the electrical worker february 2010

8/9/2019 The Electrical Worker February 2010

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IBEW members throughout the United

Statesare among those whowill benefit

from theannouncementon Jan.6 by

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis of therelease

of nearly $100million in renewable energy

traininggrants.

Thesegrants will allow theIBEWand our

industry partners tocontinueto lead theway in

high-qualitygreen training programs in areas

likesolar, wind and building automation, said

International PresidentEdwin D. Hill.ForMontana Electrical Joint

Apprenticeship and TrainingCommitteeTraining

DirectorGary Pemble,supporting existing labor-

managementpartnerships, which arealready

training new workersin renewable energy,

makesa lotof sense onthe part offederaloffi-

cials. Union apprenticeshipprograms have

been proventimeand time again tobe more

costeffective,have better instructors and a

strongercurriculumand unlike manycolleges,

we getourstudents outon thejobsitestarting

on the firstday oftraining.

TheMontana JATC, along witha widearray

of union-training centers, includingbricklayers,

electriciansand sheet metal workers, wona $5milliongrant toboosttraining in wind, solar and

hydro power tohelp green theBig SkyCountry

and putresidentsbackto work. TheJATCrepre-

sents Helena Local 233, BillingsLocal532 and

KalispellLocal 768.

Renewableenergy

is changing thetrades

really fast,Pemblesaid.

This will help us meet the

needsof a newly develop-

ing energyeconomy.

More than1,000

IBEW members in

Montanabothjourney-

menand apprenticeswill benefitfromthe

green training programs funded by thegrant.

It allows us to retoolour existing workforce

while opening up newopportunitiesfor those

new to thetrade, saidPemble.

Thegrantsare part ofthe $787 billion

AmericanRecovery and ReinvestmentAct

passed lastyear to helpstimulate theeconomy.

Theannouncementcame as exciting

newsfor thediverse range of green energy

advocates, training programs, labor unions,and community organizations that were

among the 25 recipientsof thegrants.

The Austin Joint Apprenticeship Training

Committeerepresenting Local 520was

awarded$4.8 millionto train electricalwork-

ersthroughout thestatein solar technology.

Electriciansare hungryfor newskills

and this grant willmake it possible,said

Austin JATCTraining Director GilbertFerrales.

TheAustin JATChas beentraining workers

to install and maintain solar panels since 2008,

butthisnew grantwill allow the centerto train

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

F I R S T P U B L I S H E D I N 1 8 9 3

I N T E R N A T I O N A L B R OT H E R H O O D O F E L E C T R I C A L W O R K E R S Vol. 4 | No. 2 | February 2010

| IBEW Photo Contest winners

| Texas local gains utility members

| Circuits

On Duty

| Transitions

| Local Lines

3| Retiree Local Lines

6| In Memoriam

8| Editorials

9| Letters to the Editor

Who We Are

0| December IECminutes

TRAINING GRANTS continued on page 2

Thousands of IBEWmembers fromthe Midwest to theWest Coast willreceivetraining in thelatest renewableenergy technologiesthanksto the$100 million green-training grantissued bythe Labor Department.

IBEWWinsMoreThan $20Million

in Green JobsTrainingGrants

Go Green!with our e-Edition

et your Electrical Worker delivered each

month via e-mail. Its convenient & helps

ut down on paper waste.

o to www.ibew.org and sign up today!

I N T H I S I S S U E


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2 T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r | F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0

Training Grants

Continued from page 1

13th IBEWPhotoContestWinners

Bycapturing an iconic image of theBrotherhood,Huntington,W.Va., Local 317memberDannyDoss is thewinnerof the2009 IBEW PhotoContest.His shot ofan apprentice climbing a poleagainst a backdrop of velvet sky and radiant sunshine

wowed members who participated in the second annual online voting contest.

From an initial crop of more than 300 submissions, nearly 4,000 votes were cast fo

the 15 finalists whose work appeared atwww.ibew.org near the end of last year.

Minneapolis Local 160 memberDave Gable nabbed second place with his colorful

shot of windmills at sunrise on the Minnesota-South Dakota border.

Voters awarded third place to Vacaville, Calif., Local 1245 memberDon Porterfor hi

photo of the Fort Churchill power plant at dusk.

First Place Winner ($200)DannyDoss,Huntington, W.Va.,Local 317

Facing dizzying heights is partof thejob forlinemen, andDoss

image of Louisville, Ky., Local 369member SamSimmsearning his OSHA

wood polequalification provesit. I was in therightplace at theright time,

saidDoss,who trains newworkers through theAmerican LineBuilders

Apprenticeshipand quicklycaptured themomentwith hisiPhonecamera.

Co-workers praisedthe image, and Doss director urged himto submitthe

photo to thecontest.I never expected to win, Doss added.Im in awe.

Second PlaceWinner ($150)

DaveGable,Minneapolis, Local160

Modernwindturbines area sign

ofthe dawning ageof clean

energy production, as Gables

earlymorning photoperfectly

shows.Taken justaftersunrise

near Minnesotas Buffalo Ridge,

theshotis oneof many that

Gable has collected whileon the

jobas a linemanfor Xcel Energy.

I takea lot ofphotosat workfor

thecompany, he said. Having

a digital camera onhandis a

tool of thetrade.

2

morethan 1,000workersboth

experienced journeymen and workers

new to thetradeby nextyear.Thegrant money willfund the

establishmentof a train-the-trainer

programfor IBEW members from

throughout the southwest to come

to Austinto learn howto instruct

their own members in thebasicsof

solar installation.

TheIBEWin California has

taken theleadin green energytrain-

ingfor years,so its no surprise that

the states LaborManagement

Cooperation Committeeajointpart-

nership between theIBEW andunion

contractorswon a $5 million grant

totrainworkersin building automa-

tion and advanced lighting controls.Lighting controlsarethebiggest

singleopportunityto saveenergy,

saidBernieKotlier, directorof green

energysolutionsfor theLMCC.

Morethan2,000IBEWmem-

bersin theGoldenState are expected

to be trained in setting up everything

frommotiondetectorsto automatic

dimmablelights thatreactto natural

daylightto helpcommercialbuildings

cutdown on wasted energy.

TheIBEWhad been working

with majorutilitiesthroughout

Californiain training workers in

these technologiesfor more than a

yearnow, sothegrant isa naturalfit,said Kotlier. The LaborDepartment

was looking to support existing

broad-based partnershipsthat

brought togetherlabor and employ-

ers, so theLMCC is a perfect choice.

Otherunion training partner-

ships thatreceivedgrants include:

SERMetro-Detroit, JobsforProgressInc., a Michigan partner-

ship thatincludes greenactivists,

theIBEW, theLaborersand local

workforce development boards,

wasawarded more than $4 million

to increase job training opportuni-

ties in alternativeenergy.

TheOhioElectricalLaborManagementCooperativeCommittee, a partnership oftheIBEW, NECA andlocal community

colleges, wasawarded nearly $5

millionto putthose affected by

layoffsin theauto industryback

to work in green jobs.

LaborsCommunityAction, Inc.,a Coloradopartnership of Denver

Local 68,NECAand theDenver

Office of EconomicDevelopment

wasawarded more than $3 million

tohelp stateresidents findworkin

the greenenergy industry.T

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T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r | F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0 3


TyroneDaum,DiamondBar,Calif., Local47Daum documented fourfellow

members of thelocalwaiting

atop poles fora helicopter

crossarm delivery afterfires

roared through the LosAngeles

National Forest lastyear.

JonathanPytka,Billings, Mont., Local 532Cleveruse of composition is on

displayin Pytkasarty shot of

members ascending a 150-foot

wind turbine. T

HonorableMentions($50 each)

With morethantwodecades inon the job asa fieldservice rep-

resentativefor Oncorthe largestutility in TexasDonGray

gave eight foreight.He wasconscientious about representing

hiscompany well. Andif fellow workers were overloaded,

Grayhelpedthemout. Hefiguredtheyddo the same forhim.

Sowhensupervisors started clamping downonthe workforcein 2007by raising healthinsurance premiums and then nearlytripling employees

duties,Gray steppedup to helplead thecampaign forunion representation

withDallasLocal69.

Thecompany hadall thepower, saidGray. They felt like they could

do whatever they wanted.I knewthat it was going to continue unlesswe did

something about it.

Field service representativesthe employees who dometerturn-onsand turn-offsusuallyfilled between 30 to 50ordersa day. But changes

in company protocollastyearsent ordersas high as120 perdayfora singleworker. That, combined witha newTexas law that putsstifferfines on utili-

ties if orders go uncompleted, created havocfor theemployees.

So Gray starteddoing his homework. After talkingwith IBEW Lead

Organizer Larry Hayes, Gray began meeting withrepresentativesat thehall to

seewhat theIBEW could do forhim andhis co-workers. Soon, talkof organiz-

ing spreadaroundthe workplace,and other employees came into thefold.

Yearsof campaigningand continuouslytrying togin upsupportin a shopthatwas experiencing highturnoverpaid offlast December whenthe field serv-

icerepresentatives voted IBEW. By bringing 342new members intothe union,

theOncorcampaign ledto oneof theIBEWsbiggest organizing winsof 2009.

The winat Oncorwas the latest inwhatis turning into a streakof

victories forworkers at thenations sixth largest electricity transmission and

distribution company. In December 2006,nearly 500 distribution line

personnel voted forrepresentation withLocal69. Theunrepresented field

servicerepresentativeswho received less pay than the distribution

workerstook stockof theunion workers new arrangement and liked whatthey saw after theline workers won their first contract.

Aftergoingunion, thedistribution guys gota raise, andwe figuredwe could getsomethingtoo, saidKay Ream, a 12-yearemployeewhosehusbandand sonboth workforthe company. I doa lot ofovertime, which

helpsboostmy pay. Without itId beat the bottomof the totem pole.Its

been years andyears since we gota cost-of-living raise, andyou need that

whenprices foreverything are going up andyouretrying tomake it. Ream

says that shes optimistic about upcoming contract negotiations. PeopleI

workwith saytheyre reallyhappy withthe union.

Thatattitudeis welcomed in Texas,wheretrade union membership

hoversaround 4.5 percent (the national averageis above 12 percent).And

withunemploymentin thestateat itshighest peakin decades, theneed for

unionization is even greater.

Manyworkerssaid during thecampaign that a major concernispossible loss of their jobs, said Hayes, thelead organizer. Some people

have 30years inand nowhere else togo iftheygetlaidoff.So were trying toincorporate languageinto thecontractstating that they should be thefirst

people trainedfor other available positions in thecompany, all of which

were looking to organize down theline.

Afterwinningrepresentationwiththe company (formerlyTXU) in late2006, hundreds of Local 69 workersbecameworried whenthe utilitywas

taken over by privateequityfirms withplansto outsourcehighlyskilled

transmissionand distribution work. Union activismacross theboardhelped

nix theoutsourcing plan, saving the members jobs. In return, theIBEW

agreed tosupportthe buyoutin front of thepublicutility commission. This

helped contributeto a more amicable relationship between labor andthe

new management.

