Spring 2011Volume 2Issue 1

In recent months, there’s been a lot of talk about the province’s financial problems. This has called a number of government

programs and services into question, including the public sector’s defined benefit pension plan. Opponents are suggesting that these pensions have become a burden on New Brunswick taxpayers – leaving the impression that taxpayers would be better off if pension plans were replaced with an RRSP contribution plan.

Studies show that it’s not cheaper, nor without risk, for governments to switch away from normal pension plans - quite the contrary. The switch will increase demands on governments and social services, in turn costing taxpayers. For instance, many Canadians are not saving enough (if anything) for retirement. Would taxpayers really be

Durant les derniers mois, il y a eu beaucoup de discussion à propos des problèmes financiers de la

province. Cela a eu comme effet de mettre en doute certains programmes et services gouvernementaux, y compris le régime de pension à prestations déterminées du secteur public. Les opposants suggèrent que ces pensions sont devenues un fardeau pour les contribuables du Nouveau-Brunswick — laissant l’impression que les contribuables seraient avantagés si les régimes de retraite étaient remplacés par un REER.

Les études démontrent que ce n’est ni moins cher, ni sans risque de se détourner des régimes de pension — bien au contraire, le changement va engendrer une hausse de la demande des services gouvernementaux et des services sociaux, ce qui coûtera

voyez Sécurité à la page 13 See Retirement on page 13

See Award on page 7

Everyone deserves retirement security / Nous méritons tous une sécurité de la retraite

Inside

Brother Ben Robinson, a Power Plant Operator at Point Lepreau Generating

Station (PLGS) was recently presented with the IBEW Life Saving Award. With this award, Ben has been internationally recognized for the action he took to save the life of a member of the Labourers’ Union (Local 900) who suffered cardiac arrest while working at Point Lepreau.

Even though Ben was not

officially assigned to the Station’s Emergency Response Team that shift, he immediately offered to help in any way he could. The victim had to be rushed to the hospital, and without hesitation, Ben agreed to ride along in the ambulance to assist the EMTs.

As one of the two responding EMTs had to race the ambulance to the hospital, Ben performed vital chest compressions which allowed the remaining single

Local 37 member and PLGS employee, Ben Robinson (centre), was presented with the IBEW Life Saving Award by Business Manager, Ross Galbraith (left), and PLGS Chief Steward, Doug Wallace (right).

Robinson receives IBEW life-saving award

The Ross Report 2Hazer’s Corner 4L37 Training 5 Energy Commission 6Harley Draw 8Flood Donation 8Women in Nuclear (WiN) 9International Convention 10In Memoriam 10Rogers TV 11 IBEW Scholarship Winner 12Photo Connection 14Retirements 15 Unit Meetings 16Lineman Rodeo Update 16

2  Spring 2011

The Ross Report / le rapport de Ross

I don’t think many people will dispute that there’s a

lot of change going on in today’s world. Changing technology, changing workplaces, environmental change, changing governments, changing financial markets, the impacts of globalization and competition, and so on.

Although a lot of the things we see happening are outside our borders, we’re not immune to the impact of these changes here in New Brunswick and it’s more important than ever that we all work together so that we’re able to take advantage of every opportunity, and fight against any negatives.

Fortunately, Local 37 members have an advantage over many. As part of a large progressive union, we all have a distinct advantage over people who have to “go it alone”. Simply put, there is strength in being part of a team, whether it is by pooling resources, access to and sharing of information, organizing around a common goal, access to training, or simply by supporting each other in times of need.

Also, as part of the larger IBEW network across North America, we have a huge advantage in understanding and dealing with the changes and trends that are shaping workplaces, and we can draw upon the resources, information and best practices that exist within the IBEW right across Canada and the United States.

These advantages can’t be underestimated, and I think they will play a critical role in the future of all Local 37 members.

For example, we are currently working to counteract the effort of some New Brunswick media outlets that are trying to convince government to weaken the employment rights, pensions and retirement security of working people. This is a disturbing trend, one that is creating a “race to the bottom”. We’re committed to the principle that everyone should have access to decent employment opportunities and retirement security, and we’ll work to get that message out. This is an area that we’ll need all members to pitch in and help with in the coming months.

Je ne pense pas que beaucoup de gens contestent qu’il y a énormément de changement en cours dans le monde d’aujourd’hui. Les changements technologiques,

l’évolution des milieux de travail, les changements environnementaux, les changements de gouvernement, l’évolution des marchés financiers, les impacts de la mondialisation et de la concurrence, et ainsi de suite. Bien que beaucoup de ces choses se déroulent en dehors de nos frontières, nous ne sommes pas à l’abri de l’impact de ces changements ici au Nouveau-Brunswick et il est plus important que jamais que nous travaillions tous ensemble afin d’être en mesure de tirer parti de toutes les occasions, et de lutter contre les aspects négatifs.

Heureusement, les membres du local 37 ont un avantage sur plusieurs. Dans le cadre d’un syndicat progressif, nous avons tous un net avantage sur les gens qui eux doivent faire leur chemin seul. Autrement dit, il y a une force de faire partie d’une équipe, que ce soit par la mise en commun des ressources, l’accès et le partage de l’information, l’organisation autour d’un objectif commun, l’accès à la formation, ou tout simplement, en se soutenant mutuellement en cas de besoin. En outre, dans le cadre du plus grand réseau FIOE en Amérique du Nord, nous avons un énorme avantage quant à la compréhension et la gestion des changements et des tendances qui façonnent les milieux de travail, et nous pouvons puiser dans les ressources, les informations et les meilleures pratiques qui existent dans la FIOE au Canada et aux États-Unis.

