the electrical worker september 2009

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

Thedeal byVerizonCommunicationsInc. to sell off a chunkof its rural land-line system to FrontierCommunicationsCo. is giving IBEWmembers across the

country a disconcerting sense of déjà vu (seesidebar, page 2).

“We’ve seen this story before,” saidTelecommunications Department DirectorMartha Pultar, who was active in the campaignto stop Verizon’s sale of its northern NewEngland landlines to FairPoint CommunicationsInc. “And it’s always ended badly.”

The FairPoint deal ended upwith theunderfunded and debt-heavy company in finan-cial disaster, placing the economichealth of thecommunities they serve at risk, a fate shared bytwo other previous salesmade by Verizon—Hawaiian Telecom and IdearcMedia.

Nowmany Verizon employees and cus-tomers are worried that the looming Frontiersale is another catastrophe waiting to happen.

“Utility commissioners and political lead-ers should do their homeworkand lookatwhathappened atHawaiianTelecomand FairPoint,”said Honolulu Local 1357 BusinessManagerScotLong, who representsmore than 900workers atthe now-bankrupt company. “Both companieswere swamped as soon as the cutover hap-pened. They can’t just let Verizon say to heckwith its customers and its responsibilities andwalk awaywith themoney.”

HawaiianTelecom’s Collapse

More than three years ago, HawaiianTelecomCommunications Inc.—a formerGTE companythat becamepart of Verizon in 1999—wassold offby the telecomgiant to theCarlyleGroup, a pri-vate equity firm, for $1.6 billion. Investors put up

$425million in equity andfinanced the rest throughdebt forwhatbecame thelargest telephone com-pany inHawaii.

But soon after theswitchover fromVerizon’s systems, thecompany found itself inover its head.

“The managers they brought in knewnothing about the telecommunications field,”Long said. “They were overextended.”

Customer service and billing issuesbegan to mount, leading to an exodus of cus-tomers and uncontrollable debt levels for thecompany, which lost more than 20 percent ofits customer base.

Hawaiian Telecom was soon approxi-mately $1 billion in debt.

Last December the company filed forbankruptcy protection. The courts are currentlyreviewing reorganization plans submitted bycompany stakeholders. Local 1357 members—

I N T H I S I S S U E

F IRST PUBL I SHED IN 1893

I N T E R N A T I O N A L B R O T H E R H O O D O F E L E C T R I C A L W O R K E R S Vol. 3 | No. 9 | September 2009

DAMAGING DEALS continued on page 2

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2 | Verizon-Frontier deal sparks concern

3 | New classifications, more market share

Organizing Wire

4 | Transitions

5 | Circuits

6 | North of 49°

7 | Referendum results

10 | Local Lines

18 | Retiree Local Lines

21 | In Memoriam

22 | Editorials

23 | Letters to the Editor

Who We Are

Augusta, Maine, Local 2327 Business Manager Pete McLaughlin helps deliver more than5,000 postcards in 2007 opposing the sale of Verizon’s northern New England system toFairPoint Communications. The company is now nearing bankruptcy.

ANOTHER BAD CONNECTION?

Damaging Deals Worry MoreTelecom Workers

2 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | S e p t emb e r 2 0 09

DamagingDeals

Continued from page 1

who have been working forced over-time since the sale—are still on thejob. Long is fighting to make surethe company’s pension plan willremain solvent.

“It’s a demoralizing experiencefor our members,” Long said.

For Long, the lesson from thesale is clear. “There has to be strongeroversight from regulators so this kindof bad deal can’t happen again.”

FairPoint’s Dead End

According to its latest Securitiesand Exchange Commission filings,FairPoint Communications may soonjoin Hawaiian Telecom in bank-ruptcy. The Charlotte, N.C.-basedcompany requested a delay in inter-est payments to bond holders onmore than $500 million in debt itincurred when it purchased thenorthern New England portion ofVerizon’s landlines for more than$2.4 billion in March 2008.

The deal brought 2,220 IBEWmembers in Maine, New Hampshireand Vermont into the company.

The IBEW and the Communica-tions Workers of America fought thesale, saying that themainly rural andunderfunded carrier wouldn’t beable to handle themore than 1million additional customers thatcame with the purchase or be in aposition to compete in the growingbroadband and wirelessmarkets.

The IBEW’s warnings proved tobe all too prescient.

Soon after FairPoint broke allconnections with Verizon’s IT andcomputer systems last January,problems began.

Hundreds of customers foundthey couldn’t access their e-mailaccounts, understand their bills orreach customer service centers,where there were reports of servicewait times exceeding an hour. Forweeks, computer glitches left hun-dreds of IBEWmembers employed by

FairPoint with incorrectpaychecks.

The whole processhas been difficult forFairPoint employees, whowent from working for thetop telecommunicationscompany in the UnitedStates to a small andstruggling company on theedge of bankruptcy. Whilekeeping most of the con-tract language they hadwith Verizon, the com-pany’s financial difficultiescall into question how longthe IBEW’s agreement canhold out.

“It’s been very stress-ful onmymembers,” saidManchester, N.H., Local2320 BusinessManagerGlenn Brackett. “Working for

a company that is in such a precari-ous financial situationmakes everyday uncertain.”

The Maine Public UtilitiesCommission, which approved thesale in 2008, has fined FairPointmore than $840,000 for poor serviceto local phone carriers, which rely onVerizon’s network.

And earlier this summer theNewHampshire PublicUtilitiesCommission agreed to the state’sconsumer advocate’s request to openan investigation into the company.

“Formonths now, FairPoint hasbeen unable to provide even themostrudimentary level of customer servicetomany of the retail customers itinheritedwhen the company tookoverthe New England operations ofVerizon,” stated an editorial in theKennebec (Maine) Journal andMorningSentinel. “Phone lineshaven’t been hooked up, Internetcan’t be connected and the prolongedwait for a response from customerservice staff has angered customersand frustrated regulators.”

For SystemCouncil T-9 ChairmanPeterMcLaughlin, who leads thethree-local council that representsworkers at the former Verizon facili-ties owned by FairPoint, it’s an unfor-tunate case of we told you so.

“Everything the ‘Stop the Sale’coalition warned would happen iscoming to pass,” said McLaughlin,

who is also the business manager ofAugusta, Maine, Local 2327. “I canonly hope that people learn from ourexperience in dealing with anotherVerizon spin-off.”

IdearcMedia, whoseworkers areIBEWmembers, purchasedVerizon’syellow page directory in 2006. Thecompany quickly went into the red,filing for bankruptcy lastMarch.

Leaving Rural AmericaOut in the Cold

Verizon’s critics notice a patternbehind its recent sales. “Clearly thecompany is trying to ditch its morerural systems and less profitableservices in favor of putting itsresources into more densely popu-lated areas,” McLaughlin said.

Verizon’s interest clearly lies inits new fiber optic service, FiOS, abundled high-speed communicationpackage it has been heavilymarket-ing in areas that have been upgradedfor fiber optics. As theWall StreetJournal reported in 2006, soon afterFiOSwas unveiled: “The possiblesales are part of the NewYork-based

phone giant's strategy to delvedeeper into the wireless and broad-band arenas, while getting out of thetraditional phone business in U.S.areas that aren't slated for fiberupgrades—which allow the companyto sell more Internet-based services—and therefore are less valuable to thecompany in the long run.”

But Verizon’s abandonment ofits rural systems to unprepared com-panies to focus on urban marketshas left many customers in dangerof falling off the information super-highway altogether.

Companies like FairPoint andHawaiian Telecom lacked theresources to make investments inadvanced telecommunications tech-nology like high-speed broadband,said International RepresentativeBob Erickson. And many are worriedthat the 14-state Frontier sale willput large parts of the country in asimilar situation.

“Verizon is abandoning largeparts of America, making productslike high-speed Internet—vital foreconomic growth—off-limits for largeareas of the country,” Erickson said. �

I n the PacificNorthwest, home toMicrosoft and Boeing, there is growingconcern that amega telecommunications deal could bring an end to yearsof high-tech growth. VerizonCommunicationswants to sell its rural phone

and broadband systems in 14 states—including networks inWashington,Oregon and northernCalifornia—to FrontierCommunications for $8.6 billion.While the giganticdealmay be good for Verizon’s bottom line, critics say it isbad news for huge swaths of rural America.

“We’ve always been a leader in communications in this part of thecountry,” said Ray Egelhoff, businessmanager ofSeattle Local 89. “If this hap-pens, we’re afraid businesseswon’tmove in, and somemay evenmove out.”

Verizon wants to sell 4.8 million phone lines and 900,000 high-speedInternet lines, mostly in rural areas where the company believes it will betoo expensive to expand its next-generation fiber optic network. In additionto systems in the Northwest, the company plans to get rid of operations inIllinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin,South Carolina, North Carolina and Arkansas. Frontier will become the newemployer of close to 11,000 workers, including more than 4,000 membersof the IBEW. The company will triple in size.

“There are worries about the company’s ability to sustain itself,retain its employees and maintain an acceptable level of service for itscustomers,” said IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill, whoexpressed concern that smaller communities will be locked out of the new,high-speed fiber optic technologies for which Verizon has become known.

Egelhoff, along with more than 1,500 Verizon Local 89 workers whowould become Frontier employees, has deluged officials with letters and

e-mails. More than 500 have gone out so far to senators, house members,governors and business leaders. The workers worry that Frontier—at abouta third the size of Verizon—won’t be able to absorb the huge Verizonassets, or retain customers and, eventually, will have to shed staff.

“Verizon doesn’t have a great track record on these kinds of deals,”Egelhoff said. “It could be just a matter of time before what happened inother places happens here.”

Critics say similar Verizon deals have left companies on the verge ofbankruptcy and consumers stuck with the mess.

“Frontier is making all kinds of promises about synergy,” saidRobert Erickson, International Representative for the IBEW’sTelecommunications Department. “We don’t believe that they can keepthose promises.”

West Virginia could be especially vulnerable, according to opponentsof the deal. Verizon previously committed to a major expansion of fiberoptic services in the state. Frontier would be required to replace all ofVerizon’s operational, support and administrative systems on the day thedeal closes, a task some experts said would cripple Frontier financially.

Opponents of the deal are also frustrated byVerizon’s use of a contro-versial tax loophole thatwill allow the company to avoid paying taxes on itsanticipated$3.3 billion in profit from thedeal. Verizon can only get the tax-freedeal by selling its operations to a smaller company.

The transaction needs the approval of the Federal CommunicationsCommission and nine state regulatory agencies. Verizon hopes to close onthe deal by the spring of 2010. �

Wary Locals EyeVerizon-Frontier Deal

VERIZON’SSALES: Recent transactionshave ended badly for companies thatpurchasedVerizon’s assets.

FairPoint Communications

WHAT: 1.5 million landlines in Maine,New Hampshire and VermontWHEN:March 2008COST: $2.3 billionCUSTOMERBASE:Down 200,000 since saleCURRENT STATUS: $531 million in debt.Forced to postpone interest payment.

HawaiianTelecom

WHAT: 715,000 landlines in HawaiiWHEN: 2005COST: $1.6 billionCUSTOMER BASE: Down 21% since saleCURRENT STATUS:More than $1 billion indebt. Filed for bankruptcy last year.

At a Glance

CorrectionIn the August 2009 article, “New York City Building Trades Sign HistoricAgreement to Save Jobs,” we incorrectly quote New York Local 3 BusinessManager Christopher Erickson on how the June project labor agreementwill affect the local’s current contract. We apologize for the error.

T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | S e p t emb e r 2 0 09 3


This is the second article in a serieson how locals are expanding marketshare and creating opportunities forcontractors, local unions and mem-bers looking for careers in the elec-trical trade.

National unemploymentstatistics are still on ascary incline. Inside con-struction locals, like

Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Local 163, aren’twaiting on better days. They aresharpening tactics to win new cus-tomers and keepmembers on the job.

Local 163 and its signatory con-tractors are winning lucrative con-tracts on projects ranging from stripmalls to larger jobs such as hotels,stand-alone medical facilities andlarge retail stores.

Lowe’s Home Improvement, forinstance, contracted with signatorycontractor Cavanaugh Electric Inc. tobuild a new distribution center inLocal 163’s jurisdiction. The contrac-tor, employing IBEW-NECA’sPennsylvania Initiative, placed 13newly-hired workers (constructionelectricians and construction wire-men) on the job with 65 journeymenand apprentices. When it came timeto install conveyors, the local negoti-ated with BCU, an Ohio contractor, toput an additional 23 inside wiremenon the job. “Our ratios worked out foreveryone,” says Local 163 BusinessManagerMichael Kwashnik.

Joseph J. Cavanaugh, presidentof Cavanaugh ElectricContractingInc., says, “We have the ability tocompete in non-traditional workwith-out anywage concessions for any ofthe classifications on the projects.”

Cavanaugh says that thecompany’s projects under the Pennsyl-vania Initiative for 2007-2008wereworth $9.6million and generated55,000 inside journeymanman-hoursbyutilizing composite crews.

Expanding the use of theCE/CW classifications has generatedsome controversy within the local.However, says Kwashnik, “by strate-gically targeting specific jobs, wehave increased local man-hours onthe types of jobs that we had notbeen doing in the past.”

The Pennsylvania InitiativeCommittee increased contractors’training contributions from $0.25to $0.40 per man-hour, basedupon a study on training needs

conducted by Local 163’s trainingdirector, John Nadolny.

Increased contributions helpedfund a JATC-certified training roomthat is being used to help upgradethe job skills of CE/CW and insideapprentices. Enhancing the trainingof CE/CW boosts productivity, allow-ing union contractors to pick up mar-ket share, says Kwashnik.

Extra attention to training is notjust helping employers, but is boost-ing career opportunities.

Jeremy Polney is one of fourconstruction electricians who havealready used their training and on-the-job experience to enter theapprenticeship program.

Polney, 29, worked as anonunion electrician for about sevenyears on residential and small com-mercial projects after receiving anassociate degree in electrical con-struction. “As I was gaining moreknowledge and getting more experi-ence in the field,” says Polney, “the

room for advancement seemed to begetting slimmer.” With his pay scaleclose to topping out and lackingretirement benefits, he startedinvestigating the IBEW.

When he learned about theunion’s efforts to expand its share ofthe small worksmarket, Polney sub-mitted his resume to Local 163 and alocal contractor. He was hired as aconstruction electrician, worked a fewmonths, and is now enrolled in theapprenticeship program. “It’smuchmore satisfying to talk aboutmycareer now,” says Polney. “I look for-ward to a better lifestyle formyselfand future family. I am proud to befollowing in the footsteps ofmanygreat journeymanwiremen,” he says.

More electricians will seefuture opportunities as Local 163continues its involvement in otherlarge-scale jobs.

For more than two years, 200Local 163 journeymen and appren-tices have been building a 500,000-square-foot cocoa-processing factoryon 74 acres in Hazleton, Pa., forArcher Daniels Midland. All of thework is being performed under theparties’ inside agreement.

ADM, which calls itself “super-market to the world,” bargainstough, says Kwashnik. But the com-pany—which declared $1.8 billion inprofits in 2008—is more than satis-fied with Local 163’s commitment toexcellence on the job. �

OrganizingWire

Tight-knit Cable CrewOrganizesTennesseeSubcontractor

MarcMoncier says he and his 11 co-workers were “over a barrel with noground to move,” working for K&S, a nonunion cable subcontractor, whenthe IBEW came knocking. They had endured numerous pay cuts—from$1,500 a week take-home to $500—and had even walked off the job once,but their managers “ruled with an iron fist,” said Moncier, a broadbandtechnician with 10 years of experience in the industry.

In late June, Moncier and his co-workers voted 9 to 3 to be representedby Kingsport, Tenn., Local 934 after a union campaign directed by LeadOrganizer Joe Skinner.

The winning vote could help spread the union’s influence at K&S, aCharter Communications subcontractor, employing over 300 workers at 10locations in Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

“We chased down K&S trucks and struck up conversations with theworkers,” says Skinner, who worked with Organizer Craig Perica, a formerK&S supervisor, Regional Coordinator Larry McGlamary and Local 934Organizer David Combs on the campaign with support from the Researchand Telecommunications Departments.

The company called workers into meetings where they showed anti-union videos. But managers couldn’t divide them or dislodge the workers’desire to have a bargaining agent. The unit, which included several bloodrelatives, accurately predicted the vote before it took place.

Moncier voices concern about first-contract negotiations. Directly afterthe vote, his brother, Matt, a union supporter, went up to a manager toshake hands. The manager refused. His brother quit his job on the spot.

“The company guys were pouting like elementary school children afterwe won,” says Moncier, who is calling his congressman to get him to supportthe Employee Free Choice Act. “Tennessee is a right-to-work state and wecould sure use first contract arbitration language [in EFCA] to help give work-ers a chance,” he says. �

WesternUtilityMechanicsWinVoluntaryRecognition

Western Utility Electric shares a signatory relationship with Chicago Local 9and Rockford, Ill., Local 196. The company has employed union members—electricians, laborers and operating engineers—on outside construction proj-ects for many years. However, mechanics on the job remained unorganized.

After two international unions attempted to organize the mechanics, aLocal 9 lineman suggested to them that their best option in seeking a voiceon the job and fair treatment from their shop manager would be joiningIBEW. The lineman then called the union hall.

Local 9 Business Manager Bob Pierson, who is also chairman of theInternational Executive Council, notified the Membership DevelopmentDepartment of the mechanics’ interest in representation.

International Organizer Mike Green met with the four mechanics, whosigned authorization cards.

Western Utility Electric recognized the new bargaining unit without arepresentation election.

“Now when mechanics come out on the job and work with electricians,they will be members of the same union working together,” says Green. �

PublicSafetyOfficers Join IBEW

Twelve public safety officers at Metro Community College in Omaha, Neb.,signed IBEW authorization cards after becoming dissatisfied with their repre-sentation by another labor organization.

