The next regular meeting of the InternationalExecutive Council will commence at 8:30 a.m.,on December 14, 2010, in Washington, D.C.

For the International Executive CouncilPatrick Lavin, SecretarySeptember 2009

The IEC acted on numerous applicationsunder the IBEW Pension Benefit fund. For acomplete listing, consult www.ibew.org,clicking on the International Executive Councillink on the “About Us” page. �

FloridaMiddleSchoolElectrical AcademySparksYoungStudents’ Interest

In amostly-rural, farm economyof hard-pressed northwestFlorida, good jobs and unionsare scarce. But tough times

have not kept residents from havingdreams for their children. For parentslike Dan Hart, a truck driver, and hisson, JonMicheal, an eighth-grader,the September opening of the IBEWElectrical Academy at Ernest WardMiddle School in Walnut Hill is keep-ing some of those dreams for a pros-perous future alive.

Sponsored by Pensacola Local676 and the Escambia County SchoolBoard, the academy (the first in thenation at the middle-school level)had its open house in October 2010.The academy is giving students thechance to apply what they are learn-ing in math, science and languagearts to developing skills that canlead to good-paying careers.

“As I’ve grown up, I always likedto fix things. In the academy, we gethands-on projects,” says JonMicheal,14, who is alreadymaking plans toattendWest Florida HighSchool ofAdvancedTechnology, where a higher-level electrical academy can preparehim to go to college to be an engineer.

NancyGindle-Perry, the school’sprincipal, who taught at the high-school level for 15 years, knows first-hand how important themiddleschool experience is to later aca-demic and career success. “Thisacademy is perfect for this area,”says Gindle-Perry. “When local indus-tries such as chemical, energy, manu-facturing, telecommunications, thepaper industry and themilitary-industrial complex are expandingand need new employees, we will bepositioned to fill the industrydemand for good skilled employees.”

ReaganMcDaniel, Local 676businessmanager, was aware ofemployer-sponsored technical acade-mies at local high schools in his juris-diction. When Dale Cope, the Local’sJATC training director, approachedMcDaniel with a concept for an elec-trical academy that he had devel-oped with Art Johnson, the schooldistrict’s vocational center’s coopera-tive education coordinator, McDanielimmediately committed the union’sresources and experience to develop-

ing the plan, focusing on renewableenergy. McDaniel realized the need toinfluence students at an earlier age toconsider the IBEW as a viable alterna-tive to a college career.

Training Director Cope hadspent 17 years working as a traveleron journeyman wireman jobs. Asupervisor for White Electric andCleveland Electric, Cope bought ahouse in Las Vegas with no thoughtof returning to Florida, but afterMcDaniel called and asked him tocome back home to help revitalizehis local as an organizer, Copeagreed. For a time, Cope worked onthe Florida Initiative, organizingnonunion electricians and contrac-tors. Then he went to work as thelocal’s training director and onstrengthening the program, bringingin $200,000 in grant money thatwas used to purchase a building forclasses and two modular structuresto train incumbent electricians insolar installations and welding.

Art Johnson is retired from FordMotorCo. where he started outmak-ing radiators as amember of the UAWand ended up inmiddlemanage-ment. Johnson, who has an engineer-ing degree aswell as an electronicsbackground, spent four years teachingindustrial arts at ErnestWardMiddleSchool before becoming the coopera-tive education coordinator, which ledhim to the local’s apprenticeship.

“While working in the autoindustry,” says Johnson, “I realizedthe importance of post-secondaryeducation, particularly the benefits ofbecoming a skilled craftsman. Collegeis fine, but it’s not for everyone. Iwanted to introduce students, at ayounger age, to what options areavailable to them other than college.”Says Johnson, “There exists a greatneed to fill the increasing demand for

skilled workers within the buildingandmanufacturing trades.”

A few years back, Cope intro-duced and supervised the building ofa program to do hands-on training insolar energy and basic electricalapplications introducing prospectiveelectricians to AC/DCvoltage andOhm’s law, while acquainting themwithmath, science and language artsas it pertains to the skilled trades. Healso applied for grantmoney from thelocal Workforce Board to start ahands-on residential boot camp.

When the grant was awarded,Cope assigned Richard Perry as theinstructor for both courses. Bothendeavors were very successful. Thedirector of the local workforce Boardapplauded Cope for his innovative,progressive and successful program.

Then, says Cope, “we put onsuits and ties and made a proposalto Principal Gindle-Perry to establishan electrical academy at her middleschool.” The Escambia CountySchool Board approved the programby unanimous consent. The acad-emy commenced at the beginning ofthe 2010 school year with Johnsonserving as the main instructor.

Since opening, the academyhasfeatured a hands-on lab once aweek.Students are hooking up receptacles,says Johnson, butmore importantly,they are learning physical science andthe critical need formath. “Studentswho staywithme,” says Johnson,“will attain a better understanding ofthe importance of core academics.Theywill have the discipline and atti-tude to succeed in theworkplaceregardless of their chosen path.”

Jennifer Peebles was planningon moving away fromWalnut Hilluntil her daughter, Liberty, a sev-enth-grader, convinced her motherto remain in Walnut Hill so that shewould be able to complete the elec-trical academy’s courses.

“I thought it would be fun tolearn something new that I could usefor the rest of my life,” says Liberty,who enjoys hunting, fishing and soft-ball. “Whether you are a boy or a girl,you need to take advantage of oppor-tunities,” she says. Themath can bedifficult, she says, butMr. Johnson“makes it easier and fun.” �

The academy is givingstudents the chance toapply what they arelearning in math,science and languagearts to developing skillsthat can lead to good-paying careers.



Leaders from Newfoundlandand Labrador and NovaScotia reached a $6.2 bil-lion deal in late November

that will make the long-proposedlower Churchill Falls hydroelectricgeneration project a reality.

TheChurchill River in Labradorhasbeen a source of renewableenergy for years, with theChurchillFallsGeneratingStation—built in1971—providing nearly 5,500megawatts of power. Utility officialsandprovincial leaders had longwanted to expandproduction, but dif-ficulties in reaching a transmissionagreementwith neighboringQuebecput future hydro development onhold.

But the new agreementbetween Newfoundland andLabrador and Nova Scotia allows theexpansion to proceed, by buildingan underwater transmission linkbetween the two provinces.

“Thebenefits of this project forour provincewill be enormous, includ-ing thousandsof jobs andbillions ofdollars of activity,” Newfoundland andLabrador PremierDannyWilliamssaidat the agreement’s announcement.

The first stage of the project isthe construction of an 824-megawattgenerating station atMuskrat Falls,followed by a larger facility upriver atGull Island. The two facilitieswill havea combined capacity ofmore than3,000megawatts, says Nalcor Energy,the provincial crown corporation thatoperates theChurchill Falls plant.

Power will be transmitted tothe island of Newfoundland througha $2.1 billion underwater transmis-sion link across the Strait of BelleIsle, which will move power to theprovince’s east coast.

Williams reached a deal with hiscounterpart in NovaScotia, DarrellDexter on Nov. 18, which calls foranother transmission link across theCabotStrait into NovaScotia. Thatpower will supply the province andothers in theMaritimes and be soldin the northeastern UnitedStates.

The biggest clean energy projectin North America means thousandsof jobs for building tradesmembers,including more than a 1,000 jobs forIBEWmembers from the inside, out-side and utility branches.

St. John’s Local 1620 BusinessManager Terry Rose estimates thattransmission line work alone willrequire more than 500 members.Local 1620 represents outside work-ers at Newfoundland Power, one ofthe provinces’ electric utilities.

St. John’s utility Local 1615 andinside Local 2330will also beparty tothework.While a groundbreakingdate hasnotbeen set, it is estimatedthat the projectwill provide 2,700 jobsat its peak in 2013, according toNalcorEnergy spokespersonDawnDalley.

The newprojectmeans the endof the oil-burning HolyroodThermalGeneratingStation, which employs

more than 80 Local 1615members,but BusinessManager RobertClarkesays he is in negotiationswith NalcorEnergy to train theworkers to find newpositionswith the company.

“We want to make sure we startthe training now so when the stationshuts down by 2017, they are readyto start new jobs,” he says.

The energy industry has been aboon for the province, which hashistorically been dogged by a weakjob market. The offshore oil industryhelped rejuvenate the economy inthe 1990s and the new hydro expan-sion is expected to make theprovince one of the fastest growing

energy markets in Canada.“A lot of guyswhomighthave

tookoff to thewest to look forwork in

the past are now looking at stayinghome,” says FirstDistrict InternationalRepresentativeMike Power. �

North of 49° | Au nord du 49° parallèle

Newfoundland and LabradorHydro Project in theWorks

LeNouveau ComplexeHydroélectrique deTerre-Neuve-et-Labrador en Préparation!

Les gouvernements de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador et de laNouvelle-Écosse ont finale-ment conclu une entente

de 6,2 milliards de dollars vers la finnovembre, pour le développementdu projet hydroélectrique du basChurchill, un complexe envisagédepuis très longtemps qui se con-crétisera enfin.

Avec la centrale de productiond’électricité de Churchill Falls bâtieen 1971 ayant une capacité de prèsde 5,500 mégawatts, le fleuveChurchill au Labrador constitue unesource d’énergie renouvelabledepuis des années. Il y a longtempsque la direction des servicespublics et le gouvernement provin-cial souhaitaient augmenter la pro-duction mais le trajet proposé pas-sait par le Québec et ils ne se sontpas entendus avec cette provincepour le transport de l’électricité, cequi a mis le projet sur les tablettes.Cette nouvelle entente entre Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador et la Nouvelle-Écosse permettra le développementdu projet, grâce à la constructiond’un câble sous-marin entre lesdeux provinces.

« Les avantages de ce complexepour notre province seront énormes,

si l’on tient compte des emplois etautres activités reliées qui vont sechiffrer à desmilliards de dollars » adéclaré DannyWilliams, Premierministre de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador,lorsque que l’entente fut annoncée.

Selon Nalcor Energy, la sociétéde la couronne terre-neuvienne quiexploite la centrale de Churchill Falls,la première étape du projet consis-tera à construire une centrale élec-trique de 824mégawatts à MuskratFalls et une autre sur le cours in-férieur du fleuve Churchill à GullIsland. Les deux centrales com-binées auront une puissance de3,000mégawatts.

L’électricité sera transmise àl’île de Terre-Neuve par un câble detransmission sous-marine dont lescoûts de construction s’élèvent à 2,1milliards de dollars; le câble tra-versera le détroit de Belle Isle ettransportera l’électricité vers la côteest de la province.

Le Premier ministre Williams aconclu une entente le 18 novembredernier, avec son homologue de laNouvelle-Écosse, Darrell Dexterlequel revendique une autre lignede transmission qui traverserait ledétroit de Cabot vers la Nouvelle-Écosse. La province recevrait l’élec-

tricité servant à alimenter les foyerset pourrait vendre le surplus auxautres provinces maritimes ainsiqu’au Nord-Est des États-Unis.

Ce plus grand complexe hy-droélectrique réalisé en Amériquedu Nord permettant de produire da-vantage d’électricité propre,représente des milliers d’emploispour les membres des métiers de laconstruction, dont plus de 1,000pour les membres de la FIOE oeu-vrant dans les secteurs d’intérieur,d’extérieur et de service public.

Le confrèreTerry Rose,Gérantd’affaires de laS.L. 1620deSt. John’sestimeque la construction de la lignede transmission nécessitera plusde500ouvriers.CetteS.L. regroupedestravailleurs d’extérieur à l’emploi deNewfoundland Power, une des entre-prises de service publicde la province.

Les sections locales 1615 (u) et2330 (i) de St. John’s seront aussi im-pliquées dans les travaux. Bien quela date d’inauguration des travauxn’ait pas encore été fixée, il est prévuque ce projet devrait fournir 2,700emplois lorsqu’il atteindra son pic,selon Dawn Dalley, porte-parole dela société d’énergie Nalcor.

Ce nouveau complexe signifie lafermeture de la centrale thermique

de Holyrood alimentée aumazoutlourd, qui emploie plus de quatre-vingtmembres de la S.L. 1615 àl’heure actuelle. Le gérant d’affairesde la S.L., le confrère Robert Clarke,est en pourparlers avec la sociétéd’énergieNalcor afin de prévoir uneformation pour les travailleurs, ce quileur permettrait d’appliquer pour denouveaux postes pour la dite société.

« Nous souhaitons débuter laformation le plus tôt possible afinque les travailleurs soient prêts pourcommencer un nouvel emploi lorsde la fermeture de la centrale prévueen 2017» dit-il.

L’industrie électrique a été unevraie bénédiction pour la province,traditionnellement reconnue pour lafaiblesse de son marché du travail.L’industrie pétrolière côtière a con-tribué à ranimer l’économie dans lesannées 90 et on s’attend à ce quecette expansion desmarchés éner-gétiques résultant de ce nouveaudéveloppement, la place à la têtedes provinces canadiennes.

« Plusieurs ouvriers qui avaientl’habitude de partir dans l’Ouest pourtravailler peuventmaintenant envisa-ger de rester dans leur coin de pays »conclutMike Power, représentant in-ternational pour le Premier District. �

Energy generated from the planned lower Churchill Falls hydropowerproject will be transmitted through underwater transmission links fromLabrador to the island of Newfoundland and on to Nova Scotia.

L'électricité du projet hydroélectrique du bas Churchill sera transmise pardes câbles sous-marins du Labrador à Terre-Neuve et de Terre-Neuve à laNouvelle-Écosse.


Circuits

Scholarship EstablishedinMemory of Apprentice

When Aaron Dineen was growing upon his family’s farm in the vastforested area of coastal Washington,he quickly developed a love ofexploring, facing challenges andworking with his hands. These quali-ties suited him for life as a fifth-stepapprentice lineman with Vacaville,Calif., Local 1245.

But an on-the-job accident cutthat thriving life short on Sept. 22,2009. Aaron was 22 years old.

To honor their son’smemory,Aaron’s parents Tom and Dale Dineenhave established a scholarship in hisname for area high school graduateslooking to go into the trades.

“He loved what he was doingas an IBEW lineman,” Tom said. “Hetalked about the trade all the time,and he liked the guys he was with. Itwas a really good group. And sincehe loved that work so much, wewanted to help extend the opportu-nity to others with similar dreams.”

Following a service for Aaron inhis hometown of Hoquiam, Wash.—where manymembers of his localtraveled hundreds of miles to paytheir respects—friends from nearand far offered money to the familyto help with any unexpectedexpenses following Aaron’s passing.

“I think people just wanted to

do something to help,” Tom said.Within the first month following theaccident, the family was “over-whelmed by the generosity of thosewho gave,” he said.

“We would find envelopes fullof cash on our porch, from flaggerson the ground to a retired linemanwho purchased a brick with Aaron’sname on it to be placed at a memo-rial for fallen linemen,” Tom said, amember of the carpenters union inAberdeen, Wash.

Before long, the family hadreceived nearly $10,000 from IBEWmembers and friends touched by thefamily’s loss. Tom and Dale then con-tacted the Grays Harbor CommunityFoundation—a local group that worksto improve the quality of life of arearesidents, partly by administeringmemorial scholarships and grants—to set up the award fund.

The family is still working outthe particulars of how students can

apply for and receive scholarshipfunds, but the Dineens said they willstart by offering a $1,000 award toan outstanding candidate each yearto attend an accredited trade school.

“Wesupportwhat the family isdoing inAaron’snameandareexplor-ingoptionsat the local level tosupportthisaswell,” saidLocal 1245Business/SafetyRepresentativeRalphArmstrong.

“Aaron was an amazing manwho was full of life, inspiration andhad many dreams,” the family saidin a statement that will appear onthe Grays Harbor CommunityFoundation Web site. “Aaron wasalways living life as fast as it came,not afraid of the challenges that layahead and lived out his dreams tothe fullest. We are extremely proudof the man he became.”

To make a donation to theAaron Thomas Dineen Scholarship,please contact Grays HarborCommunity Foundation ProgramOfficer Cassie Jackson at 360-532-1600 or email [email protected].

For more information, visitwww.gh-cf.org. �

Labor CommunicatorsAward IBEWVideo,SocialMedia

IBEW’s socialmedia and video proj-ects received several awards at theInternational LaborCommunication

Association’s LaborMedia Awardsluncheon onNov. 19 inWashington,D.C.Members of two local unions alsoreceived recognition.

IBEW’s Facebook Fan Pagewww.facebook.com/IBEWFBreceived a first award in the generalexcellence category for social mediaproduced by national and interna-tional unions. Alex Hogan, IBEWcommunications specialist,accepted the award on behalf of theMedia Department. Says Hogan,“The IBEW Facebook page has beena huge hit with members and a greattool to get the union’s message out,so we’re honored to get recognitionfrom some of best labor communica-tors for our effort.”