Ces avantages ne peuvent pas être sous-estimés, et je pense qu’ils joueront un rôle crucial dans l’avenir des membres du local 37. Par exemple, nous travaillons actuellement pour contrer les efforts de certains médias du Nouveau-Brunswick qui cherchent à convaincre le gouvernement d’amenuiser les droits en matière d’emploi, la sécurité du système de pension et de retraite des travailleurs. Il s’agit d’une tendance inquiétante, la création d’une « course vers la fin ». Nous nous sommes engagés dans le but de s’assurer que chacun a accès à des possibilités d’emploi convenable ainsi que la sécurité de la retraite, et nous allons promouvoir ce message. C’est un domaine où l’appui de tous les membres est nécessaire dans les prochains mois.

En plus de lutter contre des menaces spécifiques, nous allons aussi d’être proactif afin de doter nos membres avec les outils nécessaires pour réussir à l’avenir. C’est

Voyez le rapport de Ross à la page 3See The Ross Report on page 3

Ross Galbraith, Business Manager / Gérant des affaires

Spring 2011    3

Connect with 37!

ibew37.com

info@ibew37.com

1-877-437-0037

pourquoi nous avons travaillé à fournir un meilleur accès à la formation en ligne qui est accessible à tout moment, et ce, n’importe où. Notre fond en fiducie pour la formation

va nous permettre d’organiser une conférence et de commanditer d’autres activités d’apprentissage qui aideront chacun d’entre nous pour réussir et prospérer en période de changement. Ce ne sont que quelques exemples des nombreuses choses que nous allons faire. Nous allons également améliorer notre site Web pour parfaire la communication entre les membres, et nous allons prendre l’initiative de renforcer l’efficacité des réunions et les autres moyens utilisés pour communiquer entre nous.

Donc, même si les changements peuvent parfois nous sembler écrasants, une chose qui ne changera pas, c’est la capacité que nous avons tous pour atteindre le succès, lorsque nous travaillons tous ensemble. Dans les mots d’Andrew Carnegie, « le travail d’équipe est la capacité à travailler ensemble vers une vision commune. La capacité de diriger les réalisations individuelles vers des objectifs organisationnels. Il est le carburant qui permet aux gens

ordinaires d’obtenir des résultats hors du commun. » J’apprécie le travail que chacun de vous faites tous les jours, et nous sommes impatients de travailler avec vous sur notre objectif d’améliorer la vie des membres du local 37 et de leurs familles.

In addition to counteracting specific threats, we’re also going to be proactive in equipping our members with the tools to be successful in the future. That’s why we’ve worked to provide enhanced access to online training that is accessible anytime, anywhere. Our Training Trust Fund is also going to be hosting a conference and sponsoring other learning activities that will help all of us to succeed and thrive in changing times.

Those are just a couple of examples of the many things we’ll be doing. We’ll also be enhancing our website to improve communication among members, and we’ll be looking at ways to enhance the effectiveness of meetings and the other ways we communicate with each other.

So, although change can sometimes feel overwhelming, one thing that won’t change is the ability that we have to achieve success when we all work together. In the words of Andrew Carnegie*, “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”

I appreciate the work that each of you do every day, and I look forward to working with you on our goal of improving the lives of Local 37 members and their families.

“Teamwork is the ability to work together

toward a common vision. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon

results.”- Andrew Carnegie -

«Le travail d’équipe est la capacité à travailler ensemble vers une vision commune. Il est le carburant qui permet aux gens

ordinaires d’obtenir des résultats hors du

commun. »- Andrew Carnegie -

le rapport de Ross suite de la page 2The Ross Report continued from page 2

Ross Galbraith, Business Manager / Gérant des affaires

In Solidarity, / En solidarité,* Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-born American industrialist who led the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century - making him one of the richest men in the world. Carnegie was known for treating and respecting his workers well. After his retire-ment, Carnegie became one of the 20th century’s most important philanthropists - donating more than $350 mil-lion to further public education, build libraries, and lobby for international peace.

*Andrew Carnegie était un industriel américain, d’origine écossaise, qui a mené l’expansion de l’industrie américaine du fer à la fin du 19e siècle — le faisant un des hommes les plus riches au monde. Carnegie a été connu pour bien traiter et respecter ses ouvriers. Après sa retraite, Carnegie est devenu un des philanthropes le plus importants du 20e siècle — en donnant au-delà de 350 $ millions afin d’avancer l’enseignement public, construire des bibliothèques, et du lobbysme pour la paix internationale.

4  Spring 2011

In this edition of Hazer’s Corner, I won’t be asking as many questions. However, I will try to

pass along some experiences from the past and hope for the future. The other day I was talking to a younger brother who was asking all sorts of questions in regards to union rules, etc. He had no knowledge of what the IBEW Constitution was, or why one even existed. I passed along to him all the information I could on the why and how it came to be. So, that gave me an idea for this edition of Hazer’s Corner.

In 1891, Henry Miller founded the largest union of electrical workers. Brother Miller passed away five years later. The dedication on his tombstone reads “A life devoted to the interests of his fellow workers”. This statement alone speaks volumes about why the IBEW was founded by such a humble man. I believe when Miller founded the organization it was out of interest for his fellow workers, not himself. At the time, one out of every two electrical workers hired was killed in an electrical related incident. Thus, the Constitution of the NBEW ( later to become the IBEW) was drafted in St. Louis, Missouri. For those of you who wish to learn more about Henry Miller, go to ibew.org and click on The Henry Miller Story.