The bargaining unit was recognized by the college’s board of governorswithout an election. The employees are nowmembers of Omaha Local 1483.

“IBEW’s strong reputation in Omahamade the difference,” says Region 3Membership Development Coordinator C.J. King, thanking InternationalOrganizer Brian Heins and Local 1483 Business Manager Mark Salerno fortheir work on the campaign. �

Increased employercontributions funded aJATC-certified trainingroom for Wilkes Barre,Pa., Local 163 to helpupgrade the job skillsof CE/CWs and insideapprentices.

In Pa., NewClassificationsBuild AStronger Union

“I am proud to befollowing in thefootsteps of manygreat journeymanwiremen.”– Jeremy Polney, Wilkes-Barre,Local 163


RETIREDBobbyR. Roberts

Bobby R.Roberts, directorof theManufac-turing Depart-ment at theIBEW Inter-national Office,

retired August 5 followingmore than30 years of service to the union.

Born in Indianapolis, Ind.,Roberts was initiated into Blooming-ton Local 2249 in 1973, while hewasemployed at theGeneral Electricrefrigerator plant. He joined thelocal’s executive board in 1981. Hethen served as president and actingbusinessmanager from 1984 to 1989while working as System CouncilEM-5’s treasurer and on its executiveboard. EM-5 is comprised of severallocals representing IBEWworkers atGE plants across the country.

Roberts served as a centrallabor council representative to theMonroe, Ind., United Way Board ofDirectors. He completed labor stud-ies at Indiana University.

Brother Roberts was appointedInternational Representative to theManufacturing Department in 1989.He was active in electrical manufac-

turing system councils, which coor-dinate bargaining agreements forIBEWmembers in lighting, wire,cable and other industries.

IBEW International PresidentEdwin D. Hill appointed Roberts tothe directorship of theManufacturingDepartment in 2003, where hehelped oversee national collectivebargaining agreements while servic-ing and supportingmore than 200locals representing about 72,000members. As director, Robertsassisted system councils andmulti-union coordinated bargaining com-mittees while enhancing the IBEW’straining program formanufacturingemployees. In providing support forall manufacturing contract negotia-tions, he strengthened the union’shand at the bargaining table throughresearch and data collection on sig-natory companies.

“Bob always was the best pre-pared individual at any negotiatingtable, and he was highly respected byboth the union andmanagement forthat reason,” said RandyMiddleton,who now serves as interim director oftheManufacturing Department. “Thelevel of commitment he applied todoing his job will stand as a bench-mark for a very long time.”

Brother Roberts is an avid pho-tographer, fishermanand golfer. Hisfamily includeshiswife,Cindy, daugh-ter Allyson and stepdaughterAmy.

“I plan on enjoying retirementand spending a lot of time with thefamily,” he said.

The staff, members and officersof the IBEW thank Brother Robertsfor his service and wish him a happyand fulfilling retirement. �

RETIREDGerald P. Counihan

Fifth DistrictInternationalRepresentativeGerald “Jerry”Counihan retiredonAugust 1 aftermore than 30

years of service to the IBEW.“I’ve made tremendous friends

in the Brotherhood that I hope tokeep in touch with in retirement,”Brother Counihan said.

Counihan is a life-long residentof Savannah, Ga., growing up in anIBEW family. His father, Michael,was business manager of SavannahLocal 508 for more than 30 years. Hestudied respiratory therapy atCharleston Southern College and theUniversity of Chicago, working sum-mers as a helper on IBEW work sites.

After seeing the wages and ben-efits that come from belonging to theIBEW, Counihan decided to switchcareers and enter an apprentice pro-gram to become an inside wireman.

Brother Counihan rose throughthe ranks of Local 508 serving on theexecutive board, followed by his elec-tion as businessmanager in 1982.

In addition to his service to Local508, he also served as secretary-trea-surer for theSavannahBuildingTrades and theGeorgia ElectricalWorkers Association.

He also served on the NationalJoint Apprenticeship and TrainingCommittee.

In 1988, hewasappointedbyInternational President John J. Barry asInternational Representative for theFifthDistrict. Hewas responsible forservicing inside and outside construc-tion locals throughout theDeepSouth.

Hewasalso ran the constructionstewards’ training for locals in the FifthDistrict. “Itwas a challenge because

the programwasnewandsopopular,but I knew the skills and knowledgethe attendees learnedwerewell worthit to the union,”Counihan said.

Counihan is an active memberof the Ancient Order of Hibernians, afraternal society for Irish Catholics,and the Knights of Columbus.

His hobbies include fishing andjogging. “After all the time I spent onthe road, I look forward to gettingback into an exercise routine.”

Counihan says he is looking for-ward to spending more time with hisfamily, which includes his wife, Lisa,and his three children. “It will benice to have some down time.”

The officers and members ofthe IBEW wish Brother Counihan awell-deserved, long, healthy andhappy retirement. �

RETIREDDuaneNordick

Seventh DistrictInternationalRepresentativeDuane Nordickretired July 31after an IBEWcareer spanning

four decades.After serving eight years in the

U.S. Air Force, Nordickwas initiatedintoWichita, Kan., Local 1523 in 1969while working in the substationdepartment of KansasGas andElectric. He served 16 years as busi-nessmanager before being appointedto the International staff in 1993.

“It’s anhonorandaprivilege tohavehad theopportunity tobepart ofthis organization,”Nordicksaid. “It hasprovidedsomuch forme,my familyandmy fellowbrothersandsisters.”

While his fondestmemoriestake him back to organizing cam-paigns at theWolf CreekGeneratingStation in Burlington, Kan., and theEl Paso ElectricCo., he is proudest ofthe union’s hard fought courtroomvictory over the PublicServiceCompany of Oklahoma in 2004. Afteran eight-year legal battle, IBEWmem-bers in his district won a $6millionsettlement for overtime back pay.

“It felt really good after fightingfor so long to see the checks goingout to our members. It was moneythey had earned by working hard onthe job,” he said.

In retirement, Brother Nordickplans to continue sharing his expert-ise on arbitration and NationalLabor Relations Board issues. Aftertraveling extensively for the past twodecades, he also wants to spendmore time close to home with hiswife, four children and five grand-children. He also plans to restore aclassic ’65 Mustang purchasedalmost 20 years ago.

The officers andmembers of theIBEWwish Brother Nordick healthand happiness in his retirement. �

RETIREDMichael D. Nugent

InternationalRepresentativeMichael D.Nugent retiredAugust 1 aftermore than fourdecades of

service to the IBEW.Following two years in the

Army, Brother Nugent was initiatedinto Chicago Local 134 in 1968. Whileworking as an apprentice and wire-man, he took night classes at LoyolaUniversity and earned a bachelor’sdegree in economics in 1974.

Nugent came to the InternationalOffice in 1978 as an InternationalRepresentative on the staff of Interna-tionalSecretary Ralph Leigon.One ofhis first projectswas to help rewritethe guide for financial secretaries.

He was elevated two years laterto become director of FinancialOperations, in charge of theInvestment and Accounting depart-ments. Nugent helped develop aprogram that enabled the IBEW tomove from lender to full partner withreal estate developers, vastlyincreasing the union’s profit poten-tial. He also helped select a mastercustodian, a financial services firmthat brought all IBEW investmentsunder one accounting umbrella.Over the years since, the NEBF’spension fund has gone from a smalltrust to one of the largest Taft-Hartley funds in the country.

Nugent moved to the ResearchDepartment in 1990, where hehelped devise the ranking systemstill used today to evaluateFounders’ Scholarship applicants.His detailed records on thousands

Transitions

Due to the large number of summer retirements, we will report on the rest in the October issue.



of arbitrators helped ensure fairresults in local union arbitrations.

In 2002, Nugent transferred tothe Media Department, where hehelped put together the IBEWMuseum, which opened in 2007 atthe International Office. In theprocess, he helped cull the oldarchives, catalog and photographthe current collection and becameknowledgeable in the conservationof historical items. He spent a greatdeal of time soliciting donations andmined e-Bay in search of the correctpieces to illustrate and highlight theIBEW’s role in the development ofthe electrical industry in the UnitedStates and Canada. His command ofknowledge about the union and itshistory has enthralled countless visi-tors to the museum.

As archivist, curator and tourguide of the IBEWMuseum, his workpays off in the appreciation themuseum elicits from young and oldalike. Many see the museum as theembodiment of their careers. “Theyhave paid their dues to help buildour great union,” Nugent said. “Thisis a small gift to them.”

Nugent’s appearances in recent“MuseumStories” videos on theIBEWWeb site have brought therichness of the union’s history to lifein front of the camera.

“I always tried to make a visi-tor’s trip to the museum a personaladventure,” Nugent said.

Nugent is amember of theAmerican Legion ElectricPost 769, thePotomacBoatClub, PotomacMasonicLodgeNo. 5 and theWashingtonAssociation ofMoneyManagers. Hisfamily includes hiswife, Joyce, andtheir two sons. Nugent looks forwardto further documenting the life andtimes of IBEW founderHenryMillerand said hemay continue to givetours at the IBEWMuseum.

The staff,members and officersof the IBEW thankBrotherNugent forhis dedicated service andwishhimanenjoyable, well-deserved retirement. �

RETIREDRichard J. Panagrossi

Second DistrictInternationalRepresentativeRichardPanagrossiretired August 1following nearly

four decades of service to the IBEW.“I’ve had some really wonder-

ful times working for the union,”said Panagrossi. “It was full of somany opportunities to grow the

Brotherhood and to service welldeserving members.”

Born inNewHaven,Conn.,Panagrossi graduated fromProvidenceCollege in 1961with a bachelor’sdegree in political science. Hewas ini-tiated intoNewHaven Local 90 in1968,working as an insidewireman.

The Panagrossi name was well-known in Local 90. His brother, Don,and many of his uncles and cousinswere members, while his father,Dominic, was a former businessmanager. “The IBEW has been afamily tradition,” he said.

Panagrossi served on theexecutive board, various unioncommittees and as business agentbefore becoming businessmanagerin 1974. Hewas appointed by thenInternational PresidentCharles Pillardto theSecondDistrict staff in 1981.

“Many new power plants werebeing built in my assigned territoryso it was a good time to representthe IBEW,” he said.

Panagrossi serviced inside,outside and manufacturing localsthroughout Connecticut, RhodeIsland and Massachusetts. He wasalso responsible for the major ship-yard in Groton, Conn.

In addition to his service to theIBEW, he served onmanystate boards,including theOccupational Electrical

LicensingBoard formore than 15years, serving as its chairman. He alsosat on the EnergyAdvisoryBoard.

Brother Panagrossi has alsobeen active in youth athletics,coaching area little league teams.

Panagrossi’s family includes hiswife, Victoria, two daughters and oneson. He plans to spendmore timewith his 11 grandchildren and volun-teer his time with the state Board ofMediation and Arbitration, drawingon his extensive collective bargain-ing experience.

“The IBEW has been like familyto me and I’m greatly honored andprivileged to been in its service.”

The staff, members and officersof the IBEW wish Brother Panagrossia long and fulfilling retirement. �

RETIREDJamesW. Rudicil

Sixth DistrictInternationalRepresentativeJim Rudicilretired effectiveAugust 1.

A formerdirector of Construction Organizing,Rudicil trained thousands of mem-bers in techniques to grow the union

through COMET and other programs.He then put those tactics into prac-tice with celebrated success.

In the late 1990s Rudicil wasappointed director of the NationalBuilding andConstruction Trades LasVegas Organizing Project. “It was anexperiment that yielded 5,000 newunionmembers and immediate polit-ical gains,” says Rudicil. The newunion activists, he says, made thedifference in Nevada DemocraticSen.Harry Reid’s 438-vote win over now-Senator John Ensign (R-Nev.) in 1998.

As coordinator of IBEW’s FloridaInitiative in 2005, Rudicil sharpenedgrassroots and top-down organizingmethods. “It’s a fast-changing world.If we don’t adapt, we won’t survive,”says Rudicil. “Our new initiatives cansucceed when we remember that werepresent all members in our indus-try, not just unionmembers. How wedo things affects all people in ourtrade and their families.”

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran ofVietnam, Rudicil was initiated intoMuskegon, Mich., Local 275 in 1969.Elected business manager in 1974,Rudicil also served as chairman ofthe Muskegon Building Trades andchairman of IBEW’s Michigan StateElectrical Conference.

A strong believer in communityactivism, Rudicil served as chair-

man of the board of the MuskegonCounty United Way, vice chairmanof the county’s economic commis-sion and chairman of its energycommission during his tenure asbusiness manager.

Appointed an InternationalRepresentative in 1980, Rudicil wasselected as director of ConstructionOrganizing in 1992 and SeniorInternational Organizer in 2005.

“Jim’s unparalleled institu-tional knowledge and unbridledpassion blazed the trail for construc-tion organizers of all trades and pro-duced tangible organizing successesacross the Brotherhood,” says KirkBrungard, director of ConstructionOrganizing. “Many of the necessarystructural organizing changes now inplace were generated by his progres-sive and tireless work,” addsBrungard, who described Rudicil asa genuine mentor.

Brother Rudicil, who wasrecently married, looks forward toenjoying boating and spending timewith his wife, Patricia.

The officers and members ofthe IBEW express our gratitude toBrother Rudicil for his dedicatedservice and wish him the best thatretirement has to offer. �

Circuits

Photo Identification Correction

The July issue of The Electrical Worker carried apiece about South Bend, Ind., Local 153 mem-ber Frank Emery, who received an award forsaving the life of a pregnant woman. Our cap-tion incorrectly identified the presenter of thelocal’s award as Mike Compton, the local’sbusiness manager. The presenter was StanMiles, the local’s president, left, with Emeryand Cindee Goodling. �

Member Awarded for RetireeActivismResearch

Toledo, Ohio, Local 245 member Ken Erdmann’s award-winning research onretiree social policy was inspired by current events.

“Whatever the government takes away from retirees todaymayaffect all ofus tomorrow,” said Erdmann,whowrote hisNational LaborCollege thesis oninspiring retires to become involved in shaping policies that affect their lives.Thepaper earnedhimanaward from theBert andAnnabelSeidman Foundation.

For his research, Erdmannmetwith local chapters of the AARP, theAlliance for Retired Americans and other groups to discussMedicare, SocialSecurity and pension reform. “All of the groupswere very different,” saidErdmann, who concluded that retirees want to get involved, but they just don’tknow how. By forming groups of activists with a common goal, Erdmann dis-covered what calls them to action. “Whatmakes them become involved iswhen they know that their peers will stand behind them andworkwith them.”

Erdmann, an assistant business manager at Local 245, graduated in

2009 from the NLCwith a Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies. Erdmann haslong been involved in local retiree organizations.

The Bert and Annabel Seidman Award is presented by the Alliance forRetired Americans, which honors the Seidmans and their passion forretirees, workers’ rights and social justice. �

Generations of Brotherhood in IowaDes Moines, Iowa, Local 55 counts four generations of the Thompsonfamily among its membership, starting with Leonard Thompson, whodied in 1998. Some family members have retired, others are still activeand a few have moved on to other locals. Along with the Thompsonspictured in this 2007 picture, still more of the family have been members,including Emma Jean Thompson, Mary Lou O’Dea and Donna Petterson.One member of the fourth generation, Clay O’Dea, is also not pictured.Pictured from left are Local 55 members Sloan Thompson, TerryThompson, Clint O’Dea, Maynard Garman, Rio Thompson, RossThompson, Dan Persons, Tom Thompson and Martin Thompson. �

Anew campaign by theElectrical Safety Coalitionof Ontario is hoping toconvince contractors

across the province to “Just don’task” their electricians to work onlive, energized equipment.

“We’re trying tomake themaware that any short-term inconven-ience thatmight come from shuttingthe power off ismore thanmade upby the injuries and death that will beavoided by following these guide-lines,” said First District InternationalRepresentative Tom Reid.

The coalition, which includes

the IBEW, the Electrical ContractorsAssociation of Ontario and theIndustrial Accident PreventionAssociation, launched the “JustDon’t Ask” campaign at a publicevent in June hosted by the Centerfor Health and Safety Innovation inMississauga.

John Pender, executive secre-tary treasurer of the IBEW Ontarioconstruction council, said as anapprentice he witnessed his mentorsuffer from a traumatic on-the-jobaccident due to working on liveequipment. “The job could haveeasily been done after the unit was

de-energized, but the mentality atthe time was that you did whateverwas necessary to please the client.”

Half of all injuries suffered byelectricians in Ontario are due toworking live. While occasionallyinside electricians have no choicebut to work on energized equip-ment, many times working live isdone for the sake of convenience orsaving a few extra dollars.

“It puts our members unneces-sarily at risk and it could end upcosting the client a lot more in thelong run if an accident occurs thatcould have been prevented if they

shut off the power in the first place,”Reid said.

In situationswhere shutting offthe power isn’t an option, the coalitionsupports strict guidelines and safetystandards for contractors to adopt.

The “Just Don’t Ask” campaignis getting its message out through aseries of paid ads, work site postersand Internet outreach, includingusing social media tools like

Facebook and Twitter.The coalition also produced an

authorization form for contractorsand electricians to present to clientsand general contractors before anyjob informing them of the danger oflive work on electrical circuits. “It’sthe key item of this campaign,” saidEyal Roberts, executive vice presi-dent of the Electrical ContractorsAssociation of Ontario. �

North of 49° | Au nord du 49° parallèle

Ontario ElectricalSafety Coalition LaunchesCampaign AgainstWorking Live

La Coalition pour la sécurité électriquede l’Ontario lance une campagnecontre les travaux réalisés sur lematériel électrique sous tension!

Avec cette nouvelle cam-pagne, la Coalition pourla sécurité électrique del’Ontario veut convaincre

les entrepreneurs de la province de“juste ne pas demander” aux élec-triciens à leur emploi, de réaliserdes travaux sur du matériel élec-trique sous tension.