Following the2006 and2009 campaigns,Local 69s bargainingstrength hasrisen from 175 to more than1,000 members. T

Organizing PushSpurs Local Union

Growth in Texas

Third Place Winner ($100)Don Porter,

Vacaville,Calif., Local 1245Porter captured this shot of theswitchyard at theFortChurchillpowerplantin Mason

Valley,Nev.,one evening at sunset. Theimageis a composite of five separateshots, but

Porter emphasizes the authenticity of the skyscoloring.The red wasntexaggerated,he

said. Thats what yousee outherefor a fewminutes.I wantedto capture thefeelingof being

on somethingof an alien world. The15-yearphotographer is an employeeof NV Energy.

3


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Circuits

Casino Project PromisesFull Employment for NewBrunswickLocal

Thejob markethas traditionally

been tough in Atlantic Canada,but

forMoncton, New Brunswick,Local

1555, thelast fewmonthshave

brought near full employment.

Construction is underway on a

new $90 million(Canadian)casino

and hotel, which includes a 60,000-

square-foot gaming and entertain-

mentcomplex:the first ofits kindin

New Brunswick. It is expected to cre-

atemore than700 constructionjobs, including more than 100 elec-

tricianpositions.

Crewsbrokeground in early

summer andare expected to be

done by May2010.

We expectourbooksto be

cleared shortly, said Local 1555

Business ManagerPeter Gesner.

Fora small local, itsbig news.

The casinos generalcontractor

hastraditionallynot been friendly to

unions, butGesner attributes the

localssuccess in getting thework to

theIBEWstraining programand its

commitment to on-the-job excel-

lence. Wewere able to provideskilledworkers whowere ready to

start working immediately.

Tocelebrate everyones hardwork, workerson thejob site spon-

sored a brotherhoodbarbecue

earlierthis month,bringing employ-

ees and contractorstogether.

Als Electric, G.J.Cahill Electric

andS.C.R. Electric alsopitched in to

helpmake theeventhappen.More

than 200 tradesmen attended.

Itwas a very positive success

forour membership, saidLocal

1555 memberBernieBlakney,who

organized theevent.It notonly

madeour local newspaper butit

alsoconvinced oneof Atlantic

Canadasmost experienced con-

struction firms to startacceptingunion electrical tradesmen.

ItgottheIBEWsnameout in

thework force andin thebroadercommunity,Gesner said.T

Local 5 Member MakesRiverRescue

Ona crispfall day along the bank o

PittsburghsAllegheny River, Chris

Bradley, 35, took a lifesaving leap.

Its a dayIll never forget,

saidBradley, a journeyman wirem

from Local 5.

It was justaboutlunchtime o

November 17. Bradleywas doing

wiring workin a newly-builtpark

dedicated tofamed childrens TV

icon Mr. Rogers. He wasworkingrightnextto the river when hehea

Workers on a newhoteland casino projectin Moncton, NewBrunswick,celebrated their hard work with a brotherhoodbarbeque.

www.ibew.orgFrom breaking news to video stories, our

updated Web site has information not

available anywhere else. Visit us to

connect with the IBEW on Facebookand

to follow International President Edwin D.

Hill onTwitter!

IBEW on theHuffington PostPresidentHillhas a newblog championing

greenjobsand more. Readit at

www.huffingtonpost.com/edwin-d-hill.

YouTubeThe IBEW has itsownchannel on YouTube,

devoted exclusively to videos about the

union and its members. Watch online at

www.youtube.com/user/theelectricalworker.

HourPowerRight now on www.

IBEWHourPower.com,

were taking youto

Vancouver, siteof this

years WinterOlympic

Games. IBEW

journeymen and

apprentices worked on some of thevenues,

andbuiltthem with 100percent pride.

ElectricTVOn electricTV.net, we showyou how IBEW

locals and NECA contractors in Nebraska

are teaming up to train their electricians on

the newest green technologyall

centered around a wind training silo.

IBEW MEDIA WORLD

In addition to your monthly issue

of The Electrical Worker, checkout the wealth of IBEW-related

information in cyberspace.

IBEWOnDuty

Ontario Member Prepares forAfghanistan Deployment

Nearly 3,000 Canadian troopsserve in

Afghanistan,and Barrie,Ontario, Local 1739

memberGrantKempsterwill soon be joining them

foran expected six-month tour of duty. Kempster,

a fourth-year inside apprentice, is a reservist withtheCanadianArmed Forcesand willbe deploying

overseas forthe first time in early spring.

Twenty-five-year-old Kempster, originally

from St.Catharines, hasbeen a memberof the

Canadian reserves since 2006. He is currently

undergoing training for his deployment.

Ourlocalis very proud of Grant forwanting

to serve hiscountry, saidLocal1739 Business

ManagerTomLeduc. From allthe brothers and

sistersin Local 1739, we saythankyou. T

Barrie, Ontario, Local 1739member Grant Kempster

Fromall the brothers and sistersinLocal 1739, wesay thank you.

BusinessManager Tom Leduc


5/20



a womanscream.He lookedat the

waterjustin timeto see a manand

a bike sinking beneath thesurface.

A cyclistriding the riverfront trail

had hit a bumpin the pathand

careened into thewater.

Hewason the bottomand I

could seebubbles coming outof his

mouth,Bradley said. I could also

see a bikehelmet, soI wentforit.

With temperatures in the40s,

Bradleywhippedoff hiscoat and

boots anddove into thechilly river.

He swamto thebottom, grabbedthe

man,and pulled himto thesurface.

Thedazed bicyclistwas conscious,but silent.

With theman balanced on his

shoulder, Bradleytreaded waterfor

severalminutes until his co-workers

threw a rope.They pulled thevictim

to safety, and then liftedhis rescuer

outof thewater.

Bradleywouldlaterfind out

thatthe manhe saveddidntknow

howto swim.

He said I oweyou my life,

Bradley said. The pairshared a

meal togetherseveral weeks after

the incident.

Chrisdid a brave thing forthis

man. Wereproudof him, saidLocal5 Business Manager MikeDunleavy.

Therescue happened justa few

feet from thePittsburgh parkdedi-

cated to thelate Fred Rogers, theTV

hostand minister who grewup ina

small town nearby. Rogersbecame

oneof thecitysfavoritesons with

thesuccess of hisPBS show offering

educational and inspirational mes-

sages to pre-schoolers.

We live in a worldin which we

need to share responsibility,

Rogersoncesaid. Its easy to say

its notmy child, notmy community,

notmy world, notmy problem.Then

there are thosewhosee the need

and respond. I consider those peo-

ple my heroes.

While Chris Bradleydoesnt callhimself a hero, heis glad hewas

there to help.

I didntthink aboutit, I just did

it,Bradleysaid. Itswas justreally

niceto betherefor someonein need.T

Oregon Local Helps AddWind Power to HighSchools Curriculum

Crane Union HighSchoollocatedin

a remoteand windy cornerof south-

western Oregonhas provided a

top-notch education to generations

of rural students.

The publicboarding schoolservesa 7,500-square-mile radius,

whichis one ofthe largestin the

state, butlow popula-

tion densitymeans

that student enroll-

ment usually doesnt

crack 100.It isa

region of thePacific

Northwest that isnt

known forbeing on

the cutting edge of

technology.

But soon future

Crane Union students

will get the opportu-

nity to add windpower training to

their course load,

thanks to a $10,000

donation from

Portland Local 48 that

will combine class-

room instruction with

hands-on training.

We used to

havewood and metal

shopin highschool,

saidLocal48

Business AgentDave

Johnston. These students willnow

havewind training, which is prepar-

ing them forthe jobs of thefuture.

The donation is the result ofa

partnershipbetween Local 48 and

Columbia EnergyPartners, a devel-

operof windenergytechnology,

which hasplans forseveral large

projects in theregion. Local 48 part-

nered with Columbia Energy

Partners lastyearto install a 78 kilo-

wattsolararrayat thelocals office.

TheCrane school donation was

in recognition of ColumbiaEnergy

Partnersassistance in financing the

photovoltaic system. The companyspresident,Chris Crowley, says he

hopes thewind training program will

help createa local green work force.

Thisis a greatchance tobuild

a better understanding of what

renewable energycan do forthe

local communityand theenviron-

ment, Crowley said. Wed love to

havelocalpeople helping to build

and maintainour projects.

ColumbiaEnergy Partners plans

to continueits alliance with theIBEW

for its future wind developments.T

PortlandLocal 48 presents a $10,000checkto Crane Union HighSchooltodevelop a windpowercurriculum. Pictured fromleft areMarl Kane, ColumbiaEnergyPartners;BusinessRepresentative DaveJohnston,Local48; PatSharp, Crane Schoolssuperintendant andCraneElementarySchool BoardMembersToddTitus, Linda Miller, Jim Kelly,David Mimsand ErinMaupin.

DECEASED

MarvinD. Cook

RetiredNinthDistrict Interna-

tional Represen-

tative Marvin D.

Cook diedon

Dec.29 atthe

ageof 76.

Initiatedinto SantaBarbara,Calif.,

Local 413in 1957, Cook served as

businessmanagerfrom 1968to 1974,

whenhe was appointedInternational

Representative.

Brother Cook,who servedin the

Army Reservesin Korea,beganhis

work life in theoil fieldsof California.

As International Representative, he

participated in the IBEW GeneralPresidents Offshore Committee,

dealing with offshore oil platforms

and the IBEW/Carpenters

Jurisdictional Disputes Committee.

A commissioner of theSanta

BarbaraCountyHousingAuthority,

Cookalso servedas presidentof the

countys building tradescouncilfrom

1969to 1974. He actively promoted

careers in thetrades throughtalks and

filmshowingsat local highschools.

Ninth DistrictInternational Vice

President Michael Mowrey firstmet

Cookas his servicing representative

during Mowreys tenureas business

managerof San LuisObispo, Calif.,

Local 639. He recalls Cookand

International Representative Kenny

Johnsontraveling the district and

meeting with all business managers

and executiveboardmembers in

supportof construction organizing.

Cookretired in 1995.

Marvinbled IBEW, says

Mowrey, crediting Cook with

unmatched institutional knowl-

edgeand a great abilityto resolve

jurisdictional disputes.

On behalf of ourentire member-

ship, theofficersand staffsendour

condolences to BrotherCooks wife,

Marie Papulias-Cook, and his family.T

DECEASED

Russell Z. Mundorf

RetiredEleventh

District Interna-

tionalRepresen-

tative Russell Z.

Mundorf died

on Dec. 27. He

was91.

Initiated into Lincoln, Neb.,

Local 265in 1947, Brother Mundorf,

an AirForce veteran of World WarII,

served as business managerfor 14

years. He was an impressive

leader, saidLocal265 Business

ManagerClinton Burge. During his

tenure, says Burge,Mundorf

expanded thereachof Local 265

beyond itsoriginal area to cover

much of western Nebraska.

Mundorf, whoservedas presi-

dentof theLincoln County Building

and Construction Trades Council,

wasalsoa memberof the Nebraska

AppealsTribunal that considered

unemployment benefits cases.

A recipient ofthe John F.