The Constitution of the IBEW is the most important document in our organization. To quote the constitution, “This Constitution, and all acts and proceedings which in the future and in due course may be enacted, shall be binding on all Local Union Officers and Members.” If you don’t have a copy call the Union Office and one of the staff will be more than happy to supply you with one. I encourage you to read and ask questions on the articles you don’t understand.

In order for our organization to go forward, we must respect the past. The principles set out in the

constitution are for the fair and equal treatment of all members regardless of rank in the organization.

In today’s world, there are many factions trying to erode the working conditions that we have today- the conditions that we and others in our great union have fought to establish over the years. To many, pensions, salaries, hours of work, etc., seem to be luxuries that were given to unions in the past just to keep them quiet. Many feel these conditions should be changed because of the tough times we are in today. Let me assure you these were not given freely in the past. These were negotiated, through some tough bargaining.

Recently, there has been much talk about public sector unions and their pensions. Don’t be fooled by all the rhetoric - listen to the facts. Remember, we and other unions have negotiated these. Long ago this was done to improve the future social conditions of our members and families. This, my Brothers and Sisters, began in 1891 with Henry Miller and should not die in 2011 with us. Be strong, there will be a lot of negative talk. Rest assured the Executive of Local 37 will stand strong for its members as it always has in the past.

God Bless,Steve HayesPresident

Hazer’s Corner

Steve Hayes, President

IBEW Local 37 Executive Board

Ross GalbraithBusiness Manager

Stephen HayesPresident

Romeo BourqueVice President

Gaëtan ChiassonTreasurer

Peggy GalbraithRecording Secretary

David BrownGenerationGreg WrightGeneration

Glen HubbardGeneration

Phil HepditchTransmissionDon St.Pierre

Customer ServiceWanda Hierlihy

Customer ServiceTed Robertson

Customer ServiceScot Hale

DistributionGerard KennaTransmission

Susan DunhamNuclear

Mike GouldNuclear

Don DicksonNuclear

Office StaffClaude Richard

Asst. Business ManagerGary Munn

Asst. Business ManagerMary Williamson

Organizational DevelopmentAnnette Perry

Training Trust Fund/Admin.Leslie MacNeill

Accounting / Payroll

Spring 2011    5

Well, it’s been pretty exciting here at the IBEW 37 Training Trust Fund recently. In November we began working with external

consultants to figure out how we could do more for you. We’re increasing the number of services available to you, simplifying access to these services, and gathering feedback from members about how we can provide more of what you want. To meet these ends we’ve got several projects in the works.

First off, the Training Trust Fund has a new website under development that will be coming online in early May. On the new website you’ll be able to register for events, see a calendar of upcoming events, link to social media, access new services like the Training Trust Fund book club service, and find a ton of useful content, from video and podcasts to webinars and online training. The website also represents a whole new way for you to communicate with us. Through our new message boards you’ll be able to tell us what you think of the services we are providing and read and discuss the opinions of Training Trust Fund members all over the province. You’ll also be able to find all of the information about something that we’re really excited about, that is, our spring conference.

May 13 & 14 the Training Trust Fund will be hosting a conference for members in Fredericton. Starting Friday evening and ending Saturday afternoon, we’ve got exciting entertainment, keynote speakers and a variety of interesting workshops. There will be no costs for folks who want to attend, and attendees will be encouraged to bring their families. A special children’s program will be available. In addition to this, we’re going to have a slate of new seminars offered around the province in the coming months.

In order to help facilitate all these changes we’ve developed a comprehensive new database that will help us to keep in touch with you.

This is an exciting time for the Training Trust Fund and we’re looking forward to being in touch with you in the coming weeks and showing you how all these changes can make a difference for you!

Big changes to L37 training / De grands changements au niveau de la formation au L37

Nous avons récemment vécu des moments assez excitants ici, au Fonds en fiducie pour la formation IBEW 37. En novembre, nous avons commencé à

travailler avec des consultants externes pour découvrir comment nous pouvons en faire davantage pour vous. Nous allons augmenter le nombre de services que nous vous offrons, nous allons simplifier l’accès à ces services et nous allons recueillir des commentaires des membres pour savoir comment nous pouvons offrir davantage ce que vous voulez. Pour ce faire, nous avons plusieurs projets en cours.

En premier lieu, le Fonds en fiducie pour la formation a un nouveau site Web en voie de développement qui sera mis en service au début du mois de mai. Sur le nouveau site Web, vous pourrez vous inscrire à des événements, voir un calendrier des événements à venir, obtenir le lien aux médias sociaux, accéder aux nouveaux services comme le service du club de lecture du Fonds en fiducie pour la formation, ainsi que trouver un tas d’information pertinente, des vidéos et balados aux séminaires en ligne et à la formation en ligne. Le site Web représente également une toute nouvelle façon pour vous de communiquer avec nous. Grâce à notre babillard électronique, vous pourrez nous dire ce que vous pensez des services que nous offrons, ainsi que lire et discuter des opinions des membres de partout dans la province à l’égard du Fonds en fiducie pour la formation. Vous pourrez également trouver toute l’information au sujet d’un événement qui nous réjouit beaucoup, soit la conférence du printemps.