“Nous voulons qu’ils prennentconscience que les accidents et lespertes de vie qui peuvent être évitésen observant cette directive de sécu-rité, compensent largement lesinconvénients provisoires causéslorsque le courant est coupé.”déclare Tom Reid, représentantinternational du Premier District.

La coalition, formée de la FIOE,de l’Association des entrepreneurs-électriciens de l’Ontario et del’Association pour la préventiondes accidents industriels, a lancéla campagne “Juste ne pas deman-der” au mois de juin, lors d’unévènement public présenté àMississauga par le Centre sur l’in-novation dans le domaine de lasanté et de la sécurité.

Le confrère John Pender, secré-taire-trésorier exécutif du Conseil dela construction de la FIOE del’Ontario, se souvient avoir ététémoin au cours de son apprentis-sage, d’un évènement traumatisantdont sonmentor a été victime en tra-vaillant sur dumatériel sous tension.“Il aurait fallu que le courant soitcoupé avant de débuter les travaux,mais lamentalité de cette époquenous dictait de faire tout le néces-saire pour que le client soit satisfait.”

Lamoitié des accidents dontsont victimes les électriciens enOntario, surviennent lorsqu’ils tra-vaillent sur dumatériel sous tension.Parfois, même les électriciens d’in-térieur n’ont d’autre choix que de tra-vailler sous tension, alors que telstravaux sont souvent réalisés pourdes raisons de commodité ou dans lebut de sauver un peu plus d’argent.

“La vie de nosmembres estmise en danger inutilement, sanscompter qu’il en coûterait beaucoupplus cher au client à long terme s’ilfallait qu’un accident survienne, alorsqu’il aurait pu être évité si on avait

coupé le courant avant d’entrepren-dre les travaux.” dit le confrère Reid.

Dans certaines circonstances,couper le courant n’est pas uneoption. La coalition serait alorsfavorable à ce que les entrepreneursadoptent des directives et desnormes de sécurité strictes.

Le message de la campagne“Juste ne pas demander” est diffusépar une série d’annonces publici-taires, des affiches distribuées surles lieux de travail et sur l’Internet,notamment en utilisant les médiassociaux tels que Facebook et Twitter.

La coalition a également rédigéun formulaire d’autorisation que lesentrepreneurs et les électricienspourront remettre aux clients et auxentrepreneurs généraux avant d’en-treprendre les travaux; ce formulaireles informe des dangers quereprésentent les travaux réalisés surle matériel et les circuits électriquessous tension. “C’est l’élément-cléde cette campagne” conclut EyalRoberts, Vice-président exécutif del’Association des entrepreneurs-électriciens de l’Ontario. �

One of the ads produced by the Electrical Safety Coalition of Ontario insupport of the campaign to prevent accidents caused by working on live,energized equipment.

Une des publicités présentées par la Coalition pour la sécurité électriquede l’Ontario pour la campagne visant à prévenir les accidents causés parles travaux réalisés sur le matériel électrique sous tension.




Locals Approve Change to Constitution

Full text of amendment:

WHEREAS, the InternationalPresident and InternationalSecretary-Treasurer have discussedthe financial situation of the IBEWwith the International ExecutiveCouncil. While the IBEW remains insolid financial shape, it has been

adversely affected, as have allunions, by the current worldwidefinancial crisis; and

WHEREAS, it has becomeincreasingly difficult to fund thePension Plan for InternationalOfficers, Representatives andAssistants of the IBEW out ofGeneral Fund assets; and

WHEREAS, the InternationalPresident, the InternationalSecretary-Treasurer and theInternational Executive Council allagree that an amendment to theIBEW Constitution which would mod-ify pay increases for Officers,Assistants, Directors andInternational Representatives over

the next three years to give the IBEWa greater ability and flexibility to fundthe Plan is necessary and warranted.

NOW, THEREFORE, theInternational Executive Councilinstructs the International Secretary-Treasurer to submit this proposedamendment to all local unions for avote pursuant to Article XXVII, Section1 (b) of the IBEW Constitution. ArticleIII, Section 8 of the IBEW Constitutionshall be amended by including thefollowing language at the end of thefirst paragraph:

“Notwithstanding the above,effective beginning with the October1, 2009 pay increase, such increaseshall be 50 percent of the increasedescribed above and then added tothe pay rates in effect. This method

of calculating the pay increases shallbe used to calculate the October 1,2010 and October 1, 2011 payincreases. However, as the intent ofthis amendment is to result in addi-tional funds for the Pension Plan forInternational Officers,Representatives and Assistants ofthe IBEW equal to 5 percent ofOfficers’, Assistants’, Directors’ andInternational Representatives’salaries over the three year period,the International Secretary-Treasureris authorized to discontinue or mod-ify this calculation in 2009, 2010and/or 2011 as necessary toachieve the overall 5 percent addi-tional funds. This language shall beremoved from the IBEW Constitutioneffective January 1, 2012.” �

At its May meeting, the International Executive Council instructed the International Secretary-Treasurer to submit an amendment to the IBEW Constitution (full text below) to all IBEW localunions modifying the manner in which pay increases for International Officers, Assistants andrepresentatives are to be calculated over the next three years. The purpose of the amendmentwas to divert some of the increases that would be due to bolster the funding of the pensionplan for International officers and staff.

Local unions voted during the period from June 1 to August 15, 2009. Each local cast onevote. The amendment passed with 374 locals voting in favor and 93 against.

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 1 XLOCAL 2LOCAL 3LOCAL 4 XLOCAL 5 XLOCAL 6LOCAL 7 XLOCAL 8 XLOCAL 9 XLOCAL 11 XLOCAL 12 XLOCAL 13LOCAL 14LOCAL 15 XLOCAL 16LOCAL 17 XLOCAL 18 XLOCAL 19 XLOCAL 20 XLOCAL 21 XLOCAL 22 XLOCAL 23 XLOCAL 24 XLOCAL 25 XLOCAL 26 XLOCAL 29 XLOCAL 31 XLOCAL 32 XLOCAL 34 XLOCAL 35 XLOCAL 36 XLOCAL 37 XLOCAL 38 XLOCAL 39LOCAL 40 XLOCAL 41 XLOCAL 42 XLOCAL 43 XLOCAL 44 XLOCAL 45 X

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 46 XLOCAL 47 XLOCAL 48 XLOCAL 50LOCAL 51LOCAL 53 XLOCAL 55 XLOCAL 56 XLOCAL 57 XLOCAL 58 XLOCAL 60 XLOCAL 64 XLOCAL 66 XLOCAL 68 XLOCAL 69LOCAL 70 XLOCAL 71LOCAL 72LOCAL 73 XLOCAL 76 XLOCAL 77 XLOCAL 80LOCAL 81 XLOCAL 82 XLOCAL 83 XLOCAL 84 XLOCAL 86 XLOCAL 89LOCAL 90 XLOCAL 94 XLOCAL 95 XLOCAL 96 XLOCAL 97 XLOCAL 98 XLOCAL 99 XLOCAL 100LOCAL 102 XLOCAL 103 XLOCAL 104LOCAL 105 X

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 106 XLOCAL 108 XLOCAL 109 XLOCAL 110 XLOCAL 111 XLOCAL 112 XLOCAL 113LOCAL 115 XLOCAL 117 XLOCAL 120 XLOCAL 121 XLOCAL 123 XLOCAL 124 XLOCAL 125 XLOCAL 126 XLOCAL 127LOCAL 129 XLOCAL 130 XLOCAL 131LOCAL 134 XLOCAL 136 XLOCAL 139 XLOCAL 141 XLOCAL 143 XLOCAL 145LOCAL 146 XLOCAL 150 XLOCAL 152LOCAL 153 XLOCAL 158 XLOCAL 159 XLOCAL 160LOCAL 163 XLOCAL 164 XLOCAL 175LOCAL 176 XLOCAL 177 XLOCAL 180 XLOCAL 186LOCAL 191 X

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 193LOCAL 194 XLOCAL 195LOCAL 196 XLOCAL 197 XLOCAL 199LOCAL 201LOCAL 203LOCAL 204LOCAL 206 XLOCAL 208 XLOCAL 210 XLOCAL 212 XLOCAL 213 XLOCAL 214LOCAL 219LOCAL 220 XLOCAL 222 XLOCAL 223 XLOCAL 225 XLOCAL 226 XLOCAL 229 XLOCAL 230 XLOCAL 231 XLOCAL 233 XLOCAL 234 XLOCAL 236 XLOCAL 237 XLOCAL 238LOCAL 239LOCAL 241 XLOCAL 242 XLOCAL 244 XLOCAL 245LOCAL 246 XLOCAL 248 XLOCAL 249LOCAL 252 XLOCAL 253LOCAL 254

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 257 XLOCAL 258 XLOCAL 261LOCAL 265 XLOCAL 266LOCAL 269 XLOCAL 270 XLOCAL 271 XLOCAL 272LOCAL 275 XLOCAL 278 XLOCAL 280 XLOCAL 281LOCAL 283LOCAL 288 XLOCAL 289LOCAL 291LOCAL 292 XLOCAL 294 XLOCAL 295 XLOCAL 300 XLOCAL 301LOCAL 302 XLOCAL 303 XLOCAL 304 XLOCAL 305 XLOCAL 306 XLOCAL 307 XLOCAL 309 XLOCAL 311 XLOCAL 312LOCAL 313 XLOCAL 316LOCAL 317 XLOCAL 318LOCAL 319LOCAL 320LOCAL 322LOCAL 325 XLOCAL 326 X

Change to Constitution


Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 327 XLOCAL 329LOCAL 332LOCAL 337LOCAL 338LOCAL 340 XLOCAL 342 XLOCAL 343 XLOCAL 345 XLOCAL 347 XLOCAL 348LOCAL 349 XLOCAL 350 XLOCAL 351 XLOCAL 352 XLOCAL 353 XLOCAL 354 XLOCAL 355LOCAL 357 XLOCAL 359 XLOCAL 360 XLOCAL 362LOCAL 363 XLOCAL 364 XLOCAL 365 XLOCAL 366LOCAL 369 XLOCAL 375 XLOCAL 379 XLOCAL 380 XLOCAL 382LOCAL 385 XLOCAL 386LOCAL 387 XLOCAL 388 XLOCAL 391LOCAL 392LOCAL 395LOCAL 396 XLOCAL 397LOCAL 398LOCAL 400 XLOCAL 401 XLOCAL 402 XLOCAL 405 XLOCAL 412 XLOCAL 413 XLOCAL 415 XLOCAL 418 XLOCAL 420 XLOCAL 423LOCAL 424LOCAL 426 XLOCAL 428 XLOCAL 429 XLOCAL 430 XLOCAL 433LOCAL 435 XLOCAL 436 XLOCAL 440 XLOCAL 441 XLOCAL 443 XLOCAL 444LOCAL 445 XLOCAL 446LOCAL 449 XLOCAL 452 XLOCAL 453 XLOCAL 454LOCAL 455 X

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 456 XLOCAL 457LOCAL 459 XLOCAL 461 XLOCAL 463 XLOCAL 464LOCAL 465LOCAL 466 XLOCAL 474LOCAL 477 XLOCAL 479LOCAL 480 XLOCAL 481 XLOCAL 483 XLOCAL 486LOCAL 488 XLOCAL 490 XLOCAL 494 XLOCAL 495 XLOCAL 498 XLOCAL 499LOCAL 500LOCAL 502LOCAL 503LOCAL 505LOCAL 506 XLOCAL 508 XLOCAL 510LOCAL 512LOCAL 513LOCAL 518 XLOCAL 520 XLOCAL 524LOCAL 527 XLOCAL 529LOCAL 530LOCAL 531 XLOCAL 532 XLOCAL 533LOCAL 538 XLOCAL 540 XLOCAL 543LOCAL 544LOCAL 545 XLOCAL 547LOCAL 549 XLOCAL 551 XLOCAL 553 XLOCAL 557 XLOCAL 558 XLOCAL 559LOCAL 567 XLOCAL 568LOCAL 569 XLOCAL 570LOCAL 573 XLOCAL 574 XLOCAL 575LOCAL 576 XLOCAL 577 XLOCAL 578 XLOCAL 583 XLOCAL 584 XLOCAL 586LOCAL 589LOCAL 595 XLOCAL 596LOCAL 601 XLOCAL 602LOCAL 604

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 605 XLOCAL 606 XLOCAL 607 XLOCAL 611 XLOCAL 612LOCAL 613 XLOCAL 614LOCAL 617 XLOCAL 618LOCAL 622LOCAL 624LOCAL 625LOCAL 626 XLOCAL 627LOCAL 632LOCAL 633LOCAL 636 XLOCAL 639 XLOCAL 640 XLOCAL 641LOCAL 647LOCAL 648 XLOCAL 649 XLOCAL 650LOCAL 653LOCAL 654 XLOCAL 656LOCAL 659LOCAL 661LOCAL 663LOCAL 665LOCAL 666 XLOCAL 667 XLOCAL 668 XLOCAL 673 XLOCAL 674LOCAL 676LOCAL 681 XLOCAL 682LOCAL 683 XLOCAL 684 XLOCAL 688 XLOCAL 690 XLOCAL 692 XLOCAL 696LOCAL 697 XLOCAL 700 XLOCAL 701 XLOCAL 702LOCAL 704LOCAL 706LOCAL 708LOCAL 712 XLOCAL 714 XLOCAL 715 XLOCAL 716 XLOCAL 717 XLOCAL 721 XLOCAL 723 XLOCAL 725 XLOCAL 726LOCAL 728 XLOCAL 731LOCAL 733LOCAL 734LOCAL 736LOCAL 738 XLOCAL 742LOCAL 743 XLOCAL 744

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 747 XLOCAL 750LOCAL 753 XLOCAL 754 XLOCAL 756 XLOCAL 757 XLOCAL 758LOCAL 759LOCAL 760 XLOCAL 763 XLOCAL 765 XLOCAL 766LOCAL 767 XLOCAL 768 XLOCAL 769 XLOCAL 770 XLOCAL 772LOCAL 773 XLOCAL 774LOCAL 775LOCAL 776 XLOCAL 777 XLOCAL 778LOCAL 780LOCAL 783LOCAL 784LOCAL 791LOCAL 794LOCAL 796 XLOCAL 799LOCAL 800LOCAL 801LOCAL 804 XLOCAL 807 XLOCAL 812 XLOCAL 813 XLOCAL 816 XLOCAL 817 XLOCAL 820LOCAL 824LOCAL 825LOCAL 827 XLOCAL 833LOCAL 840 XLOCAL 841LOCAL 843LOCAL 852 XLOCAL 855 XLOCAL 859 XLOCAL 861 XLOCAL 862 XLOCAL 864LOCAL 865LOCAL 866 XLOCAL 869LOCAL 870LOCAL 871 XLOCAL 873LOCAL 876 XLOCAL 881LOCAL 886LOCAL 889LOCAL 890 XLOCAL 894 XLOCAL 898LOCAL 903LOCAL 904LOCAL 910 XLOCAL 912LOCAL 914 X

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 915 XLOCAL 917LOCAL 932 XLOCAL 934 XLOCAL 940LOCAL 942LOCAL 946LOCAL 948 XLOCAL 949 XLOCAL 950LOCAL 952 XLOCAL 953 XLOCAL 956LOCAL 958LOCAL 959LOCAL 960LOCAL 962LOCAL 965 XLOCAL 966 XLOCAL 968 XLOCAL 969LOCAL 970 XLOCAL 971LOCAL 972 XLOCAL 975LOCAL 976LOCAL 978 XLOCAL 979 XLOCAL 983 XLOCAL 984 XLOCAL 985 XLOCAL 986 XLOCAL 988LOCAL 993 XLOCAL 995 XLOCAL 997LOCAL 1000LOCAL 1002LOCAL 1003 XLOCAL 1007 XLOCAL 1014 XLOCAL 1015LOCAL 1022 XLOCAL 1023LOCAL 1024LOCAL 1028LOCAL 1031LOCAL 1040 XLOCAL 1042 XLOCAL 1047LOCAL 1048LOCAL 1049 XLOCAL 1050LOCAL 1053LOCAL 1055LOCAL 1057LOCAL 1060LOCAL 1066LOCAL 1070 XLOCAL 1077LOCAL 1087LOCAL 1096 XLOCAL 1105LOCAL 1106LOCAL 1108LOCAL 1116LOCAL 1131LOCAL 1132LOCAL 1133LOCAL 1139 X



Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 1141 XLOCAL 1142LOCAL 1143LOCAL 1146LOCAL 1147 XLOCAL 1149LOCAL 1151LOCAL 1153LOCAL 1155LOCAL 1158LOCAL 1181 XLOCAL 1183 XLOCAL 1186 XLOCAL 1189LOCAL 1191LOCAL 1193 XLOCAL 1194 XLOCAL 1196LOCAL 1199 XLOCAL 1200LOCAL 1203LOCAL 1204LOCAL 1205 XLOCAL 1206LOCAL 1209LOCAL 1210LOCAL 1211LOCAL 1212 XLOCAL 1220LOCAL 1224LOCAL 1225 XLOCAL 1228 XLOCAL 1238 XLOCAL 1245 XLOCAL 1249 XLOCAL 1250 XLOCAL 1253 XLOCAL 1260LOCAL 1263LOCAL 1269LOCAL 1274 XLOCAL 1288LOCAL 1289LOCAL 1293LOCAL 1298 XLOCAL 1303LOCAL 1306LOCAL 1307 XLOCAL 1316 XLOCAL 1317 XLOCAL 1318LOCAL 1319 XLOCAL 1323 XLOCAL 1340 XLOCAL 1345LOCAL 1346 XLOCAL 1347 XLOCAL 1357 XLOCAL 1362 XLOCAL 1377LOCAL 1379 XLOCAL 1383LOCAL 1386LOCAL 1391LOCAL 1392 XLOCAL 1393 XLOCAL 1395LOCAL 1400LOCAL 1405LOCAL 1412