KennedyPresidential Award during

the1960s, Mundorf alsoreceived a

letter from thepresidentsMissile

SiteCommission forhis negotiations

to providemanpowerfor the project.

He was recognizedby theR.C.A.Corp.

forhisworkon developinga national

collectivebargaining agreement.

In 1966, Mundorf wasassigned

to the Eleventh District staff, serving

until hisretirement in 1983. A hunter,

fisherman and camper, Mundorf

enjoyed restoringantique clocks and

building clocks for his friends.

Theofficers, staff and members

of theIBEW send oursincere condo-

lencesto Brother Mundorfs family

and many friends. T

Transitions

PittsburghLocal 5sChris Bradley saved a manslifenearthis statueof TV icon Mr. Rogers.


6/20

Local Lines


MotorcycleToy Run Benefit

L.U.6 (c,i,st&u),SAN FRANCISCO,CAThe electricalindustry inSan Franciscoreallygot into theswingofthingsduring our annual golf tournament.Thislaborand managementcooperativeevent heldatthePresidioGolfCourse isgood funfor a goodcause.Dan McAtee, Tom ORourkeand JasonMcLeanworked especially hard to make sure itwasa great timeforall.

Memberswho werelooking fora non-competi-tive andmorecasualdayon thegreencameoutinforce forthe Hack Attackat theLincolnParkGolfCourse.BillCullinen,JerrySullivan andTim Green dida fantastic joborganizing an event focusedon cama-raderie,fun, andbenefittinga memberin need.

Our11thAnnual Motorcycle Toy Run wasa

greatsuccess. Members brought theirmotor bikesand classiccarsof all typesalong witha toy for theSan FranciscoFirefighters ToyProgram.

Work isstillslow.I wisheveryonea prosper-ousnew year.

Phil A. Farrelly, Pres.

A NewClimbingSilo

L.U.8 (as,em,i,mar,mt,rts,s&spa),TOLEDO, OHWearecautiously optimisticaboutgettinga fewmorejob opportunitiesin coming months. Manythanksto those localsthat putour members to workintheir jurisdictions. Wehope to have theopportunityto returnthe favor inthe future.

TheCityof Toledo hasa newmayor. Mike Bellwaselected to officewiththe help andparticipation

of Local 8 members andtheirfamilies. Thanksto allwhovotedand helpedwith thecampaign.Bythe timethis article is printed,thereshould

be a newclimbing siloinstalledbackat theJATC. Wewill beone offourlocalsto have sucha climbingsilo.Itwillbe anasset toour future intheelectricalindus-try to havethis newequipment andtraining. Bros.NateEatonand JasonSzymanski arecertified asinstructorsto teachthe Competent Climbing/RescueClass, which willbe scheduled soon.Please considertakingthis newclass.As thistechnologybecomesmore popular,we shouldbe able tosellourknowl-edgeand trainingto localbusinesses andcommuni-ties, providing uswith morework possibilities.Thanks to theJATCCommitteefor providing us withthisopportunity, andfor keeping ourtraining pro-gramaheadof thecurve.

Ben Red Tackett, P.S.

Jim Kozlowski, B.M.

Celebrating Labor

L.U.16 (i), EVANSVILLE, INOur local was privilegedto participatein Southern Indianas 123rd annualLabor Day celebrationlast year. Approximately 140Local 16members andtheirfamiliesjoined in theparadeand afterwardwereserved a great dinnerbyIBEW Local702.

OnSept.13, Local 16held itsannualfamilypic-nic.Attendancewas up substantiallyand everyoneenjoyedthe fabulousbarbecue, bingo, doorprizes,drawings,childrens activitiesand fellowship. Theguys onthe grillcrewonceagainturnedouta superbmeal. Thanksto allwho madethis daypossible.

Theunionwishes to thank WilliamA. Diehl,field agent,for joining theexcellentstaffthat Bus.Mgr. Paul Greenhas assembled. Billy Diehlhas

demonstratedhis selfless devotionto the IBEW andLocal 16for nearly40 years.He hasserved asanactivevolunteer, assistantagent, steward, contractnegotiator,30-year Executive Boardmember,JATCinstructor,pension trustee, conventiondelegateandunsurpassedrolemodel.His dedicationto themembership is a joyto all. Godblessyou,brother!

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

North Texas JATC Graduates

L.U.20 (em,i,mt,spa,t&u),DALLAS-FORTWORTH,TXTheNorth Texas Electrical JATCheld its annualcompletiondinnerat theSheratonGrand Hotel onJune 5, 2009.

IBEW Local 20 andthe North Texas Chapter ofNECAboth gavean OutstandingApprentice Award

to graduating apprenticeJason Allenfor outstand-ing performancefor the entire five-yearsof training.Local 20 presentedan awardto an outstand-

ingapprenticein each classyear.The 2009 GoldPliersAward recipientswere: JasonRaburn (1styear),KennethBranson (2ndyear), AgustinMontoya(3rd year) andDavidThetford (4thyear).

NECA presented AchievementAwardsto an out-standingapprenticein each class year: JasonRaburn(1styear),KennethBranson(2nd year), AgustinMontoya(3rd year)and James Flowers (4thyear).

TheLocal20 Federal CreditUnionin Dallaspresentedthe FrankWilson Award to a deservingapprenticefrom eachclass year:CharlesTowb (1styear),John Moncevais(2ndyear), JamesIrvin(3rdyear),TaylorParish(4thyear)and BarrySargent (5thyear).The Ft.Worth116 Federal CreditUnionpre-sentedawards to graduating apprentices JasonAllenand BarrySargent.

Perfect AttendanceAwards for all fiveyears

went to:JasonAllen, ErnestHolmes Jr., RobertDolashewich,Barry Sargent, Ian Kidd,AaronLindsey, ChadTurnerand Sherrod Yates.

A.C. McAfee, B.M./F.S.

Years-of-ServiceAwards

L.U.24 (es,i&spa),BALTIMORE, MDLocal 24 mem-bers werepresentedtheir years-of-serviceawardsandpinsby Pres.PeteDemchukand Bus. Mgr.GaryGriffinat theNovember2009unionmeeting.

Membersin attendance receiving awards were:Forfive years of serviceJohnBaconJr.,Richard FordJr., WilliamHughesSr.,Jason Jefferson, EarlPayneJr.,KimberlyZepp; for10 yearsChet Brown, IgorFeldman,Richard Thompson;15yearsMarcelLawrence, Jesse Wyatt; 20 yearsTimothy Brennan,MichaelMcHale,JamesSell,DouglasStickler, EugeneWendler, NeilWilford Jr., MatthewDiFonzo; 25yearsMichaelFraley, TimothyMedford,Dennis Mitchell,FrancisShea,KevinWiggins; 30 yearsThomasBethke,Harry Godlove,GeorgeLinton;35 yearsIvanAnderson, David Bateman,DavidBridgham, RichardChristmas;40 yearsRichard Morsberger, CharlesPainter, ThomasSmith; andfor 45yearsJames

Brannan,Richard Colon,Richard StrempekandRobertTombaugh.

Present to receive their awardswereactivemembers, retired members and contractors.Onbehalfof theofficersand members, I congratulateandthankthe recipients fortheirserviceto Local2andthe IBEW. In orderto prosper andmovefor-ward, Local 24 andthe IBEW need thesupport ofevery memberdoingtheirpart.Staysafeand havegoodyearahead.

Gary R. Griffin, B.

Scholarship Application Time

L.U.26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DCAs we getthrough thismonth, wecan lookforwarto springand, hopefully, prospectsof ourworkpicture blooming aswell.

Scholarship time! Visit thelocalsWeb sitewww.ibewlocal26.org forinformation andtodownload application forms forthis yearsLocal2scholarship.The awardis $2,500per year,for uptfouryears ofcollege.Applicationsmay also beobtained by calling theunionhallat (301) 459-2900.Local26 scholarshipsare open to thechil-dren of Local 26members in good standingfor atleastfive years;applicants must be intheirsenio

year of high schoolor highschool graduatesbetweentheages of17and 21with lessthan two

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

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

Technicians

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

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

Manufacturing

(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 OfficeWorkers

(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.

Class of 2009 graduates attends theLocal 20North TexasJATC apprenticecompletion dinner. Froleft, firstrow, RyanMcGreevey,ErnestHolmes; second row,Chad Turner,Steven Yates, RobertDolashewich, MiguelMartinez,FabianMartinez, LanceBarabino;third row,Aaron Lindsey,Brandon Caldwell,David Spangler, IanKidd, BlakeHarrod, Justin Hayes;fourthrow,MoustaphaSoumare, BarrySargent, DarwinGuthrie, BeauCoonrod, Matthew Beckettand JasonAllen.


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yearsof college completed. Thedeadlineto submitapplicationsis March31.

Wemournthe death of members: EdwinP.

Kline,Joseph C.Barbariot,GeorgeE. Buette, EarlF.Crosby,Carol L. Dempsey,StanleyA. Ketchel,FrederickFischetti, Michael E. Walsh,James L. LittleandJohn M. Wolfrey.

Bestwishesto recent retirees:Kenneth A.Chevalier, George E. Harrison Jr., NolanL. Jacobs,Kennneth R. Lackey,David L. Ross, Leroy A.Trippett,LeonardW. King, ThomasE. Frank, JohnC. Nalley,JamesA. Quinn, LarryW.Tomlinand JosephV.Kirchner.

Charles E. Graham, B.M.

Union VictoriesYield Jobs

L.U.38 (i),CLEVELAND,OHShownin the photobelow isa crew from Lake Erie Electricworkingat theGeneral Motorsplant inParma, OH.Thecrewisworking oninstallation ofpressesat thecarparts

plant.Thejob mayneedas many as50-60memberstoget thejob done inthe time frameinvolved. Moreworkshouldbe coming to theGM plantthisspring.

Laborplayed a major role in two victorieshere in Ohio recently.The first was in helping passIssue 3, a constitutional amendment to legalizegambling in Ohio. As a result, workshould startsometime in 2010 on a $500-$600 million casinoin downtown Cleveland.

Theothervictorycameinthe cityof Euclid, OH,wheremanyof ourmembers worked ona toughcam-paignto help pass a school levy.Thelevypassedbyjust 75votes andas a resultwehavenegotiated aprojectlabor agreement formore than$65 millioninconstructionto buildfournew schools.

Wehopethatwith theseprojects, andthe$300 million East Bank Flatsproject,we will beabletoput ourunemployedmembersback toworksoon.

Dennis Meaney, A.B.M.

Ongoing Battle forJobs

L.U.58 (em,i,rtb&spa), DETROIT, MIWecurrentlyhave2,000-pluson Book I and 18on BookII.Thework picture remains slow.We hope spring andsummerprojectsforecastedwill comethrough.

On the horizon are: the retool of the GeneralMotors Orion plant, Detroit PublicSchoolsimprovements, and defense contractor BAESystems new facility. Bloomfield Park, BeaumontHospital and many other stalled projects couldalso become a reality.