Le 13 et 14 mai, le Fonds en fiducie pour la formation organisera une conférence pour ses membres à Fredericton. Du vendredi soir au samedi après-midi, nous présentons un divertissement palpitant, des conférenciers d’honneur et une panoplie d’ateliers intéressants. Il n’y a pas de frais associés à cette conférence, et on invite les participants de venir avec leurs familles. Une programmation spéciale pour les enfants sera disponible. En plus, dans les prochains mois, nous aurons une liste de nouveaux séminaires offerts dans la province.

Afin de faciliter tous ces changements, nous avons mis sur pied une nouvelle base de données complète qui nous aidera à garder le contact avec vous.

C’est une période palpitante pour le Fonds en fiducie pour la formation et nous avons hâte de communiquer avec vous dans les prochaines semaines pour vous montrer comment tous ces changements peuvent faire une différence pour vous!

6  Spring 2011

This past fall, Premier David Alward appointed Jeannot Volpe and Bill Thompson as the Co-Chairs of the New Brunswick Energy Commission. The

Commission has been given the mandate to develop a 10-year energy plan for the Province. Development of the plan recommendations required consultation with the public and stakeholders.

In January, the Commission Co-Chairs met with the Local 37 Executive Board to discuss the Union’s views on the future of the province’s energy production and the skilled workforce behind it. Top on the E-Board’s list of priorities was emphasizing that NB Power must be maintained in public hands, that it should be returned to a single integrated utility, and maintain a capacity to self-generate from a variety of sources to protect from rising costs in a single form of generation.

The Executive Board explained the critical importance of exploring all options to keep Dalhousie Generating Station operating and underlined the fact that it is a very important part of the power system in that it helps maintain grid stability and reliability.

In terms of our labour force, the Union also asserted that provisions must be made for employees impacted by any changes due to the evolving electricity sector. Continued investment in recruitment and training of workers to ensure system reliability and safety was also identified as a priority for Local 37.

The Local 37 Board also shared its support for continuing to explore Smart Grid development within Atlantic Canada and to look for new business development opportunities such as data farms and low-cost capacity and transmission expansion projects within the province. The complete Local 37 submission may be found online at gnb.ca/commission.

In the month of February, the Commission held a series of public information sessions and open houses throughout the province. They also invited the submission of online briefs and hosted a number of online surveys. A draft

Energy Commission seeks Union’s input / Commission de l’énergie sollicite les commentaires du syndicat

Commission de l’énergie sollicite les commentaires du syndicat L’automne dernier, le premier ministre David Alward a nommé Jeannot

Volpé et Bill Thompson en tant que coprésident de la Commission de l’énergie du Nouveau-Brunswick. La Commission a reçu le mandat d’élaborer un plan énergétique d’une période de 10 ans pour la province. L’élaboration des recommandations pour le plan a nécessité une consultation avec le public et les intervenants. En janvier, les coprésidents de la Commission se sont réunis avec le bureau de direction du local 37 pour discuter le point de vue du syndicat ainsi que l’avenir de la production énergétique de la province et de la main-d’œuvre qualifiée. Certaines priorités ont été

identifiés; Énergie N.-B. doit être maintenu comme entité publique, elle doit être retourné à un service unique et intégré, et elle doit maintenir une capacité dans la province pour d’autogénération à partir d’une variété de sources à l’abri de la hausse des coûts d’une seule forme de génération.

De plus, les membres du bureau de direction ont expliqué l’importance d’explorer toutes les options pour maintenir la Centrale de Dalhousie en fonction. Ils ont aussi souligné que cette centrale est une partie très importante du système qui maintient la stabilité et la fiabilité du réseau.

Concernant de notre main-d’œuvre, le syndicat a revendiqué pour que des options soient offert à tous les employés touchés par les changements dus à l’évolution du secteur de l’électricité. La poursuite d’investissements dans le recrutement et la formation des travailleurs afin de garantir la fiabilité et la sécurité du système a été identifiée comme une priorité pour le local 37.

Le local 37 a également fait part de son soutien envers la poursuite du développement d’un Smart Grid au Canada atlantique et la recherche de nouvelles occasions telles que les fermes de données et les projets d’expansion de

See Energy on page 12 Voyez l’énergie à la page 12

NB Energy Commission Co-chairs, Bill Thompson(left) and Jeannot Volpé (right) / Coprésident de la Commission de l’énergie du N.-B., Bill Thompson (à gauche) et Jeannot Volpé (à droite).

Spring 2011    7

International President receives prestigious labour award

Award continued from page 6

Each year the Instituto Laboral de la Raza (a U.S. based non-profit workers’

rights organization) honours an International Union President as the Labour Leader of the Year. IBEW President, Ed Hill, was the 2011 recipient and Guest of Honor at their National Labour-Community Awards “Summit of Solidarity” held this past February in San Francisco, California.

The award recognized President Hill’s dedication to the well-being of all working men and women as well as his extensive involvement in numerous community based activities. This Awards Dinner is the largest of its kind in the United States, bringing together

the highest ranking leaders of labour, business, government, and community organizations.

Labour Leader of the Year: IBEW International President, Ed Hill.

EMT to properly ventilate the patient, monitor his vitals, or apply the defibrillator when required. There is no doubt that Ben Robinson was pivotal in saving the contractor’s life.

Ben’s co-worker and fellow Local 37 member, Simon Chiswell recalls, “At the end of all of this, Ben came back to work and finished his shift. Ben went above and beyond. He stopped and offered to help because he could.”

Local 37 is very proud of the entire team of people that worked so very hard to successfully save a man’s life. The quote that is engraved on the Life Saving Award sums up the significance of this experience perfectly:

“The greatest service that one can make to mankind is the saving of a human life.”