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 1413 XLOCAL 1424LOCAL 1426 XLOCAL 1430LOCAL 1431 XLOCAL 1432 XLOCAL 1434LOCAL 1436 XLOCAL 1439LOCAL 1451 XLOCAL 1455 XLOCAL 1456LOCAL 1464 XLOCAL 1465LOCAL 1466 XLOCAL 1474LOCAL 1475LOCAL 1483LOCAL 1491LOCAL 1499 XLOCAL 1501LOCAL 1503LOCAL 1505 XLOCAL 1507LOCAL 1516 XLOCAL 1517LOCAL 1521 XLOCAL 1523 XLOCAL 1524LOCAL 1525 XLOCAL 1531 XLOCAL 1532LOCAL 1536 XLOCAL 1537LOCAL 1541LOCAL 1545LOCAL 1547LOCAL 1548LOCAL 1553 XLOCAL 1555LOCAL 1559 XLOCAL 1565LOCAL 1570 XLOCAL 1573LOCAL 1574LOCAL 1579 XLOCAL 1583LOCAL 1585LOCAL 1587LOCAL 1588LOCAL 1590 XLOCAL 1591LOCAL 1593LOCAL 1597LOCAL 1600 XLOCAL 1602LOCAL 1604 XLOCAL 1613 XLOCAL 1614LOCAL 1615LOCAL 1616LOCAL 1618LOCAL 1619 XLOCAL 1620LOCAL 1625LOCAL 1627LOCAL 1629LOCAL 1631LOCAL 1634 XLOCAL 1635 X

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 1637 XLOCAL 1638 XLOCAL 1645LOCAL 1649LOCAL 1651LOCAL 1653LOCAL 1658LOCAL 1666 XLOCAL 1671 XLOCAL 1672LOCAL 1682LOCAL 1684LOCAL 1687 XLOCAL 1688LOCAL 1690LOCAL 1691LOCAL 1700LOCAL 1701 XLOCAL 1703 XLOCAL 1710 XLOCAL 1718LOCAL 1730 XLOCAL 1737LOCAL 1739 XLOCAL 1740LOCAL 1744LOCAL 1749 XLOCAL 1750LOCAL 1753 XLOCAL 1758LOCAL 1759LOCAL 1768LOCAL 1769 XLOCAL 1777 XLOCAL 1782LOCAL 1791 XLOCAL 1794LOCAL 1799LOCAL 1802 XLOCAL 1805LOCAL 1813LOCAL 1814LOCAL 1820 XLOCAL 1832LOCAL 1833 XLOCAL 1837LOCAL 1852 XLOCAL 1856LOCAL 1861LOCAL 1863LOCAL 1865LOCAL 1871LOCAL 1873LOCAL 1888 XLOCAL 1900LOCAL 1902LOCAL 1908LOCAL 1911LOCAL 1912 XLOCAL 1914 XLOCAL 1919 XLOCAL 1920 XLOCAL 1922LOCAL 1923 XLOCAL 1924LOCAL 1925 XLOCAL 1927LOCAL 1928LOCAL 1929LOCAL 1933

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 1935LOCAL 1937LOCAL 1941LOCAL 1944LOCAL 1947 XLOCAL 1950LOCAL 1956LOCAL 1957 XLOCAL 1959 XLOCAL 1963 XLOCAL 1974LOCAL 1976LOCAL 1980 XLOCAL 1984LOCAL 1985 XLOCAL 1988LOCAL 1990 XLOCAL 1996LOCAL 1999 XLOCAL 2001LOCAL 2002LOCAL 2003LOCAL 2007LOCAL 2008LOCAL 2010 XLOCAL 2011LOCAL 2015 XLOCAL 2017LOCAL 2019LOCAL 2024LOCAL 2029LOCAL 2032 XLOCAL 2033LOCAL 2034 XLOCAL 2035LOCAL 2038 XLOCAL 2039LOCAL 2040LOCAL 2042LOCAL 2043LOCAL 2048LOCAL 2049LOCAL 2050LOCAL 2052LOCAL 2054LOCAL 2055LOCAL 2057LOCAL 2058LOCAL 2061 XLOCAL 2064LOCAL 2066LOCAL 2067LOCAL 2071 XLOCAL 2072LOCAL 2077LOCAL 2078LOCAL 2080LOCAL 2084LOCAL 2085 XLOCAL 2088LOCAL 2089LOCAL 2099LOCAL 2100LOCAL 2104LOCAL 2109LOCAL 2113LOCAL 2118 XLOCAL 2127LOCAL 2129LOCAL 2131

Amendment VoteL.U. FOR AGAINSTLOCAL 2139LOCAL 2143LOCAL 2144LOCAL 2149LOCAL 2150 XLOCAL 2152LOCAL 2154 XLOCAL 2159LOCAL 2164LOCAL 2166LOCAL 2172 XLOCAL 2173LOCAL 2179 XLOCAL 2180LOCAL 2185 XLOCAL 2194LOCAL 2199 XLOCAL 2201LOCAL 2213LOCAL 2219 XLOCAL 2220LOCAL 2221 XLOCAL 2222LOCAL 2228 XLOCAL 2230 XLOCAL 2233LOCAL 2240LOCAL 2241LOCAL 2244LOCAL 2246LOCAL 2249 XLOCAL 2251LOCAL 2265LOCAL 2269LOCAL 2270LOCAL 2271LOCAL 2273 XLOCAL 2277LOCAL 2284LOCAL 2285LOCAL 2286 XLOCAL 2287LOCAL 2295LOCAL 2298LOCAL 2304 XLOCAL 2313 XLOCAL 2320 XLOCAL 2321 XLOCAL 2322 XLOCAL 2323 XLOCAL 2324 XLOCAL 2325LOCAL 2326LOCAL 2327 XLOCAL 2330LOCAL 2337 XLOCAL 2051LOCAL 2355LOCAL 2356LOCAL 2357LOCAL 2358 XLOCAL 2359LOCAL 2362LOCAL 2366 XLOCAL 2374LOCAL 2376

TOTAL: 374 93

Local Lines


VeteransMemorialVolunteersL.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MO—In Franklin County, MO, a newVeteransMemorial was recently erected with somegenerous help from two Local 1 retirees. BrothersNorm Kloeppel and Frank Kloeppel, retired journey-man wiremen, volunteered their time and expertiseto complete the electrical portion of thememorial,which is located at Legion Park in Gerald, MO. TheKloeppels graciously installed a 200-amp service forthe memorial, installed walkway lights, lighting forthe flagpoles and other power needs. As a result oftheir volunteer work, the City of Gerald donated anengraved brick at thememorial in the name of IBEWLocal 1. Thememorial recently opened, and it paystribute to all those who have served in any war sinceWorld War I, as well as those who continue to servetoday. Local 1 thanks Bros. Norm and Frank Kloeppelfor representing Local 1 well with their hard work.

We mourn the following members’ deaths:Harold Foster, George Qualls, H. Wayne Shuffett,Howard Jaromack, Clyde Cooper, William Clarkson,Laszlo Csukas, Vernon Mundwiller, Henry Jordan,John McGrogan, Walter Proehl, Arthur Schuman,Thomas English Jr. and Bernard Levin.

Matt Gober, P.S.

State-of-The-Art AuditoriumL.U. 11 (i,rts&spa), LOS ANGELES, CA—A new $1.2million auditorium was unveiled at the ElectricalTraining Institute. The project was completed ontime and on budget using 100 percent union labor.The certificate of occupancy was granted in time forthe June general membership meeting. Futuremeetings will be held there as well. The new audito-rium has seating for 175 in the main area and up to500 in the adjoining hall. Both rooms feature state-

of-the-art audio and video equipment, largeretractable projection screens, Bose speakers,remote controlled video cameras, studio lightingand engineered acoustics. Members in attendancecommented on the excellent quality of the construc-tion and materials used as well as the amazingacoustics and lighting. The auditorium and adjoin-ing hall will serve ETI students and Local 11 mem-bers well for years to come. It is one more exampleof the IBEW’s ongoing commitment to training.

Thank you to all the members who recentlyattended COMET training. You have dedicated yourcommitment to organizing the entire electrical con-struction industry. We look forward to having youvolunteer and we encourage you to remain active inyour union.

The apprentice graduation was held aboardthe historic Queen Mary in Long Beach. It was anunforgettable evening. We are proud of our mem-bers who completed their apprenticeship trainingand wish them continued success in their careers.

Bob Oedy, P.S.

SmartMeters Pilot ProgramL.U. 15 (u), DOWNERS GROVE, IL—In June, our localkicked off its inaugural Scholarship Award Programfor members and dependents. The program pro-vides for ten $500 Scholarships. Winners will beannounced in September.

The economy has affected our ComEdmem-bers; to avoid layoffs approximately 300 memberswere redeployed to other departments by an agree-ment with ComEd.

Contracts with ComEd Energy Delivery SystemServices Group andMidwest Generation LLCexpirethis year. Wewill be busy negotiating those contracts.

Midwest Generation LLC and Local 15 continuejoint participation on Quality Safety Programs withimpressive results. To encourage continued

improvement of these safety accom-plishments, each site is holding aSafety and Health Fair to support theSafety Committee efforts.

The local is close to an agree-ment to expand work duties of theComEd Overhead Transmission Groupand create a work group in the far-westarea of Chicago to supplement theexisting groups in the north and southareas.

A ComEd Company pilot programis scheduled to install 141,000 SmartMeters in the Chicago community of Hillside andcertain high-rise locations within the city. In testi-mony to the Illinois Commerce Commission, thecompany stated our members will install thesemeters. Meter installation begins in late fall 2009.

Ronald V. Welte, P.S.

‘SkillsWork!’ EventL.U. 37 (em,o&u), FREDERICTON,NEWBRUNSWICK,CANADA—Local 37, NBPower, andWomen inNuclearwere title sponsors of theSkillsWork! NetworkingDinner, which provided an opportunity for approxi-mately 100 female students in grades9-12 tomeet andnetworkwith tradeswomen, educators, dignitaries andbusiness leaders. [Photo below.] The event, the first ofits kind inNewBrunswick, gave students a uniquechance to learn about the skilled trades and technolo-gies byparticipating in organized networking sessionswith the 22 femalementors.

The mentors were women working, training orteaching in a skilled trade. They shared their experi-ences and encouraged the students to consider thetrades as a rewarding and challenging careerchoice. Many of the mentors were IBEWmembers—each one of them shared encouraging and inspiringmessages that will undoubtedly help the youngwomenmake informed decisionsabout their future.

Not only did this event allowthe union to connect with a youngergeneration, it really brought atten-tion to the pride, passion and pro-fessionalism of Local 37 and itsmembers. By continuing to supportevents such as this one, the unioncan continue on its progressive andforward thinking path.

Ross Galbraith, B.M.

Green JobsOpenHouseL.U. 41 (em,es,govt,i,e&spa), BUFFALO, NY—Local 41was host to an open house with a focus on greenenergy and green jobs. The object was to show localpoliticians, Department of Labor officials and educa-tors that the IBEW is in the forefront in green train-ing. We showcased our state-of-the-art trainingfacility and how the IBEW is training and preparingfor the future with a green work force.

With great pride Local 41 announces the 2009graduating class of inside journeyman wiremenapprentices. Joining the ranks of the journeymanwiremen work force are: David Bartnik, MatthewChmura, Danny Gedraitis, Joseph Graham, DaleKersch, Kristopher Kohlhagen, Jason Kosiak,Christopher Landahl, Marcus Leslie, KevinLisnerski, Anthony Marini, Matthew Reed, ScottSzarzynski, Jeffrey Venohr, Christopher White andMarc Zendman. Congratulations to these brothersfor their five years of hard work and dedication.

In August we held the annual pensioner’sluncheon. Many retirees were honored and receivedservice pins. It was good to see so many pensionersgetting together to enjoy each other’s company.

Please remember to stay active in the localand participate in all union functions and meetings.

Michael J. Gaiser, P.S.

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

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

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

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

(t) Telephone

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

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

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

(c Communications (govt) Governmentmow) Manufacturing Office Workers

(so) Service Occupations (ws) Warehouse and Supply

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

(s) Shopmen

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

We make every effort to ensure this list is as inclusive as possible, but IBEW members’ various job categories are too numerous to comprehensively list all.

Local 1 retired members Norm Kloeppel (left)and Frank Kloeppel proudly display plaquesthey received in recognition of their work ona new Veterans Memorial.

Los Angeles Local 11 unveils its ElectricalTraining Institute’s new state-of-the-artauditorium and meeting hall.

Local 41 congratulates the class of 2009apprentice graduates.

IBEW Local 37 was one of the title sponsors for a SkillsWork! networking opportunity for school students.


EmploymentSteadyL.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY—Employment con-tinues to be steady in our area. At press time, it isalmost 90 percent school work, with little privatemonies available. Because thework involves schoolsthroughout thewhole area of our jurisdiction, we havebeen able to send out a few of our Book II members.

On June 20, Local 43 held the annual dinnerfor our graduating apprentices. This year we werehonored to have as our guests IBEW Third DistrictInt. Vice Pres. Donald C. Siegel and NECA field rep-resentative William “Biff” Jones. Also attendingwere Bus. Mgr. Bill Towsley, Asst. Bus. Agent PatCostello, Pres. Don Morgan and NECA Finger LakesChapter Pres. Marilyn Oppedisano.

Jim Corbett, P.S.

Pres. ObamaVisitsTech CenterL.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA—Happy Labor Day, brothers and sisters.

Pres. Obama visited Southern CaliforniaEdison’s Electrical Vehicle Technical Center. Local 47member Levon Atarian introduced the president,who thanked IBEW and Local 47 for their work. Bus.Mgr. Pat Lavin shared some banter with Pres.Obama about their mutual hometown—Chicago.

A first contract was ratified with FPL’s NexteraGeneration in Blythe, CA.

California’s economy has affected our munici-palities. Protecting wages and conditions remainsour focus.

The winners at the annual SCE/Local 47Lineman’s Rodeo were: Journeyman Team—SteveLekvold, RaoulCarillo andMike Peterson; Apprentice—JoshRegalado;Groundman—ChrisSchafer.

Speakers at our stewards conference includedNinth District Int. Vice Pres. Michael S. Mowrey, Int.Rep. Arthur D. Murray and California state Sen.RoderickWright. “Green Energy” and the “SmartGrid” were topics discussed.

Locals 47 and 440 held an open house at ourRiverside office. Guests included City of RiversideMayor Ronald Loveridge; Riverside City Councilmembers Andy Melendez and Nancy Hart; andCalifornia Assembly members Brian Nestande andHector de la Torre.

Former Local 47 business manager Mike Kellypassed away. We also report the passing of Art Ford,

Jim Bean, Steve Lovelace, Ron Prida, Keith Vorndranand James Johnson. Our thoughts and prayers arewith their families.

Live safe, live well, work union!

Stan Stosel, P.S.

WindGeneration ProjectsL.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,rtb,t&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL—Recognizing the importance of our members whovolunteer to help the local as union stewards, Local51 recently held seven steward training sessionslocated throughout the jurisdiction. Over 75 mem-bers attended and feedback was overwhelminglypositive. The local thanks Sixth District Int. Reps.Richard Gessler and Donald Woolridge for theirinstruction, and all the members who attended.

Local 51members, along withmembers fromLocals 21 and 702, employed by Verizon recently rati-fied a new three-year labor agreement, which calls forwage increases of 2 percent, 2 percent and 2½per-

cent, along with lump sumpension benefits beingpreserved and improvements to retiree health care.

Other recently settled contracts includeEnerstar Power Corp., Verizon Retail, and a first-timeagreement with the City of Oglesby, IL. As of this writ-ing, negotiations continue at the City of Geneseo, IL;Corn Belt Energy Corp.; and the City of Peru, IL.

While construction work on utility propertiesis as slow as we have experienced it in the last 25years, work on wind generation is good with threeprojects currently under way. For information on ourmanpower needs, please check the constructionjobs board atwww.ibew.org.

Remember to work safe and do a full day’s workfor a full day’s pay, and attend your unionmeetings.

Dan Pridemore, Pres.

WorkshopChair HonoredL.U. 83 (u), BINGHAM-TON, NY—OnApril 15, inCorning, NY, a celebra-tion was held in honorof Frank “TheGreatOne”Maher. Bro.Maher had decided tomake the April ThirdDistrict UtilityWorkshophis last as chairmanaftermany years. Bro.Maher is businessman-

ager/ president of Local 320. Among those attendingthe celebration was Local 320 Asst. Bus. Mgr. MonicaMaher. Master of Ceremonies was Local 83 Bus.Mgr./Pres. Danny E. Addy. Speakers included Int. VicePres. Donald C. Siegel, Int. Rep. Michael Flanagan,Local 503 retired businessmanager Robert Citrolo,Local 94 retired businessmanagerCharlie Wolfe, andLocal 2199 Bus. Mgr. WilliamMcMahon, UtilityWorkshop secretary/treasurer. The event was verywell-attended and all had a grand time.

Thank you, Bro. Maher, for all you have givento so many.

Don S. Tuttel, P.S.

ScholarshipsAwardedL.U. 111 (em,govt,lctt,mt,o,rtb,spa&u), DENVER, CO—Congratulations to our 2009VincPerry-EllisScholar-shipwinners. Five children and one spouse of Local111memberswere named aswinners of the 2009VincPerry-EllisMemorial Scholarship program.They are:Christopher Ely, son ofMichael Ely, Unit 6A; Robin andLaura Newcome, daughters of DonNewcome, Unit 2;Krista Roberts, daughter ofMike Roberts, Unit 4;CorinnaAnthony, spouse of JasonAnthony, Unit 1; andCodyDinges, son ofMorris Dingers, Unit 3.