Local 58is inan ongoing battlewith singerToby Keiths plan to build a newbar andgrillinnorth Oakland County. Weand other tradesare

protestingthe nonunion constructionand the out-of-townsubcontractors.Public and mediasupporthave beengreat. Afteraggressive dailyhand billinginitially, the tradesvowed to protest everyFriday,concludingwith a massdemonstration on openingnight.If hisdevelopersactions arean indication, itseemsTobyKeith is nofriendto uniontradesmen.

WehavejoinedotherMichiganlocals in pres-suringstateofficialsto approve four newcleancoalpower plantsin ourstate. Theseplantscould resultin millionsof man-hoursfor thestatesunemployedtradesand shore upour powergeneration needs.Weare disappointedby somelegislatorswethoughtwere our friends.

OurChristmas andSuper Bowl Sunday partieswerehuge successes. Thanksto all the volunteers.

Visit ourWebsite atwww.IBEWLocal58.orgfor more information.

Ryan Webb, P.S.

Participation is Key

L.U. 68 (i),DENVER,COWe areremindedto alwayspractice safetybothon andoff thejob, andevenafterretirement.

A Local 68 retiree,HowardDoughman,recently sustainedserious injuries in a fallresultingfrom anelectricshock. Bro. Doughman believestheshock wasthe resultof no GFCI beinginstalledintheaircrafthangar wherethe injurieswere sus-tained.Howard wasusinga deviceto move hisair-planeinsidethe hangar, andthat devicegetsitspowerby plugging into a 110-VACreceptacle.Thedevicemalfunctioned.If therehad been a GFCI, hisinjuries couldhave beenprevented.

Pleasecheck forpotentialhazards athome orwork, anddecreasethosehazards toprevent injuries.What isthe mostimportant issueto youand

yourfamily?Is itimportantenoughfor youto volun-teer sometimeto make things better? Thinkaboutthat. When youare askedto make phonecallsorwrite letters, pleasepitchin to help.Please getinvolved, volunteeryour service and contributetoyour IBEWCOPE.

Weextend deepest sympathyto thefamiliesof recently deceasedbrothers: ElwoodOverton,DonaldGilbert,Theodore Burkhardt, ErnestJenkins,DonaldMorgan, Terence Slugaand PhilipOaks.

Ed Knox, Pres.

Code of ExcellenceTraining

L.U.80 (i&o), NORFOLK,VAWorkis starting to pick

back upin ourarea,with contractorsbeing awardedseveralnew jobs. Many membersare still outof work,but2010looks to bebetterthan2009.Youmustberegisteredin ERTS to bereferredout of Local 80.

Recently,five membersattended theCodeofExcellence StewardTrainingheld in Williamsburg, VA.Bros. MichaelHampton,Ervin WoodyGregory,James Huban, DetrickOwensand Donnie Newcomeallcompletedthis training.Theywill be working onjobsthroughoutthe jurisdiction,ensuring theCodeof Excellenceis being enforced correctly andmakingsure theIBEW isbeing seenin thebest possibleway.

Thankyou to Maureen andTerry McPhillipsforalltheirworkfor thechildrensChristmasparty. Allthefamiliesenjoyed theafternoonand thechildrenwere excited that SantaClauscameto seethem.Thanksto everyone whohelped withsetup andcleanup forthe party.

W. Dennis Floyd, P.S.

WindTurbines Installed

L.U. 96 (i), WORCESTER, MALocal 96 honored thefollowing retiring members with watches at the2009 holiday meeting: Bros. WayneComeau,Donald Diemdowicz, Richard Ermanski, BrianGosselin, Raymond Halvorsen, Robert Horgan,Anthony Mancuso,Thomas McGauley, Paul PrattJr., Roger LaRochelle and Joseph DiLiddo. Also,members received pins for 10 to 55 years of serv-ice. Congratulations, brothers, and thank you foryour service.

Once againthe childrens Christmasparty wasa greatsuccess. Thelocal thanksallwho helped,especiallyJennifer Blake, DanaMrozinski, Bus.Mgr.

LeoMillerand Pres.Robert Fields. Thesmileson thechildrens faces as theymet withSanta arepricelessmemories for localfamilies.

In Princeton,MA, Local96 assisted with installationoftwo 230-foot wind turbines.The 1.5megawatt generatorsareestimated to provide40percent of the townsenergy.The accompanying photo wastakenduring construction.

Onthe political front,JoeOBrien,backed byLocal96,waselectedmayorof thecityofWorcester. OBrien made his-toryby defeatingthe incum-bent.Thankyou to localmembers forturningout tovoteandsupporting theendorsed candidate.This win isevidence that laborprevails.

Luke E. Carpenter, P.S.

Baram Elected to Labor Post

L.U.102 (c,catv,i,it,o&t), PATERSON,NJLocal102Bus.Mgr.Lou Baramwas unanimously elected pres-identof the Mechanical and Allied TradesCouncil.

Some of Lousdutiesin hisnew post includeproviding a political voiceby initiating and support-ingpoliticalagendas critical forthe successof themechanical and electrical industry.As presidentofthis largeassociation, Lou communicates directlywith stateand federal representativeson issues

that affect tradeunionists.Weat 102congratulateLouand wish himwell

inhis newposition.We know Louis therightmanat

therightjobat a crucial time forlabor andmanage-ment.We realizethatall thefriendships Louhasacquiredoverthe yearshelpour localand thelabormovementsucceed and growstronger. Weat 102also know itwasnt a coincidence that at ourOctober 2009meeting, then-Gov.Jon Corzinewasour guest speaker.The governorspoke on the impor-tance of building union, having project laboragree-mentsand howNew Jerseyis theleaderin greenenergy.Our localwill remain active on the politicalfrontto advance thecause of working people.

Ed Fredericks, P.S.

Training CenterExpansion

L.U. 106 (catv,govt,i&spa),JAMESTOWN,NYGroundwasbrokenin October 2009 ona 7,500square foot

addition to Local106. In attendance at the ceremonywereLocal 106 officers,New York stateSen.CatharineYoung, JamestownMayor SamTeresi andrepresentatives of the National ElectricalContractorsAssociationand the IBEWThird District.The $1.5 mil-lionproject increases the existingfacilityto 10,000square feet.Bus. Mgr. DaveWilkinson said,Thismuch-needed expansionprovidesour trainerswitha newstate-of-the-art educational and labspace totrainnew generations of skilled electricians.

Inaddition to four newclassrooms,the centerwillalsofeaturea computerdata lab, a shopandgroup training room for60.The original structurewill be remodeled for secure administrative space.

Bidding wasactive andcompetitiveand theproject came in withinthe budgetestablishedbythelocal.Construction isexpected to becompleteby Memorial Day.

Dave Painter, P.S.

Midulla EmployeesJoin IBEW

L.U. 108 (ees,em,es,lctt,mar,mt,rtb,rts,s,spa,t&u),TAMPA, FLLocal 108snewest unit,the employeesof Seminole ElectricCooperatives MidullaGeneratingStation, ratified theirfirst agreementonDec.1,2009. Negotiationswere ongoing for approxi-matelyone year. Congratulationsto negotiatingteammembers FredCampbell,John TraugerandLarry Best fora jobwell-done. Special thankstoBus. Mgr. FloydSuggsand Int.Rep. DannyJohnson.

Local 38 crew membersemployed by Lake ErieElectric areworking at theGM Plant in Parma,OH.

Participating in groundbreaking ceremony at Local 106 are,fromleft:New York state Sen.Catharine Young, JohnEthridgeof NECA,Local 106 Bus.Mgr. DavidWilkinson, IBEWThird District Int. VicePres. Donald C. Siegel, and Jamestown, NY,Mayor Sam Teresi.


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Local Lines


The unitofficersare FredCampbell,chairman;JamesHarvey, vicechairman; and JohnTrauger,recorder. Wewelcomethese18 newmembersand

lookforwardto working with thegroup.They nowhave a contract, a just cause,and a voice.

2009 wasan extremelybusyyearforour hall.The localis in negotiationswith IndiantownTelephone,workingon a firstagreement forthe networktechni-cians. JohnsonControl Inc.,SensorSystems,andWEDU-TVhave had layoffs. Employmentopportunitiesarefew.

The localsannual charitygolf tournamentfor2010 will be at WaldenLakeon March27. Hopetosee everyone there.

Doug Bowden, A.B.M.

GreenTechnologyClasses

L.U.124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se&spa), KANSAS CITY,MOLocal 124mourns thepassingof Pres.Allan

Ward, a true champion of labor.Workis stillslow.Weanticipatemoreworkthis

summer, with a newcasinoand hotel,DOEproject,stadium construction,Iatan Power Plantand more.

OurJATCoffers greentechnologyclasses,andsolar panelsfor ourbuildingare planned. Local 124intends to capture more greenwork.

IBEWwiremenare responsiblefor understandingthetermsof allworkingagreements.Whenforcedtomakedifficultdecisions, be wise,think situationsthrough, andtalkto yourrepresentativebeforeyou act.

We mourndeceasedmembers: LyndellAnderson, Charles Baughman, JackBaumli, JesseCarriker,Robert Cobb, Jerrold Coleman,TheodoreCook,Joseph Dalton, Gus Ducoulombier, JohnEngland, Warren Greene, BladenHadley Sr., RobertHatfield, GeorgeHoleman,Virgil Horton,CharlesHunt Jr., Lynn Jenkins, JohnJoyce,ThomasKret,

Beasmore Lamm,Gale Miller, Robert Mock,HowardONeal, DaleSchowengerdt, GlenSears,StuartPace, Russel Stuart,RobertTaylor,Roy Taylor,VirgilThompson, GeneVondemfange, AllanWard,NormanWorrelland Charles Wurzer.

Kudosto recent retirees:Glenn Abbiatti,William Azar,RusselBaird, John Battle, GlennCairer, MartinClark, DonaldConey,Mike Corbin,Bernard Eckart, Stephen Goethals, Charles Harnar,GeraldHart, JohnHenry,Ronald Hughes, DavidJackson, Gilbert Jones,John Kraft,Carl Lindsay,Michael McCormick,Donald McNally,GeorgeMallonJr., John Murkin, Larry Newcomer, JohnNicholson, Anthony Occhipinto,Joseph Powell,JamesRooks, Michael Schleicher, RichardSimmons, Rodney Sommers, JamesSparks,CleothaSmall,CharlesTurner, AllanWard and John Wise.

Frank D. Mathews Jr., P.S.

HopeforImprovedWorkPicture

L.U.130 (i), NEW ORLEANS, LAOur localpartici-pated inthe 2009 NewOrleansAFL/CIO Labor Daypicnic,always a greatsuccess. The annual gather-ing drawscrowds of unionmembers, politiciansandTV reporters.Organized labor hasa chancetoshine at theseevents.

Ourwork picture isslow now.Hopefullyas thisarticlegoes to press, thework situationwill improve.Local contractorsare tellingBus. Mgr. ClayLeonthatafterthefirstof theyear a lotof work will breakopen.

Service pins were awarded at ourOctober2009 meeting. Recipientsreceived their25- to 65-yearpins. Congratulations to all.

Ourcondolencesgo outto thefamily of Bro.Douglas Ehrensing,who collapsed at the Octobermeeting andlaterpassed away in thehospital.