8  Spring 2011

It’s that time again!2011 HARLEY DRAW

The IBEW’s 1st District Representatives and Officers are having their Harley Davidson Draw with this year’s proceeds going toward hosting the Canadian International Representatives’ and Officers’ Reception at the 2011 International Convention in Vancouver, BC.

This year’s motorcycle draw is for a Light and Dark Candy Root Beer 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHRC-103 Road King Classic.

There are only 500 tickets to be sold at $100 each with a chance to

win the Road King Classic and/or two cash prizes of $5,000 each. An “Early Bird” draw will be held at the 23rd Annual MS Golf Tournament on May 19th, 2011 at Braeben Golf Course in Mississauga, ON for one cash prize of $5,000.

The winning ticket of the “Early Bird” draw will go back in and remain eligible for the next draw prize. The draw for the Harley will take place as soon as all tickets are sold, or at the IBEW All Canada Progress Meeting in Quebec City, QC on July 13th, 2011 with another draw for a cash prize of $5,000.

Tickets may be obtained either from your 1st District International Representative or by calling the L37 office: 1-877-437-0037.

YOU MUST BE AN IBEW MEMBER TO PURCHASE AND WIN IN THIS DRAW!

Members make donation to flood relief

Still fresh in the minds of New Brunswickers is the rash of flooding that damaged, and in some cases destroyed, homes, businesses, properties, roads, and bridges

throughout southern and central parts of the province. Families and communities were left devastated. Some of our own Brothers and Sisters, as well as friends and family, were directly affected by the flood damage. From the start, many members of Local 37 could be found on the front lines helping those in need. On behalf of all members of Local 37, the Executive Board approved a $2100 donation that was made to the Eastern Charlotte Flood Relief Fund to assist with relief efforts.

Entries must be submitted by April 29th. Local 37 members interested in receiving more information can visit www.ibew.org or send an email

request to info@ibew37.com.

Spring 2011    9

Non-traditional careers given the spotlightFor the second year in a row,

Local 37 demonstrated its strong support for promoting

the many career possibilities in the trades and technologies by sponsoring and participating in the 2010 New Brunswick Skills Networking Dinners for Young Women.

These dinners, hosted by the NB Chapter of Women in Nuclear (WiN) are designed to bring female high school students together to listen to, and learn from, professional female mentors (many of whom are IBEW Local 37 members) working in non-traditional fields such as electrical technology, chemical

technology, instrumentation, power engineering, welding, pipefitting, nuclear response, etc.

Local 37 member, Bernice Lanigan is a member of WiN, as well as a chemical technologist working as a Senior Assessment Specialist at Point Lepreau. She has been directly involved with the Skills Networking Dinners from the start and believes in their value and importance.

“These sessions really have a strong message for these young students. We don’t want them to limit themselves in any way, and want them to know that by keeping up their math and sciences, they will open up all kinds

of wonderful and exciting career opportunities,” says Lanigan.

Over 100 students, 35 mentors, a variety of exhibitors, government and employer representatives, several parents, and teachers all took part to make these dinners a resounding success! The students’ feedback was very positive and clearly indicated that they left feeling empowered, and inspired about the many exciting career opportunities that are available to them.

Local 37 looks forward to supporting this event again in 2011!

Members of Local 37 played a big part in showing young females the range of opportunities available in non - traditional fields. Pictured at left: Nora Walsh (Nuclear Security Officer - left), Cricky Smith (Nuclear Security Officer - centre) and Stacey Kane (Nuclear Response Force Team - right) give an overview of their training and job responsibilities at Point Lepreau; Pictured at Right: Local 37 Staff member, Annette Perry (right), speaks with students about the IBEW.

WiN-NB promoting awareness

WiN (Women in Nuclear) is an association that unites women working

professionally in the various nuclear energy fields. It provides a number of benefits to its members including opportunities for networking, mentoring, and personal development.

WiN members also work together to educate the public about the positive impacts nuclear power has

on communities. A number of Local 37 members at the Point Lepreau Generating Station are proud members of WiN New Brunswick. They have been involved in a number initiatives to increase awareness about nuclear energy like Earth Day, Adopt-a-Book programs, as well as having an active interest in promoting career opportunities to our youth by organizing and participating in events like the Skills Networking Dinners.

L37 member, PLGS employee, and WiN member, Bernice Lanigan (centre), working with students on an Earth Day project.

10  Spring 2011

Countdown to Vancouver!

Nov. 5 Larry Dean Fox Retired 2005Nov. 23 Bliss Brewer Mat. Movement & Equip. Coordinator - Retired 1990Nov. 28 Gerald Aubrey Randall Grand Lake Plant - Retired 1987

Dec. 27 Arthur (Art) Saucier Staker/Detailer II - Retired 1983Jan. 29 Arnold Clark Truck Driver - Retired 2000Feb. 2 Alan Percy Seeley Lineman - Retired 2005Feb. 19 Ron Boyd Retired 1986Feb. 24 Henry Bielecki Retired 1995Mar.14 Harold Nightengale Mechanical Maintainer - Retired 1994

Mar.15 Betty Dewer Service Maintenance, PLGS

Mar.23 Ralph Ronald Ryan Retired 1990

In Memoriam (November 2010 - March 2011)

Nominations and Election of delegates to IBEW International Convention

For the first time in 25 years, The IBEW International Convention will be held

in Canada. Vancouver, British Columbia has been chosen as the setting for the 38th Convention being held September 19-23, 2011 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Held every five years, the IBEW convention is a massive undertaking, bringing some 3,000 local union delegates, officers, staff, and guests to the host city. The convention is where the IBEW conducts the heart of its business, setting broad policy goals to guide the union over the next five years in an open, democratic forum.