This year the Executive Board voted to increasethe number of scholarships awarded to six (for thisyear only).The scholarship essay topicwas: “What Is

the Importance of the Employee Free Choice Act tothe AmericanWorker?” Winning essays are postedon the union’s Web site atwww.ibew111.com.Thank you to all who participated, and again con-gratulations to our 2009 winners.

Dennis Z. LeTurgez, P.S.

IBEWLifesaving AwardsL.U. 125 (lctt,o,t&u), PORTLAND, OR—In Sept. 2008,Local 125 members Bob Jones, line foreman, andjourneyman linemen Gary Anderson and MarkMoewere working to replace an alley arm on a three-phase circuit when Moe made contact. Due to theirquick actions, Anderson and Jones were able to res-cue Moe from the pole—which saved his life.

In recognition of their efforts, Local 125’sExecutive Board nominated Anderson and Jones forthe IBEW Lifesaving Award, which was presented tothem at the July construction unit meeting.

Bus. Rep. Don Rose presented the awards. Thepresentation was followed by comments from RayCowell, Local 125 Executive Board recording secretary.“Ourmembers have repeatedly stepped up to savenot only ourmembers but lives in the general pub-lic,” said Cowell. “We do not shirk responsibility, andI’m proud to be amember of Local 125, where ourmembers have earned somany Lifesaving Awards.”

For more information about this story, pleaseread the Local 125 section of the August 2009 issueof the Northwest Labor Press.

Marcy Putman, P.S.

Career ofServiceL.U. 139 (i&u), ELMIRA, NY—Recently Local 139 held acelebration for the retirement of George “Rick”Saltsman as businessmanager during its annual“smoker” atMandells Restaurant. Rickwas sworn inas amember in 1972 and served as businessman-ager since 2002. Rickwas presented with an IBEWgolf bag andwas sent to the Construction andMaintenance Conference to bid farewell to all his col-leagues from locals around the country. Wewish Rickand his wife, Janis, a long and happy retirement.

The Local 139 membership has been very

Local 43 graduating apprentices, joined by Training Dir. Peter Dulcick (middle row, right)attend graduation dinner. From left, front row, are: Anthony Mazzuca, Christopher Giarrusso,Thomas Carfagano, Adrienne Abear, Andrew Moraco, Edward Prall, Brian White; middle row,Steven Pfleiderer, Mathew Crye, Rashawn Tompkins, Brent Fedrizzi, Dustin Morgan, MichaelTucker, Jamie Gibson and Training Dir. Dulcich; back row, John Carnes, Gregory Lee, JasonCianfranco, Frank Zupancic, Thomas Maine and Jesse Burdin. Not pictured: Richard Creaser,Sean Kohles, Donald Sovie and Jeffrey White.

Diamond Bar, CA, Local 47 Bus. Mgr. and IECmember Patrick Lavin (left), Eighth DistrictInt. Vice Pres. Ted C. Jensen (center) and Int.Rep. Fred A. “Rocky” Clark enjoy Local 47’sDesert Days event.

Local 51 holds a steward training session atCollinsville, IL.

Third District UtilityWorkshop ChairFrank Maher.

Local 111 awarded sixscholarships in 2009. Fromleft are: Local 111 Pres.Duane Lawlor; scholarshiprecipients Christopher Ely,Cody Dinges and RobinNewcome; and Bus. Mgr.Michael A. Byrd.

Local 125 presents IBEW Lifesaving Awards toline foreman Bob Jones (left) and journeymanlineman Gary Anderson (right). At center isjourneyman lineman Mark Moe.


Local Lines


involved with many Habitat for Humanity projectsthroughout Steuben and Chemung Counties. Thesevolunteer efforts are also aided by our local contrac-tors. A special thank-you to Bouille Electric for sup-plying material and to Local 139 members BrettPatton, Billy Mann, Dan Schmidt, Jim Horton, LarryMasi, Mike McLaughlin, Kevin Lauper, Gerry Steed,Brian Bradley, Bill Corbett and Dave Blauvelt.

OnApril 18, aCOMET classwasheld at the unionhall with 16 young apprenticewiremen in attendance.These youngmembers showed interest, enthusiasmandunderstanding regarding the importance of organ-izing.These are thememberswhowill lead us in thefuture. Itwas rewarding to see their spirit.

David Blauvelt, P.S.

ApprenticeGraduating ClassL.U. 175 (c,em,i,lctt,mt,o&u), CHATTANOOGA, TN—Congratulations to the Local 175 inside wiremanapprenticeship graduating class of 2009.

The 2009 graduates are: Kelly Burch, MatthewCarson, Ernest Christiansen II, ChristopherCrumley,James Davis, Jarrod Doremus, EricDuncan, WilliamFlippo II, Dustin Gilliam, David Glover Jr., MarshallGorman, JasonGriffith, Mike Hardinger Jr., JasonHargis, Logan Haynes, Nicholas Henderson, JustinHiggins, Jesse Lewis, Charles Lovern, GregoryMcMasters, IsaacPatrick, Steven Patrick, ChristopherPerry, Christopher Pope, Ronnie Raby, ChristopherReed,Matthew Royse, Michael Smedley, BryanSmiley, Michael Smith, TeddySmith Jr., David Speer,EricThreat, Michael Watkins, RobertWilliams andThomasWilliams. Wewish all these new journeymenthe best of luck in the future.

Support your local union. Union meetings arethe first and third Mondays of the month.

Keith Owensby, P.S.

‘Ahead of the Curve’L.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WA—Thanks to theAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,which was signed into law by Pres. Obama, the localis able to stay ahead of the curve in training our con-tractors, journeymen and apprentices in photo-voltaic systems to keep up with the new demand fortrained professionals. This will be a great help tokeep the work union asmuch as we can.

Also we are currently teaching instrumenta-tion to journeymen. This is a great help to our localrefineries and paper mills. We appreciate all whoare taking time out of their lives to improve ourindustry and market share. If we work together,there is nothing we can’t do.

We are fortunate to have a great relationshipwith LMCCand all the locals in the state. We gettogether often to talk about ways to improve ourmarket share and industry.

Work is still slow in our local with no signs ofimproving anytime soon.Thanks again to all the travel-ers for yourhelp.We couldn’t have done itwithout you.

Robert De Velder, P.S.

AContract YearL.U. 197 (em&i), BLOOMINGTON, IL—Weare happy thatBook I has started to move after a long winter. Hope-fully thiswill continue and all our brothers and sisterswill be back towork.Weare in a contract year and look

forward to starting negotiations soon.Make sure toshare your thoughts at the local’smonthlymeeting.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson visited our unionhall earlier this summer. Mrs. Halvorson sits on theVeterans Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C.,and attended a Helmets to Hardhats seminar along-side us and other area unions. We are privileged tohave such a friend in Washington. Let’s continue togive her the support she needs.

Three of our Local 197 brothers are fighting inAfghanistan. We wish Frank Harold, Kurt Neulib andSean Tibbs good luck, safety, and a speedy returnhome from their duties overseas.

As we near Labor Day, make plans to attendthe parade and the annual picnic afterward. Wealways have a good time at our Labor Day activities.Work safe, work smart, get involved in the localunion and stay involved!

Mike Raikes, P.S.

Multiple ProjectsUnderWayL.U. 229 (em&i), YORK, PA—We have been fortunateto have full employment in our jurisdiction due tothe ES3 project being completed by I.B. Abel Inc., aBrunner Island Power Station precipitator project byNAES contractors, and a Brunner Island coolingtower project by McCarl’s Inc.

Projects getting underway include theConectivpowerhouse and a securitymodification at PeachBottomAtomicPowerStation.We currently have over450 travelers on Book2.We hope to put a few of thesetravelingmembers to work in the comingmonths.

The Voice, Data, Videomembers working forI.B. Abel on the Arm&Hammer project have beenbusy pulling thousands of feet of fiber and securitycable. The bulk of the project is being built nonunion.The craftsmanship and professionalism the uniontechs have demonstrated to the customer should payoff with additional electrical work in the future expan-

sion project and long termmaintenance.Congratulations to Ken Arnold, Ashley Bair,

Brad Chapman, Kirk Heflin, Mike Heller, IanJohnson, Brandon Potts and Jan Wolgamuth oncompleting the apprenticeship program.

Best wishes to recent retirees: Danny Bowser,LeRoy Hoff and Robert Tomes.

We mourn the brothers who passed awaysince our last article: William Holland, Rick Potterand Bill Stitt.

Mark Tomes, P.S.

OrganizingWinL.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH—Local 245won an NLRB election with the Darlington Nursing &Rehabilitation Center. This unit represents approxi-mately 24 licensed practical nurses. Now the workwill begin—to get a first contract. Congratulations tothe Darlington nurses.

Local 245 Asst. Bus. Mgr. Ken Erdmann wasrecognized by the National Labor College for hissenior project paper, “Retirement! Now the WorkBegins.” [See article in “Circuits” section, pg. 5, ofthis issue.] Congratulations, Ken.

As is the case for many locals, we are in asevere economic downturn and the constructionwork picture is slow. In fact the economy has

affected every branch of our local union. Our majorutility employer, First Energy, is also feeling the eco-nomic crunch. As of this writing, First Energy wasoffering the option of early incentive retirement toapproximately 151 eligible members at Local 245.

Local 245 is holding a food collection drive forthe Northwest Ohio Food Bank in Toledo. Even in thisdownturn of work for ourmembers, we are all fortu-nate, and I ask you to share by bringing non-perish-able food to the Local 245 union for delivery to thefood bank. Thank you for your gracious donations.

Please continue to work safely!

Philip LaCourse, Pres.

Green Jobs Expo aSuccessL.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ—OnMay 28, at theLocal 269 training facilities, Bus. Mgr. Dennis Doylehosted our local’s first Green Jobs Exposition toshowcase the IBEW’s commitment and efforts ingreen jobs training and skills. This well-attendedevent included as participants U.S. Rep. Rush Holtof New Jersey, state and local politicians, schoolboard members, contractors and financiers.

Bus. Mgr. Doyle welcomed all and spokeabout Local 269’s five-year history with solar train-ing and installation of photovoltaic systems in ourjurisdiction. He also invited those present to attendthe break-out sessions covering power purchaseagreements, grants, tax credits and the new greenjobs curriculum offered through the NJATC.

New Jersey Assemblyman/Local 269 Asst.Bus. Mgr. Wayne DeAngelo spoke on passing legis-lation covering state funding and grants availablefor future green projects.

Training Dir. Cliff Reisser described the newgreen jobs curriculum to be offered to journeymenand apprentices. He also gave an onsite tour of thesolar systems installed on the local’s four buildings.

The expo was a great success judging from theoverwhelming interest shown by participants. Asour leaders blaze the trail toward new technologies,we must prepare and train for our future.

D. Brian Proctor, P.S.

Local 229 tele-dataemployees workingat the Arm &Hammer projectinclude, from left:Shaun Linden,Jason Fink, MikeLeister, JeremySmith, Dan Baconand Kermit Keefer.

Inspecting rooftop solar array on Local 269’straining facility are, from left, Training Dir.Cliff Reisser, Bus. Mgr. Dennis Doyle andU.S. Rep. Rush Holt.



New Journeymen&MembersL.U. 307 (ees,es,i,o&u), CUMBERLAND, MD—Congratulations to Local 307’s newest journeymen.Recent graduates are: Garrett Colmer, Doug Kiddy,Joseph Lantz, Harry Mallow, Aaron Ranker, BruceSarver, EricWard and Derek Yates. We also congrat-ulate and welcome the apprentices taken into mem-bership in July. They are: Shawn Brant, AnthonyChambers, Donald Dare, Chad Ferris, Aaron Parks,Brandon Wright, Troy York, Jessie Koeing, JosephKoch, Robert Pegg, PatrickWilson, Brian Koontz andBrandon Stevens.

Members can now check for schedules,scores, updates and pictures on the softball team’sWeb site atwww.leaguelineup.com/ibewlu307.The softball team thanks all who helped with theGolf Tournament—it was a huge success! A total of96 golfers participated in the tournament.

The journeymen were victorious over theapprentices in the 2nd Annual Spring Fling SoftballGame. We had a great turnout and everyone had alot of fun. Thanks to everyone who helped with thegame and picnic, including Bus. Mgr. Rich Carder,who threw out the first pitch.

Thanks to all members who attended theHealth Care Rally in Washington, D.C. The bus tripwas quite enjoyable.

Local 307’s condolences go out to the familiesof Alton Knight and Timothy McGreevy, who passedaway recently.

Jon “Rosey” Rosenberger, R.S.

ProposedNewDevelopmentL.U. 309 (i,lctt,mo,mt,o,rts,spa&u), COLLINSVILLE, IL—Officers and Executive Boardmembers traveled toSpringfield, IL, to lobby for the passage of legislationto allowSTAR (sales tax and revenue) bonds to beused for a proposed newdevelopment. The develop-ment would be a huge shopping district, the largestever built in southern Illinois. The project is projectedto cost approximately $1 billion over a five-year buildout. The UniversityTownCenterwould cover 900 acresandwould be located twomiles south ofSouthernIllinois University in Edwardsville, II.

On the inside branch, Suncoke at U.S. Steel andAbengoa ethanol plant projects are progressing nicely.

Thanks to the traveling members from themany locals who are helping staff this work.

Also on a project at Scott Air Force Base(Transcom), many thanks to our local members forthe quality work that is moving along nicely.

Our outside branch is holding steady at thepresent and work is progressing on the muchanticipated 345 KV line in Red Bud.

The annual PAC golf tournament was onceagain a success.

Scott Tweedy, A.B.M.

Training ProgramL.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN—Our local isexperiencing the same slowdownmany other localsare. Through our training program, members areupdating and expanding our electrical job skills toalways be the best qualified electricians available.By working together with our union contractors weplan to expand our market share. Wishing all broth-ers and sisters a safe and healthy fall season.

Phil Heim, P.S.

Green EnergySymposiumL.U. 351 (c,cs,i,it,lctt,mt,o,se,spa&t), FOLSOM, NJ—OnMay 29, IBEW Local 351 hosted our first GreenEnergy Symposium at the Atlantic City ConventionCenter. This informative symposium was attendedby representatives of various companies, (AtlanticCity Electric, PSE&G, South Jersey Energy), the NewJersey Board of Public Utilities, Local 351 contrac-tors, the NJATC, as well as many elected officials.

Representatives of various architectural andengineering firms, along with wind and solar con-sultants, were available to provide answers to anygreen energy questions.

Thegoal of thesymposiumwas topromote greenenergy, aswell as toprovidevaluable answers to ourlocal and countymunicipalitiesandschool districts andhelp themmeet their goal indesign, financing, leasepurchaseagreements, credits and installationof greenenergyprojects in their communities.

The symposium was a big success and we areplanning more for the future.

Daniel Cosner, P.S.

SenatorVisits LocalL.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NV—SenateMajority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), visited ourapprentice training facility in April to throw theswitch to our first wind turbine. After the commence-ment of the 51 foot, 2.4 kilowatt Skystream 3.7 windturbine, Sen. Reid held a town hall meeting to dis-cuss several topics concerning green energy.

In May, the Electrical Workers Minority Caucusheld its annual barbeque for the members andtheir families. Also the same day, the local held itsfirst annual “hawgs and Harleys” event. The HarleyDavidson ride covered 100 miles around Las Vegasand was followed by an awards ceremony and draw-ing for the over 200 participants. A live band featur-ing Local 357 members performed.

The last piece of structural steel was set in placeat our newhiring hall location on June 22.We expectto be dispatching from this new location in April 2010.

The annual picnic on Sept. 26 will be at a dif-ferent location this year. Instead of Sunset Park, itwill be at Floyd Lamb State Park. We hope to see allour members attend this event.

Tim Bolton, P.S.

Generosity in ToughTimesL.U. 387 (em,lctt&u), PHOENIX, AZ—When times arebad that’s when our communities need us themost. And members of IBEW Local 387 once againstepped up to donate more than $730,000 to theUnited Way and its partner agencies throughoutArizona and NewMexico as part of Arizona PublicService 2009 Community Services Fund Campaign.That’s more money than some entire companieswith more than 10,000 employees raised!

Each year, the goals for theAPSemployee-ledcampaign are raised, and each year our unionbrothersand sisters are up to the challenge.We even increasedournumber of Union LeadershipGivers (thosewhocontribute at least $42 apaycheck) from253 to 336during the year’s campaign.That’s a remarkableachievement, given these times of belt tighteningaround the country. Time and time,weheard the samesentiment fromour generous givers: I feel fortunate tobe in the position I’m in, and there are people outthere who need thismoneymore than I do.

As the2010CSFCampaign is coming up fast,we’re once again counting on that generosity tomake adifference in the communitieswherewe, our families,our co-workers and ourneighbors live, workandplay.

Sam Hoover, P.S.

Solidarity Key toSuccessL.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO, ID—One thing constant in life is change. Inmy opinion itis imperative that we exercise solidarity through thegood times and the bad—in these times of a difficulteconomy, in an ever advancing electrical industry, inall branches and classifications within the IBEW.

As new ideas for organizing are introduced inareas with lowmarket share, wemay have to acceptstrategies that are outside our comfort zone. But soli-darity is the key to our success, from the Internationalto the local to individual members. We don’t have todo it alone, whichmakes change easier to accept.

With successes at the local union level—suchas holding job fairs and planting IBEW seeds, work-ing to break downmisconceptions about the organ-ized labor movement, participating in communityevents, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, andpursuing the green energy industry—we are movingforward in a positive manner.

Our annual picnic held July 11 was a greatopportunity for the membership to visit those wedon’t see often enough and to recognize longtimemembers with service pin presentations. Thanks toall who participated.

Congratulations to recent retirees Paul Carverand WilliamMacFarlane.

We extend condolences to the families ofrecently deceasedmembers Brian Swanson andJohn Sant.