Three first awards for videowere presented to Producer LenTurner, Photographer John Sellmanand International RepresentativeMark Brueggenjohann for “HealthReform: Real People, Real Problems”and “Henry Miller: Father of theIBEW” and “Mastering My Space.”The Brotherhood won a third-placeaward for Web site content andreceived a second-place award for avideo on the TelecommunicationsCode of Excellence and a secondaward for visual presentation andprint for The Electrical Worker. Thevideo archive is available atwww.ibew.org.

Brueggenjohann says, “Theleadership of the IBEW recognizesthat video is a large component of aneffective overall communicationsstrategy and encouraged us todevelop a successful video plan. It’sa great honor to have our work rec-ognized by our peers. Over the nextyear, we will be expanding andimproving. This is really just thebeginning for us.”

EricWolfe, director of communi-cations for Vacaville, Calif., Local1245, added to his numerous yearlyhonors, winning second awards forWeb site design, news, editorialsand features, a third award for astory on political action and firstawards for feature writing andreporting on collective bargaining.

Downers Grove, Ill., Local 21received a second award in themulti-media campaign category. �

Remembering anOrganizing Pioneer

In a legendary 16-year battle toorganize court reporters in CookCounty, Ill., no voice was stronger ormore eloquent than that of Local 134member Renia Boykin, who suc-cumbed to cancer on October 15 atthe age of 57.

Between 2003 and 2005,Boykin and her co-workers—facingintense opposition from judges—joined with other IBEW activists topush for passage of a state law sup-porting court reporters’ rights to col-lective bargaining.

Sixth District Vice PresidentLonnie Stephenson met Boykinworking on the lobbying campaignwhile he was as an InternationalRepresentative. In a letter to herfamily, Stephenson said, “There area few people you meet in life’s jour-ney that make an impression on youthat you will never forget. Renia wasone of those people in my life.”

Stephenson recalled testimonythat Boykin delivered at a hearing atthe state capital, where she facedtough questions from anti-labor sen-ators. He says, “She held her com-posure and answered them withdignity while getting her point

AaronDineenwas alinemanwithVacaville,Calif.,Local1245.

The IBEW was singled out for its work on video and social networking.



across.” A senator who rarely sup-ported labor positions, saysStephenson, approached Boykinand told her he would support thelegislation. “He could sense the sin-cerity in her voice.”

In a press conference followingthe senate vote, Boykin said, “Incourt we don’t say anything. Wealways sit there and everybody elsemakes all the noise around us, andthat’s exactly why we need a voice.We need a union to represent us.”

Originally organized by Chicago

Local 1220, court reporters enteredfirst contract negotiations looking fortheir first raise in 17 years, anincrease in transcript rates and anend to working through lunch breakswithout compensation.

Their first contract, signed in2007, raised wages bymore than 11percent and included longevityincreases of up to $8,000. “Wecalled the language that provided forthose increases the ‘Renia clause’,”says Chicago Local 134 BusinessManager Tim Foley. Combined with

increased transcript rates and payfor working through lunches, somecourt reporters saw pay increases ofup to $30,000.

Recently, the court reportersratified their second contract andachieved 90 percent of the improve-ments they sought.

“Renia’s legacy of determina-tion goes even further than her ownbargaining unit,” says Foley, notingthat two still-unorganized units ofcourt reporters now benefit from thegains won by Local 134. �

OnSecondTour, OhioVeteranSeesProgress in Iraq

Ryan Omaits was still in histeens when the Twin Towersfell on Sept. 11, 2001. It wasa pivotal day that left a last-ing mark on the young man,now a first-year apprenticeout of Steubenville, Ohio,Local 246.

“After 9/11, I felt like Ineeded to do something toserve my country,” Omaitssaid. He signed up for theArmy Reserves, deployed toIraq in 2004 and spent nearly two years in an engineering battalion after keyevents like the fierce battle for Fallujah.

Now on his second tour in the still-fragile country, Omaits says condi-tions are different than at the height of combat a few years prior. Stationed atJoint Base Balad—one of the largest U.S. bases located in the Sunni Trianglejust north of Baghdad—the staff sergeant commands 21 troops and workswith the Iraqi army to train new soldiers.

“The situation on the ground is much improved since the first time I washere,” said Omaits, 28. “It’s going much more smoothly than it did just a fewyears ago.”

One of Omaits’ chief responsibilities is to supervise security for U.S.forces dismantling temporary bridges that were constructed to facilitatetransport of troops and supplies from base to base. More than 20 bridgeswere built to replace older structures that were blown up by insurgents to cutoff coalition forces’ supply routes.

WhileOmaits thanks themilitary for “giving [him] somedirection” thoseyears ago, he also credits a fellow servicemember for turning himon to the IBEW.Last year, Omaits joined the apprenticeship through theHelmets toHardhatsprogramafter talkingwith another soldierwho touted thebenefits of the unionand the attention it gives to veterans. Omaits also credits his brother’s father-in-law, fellow Local 246memberRick Fischer, for additional support.

“I had been working at a steel mill, and every day just felt like doing thesame thing over and over,” Omaits said. “I like the idea of working construc-tion as an electrician. Every job is different, and it challenges you to think.When you complete a project, you feel a real sense of accomplishment.”

Omaits expects to return home early next summer and appreciates sup-port he receives from both the local and his employer, signatory contractorBruce &Merrilees.

“Everyone has been supportive all theway through—fromwhen I wastraining in the reserves towhen I went overseas,” he said. “They’ve been great.”

Local 246 Business Manager Kyle Brown praised Omaits’ work ethic.“Ryan was an excellent candidate when he applied and has gone on to

perform over and above in his apprenticeship,” Brown said. “He’s respectedby his contractors and co-workers, and we’re looking forward to having himback home safely.” �

OntarioMember JoinsAfghanistanPeacekeeping Force

More than 2,500 membersof the Canadian ArmedForces serve in Afghanistanon the front lines of theglobal war on terror.

Windsor, Ontario, Local773 member Roger Miner isone of them. The experiencehas given Miner, who is serv-ing his first tour of duty over-seas, a renewed sense ofrespect for military veterans.

“People who haven’t experienced what our troops go through don’tknow how good they have it,” the master corporal says.

Canadians have suffered the highest per capita casualty rate of anynation participating in the NATO coalition, losing more than 150 solders sincethe occupation began in 2001, says the Washington Post.

Miner has been enrolled in the Canadian Army Reserves for five years.He is currently attached to the Royal Canadian Regiment, one of Canada’soldest infantry regiments.

A five-year IBEWmember, Miner has been stationed in Afghanistansince May.

Miner’s service ismuch appreciated byhis brothers and sisters backhome.“We wish BrotherMiner a safe return and congratulate him on his valiant

efforts to keep us safe,” says Local 773 BusinessManager Solomon Furer. �

Windsor, Ontario, Local 773 memberRogerMiner.

Steubenville, Ohio, Local 246 memberRyan Omaits.

IBEWOnDutyCorrection

In our November cover story“Roadblock to Recovery: ‘Made inChina,’” we inadvertently reportedthat North Canton, Ohio, Local 1985,where generations of IBEWmembersonce produced Hoover vacuum clean-ers, was defunct. We regret the error.

In a call to the Internationaloffice, Local 1985 Business ManagerNick Tomey, a 34-year Hooveremployee, said, “We still have 120members. We’ve taken a lot of cuts.We’re no longer making vacuumcleaners, but we’re here and doingour best to move forward.” Eventhough some Hoover products aremade outside of the U.S., saysTomey, “We encourage consumersto continue to purchase Hooverproducts to support workers whoare still on the job.”

Most of the remaining Local1985 members work in JacksonTownship in Hoover’s distributioncenter, now owned by TTi Floor CareNorth America, a China-based firm.They receive and send out productsthat arrive from China, Mexico andTexas. Others work in a plant pro-ducing disposable paper bags. Stillothers assemble and packageabout 100 commercial sweepers aday with parts made elsewhere.

“So far, we have had a goodrelationship with TTi,” says Tomey,who blames the Hoover plant shut-down and outsourcing on misguidedgovernmental policies that encour-aged corporations to relocate opera-tions. “We kept asking for help andsupport, but not enough people inpower were listening,” says Tomey.

DECEASEDDonnaHansen

We are saddened to report that retired Ninth District InternationalRepresentative Donna Hansen died on Nov. 22.

Hansen began her union career as a shop steward representing SantaAna, Calif., Local 2125 at Rockwell’s aerospace plant. She was elected busi-ness manager of the predominantly manufacturing local which was lateramalgamated with Los Angeles Local 2295.

Hansen relocated to Northern California and participated in severalorganizing drives as an International representative including campaigns inTexas, at Portland Gas and Electric in Oregon and at Fort Irwin, where theunion sought to recruit technicians who specialized in radar and satellitetechnologies. She retired in 2001.

The officers and staff send our condolences to Sister Hansen’s family. �

Transitions

Local Lines


Labor-WideServiceL.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MO—Local 1 wishes a happy new

year to all!In

September2010, at the25th BiennialConvention oftheMissouriAFL-CIO, IBEWLocal 1 Pres.TomGeorgewas unani-mously re-elected asMissouri AFL-CIO vice presi-dent. Tomwasappointed tothat position

more than 10 years ago and has since been re-elected at every election cycle. Tom is also vice presi-dent of the IBEWConference of the State ofMissouri.He serves on theSt. Louis LaborCouncil executiveboard, and is amember of the state building trades.

During his time in the Missouri Legislature asstate representative, Tom served as chairman of theLabor Committee, chairman of Job Training, and wasthe lead Democrat on the Utilities Committee. Local 1congratulates Pres. George for his re-election to theMissouri AFL-CIO, and for all his tireless work onbehalf of Local 1 members.

We mourn the following members’ deaths:Walter Kemper, Tony Cracchiolo, Richard Condon Jr.,Allen Barnes, Frank Page, Benson Berry, JamesHubbert, John Weller, Frank Kofron and Buss Paar.

Matt Gober, P.S.

GreatDay for Union PicnicL.U. 11 (i,rts&spa), LOSANGELES, CA—Theweatherwas perfect at the 2010 local-wide picnic.Membersand their families enjoyed a fun-filled day ofmusic,food, games and prizes. Two In-And-Out Burger truckswere brought in to serve their famous hamburgers.Thankyou to the generous sponsors and volunteerswhomade this event enjoyable for everyone.

IBEW/NECA sponsored an impressive booth atSolar International held at the Los AngelesConvention Center. The size and scope of this eventprove that solar is here to stay. A VIP reception wassponsored at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on daytwo of the three-day event.

Local 11 volunteers made 150,000 phone callsto union households urging support for labor-friendly candidates in the November midterm elec-tion. Our efforts using the new predictive dialersystem installed at the Commerce union hall isbelieved to have made the difference in severalclose state and local races.

Students at Foshay’s Elementary Village locatedinSouthCentral LosAngeles thanked the ElectricalWorkersMinorityCaucus for their generous donationof backpacks and school supplies. Elementary schoolstudents at a recent assembly held up hand-paintedsigns to show their appreciation.

Bob Oedy, P.S.

Utility Local UpdateL.U. 15 (u), DOWNERSGROVE, IL—On the generationside, Local 15 andMidwestGeneration (owner of six ofour fossil stations) reached agreement on a five-yearpackage covering benefits. The package includes someretiree health care coverage for a number of employeeswhodid not have any companysubsidized coverageupon retirement. On the safety front,Will CountyStation approached 1,000dayswithout anOSHA

recordable. Dominion-ownedKincaidStation achievedanother yearwith noOSHA recordable injuries.

The nuclear side has also been very busy withExelon. The local is discussing Operating andMaintenance packages, including schedules and firebrigade issues. They have agreed to aMasterCraftsman Award Program and extended theRadiation Protection andTravel Agreement packages.

The overhead area completed Line Schools atJoliet and Rockford. A group of overhead membersdonated line work to help a disabled Iraq war vet-eran. A new overhead group, The Aerial SpecialistGroup, was formed to regain our work on overheadtransmission lines utilizing helicopters.

The clerical area held a stewards meeting atLocal 15 to discuss specific areas of concern.

The local held another Stewards School totrain stewards. We also sent ourmembers to theMembership Development Conference, Sixth DistrictWomen’s Conference, Utility Workers CoalitionConference and the Illinois State Conference.

Doug Vedas, P.S.

Facing ChallengesAheadL.U. 17 (catv,em,lctt,o&u), DETROIT,MI—This pastNovember’s electionwasadisaster for the labormove-ment inMichigan. For the first time in decades theRepublican Partywill have the governorship, amajorityin both houses and theMichiganSupremeCourt. Abad economyandweak jobs growthwill certainly fuellegislation for a “right towork”Michigan. All labororganizationswill face this and other very serious chal-lenges aswewatch the Republican Party blame laborfor everything that’swrong in this country.

On Aug. 2, 2010, Local 17 proudly recognizedits first group of line clearance tree trimmers tocomplete their apprenticeship under the guidelinesand recognition of the U.S. Department of Labor.[See photo, above.] The DOL apprenticeship stan-dards of training were established by the Local 17Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.

The work picture for our contractor work forceis starting to show some signs of life. As of this writ-ing, we have 41 members on book 1.

Local 17 mourns the death of retired friendand Bro. Charlie MacKay.

Congratulations on their retirement to Bro. BillButler, a 41-year IBEWmember, and Bro. JaySharkey,a 25-yearmember.

Dean Bradley, P.S.

Remembering ‘Mother’ JonesL.U. 21 (catv,govt&t), DOWNERSGROVE, IL—OnSunday, Oct. 17, 2010, IBEW Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hillcame to Illinois, attending three separate events heldby labor in honor of the tough-as-nails, nationallyknown labor organizerMary Harris “Mother” Jones.

Int. Pres. Hill, IBEWSixth District Int. Vice Pres.Lonnie R. Stephenson, Illinois AFL-CIO Pres.MichaelCarrigan, unionists, historians and friends attended a

Trade Classifications(as) Alarm & Signal (ei) Electrical Inspection (lctt) Line Clearance Tree Trimming (mps) Motion Picture Studios (rr) Railroad (spa) Sound & Public Address

(ars) Atomic Research Service (em) Electrical Manufacturing (lpt) Lightning ProtectionTechnicians

(nst) Nuclear Service Technicians (rtb) Radio-Television Broadcasting (st) Sound Technicians

(bo) Bridge Operators (es) Electric Signs (o) Outside (rtm) Radio-TelevisionManufacturing

(t) Telephone

(cs) Cable Splicers (et) Electronic Technicians (mt) Maintenance (p) Powerhouse (u) Utility

(catv) Cable Television (fm) Fixture Manufacturing (mo) Maintenance & Operation (pet) Professional, Engineers &Technicians

(rts) Radio-Television Service (uow) Utility Office Workers

(c Communications (govt) Governmentmow) Manufacturing Office Workers

(so) Service Occupations (ws) Warehouse and Supply

(cr) Cranemen (i) Inside (ptc) Professional, Technical &Clerical

(s) Shopmen

(ees) Electrical Equipment Service (it) Instrument Technicians (mar) Marine (se) Sign Erector

Efforts are made to make this list as inclusive as possible, but the various job categories of IBEW members are too numerous to comprehensively list all.

IBEW Local 1 Pres. TomGeorgewas re-elected asMissouriAFL-CIO vice president.

Local 11 Bus. Mgr. Marvin Kropke (front row, left) and Bus. Rep. Mitch Klein (front row,second from left, in pirate costume) join children of members at the local-wide picnic.

Local 17 congratulates line clearance tree trimmers on completing their apprenticeship. From left are: Brad Holdorf, Apprentice InstructorJason Dupuis, Bus. Mgr. Kevin Shaffer, Jason Bagnell, David Redlowsk, Larry Powers, LCTT Committee Rec. Sec. Mike Masterson, Asst.Bus. Mgr. and LCTT Committee Chmn. Don Thoel, Ryan Ford, Ryan Thoel, Brendan Schneider, Clay Carlson, Mike Horner, Andrew Laesser,Randy Wollet and Apprentice Instructor Winston Likert.



memorial service at theMother JonesMonumentlocated in the UnionMiner’sCemetery, inMt. Olive, IL.

During an afternoon reception, Int. Pres. Hill,Stephenson and Carrigan met with union membersand their families at IBEW Springfield, IL, Local 193.That evening, Pres. Hill was featured speaker at the25th Annual Mother Jones Dinner, held at theUniversity of Illinois at Springfield.

Pres. Hill spoke aboutmany things on this greatOctober day—the importance of knowing our ownlabor history, and how things repeat over time.Mostimportant, Pres. Hill stressed that wemust domore.Building worker power, organizing andmobilizing arewhat’s needed, at an evenmore accelerated rate,taking it to the streets all across the globe. To survive,wemust all fight this fight together, as one.

Mother Jones (1837-1930) gave blazing speechesin her day, rallying workers to powerful actionsagainst the exploitative power of their employers. Herrallying crywas: “Pray for the dead and fight like hellfor the living.” Thiswas her day. This is our time.

Thomas Hopper, P.S.