Nominations for delegates will

be held throughout the month of April followed by the election of six delegates and two alternates (via mail-in ballot) in June.

Attending the International Convention as a delegate is a valuable experience for any IBEW member, and particularly for those who are in union leadership positions, or who aspire to a leadership role. By virtue of their office, the President and Business Manager are automatic delegates to the Convention.

As per the IBEW Constitution, in order to be eligible for nomination members must have been in continuous good standing for at least 24 months immediately prior to the nomination. Please note that your membership may not be up-to-date if you have been on LTD, maternity leave or laid off in the past 24 months. Please call or e-mail the union office for further information.

Nominations will be held during the April Unit Meetings. The Election Judge will be appointed after the last nomination meeting on April 27 and cannot be a candidate. Ballots and voting instructions will be mailed during the third week of May and will be counted by the Election Judge and Tellers on June 15, 2011. To avoid delays in receiving your ballot, please ensure the Local 37 office has your current address.

Spring 2011    11

Rogers TV: new contract signed On behalf of Local 37, I’m very

pleased to announce that a new contract for our members

at Rogers TV has been signed. This is the fourth contract that has been negotiated with Rogers TV New Brunswick. Over the years, progress has been achieved with every contract – and this one is no exception as negotiations proved to be highly efficient and extremely productive.

For example, both parties have agreed to break new ground and enhance relations by having the employer agree to maintain scheduled increases for the next three years, allow the formation and facilitation of up to two meetings per year of a Labour Management Committee, and start to cover part of lost wages of union members on the negotiation team.

I’d like to extend a thanks for a job well done to members of the Rogers TV negotiating team: Mike Diotte,

André Arseneault and Joel Landry, all of whom were very professional and represented all classifications in the bargaining unit very well during negotiations. Their commitment and willingness to volunteer and work hard on behalf of others is the essence of a union.

Successful negotiations are achieved by effectively working together before actually meeting with the company. These individuals did just that by working with the information received from member proposals, survey responses, industry data, etc.

Thanks are also due to everyone else who participated in this process

including members that took the time to send in proposals, respond to surveys, and to vote. I would also like to thank the members of the company’s negotiating committee: Tom Dalby, Joseph Brooks, Scott Jackson, and Greg Grimes.

Claude RichardAssist. Business Manager

Local 37 recently negotiated a new contract for members at Rogers TV. Pictured above signing the contract are (left-right): Scott Jackson (Regional Station Manager), Joseph Brooks (Manager, Human Resources), Claude Richard (IBEW L37 Assistant Business Manager), and André Arseneault (Producer). Missing from photo: Craig Grimes (Director Operations), Tom Dalby (Director, Human Resources), and Joel Landry (Producer).

Did you Know?Local 37 members working at Rogers TV produce the live broadcasts of the Saint John Mill Rats basketball games? Members Jenny Murphy and Tara King Stewart are the producers for this exclusive live coverage and André Arseneault produces various segments that run in the broadcasts. In addition to the producers, there are a number of other members working behind the scenes making sure the games reach screens across the province. The Mill Rats have teamed up with Rogers Wireless in a three year sponsorship deal - bringing excit-ing, professional level basketball to New Brunswick. The team is part of the Premier Basketball League (PBL) an independent professional basketball league based in Chicago, IL. Visit rogerstv.com for more information.

12  Spring 2011

of the recommendations is expected to be released in April, followed by the presentation of a final Energy Plan to the Premier in May. For more information please visit their website at www.gnb.ca/commission.

la capacité à faible coût et de transmission dans la province. La présentation complète du local 37 peut être consultée en ligne à www.gnb.ca/Commission.

Au mois de février, la Commission a tenu une série de séances d’information publiques et des journées portes ouvertes à travers la province. Ils ont également invité la soumission de rapports en ligne et ont hébergé des enquêtes en ligne. Les recommandations devrait être publiée en avril, suivie de la présentation d’un plan énergétique final au premier ministre en mai. Pour plus d’informations, visitez le site Web à l’adresse www.gnb.ca/Commission.

Energy continued from page 6 l’énergie suite de la page 6

IBEW Scholarship Winner, Mackenzie McHatten with her dad Jim McHatten. Jim is a member of Local 37 and a Lead Lineman in Woodstock.

Benefits of Belonging to the IBEW

My name is Mackenzie McHatten, I am a grade twelve student of Woodstock High School, New Brunswick. My father, Jim McHatten, a member of the IBEW Local 37, currently works at NB Power. My father has been employed for thirty-five years and joined the union as a way of benefitting his job as well as his life and the family he supports.

The IBEW is a union developed to support employees and benefit their lives not only financially but in other ways as well. Many benefit by this union as contracts for wage increases are negotiated. Health and pension benefits are also negotiated. The union is a strong supporter for worksite safety policies and procedures. Our safety culture “brings us home to our families each night” is supported strongly by our Local 37.

Our union helps protect our jobs by minimizing layoffs and out-sourcing of work. The union is a strong supporter to help solve issues between the management and union in a professional manner.

Belonging to the IBEW has many benefits that allow employees to continue to succeed in their job and be satisfied with their workplace, but the IBEW’s most significant benefit is protecting employees and providing a safe work environment.