Mike Lee Miera, V.P./Org.

NationalWater Tapping ChampsL.U. 483 (catv,lct,o&u), TACOMA,WA—Congratulationsto IBEW Local 483 members Michael McCaffrey,Geff Yotter and Doug Reed—who work in the WaterDepartment at Tacoma Public Utilities—as well asCoach Bob Dimond from Teamsters Local 117, for fin-ishing in first place at the National Water TappingCompetition this year.

The American Water Works AssociationNational Tapping Contest is a competition of skill inwhich water operators from across the U.S. workagainst the clock to open a cement-lined, ductileiron pipe and install a tap.

This win placed the TacomaWater Team as therepresentative of North America in the 2010WorldWater Cup event, to be held in Chicago. The teamwill compete in three types of tapping—to includeUK, Dutch and American tapping. If they turn in atime like they did at the national competition, theyshould do well next year.

Also, congratulations to the Local 483 mem-

Local 307 Pres. George Koontz administers the oath of membership to new members.

IBEW Local 351 hosted a Green EnergySymposium at the Atlantic City ConventionCenter. IBEW members installed theConvention Center rooftop solar panels andthe wind farm windmills pictured here.

Southern Nevada Joint Apprenticeship Dir.Madison Burnett (left) and Senate MajorityLeader Harry Reid throw the switch to a 2.4kilowatt wind turbine.

Tacoma Water Tapping Team wins 2009national championship. IBEW Local 483 teammembers are, from left, Michael McCaffrey,Geff Yotter and Doug Reed. Not pictured isteam coach Bob Dimond, Teamsters Local 117.

Local Lines


bership on purchasing our new union hall. After fiveyears of searching, we finally found a perfect fit.Please feel free to stop by and see our new home.

To see more pictures of the Water TappingCompetition or our new union hall, visit our Local483 Web site atwww.ibew483.org.

Alice Phillips, B.M.

‘ChallengingTimes’L.U. 503 (t&u), MONROE, NY—We are all aware ofthis local having some good times, and some verybad times lately. Frontier, Unit 503.1 had furloughs;Warwick, Unit 503.2 possible layoffs; and Mirant,Unit 503.3 filed Unfair Labor Practice charges withthe NLRB. Lastly, O&R Unit 503 ratified a five-yearbargaining agreement.

Tragically, 1st Class Linemen Steve Altieri wasseriously injured on the job.

Times are hard for labor all across the country.Rest assured, our officers, executive board andstewards continue to vigorously work to secure ourjobs, rights and most important, the safety of ourmembers, despite the challenging economic timeswe all face. Please continue to support them in theirtireless efforts by attending monthly meetings,keeping informed, and striving to be the first toraise your hand when our local needs assistance.

We ask themembership to remember SteveAltieri and his family in their prayers as he goesthrough a painful and difficult healing process.Please also continue to remember themen andwomen of our armed forces as they protect our coun-try with their lives and commitment to our freedom.

Mary M. Casey, P.S.

Green EnergyProjectL.U. 531 (i), LaPORTE, IN—On June 27, IBEW Local 531did a volunteer job at St. Patrick’s School inChesterton, IN. We installed a photovoltaic array thatwill be used to teach the school students aboutgreen energy. Tracy Hall, an IBEW Local 697member,taught a four-night class about photovoltaic systemsto ourmembers who did the installation, and healso did the design on this system.

Members who participated included RandyParker, Roger Fredenburg, Fred Matuzak, AndyDrake, Tony Klimek, Don Young, Bill Wishnevski,Harry Lowenthal, Ed Forney, Rich Richey, MattLessner and Jason Pritchard.

We also congratulate our new journeymanwiremen, who recently topped out: Jacob Buksar,James Fish, Brad Glasgow, Edward Miltenberger,EricMorse, Jacob Shreve, Sean Volom and Ramon

Zacarias. Also congratula-tions to our two new resi-dential wiremen: ChadBootz and Kyle Kirsh.

Jim Switzer, P.S.

411OperatorsAwardedTrophyL.U. 543 (mo&t), SANBERNARDINO, CA—IBEWLocal 543 LivesourceOperatormembers locatedat Verizon’sMojave locationin Victorville, California,were awarded Verizon’s

First Quarter Quality CupChallenge Trophy. [Seephoto, top left.] Thesemen andwomenworked dili-gently to provide Verizon’s customers with the bestpossible 411 directory assistance service on each andevery call. Themembers of theMojave Team success-fully completed 14 weeks of scoring 100 percent inquality and not only earned first place in the districtbut also first place nationwide.

Congratulations to these proud IBEW Brothersand Sisters! They are: Rory Vetack, Kathleen Cord,YomarMorales, Brett Lawrence, JudyWickman, IreneFernandez, Maribel Zetina, Sandra Solano, SoniaDiaz, KathyMontez, Chantel Gline, NicholleBadalamenti-Rodriguez, Gloria Guydish, Geri Ewers,Jovonne Nevels, Latieshia Willcot, Stephanie Young,Diana Arroyo, Grace Flores, Amanda Hackney, NaomiLara, Jessica Franko, Shala Simmons, Tamara Kropp,DawnMitchell, PamChild, DonnaWarren, RobertaPerez, Jessica Uzonyi, Cheryl Hemenover, Ed Hall,JohnMustain, Marissa Depue, Karen Rhone, AkishaRosses, Veronica Napoli, Allen Smilden, ShaunaWallace, Jodie Dominguez, Amanda Lopez, AshleiMcMath, Danita Hunt, Nicole Ivey, Rosalba Saldivar,Alicia Kenerly, Daniel Davis and ColleenWilliamson.

Brian Peters, P.S.

SaginawUpdateL.U. 557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW, MI—We experi-enced a cool spring and a late summer in our region.The devastated economy hasn’t helped tourism inMichigan. The high cost of everything has peopledoing whatever they can to savemoney and rebuildin this eight-year slump we are experiencing.

We have a new contract likemany other localsstatewide. After a trip toWashington to settle at arbi-tration, we received enough of a raise to cover the costof increases in our health and pension programs. Ourbargaining people were able to reach an agreementwith our contractors in a timewhen nationwide jobloss is at a 25 year high. If we lookatmost industriesand agreements, we need to applaud our electedpeople for keeping conditionswhile institutingimprovements. Thanks for a great job!

Our retired membership has gained newmembers recently. But, sadly, we lost DaleSchmerheim and Dan Coe, who recently passedaway. I was privileged to know and work with bothmen. Dan was supported by portable oxygen duringhis last years, but he still always had a great smile.Dale was always jovial; he moved North to be withfamily after he retired. We wish the best for theloved ones who grieve their loss.

John E. Clemens, P.S.

‘Ready to Power Green Energy’L.U. 569 (i,mar,mt,rts&spa), SAN DIEGO, CA—OnJune 12, our local held a celebration at the SanDiego Hilton Bay Resort for 43 graduating appren-tices. Congratulations to all the new journeyper-sons, both in the Wiring and Sound Units. Yourfocus, dedication and commitment have paid off,and may you all enjoy long careers as the best inwhat you do. The 2009 Outstanding GraduateAward went to Jose Miranda; with runners-up MarkBirdsall and Mark Tabbert. The IBEW VolunteerAward recipient was Jose Miranda; the LifelongLearning Award went to John Carrington; and theJourneyman Trainer of the Year was Jack Childress.

Local 569 was one of the locals selected byInt. Pres. Edwin D. Hill to host a Green Jobs OpenHouse, held at our San Diego Electrical TrainingCenter on May 28. It was a great start for our newEnvironmental Organizer Micah Mitrosky. Over 100people attended, including a diverse cross sectionof elected officials, environmental organizations,educational entities and community members. Weemphasized to the audience that although they maynot automatically think of the IBEW when they thinkof “green,” we have actually been training for thismoment for years, and our members are skilled andready to power the green energy economy.

Nicholas J. Segura Jr., P.S.

NewSolarManufacturing PlantL.U. 595 (c,govt,i&st), DUBLIN, CA—Greetings fromsunny California. Our work picture has been any-thing but sunny. Construction in our great state hasnot seen summer unemployment like this in all ofmy 35 years. We only hope things get better beforethey get worse. Our outlook for large projects ispretty positive, but as we all know it’s the smallcontractors and the private work that keep most ofus going and that have been hit the hardest.

We recently signed two PLA’s with local schooldistricts and we have at least four hospital projectsthat should start next year.

We hope to break ground soon on a new solarpanel manufacturing plant. Solyndra of Fremont, CA,was granted a $535million federal loan that willdouble the company’s capacity to manufacture inno-vative cylindrical photovoltaic systems. This projectwill employ up to 3,000 construction workers andprovide 1,000 permanent jobs upon completion.

On thepolitical front, our state budget situationhasworsened.Weonly hope this leads to positivechange thatwould includebringing an end to a two-thirds vote needed to pass a state budget and the elec-tion of a newDemocraticgovernor inNovember 2010.

OnAug. 1 we started our Drug FreeWorkplaceprogram inAlamedaCounty, bringing our entire juris-diction in compliancewith the Internationalmandate.

Tom Mullarkey, B.R.

ProjectsUnder ConstructionL.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL—As of thissummer writing, our work situation is fairly goodwith several projects under construction. The north-ern area of the local has three separate wind turbineprojects under way, with a total of 229 units andthree separate substations. Security work continuesat LaSalle Nuclear Power House and the shutdown isscheduled for February; they are planning for 60journeyman wiremen and three welders. Theassisted living facility in Dwight has started to hire.

In the southern area the Super Computer proj-ect at the University of Illinois has started. This is thebuilding that will house what is currently the mostpowerful computer in the world. At this writing, thatproject was expected to begin hiring again in Augustof this year. We are keeping Book I working but rarelyhave been able to send out off of Book II.

Congratulations to the class of 2009 insideapprentice graduates: Jeff Holland, Matt Knoll,

IBEW Local 543’s Mojave Team 411 operators receive trophy for firstin quality nationwide.

San Diego Local 569 Apprenticeship Graduating Class of 2009.

Local 595 Bus. Rep, andBuilding Automation InstructorDavid Nelson (center, back tocamera) speaks with U.S. Rep.Gerald McNerney (second fromleft) during his visit to the JATCfor the local’s Green WorkforceTraining seminar. Nelsondescribed how the state-of-the-art lab is used for apprenticeand journeyman training.

CourtesyRegalaPhotographyStudios.



Derek Jacobs, Chris Dietz, Jesse Allen, Larry Lustfeld,AaronManuel, Matt Warren, Blake Withers andDanaMingee; and telecommunications apprenticegraduates Zachary Harrell and AndrewWacker.

Dan Hatter, P.S.

Tribute to Ernie HillL.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SANMATEO, CA—Local 617members celebrated the life of Ernie Hill at hismemorial service on June 13. The hall welcomedfamily, friends and members to share memoriesand stories about Ernie’s influence on their lives.His daughter Nancy and son Douglas recountedspecial and humorous moments shared with theirfather, as did several union brothers and friends.

Officers of the local and the labor councilspoke endearingly of Ernie’s selfless years of serv-ice to the Brotherhood and those in need.

Born inSan Francisco in 1921, Ernie and his fam-ilymoved to Burlingame,CA. As a youngman ErnieattendedCollege ofSanMateo andwas instrumentalin the campus’modernization years later. Ernie even-tually taught atCSMas an instructor in the local’sapprenticeship programand later remarked that hewas proud to “teach at the college I helped to build.”

Safety and professional installation were at theheart of Ernie’s long electrical career. He was amechanic before his time—initiating, planning andinstalling street lights for the first time along ElCaminoReal in Burlingame.This project cut the nighttime vehi-cle accident rate in half and led to the extensive projectof illuminatingBurlingameneighborhoods.

He miss you, Ernie, and thank you for yourlongtime, remarkable service to Local 617.

Dan Pasini, V.P.

News fromHalifaxL.U. 625 (ees,em,i,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA,CANADA—We recently saw our negotiations with theNova Scotia Construction Labour RelationsAssociation go to conciliation. The negotiation com-mittee requested the members vote on a final offerand a strike mandate. Three weeks later theNSCLRA requested a meeting and put a new offer onthe table. The meeting resolved eight outstandingissues. At the time of this writing, with only wageincreases left to settle and another meeting set forAug. 10, it is possible we will have a Memorandumby the time this goes to print.

Twelvemembers recently completed theirapprenticeship and achieved journeymanstatus: Bros.JohnMackenzie, Josh Patriquin, DannyBowie, AdamMacDonald,MatthewWiseman, Darrell Joyce,SamCassar, AndrewScott, KrisCarew, VaughnRhindress,JasonDemont andSister ElizabethCummings.Congratulations and good luck to all in your careers.

Work has slowed considerably and at thiswriting we have 457 members not working under

our Collective Agreement. Hopefully we have turnedthe corner in this recession and things will get bet-ter from here on.

With sadness I report the passing of retiredmember Bob Blackadar. Bro. Blackadar battled can-cer and succumbed on June 3.

In June, NovaScotia elected its first NewDemocratic Party government and amajority govern-ment at that. Hopefully this change will see improvedenforcement of labour laws to protect workers.

Reminder: Attend union meetings and getinvolved with your local.

Tom Griffiths, Pres.

Award for CommunityServiceL.U. 649 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), ALTON, IL—At theMadison County Federation of Labor 20th AnnualAwards Banquet on June 20, Local 649 Bus. Mgr.Jack Tueth received the Odell Fox Award for commu-nity service. Bro. Tueth is active in civic and commu-nity service organizations. He serves on the UnitedWay board of directors. Bro. Tueth and Local 649members have wired many homes for Habitat forHumanity, and volunteers from Local 649 installedlighting in Hellrung Park in Alton, IL. In his accept-ance speech, Bro. Tueth told the audience that heshares the award with Local 649 members. Hethanked those members who donate their time andskills to make our community a better place to live.

After the untimely passing of Bro. David Beeman,Vice PresidentMarkWoulfe held a raffle. The substan-tial proceedswere donated toBro. Beeman’swidowand children.We thankeveryonewhoparticipated.

We mourn the passing of: Bro. Edgar Jones,who served on our Executive Board for many years;Bro. Denny Davis, a telephone man known for hisprogramming and design skills; and Bro. Jim Lyons,retired wireman.

Charles Yancey, A.B.M.

GraduatesHonoredL.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OH—We welcome ournew journeymen who graduated May 22. Honoredat the graduation ceremony, held at Embassy Suitesin Dublin, OH, were: graduating wiremen Aurelio

Botello, Timothy Buck, Tyler Clark, Ryan Covert, TonyCowans, Matt Dombroskas, Jason Fairbanks, ChrisFooce, Jeremy Grooms, Doug Neighbarger, MauriceQuinichett, Gary Sever, Franklin Stewart, RobertStewart and David Wilson; and graduating installertechnician D’Juan Melson. [See photo, at bottom.]

Guest speakers were Bus. Mgr. MarioCiardelli, Apprentice Dir. Steve Lipster, Bus. AgentBill Davies, Apprenticeship Committee Chair GregStewart, and keynote speaker Dennis Duffey, OhioAFL-CIO secretary-treasurer. Our thanks to theinstructors and staff at the Electrical Trades Center.

Summer activities included the BlackWingTurkey Shoot (congratulations to Ted Glass, BobPatterson and Jeff Deckard); the Motorcycle andCustom Car Ride on June 14; the Annual ChuckBland Fish Fry, chaired by Jim Laemmle; and thesoftball team shotgun raffle on June 25.

Our condolences to the families of recentlydeceased members: Harold C. Rice, Bradley Bilyeu,Gene D. Ervin, Robert A. Pattin and Jerry Handley.

We all need to help in every way we can tosupport passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.

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

National Electrical CodeL.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se), GARY AND HAMMOND, IN—Lawrence “Buster” Pelka celebrated his 100th birth-day on May 29. Buster was initiated into the IBEW in1927 and is an 82-year member. He retired in 1973.Local 697 congratulates Bro. Pelka on his milestonebirthday, with best wishes for manymore.

The state of Indiana is balking at adopting the2008 National ElectricCode, in part because someofficials want to exclude the requirement for Arc FaultCircuit Interrupters and tamper resistant outlets.

One of the most important lifesaving provi-sions in the new code relates to AFCIs. Arcing faultsare the primary source of fire ignition in an esti-mated 30,000 homes annually. These fires annuallykill or injure hundreds of people and cause morethan $750 million in property damage. The U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development’sHealthy Homes report lists the lack of AFCIs amongthe primary residential hazards associated with

burns and fire-related injuries. With such over-whelming evidence demonstrating the efficacy ofAFCIs, a delay in adopting the 2008 NECwouldresult in fires and fatalities that otherwise couldhave been prevented in Indiana.

The 2008 NECalso contains important provi-sions relating to tamper-resistant outlets. Data col-lected by the Consumer Product Safety Commissionshows that in a 10-year period more than 24,000children were treated in hospitals for burns andother injuries from contact with electrical outlets.

David A. Soderquist, P.S.

Kudos to Recent RetireesL.U. 723 (em,govt,rtb,rts&t), FORT WAYNE, IN—Withmany wonderful members retiring recently, wethank everyone for their service and wish all ahappy retirement!

We also wish to give an honorable mention toone retiree in particular, MarkMiller. Mark has beenan invaluable member and has served our unionsince 1973. He became a union steward in 1981, andserved on our local’s negotiation team during con-tract talks with GTE and Verizon in 1991, 1997, 2000,2003 and 2006. He also represented our local as adelegate at the 35th, 36th and 37th IBEWInternational Conventions. He has been our Unit 1Executive Board member since 1990 and becamethe Executive Board chairperson in 1993. Marktouches the lives of everyone he meets and will begreatly missed. Thank you, Mark!

Michelle Barbour, R.S./P.S.