Bus. Mgr.ClayLeonwishes tothankInt.Rep.LindaMathews,withthe IBEWEducationDepartment,andFifthDistrict Int.Rep.Glen Brannen forconductingourCode of Excellence steward class. Bro.Leon alsothanksofficers andmemberswho attended.

Please attendlocal unionmeetings.The onlywaywe canachievesuccessis to participate,shareideasand worktogether in thespirit of brother-hood. This presssecretarywelcomes allnewsaboutourlocal.Please call theoffice, leaveyour numberandI will returnyourcall.

Sandy Theriot, P.S.

BusinessManager Retires

L.U.146 (ei,i&rts), DECATUR, ILWecongratulateformerbusinessmanager/financial secretary Jan

Dunn on hisrecentretirement, effectiveDec.1,2009.Jay served Local 146extremely well andwillsurelybe missed.

Congratulationsand best wishesto ShadEtchason, formerassistantbusinessmanager, onhis appointmentas business manager.Jay andretiring Apprenticeship Dir. SteveWrigleywererecently honored at a retirement receptionwith alargeturnout of members, spouses and dignitariesin attendance.

Therefuel outageat theClintonPowerStationwas successfully completed,and we thankthe trav-elingbrothersand sisters fortheirassistancein the20-dayoutage.Unfortunately,with theend of theoutagethereis very littleworkin theimmediatefuture.TheFuture GenandTenaskaprojectsare setto possibly beginin thefall.

Congratulationsto Terry Hammeron his recent

retirement.Oursympathiesgo outto thefamilyof 56-yearmember RichardParsons, whorecently passed away.

Rich Underwod, P.S.

2010~ Its a New Year

L.U.150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN,ILLets lookforwardwith hopeand beliefin thefuture.Theeconomy will getbetter andjobswill return; itisonly a matterof time.Unfortunately time will proveto be anelusive commodity forsomeof us.Manyhard lessons arelearnedwhen wego through toughtimes; lessons about planningfor thedry times andsavingfor a rainyday.And wealso areseeinghowmuch ourbenefitstrulycostus when we areout ofwork. Itwill getbetter; dont lose faith.

TheSPARKS arehostingtheir3rd AnnualChiliCook-offon Sunday, Feb. 14,2010.It will start at1 p.m. andthe cost is $10. TheCook-off will be heldat AJs Horsin AroundBar inRoundLakePark.Therewill be prizes!

TheLocal150Annual Picnicwillbe June 26,2010,at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.Weareat our usual spot.Come out and bringthefamilyand joinin thefun.

Rememberthat the JATC has ongoing updateclasses forthe entiremembership.If youare warm-ingthe benchat themoment andlookingfor some-thing to fill your time, pleaseconsider takinga classor twoand updating your skillsand knowledge.

Wendy J. Cordts, P. S.

CommunityService Volunteers

L.U.176 (es,i,rts&spa), JOLIET,ILIBEW Local 176members volunteered theirskillsforthe Labor ofLove/United Wayprojectto help elderly andlow-incomemembers of ourcommunityhavetheirhomes ready forthe rough wintermonths here innorthern Illinois. Our members repaired electrical

workin several of thehomes, helping those less for-tunatelivea more comfortablelifeby providinganeeded service otherwise unaffordable to them.Afterworking on this project we canbetter appreci-atewhat we have.Our apprenticesworking on theproject receivedcredit for community service hours,nowa requirementby theJATC inLocal176.

Thework situationin ourjurisdictionis veryslowas of thisDecemberwriting, withthe exceptionof a fewshort-termcommercialprojects andoutagesatthe nuclearpower station.OurBook1 hasmorethan350 local journeymenout of workand morethan60 apprentices, withvery fewoptionspresently.

Our workoutlook forthesummer of2010appears to be better.However, making it through thewintermonthswillbe tough.Someof ourmembershave foundworkin sisterlocalsand sisterstates.Wethankthose localsfor employingour members.

Jim Conness, Rep.

Village of Richmond Contract

L.U. 196(govt,mt,o,t&u), ROCKFORD,ILOutside con-structionwork in ourarea remainsslow.The prospectofworkin thefirstquarterof2010does notlook much better.Thank youto thesurroundingoutside constructionlocalsinIllinoisthat havehelpedkeepourapprentices workingit ismuchappreciated.

Aftermore thantwoyears,we finally have a contractwiththe Village of Richmond forournew members there.It took

unfairlabor practice chargesand several negotiations,butweendedup with a fair firstagreement.

Workers at anothermunicipalitythat our localorganized more than2 yearsagoare stillfightingfor theirfirstcontract.TheCityofSavanna PublicWorks employeessignedcardsinAugust2007, andwe aregettingcloseto anagree-ment. Itwas necessaryto file unfairlaborpracticecharges inthis battlealso.The NLRB agreedwithIBEW 196on themajority of charges filed andwehave madesubstantialprogresssince the decisionat thebargainingtable.It is unfortunate thatthosewithouta voicein theirworkplaceareforced to wait

solongto get a first contract,butit iswell worthitOrganize, organize, then organize some more

ChuckHarrington,our fieldmembership representative,observed a nonunion contractor paintingtransmissionpolesin ourjurisdiction andcontacted OSHwhichcompleted an investigationand promptlyfinethecontractorover$50,000.Good job,Chuck!

EricPatrick, B.

A New Union Hall

L.U. 222(o),ORLANDO, FLAt this writingLocal22officers andmembersare hopingthat bythe timethis articleis published the employment picturewillhavemadea 180-degree turn.

As of presstime,we have 94 journeymanlinmenon BookI and33 journeyman linemen on BoII.Someof ourmembershave foundwork inotheparts of thecountry. Many thanksto thelocalsthahave helpedput ourmembersto work. Ourworkpicturelooksbrighterfor thebeginning of 2010.

After two yearsof permitting(and jumpingthrough hoops), Local 222has successfully com-pletedournew unionhall onour existingpropertyReddick, FL.On Nov. 11,2009, weheldour firstoffcial E-Board meeting inour newhall. OnDec.19,wheldour firstever Local222 membershipmeetinga hall ownedby ourmembers. Wehad food andentertainment, gamesfor thekids, anda good timforall.Theopenhousewasalso theday wecele-brated Local222scharterand 20thanniversary.

James M. Bell, B.

Solar Installation& Training

L.U.234 (i&mt), CASTROVILLE,CALocal 234recencompleteda 6.6kW photovoltaicinstallation at ouunionhall and training center. The 36Sharp solarpanelsaremountedon a metalframe, creatingacovered walkway alongthe southsideof ourbuilding.Many of ourmembersgained experience andknowledgeby helping with theinstallation.

Inaddition to ourmembersgaining experienc

Joliet,IL,Local 176volunteers

gather foraLabor of LovUnitedWaycommunityserviceproject.

TheLocal222 E-Board meets in thelocalsnew office buildinFrom left, clockwise, are: Willy DeZayas, Roger CourtemanchFred Morgan, Dale Smithmier, Mike Bell, Gary Robbinsand JPuzon. NotPictured:J. J. Zlotowski.


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withthisinstallation,we enlisted thehelp of Local 11,LosAngeles,to puton an intensivehands-on,two-daysolar training session. Wehad morethan100 local

andtravelingmembersattendthis training,whichconsists of 10hands-on modulesand lectures.Eachmoduledealswith variousaspects ofa solar installa-tion, such assafety, systemsizing, andthe NEC.

Ourlocalhas a strongcommitmentto bothrenewable greentechnologies and a cleaner envi-ronment. Werecently becamea memberof theUSGBC and are currentlyseeking LEEDcertificationforour existing building, in addition to becoming aMonterey BayCertifiedGreen Business.

Andy Hartmann, Pres.

Support Your Apprentices

L.U. 280 (c,ees,em,es,i,mo,mt,rts&st),SALEM, ORAt thisearlyDecemberwriting,we still have18apprenticesunemployed.The listhas comedown alotsinceit wasaround50,butwe stillhavemany

who havelit-tletopayfor

booksandtuition.Thehall hassetupa greatdonationfundforhelpingmanyofthese finefuture jour-neymanwiremen,andevery lit-tlebit helps.Ifyou can

sparea little, pleasecall thehall andhelpoutournextgenerationof IBEWjourneymen. Someof theseunionmembers have beenout ofworkforovera year,

so lets showthem whatbrotherhoodis allabout!Thework picturehere is still extremelyslow but

somelargejobs, like theSalemMentalHospital,haveour IBEWcontractors on sitewhichis extremelyencouraging. NonunionBergelectrichas begun man-ningup on theKnightBasketballArenain Eugene,OR,so please callOrganizer/Bro. BillKisselburgh atthehalltoseewhatwecandotomakesuretheygetno morework andsend thembackto California.Theunderhanded tacticsthat Bergelectricusedto wrong-fully capturethe arena arean outrageto allOregontaxpayersand we mustneverlet thishappenagain.

Please worksafe!

Jerry Fletcher, P.S.

Vermont Electric wattWatchers

L.U.300 (govt,i,mt&u),MONTPELIER, VTVermont

Electric Cooperative,where IBEW Local300 repre-sentsemployees,announced the launch of VECwattWatchers, a Web-basedapplicationthat willenableVECcustomers withsmartmeters to analyzeand managetheir electric consumption.Users willbe able to toggle between graphsthat displayhourly ordaily usage overa period ofup to90 days.

Additionally, users canset alerts to receivee-mailnotifications whenconsumption exceedsa pre-determined level. Personalized commentscan beadded to graphs to helpconsumerskeeptrackof fac-torsthat cause their electricity consumptionto peak.

IBEW members atVEC aretrulyleadingthewayas ourstatetransitionsto a greener economywith a particular emphasis on energy efficiency,said Bus.Mgr. Jeffrey Wimette. Smartgrid technol-ogy and initiativeslike VECwattWatchers willcer-tainlyhelp ratepayerscontrol the costof electricity.

VECwattWatchers was developed internally byVECsIT department usingopen-source software.Afterseeing similarapplications enterthe marketwithprice tags of $50,000 andmore,VECwas ableto capitalizeon its smartgrid technologywhichhasbeendeployed to more than29,000 customersin theformof AMI(automated meterinfrastructure)meters, also known assmartmeters.

VECcustomerswith smart metersmay viewpersonalized consumptiondata by registeringforVECwattWatchers atwww.vermontelectric.coop.Non-customers mayviewa demo andlearnmoreabout VECandsmart energyon thenewlydesignedWebsite, aswell.

Matthew Lash, P.S.

Another Outstanding Job

L.U. 306(i), AKRON,OHKudosto ourSocialCommitteefor the 2009Christmas party!MikeKammer, Cyndy Colley,Brian Jackson andTimSchafer did anotheroutstanding job, assisted byToddand WendyMichland SantaClaus. Thechil-dren,parents and grandchildren attending enjoyeda wonderful time.

Wewish a happyretirementto Bros. KennethFett, Bob Jenior,Jim Hornacek, JohnQuirk and DavidTryon, who recentlycompleted theirIBEW careers.Welcometo theworkof theever-fulljob jar, brothers!