Mackenzie McHattenWoodstock High School

The IBEW 1st District Office, recently held a random draw for the 2011 IBEW, Union

Savings, TD Insurance Meloche Monnex and MWG Apparel Scholarships Awards. Among the five winners was MacKenzie McHatten from Woodstock, daughter of Local 37 member and NB Power Lead Lineman, Jim McHatten. Mackenzie is currently a grade twelve student at Woodstock High School and will be attending Mount Allison University in the Fall to study sciences in

pursuit of a career in either physiotherapy or kinesiology.

The applicants (from all over the country) were required to write an essay about the benefits of belonging to the IBEW. Featured below is Mackenzie’s submission. Local 37 would like to congratulate Mackenzie and wish her well in her future studies!

L37 represented among scholarship winners!

Save the Date!Charged up for Change Conference!

What: IBEW Training Trust Fund Conference (includes special program for school-aged kids)

When: May 13 & 14, 2011Where: Fredericton Convention Centre

Space is limited - register soon!For more information visit www.ibew37.com or

call the office at 1- 877- 437- 0037.

Spring 2011    13

Local 37 members working at Tinker Generating Station near Perth-Andover recently signed a new four-year collective agreement with

employer Algonquin Power. Negotiating on behalf of the members were Assistant Business Manager, Gary Munn, and Matthew Broad, Shop Steward and Operator/Electrician at Tinker Generating Station. Representing Algonquin Power were Andy Ling (VP Operations), Michel Boudreault (Manager - HR), and Mike McGann (Plant Manager). Thanks to everyone involved for all of their hard work!

Tinker Dam signs new contract

Village of Perth-Andover organized!

IBEW Local 37 is pleased to welcome its ten newest members working for the

Village of Perth-Andover. After close to two years of hard work, a four-year tentative agreement has been accepted. Special thanks to the negotiating team: Assistant Business Manager, Gary Munn; and new members Jeff Watters-Gray, Robbie Innis, and Chris Sullivan. Congratulations and welcome to the IBEW! Representing the village was CAO, Dan Dionne, and labour lawyer, George Richmond.

Retirement continued from page 1 Sécurité suite de la page 1

better off if the thousands of New Brunswickers with pension plans no longer had them? Consider the impact on the economy, or the potential cost of someone in their retirement years who is dependent on taxpayer-funded social services just to survive.

The truth is that pension plans work by providing a secure, stable, and predictable retirement income - unlike RRSP plans where the amount of retirement income a retiree receives depends on factors like the amount contributed, investment returns, and the interest rates at retirement.

The message here is plain and simple - pension plans are important to everyone. The fact is that we all need retirement security, and as a province we should be looking for ways so that more New Brunswickers can have pensions and secure retirement income.

At its very core, Local 37’s mission is to protect the interests of our members and their families. This is why we’re working to protect the pensions that working families deserve for their many years of contribution and dedicated service. But our concern doesn’t stop there. Our concern extends to the many men and women without pension plans - who have futures that may look grim – they too deserve the promise of retirement security. That’s why we support the Canadian Labour Congress plan to improve the Canada Pension Plan for all Canadians.

Members can be certain that Local 37 is working hard on this issue to not only protect our pension plans, but to help improve retirement security for everyone.

aux contribuables. Par exemple, beaucoup de Canadiens n’épargnent pas suffisamment (s’ils le font en tout) pour leur retraite. Les contribuables seraient-ils vraiment mieux si les milliers de Néo-Brunswickois avec des régimes de retraite n’y avaient plus droit ? Pensez à l’impact sur l’économie, ou le coût potentiel d’une personne dans ses années de retraite qui dépend financièrement des services sociaux payés par les contribuables, et ce, simplement pour survivre.

La vérité est que les régimes de pension fournissent un revenu de retraite sûr, stable et prévisible – or, avec les régimes REER, le montant de revenu qu’un retraité reçoit dépend de facteurs comme le montant des cotisations, le rendement des placements, et les taux d’intérêt lors de la retraite.

Le message est clair et simple - les régimes de retraite sont importants pour tout le monde. Nous avons tous besoin de sécurité de la retraite, et en tant que province, nous devrions chercher des moyens afin que davantage de Néo-Brunswickois puissent avoir une pension et un revenu de retraite sécuritaire.

Au cœur de la mission du local 37, nous protégeons les intérêts de nos membres et de leurs familles. C’est pourquoi nous nous efforçons de protéger les pensions que les familles méritent pour leurs nombreuses années de contribution et de service dévoué. Mais notre préoccupation ne s’arrête pas là. Elle s’étend à tous les hommes et les femmes qui travaillent sans régimes de retraite, dont le futur semble sombre — ils méritent aussi la promesse de sécurité de la retraite. C’est pourquoi nous appuyons le plan du Congrès du travail du Canada qui vise à améliorer le régime de pensions pour tous les Canadiens.

Les membres peuvent être certains que le local 37 travaille d’acharnement sur cette question, non seulement pour protéger nos régimes de retraite, mais pour aider à améliorer la sécurité de la retraite pour tout le monde.

14  Spring 2011

37 photo connection

Local 37 members from NB Power’s Rothesay office entered and decorated a Line Truck for the 12th Annual Kennebecasis Valley Santa Claus Parade held in Quispamsis, New Brunswick.

PIctured above at an Executive Board Meeting held in Fredericton: Treasurer, Gaetan Chiasson (left), and Northern Generation Representative, David Brown.