A Favorable RulingL.U. 773 (as,em,i,mo&o),WINDSOR, ONTARIO,CANADA—Work is still slow in our area. Due to thedetermined, diligentworkof Bus.Mgr. Sol Furer in ourbattle with the school board, work should pickup.

A change in Ontario legislation merged theEssex County School Board and Windsor SchoolBoard to become the Greater Essex County DistrictSchool Board. This new board claimed it was nolonger bound to IBEW contracts. After two years, theOntario Labour Relations Board ruled in our favor.

On Aug. 24, 2004, the GECDSB took legal actionto decertify the IBEW and four other unions. TheSchool Board based their legal action on a change inthe Labour Relations Act that wasmade by the formerConservative Government ofMike Harris as to whatconstitutes a company or person as a “ConstructionEmployer.” TheSchool Board claimed they fell underthe revised wording andwere not a “ConstructionEmployer” and therefore would not have to honortheir Collective Agreements with the unions.

After 4½ years, Ontario Labour RelationsBoard Vice Chmn. David McKee ruled in our favor.This decision allows Local 773 to domajor projectsfor the school board. These include: a John Campbell

Local 601 congratulates the class of 2009 inside apprentice and telecom graduates.

A blast from the past: Retired members Ken“Chip” Cole, former Local 625 president,and Bob Fader, former vice president, poseon a jobsite.

Local 697 retired member Lawrence “Buster”Pelka (left) celebrates his 100th birthday.Extending congratulations are Bus. Mgr. RayKasmark (center) and member Ray Killion.

Local 683 recognizes 2009 apprentice graduates.

Local Lines


PublicSchool $12million renovation; a $35millionschool project in Tecumseh; a $20million DavidSuzuki School project, which will be built under theLEED Platinum standard; plus renovations inLeamington and renovations atmany other schools.

David Spencer, P.S.

JATCGraduation BanquetL.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL—Our JATCbanquet andcompletion ceremony held inMaywas chaired byJonathonDehmel of the JATC.We had a combinedgraduating class of 32 graduating as journeymanwire-men and three graduating as residential wiremen.

Graduating apprenticeMichael Dearden hadperfect attendance for the entire apprenticeship pro-gram. Four graduating apprentices had perfect atten-dance for their fifth year: Michael Dearden, CalmoreJamieson, Erich Halen andGregory Roberson.

We had two fifth-year outstanding apprentices.The August 2008 outstanding graduating apprenticeis AlmaGordon and the December 2008 outstandingapprentice, Erich Halen. They both received a plaqueand a set of Klein tools. Michael Dearden receivedthe Brad FelkerMemorial Award, which honors lead-ership, volunteerism, service and academic achieve-ment. Local 915 extends best wishes to the graduatesfor a successful and prosperous career.

Local 915 members extend our sincere sympa-thy to Bro. Bill Kira on the loss of his son, Bro. SteveKira. Bro. Steve was killed by electric shock on thejobsite. Please remember how dangerous our tradeis and the need for continued safety.

Theresa King, P.S.

RioGrandeValleyUpdateL.U. 1015 (em&i), WESLACO,TX—Local 1015 RioGrandeValley/Laredo has pulled together as theymake every-thing possible for their local union. Despite the trou-bles in our economy, Local 1015 has stuck together asbrothers and sisters and now the time has comewhen all the hardworkhas paid off, as the road leadsus to a greater future. Now Local 1015 has settled intoa great new 2,500-square-foot facility inMcAllen, TX,and is looking to grow themembership and educatethe entire RioGrandeValley electrical industry.

Local 1015 wishes to thankSeventh Districtbusiness managers who have helped us get wherewe are today. Their contribution is greatly appreci-ated. We send a message to our brothers and sis-ters: “We can do anything we put our minds to aslong as it’s together as a union.”

Ray R. Duran, P.S.

MakingStrides inMembershipL.U. 1049 (lctt,o,u&uow), LONG ISLAND, NY—Evenwith the current economic downturn, we at Local1049 continue to make strides in expanding ourmembership rolls. We recently signed J.A. Lee, awireless Internet installer. After National Gridacquired KeySpan Energy we knew there would bejob losses due to workplace synergies. OurOrganizing Committee continually explores allopportunities to increase our market share, includ-ing, at Bus. Mgr. Robert Shand’s direction, currentout of contract classifications within the utility.

Our Safety Advocate Program continues togrow. Every division within the local has its ownsafety advocate. During a recent Utility Conference,

Bus. Mgr. Shand gave a presentation about the pro-gram. Numerous locals expressed interest in start-ing their own programs and are sendingrepresentatives to further explore our program.

In the fall we will start the process of prepar-ing to negotiate a new collective bargaining agree-ment on behalf those members who work under ourLine Clearance Tree Trim contract. The current agree-ment expires in December.

See you at the next general meeting. Check outour new, improvedWeb sitewww.ibew1049.org.

Thomas Dowling, R.S.

NVEnergyBargainingL.U. 1245 (catv,em,govt,lctt,o,pet,t&u), VACAVILLE,CA—Memberswere voting in August on a newbene-fits agreementwith PacificGas& Electric that offerscurrentmembers enhanced vision, dental and ortho-dontia benefits, an increased companymatch on401(k) plans, and a newHigh Deductible HealthSavings Plan option, while raising co-payments onmostmedical plans from 3.75 percent to 7.5 percent.The agreementwould also remove the cap on com-pany contributions tomedical premiums for currentretirees and begin adjusting benefits for inflation. Forfuture retirees, the agreementwould establish RetireeMedical SavingsAccounts for both retiree and spouseto replace the current systemof capped benefits.

Bargaining was set to begin this summer withNV Energy—formerly Sierra Pacific Power.Retirement issues were expected to be a major fac-tor in the negotiations.

The union produced a list of 15 safety recom-mendations following a Safety Summit wheredozens of linemenmet at Weakley Hall to analyzethe causes of recent serious accidents and fatali-ties. The summit was moderated by TransmissionTroubleman Russ Rylee.

Eric Wolfe, P.S.

JATCClassof 2009GraduatesL.U. 1253 (i),AUGUSTA, ME—Congratulations to ourJATCClass of 2009.Graduation was heldJune 19 in Fairfield. InAugust Tim Faderattended the NationalTraining Institute inMichigan as ourOutstanding Appren-tice of the year.

Our annual family picnicwill be Saturday, Sept.12, at the Skowhegan KOACampground. The event isbeing organized by the upcoming 4th year JATCclass.We encourage all to come and enjoy the day.

Thanks to the efforts of the Building andConstruction Trades (including members of thislocal union), public school construction was addedto projects covered by the state prevailing wage rateduring the past legislative session.

We mourn the loss of Bro. Ray Thibodeau, whodied June 22. We extend sincere sympathy to hisfamily. He will be greatly missed.

William Gifford, P.S.

Kudos to Recent RetireesL.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY,MD—Congratulations to sixmemberswho recently retired: Randy Jopp, DavidMitchell, Billy Nichols, Bill Ringgold, Richard RobinsonandGeraldTribeck. All were employed byChoptankElectricCo-Op and retired in November 2008

Bro. Jopp beganworkatChoptankElectric in1983 andwas a transportation and equipment techni-cian. He served on the E-Board for one term.

Bro. Mitchell started at Choptank in 1990 as acommunication clerk. He became a tree trimmer in1991, an apprentice lineman in 1992, and a journey-man in 1995.

Bro. Nichols began at Choptank as a commu-nication clerk in 1985. He was an operations fieldhelper and transferred to engineering fieldman.Billy served on the E-Board for nearly two terms.

Bro. Ringgold started at Choptank in 1979 as atransportation and equipment mechanic, advancedto technician in 1983, and later worked as seniortransportation and equipment technician.

Bro. Richardson came to Choptank in 1990as a storeroom attendant’s helper. He alsoworked as system controller, garage attendantand storeroom attendant.

Bro. Tribeck began at Choptank in 1974. Hebecame a tree trimmer and later machine equip-ment operator. He entered the apprentice linemanprogram and became a chief lineman, later workingas serviceman.

Best wishes to all for a happy retirement.

Edward D. Sparks, F.S.

‘A RoughRide’L.U. 1357 (t), HONOLULU, HI—Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec.Scot Long and his team continue to work withHawaiian Telcom as Chapter 11 proceedings moveforward and reorganization decisions are made,affecting operations and our members. It has beena rough ride for us, and we continue to work in part-

nership with Hawaiian Telcom, keeping dialogueopen and seeing positive results in many cases. Theteam is receiving support from IBEW Int. Rep.Harold Dias Jr., and through it all our members con-tinue to be the best, work the hardest, and recog-nize their union’s diligence.

Local 1357 Vice Pres. Thomas Grogan and localunion Rep. Kimi Koge are putting the final toucheson our 2009 Labor Day Golf Extravaganza, to be heldSept. 5 at the Makaha Resort and Golf Club on Oahu.This year’s fundraiser will be a joint effort withHawaiian Telcom, benefiting the Hawaii Food Bank.

The local union staff and our Unit 10 officerscontinue to workwith IT&E to develop a PerformanceIncentive Plan for our Saipan brothers and sisters.Such an agreement would give thesemembersanother benefit to enjoy as a result of their hardwork and dedication. Meanwhile, our Unit 10 mem-bership continues to grow.

Karenann Wedge, P.S.

Walk to Cure CancerL.U. 1505 (em), WALTHAM, MA—September isalways a very proud month for our local. We haveparticipated in the Walk to Cure Cancer event sinceits inception 11 years ago.

The Massachusetts AFL-CIO created this eventand to date has raised over $6 million for cancerresearch. The cancer center on the fourth floor ofthe Lazare Medical Research Building is named theMassachusetts AFL-CIO Cancer Research Center as aresult of these efforts.

Local 1505 Bus. Mgr. David Johnson, elected asa vice president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, takesthe leadership roll in coordinating the walk for ourlocal once again. This year’s walkwill be heldSept. 13.TheMassachusetts AFL-CIO had committed to raise$5million several years ago and has exceeded thatamount by raising more than $6million in an effortto eradicate this disease. Bus. Mgr. Johnson is proudof ourmembers who generously donate money andcollect pledges as well as walk that day along withthousands of other trade unionists.

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

‘Boot Camp’L.U. 1523 (u), WICHITA, KS—Westar Energy held itsfirst ever Line Apprentice Pre-Qualification “BootCamp.” For nine days, 15 students received trainingfrom seven IBEWWestar journeyman linemen asinstructors and Westar’s Training Department.

For participants this was an opportunity to getthe firsthand basics and fundamentals of becominga journeyman lineman. It also pre-qualifies them

Local 1245 Foreman Don Kreuter (center)speaks up at the union’s recent Safety Summit.He is flanked by Tim Shaughnessy (left) andSteve Jensen (right). All are employed by theSacramento Municipal Utility District.

Local 1253 OutstandingApprentice of the yearTim Fader.

IBEW Local 1307members participatedon the teamrepresenting NRGEnergy in a recent Biketo The Bay event, whichraised more than$11,000 for multiplesclerosis research.



for a 3½ year apprentice lineman program. The bootcamp begins building a foundation for good andsafe work habits, skills, knowledge and respect forline work. Through contract negotiations, it wasagreed to create a pool of potential apprentice line-man. Candidates who complete the boot camp willbe the beginning of the pool.

With completion of the apprentice program,they will be able to qualify as a lineman with Westarand throughout the United States.

IBEWhistory, basicelectricity, CPRand first aidare just a fewofmany topics participantswill be testedon.Safety remains a number-onepriority. As linemanall know, given themany challenges facedwith every-daywork, not only the electricity but alsoworking in allkinds ofweather, excellent training is key.

Candy C. Cruz-Dodd, P.S.

AJEATTGraduating ClassL.U. 1547 (c,em,i,o,t&u), ANCHORAGE, AK—TheAlaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training Trustschool recently turned out its largest telephoneclass of COPBX, I&R, Line and Splicing hands. [Seephoto below.] The third-year graduating telephoneclass comprises apprentices from all over the state,including southeast, south central and interiorAlaska. We congratulate Tyler Aklestad, AndrewDavis, Ruther Frank Echiverri, Carl Gephart, RobynGile, Sean Honeman, Robert Jewell, Shawn Landers,Travis Mill, Skip Naylor, Todd Whitmer, Josh Young,Brandon Carle, Sean Cavanaugh, Jeremy Cloudy,Chris Hubbard, Nathan Olson, Andrew Pullen, SvenWestergard, Jeremiah Wolf, Keith Zemke andAndrew Ziegler on their progress in the trade.

Journeyman lineman Joe Hodge recentlyreceived his 40-year pin. Bro. Hodge was initiatedinto Local 1547 on June 1, 1970. He is a formerExecutive Board member.

Local 1547 recently hosted the Ninth DistrictProgressmeeting in Anchorage. More than 200 dele-gates enjoyed great weather and hospitality in theLand of theMidnightSun. We appreciate Int. Pres.Edwin D. Hill’smeeting with employees fromChugach ElectricAssociation, one of Alaska’s largestutilities, and our Anchorage training facility packedwith apprentices of all three trades, to give them anupdate on upcoming challenges and opportunitiesfacing the electrical industry.

Melinda Taylor, P.S.

Officers ElectedL.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA—Our local held elec-tions in June. Congratulations to Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec.Ken Ward on his re-election for another term. Otherofficers elected are: Pres. Raymond Hawkinberry,Vice Pres. Roy Stampley, Rec. Sec. Rick Dubose, andExecutive Board members Marty Allen, Travis Bell,Kevin Chriswell, Dennis Dickey, Wayne Irby, ErnieMiller and Eric Swearingen. Delegates to theConvention will be Bus. Mgr. Ward, Asst. Bus. Mgr.Will Salters and Pres. Hawkinberry.

Thanks to the Judge ChuckWoods and TellersDennis Dupuis and TommyMoseley for the great jobthey did during the election. Thanks also to every-one who participated and voted in this past election.

Our work situation is still very slow but isexpected to improve. Work at the Savannah Riversite and the outage at Plant Vogtle will put many ofour members back to work.

Visit our Web site atwww.ibew1579.org forthe latest news and upcoming events.

Until next time, buy American.

Will Salters, A.B.M.

Health Centre ProjectL.U. 1739 (i&o), BARRIE, ONTARIO, CANADA—IBEWmembers from Locals 1739 Barrie, 1687Sudbury, 105Hamilton, 894 Oshawa, 586 Ottawa and 115 Kingstonare working for Dennco Electric andTriple D Electric atthe North Bay Regional Health Centre, which isscheduled to open in 2010. [See photo above.]

We thank Local 1687 of Sudbury for providingwork opportunities for the many travellers workingat this project.

Frank Kastle, P.S.

Golf Tournament FundraiserL.U. 2325 (t),WORCESTER,MA—Congratulations torecently re-electedBus.Mgr. Dave Keating aswell as allofficers and Executive Boardmembers also elected.

Local 2325 recently held its annual golf tourna-ment, with all proceeds going toward the secondannual MarkBoodenScholarship Fund. Our fundrais-ing efforts were successful and will once again allowus to provide this scholarship to a worthy student.This year’s tournament winners were the Jamie Cicerofoursome. Special thanks go to 50/50 winners CalebCharette andChris Doyle, who generously donatedtheir winnings back to the scholarship fund.

Our local was honored to participate in theIBEW day of action on June 25 in support of healthcare for everyone. The rally was held in Washington,D.C., at the Upper Senate Park in sight of the Capitolbuilding. It was awe inspiring to see so many unionmembers, from both the IBEW and other unions,joined together in one purpose and one voice.Thank you to everyone who traveled to Washingtonto support this important cause.

Paul Mark, P.S.

AJEATT Dir. Dave McAllen (far right) and, at far left, Instructors Bill Merry and Curtis Dunham joingroup photo with Local 1547 members of the third-year telephone class.

Local 2325 Press Sec. Paul Mark (right) andExecutive Board member Dan Manning attendlabor-wide health care rally in Washington, D.C.

IBEW members from several locals, including Local 1739, are working at the North BayRegional Health Centre project in Ontario.


place to dine. At this writing we were planning aSept. 13-19 trip to Branson, MO.

As of press time, Board members Isabel Owenand Dolores Barrett have had somemajor healthissues and we’ve kept them in our prayers.

Remember the needy in our organization andthose defending our country as well.

We’re always looking for the members to helpout on the Board. If you’re interested, we meet onthe second Wednesday of the month at the hall. Buyunion, buy American!

Frank A. Maisano, P.S.

AwardsPresentedRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 86, ROCHESTER, NY—OnMay 28 we had our annual breakfast meeting atMcGinnity’s restaurant with 45 members attending.At the meeting, Bro. Art Salvione received a certifi-cate acknowledging him and his wife, Mary, as“Retiree Volunteer of the Year.” Pres. Jim Schneiderreported that he presented two brothers who arehomebound with their service pins: Bros. JohnBlend, a 55-year member, and Bill Pinkerton Sr., a65-year member.

With the help of our retirees, led by Bro. Ray

Hewitt, Project Hope was recently completed.Project Hope was to completely rebuild and addadditions to a house for a needy family in our juris-diction. This was all done in under four weeks.

We recently had our annual picnic at ourunion hall. The picnic was hosted by Local 86 mem-bers, officers and staff. It was a beautiful day for apicnic with great food that was enjoyed by 150retirees and spouses.

Don Peters, P.S.

Mayor PraisesUnionWorkRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 99, PROVIDENCE, RI—Ourmeeting inMay consisted of ourAnnualMayBreakfast, held at theMarriott Hotel. It waswell-attended and enjoyed by all. Wewere pleased to havein attendance ProvidenceMayor DavidCicilline, whospoke of the excellentworkbeing done by Local 99.

Recently, Bro. Robert Beardwood planned afishing trip that was very successful with fun for all.