International Lineman’s RodeoL.U. 37 (em,o&u), FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK,CANADA—After qualifying at the New BrunswickPower Lineman’s Rodeo, five Local 37 linemenrecently travelled to Kansas to compete inthe 27th Annual International Lineman’sRodeo. They were journeymen BlayneMorrissey, Shawn Doyle, Heath Petersonand apprentices Marty Cole and MarkMcCann. They were accompanied by mem-bers Frank Jewett, who was selected to goas a judge, and Jerry McCann, NewBrunswick rodeo organizer.

The pool of competition included 156journeyman teams and 209 apprentices.Although it had been close to 20 yearssince NB Power had a team entered, theteam competed very well and gained a lotof experience.

“We knew it was going to be tough,”said Jerry McCann. “They participated insome events that were new, but theywatched others and were able to completethe events; many teams didn’t even finish. Nowthat we know what to expect, I believe that we willimprove our chances in all categories in the future,”McCann said.

Apprentice Marty Cole thoroughly enjoyed thecompetition, where he won fifth place in the OverallApprentice Award in the Municipal Division.

“It was a very rewarding experience and to get

an award was icing on the cake,” Cole said.

Ross Galbraith, B.M.

A FewProjectsScheduledL.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY—At the time ofthis fall 2010 writing, as with most other areas, thework had started to slow up. However, what was dif-ferent in 2010 was that as of press time we had afew projects that were scheduled to start hiring dur-ing November or December 2010 and continuethrough the winter—allowing some of our membersto stay at home for a while instead of hitting theroad seeking employment.

OurOctober 2010unionmeetingwasalso theannual retireesdinner. Themembership honored 18recently retired brothers.Several special serviceawardswere also presented.Shown in the accompa-nying photo receiving service awards are 55-yearmem-ber PeteOlivia and 50-yearmemberCharlie Knapp.

Again during the 2010 midterm election cycle,our local was very active. On Nov. 2, the member-ship development committee had members on thestreets helping the candidates who support ourissues. We sent a newsletter out with a list of 25candidates endorsed by Local 43. As of this writing,19 of those candidates had won election.

Jim Corbett, P.S.

StrongWorkPictureL.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA—Happy new year! The work picture at Local 47remains strong. In outside construction, the booksare moving and four substantial transmission proj-ects will begin soon.

Congratulations to ourmemberswho competed

in the International Linemen’s Rodeo. The followingIBEW Local 47members brought home trophies: RyanAruajo, AndyCervantes, Juan Romano, BruceThompson, Dale Lorz, Richard Jimenez, JohnSatterfield, Lorenzo Deliso, Clayton Loback; and in theapprentice arena, EnocVerdin Jr., MarcEwalt, RandyWhite and JestinCornelison took2nd place overall.

We held our 7th Annual BrotherhoodMotorcycleRun.More than 150members, families and friendsparticipated.

Bus. Mgr. Pat Lavin was appointed to a panelby the CPUC to investigate the tragic San Bruno gastransmission line explosion.

We continue to have organizing victories despitethe difficult economy.Wewon three NLRB elections inthe last fourmonths.We have also completed firstcontract negotiationswith two line clearance compa-nies and are nearing completionwith a third.

We are sad to report the passing of JamesBumpas, Ron Pendergrass, Terry Wilson, Greg Best,Bernell “Whitey” Johnson, Doug Nelson and CarlosRamsey. Our thoughts and prayers are with theirfamilies.

Live safe, live well, work union!

Stan Stosel, P.S.

WorkPicture ImprovingL.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,ptc,rtb,t,u&uow), SPRINGFIELD,IL—Local 51 wishes all IBEWmembers and theirfamilies a safe and prosperous new year as webegin the year 2011.

Local 51 and Exelon-Clinton Power Stationreached a tentative four-year agreement. The localthanks Bobby Dean, Ken Frick, Bill Corley and Karen

Underwood for their efforts during negotiations.Negotiations continue for Asplundh (LCTT &

Outside Power), Nelson Tree, Wright Tree, AmericanLine Builders (LCTT & Outside Power), L.E. MyersMechanics, Henkels & McCoy (Teledata and OutsidePower) and Donco Electric (meter readers).

Thank you to the Decatur, IL, Unit membershipfor their generous donations toward Sister BrittneyDelgado’s wheelchair ramp, to be constructed byvolunteers from Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly.

As of this writing, our work picture continuesto improve. Hopefully, all of our traveling memberswill be able to find employment within our jurisdic-tion by spring. Local 51 thanks all the locals thathave been able to offer employment opportunitiesto our members.

Dan Pridemore, B.R.

Best to All for 2011L.U. 53 (lctt,o,rts&u), KANSASCITY, MO—Our outsideconstruction has been slow for the past year, and atthis writing it doesn’t seem that will change in thenear future. Our local utility normally puts someworkout in the fourth quarter but as of this fall writing, itdid not appear that would happen in 2010. Recentlywe have seen layoffs in our line clearance/tree trim-ming also. Thanks to all the locals that have providedwork for our travelingmembers in line constructionand line clearance/tree trimming.

Local 53 participated in the 2010 Labor Dayparade and picnic for our first time and we had agreat turnout. I thank all the volunteers; we couldn’thave done it without you. A special thanks to RobDoran for chairing the Parade Committee and toBruce VanCompernolle for assisting him. Great job,guys. There are a lot of good pictures from the

Amongmembers from Local 37 who traveled to the 27th Annual International Lineman’sRodeo were, from left: Marty Cole, Frank Jewett, Mark McCann, Shawn Doyle, Heath Petersonand Blayne Morrissey.

Local 43 Bus. Mgr. Don Morgan (center) presentsservice awards to 55-year member Pete Olivia (left)and 50-year member Charlie Knapp (right).

Bro. Roger “Cy” Tempel (right), retired IBEWjourneyman lineman from the city ofAnaheim, receives his 50-year service pinfrom Local 47 Pres. Ron Delgado.

Working on Exelon-Clinton Power Stationnegotiations are, from Local 51: Ken Frick(left), Bobby Dean and Karen Underwood.

Local 53 members and families gather for Labor Day parade and picnic.

Local Lines


parade on ourWeb sitewww.ibewlocal53.org. Welook forward to next year and an even bigger turnout.

Best wishes to all for a happy and prosperousnew year ahead!

Robert E. Stuart, B.M./F.S.

ANewYearL.U 57 (lctt,mo,o,t&u), SALT LAKE CITY, UT—The holi-day season is over and a new year is here. A changein the political climate is coming. The Brotherhoodmust continue to move forward, no matter what theoutcome. I read the following in the November 2010Electrical Worker, in Local 449’s Local Lines article,and find it worth repeating:

“Keep the Brotherhood alive in everything youdo. A strong union insures a future where memberscan work their careers, raise their families andretire with security. As we close out this year, let’spledge to support our union, organize the unorgan-ized, create harmony within the ranks, and work fora better future for ourselves and our posterity.”

The membership ratified a two-year contractextension with Rocky Mountain Power. The exten-sion runs until January 2013.

The work outlook for outside constructionremains steady, with enough projects to keep mostof our members working. The workload is forecastto increase substantially in early spring, due to thenumber of impending bids that are out.

Scott Long, P.S.

Line CrewRescues a FamilyL.U. 77 (lctt,mt,o,t&u), SEATTLE, WA—AGrays HarborPUD (Public Utility District) line crew of IBEW Local77 members saved the lives of two adults and sixchildren, who were endangered by a house fire inAberdeen, WA.

The line crew was returning to the utilityaround midnight on Oct. 25, 2010, when they sawflames pouring from a nearby home.

“We immediately reported the fire and poundedon the front door of the house,” said line foremanDale Benner. “Aman answered and it appeared thatwewoke himup.We could see kids sleeping in thefront room” and it was smoky inside. The crew ofseven quickly evacuated all eight residents. “No onehesitated,” Brenner said. “Wewere going in and outof the house and doing head counts.Wewanted tomake sure everyonewas out.”

The Aberdeen Fire Department credited theline crew for their quick action to save the lives ofthe family.

The Grays Harbor PUD line crew included lineforeman Dale Benner, journeyman linemen JustinMills and Steve Tobin, line equipment operatorNatheon Camus, head groundman Steve Buttonand flaggers Toni Fairchild and Rachel Fredrickson.

“Everybody pulled together,” said Benner.“We were just glad we were there to help.”

[This article and photo courtesy of GraysHarbor PUD.]

Lynne Moore, P.S.Patrick Darling, P.S.

NYStateUtility Labor CouncilL.U. 83 (u), BINGHAMTON, NY—This past legislativesession was a special one for the men and womenwho work in utility call centers across New Yorkstate. Precedent setting legislation was passed tohelp keep utility call centers within the utilitiesservice area and the borders of New York state. TheIBEW utility unions of New York came together toform the New York State Utility Labor Council, towork to pass laws to help our members and stoplaws that would hurt us. The Utility Council chair-man is Danny E. Addy, president/business managerof Local 83; council secretary-treasurer is MichaelMalek, business manager of Local 2032. Addy andMalek run the council with help from Third DistrictInt. Rep. DominickMacchia. It has been a success.

At this writing, Local 83 was busy working onthe 2010 midterm elections. We have utilized our“Members Only” official e-mail for the hard workingmembers of Local 83, which goes directly to themembers’ personal e-mail from the local weekly orbiweekly with important information.

Don S. Tuttel, P.S.

Negotiations& ElectionsL.U. 97 (u), SYRACUSE, NY—Apologies for the longabsence from “Local Lines.” The local has been verybusy with contract negotiations and extensions. Thelocal also held elections last year. Our businessman-ager/president for the past six years, Dave Falletta,has retired. Best wishes to Bro. Falletta for a happyretirement andmany thanks for his leadership.

Local 97 officers elected in 2010 are: Bus.Mgr./Pres. Theodore J. Skerpon, Vice Pres. James J.Zabinski, Rec. Sec. Susan E. Sweeney and Treas.Ronald A. Gosson. Executive Board members:Zaffran F. Davis (National Grid P&Mwest), Robyn M.Palmer (National Grid TOCwest), Thomas J. Ontano(National Grid P&M central), Gina D. Clifford(National Grid TOC central), George P. Squires Jr.

(National Grid P&M east), JillM. Duff (National Grid TOCeast), Shaun P. Deasy(Constellation Nuclear),James K. Yerdon (EntergyNuclear), Gustav J. Potkovick(NRG), Donald Netto(Brookfield), Michael J.McGuiness (PSEG, NYISO,Service Employees, St.Lawrence Gas, Town ofWorcester).

Though many raceswere contested, all of thecandidates have unitedbehind our new leadershipto work for the betterment ofour members as we continue

the ongoing battles for good contracts.Upcoming contract negotiations for this year

include service employees in January; St. LawrenceGas and NYISO in February; Constellation Nuclear inJune; NRG, Entergy and National Grid 97C inSeptember; and Town of Worcester in December.

The local has much work ahead. Let’s supportour leadership team by attending our monthlymeetings and volunteering to help. Together, wemake the union!

John E. Delperuto, P.S.

New InterLinkTransit HubL.U. 99 (govt&i), PROVIDENCE, RI—The newInterLinkmulti-modal transportation facility at T.F.Green Airport in Warwick, RI, had its grand openingOct. 27, 2010. The InterLink transit hub is deemed arousing success, connecting the railway with ourstate airport. This project, which includes a newmulti-storied parking garage and car rental loca-tions, is considered the most technologicallyadvanced transportation hub in New England.

More than 100 Local 99membersworked onthe InterLinkprojectwith several signatory contrac-tors. Some 30membersworked for contractor James J.O’Rourke on theCustomerService OperationsBuilding and themoving sidewalk. Rossi Electricworked on the parking garage installing 20-plusmilesof rigidmetal conduit. ContractorsSullivan&McLaughlin developed fueling stations at the parkinggarage andVDV contractorSYnet handled security andteledatawork. The project showcases our versatility.

Local 99 is also working to capture the renew-able energy market. We provided wind turbinetraining to some 60 members through our greenenergy grant by sending members to sister Local 8,Toledo, OH. Bus. Mgr. Allen P. Durand is working tosecure wind turbine jobs for our members at theFields Point Narragansett Bay Commission, as wellas with our Rhode Island Economic DevelopmentCorporation (RIEDC), which is partnering with awind turbine project in the Tiverton Industrial Park.

Also with the RIEDC Local 99 was selected touse our members on the “38 Studios” company’svideo game enterprise being developed by formerRed Sox ace Curt Schilling. Local 99 was chosen forour skilled labor and track record of being “on timeand on budget.”

S. P. Callaghan, P.S.

‘Focus onMoving Forward’L.U. 125 (lctt,o,t&u), PORTLAND, OR—Midterm elec-tions of 2010 have concluded, and it’s now time tofocus on moving forward. Whether your preferredcandidate won or desired initiative passed, pleasedirect your attention toward issues that will shape

2011. This is not the time to hold grudges; it’s timeto demand accountability.

Volunteers donated many hours to advocatefor candidates and issues during this election cyclebecause they wanted to make a difference. Often,candidates assume office then “forget” their cam-paign promises. While we must recognize that anelected official may not vote in our favor on everyissue, we do have the ability to demand accounta-bility. Jobs and the economy were the drivingthemes of most platforms. We need to monitor offi-cials’ actions on these and other priority issues.

Our members must make their voices heard.Your local may ask you to call, e-mail, or write toyour legislators. We may request your attendance athearings, publicmeetings, and other activities. Getinvolved and help us protect your wages, hours andworking conditions. The elections may have ended,but the work is just beginning. For more informationon political and legislative issues affecting IBEWLocal 125 members, visitwww.ibew125.com.

Marcy Putman, P.S.

CPRTrainingSaves a LifeL.U. 153 (em,i,rtb,rts,se,spa&st), SOUTH BEND, IN—On Oct 25, 2010, while bowling at Maple City Bowlin Goshen, IN, an announcement over the PA sys-tem asked if anyone knew CPR. I looked across thebowling alley and saw someone lying on the floor.

I knew theCPR/First Aid classes I had attendedmight help out, so I hurried over to help. A young ladywas trying to giveCPR to hermother. The young ladywas crying and I noticed that her compression strokeswere too slow as hermother’s face looked bluish gray.

I remembered my CPR class instructor EdHiggins say to always ask first if you can help, whichI did. After getting the OK, I started compressionstrokes. I applied CPR for about 10 minutes until theEMTs from Goshen Fire Department arrived.

I felt relieved that I had the CPR training. I can’tthank Local 153 enough for the training we take everytwo years. The bowling alley owner told me the nextday that Jan Birr was recovering well and had apacemaker installed. Doctors said that if CPR hadnot been applied she would have died.

They called me a hero, but without the train-ing I’ve received, I could not have done it. I urge allIBEWmembers to continue taking these classes.One never knows when the training may be needed.

Bruce Clark, R.S.

‘AWake-UpCall’L.U. 159 (i), MADISON, WI—Midterm elections took atoll on Wisconsin politics, with the loss of our stategovernorship to Republican control and the loss oflongtime Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold to anunknown Republican businessman. This is a wake-up call as to what else could lie ahead, not only forWisconsin but also for our nation.

As we enter a new year, we must re-energizeour base and fight for those labor-friendly candi-dates who will work for the issues of middle-classAmericans: health care, Social Security and livingwage jobs. We can’t afford to be complacent andallow the continued destruction of the workingclass. The construction industry has faced tremen-dous challenges, and we will only be heard if we areinvolved in the process.

On a brighter note, we celebrated our 22ndyear bringing Fantasy in Lights—our free outdoor

An IBEW Local 77 line crew with Grays Harbor PUD rescued afamily from a fire. From left are: flagger Rachel Fredrickson, lineforeman Dale Benner, journeyman lineman Steve Tobin, flaggerToni Fairchild, journeyman lineman Justin Mills, head groundmanSteve Button. Not pictured: line equipment operator NatheonCamus. [Photo courtesy of Grays Harbor PUD.]

IBEW Local 99 members worked onconstruction of the InterLink transportationhub at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, RI.



holiday light display at Olin Park—to the commu-nity. We have gone green with our displays, usingonly LED bulbs. This event gives the IBEW and NECAmembers a great deal of positive exposure and isappreciated and enjoyed by all.

On the job front, the work picture remains slowat this writing. We expect to see some improvementas we get into the new year and toward spring. Wewill hopefully get some of ourmembers returning towork and see better days ahead.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy andprosperous 2011.

Joe Kapusta, B.A.

Chugach Industries ContractL.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WA—Thanks to themembers for all their hard work at the Naval AirStation onWhidbey Island in Washington state. OnOct. 1, 2010, Local 191 members began workingunder a new three-year contract with ChugachIndustries Inc., which has amultiple-year contractwith the U.S. Navy. Chugach is responsible for main-tenance and small capital projects at the Navy base.

A longtime member and shop steward at theNavy base for Chugach Industries Inc., Art Morrisretired after 14 years of excellent service. Local 191thanks him for all his hard work on behalf of thelocal and the Brotherhood. Members like Art helpmake the IBEW stronger. Sidney Jetton has taken onthe challenge of serving as the new shop steward.Thanks, Sidney, for stepping up to serve.