The dedication of outgoing Local 37 Executive Board Members was formally recognized last December in Fredericton. President Steve Hays (pictured at left in each picture above) and Business Manager, Ross Galbraith (pictured at far right), presented each member with a gift of appreciation. These oustanding members are pictured above at centre in each picture, from left to right: Derek Gallen, Cathy Shea , and past Vice-President, Allie Porter. Missing: Doug Wallace.

Local 37 Assistant Business Manager, Gary Munn (left), receives his 30-year IBEW pin from Lepreau Unit Chair, Ryan MacKenney.

Spring 2011    15

37 photo connection

At the Atlantic Utility Council Conference in Halifax(left-right): International Vice-President, Phil Flemming; International Executive Council Member, John Briegel; and L37 Business Manager, Ross Galbraith.

Retired Members of IBEW L37Nov 2010 - Mar 2011

Stephen HiltzJames Steele

Earle HanscomCalvin Seward

Kristopher McIntyreStephen ThurrottIan MacPhersonRenee Savoie

Maurice EldridgeJim MudgeCathy Shea

Faye Theriault

Mona Hachey-ArseneauJames Bernard

Frank NiceTerry MatthewsIan Campbell

Samuel GilmourThomas Manderville

Frank CarrierRobert Harris

Melvin MacLeanErnest Harquail

Grand Falls Unit Chair, Danny Woods (far right), swears in new members of Local 37 this past January (left to right) : Francois Michaud, Trevor Roy, Denise Laforge, and Jean Lavoie.

Tammy Breau from Point Lepreau Generating Station was recently sworn in as a member of Local 37. Congratulating her are Business Manager, Ross Galbraith, and Lepreau Unit Chair, Ryan MacKenney.

In March 2011, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Saint John officially opened the $250,000 expansion to their day surgery department. All of the funds for this project were raised during the 2008 Saint John Dragon Boat Festival where the team from Lepreau (IBEW Local 37 Positive Energy) was one of the top fundraisers - bringing in close to $20,000! Pictured above cutting the ribbon are Bob Boyce (right), Chairman of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and Rob Warner (left), representing the Festival’s Title Sponsor - the Telegraph Journal .

IBEW members from across the country gathered together to celebrate the retirement of L1928 Business Manager, Mike MacDonald. Pictured above (left-right): L213 BM, Mike Flynn; Mike MacDonald; L37 President, Steve Hayes; past L37 Vice-President, Gordie Simpson; and L258 BM, Doug McKay.

Local 37 Business Manager, Ross Galbraith (left), and retired Local 1928 (Halifax) Business Manager, Mike MacDonald. Mike was Business Manager of 1928 from 2002 to 2010.

16  Spring 2011

Your union - Your meetings

Unit Location Chair Meeting Schedule & Location

37.1 Fredericton Delbert Cogswell Monthly: 4th Wednesday, 5:15 - Local 37 Union Hall372 Saint John Jim Melvin Bimonthly: 3rd Wednesday, 7:30 - Fort Howe Hotel37.3 PLGS Ryan MacKenney Monthly: 4th Tuesday, 7:30/4:15 – Fort Howe/Seniors Hall37.4 Dalhousie John Lidstone Bimonthly:3rd Monday, 7:30 - IP Club37.5 Bathurst/Miramichi/Tracadie Wanda Hierlihy Monthly 2nd Tuesday, 7:30 – Bathurst/Miramichi/Tracadie37.6 St. Stephen VACANT Bimonthly: 1st Wednesday, 7:00 – Carmen’s Diner37.7 Moncton David Hanson Monthly: 1st Tuesday, 7:30 – Lion’s Senior Centre

37.8 Belledune Kirk Ross Bimonthly: 3rd Monday4:15 – Construction Bldg 237.10 Grand Falls Danny Woods Bimonthly: 3rd Wednesday, 7:30 – Pres du Lac Hotel

Place Mailing Label Here

Local 37 has nine Regional Units that regularly meet either monthly or bimonthly. All members are encouraged and welcome to attend any meeting! They are for members and provide an opportunity to meet with union officials, find out what’s happening within the local, and to try and resolve any issues in an effort to make things better. Below is a listing of the Unit Chairs and a schedule of upcoming meetings. For specific dates, please call the office or check online at www.ibew37.com. Think about attending - your voice matters!

If you’d prefer to receive Connect 37 electronically,

please call or email us! 1-877-437-0037 / info@ibew37.com

Go Green!

We know that members of Local 37 are star performers in both the workplace and in their communities. Connect 37 would like to include stories and photos that feature members and the kinds of things they do to help improve their workplace or community. If you have a story, an idea to explore, or a picture to share, please tell us about it and it may appear in the next issue of Connect 37! Please contact Mary:

mary@ibew37.com1-877-447-0037

Agreement No 41973016

The 2011 NB Power / IBEW Lineman Rodeo will be held on June 3rd in Marysville. The Steering and Competition Committees have been meeting regulary and so far, here

are the details that have been finalized:

ˇ Registration Deadline is May 18. ˇ The top Journeyman Team and top two Apprentices will head

to the International Rodeo in Kansas City in October 2011 ˇ One Judge will be randomly selected to attend the International

Rodeo ˇ Hurt Man Rescue, Pole Climb, Written Test, and CPR Test are

the some of the same events that winners will have to compete in at the International Rodeo.

ˇ Out of town participants will be accomodated at the Ramada. ˇ Entertainment to follow Evening Presentation Banquet.

For more information please contact Jerry McCann: gmcann@nbpower.com / 458-6562

2011 Lineman’s Rodeo Tell us a story...