Recession yearsteachus to prioritize, separat-ingwants from needsand truthfrom fiction. Asofthiswriting we arewatchingthe debate in Congressonhealth care reformwithconcernandwe hope ourelected representatives (folks who do not workwiththeirhands or bargain for theirhealthcare benefits)willhelp solveAmericas health carecrisis!

Wishing everyone a safeand employment-richernew year in 2010!

Bob Sallaz, P.S.

Casper Area Food Drive

L.U.322 (govt,i,it,lctt,o&u),CASPER, WYDuringOctober andintoNovember2009,IBEW Local 322members andfamiliesorganized a fooddriveforCasperareafood banks.We thankAlbertsons storemanagersand staff,as well as JonMichaelsandTaraShort with Gapwest Broadcasting, for theirhelp duringthe on-site driveon HalloweenDay.Wesincerelyappreciatethe generous donations from

communitymemberswho provided foodor mone-tarydonations towardthe purchase offood.

Wecollected 3, 000poundsof non-perishable

fooditemsand 500pounds of turkeys, and100 per-cent of thedonations were distributed amongJoshuas, HolyCrossand theSalvation Army. I thanktheLocal322 members andfamilieswho donatedtheir timeto help with thefood drive anda specialthanksto the apprenticeship classes that raised700pounds of foodduring thedrive.

IBEW 322strives to promotestewardship inthecommunity byhelping theneedy andgener-ously donating to humanitariancauses. Weworktodemonstrate thatthe IBEW is a supportiveforce forthepeopleof Wyoming. Local 322 continuesto workwithcontractorsand employersto provide a prof-itable,skilledand reliable laborforce for Wyomingselectrical industry.

Chris Morgan, P.S.

RetireesHonored at LuncheonL.U.340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CALast Octoberwehelda pinpresentationat ourunion hall formembers who had 50-plus years servicewith Local340. Wepresentedpinsto 32retiredmembers,whowereaccompaniedby theirfamilies forthe event.

Thesedeservingmembers, as specialhonoreesforthe day, were treatedto a lunchbarbecued bysev-eralrank-and-file members andthenservedby ourExecutive Board andstaffmembers.Theroom wasfullof members(bothactiveandretired) whocame tocheereveryoneon. It wasa greateventfilledwiththesharingof storiesand lotsof laughter! Congratulationsto allof youwho reached that50-,55- and60-yearmilestone.Brothers,it wasan honor toserveyou thatday. Ourlocalowesits success toyou, dueto youryears of hard workand dedicationto Local 340.

A special thanksto Int.Rep. Michael Meals,whohelpedwiththe awardpresentations.To viewtheevent, go onlineto YouTubeand typein IBEWLocal340.

Ourlocalwas very luckyin late2009. Severaljobspeaked andlocalmembers,and even a fewtravelers,wereable to go outto work.

I am saddenedto reportthe passing of Bros.John Benkosky, Sidney Bowers, RobertCrockett andRichard Dittbenner.

A.C. Steelman, B.M.

Appointed to NFPA Panel

L.U.354 (i,mt,rts&spa),SALT LAKECITY, UTThelocal congratulates Bro.Gary Beckstrandon hisappointmentto the National FireProtection

Association code makingpanel #15.Gary is anInsideinstructor forUtah ElectricalJATCin ourdayschoolprogram and holdsclasses for continuingeducation of journeymen.Additionally he servesaschairman of thelocalunionsafety committee.Thank you,Gary, foryourdedicatedserviceto IBEWmembers and the electrical industry.

The Insideand Voice-Data-Videoapprentice-shipgraduation ceremonywas held at theLittleAmericaHotelon Nov. 6, 2009.Congratulationstothe following members, who recentlycompletedtheNJATCcurriculum:

InsideJourneymenJeremy Bierwolf, RandallCammack, ColbyCroft,William Ellis,Jose Garcia,ShawnGibson, BrianGillman,Jesse Hansen, KevinHarding, Andrew Holbrook, Michael Lanoue, ScottLatham,Joseph Magnuson, Benjamin McCrimmon,

MatthewNielsen,Uriel Orona,Robert Russell,ZlatanSabanovic, Richard Staten, ScottSterzer,PerryTangren, Michael Taylor andChris Zdunich;

Voice Data VideoTechniciansTylerBlackard,Christian Steren and Stephen Stohel.

Work hasexperiencedthe usual winterslow-downfor ourmembers,but weexpectthings to pickback up inthe springof 2010.

Manya Blackburn, R.S.

IBEW Lifesaving Award

L.U.364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa),ROCKFORD,ILAt theNovember2009 union meeting, Bros.Hersel Hicksand JeremyWeaver were presentedtheIBEWLifesaving Award byBus. Mgr. DarrinGolden.Theyalsoreceivedlettersof recognition fromInt.Pres.Edwin D.Hillfor savingthe lifeof a fellowtradesmanafter a trenchwall collapsedon himat a jobsite.Afterthecollapse,the workerwas speedily dugout of the

rubble.TheLifesavingAwardis oneof thehighesthonorsbestowed bythe IBEW.Congratulations to BrosHicks andWeaverfor their actsof heroism.

Ourseventh annualChildrens ChristmasParty wasa great success, withfunand foodfor thekids, gamesand prizes.Thehigh point of theannualeventwas a visit from St.Nick,againpor-trayed byBro.Ty Hillman.Thanks go outto Bro.Hillmanfor again playing therole.

Withprimary electionsapproaching,Local 364hasnearlyall ofour members registered tovote.Wearelookingforeverysinglevotewe cangiveforunionfriendly candidates. We mustget out thevote.

Wehope every IBEW memberhas a prosper-ousnew year.

Ray Pendzinski, P.S.

Winter Classes Offered

L.U.388 (em,i,rts&spa), STEVENSPOINT,WIThelocal issaddenedby thedeathof twomembers,SethZakrzewski and PeterFranken. Sethwouldhave receivedhis 10-year pinat ourDecember 2009meeting.As hisfriendsand co-workersknew, Sethwas a youngmanwhocould always bringa smile toyourface. He will be missed.

PeterFranken passed away afterbattlingAlzheimersdisease. Petewas an IBEW memberbeforebecominga co-owner of NewtonElectricCorporation,one of Local388s signatory contrac-torsand a NECA member. Pete hadmore than 40years inthe trade.Our thoughtsand prayers go outto thefamiliesof these individuals.

Local 388is offering classesthis winterinclud-ingCodeof Excellence andOSHA10, required bycer-

KimKraft of IBEW Local 11 explainsthe hands-on solartraining, conducted at Local 234, toMonterey County, CA, elected officials.

Local 280Bro. RickSlavkoskyproudly displays hisunionmembership after ascending tothetop of Mt. Jefferson, whichat 10,495feet is thehighestpoint in thelocals jurisdiction. Local 364members JeremyWeaver (left)and

Hersel Hicks (center) receive IBEW LifesavingAwardspresented byBus. Mgr. Darrin Golden.


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tainlocals ifyou aretraveling.The local graduated ourfirstAdvancedSolarPhotovoltaicclass in December.Wethankour instructorsandthe students whoput somuch effortinto makingthisclassa success.

Theworkpicture inour area isslow andlooksas ifit will remainslow throughoutthe winter. Otherlocalsfrom aroundthe stateare alsoreporting a

slowdownin construction.

Guy Lepage, P.S.

Iatan Generating Station

L.U.412 (u),KANSASCITY, MOKansasCity Power &Lights IatanGenerating StationFuelDepartment hasgoneover 3,000 dayswith zero recordableaccidents.Thisis morethan eight years of operating safely.Thisachievementis evenmoresignificantconsidering alltheconstructionwork occurring in theFuelDepartment overthe lasttwo years, thecommission-ingof manynew systemsand theadditionof severalnewemployees.Iatanand theIBEW areextremelyproud of thisrecord andthe Fuel Departmentseffortsto keep everyonesafe!Thanks toTara Leslein,Iatanfacilitator,for information forthis article.

Debi Kidwiler, P.S.

2009Graduation Banquet

L.U.474 (em,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u),MEMPHIS,TNAt the2009Completion Banquet sponsored bytheMemphis Electrical JointApprenticeshipandTrainingCommittee, the apprenticeship committee,administrativestaff and instructorsproudly recog-nizedthe graduation of 13apprentice wiremen intotheranksof journeyman wiremen. Thebanquetwasheld Oct. 30,2009.

Presented as journeyman inside wiremenwere:JoelForbess,Christina Goldsby,Jonathan Hopper,AdamJennings,ThomasLindsey, MichaelRagan,David Spates,Henry WoodardII, Zarlon Woodard,Justin Hayes, JeffreyPalmertree, RichardParker and

Samuel Powell.Graduatingwith honors were: Bros. J.

Hayes, J. Palmertree, R.Parkerand S.Powell.Thegraduatesweretreatedto a finemeal,and represen-tatives fromboth Local 474 andNECA spoke highly ofthenew wiremenand their value to theindustry.

Theskills andknowledge they have devel-opedaresure to contributegreatly to theirpersonalsuccessand thefuture of theIBEW.

David R. Swann, P.S.

WorkRemainsSlow

L.U.498 (c,catv,em,i&spa), TRAVERSECITY, MIAtthiswritingthe workin ourjurisdictioncontinues tobeslow. Wewish a happynewyear toourmembersaroundthe countryand overseas.TheannualLocal498Christmas party washeldDec. 9 after themonthlymeeting. OnDec. 12,Santa made hisannualvisitto thehall.Thanksgo to allthosewhohelpedwith theseevents.

Several of ourretiredmembers received 60-yearservice pins.They include: Ervin Heuer, SamuelBossingham, Orange Hinds,Arthur Bossingham,RobertDost, JamesEisenheimer and BernardFlickinger.Congratulations!

Timothy R. Babcock, P.S.

A Co-Workers LifeSaved

L.U.502 (c,em,i,it&t),ST.JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK,

CANADAA big thank-youand well-donegoesoutto Bro. Jason Blanchard, whohelped save thelife of a co-workerat thePotash Mine sitein Sussex.When a co-workerwent into cardiac arrestduring ajobsiteorientation, Bro.Blanchardimmediatelymovedto help him, usingfirst-responder skillsacquired on anotherjob.

TheLocal502trainingcenter hasbeenverybusy thelastfew monthsofferingcoursesinRigging, Arc FlashAwareness, CECUpdates, LiftTruck Operation and FirstAid.

Congratulations to IBEW contractor RFI IndustrialServices onwinning a contract to assemblemore than325PowerSkid controlpanels forthe PotashCorpminein Sussex.TheIBEW Union Assembledstickerwillbe proudlydisplayedin each panel.

Therecentannouncementof a pending saleofNBPowerto Hydro Quebecis being greeted withcau-

tion andquestions. [SeeNew BrunswickLocal Ralliesto StopSale of ProvincialUtility, TheElectricalWorker, January 2010, pg.6.]The Grahamgovernmentmustprovideguaranteesthatthe IBEWwillcontinueto providethe manpowerfor maintenance,upgradesandshutdownson NBPowerinfrastructureshouldthisdealactuallygo throughas planned.