We appreciate all that themembers did to getout the vote for the 2010midterm election. The “Laborto Neighbor” programwas a success. Volunteers arealways appreciated formany different events; for vol-unteer opportunities please contact the Everett Hall at(425) 259-3195 formore information.

Rob De Velder, P.S.

Int. Pres. Hill KeynoteSpeakerL.U. 193 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL—IBEWInt. Pres. Edwin D. Hill spoke at the new Local 193hall, rolled up his sleeves, and had a nicemeet-and-greet with the rank and file. Pres. Hill was the keynotespeaker at the 25th Annual Mother Jones Dinner atthe University of Illinois at Springfield and visited theMother JonesMonument with Local 193members.Pres. Hill gave a riveting speech on elections andlabor issues, and received a standing ovation. SixthDistrict Int. Vice Pres. Lonnie R. Stephenson alsoattended supporting labor in this area.

Electrical labor was donated at Mission

School, St. Patrick’s and the 10th Street HomelessShelter. Local 193 thanks Marcus Kolis, GlennBaugh, Paul Moore and Jim Tomasko. Material wasdonated by Springfield Electric Company, a truecommunity leader with that “Springfield Spirit”!

Contract negotiations are upcoming withNelson Tree Service and Sangamon County CentralDispatch System. All are to be tight and intense.

The 2010 midterm elections were unkind tolabor, as many anti-union candidates were sweptinto office nationwide.

The followingmembers have passed away: JerryBumgarner,MartyTurasky, DuanePeterson andWaldoDavis.Condolences go to their family and friends.

Hunting season is upon us sportsmen. Alwaysbe safe in the field, and enjoy the outdoors.

Don Hudson, P.S.

MembersServe CommunityL.U. 197 (em&i), BLOOMINGTON, IL—As winterarrives, theworkoutlook remainsslow inourarea.

Weare proud that ourmembers are activewithcommunity projects inthese tough times.Recentlywehad fiveteams raisemoneydur-ing a dayof bowling fortheGreat Plains LifeFoundation, a nonprofitservice organization.The eventwas open toall the local trade organ-izations and a fewareabusinesses. Our localfielded themost teams,andBro.Steve Rouseywonaprize formostmoney raisedbyanindividual. Bro.ShawnDehavenwonaprize for

highest bowling score.Additionally, the apprentices are holding a

food drive during the holidays for a local foodpantry. They invite members to drop off cannedgoods at the hall.

Also, we have another group of volunteershelping with the Festival of Trees.

We are saddened by the recent loss of tworetired members. Let’s keep the families of Al Foglerand Bill Pillow in our thoughts.

We thankall themilitary veterans for their serv-ice. Recently, teledata apprenticeSeanTibbs awardeda flag to our local during a unionmeeting. The flagwas flown in a combatmission by a Blackhawk

squadron in Afghanistan. Sean spent time inAfghanistan protecting our country serving in theMarineCorp, andwe are happy to have himhome.

We wish all a happy new year! Remember toget involved and stay involved in your local union.

Mike Raikes, P.S.

Politically ActiveSeasonL.U. 237 (i), NIAGARA FALLS, NY—Autumn was busyfor Local 237. Several members attended the bigOne Nation Rally in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 2,2010. The rally was held to support putting Americaback to work, equal justice and quality public edu-cation. The International welcomed us and our sis-ter locals and the march was well attended by the

IBEW and other advocates of labor. Seevideo on the IBEWWeb sitewww.ibew.org.

Our union has been politically activesupporting candidateswho support labor.For the NewYork state governor’s race inparticular, our local stepped up forDemocratic candidate AndrewCuomo.Weattended a rally forCuomo theweekend ofOct. 16. Due to the show of Local 237mem-bers, the DemocraticCommittee asked ifwewould hostCuomo onOct. 25.We saidyes and it was an exciting day.

We developed a PhoneTree that listseverymember of the local. With theExecutive Board reaching activemembers;retiredmemberDavidSaph reachingretirees; andApprentice Pres. JoshuaWalker reaching apprentices—wehadgreat results. The PhoneTreewas a big

success in organizing these political events. Thankyou to all of Local 237members, the Executive Board,retiredmemberDaveSaph andApprentice Pres.JoshuaWalker for your support!

Russ Quarantello, B.M.

D. KennedyBuildingDedicationL.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ—Former business man-ager Donald J. Kennedy was honored at a specialdinner Oct. 22, 2010. At the ceremony Bus. Mgr.Steve Aldrich unveiled a bronze placard of Bro.Kennedy’s likeness. The plaque was installed atBuilding 3 of Local 269’s campus. Attending thededication were both active and retired members,labor and community leaders, as well as ThirdDistrict Int. Reps. Randy Kieffer and Wyatt Earp as

well as Int. Vice Pres. Donald C. Siegel, who spokeof Bro. Kennedy’s dedication, hard work, integrityand outstanding leadership in the labor movement.

Donald Kennedywas initiated into Local 269 in1956. He served asbusinessmanager from 1967-1996andalsowasMercerCountyBuildingTradespresident.

On Nov. 2, 2010, Local 269’s entire member-ship mobilized to get the vote out for midterm elec-tions. Members worked hard to make their voicesheard at the ballot box. Bro. MarkMcTamney organ-ized packets full of maps, instructions and doorhangers. The packets were distributed to captainsof the ten-member teams. Our teams hit the pave-ment in Mercer, Bucks and Burlington Counties withlabor-to-labor walks, knocking on doors and man-ning phone banks. We did a great job, brothers andsisters. Your hard work will help create new oppor-tunities for our local and our communities to grow.

D. Brian Proctor, P.S.

BoiseState University ProjectL.U. 291 (i,o,rtb&rts), BOISE, ID—On Aug. 5, 2010,our newly elected officers were sworn in for a three-year term. Elected were: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. AaronWhite, Pres. Dea Roth, Vice Pres. Jon Starke, Rec.Sec. Ron Ely, Treas. Shawn Evins; Executive Boardmembers Aaron Alloway, Jesse Busack, JohnOstolasa, Cary Sims; and Examining Board mem-bers Alex Kelly, Joe Longshaw and Lonny Wearin.Congratulations to all. Your dedication to Local 291is appreciated.

Another successful summer picnicwas heldJuly 24, 2010, at Boise’s Municipal Park with some200 in attendance. Thanks to Mike Gregory, DeaRoth, Greg Oyama, Shawn Evins, Rick Badely, DennisAndersen, Ron Ely andmany others who showed upat 5 a.m. to get it rolling. Everyone had a great time.

Ourworkoutlook is still not very promising. Atthis writing, we have 256 onBook 1. The BoiseStateUniversityCollege of Business and Economics projectis just getting underway, and some new residencehalls on campus are in design stage. Hopefully theproposed additions and expansion to BroncoStadiumget started soon.Many thanks to BobBodell andLocal 449 for providingwork for some of ourmembers.

Thanks to all who contributed to the recentHabitat for Humanity project. Our next Habitat proj-ect should be underway by press time.

Congratulations to Joe Schneehagen on hisI.O. appointment as construction lead organizer.

Here’s to a happier, more productive 2011.

Ron Ely, R.S./P.S.Local 191 shop members at Chugach Industries include: from left, RobVan Dyk, Roger Rice, Ken Sousa, Rey Canosa, Steve Batts, SidneyJetton, then-shop steward ArthurMorris, Shop Lead Foreman JohnHawkes, Gerry Hollman, Ted Boyer and David Stasel.

Local 197 teledata apprentice Sean Tibbs (center)presents IBEW Local 197 with a flag that was flown in acombat mission over Afghanistan. From left are: Local197 Rec. Sec. Angie Miller, Treas. Terry Spencer, Tibbs,Pres. Rich Veitengruber and Bus. Mgr. Lance Reece.

Local 269 officers, joined by IBEW Third District guests, gather at ceremony to honor formerLocal 269 business manager Donald J. Kennedy (front row, third from right). Front row, fromleft: Local 269 Asst. Bus. Mgr. Wayne DeAngelo; Pres. Clifford R. Reisser; Carles Martiante,former business manager; Carl Kraemer, former president; Kennedy; Third District Int. VicePres. Donald C. Siegel; and Int. Rep. Wyatt Earp. Back row: Local 269 Bus. Mgr. Stephen M.Aldrich and Int. Rep. Randy Kieffer.

Local Lines


2010Annual PicnicL.U. 351 (c,cs,i,it,lctt,mt,o,se,spa&t), FOLSOM, NJ—We held our annual picnic last year atMorey’s Pier inWildwood,NJ. Again, we topped ourprevious year’sattendance.Wehadmore than 430doorprizes.Theweatherwas great and everyonehad awonderful time.Special thanks to ourpicniccommittee; theyworkedvery hard tomake sure everything ran smoothly.

Daniel Cosner, P.S.

TramCars Installed at AirportL.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NV—On Sept. 23,2010, Morse Electric and members of IBEW Local357 installed six electric tram cars, provided byBombardier, in the new ATS Tunnel at the McCarranInternational Airport Terminal 3 Project. The rigging,direction and setting of the six 40-ton electricmotorpowered trams were accomplished flawlessly byIBEW trained journeymen and apprentices.

Once the trams were lowered into the tunneland set on the concrete tracks, the wiremen andapprentices installed guide wheels on the trams andpushed them into the loading platforms to makeroom for the next car. The process was completed inan 8-hour work day and was closely observed by offi-cials from the Department of Aviation, Bechtel,Perini, and Bombardier. This represented a uniqueinstallation for themembers of Local 357 and showswhat training and cooperation with our NECA con-tractors can accomplish in this jurisdiction.

Congratulations to those involved for a jobwell done: Foreman Steve Beasley; journeymenTodd Diller, Josh Dillon, Wayne Glenk, AnthonyKline, William Vincent and Rowdy Wright; andapprentices Danny Haugen, Jon McCoy, KevinMundo, Salvador Robles and Caleb Rose.

Gary Pitts, A.B.M.

Louisville Arena ProjectL.U. 369 (em,es,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), LOUISVILLE,KY—The newUniversity of Louisville basketball arenais a reality. The KFCYumCenter, as it is called,recently opened its doors to the public. IBEW Local369members did the electrical work on this project.It is a stunning building with views overlooking thecity skyline, the Ohio River and southern Indiana. Theopen house was so well attended that two additionaldays of viewing were scheduled. The bandMyMorning Jacket rocked the house on Oct. 29, 2010;the lead singer is the son of a Local 369member. Thearena will be a center of attraction for years to come.

On Oct. 30, 2010, Local 369 held a celebrationfor its first 100 years of existence. The original char-ter was reinstated Dec. 7, 1910. I thank all thosemembers who sacrificed much to propel us to thisstage in our history. Without their courage and hardwork we would not be here today. History tells us itwas a rocky road to get to the first 100 years. Ourtask is before us and we must not waver in the sightof adversity; we must take on all challengers thatwould jeopardize our way of life. For without theunion movement, there is no telling where the mid-dle class of America would be today!

Here’s hoping everyone has a happy new year.

John E. Morrison Jr., P.S.

Tribute to DedicatedServiceL.U. 375 (catv,ees&i), ALLENTOWN, PA—Local 375 heldits election of officers in June 2010. Congratulationsto: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Brett Helfrich, Pres. DavidReichard, Vice Pres. Craig Siegfried, Rec. Sec. BruceSnyder, Treas. Alan Rex and Executive Boardmem-bersMichael Alabovitz, Andrew Kubik, Al “Chick”Moyer andWayneMuffley.

The entire local extends sincere appreciation

to retiring business manager William Newhard andretiring assistant business manager/JATC trainingdirector Bruce Carney for their longtime dedicatedservice to the local membership and the labormovement. May your retirement years be filled withgood health and happiness.

The local’s 53rd Annual Clambake was held atWillow Tree Grove in Orefield on Sept. 11, 2010. Itwas a great day for horseshoes, volleyball andcamaraderie. Food and beverage were plentiful asalways, and everyone had a great time.

At the general membership meeting lastSeptember, Bus. Mgr. Brett Helfrich and JATCTraining Dir. Paul Anthony presented awards toBros. Matt Woodside and Chris Zippel. Bro.Woodside received an IBEW gold wristwatch forattaining the highest cumulative GPA for theapprenticeship class of 2010. Bro. Zippel received aKlein tool kit for achieving the second highest GPAfor the class of 2010. Local 375 wishes all the gradu-ates a successful and prosperous career.

Alan Rex, P.S.

70-YearMember HonoredL.U. 413 (em&i), SANTA BARBARA, CA—Despitethreatening weather our annual barbeque and pic-nic was held Oct. 23, 2010, at Nojoqui Falls Park.Bus. Mgr. Chuck Huddleston presented Bro. JohnRoberts his 70-year membership pin, and Local 413members celebrated John’s 100th birthday alongwith John’s wife, Gladys, and their family. Our twolocal union softball teams also faced off that morn-ing, with the north barely edging the south by onerun. Our Northern team was this seasons’ summerleague champion in their division. Golf tournamentorganizer LeRoy Villa was the “Low Gross” winnerwith a 65; Pres. Joe Furino Jr. took “Low Net” honorswith a 61; and Lee Peneranda had the best “LowCalloway” score with a 71. E-board member RockieGinter won the Beau Ray/Ron Verbyke Trophy.

Wehavebeenblessed in this downeconomy.

We thankall the traveling brothers and sisterswhohaveworked in our jurisdiction.Weare told there is alot of “greenwork” on thehorizon;wemaybe compet-ingwith other unionized crafts for thatworkbyall indi-cations.Wehope 2011 is better for all IBEWmembers.

Chuck Huddleston, B.M./F.S.

Politics CentralL.U. 441 (as,i&rts), SANTA ANA, CA—As the 2010midterm political season was in full swing, Local 441was a headquarters for getting unionmembers outto vote. Since mid-September, several labor unionsset up base at our local in hopes of getting laborfriendly candidates elected on Nov. 2. The OrangeCounty Federation of Labor, Alliance for BetterCalifornia, Local 441 Bus. Mgr. Doug Chappell andPolitical Dir. DougMangione were all instrumental incoordinating precinct walkers and phone-bankingvolunteers daily. Every Saturday in September andOctober, the local was the staging area for localpoliticians to knock on doors and canvas their dis-tricts with unionmembers spreading ourmessage.

Everyone’s hard work paid off, and laborproved influential in getting pro-labor candidateselected or re-elected in 2010—including Gov.-electJerry Brown, Sen. Barbara Boxer and Rep. Loretta

Sanchez (who is the onlyDemocrat in the U.S.House elected fromOrange County).

A special thanksand congratulations to allour volunteers, membersand staff who gave theirtime and energy for thiselection!

Rich Vasquez, B.R.

Local 441 Bus. Mgr. Doug Chappell (left) andAsst. Bus. Mgr. Richard Samaniego greetU.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez.

IBEW Local 351 picnic committee members, from left: Ray Listman, Wayne Bumm, VinceTorelli, Ed Reiser, T.J. Wolfe, Duke Collins, Ken Jones, Jim Fletcher, Bill Hosey, Buddy Blatcher,Ron Shaiko, Frank Hannum, Joe Trumbetti, Dan Cosner, Greg Berwick and Sean Newlin.

IBEW Local 357 members installed sixBombardier electric tram cars in the new ATSTunnel at McCarran International Airport.

IBEW Local 369 members helped build theKFC Yum Center, shown here three weeksbefore it opened.

Local 375 Bus. Mgr. BrettHelfrich (left) andTraining Dir. PaulAnthony (right) presentawards to membersChristopher Zippel(second from left) andMatthewWoodside.

Local 413 Pres. Joe Furino Jr. (left) and Bus. Mgr. Chuck Huddleston(right) present 100-year-old member John Roberts (center) his 70-year membership award, in addition to a “residential meter” trophyfrom Local 413 members and a plaque from the Labor-ManagementCooperation Committee celebrating his 100th birthday.



FortunateWorkPictureL.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO,ID—We have been very fortunate with our work pic-ture this past year and wish to thank all the travelingbrothers and sisters for helping us staff our work.

As of Nov. 1, 2010, we have signed up 73 newmembers and lost 33. At the time of this writing, ourmembership is at the highest level in our local’shistory. As organizing is a top priority, retainingmembership is as well.

Mentoring, encouraging members to getinvolved and participate in meetings, attend localunion functions and events—as well as volunteeringon community projects—are all good tools forretaining membership.

We are in the early stages of starting a club toeducate spouses ofmembers on our agreements,health insurance, pension, and local union functions.We are receiving positive feedback from themember-ship on this idea as our livelihood includes our wholefamily, and we feel this will strengthen our local onmany levels. As the wider labormovement fights tosurvive challenges—from political foes, negativenewsmedia and an often uninformed and unrepre-sented work force—we need to understand issuesandwork together to strengthen our own survival.

Congratulations to Bro. Terence Fitzpatrick onhis retirement.

Mike Lee Miera, V.P./Organizer

Union-BuiltWebSiteL.U. 453 (govt,i,rtb,rts&spa),SPRINGFIELD,MO—Bestwishes to everyone for a happynewyear.With thepowerhouse finishing up, news is scarce right now soI will give anupdate on the local’sWeb site.Wehavedeveloped anewWebsite using a unionWebhost andtheir built-inmodules. Our site now rivals the best andis unionbuilt!We can enter our endorsements, re-signonline, do secure online voting, blogs, classified ads,messageboards, andmass e-mails to themember-ship.There is a secure log-in area formembers only.Now instead of having to programspecial features, wecan e-mail theWebhost to install them.Our site iswww.ibew453.com. Special thanks to Eugene Longfor his help and knowledge selecting thisWebhost.

Please welcome our first-year apprentices:Skylar Ingle, Nathaniel Oster and Charles Young.

Regular unionmeetings are the secondThursdayof eachmonth at 6:30p.m. Please try to attend.

Kevin McGill, P.S.

Bike Run&GolfOutingL.U. 503 (t&u), MONROE, NY—The Local 503 inaugu-ral charity bike run and barbecue was held Sept. 19,2010, at the American Legion Post 488 in Monroe,NY. Although crews had been sent to Queens andStaten Island to lend mutual aid following a stormthat interrupted power to thousands, and othermotorcycle events were also taking place in thearea—we still had a great turnout and a good time.

The event started at the Legion Hall and woundthrough the scenic countryside of three counties end-ing 70miles later backwhere it started. All other pro-ceeds went to benefit TheWoundedWarriors Project,which provides programs and services to severelyinjured servicemembers during their transition fromactive duty to civilian life.

On Sept. 20, Local 503 held its 11th annual

golf outing to benefit the local’s holiday gift basketprogram. The program provides food baskets toneedy families in Orange and Rockland Countiesduring the holiday season.

Brothers and sisters from Locals 503, 363 and1249 along with management representatives fromOrange & Rockland Utilities Inc. and Con Edisonattended. The charity event hosted some 80 golfers,even though many crews were away on mutual aid.Those who made it enjoyed a wonderful event withgreat food, prizes, and a terrific day for golf.

Judd Pollack, P.S.

Kudos toVolunteersL.U. 551 (c,i&st), SANTA ROSA, CA—Happy new yearto all. November’s elections fared well for us here inCalifornia. With our new governor we are hopefulthat 2011 with will bring us a new year with goodprospects of jobs for our members.

We worked hard to get our labor friendly can-didates elected. From rallies, to phone banking andknocking on doors day in and day out, we got thejob done. Thank you to all our members who volun-teered. You did it!

Organizer John Lloyd is helping to host an HourPower episode. They will be filming MontgomeryHigh School on the installation of LED replacementlighting with local company Greenray Lighting.Greenwaymanufactures LEDs to replace fluorescentfixtures. In one recent test performed by Local 551,fluorescent lights measuring 690 watts dropped to366 watts after a retrofit in a local nursing home.

We are working on two solar homes forHabitat for Humanity in Healdsburg. Volunteeringfor this organization is always rewarding. We alsorecently broke ground for two additional solarhomes in Sebastopol. If you’re an apprentice this isa great opportunity to sharpen your skills!

Denise D. Soza, B.R./P.S.

Labor Day FundraiserL.U. 553 (i,mt,o&ws), RALEIGH, NC—We thank thebrothers and sisters who attended our first annualLabor Day cookout. Thanks to funds raised by broth-ers and sisters attending, we were able to sendsmall contributions to assist two widows and abrother recovering from hip replacement surgery.

Several members from Local 553 attended thebig One Nation Rally held Oct. 2, 2010, inWashington, D.C. Joining a large IBEW and labor-widecontingent attending the rally to speak out for jobsandworkers’ political issues were: Local 553 Bus.Mgr. RonCockman, Pres. Bill Koonce andmyself.

We are saddened by the loss of member Gary“Candyman” Jensen. We send our condolences tohis family. He will be missed.

Best wishes for a happy and prosperous newyear to all.

David A. Ingram, P.S.

BusinessManager TransitionsL.U. 569(i,mar,mt,rts&spa),SAN DIEGO, CA—Withmore than 40years of unionactivism, Al Shurserved as Local 569businessmanagerfrom 1995-2010. Al’sextensive contribu-tions to the IBEWand the labormove-ment are impressive.

Al became anIBEWmember in 1967 and quickly distinguishedhimself through his political involvement as a rank-and-file member. His activism and vision led him toserve on our Executive Board and then as businessmanager. IBEW 569 became a player in San Diegopolitical circles with Al’s vision and hard work. In1997, Local 569 was one of the first training centersin the U.S. to establish a solar PV and energy effi-ciency curriculum. Al believed that a sustainableenvironmentmandates union jobs in a sustainableeconomy. He was instrumental in equipping ourtraining center with an 80 kW photovoltaic system,and our union hall with a 90 kW photovoltaic sys-tem. He was a founding member of California Unionsfor Reliable Energy (CURE) and the regional ApolloAlliance. Al was themain reason that a project laboragreement was secured for the ballpark where theSan Diego Padres play.

Thank you, Al, for your many great achieve-ments as a union leader.

David Taylor, P.S.

NewarkAirTrain ContractL.U. 589 (rr), JAMAICA, NY—Itwas a busy summer lastyear for Local 589. Our local organized and negotiateda contract for the employees of NewarkAirTrain serv-ice. The contractwas ratified and Local 589 nowhassome85 newmembers to represent. Congratulationsandwelcome to our newestmembers.

Also last year, Local 589 was represented at theUTU-BLE (United Transportation Union—Brotherhood

of LocomotiveEngineers)“Weekend atBernie’s”fundraiser/golfouting inupstate NewYork. It was agreat time for avery goodcause.

Our Fin.Sec.StevenSchmitt organ-ized abasket-ball tournament“Hoops for

Hope.”Thiswas a fundraiser for a local student injuredin an accident. OurGen.Chmn. RickSanchez, Pres.GlenChandler and our Executive Boardmembers par-ticipated, and a good amount ofmoneywas raised.One factwas clarified—ourunion officers need to staywith representing electrical workers, and forget aboutbasketball! It was a very successful function.Thankyouto all.

Have a safe and happy new year.

Augie Maccarone, R.S.

Thanks to all Volunteers!L.U. 595 (c,govt,i&st), DUBLIN, CA—On Nov. 2, we allcheered when our IBEW-endorsed candidates sweptthe Nov. 2 elections in California. We had a tremen-dous outpouring of labor support in the last weeksof the campaign and ourmembers really gotengaged to send amessage fromCalifornia: “No to ahostile corporate takeover of California!” BillionaireMegWhitman spentmore than $160million tryingto buy the governor’s mansion, but labor-endorsedGov.-elect Jerry Brown won overwhelmingly.

Congratulations to all Local 595 members andfriends who walked, phoned and got the vote outfor labor. Labor-endorsed candidates prevailedacross the state. As we went to press, U.S. Rep. JerryMcNerney had also won his bid for re-election toCalifornia’s 11th Congressional District. That districtwas targeted by groups hostile to labor, and theunion movement in Alameda County mounted ahuge effort to return McNerney to Congress.

At year’s end, we had some exciting eventsscheduled to close out 2010: Old Timers Night forour pin recipients; volunteer recognition night atour December general membership meeting; ourretiree’s holiday luncheon; and our fantastic“Santa at the Hall” events in Dublin and Stockton.

We recently celebrated the groundbreaking forour new JATCbuilding. The new facility almost dou-bles the training space and is a huge investment forthe future of our IBEW.

Tom Mullarkey, B.R.

WindTower ProjectsL.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL—Local 601had its Annual Golf Outing with 16 foursomes partici-pating and everyone had a great time. The winningfoursome comprised Orcutt familymembers (Bud,David, Don and Phyllis Orcutt) with a score of 14under par. After the golfing, a greatmeal was servedfollowed by a 50/50 drawing. We thank everyone whohelped with the golf outing andmeal preparation.

At press time, there are 71 members on Book I;313 members on Book II; and 14 apprentices out of

Attending the Local 553 Labor Day cookout are: front row, from left, DavidBrewer, Press Sec. David Ingram, Jeff Dickson, Executive Board members TonyAllen and Stewart Monroe; middle row, Examining Board member JerryWilliams, Pres. Bill Koonce, Executive Board member Blake Edwards, JoeBoyette; back row, Mike Carrol and Executive Board memberMatt Dickson.

Former Local 569 busi-ness manager Al Shur.

The Local 601 annual golf outing winningfoursome are, from left: Don, Bud, Phyllisand David Orcutt.

Local Lines


work. We do see a light at the end of the tunnel withthe work situation in our area starting to perhapslook better for the year ahead. Several wind towerprojects are expected to start soon, with the secondphase adding another 200 towers. We thankRockford, IL, Local 364 for providing Local 601 with acourse in High Tower Rescue Training. At this writing,the first class was scheduled for November 2010.

Dan Hatter, P.S.

ForemanDevelopment ClassesL.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), ALBU-QUERQUE, NM—As of this writing, work has beenslow with about 180 members on book 1.

Since July the hall has been putting onForeman Development classes at the JATC. They aretwo-hour modules that start with the “Role of theForeman” and wrap up with “Project Closeout.” Theclasses are on weekends and last about six weeks.There is no cost for these classes but advance regis-tration is required. If you attend four two-hour mod-ules, you can apply eight hours toward yourcontinuing education credits.

If you are thinking of becoming a foreman oralready work as a foreman, these classes are defi-nitely worthwhile. The classes are put on by TomRoss and James “Little Greek” Anagnostelis. Callthe JATC for further information.

The 2010 apprentice lineman of the year isDaniel Trujillo. Daniel also placed first at the out-standing apprentice competition for outside line-men in the Seventh District.

Local 611 sends condolences to the families ofrecently deceased members Tony W. Bruce, RubenW. Salazar and Charles W. Wethington.

Best wishes to all for a happy new year ahead.

Darrell J. Blair, P.S.

NewTraining FacilityL.U. 613 (em,i,o,rts&spa), ATLANTA, GA—Local 613AEJATCand the Atlanta Electrical ContractorsAssociation recently had a grand opening of our newapprenticeship and training facility. It is a beautiful,spacious 33,000 square-foot building located on thenortheast side of town, justminutes from our hall.We are glad to have enough room to give our appren-tices a well-rounded education. There is also enoughroom for future expansion and journeyman training.

Wewere joined for the occasion by localmem-bers, contractors, venders, instructors, a host offriends and ourU.S. Rep. Henry “Hank” Johnson.Withthe new training facility, students have enhancedopportunities for valuable hands-on training. The labs

are spacious and each student gains experiencewithsolving realisticworkproblems in a training setting.

One of our instructors, Bob Foster, a 42-yearmember, has been teaching “fire alarm” for sometime. He gives each student an opportunity to workwith this application of study.

Beatrice Andrews, A.B.M.

In Tribute to a BrotherL.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SANMATEO, CA—The localrecently lost Scotty Turner, 40-year member andpast SMJATC training director and instructor, after along and courageous battle with cancer.

As a JATC instructor for 22 years, Scotty’ssense of humor and wit kept many an apprentice onhis toes. He was the classic storyteller and madethe curriculummore interesting with his usual nar-rative flair. Scotty served as training director from1996 to 2003, and retired afterward.

Scotty is remembered, bymany of us whoworked with and learned from him, as aman ofstrong character with clear principles. He was anindividual with great integrity andmaintained a posi-tive outlook on life, even as he faced a particularly

difficult struggle with cancer.Wemiss you, brother. …

The membership wasat its best once again as weapproached the recent localand state elections. Phonebanks and precinct walkssaw a big turnout of unionvolunteers and our hall wasagain the hub of electionactivity in San MateoCounty. Four local schoolconstruction bond meas-ures passed, translatinginto $400 million in futurerenovations and a light atthe end of the recession

tunnel. Prop 23 took on big oil to further California’sleadership role in clean energy production.

Dan Pasini, V.P.

HappyNewYear to AllL.U. 625 (ees,em,i,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NOVASCOTIA,CANADA—Season’s greetings from Local 625mem-bers on themainland of Nova Scotia to all the broth-ers and sisters everywhere in North America. Here’sto a happy and prosperous new year for everyone.

The work situation slowed in the last quarterof 2010, but it looks promising for the second quar-ter of 2011 with some work locally and hopefullysome work on the road coming soon.

Bro. Sheldon Thomas retired in October. We

wish Sheldon good health and good times.Retired Bros. Clarence “Tony” Marks and

Norman Wright passed away in February 2010. Alsolast year: Bro. Ian MacDougall, 53, passed awayApril 3; Bro. Joel Hatt, 23, passed away April 20;retired Bro. Frank Holman, 68, passed away July 9;Bro. Norbert Beamish, 57, passed away Aug. 8; andretired Bro. Doug Gloster, 64, passed away Oct. 23.Members in attendance at union meetings in 2010observed a moment of silence for these brothers.

Our Retirees Banquet in October 2009 waswell attended with 112 members and guests. Musicwas presented by “Time Machine” with Bro. FredStratten on lead guitar and his wife, Nancy, as leadsinger. All retirees are urged to attend next year.

Tom Griffiths, Pres.

GolfScramble aSuccessL.U. 681 (i,o&spa), WICHITA FALLS, TX—We recentlyheld our first Golf Scramble to help our Brotherhoodgrow and the event was a great success. We had 12teams play. The winning team included Bro. CharlieMorath, Larry Cargal, Rinnie Morath and Bro. ChuckHoward. Second place: Bros. Regis Cannon, TimFlaherty and Bud Young. Everybody had such a goodtime they are ready to do it again. We plan on mak-ing this an annual event.

The work situation is a little slow, but we arehopeful it will turn around soon.

Leland Welborn, A.B.M.

IBEWService PinsAwardedL.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OH—Hope you got outto vote in the November midterm election. As amajority we voted for hope and change but we can’tseem to be patient enough to let it play out. Realchange takes time, planning and participation. We

thank those members who manned the phonebanks to get out the vote.

On Sept. 10-12 last year, a two-day freecamping trip was held at Alum Creek State Park.Also, the retirees had a wiener roast at the homeof the Maurey’s.

We congratulate members who have takentheir pension as of Aug. 1, 2010: Jeffrey Bender, PaulFalk, Keith Fitzpatrick, Darrell Howell, Andy Jacobsand Russell Mall.

The Annual 25-Year Club Dinner & Dance washeld Oct. 15 at the Villa Milano. Also 5-, 10-, 15- and20-year pins were given out at the Sept. 9 unionmeeting. Congratulations to all.

We extend condolences to the families of ourrecently deceased members: Robert L. Nunley, DaleMetcalf, Lee Creiglow, Joshua C. Owen, William A.Schirtzinger, David West, Billy J. Walden, Andrew J.Shaffer, Wallace D. Watkins Jr., Ralph L. Jordan andEdwin E. Schneider.

Again we thank other locals that have helpedour traveling members, especially Charleston, WV,Local 466.

Rick Deime, V.P./P.S.

Legacy of A CentenarianL.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se), GARY AND HAMMOND, IN—These thoughts come from Bus. Mgr. Raymond E.Kasmark.

With great sorrow we acknowledge the pass-ing of Larry “Buster” Pelka on July 27, 2010. Busterwas our oldest member at age 101. He was born in1909, two years before this local union was char-tered. He was initiated in 1927 and retired in 1973.We honored him at our 2006 Member Awards Nightbanquet and he was a big hit. I also had the pleas-ure of attending his 100th birthday celebration anda photo of us at that event appeared in this publica-tion shortly thereafter.

As recently as this summer, Buster visited theconstruction site of our new Training andAdministration facility. He engaged the site superin-tendent in a conversation about the building andtook some photo ops. Buster was very active even athis advanced age. He will be missed and we extendcondolences and prayers to his sorrowing family.

Heritage by definition is a legacy, or inheri-tance handed down from one generation toanother. This holiday season let us truly give thanksfor the legacy that has been given to us and let usdiligently work to preserve that legacy to pass on toour next generation.

Have a blessed new year!

David A. Soderquist, P.S.

Attending swearing in of Local 753 officers are, from left: Local 753 Pres. Tony Parrish; ExecutiveBoard members William Nichols, Shannon Vaughn and Greg Johnson; Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. DickWilson; Int. Sec. Emeritus Jack F. Moore; Executive Board memberWilliam O’Neal; Vice Pres.David Johnson; Executive Board members Darrell Walker and Jim Foster; Treas. Craig Rost. Notpictured: Executive Board member Larry Maric and Rec. Sec. David Beahan.

Local 611 Asst. Bus. Mgr. Jim Baca (left) and Bro. Joe Padilla (right)congratulate apprentice lineman of the year Daniel Trujillo.

Local 613 instructor Bob Foster demonstratesfire alarm board.

Retired Bro. Phil Wallace and partner ShirleyBurris attend Local 625’s annual retirementparty. Phil and Shirley created andmaintainedLocal 625’sWeb site for eight years. Phil iscurrently ExecutiveMember-at-Large.