OurannualChristmaspartywas a huge suc-cess withmorethat 100IBEW kids receivinggiftsfromSanta.

Dave Stephen, P.S.

Solar FarmInstallation

L.U.530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA, ONTARIO,CANADALocal 530 held ourannual dinnerdance on Friday,Nov.20, 2009.Our members received theirYears

ofServicepins at thedinner danceand everyoneenjoyed a great evening. OnDec. 6,2009,Local530members and theirfamilies celebratedChristmaswitha skating party.Santa Clausshowedup withpresents for all the children.

Local 530thanksIBEW Local 804 (Kitchener)forproviding workfor ourmembersin these slowtimes.

Shownin thephotobelow isa 20megawattsolar farm,one ofthe largest inNorthAmerica,thatwascompletedby IBEW Local530 members along withhelpfrom travelingmembers fromIBEW Locals773(Windsor),120(London),894 (Oshawa),586(Ottawa),115 (Kingston) and105(Hamilton).Thiswas thefirstphase ofthe project, with60 moremegawattsto becompletedin the spring.

Local 530 wishesall brothersand sisters agoodnew year anda prosperous future.

Al Byers, P.S.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

L.U.540 (i),CANTON,OHThe CantonElectricalJA

held a volunteerappreciationdinneron Oct. 222009.The JATCwould like to thank allthe volunteforthe worktheyput into converting thebuildinginto a training center.

Ittook many hoursand approximately 75members (active, retired and apprentices) donatitheir timeforthe electricalwork,painting,repairstear-out, and landscaping. The building was pur-chasedin July 2009.

Jerry Bennett, P

Bikes or Bust Donations

L.U.558 (catv,em,i,mt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u),SHEFFIELDALWe hope everyone hada blessed andjoyous2009 holidayseason.We extendspecialthanks tour members employed with E.G.&G. at RedstoneArsenal in Huntsville,AL. With everyones dona-tions andsupport,they were ableto purchase18newbicyclesto donateto theBikes or Bust driv

puton bylocalradio stationWZYPand theU.S.MarineCorps to help less fortunate childrenin ouarea duringChristmastime. Thank youand Godblessyou all.

MacSloan, Pr

Picnic& ServiceAwards

L.U.570 (i,mo,spa&u),TUCSON, AZLaborDay2009 withthe Pima Area Labor Federationwas agreatday, with oneof thelargestturnouts inmanyears.PALFhosted thefirstannual Union OlympicandIBEW Local570took home thetrophy.

Local 570sannual picniclastyearhad a greturnoutand wasloadsof fun. Wehad jumping ctles andotherfun activitiesfor thekids.Theapprentices challengedjourneymen to a tug-of-wa

Memphis, TN,Local 474ApprenticeshipClass of 2009enjoysgraduationcelebrationatJims PlaceEast.

Among Local498s recent 60-year servicepin recipientsare, fromleft:Ervin Heuer,Samuel Bossingham and Orange Hinds.

Sarnia, Ontario, Local 530members, joinedby travelersfrom fivesisterIBEW locals,completed thefirst phaseof a huge solarfarmwithadditional workscheduledfor spring.

IBEWLocal 558 members participated in aholidaydriveto purchase newbicyclesforarea children.

Local 388s newjourneymen receivedtheirApprenticeship

Completion Certificatesat theDecember2009union meeting. Fromleft, front row: JohnKramas, Andy Osowski,Brian Cherek, AndyCrowbridge; backrow,Nick Stuttgen, JustinPacocha and JordanMelville.

Local 570Bus. Mgr. JackScott (right) presen60-yearservice award to retired Bro. HoraceBounds, formerbusiness manager.


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drive.Followinga hard campaign,theresult wasaclear victory to makethe MasTec division union.MasTec foughtback, anddueto a singleemployee

filingfora decertificationof thevote, a secondelec-tionwas held.Sameresultafavorable votetomakethe division union. [See MasTec SatelliteTechnicians , The Electrical Worker, June 2009.]

Thanksto theeffortsof these courageousMasTec employeeswith assistancefrom IBEW Int.Rep.BrianThompsonand Local728 Bus. Mgr.DavidSvetlick, aswell as thedetermination andhard workof MasTec employeesMarkHallandCharles Binghama decisive IBEWvictory on behalfof theworkers hasbeenachieved.

Duringthe MasTeccampaign, localComcastemployees became aware of thesuccess at MasTecandthey approached Local 728askingfor assistanceto alsounionize.Consequently, we haverequestedourInternational organizersreturnto Local 728sjurisdiction andhelp organizetheseComcast work-ers,numbering125 employees. Weare extremely

optimistic thatvictorywill again be won.Walter Bost, Organizer

Holiday Party for Kids

L.U. 756(es&i), DAYTONABEACH, FLThelocal helditsannualkidsChristmaspartyon Sat., Dec. 5.Membersbroughttheirchildrento thedecoratedunion hallfora great party anda visit withSanta, whohada giftforall thekidsattending. Bro. BuddyHartandhis wife, Kathy,surprisedthe kids withanappearanceas Mr. andMrs.Clause.Thanksto BuddyandKathy, andto officemanager Candice Hampton,whohandled advancelogisticsforthe party.

Asof this writing,the work picture isstillslowinDaytona.Thenew directionthespaceindustry is

heading is unfoldingas NASAprepares to retire thespace shuttle latein 2010.[See Outsourcing Space:IBEW Workers Face End of Shuttle Era,The Electrical

Worker, January 2010.]Thenew Constellationpro-gram,with a vehicle similar tothe Apollomissions,isset to replace it.Privatecompaniesare also nowgetting involvedin launching rockets.Local 756andthe buildingtrades aremonitoring the situationtomakesure thatall applicablefederallaws suchastheDavis-BaconAct areadheredto.We areveryhopeful fora happynew year.

Daniel Hunt, P.S.

2009 Mission of Hope

L.U.760 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u),KNOXVILLE, TNMany

thanksto local union members whocontributeddonations andparticipated inthe 2009 MissionofHopedriveto benefit ourcommunity andneighborsinAppalachia.What anawesome exhibitof loveand communityservice!This marked Local760sfourthyear participating inthe drive.Onceagain, itwas one tobe proudofand a great success.

Congratulationsto Local760s retiree pinrecipientshonored in2009.Thank youagainfor allyoudo! Forphotos andmore information, visit Local760sWeb site www.ibew760.org.

George A. Bove, B.M.

Harrison ThornhillRetires

L.U. 824(t),TAMPA, FLOn Sept. 26,2009,Local824celebrateda milestonein thelifeof Harrison

Thornhilland thisunion.Aftermorethan 52yearsas a strong, involved unionbrother,former presi-dentThornhillcelebratedhis retirement.

Theunionhallwas full ofunionmembers,family and friends,wishing Bro.Thornhillwell. Manytold stories about howhe touchedtheirlivesand made them betterunionmembers.

Bro.Thornhilljoinedthe unionin1958.He served seven terms ontheExecutiveBoard as botha boardmember andas board chairmanfrom1967-86.In 1986 he waselectedpresidentand heldthatofficeuntil July2009.As president,he influenced countless membersandhelpedmentorstewards,staff

andofficers.Through hisguidanceduringcontract negotiations,throughgood times andbad, Bro.Thornhillmade a lastingcontributionto ourlocal.

Among the well-wishers, Fifth District Int.Vice Pres. Joe S. Davis recounted his meetingswith Thornhill at conferences, seminars andInternational functions. In any situation, Thornhillalways contributed ideas to move forward for thegood of the union.

Bro.Thornhillemphasized that he will alwaysbe availableto help thelocaland sharehis experi-ence gainedoverthe years.He hasbeenand willcontinueto be a strongunionbrother.

Dawn Livingston, P.S.

Increase UnionParticipation

L.U.1116 (em,lctt&u),TUCSON,AZWith thecurrenteconomy,our unionand unionsacrossthecountryare fighting tokeepmembersjobsand tostayunion. Nowmorethaneverweneedto organizethosewhochosenotto bemembersbut whoshareour benefits.Tellthe hitchhikertopayforsome ofthat gas, becomea memberandletyourvoicebe heard.

UniSource UnitChmn. Frank Gillissays:It ismy hope that wecan increaseparticipation inour unionand notlosewhat wehavegained over theyears.Weare theunion, we determineour futureletskeep ourfuture brightfor ourselvesand ourfamilies.

Farewell andbestwishesto Bro. Bill Butler, whohitthe retirementchapterin hislife,concluding his

serviceas unit chairman. Billsyearsimpactedmanychanges with ourSpringervillemembershipand hewillbe missed.ViceChmn. Rick Ryansteps intoBillsformerposition andshouldntmissa beattakingover,as healso hasmanyactiveyearswiththe local.

R. Cavaletto, P.S.

Solidarityon Display

L.U. 1464 (u), KANSAS CITY, MOLocal 1464 pulledtogether for the annual Labor Day

parade last year. For 2009 we decidedto do something special that wouldshow the solidarity of the IBEW. DannyQuintero, lead cable splicer, who nor-mally puts together the parade, askedfor volunteers to help out.The mem-bers in Shops and Tech Servicesresponded in a big way. Mandy Byersspent her own time at home creating a6-foot tall representation of the handfeatured in the IBEW logo.The unionbrothers and sisters inShops paintedand mounted the hand.They alsoenlisted some help from the WeldShop. Aaron Hopper designed and built3-D lightening bolts to mount on top ofthe hand. [See photo, top right.]

Special thanks to MandyByers,Teree GuynnMike Bledsoe, AaronHopper andallotherswhopitched in.Many thanksto alltheunionbrothers

andsistersandtheirfamilies forshowingup tosuporta greatday forall unions.Thanks also toBarryJohnson forprovidinginformation forthis article.

Susan Cowart, P

Welcome to New Members

L.U.2100 (catv&u), LOUISVILLE, KYAfter a longjourney Local2100 welcomesShelby Energyline-menas ournewest members.The process beganwithemployeeinterestmeetings inJuly 2008. InAugust2008,we petitioned theNational LaborRelationsBoardfor an election to organizeShelbyEnergys line techemployees. The NLRBdetermintherewere 15 eligible voters. Negotiationsfor thesemployeesbeganon May20, 2009,reachinga tetativeagreementon Aug. 17, 2009.The contract w

ratified bythe members onSept.2, 2009.Itis encouraging thatin thistimeof economdownturn anduncertaintywe have newmembersjoiningour cause.We lookforwardto theopportunityof representingour newmembersand securia betterworkatmosphere andimprovedoveralllivelihood.We areproudto have youonboard,ShelbyEnergy linemen.

Jennifer Kinsey, P

A Career of Union Service

L.U.2286 (em,mar,mo,rts&u),BEAUMONT,TXBuMgr.Randy Albinannouncedhis resignationeffectiveJan.31, 2010, at theOctober2009 ExecutiveBoardmeeting.Bro. Albinwas business managerforapproximately eightyearsand duringthat time

ourlocalunioncontinued to grow andprosper.Previously,Bro. Albinwas assistant business manager andearlierservedas chiefsteward at RiverBend Nuclear PowerPlantfor 11years.

Bro.Albinexpressedwhat a great honorit habeen toservethemembership andthathenowwantsto spend moretime withhis family.He encoagedthe membership to continue thefight forworkersrightsand benefits,to worksafeand always beyourbrothers keeper. Bro.Albins dedicationandhardwork havemade ourunion stronger andheleaves behind a legacy forfuturegenerations.

Plansfor a newunionhallfor Local 2286 habeen submittedto theI.O. forapproval.

Mona Mack, P

Children of Local 756 members enjoy holidayparty at theunion hall.

Local 824 formerpresident Harrison Thornhill (secondfrom left) celebrates hisretirement. From left are: Local824Bus. Mgr. Robert Prunn, Thornhill,Int. Vice Pres.JoeS. Davis, Pres. ErikJones, Int.Rep. Danny JohnsonandTreas. DanKemmling.

Local 1464 members pull together forLaborDaysucces

IBEWmembers in Springerville, AZ, assistedin the2009Capitol ChristmasTree project,harvestinga holiday tree that wassenttoWashington, DC.


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OutstandingService

RETIREES CLUBOF L.U.1, ST. LOUIS,MOTheretireesof Local1 enjoyed the annual Christmasluncheonhosted by the Ladies Auxiliary in December. Theseladies always contributeoutstandingservicefor theworking andretired members of ourlocal. Theyhaveraised money for the WelfareCommittee for manyyearsby selling quiltsand crafts. Wesalute them fortheirdedicated service.

Welook forward to our2010 meetings, withinformativeguest speakers whosupplyhelpfultipsforretirees. Wealso willenjoyother activities, includ-ingour annual attendanceat a Cardinals ballgame(go,Redbirds!), golfoutingsand luncheons. Wewillcontinueto support ourworkingbrothers andsistersin these times of economicturmoil. Wepray formore

jobsfor ourunemployed.As thenew yearproceeds,we welcomeeach newretireeto ourgroup andmourn thepassing of memberswevelost.

Wejoin allothers insupport of ourmilitaryandwish ourleaderssuccessin theirendeavors tohelp the working people.

Don Appelbaum, P.S.

2009A Successful Year

RETIREESCLUBOF L.U.3, NEWYORK,NY, WEST-CHESTER/PUTNAMCHAPTERThanks to theofficersandSpecialEventsChmn. BillRobertson,the chapterhada very successful 2009.Also,thanks toGolfChmn.Tony Pasquale andFishingChmn.DickMills. Rec.Sec.Marty Hoganhad a busy year enrollingnewmembers.

Atour January2010meeting,the officers got

togetherto seteventsfor thisyear. Nominations forofficers will be held inMay 2010.The2009 Christmas/Hanukah luncheonat the

Travelers Rest in Ossining, NY, was a greatsuccesswith 104members,spousesand guests attending.Everyoneenjoyedcelebratingthe holiday seasonnicemusic,dancingand socializing with ourfriends.

Ourofficersand members wishall localretireesa healthy,happyNew Year 2010.Letshopejobconditions improve forour workingbrothersandsisters outin thefield.

Edward A. Rubow, P.S.

Gulf CoastChapter Party

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U.3, NEWYORK,NY, SW FLORIDA GULFCOAST CHAP-TEROn Dec.10, some37 membersand spouses attendedthe GulfCoastChapters2009 firstannualChristmasparty at TheEdisonrestaurant in FortMyers, FL.ChapterTrusteeand former Local3 presidentEdClearyand hiswife, Trudy, wereamongthe guests.The weather wasa balmy76 degrees outsideandthecamaraderie,good food andhol-idaycheer inside madeeveryonehappyto attend.

Otherchapter happeningsinclude a change of officers.ChapterTrustee NickFaello willassume the duties of recording sec-retary, and Chet Olson will assumeduties as trustee.

Thechapteris workingon aplanned bustrip to thePensionReunion Luncheonon Feb.13,attheWestin BeachResort inFortLauderdale.Happynew yearto all.

George Dondero, P.S.

98th Birthday Celebrated

RETIREESCLUB OFL.U. 3, NEWYORK,NY, CENTRALFLORIDACHAPTERMembers of the Central FloridaChapter of the Local3 IBEW RetireesAssociationhonoredBro.Leo Raffiowith a celebration of his98th birthday lastyear. We extendhearty congratu-lationsand best wishesto Bro. Raffioand thank

himfor hisdedicated, longtime service to theIBEW.John Greco,Chmn.

Tribute to Two Brothers

RETIREESCLUB OF L.U.11, LOS ANGELES, CATheRetireesClubheld itsannual holidayluncheonatTaixRestaurant.Some greatgifts wereraffled offandeveryoneenjoyed a deliciousmeal.Local11Pres. Joel Bartonupdated thegroupon progressmadein thelocaloverthe last year.

Four club members went to the6th AnnualConventionof theCaliforniaAlliancefor RetiredAmericansin ElSegundo,CA. Thankyou to MartyCohen, AlbertOrtiz, Dolores Gomezand Richard

DuLacfor representingthe RetireesClubat thetwo-day conference.

Wemournthe passing of twomembers,Bernard F. Harveyand Alex Ende.Both were Local 11members andserved proudlyduring World WarII.Bernard servedin theArmy467 OrdinanceEvacuationCompanyduring the Battleof the Bulge.Alex was a radiooperatorona plane thatpulled a

gliderboundfor Germany.Alexreceiveda SilverStar forbravery when hisplanewas hitby anti-air-

craftfire andhe savedthe passengers andcrewsbyputting outthe fire.

Weinvite allretiredLocal11 members to joinourclub. Wemeeton thesecond Wednesdayofeverymonth at theCommercelocation.

Bob Oedy, P.S.

Fourth Cruise to Alaska

RETIREESCLUB OF L.U.26, WASHINGTON, DCOurclubcontinuesto pursuetravelactivities.On Aug.27,well takeour fourth cruise to visit Alaska.The shipsailsfromSeattle, so if anyof ourWestCoastbrothersandsisters wouldliketo join us,call RickWarner at(240)472-0438. (Wehave 60 alreadybooked!)

InNovember2009,we drew ourannual raffle

winners. Congrats to all winners, especiallyKathrynBruch,wifeof retired memberHoward Bruch [See

photo, below.]Theraffle winners were: for1stprizeRobert Iddins; 2nd prizeKathryn Bruch; 3rdprizeRoger L. White;4th prizeRobert Young; and5th prizeBillRutan.Thanks to all participants.

December2009 went outwith a recordbreak-ingwinter storm forWashington,DC, andvicinity!Even thefederalworkershad a dayoff on Dec. 21.Retired members enjoyed nothaving to think aboutwork, especiallynewly retired members!

Ifyou have notpaidyour 2010 dues ($12 permemberand $12perspouse), pleasesendthe duesto ourtreasurer,TerryCampbell,# 4 Tindlay Court,Silver Spring, MD 20905. Checks payableto: RetiredMembers Club, Local 26IBEW. Pleasealso includeyour e-mailaddress.

Susan Flashman, P.S.

News From the Great Lakes

RETIREESCLUBOF L.U.38, CLEVELAND,OHIn 2009,ourclubmembersenjoyedmanygroup activities.InAugust,we traveledto Mariettato cruiseon theOhioRiverwhata greatadventure thatwas. InSeptember,we enjoyed ourannual clambake,which wasfirst-class.Then inOctober,we gottogetherat theparkforourpotluck picnicand a friendly corn-tosscompetition.In December, we celebratedthe holidays together atthe annualChristmas partywith giftexchange.

Ourretirees club isa proud organizationthatwouldnt be possiblewithoutthe IBEW union.Weareproudof ourunionand appreciate ourclubmembers, whohave workedso hard to puttheseeventson forus. Many thanksto all.

Retirees


Local 3, SW FloridaGulf Coast Chapter officers, retirees,spousesand guestsenjoyan excellentChristmasdinner atTheEdisonrestaurantin FortMyers, FL.

Local 3, CentralFlorida Chapter,Retirees Club

Chm. JohnGreco (seated atright) andclubmemberspresent abirthday cake toBro. Leo Raffie(seated, left).

At the Local 3, Westchester/Putnam Chapter,Retirees Club Christmas/Hanukahluncheon,chapter Chmn. Dominic Peronti (standing)greets Joseand CharlieSladek.

Thelate Local 11 retired memberAlex Ende(right)received a Silver Star on Jan 23, 1945.

Local 26 Retirees ClubPres. Dick Bissell(right) congratulates rafflewinner KathrynBruch andher husband, HowardBruch, aretired member.

PhotobyS.

Flashman.


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Retirees


Forallyou brothers andsisters inthe IBEWworkforce,timesare tough.Hang inthere;thingswillgetbetter.The retireesof IBEWhavenot forgotten you.

Ourclubis saddenedby thepassingof dearmembers andspouses.MayGod bewith them andtheirfamilies.

Godblessour troopsand GodblessAmerica.

Arthur Lesjak, P.S.

Association of Retirees

RETIREESCLUB OF L.U.58, DETROIT, MIOur snowbird members aredown south forthe winterand wehopeall members hadgood holidays.

The Retirees Boardof Directors welcomednewlyretired Local58 president ElaineCrawford asa board member. Wealso welcomedDennisMcCannas oursecretaryand Rick Koerber as boardmember. Dennis replaced the late Delores Barrett,who succumbedto cancer.

The2009Christmas party sawmorethan 155attendees.Manythanks to allthosewho helpedmake ita wonderful occasion.Local58 Pres. DavidAustinattendedand reported thatall ourfundswere doing well.The ChristmasPartyis alwaysanexcellenttimeto seeold friends.

Datesand placesare setfor thisyearslunch-eons.VladimirsBanquetHallon GrandRiverinFarmingtonHillswillbe thesitefor theMarch24andSept.22 luncheons. TheGazebo,located on 13Mile Rdand Mound,will entertainus forluncheonson Feb.24, July 28 andOct. 27. ThePort Huronluncheonis setfor June 23at theBlack RiverCountryClub. TheAug.25 picnicwillbe at HemlockPark inDearborn.Dontforget theAwards BanquetonSat.,April24. The2010Christmas party will beDec. 3.All eventsare $15 perperson.Dueswereincreasedto $8 perperson as well.

Frank A. Maisano, P.S.

Officers Elected

RETIREESCLUB OF L.U.90, NEW HAVEN,CTOnNov. 3, 2009, theLocal 90 Retirees Clubheld electionof officers.Our newpresident, Giro Esposito, tookoverfor RichardRip Kirby, our pastpresident of some12years, who served withdistinction. We thankBro.Kirbyfor hisserviceand applaud himfor a jobwell-done.We alsothank JosephAceDellaCamera,ourpastvice president, who alsosteppeddown. FredCiastko was elected ournew vicepresident.Remaining in office areHughie McGuire as recordingsecretaryand BobGallageras treasurer.

Ourannualholiday luncheon washeldDec. 1,2009, at theFantasia Banquet Facility,for club

members

the electrical worker february 2010

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