Newly ElectedOfficersL.U. 753 (u), SPRINGFIELD, MO—Local 753 is proudto introduce our newly elected and re-elected offi-cers and board members. Local 753 was also hon-ored to have International Sec. Emeritus Jack F.Moore swear in the officers. [Photo, pg. 14.]

Officers elected are: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. DickWilson, Pres. Tony Parrish, Vice Pres. David Johnson,Rec. Sec. David Beahan, Treas. Craig Rost; andExecutive Boardmembers Jimmy Foster, GregoryJohnson, Larry Maric, William Nichols, WilliamO’Neal, Shannon Vaughn and Darrell Walker.

We thank those who helped and participatedin the Labor Day parade and cleanup day.

Remember, our Local 753meetings are thethird Thursday of everymonth. Hope to see you there.

Brian Brawley, P.S.

BusinessPlanL.U. 827 (catv&t), EASTWINDSOR, NJ—Last April, VicePres. Joe Penna andmyself met with Verizon leadersto discuss a business plan. This plan will increasethe Verizon FiOS customer base in New Jersey. FiOSis a great product for voice, data and video. I haveoften said that Verizon designed a Cadillac, yet mar-kets andmaintains it like a Volkswagen.

By 2012, Verizon in New Jersey will havepassed over 18 million homes with fiber, yet as ofNovember 2010, only 300,000 customers are on thenew network. Today’s customers want good service.We have provided a business plan to the employerthat will increase the workload and keep the cus-tomer base. It includes a partnership with the NewJersey AFL-CIO and other IBEW locals in New Jersey.In a year of corporate downsizing our goal is toincrease membership. Let us hope the corporationcan get past the bottom line and see the bigger pic-ture with the potential for additional customers,which in turn should increase the membership.

Local 827 officers and business agents wisheveryone a happy, prosperous new year.

Bill Huber, Pres./B.M./F.S.

Fight forWorking FamiliesL.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL—Themidterm electionsturned out to be brutal forworking families in thestate of Florida.Many of ourmost intelligent and pas-sionate supporters lost their campaigns. The new cab-inet and legislature leaders havemade their disdainfor the labormovement common knowledge. Nowwesurelymust fight for the benefit of ourmembers andall of Florida’sworking families, use this experienceas awake-up call, andmobilize like never before.

During one of our local’s laborwalks to unionmembers’ homes, wewere honored to have in atten-dance at our hall Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hill and FifthDistrict Int. Vice Pres. JoeS. Davis. Pres. Hill rallied thevolunteers before thewalk, boostedmorale and gaveencouragement that our efforts are never in vain. Itwas a good day for brotherhood and solidarity.

Bros. Felix Gonzalez and Jon Dehmel heldLocal 915’s first Halloween party. It was wellattended and the kids both old and young enjoyedthemselves. Thank you to these brothers and theirvolunteers for giving our families a safe place to cel-ebrate this occasion.

Theresa King, P.S.

CommunityService AwardL.U. 965 (em,govt,ptc&u), MADISON, WI—In 2010,Local 965 began recognizing active and retiredmembers who give back to our communities by vol-unteering. We established the “Charlie Award,”which is named in recognition of the first recipient,Charlie Wilhelm. Charlie inspired the need to recog-nize members giving back to our communitiesthrough his involvement with Habitat for Humanityand other charitable activities. Any member whoknows of a fellow active member or retiree whogives back to our communities through volunteeringcan submit an application to the local union office.The Local 965 Executive Board will select the appli-cant they believe is most deserving at the JanuaryExecutive Board meeting.

In addition to individual volunteering, the dif-ferent units of this local are authorized to requestcharitable contributions to be made by the localunion to various organizations and charities in andaround the communities served by those units.Local 965 is proud of the membership’s approval ofthese requests that come from their unit meetingsover the course of the year. In these hard economictimes, caused by the greed of a few, it is moreimportant than ever that we extend a hand to thoseorganizations that do so much in our communities.

Kurt Roberts, P.S.

NationalGrid AgreementL.U. 1049 (lctt,o,u&uow), LONG ISLAND, NY—”Information, Communication, Education”—that isthe longtimemantra of Bus.Mgr. BobShand. Utilizingour new state-of-the-artmedia center, we invite guestspeakers to our generalmeetingswho informmem-bers on benefits, community events and politicalissues. A recent guestwasU.S. Rep. Steve Israel.

We completed negotiations with our largestemployer, National Grid. Chief negotiator Bob Shandled themain Negotiating Committee and severalsubcommittees. Our union negotiators securedadditional security for the membership by negotiat-ing a four-year agreement. We created new jobs andnew career paths. The agreement includes a no-lay-off clause, general wage increases of 2.5 percent ineach year of the contract and other economicenhancements. We protected retiree medical andpharmaceutical coverage. Additionally, the companyagreed to more accurately calculate the pensions forourmembers who collect shift premiums.

Concurrently, we negotiated new contracts forour members covered under our “Temporary LaborRestricted to Flagpersons” Agreement and anotherfor those who are employed by Riggio Valve. Ourflaggers have a new three-year agreement with gen-eral wage increases of 8.26 percent compounded.For our members employed by Riggio Valve, wenegotiated a four-year agreement with generalincreases of 3.5 percent, 3.5 percent, 3.5 percentand 4 percent. There will also be a 3.5 percentincrease in their annuity. At this writing, we arenegotiating with Waste Recycling Solutions Inc.

See you at the next general meeting.

Thomas J. Dowling, R.S.

‘Rankand FileSupport’L.U. 1245 (catv,em,govt,lctt,o,pet,t&u), VACAVILLE,CA—Seventeen apprentice linemen from OutsideConstruction, NV Energy, the City of Lodi and PG&E

gained a new appreciation of the union when theytraveled to Kansas for the 27th Annual InternationalLineman’s Rodeo in October 2010.

Stevey Bennett Jr., a sixth-step apprentice at NVEnergy, said the rodeo showed him that “all the localsare fighting for the same rights, the samebenefits, allover the country. The union is part of whatwe do.”

A journeyman team from Turlock IrrigationDistrict took first place in a journeyman “mysteryevent,” as well as third place overall in the munici-pal utility division. Modesto Irrigation District’sjourneyman team also performed extremely well.

Massive rank and file support helped powerthe negotiation of a new tentative agreement for cleri-cal members at PacificGas & Electric. A largemajorityof the 2,500-member unit signed a petition opposingcompany proposals for two-tier wages and the con-tracting out of IBEWwork—management withdrewthose proposals. If ratified, the agreement provideswage increases of 9 percent over its four-year term.

Local 1245 retirees at NV Energy protestedreductions in theirmedical benefits with a large rallyat the utility’s Las Vegas headquarters. The unionrecently published another series of full-page ads inthe state’s leading newspapers, produced and aired a60-second commercial in Nevada’smajorTVmarkets,and continued aWeb-based campaign ofGoogle adsthat feature a three-minute video of retirees tellinghow they feel about losingmedical benefits after long-time service to the utility. A poll commissioned byLocal 1245 showsNVEnergy customers are deeply dis-satisfiedwith the utility’s service. The local petitionedtheNevada PublicUtilitiesCommission to investigatework force shortages at the utility.

Eric Wolfe, P.S.

Maine IBEWLocalsMeetL.U. 1253 (i), AUGUSTA,ME—Local 1253waspleased to host anOct. 13, 2010,meeting of theAssociation ofMainePaperMills. Thanks to themill localsfor the invitation to allMaine IBEWlocals. The interaction at thismeetingbetween the 10 locals in attendance—representingmaintenance andopera-tions, telephone, utility, railroad,inside and outside—was invaluable.

In addition, the opportunity

was taken by all to endorse U.S. Reps. ChelliePingree and Mike Michaud in their bids for re-elec-tion. We are happy to report the success of both.

William Gifford, P.S.

ABrotherMournedL.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY, MD—Local members weresaddened by the recent death of Bro. Mike Healey,following an illness with cancer. Bro. Healey washired by Delmarva Power in 1983 as a journeymanlineman in the Exmore District. He advanced to leadlineman and later became a trouble serviceman inthe Salisbury District. In 2008, Mike became a pro-tective equipment tester, the job he held when hepassed away Sept. 24, 2010. Mike will be missed.We extend condolences to his family and friends.

On Oct 12, 2010, members of Local 1307employed by Choptank Electric Co-Op ratified a newfive-year contract. The contract includes wageincreases of 3 percent, 3 percent, 3 percent, 3.25percent and 3.25 percent. There were changes inthe lineman training program and the FR (flameresistant) clothing provision. Changes were alsomade in vacation and sick leave. The negotiatingcommittee was made up of Pres. David Adkins, E-Board member Ginny Williams, members ChuckDean, Marvin McDonald, Buster Nelson and MarkNicolle, assisted by Int. Rep. Kenneth W. Cooper. Wethank this group for a job well done.

Until next time: save jobs, limit imports.

Edward D. Sparks, P.S.

Local 1245 apprentices gather at the 2010 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Standing, from left:Josh Ramos (Lodi); Steve Eaton, Mason Grammar, Jacob Kleinbach, Chris Tate, NathanielMora, Chris Henry and Aaron Tulchinsky (Outside Line); Stevie Bennett, Jr. (NV Energy); andCyrus Riley (Outside Line). Kneeling: Anthony Robbins (Outside Line), Jeff Deweese (NVEnergy), Romanic Martinez (PG&E), Brandon Gonzales (Outside Line), Jason Borsini (NVEnergy), Cody Ellis (Lodi), and Kyle Hermansen (NV Energy).

Great participation by 10 IBEW locals was noted at theOctober 2010, Association of Maine PaperMills meeting.Among attendees were, from left: IBEW Int. Rep. PaulWard; Dave Boudreau, Local 1768; Cam Gallo, Local 1750;Calvin Murphy, Local 1253; and Jenn Nappi, Local 2327.

Local Lines


Rich inService to theUnionL.U. 1439 (u), ST. LOUIS, MO—Former business man-ager Tom Fagan proudly accepted his 50-year awardfrom current Bus. Mgr. Mike Walter. St. Charles wasTom’s home district where he worked as a journey-man lineman for Ameren/UE. Tom served as a stew-ard, Executive Board member, and businessrepresentative until taking the helm as businessmanager from 1996 to 2000. During his tenure aspolitical director for the St. Louis Labor Council, Tomused his expertise in the political field to help edu-cate and cultivate candidates with labor’s bestinterest at heart. Tom is currently busy with all“retiree duties” including those of “grandpa.”

We had a good showing at the 27th AnnualInternational Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs,KS. Apprentice Chad Zust won third place and oneof our journeyman teams (Greg Tall, Ed Guehne andJeff Welker) took fourth place. Congratulations to allfor a job well done. All of our contestants work forAmeren/UE in St. Louis, MO.

Michael D. Walter, B.M.

1501UpdateL.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,rts&t), BALTIMORE, MD—Voters in Maryland’s Anne Arundel County approveda slots parlor at Arundel Mills Mall. The MarylandJockey Club had threatened closure of Laurel RaceTrack and to operate Pamlico, home of the worldfamous Preakness, for only 40 days a year. TheCordish Co., which holds the license to build the4,700-machine slots parlor as part of a billion-dollarentertainment complex, countered by stating itwould buy the racetracks and return Marylandhorse racing to national prominence, if the JockeyClub attempted to close them.

Space supporters worry that NASA’s 2011budget could be reduced below its 2010 level,which could scrap the planned space shuttlelaunch for 2011 as well as needed modernization ofthe Kennedy Space Center. A shuttle launch wouldcost $500 million or more.

Our local’s extended three-election cycle wascompleted with no changes. Our Bus. Mgr./Pres.Dion F. Guthrie spoke for all of us when he extendedheartfelt thanks to our Election Committee for theirwork in this long, arduous task. Election Committeemembers: Earl Brown Jr. (judge), Webster Burrier(judge), Kathy Doyle (teller), George “Pete” Noble(teller) and John Zebraski (teller).

Thomas J. Rostkowski, R.S.

Four-Year Contract RatifiedL.U. 1505 (em), WALTHAM, MA—A four-year contractwas ratified unanimously with an roar of applause

at the special meeting held Oct. 2, 2010, at theLowell Auditorium, in Lowell, MA.

In these difficult economic timeswhen somanyin the labormovement are being laid off, Bus. Mgr.David Johnson led the negotiating committee andwas able to negotiate an 11.25 percent pay increaseover the life of the contract, along with a substantialratification bonus. Negotiations also secured a yearlycompany-funded Flexible Spending Account to offsetrisingmedical costs. A first in this company!

Bus. Mgr. Johnson also negotiated advanta-geous contract language for our probationary mem-bers. An additional bonus goes to members whovolunteer to go on a biweekly pay schedule. Ourdefined benefit pension plan was increased by $4per year of service, effective immediately. Shift dif-ferentials were also improved. Program assuranceswere retained, with enhanced seniority rights, aswell as an historic agreement for our licensedtrades to perform work in the Pelham, NH, facility,expelling nonunion contractors from that site!

Looking to the future, Bus. Mgr. Johnson notesthat there will soon be many opportunities foradvancement and negotiated in-house training pro-grams for those members seeking an opportunity toadvance within the union’s job structures.

Congratulations to Bus. Mgr. Johnson and theentire negotiating team for a job well done!

Bob Garnhum, V.P./P.S.

OurNextGenerationL.U. 1523 (u),WICHITA, KS—As I ponderedwriting thisarticle, the recent2010midtermelection came tomind.Thatmademe thinkaboutourunionparticipation.

Howmany of us realize how important it is tovote? We complain about how things are and wetalk about how things should be. But what are wedoing to make things better in our workplace? Wehave the opportunity to make changes for the betterby stepping up to participate.

I know that when the leaders of our countryentered politics they also pledged to work to improvelife for the future of the country and our families.

This is what the founding fathers of IBEW didand at great risk of their lives. They stepped up andworked to improve working conditions for familiesand future generations. We’re now reaping the ben-efits of those risks. The founders risked their livesfor us, for the next generation.

What are we doing as union members to reachout to the next generation? We can listen to them,talk to them, explain to them what the union hasdone for us. We can be politically active and vote.This participation will keep us strong and on theright track for the next generation.

Candy C. Cruz-Dodd, P.S.

Training Facility ProposedL.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA—Bus. Mgr. Ken Wardreported at the October 2010 union meeting that heis exploring the possibility of a new training facility.He said research is underway and this is somethingthe local should have done 25 years ago.

We currently have a great relationship withAugusta Tech for our apprenticeship training, butare limited. This new training facility will help usgive our apprentices a better education, as well ascontinuing education for our journeyman. We willsurely continue our relationship with Augusta Tech,as having those facilities available is always a plus.

Theworksituation looks good. Everyone onBookIwhowants towork is currentlyworking andwehavesomeBook IImembersworking aswell. Upcomingwork in 2011 looks as if it should also be steady.

Aswe begin the NewYear, I would like to askthat everyonemake a commitment to have a financialplan.Much of the upcomingworkwill have overtimeinvolved. Keep inmind that this workwill be good forthe next few years, but it won’t last forever. If you arealready used to living on 40 hours, why not save thatextra overtimemoney for a secure financial future.

Local 1579 officers and staff wish all a happynew year.

Will Salters, A.B.M.

Awards&AppointmentsL.U. 1701 (catv,ees,i,o&u), OWENSBORO, KY—RetiredBro. John “Verne” Bethel received the Governor’sCitation of Excellence award in May 2010. Bro. Bethelbegan volunteering with Habitat for Humanity morethan 10 years ago and volunteers his skills to helplow-income families. Congratulations, John.

Local 1701 member and Owensboro LaborCouncil Pres. Donna Haynes wasmaster of cere-monies at the 2010 Labor Day picnic in Owensboro.Local 1701 was well represented again this year. At

the event, Local 1701 then-Bus. Mgr. Gary Osbornereceived the J.R. Gray Labor Person of the Yearaward. (Gray, former state representative and astrong labor supporter, is secretary of the KentuckyLabor Cabinet.) We congratulate Bro. Osborne, andwe thankSister Haynes for organizing the event.

Bro. Osborne stepped down as business man-ager effective Nov. 1 to accept an I.O. appointmentas an IBEW state organizing coordinator. Gary hasopened a lot of doors politically at the state andlocal level, has improved relations with our NECAcontractors and Big Rivers, and will be missed.

Local 1701 Pres. and MembershipDevelopment Coordinator Larry Boswell wasappointed by the Executive Board to fill the unex-pired term as business manager. We wish bothbrothers well in their new positions.

We mourn the passing of retired Bros. HowardT. Jones and Archie Newcom. May they rest in peace.

Tim Blandford, R.S.

IBEWOPCBaseball TournamentL.U. 1739 (i&o), BARRIE, ONTARIO, CANADA—The2010 IBEW OPCbaseball tournament was hosted byIBEW Local 1739 in Barrie, Ontario, on Sept. 17-18.

The weekend involved 16 teams that playedgames on Friday and Saturday and ended in cham-pionship games in both an “A” and “B” Division.Congratulations to IBEW Local 105 from Hamilton forwinning the “A” Division, and to IBEW Local 530from Sarnia for winning the “B” Division.

Special thanks to all the teams thatattended: IBEW Locals 530 Sarnia, 105 Hamilton,586 Ottawa, 804 Kitchener, 353 Toronto, 894Oshawa, 1687 Sudbury, 115 Kingston, 120 Londonand 303 St. Catharines. Special thanks also all theLocal 1739 members who worked very hard to puton this tournament.

Frank Kastle, P.S.

Local 1579 Bus. Mgr. Ken Ward is on hand fora soil test at the possible location of aproposed new training facility.

IBEW Local 1701 then-Bus. Mgr. GaryOsborne (left) accepts the J.R. Gray Awardpresented by Mark Brown, deputycommissioner of Kentucky Labor Cabinet.

Local 1739 hosted the 2010 IBEW OPC baseball tournament in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.

Local 1439 Bus. Mgr. Mike Walter (right)presents 50-year award to former businessmanager Tom Fagan.

In Memoriam



1 Bellinger, H. E. 1/1/20091 Page, F. C. 10/3/20101 Rufkahr, J. J. 4/13/20103 Barbuto, B. 4/22/20093 Beck, R.W. 10/26/20103 Birley, A. J. 7/31/20103 Camiolo, P. V. 6/24/20103 Caruso, F. V. 9/20/20103 Davila, M. 4/16/20103 Harrington,W. J. 9/19/20103 Holland, T. C. 9/24/20103 Kosteas, D. 2/27/20103 Luongo, M. V. 10/9/20103 Metz, G. 9/17/20103 Nicoletti, V. A. 8/27/20103 O’Hara, J. R. 10/16/20103 Parks, C.W. 6/28/20103 Prince, J. E. 9/19/20083 Rogg, G. 9/6/20103 Smith, A. E. 10/1/20103 Teague, D. B. 9/20/20103 Vaccaro, G. 9/25/20103 Wenger, R. 8/6/20104 Pollock, I. E. 10/9/20105 Difrischia, A. N. 10/14/20106 Andrews, L. T. 6/28/20066 Becker, J. 4/15/20106 Cairns, R. M. 5/22/20106 Coffey, S. D. 8/24/20106 Roe, G. L. 9/30/20108 Galvin, T. R. 10/2/20109 Hall, J. H. 1/16/201011 Sager, E. T. 10/17/201011 Smiley, C. R. 10/16/201011 Storms, P. L. 12/31/200911 Tanner, T. S. 7/4/201011 Thomas, K. 8/4/201014 Monner, C. T. 10/2/201015 McKay, D. J. 10/10/201016 Harbstreit, S. L. 9/18/201016 McDaniel, J. P. 9/3/201017 Peterson, L. G. 6/29/201020 Norris, J. J. 7/24/201024 Dean,W. H. 11/18/200924 Jackson, D. L. 9/13/201024 Sandruck, R. E. 8/17/201025 Davis, F. H. 10/12/201025 Flannagan, F. E. 11/18/200925 Rosello, R. H. 4/29/201026 Casteel, J. A. 10/10/201026 Donaldson, G. T. 6/11/201029 Bettilyon, E. G. 10/7/201032 Baker, B. D. 12/26/200834 Carlton, D. R. 9/23/201034 Swisher, B. D. 10/5/201034 Weiss, J. D. 10/7/201038 Duggan, D. O. 7/27/201038 Quinn, V. T. 10/28/201038 Robertson,W. H. 9/10/201043 Beasock,W. C. 10/3/201046 Best, M. M. 6/29/201046 Bleck, C. A. 9/29/201046 Hinds, L. J. 9/2/201046 Kohler, T. G. 5/31/201046 Luzunaris, D. 8/11/201046 Pedroncelli, R. I. 9/18/201046 Tranberg, C. A. 9/21/201048 Heiss, G. F. 9/1/201048 Snow, H. H. 3/27/200848 Thurman, B. R. 7/25/201055 Martel, R. 10/2/201057 Sorensen, D. 9/17/201058 Armstrong, R. J. 9/22/201058 Bingham, E. A. 10/1/201058 Frattini, S. P. 8/16/201066 Mustachia, N. J. 7/13/201068 Blair, H. D. 6/3/201068 Estudillo, E. L. 10/6/201068 Ingram, R. G. 9/28/2010

68 Shinall, R. G. 9/26/201068 Spitler, D. 10/1/201070 Gish, J. L. 10/23/201071 Tracy, R. C. 7/26/201077 Wyatt, L. A. 8/24/201081 Cummings, J. T. 8/29/201090 Zukoski, L. S. 1/3/200995 McAferty, D. J. 9/3/201096 Mitchell, L. F. 7/22/201097 Katri, J. P. 5/29/200998 Maxwell, T. J. 9/25/201098 Yudof, J. 7/28/2008100 Montoya, K. E. 10/10/2010102 Fairley, J. 5/12/2008102 Gaipa, E. S. 10/1/2010102 Harman, H. E. 10/6/2010102 Lawler,W. L. 9/21/2010102 Stitt, F. E. 8/4/2010102 Stover, N. E. 10/3/2010103 Barry, R. M. 9/28/2010103 Blanchard, R. I. 5/25/2010103 Burns, F. X. 9/13/2010103 Denis, R. A. 9/17/2010103 Farrell, J. J. 8/27/2010103 Gallahue, J. F. 10/11/2010103 Gillogly,W. P. 10/19/2010103 Houlihan, J. F. 10/14/2010103 Kippenberger, J. C. 10/1/2010103 Thibodeau, G. E. 9/23/2010105 Koppensteiner, F. 9/12/2010112 Davis, J. L. 8/14/2010124 Newhouse, K. D. 9/7/2010124 Piranio, J. L. 7/9/2010125 Barnett, E. E. 9/12/2010126 Bice, F.W. 8/26/2010126 Funk, S. C. 10/11/2010130 Washington, G. 8/3/2010134 Ahlrep, R. C. 9/25/2010134 Esser, E. L. 7/31/2010134 Iser, R. 8/25/2010134 McFee, T. E. 9/27/2010134 McKoveck, B. A. 9/1/2008134 Mitchell, V. E. 9/22/2010134 Saksen, E. 9/2/2010134 Vidmar, E. G. 9/1/2010136 Kant, B. G. 9/28/2010136 McClure, J. M. 10/15/2010145 Devore, D. G. 8/25/2008145 LaRose, C. E. 9/16/2010153 Gibson, J. P. 9/16/2008159 Rihn, H. E. 10/8/2010160 Solarz, C. P. 9/28/2010164 Irving, J. C. 3/9/2010164 McGimpsey, T. F. 9/22/2010175 Poe,W. C. 10/16/2010175 Tatum, S. B. 10/1/2010176 Sanchez, L. D. 10/3/2010176 Urbanowski, J. H. 10/8/2010177 Bazzell, E. A. 8/26/2010177 Owens, J. A. 9/7/2010177 Pollock, T. 12/30/2008177 Posey, J. A. 9/21/2010191 Wildre, D. R. 8/14/2008193 Peterson, D. E. 9/1/2010197 Pillow,W. E. 9/20/2010223 Tontini, T. 9/23/2010236 Smith, C. C. 12/13/2009242 Bertheaume, A. J. 10/5/2010242 Koch, L. C. 5/9/2007245 Hennessey,W. 7/15/2010246 Lucarelli, G. J. 9/10/2010257 Bax, J. J. 10/8/2010258 Roberts,W. E. 6/28/2010278 King, C. 7/18/2010280 Davis, J. L. 6/27/2008280 Talley,W. 10/1/2010292 Johnson, P. H. 10/6/2010292 McCurdy, J. G. 5/18/2010294 Hamlin, R. 8/31/2010

294 LaFrance, C. D. 9/24/2010295 Archer, G.W. 10/6/2010295 Brown, J. P. 10/8/2010306 Schofield, D.W. 10/2/2010340 Huckstep, C. L. 9/30/2010343 Duxbury, D. O. 10/7/2010349 Cosens, R. F. 10/16/2010349 Pruitt, L. H. 9/19/2010349 Vensel, A. J. 10/12/2010351 Nardone, M. A. 9/30/2010352 Horaney, S. L. 5/29/2010353 Dejong, F. 10/17/2010354 Barney, B. M. 10/20/2010357 Payne,W. S. 1/20/2007357 Ross,W. E. 6/27/2009357 Staples, A. E. 6/7/2010357 Vandalen, A. X. 10/10/2010359 Ravitch, J. 1/11/2009363 Ingalls, H. K. 9/9/2010363 Parizot, E. H. 9/13/2010364 Smith, S. L. 9/17/2010369 Atwell, C. D. 8/23/2010369 Rainey, R. R. 7/12/2008369 Rice, S.W. 10/2/2010380 Friel, J. M. 1/20/2010387 Fitzgerald, T. J. 9/9/2010387 Greene, J. T. 9/28/2010387 Smithson, H. J. 9/25/2010396 Bumpas, J. D. 9/30/2010396 Cox, K. R. 8/18/2010401 Byrne, F.W. 9/18/2010402 Larsen, L. M. 4/13/2010413 Wood, K. E. 10/19/2010415 Kennedy, D. A. 10/5/2010424 Hogan, M. F. 9/27/2010424 Rusnak, T. 7/9/2010424 Somers, T. P. 7/17/2010429 Conrad, B. J. 11/25/2008429 Lemmonds, B.W. 9/10/2010441 Camou, J. G. 7/28/2010461 Boon, E.W. 8/3/2010461 Branson, J. J. 8/22/2010474 Stafford, J. T. 9/6/2010480 Bullock, N. L. 10/23/2010480 Horton, R. D. 10/18/2010480 Warren, M. G. 7/24/2010481 Abel, B. R. 10/25/2010481 Ehrie,W. J. 8/26/2010481 Judkins, G. J. 10/21/2010481 Kristoff, A. C. 10/6/2010481 McCoy, J. F. 7/8/2006488 DiPalma, S. 9/8/2010502 Melanson, F. A. 3/13/2010527 Adair, R. 11/16/2009527 Cummings, T. C. 9/15/2010553 Medlin, D. D. 9/28/2010557 Flattery, K. T. 9/23/2010569 Bemis, P. R. 10/14/2010569 Cook, E.W. 10/4/2010569 Rubics, J. 8/28/2010574 Brown, R. K. 8/1/2010577 Swenson, M. H. 10/10/2010584 Shaull, L. N. 10/14/2010601 Henderson, R. R. 8/2/2010605 Dennis, J. 10/10/2010613 Brown, C. M. 9/11/2010617 Burke, J. H. 9/10/2010617 Russell, A.W. 9/20/2010640 Townsend, L. F. 10/11/2010648 Hair,W. S. 10/7/2010659 Tycer,W. 10/10/2010673 Lillvis, R. R. 9/25/2010683 French, E. M. 10/14/2010683 Grosvenor, D. B. 10/24/2010683 Stevens, G. R. 10/19/2010684 Hurst,W. H. 9/22/2010697 Campbell, H. J. 10/1/2010697 Moody, J. B. 10/11/2010697 Musgrave, R. E. 12/10/2009

700 McAlister, D. E. 4/25/2010701 Rossi, E. H. 8/20/2010702 Oglesby, M. L. 9/2/2010716 Robeson, G. F. 10/7/2010743 High, R. 10/13/2010744 Cutugno, M. M. 8/17/2008760 Canterbury, J.W. 10/1/2010760 Freeman, B. E. 9/24/2010760 Turnbill, C.W. 10/5/2010763 Siedlik, T. F. 8/13/2010768 Jacobson, E. J. 9/25/2010769 Gravel, L. A. 9/9/2010769 Haag,W. H. 9/23/2010773 Knight, G.W. 9/30/2010776 Timms, H. B. 10/8/2010814 Cox,W. E. 10/7/2010852 White, K. H. 10/10/2010861 Hamilton, V. G. 10/15/2010870 Evans, O. M. 5/14/2007873 Fagel, K. L. 8/8/2010876 Stevens,W. M. 9/22/2010910 Mosher, F. H. 9/21/2010915 Thomas, J. L. 10/19/2010917 Warner, D. C. 9/30/2010934 Webb, J. P. 6/6/2009949 Erickson, E. E. 9/12/2010972 Rankin, J. F. 9/11/20101002 Jones,W. A. 10/10/20101002 Parsons, J. L. 8/12/20101049 Cotugno, V. N. 9/16/20101153 Currier, G. E. 12/13/20081186 Nishihira, B. J. 8/30/20101249 Mason, E. V. 6/4/20101353 Mikesell, P. C. 3/19/20091393 Blankenship, D. K. 8/15/20101393 Murray,W. T. 9/7/20101531 Collett, L. 8/21/20101547 Lesko, M. 9/29/20101547 Randazzo, J. P. 9/26/20101553 Porter, R. D. 9/19/20101555 Goguen, O. 8/29/20101579 Gross, R. C. 8/25/20101852 White, J. 6/24/20102085 Houston, K. G. 8/6/20102159 Zwiefelhofer, R. F. 9/30/20102295 Burkett, M. F. 9/3/20102330 Hutchings, D. J. 8/25/2010I.O. (134) Dalessandro, A. 10/2/2010I.O. (165) Meyer, R. T. 9/22/2010I.O. (553) Pridgen, J.W. 9/5/2010Pens. (180) Ruskus, F. E. 9/28/2010Pens. (637) Arthur, R. 8/7/2010Pens. (1788) Baranowski, J. P. 9/19/2010Pens. (2253) Bornais, M. 9/6/2010Pens. (I.O.) Anderson, J. S. 8/24/2010Pens. (I.O.) Boehl, R. F. 10/15/2010Pens. (I.O.) Cole, G.W. 10/25/2010Pens. (I.O.) Coles, H. A. 9/30/2010Pens. (I.O.) Early, J. B. 9/15/2010Pens. (I.O.) Fackler, R. K. 9/29/2010Pens. (I.O.) Fitzgerald, J. J. 9/18/2010Pens. (I.O.) Flach, M. A. 7/30/2010Pens. (I.O.) Girard, H. 8/8/2008Pens. (I.O.) Hanson, S. O. 9/29/2010Pens. (I.O.) Hoffart, V. L. 8/21/2009Pens. (I.O.) Jahner, P. 7/11/2010Pens. (I.O.) Kuhn, R.W. 10/4/2010Pens. (I.O.) Lavallee, J. 9/27/2010Pens. (I.O.) Martin, R. E. 10/4/2010Pens. (I.O.) Menicucci, T. L. 7/3/2010Pens. (I.O.) Nash, J. J. 8/22/2008Pens. (I.O.) Pederson, R.W. 9/16/2010Pens. (I.O.) Roberts, G. V. 5/30/2010Pens. (I.O.) Sledge, B.W. 9/20/2010Pens. (I.O.) Stallings, C. M. 8/1/2010Pens. (I.O.) Stephens, C. 9/24/2010Pens. (I.O.) Tripp, C.W. 7/12/2010Pens. (I.O.) Tukua, I. A. 10/10/2010Pens. (I.O.) Williams, R. G. 8/20/2010

Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death

Members forWhomPBFDeathClaimswereApproved inNovember2010

www.ibew.orgFrom breaking news tovideo stories, ourupdatedWeb site hasinformation not availableanywhere else. Visit us toconnect with the IBEWonFacebook and to followInternational PresidentEdwin D. Hill on Twitter!

IBEW on theHuffington PostPresident Hill blogs onwhat it will take to growthe IBEW in these toughtimes. Read atwww.huffingtonpost.com/edwin-d-hill.

YouTubeAcross theMidwest, theIBEWhelps keepAmericanmanufacturing—andgood jobs—alive. Watchonline at the IBEW’sYouTube channel atwww.youtube.com/user/theelectricalworker.

HourPowerFrom the floorof the NECA2010 show,check out newgadgets andget in on adiscussion about therelationship between theIBEWandNECA. Only onIBEWHour Power! www.IBEWHourPower.com.

ElectricTVNECA CEO John Graudiscusses laborrelations, new workopportunities and thefuture of the electricalindustry in our latestvideo on electricTV.net.

IBEWMEDIAWORLD

Inaddition to yourmonthlyissue of The ElectricalWorker, check out thewealth of IBEW-relatedinformation in cyberspace.


HOWTO REACH US

We welcome letters from our readers.The writer should include his or hername, address and, if applicable, IBEW local union number and cardnumber. Family members should include the local union number of theIBEW member to whom The Electrical Worker is mailed. Please keepletters as brief as possible. The Electrical Worker reserves the right toselect letters for publication and edit all submissions for length.

Send letters to:Letters to the Editor, The Electrical Worker, 900 Seventh Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20001Or send by e-mail to: [email protected]

©2011 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. on Union-made paper.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Electrical Worker,900 Seventh Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20001.

The Electrical Worker will not be held responsible for viewsexpressed by correspondents.

Paid advertising is not accepted.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40011756.Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:P.O. Box 503RPOWest Beaver CreekRichmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6

D uring the election season, a candidate for mayor in NewYork City got national media coverage and a load oflaughs when he announced that he was running as a

member of the “Rent is Too Damn High Party.”All joking aside, I don’t think any of us would have a prob-

lem joining the “Unemployment is Too Damn High Party.”And no matter who we blame for the current crisis, most of

us are impatient and concerned about how long it is taking to putour economy on the road to recovery.

All of us, working or unemployed, do ourselves a great dis-service if we leave our impatience in the voting booth anddepend upon our new leaders—Republican or Democrat—tosolve problems on their own.

They can’t or won’t.Shrinking budgets and rising deficits at all levels of govern-

ment have led to more competition over how scarce resourceswill be allocated and to a national debate over how deficits willbe reduced. Politicians need facts, persuasion and pressurefrom real people or many will simply do the bidding of theirbiggest contributors.

And those same corporate contributors are sitting on bil-lions of dollars in profits, as high as in pre-recession days, wait-ing for demand to increase. Don’t believe us? It said so in theWall Street Journal, not exactly an anti-corporate publication.

They say the business executives are waiting for demand to rise before they spend money. Hello?Loosen your wallets. Build. Train people. Most important, hire more workers. Then you will seedemand rise. And if government can chip in with short-term spending, so much the better.

All branches of our union have much to gain by entering the competition to convince ourleaders to make public policy that puts our members to work, raises the living standards of oursurrounding communities, and reduces deficits by growing the economy.

We’re talking aboutprojects like theTaylorville EnergyCenter in Illinois, a coal gasification projectthat holds the potential for 10million hours of labor and opportunities for 2,500 construction jobs andhundredsmore inmining.We’re proud that several of our Illinois locals have joinedwith theAFL-CIO,under the leadership of IBEWmember and state federation president,MichaelCarrigan, to gain leg-islative support for the project.

We’re talking about the efforts of San Diego Local 569 and many others across the nationlobbying for major new projects in solar and renewable energy.

We’re talking about the role that our New York locals played in passing legislation to stopworker misclassification and wage theft under the leadership of Denis Hughes, president of thestate’s AFL-CIO and a member of Local 3.

Brothers and sisters, these are not normal times. We’ve known boom and bust before. But ithas been decades since we’ve seen this slow an economy. Today’s tactics need to be adapted tothis new reality.

Last month in cities across the country, unemployedmembers showed up outside the officesof congressional representatives to draw attention to the need to extend unemployment benefits.

We often complain about how labor is ignored in the pages of our newspapers or on local TV.But these protests were widely covered. Why? Because some workers decided to make a per-sonal commitment to go beyond voting, beyond sending letters, beyond making phone calls toshowing up and making themselves heard.

That’s the activist tradition of responsible militancy that we need to rekindle if we are goingto break through the news embargo, push our elected leaders over to our side and put our mem-bers back to work.

In this issue of The Electrical Worker, we talk about how not to reduce deficits. The best wayto reduce deficits is to get unemployed workers back on the job. Until then, those who havemoney will sit on it, and those who don’t will sink further into debt and despair.

It’s time to fight to get our economy back in balance and get all of our people on the job. �

I n t e r n a t i o n a l B r o t h e r h o o d o f E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r s

The Electrical Worker was the name of the first officialpublication of the National Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers in 1893 (the NBEW became the IBEW in 1899 withthe expansion of the union into Canada). The name andformat of the publication have changed over the years.This newspaper is the official publication of the IBEW andseeks to capture the courage and spirit that motivated thefounders of the Brotherhood and continue to inspire theunion’s members today. The masthead of this newspaperis an adaptation of that of the first edition in 1893.

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

EXECUTIVEOFFICERS

Edwin D. HillInternational President

Lindell K. LeeInternationalSecretary-Treasurer

INTERNATIONALEXECUTIVECOUNCIL

ChairmanRobert W. Pierson

First DistrictJoseph P. Calabro

Second DistrictMyles J. Calvey

Third DistrictJohn R. Clarke

Fourth DistrictWilliam W. Riley

Fifth DistrictStephen Schoemehl

Sixth DistrictGregory A. Lucero

Seventh DistrictPatrick Lavin

Eighth DistrictJohn F. Briegel

INTERNATIONALVICEPRESIDENTS

First DistrictPhillip J. Flemming

Second DistrictFrank J. Carroll

Third DistrictDonald C. Siegel

Fourth DistrictSalvatore J. Chilia

Fifth DistrictJoe S. Davis

Sixth DistrictLonnie R. Stephenson

Seventh DistrictJonathan B. Gardner

Eighth DistrictTed C. Jensen

Ninth DistrictMichael S. Mowrey

Tenth DistrictRobert P. Klein

Eleventh DistrictCurtis E. Henke

THEELECTRICALWORKER

EditorEdwin D. Hill

C. James Spellane

MarkBrueggenjohann

Malinda Brent

Len Shindel

Carol Fisher

Alex Hogan

Lucas Oswalt

James H. Jones

Len Turner

Tim Prendergast

Curtis D. Bateman

John Sellman

Hold the Tightwads Accountable

Edwin D. HillInternational President

Lindell K. LeeInternational Secretary-Treasurer



Ninth District InternationalRepresentative KeithEdwards has broken a lotof barriers in his 40-year

IBEW career. The Portland, Ore., Local48member was the first African-American businessmanager of a con-struction local in IBEW history, as wellas the first to serve as amember ofthe National Joint Apprenticeship andTraining Committee.

The co-founder of the ElectricalWorkersMinority Caucus in Local 48says there have been a lot of changessince he first joined the IBEW thathavemade the union amore welcom-ing and diverse place.

But the struggle to keep open-ing doors continues, Edwards says.“The key to our movement’s futuresuccess is developing new voices,making it clear that the IBEW is solidin its commitment to diversity.”

That is why Edwards has joinedthe Union Leaders of the Future pro-gram. Sponsored by Union Privilege,the program partners experiencedlabor activists with youngermem-bers from historically underrepre-sented groups to help them developtheir skills as organizers and leaders.

The increasing racial and eth-nic diversity of the work force andthe imminent retirement of the babyboom generation make developingnew leadership that better reflectsthe changing face of the labor move-ment a priority for union activists.

“We’ve made this commitmentto mentoring because labor’s futuredepends on preparing new leaderswho are bright, talented, and wholook like the face of workingAmerica,” says Leslie Tolf, presidentof Union Privilege. The organizationinvited 10 aspiring labor leaders totake part in the program, includingthree from the IBEW.

Edwards is partneredwithVacaville, Calif., Local 1245memberLorensoArciniega. The 31-year-oldArciniega says he had little experiencewith unions before going toworkatPacificGas and Electric 10 years ago.

“I knew the good wages andbenefits I had at the job didn’t comefor free, and I wanted to be involved,

but there was a bit of a generationgap,” he says. “I think some oldermembers didn’t think the youngerones were serious.”

But recent contract negotia-tions gave Arciniega the opportunityto become active in the union, serv-ing on the Local 1245’s clericalorganizing committee.

“You don’t need a special titleto become a union leader,” he says.“You just need to get involved.”

Participants in the mentoringprogram agree to meet with eachother at least 12 times a year—eitherby phone or in person—to helpmentees clarify their personal goalsand to benefit from the experiencesof their mentors.

“Thementoring program isabout providing a personalized learn-ing experience formentees,” saysTomChiancone, programmanager forthe Union Plus benefits. “Thementoris part teacher, part thinking partnerand a curious listener and coach.”

Wendell Yee, a second genera-tion New York City Local 3 member,knows the importance of havingolder members pass on the uniontradition to younger ones.

“As the older folksmove out ofthework force,members frommygen-eration need to step upand takeresponsibility for their union,” he says.

The 29-year-old Yee is part-nered with David Keicher, leader-ship and organization developmentcoordinator for the national AFL-CIO.

For Yee, the key to developingnew leaders is to provide asmanyopportunities as possible for youngermembers to take responsibility for

day-to-day activities in the union.“We’re lucky in Local 3 because

we have lots of committees andclubs newmembers can join,” hesays. Yee himself served as chairmanof Local 3’s apprentice advisory com-mittee during his own apprentice-ship and is treasurer of its AsianAmerican Cultural Society.

Participants in the program—now in its fourth year—are reimbursedbyUnion Privilege for labor studiesclasses taken at approved institutions.

Austin Local 520 memberNorman Jones is also participatingin the program. A former nonunionelectrician who came to this countryfrom Jamaica, he has been involvedin many organizing campaigns.

“Diversity is strength and laborshould be willing to have a real dis-cussion about what we can do to pro-mote it,” says hismentor, SeventhDistrict International RepresentativeRalphMerriweather. His advice onbecoming a good organizer is, “be agood listener, be a good communica-tor, and remember that our work is allabout themembers.”

“I am thankful every day forbeing amember of this union,” Jonessays. “And I want to develop as aleader, so I can spread theword aboutthe good things the IBEWdoes.”

For more information, visitwww.unionplus.org/diversity. �

Lettersto theEditor

If you have a story to tell about your IBEW experience, please send it [email protected].

WhoWeAre

TheReal ProblemIn the November 2010 issue of The Electrical Worker, the front page article“Manufacturing Crisis, Roadblock to Recovery: ‘Made in China,’” like similararticles I have read, seems to laymost of the blame on China.

TheChinese have not invaded theU.S. and forcefully relocated factoriestoChina.Theyhave donewhat states and cities across theUnitedStates havebeendoing for years,mainly offer cheaper labor and costs to companies.Thinkof the furniture industry and textiles in theNewEngland states that relocatedto theSouth for cheaper labor.

It is the businesses who are moving these factories and jobs over-seas, of their own free will. These companies have no loyalty to theAmerican worker, and thus no loyalty to the United States, but they expectus to bail them out, pay all the taxes, and to fight and die in wars to pro-tect their interests. If you want to solve this problem, start there.

How?Well, I knowmy pension invests in many of these companies. Infact there are many union pension plans across the country that are majorinvestors in the stockmarket. I believe there needs to be a coordinatedeffort among these plans to sell stock in companies that have relocatedoverseas, and invest in smaller companies that are trying to build here inthe U.S. Yes, it will hurt our pensions and retirees in the short term, but weare in a fight, and in a fight you have to expect to take a few punches. Ourinvestments in the stockmarket are really the only weapon we have to fightwith, and it is time for us to use that weapon.

Secondly, I have not seen any meaningful effort by politicians, ofeither stripe, to impose sanctions on these companies.

But we continue to buy things without looking at the labels or caringabout where it wasmade. Sure it is cheaper upfront, but over the longterm? Less tax revenue taxesmeans lessmoney to spend on firemen,policemen, hospitals, picking up trash, filling potholes, maintaining parks,etc., all the things that we come to expect from living in modern country.

Think about this. Or don’t. But your choice will affect your city, yourstate, your country, your children, and your wallet.

Kevin O’DriscollLocal 617 member, San Mateo, Calif.

Union Leader ProgramMentorsNextGeneration of IBEWActivists

Keith Edwards,left, mentorsVacaville,Calif., Local1245 memberLorensoArciniega. Alsoparticipatingin the UnionPrivilegeprogram isNew York CityLocal 3memberWendell Yee,below.

W ith less than year to go before the opening of the 38th InternationalConvention in Vancouver, British Columbia, the IBEW is in theprocess of choosing a theme that will capture the spirit of the

IBEW in one phrase. That’s no small task given that the Brotherhood cele-brates 120 years of existence in 2011, along with our record of excellence, ourtriumphs over adversity and the international cooperation that existsbetween ourmembers in the UnitedStates, Canada and elsewhere.

So as with all the IBEW’s efforts, we work best through the strength ofnumbers. International President Ed Hill and International Secretary-Treasurer Lindell Lee are opening up the process to all IBEWmembers ingood standing, asking for ideas on a suitable theme for the convention.

Because of the need to begin developing convention-related materi-als, including an official logo, early in 2011, all entries must be received bymidnight, January 21. The person submitting the winning theme will be offi-cially recognized at the convention, and his or her name will go into the per-manent records of the Brotherhood.

To submit an entry, go towww.ibew.org and click on the “Countdownto Vancouver” button or send it via the postal service—be sure to includeyour name, local union number and IBEW card number—to:

IBEW Convention Theme900 Seventh Street, N.W.Washington, DC20001-3886

These are challenging times for the IBEW and all of labor, yet weremain strong and poised for a bright future in the 21st century. Let’s cap-ture that spirit as we approach this landmark convention, celebrating 120years of Brotherhood. �

IBEWMembers Invited ToSubmitTheme Ideas for 38th International Convention

DEADLINES

Entry form and video orDVD of presentation must besubmitted online or postmarkedby the following dates:

February 15, 20117th District (AZ, KS, NM, OK, TX)9th District (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR,

WA, Pacific Islands)

March 31, 20112nd District (CT, ME, MA, NH,

VT, RI)4th District (DC, KY, MD, OH,

VA, WV)5th District (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS,

Panama, Puerto Rico,Virgin Islands)

8th District (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)10th District (AR, NC, SC, TN)

April 29, 20111st District (Canada)3rd District (DE, NJ, NY, PA)6th District (IL, IN, MI, MN, WI)11th District (IA, MO, NE, ND, SD)

• All participantsmust be IBEWmembers in good standing.In the case of a band or group act, at least one personmust be an IBEWmember in good standing.

• All acts should submit a video of their performance tothe International Office (see details on entry form below)where a team of judgeswill determine the top qualifyingacts for each IBEW Vice Presidential district.

• The next round of competition will take place at theannual district progress meetings. Each qualifying videowill be viewed and judged by participants at the con-testant’s district progress meeting.

• The winning act from each district will be housed at the38th International Convention in Vancouver, BritishColumbia, where they will compete live at the conven-tion picnic on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.

• The top three finishers will compete live in a final roundof competition, where a winner will be declared.

Entries, including videos, can be submitted online or bymail.Complete contest rules and entry instructions are printed atleft and on the IBEWWebsite,www.ibew.org/talent.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

CONTEST ENTRY FORM

IBEW Has Talent and it’s time to show it off! To enter, fill out this form completely,sign and date the Agreement and Release portion, and submit it with a video or DVDof your performance to our website at www.ibew.org/talent.* Performance in sub-mitted video or DVDmust be no longer than five minutes in length. Thank you for par-ticipating and good luck!

First Name ____________________________________________________________

Last Name ____________________________________________________________

Local Union Number ____________________________________________________

Card Number __________________________________________________________(On IBEW Membership Card or Dues Receipt)

PhoneNumber ________________________________________________________

Email Address __________________________________________________________

Performance Description ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

* Please note that entries may alsobe mailed to the following address:

IBEW Has Talent ContestATTN: Jim Spellane900 Seventh Street, NWWashington, DC 20001

WWW.IBEW.ORG/TALENT

AGREEMENTAND RELEASE

(Print Name)(hereinafter “Contestant”), and the International Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers (hereinafter “IBEW”), agree as followswith respect to con-testant’s participation in the IBEW Has Talent (hereinafter “IHT”) contest at the IBEW’s 38thConvention in Vancouver,BritishColumbia,Canada,on September 19–23, 2011.

Signature (required for entry)

Date

1. This contest is open to active or retired IBEWmembers only. Theperson submitting theentrymust be involved in theperformance.

2. All submissions must be suitable for family viewing and notcontain objectionable material. The IBEW reserves the rightto disallow or disqualify any act for any reason.

3. Contestant agrees to enter the IHT contest and to submit tothe IBEW International Office a video or DVD of his/her per-formance, for consideration by the judges established for theIHT contest. Contestant further states that no performer inthe video is a fulltime professional entertainer.

4. Judges at the International Office shall review all entriessubmitted by contestants in the IHT competition. Based ontheir review of the entries, the judges shall determine theacts to be submitted to each of the IBEW’s 11 districts forjudging at the district level.

5. The parties agree that the IHT competition does not carrywith it a monetary prize or any other financial payment.Each district shall determine its winning act. Each member

of the 11 individual district winning acts shall be providedwith a hotel room in Vancouver for Friday, Saturday, Sunday,and Monday nights. Each act will be provided with no morethan three rooms per night.

6. During the day on Saturday, September 17, 2011, the 11district winners will compete. The judges shall select 3 ofthe 11 district winners as finalists, and the finalists shallthen compete later on the same day.

7. Contestant agrees that he/she is not an employee of the IBEWInternational Office, and that he/she is not entitled to any ben-efit of any kind beyond those specified in this agreement.

8. All submissions become the property of the IBEW.Participation in this event indicates approval to use anyimage or video of the performance in future IBEW publica-tions, presentations, and websites.

9. In consideration for being allowed to participate in the IHT con-test, contestant hereby releases the IBEW from any obligation,duty, or commitment other than those set forth in this agreement.

The skills of IBEW members on the job are wellknown across North America. But what other talentslie beneath the surface of the 725,000 men andwomen who make up our union?

We want to find out. And that’s why we are holdingthe first ever IBEW HasTalent contest to coincidewith the year of our 38th International Convention.

The Electrical Worker January 2011

Documents

Transcript of The Electrical Worker January 2011