Since our last publication we have been sad-dened by the recent death of several retired broth-ers: Charles Purdy, Bento Aguire, JohnWalsh,Raymond Petraca, William Butler, WilliamMcDonaldand AnthonyMusumeci. May they rest in peace.

In July we enjoyed attending a PawSox Gameat McCoy Stadium as well as a great cook-out.

Although we do not hold ameeting in July andAugust, the local has been very generous to us andwe are grateful for their interest and assistance inkeeping the spirit of brotherhood alive. The local hassupported us with ourChristmas luncheon, theMaybreakfast and the PawSox ballgames. Local 99 hasshown us the true spirit of brotherhood by their lead-ership. We cannot thank everyone enough.

Raymond Germershausen, P.S.

Computer ClassHeldRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 103, BOSTON, MA—As wemove into the 21st century, computers play a largerrole in our lives. Communications in general, frombanking to mail and newspapers, are affected bywidespread use of the Internet.

Many of our Local 103 Retirees Club membersare eager to becomemore familiar with ways to uti-lize computers.

Recently a union newsletter on a DVDdiscwasmailed to each Local 103member. Later, at a RetireesClub luncheon, half the attendees acknowledged notknowing how to view the disc. Bus.Mgr.MikeMonahan andApprenticeshipTraining Dir. Leo Purcell

Local 86 retired member Bill Pinkerton Sr.(seated) receives his 65-year service award.Standing are Bill’s sons, both also Local 86retirees: 45-year member Bill Pinkerton Jr.(right) and 36-year member Pete Pinkerton.

Local 103 retirees and others attend computer training class. Among those joining the groupphoto is JATC Training Dir. Leo Purcell (front row, right).

Pensioners LuncheonRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 3, NEWYORK, NY, WEST-CHESTER/PUTNAMCOUNTY—Seventymembers fromour chapter attended the 33rd Pensioners Luncheon inNewYorkCity in February. Everyonehad a great time,met old friends and enjoyed reminiscing.

Our Local 3 pension director, ThomasGallagher,opened themeeting andwelcomed 1,500 retirees.Our businessmanagermentioned that our pensionsand hospital planswere stable. Good news.

At the time of this writing, members andspouses were scheduled to go to our newEducational Center in Cutchogue, Long Island, onAug. 10-13. Look for my report in December letter.

Awards for service in Local 3 were presentedto: Chm. Dominic Peronti—for 55 years of service;Walter McAlpin—60 years of service; JosephScaringi—55 years; and James Domini and MichaelHelwig—50 years.

Condolences from the officers andmemberswere sent to families of twomemberswhopassedaway: Bro. AlbertMatthewsand longtimememberBro.JohnKelly, whose smile and Irishwitwill bemissed.

My grandson received his journeyman card inJune. He is a fourth-generation journeyman.

Best wishes from our Retirees chapter to yourchapter.

Edward Rubow, P.S.

Tribute to Past PresidentRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 41, BUFFALO, NY—The club’ssummer picnic for members and spouses or signifi-cant others was well-attended, and donations tothe auction/raffle were plentiful. Proceeds from theauction benefit spouses of deceased members whoretired before 1990, via the Harry Mueller Fund.

The union hall hosted a luncheon in Augustfor all retirees; members received service pins atthis event. The luncheon was in lieu of our Augustmeeting. Also on the agenda for August was aTriple A Buffalo Bison ballgame.

September brings the annual outing for theentire local at the VFW Post 8113. A Christmasbrunch is planned for December.

On a sad note, RetireesClubmembersmournthe passing of our past president of 11 years, AlMeyers. Al was a great president. He alsowas our tour

leader, alongwith hiswife, Sis, formany outstandingtrips in the U.S. and abroad. Al will be sorelymissed.

Our next regular meeting is in October. All newretirees are welcome.

Tom Feger, P.S.

Update fromDetroitRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 58, DETROIT, MI—Greetings!I missed the previous issue for submitting Retireesarticles and I apologize. Anyway, ourMarch lunch-eon was at the Gazebo in Warren; over 90membersand guests attended. We had a great time as always.

April brought the Retiree’s Pin Party. Wewerefortunate to have as a 65-year pin recipient JohnBunetta. What a great accomplishment by a wonder-ful brother. John “Ace” Gagnon, Joe Dutts and FredSchroeder received 60-year pins. The 55- and 50-yearpin recipients were plentiful also. You know you’re ina great gathering when you’re getting on in years andyou hear a “hey kid, come here” from nearby. What agreat feeling.

Our June 24 luncheon was at the Port Huronarea at the Black River Country Club, a beautiful

Retirees

Local 3, Westchester/Putnam Chapter, Retirees Club members attend 33rd Local 3 PensionersLuncheon.

Local 58 Pres. Elaine Crawford and Bus.Mgr./Fin. Sec. Joe Abdoo present 65-yearservice award to retired member JohnBunetta.



instituted a computer class, taught by instructorsTomRasmussen and Rich Burdickduring normal work-week hours and evenings, to extend to retirees theopportunity to use a computer. Sixtymembers are cur-rently enrolled.

We recently returned fromWashington, D.C.,where a Local 103 delegation attended the Allianceof Retired Americans Legislative Conference. At theIBEW pre-conference meeting, we were apprised oflegislation affecting retirees by IBEW HumanServices Carolyn Williams. We delivered our objec-tives to our congressional representatives. We alsoenjoyed a tour of the IIBEWmuseum and IBEW his-torical sites conducted by Int. Rep. Michael Nugent.A tip of the cap to Carolyn and Mike.

Leo E. Monahan, P.S.

IBEWWatchesAwardedRETIREESCLUB OF L.U. 130, NEWORLEANS, LA—Atthe June 25 general meeting, Retirees ClubmembersHenry Haas andWilliam Nauckwere awarded IBEWwatches for 60 years of Local 130 service. Since June21, 2001, some 52 IBEWwatches have been awardedto clubmembers, courtesy of the club.

Our club started collecting dues after theWorld’sFair in 1985 andhas95 activemembers at the presenttime. Dues are currently $35 per year andwearealways open for newmemberswith IBEWpensions.

We have four membership meetings per yearwith the Christmas party being the last one of theyear. Members and guests are invited to attend.There will be food, refreshments and entertainmentat all meetings.

We are saddened to report the passing ofBrothers: Salvador Caccioppi Sr., Frank Cannata,Alfred Gifford, Ray Gray Sr., Henry J. Lambert Jr., EarlA. Rolling, Orrell Will and Fred Zimmerman. Bro.Zimmerman, who was a dedicated club worker,passed awayMay 29 and especially will be missed.May our brothers rest in peace!

We extend get-well wishes to Winfield Salathe.Until our next article in December, God bless

America and our troops.

Buddy Carver, P.S.

‘Our BrothersHonored’RETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 134,CHICAGO, IL—Summer, ifthat iswhat you call it, is going by fast. Theweather islike a yo-yo.Well at leastwedon’t have to shovel it. Ourclub is doing fine; the programshavebeen interesting.

We honored our 50-, 55-, 60-, and 65-yearretirees with a luncheon. The occasion included

music and lots of reminiscing about past jobs.Congratulations to the honorees and also to thebrothers who couldn’t make the party.

The John Cummins Golf outing is Sept. 24 atLong Wood Country Club in Worth, IL. Starting time is8 a.m. Results will be posted in our next article. Let’scome out and play like TomWatson or John Daly.

Our next big club event is our corned beef din-ner in December. Stay healthy, be happy…see you inthe next issue.

Richard E. Bronars, P.S.

Great ParticipationRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 257, JEFFERSONCITY, MO—TheRetireesClubmet June 30 for ourmonthly luncheonat the GibsonGirls Restaurant in Holts Summit, MO.The 2009-2010 officers were elected. Because of thegreat job they have done, the officers were re-electedby acclamation. They are: Pres. Jerry Rehagen, VicePres. Betty Nichols, Sec./Treas. June Lenger;Executive Committeemembers Bob Kauffman, OrvalLenger and AliceMurray. We thank them for theirhard work keeping us informed of club activities andplanning our luncheons and events. We also thankCharlotte Baxter for all her hard work in recent yearsas our former secretary/treasurer.

As of this July writing, future events include aluncheon and trip to Arrow Rock, MO, for a show atthe Lyceum Theater, and participation in the LaborDay parades in Mokane and Jefferson City, MO.

Our retirees support the RetireesClubwith greatattendance and participation.We invite all Local 257retirees, their spouses and guests to join us on thelastTuesday of eachmonth at1 p.m.Wemeet at dif-ferent locations in centralMissouri eachmonth.Anyone interested in attending one of our luncheonsshould call Local 257 for contact information.We enjoynew faces and all Local 257 retirees are invited.

Delores Melloway, P.S.

Summer ActivitiesRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 291, BOISE, ID—There were35 in attendance at our June potluck picnic. Harryand Kay Price graciously provided the location in

Nampa, ID. Many thanks to our cooks, Don Harness,Duane Ferguson and Stan Brassfield.

I am saddened to report the loss in June of 61-year IBEWmember Cecil Dean.

The local held its annual picnic in July atMunicipal Park in Boise, where some of ourmembersreceived service awards. Congratulations to Bill Stith(60 years of service), IreneMcMillin (55 years), DelRay (50 years), Herb Endicott (40 years), DaveWolff(40 years) and John Busack (15 years).

We welcome our newest members: Dave andJanette Wolff, and Darrel and Janet Cornell.

Stan Brassfield, Pres.

RegularMeetingsResumedRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 424, EDMONTON,ALBERTA,CANADA—Local 424’s retirees are verymuch a viable“presence”within the local. After several years of inac-tivity, they are again holding regularmeetings everysecondmonth, for the timebeing, in bothUnit 1Edmonton andUnit 2Calgary, and are ready to take onsomeprojects, the first being our annual pancakebreakfast held during the 10-day Edmonton Exhibition.

Some retirees in both units are taking com-puter training classes, made available by TrainingDir. Ray Matthews and his super staff in both train-ing centers. The Retirees extend a heartfelt “thank-you” to the Training Center people, the EducationFund Trustees and the ECAA for the opportunity. Thenext order of battle for the “Vets” will be electionsin November of a Unit Executive Committee in bothEdmonton and Calgary.

These retiredmembersworked a lifetime in con-struction, and have awealth of knowledge and expe-rience to share. They also serve as a reminder that thebenefits we have today are in large part due to theircontributions over the years in advancing the interestsof Local 424. Retirees are also a reminder to youngermembers that the job is not yet finished, and it is theywhomust now complete the bridge to the future.

Dave Anderson, P.S.

ScenicMountain TownRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 449, POCATELLO, ID—TheRetirees Club met July 16 in Mackay, ID, a smallmountain town in central Idaho surrounded bymountains and history. Mackay is a perfect spot torelax and just enjoy the “good life.”

Members met on Thursday, July 16, at thelocal Ken’s Club for a delicious prime rib dinner,good conversations, joking and laughter. On Friday,July 17, we met again in the local park for a potluckpicnic and more conversations while soaking in thebeauty and serenity of the area.

This is the third year we have held our Julymeeting in Mackay and plans are already made fornext year’s Mackay meeting.

Luella Wetherbee, P.S.

Service Award RecipientsRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 530, SARNIA, ONTARIO,CANADA—Retirees of Local 530, for the most part,spent their entire working careers initially buildingand then maintaining the electrical system requiredof an industrial project the size and cope of Sarnia’sChemical Valley.

At the Local 530 Annual Dinner DanceBanquet, held at the Dante Club on Nov. 14, 2008, atotal of 17 retirees received years-of-service awards.Local 530 Bus. Mgr. Mickey Cataford presented serv-ice pins to recipients in attendance.

Recipients were: for 35 years of service—VaclavLysek, JamesWright; for 40 years of service—RobertH. Blakey, Edward Russell, JohnWeeke; for 45 years—Kenneth Bryce, William J. Bush, Edward J. Fellows; for50 years—Wilbur Anderson, E. “Tim”Giese, PeterSchenk, Donald Paul Vail, Hendrick “Hank” Visser;and for 55 years—Richard G. Harris, RegentLamoureux, JohnMcLellan and Leonard H. Scarrow.

Congratulations to all retired journeymen whoreceived recognition in 2008. Our club finds it reas-suring that we are able to come together with theactive work force in such a positive way.

Our retirees are proud of the legacy they haveleft in theworkplace. They are also proud of the highstandard of workperformed by ourworkingmembers.

Nancy Stinson Philbin, P.S.

Local 130 Retirees Club members HenryHaas Sr. (front row, left) and William Nauck(right) receive IBEW watches. Making thepresentation are George Clesi (back row,left) and Ronald Gurtner.

Local 134 Pres. Richard Rioux (middle row, third from left) and Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. TimothyFoley (middle row, third from right) congratulate Retirees Club members honored atluncheon. Front row, from left: Paul Magruder, Paul Gerk, Allan White, Stanley Sowizrow;middle row, William Guidotti, Michael Gaglione, Rioux, Foley, Larry Wolfenschnider, RobertTurek; back row, John Gardner, Phillip Boshes, Warren Koerner and Kenneth Erdman.

Among Local 530retired members andservice awardrecipients are, fromleft: Jack McLellan,Pete Schenk, CyFugere (2007recipient), RobertBlakey, Jake DeJong(2007 recipient).


RetireesRetirees

Researching Photo ArchivesRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 611, ALBUQUERQUE, NM—We are still working on the Local 611 archives andhistory for our 100th anniversary in 2013. Retireesare reviewing the 100-plus pictures we have in ourarchives. On request, we will gladly ship pictures toany member who would like to help us identifyunion members in photos on file.

The work situation has slowed. At this writing,100 are on Book I and 215 on Book II. The large jobin Unice, NM, has the largest number of Local 611members, while the Rio Rancho hospital and DesertRock jobs are still on hold.

The Local 11 Retirees annual ChristmasBrunch and gift exchange is in December, so watchyour mail for location and date.

Hopefully everyone read the “Letters to theEditor” published in the July Electrical Worker. AChicago Local 134 member wrote about “buyingAmerican” and not supporting vehicles not made inAmerica. We retirees of Local 611 support the letterwriter’s views.

Our condolences to the families of brotherswhopassed awaysinceMarch: AlvinSteen Jr.,MikeSalway,Wayne Faul, Harold L. Lawand LeoVictor Jones.

Please remember ourmemberswhoare fightingillness and those in assisted living andnursing homes.

Tracy Hall, Pres.

Report fromAtlantaRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 613, ATLANTA, GA—The June 17meeting of the RetireesClub was a great success. TomMcGuire opened themeeting with a prayer and thenled us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Bus. Mgr. GeneO’Kelly explained the change in the Book 1 system. Inmy opinion this is the best thing that has happenedin decades. This change will free up an assistantbusinessmanager and a secretary from policing theirhome book. We did, and will continue to, hold a raffleformembers and their spouses.

We sadly mourn the following members: TravisYearwood, Jerry Pickard, Newby Thurman, GeorgeMorgan, Gary Guthrie, Jerry Adams, Roy Entrekin,George Ford and Ronald Napty Jr.

Blake McLeod, Pres.

Service AwardsPresentedRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 654, CHESTER, PA—On Feb. 28,Local 654 held a 70th anniversary party at the unionhall. Several retirees attended the party as guests ofthe membership.

In looking back at one of my old Journal letters,fromMarch 1977, I saw where a letter dated Nov. 4,1938, was sent fromChester, PA, to the followingaddress: G.M. Bugniazat, IBEW, Washington, D.C.

The letter read as follows: “DearSir: Kindly sendby returnmail an application for a charter in yourorganization. Yours Truly, Clifford E. Browning.”Othercommunications continued, a petition formembershipwas filed and those involved succeeded in receiving anIBEWcharter on Feb. 17, 1939.Through those earlyefforts and sacrifices, todaywe are IBEWLocal 654.

Service awards were presented to the follow-ing retirees: for 40 years of service—Bob Bruno, JoeDellavecchia, Bob Fitch Jr., Joe Igo, Larry Laslett,John McCafferty, Walt Mitchell, Jim Sissons, AlecWalklett; for 45 years—Wayne Edwards, WayneHeacock, John Thompson Jr.; for 50 years—JohnBarlow, Jim Connors, Ray McCool, Richard Osman;for 51 years—Herb Osborne; for 55 years—WilliamGoldstein; and for 70 years—John A. Grasso.

Congratulations to all.

Francis “Jeep” Hanley, P.S.

Visit to IBEWHeadquartersRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 666, RICHMOND, VA—TheRetirees Club expresses our appreciation to thelocal union for sponsoring our bus trip on May 2 tovisit the IBEW I.O. headquarters in Washington, D.C.[See photo above.] We enjoyed a delicious brunchat J. Paul’s Restaurant in Georgetown. This restau-rant was a boarding house in the late 1890s andwas the residence of the Brotherhood’s first presi-dent, Bro. Henry Miller.

Our guide for a tour of the IBEW headquartersand museum archives was then Int. Rep. MikeNugent, who served as archives curator. Bro.Nugent gave us a fascinating tour. We particularlyenjoyed the view of Washington from the building’sobservation deck and the extensive museum dis-play of IBEW history and memorabilia, including agreat collection of early electrical equipment.

On our way home, we visited the NationalMuseum of the Marine Corps at Quantico, VA. Therealistic displays were interesting and brought backmemories of the sacrifices that have been made tokeep us a free nation.

Mary Ann Bernier, P.S.

Benefits AgreementNegotiatedRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 1245, VACAVILLE, CA—Long-sought improvements to retiree medical benefitswere on the line as members prepared to vote on anewly negotiated benefits agreement at Pacific Gas& Electric. The tentative agreement, if ratified,would increase company contributions to medicalpremiums for current retirees. The company wouldalso make substantial contributions toward estab-lishment of Retirement Medical Savings Accountsfor future retirees.

“It’s a good thing for everybody,” said formerPG&E technician Jim Parker, 83, a Local 1245Retirees Club, Santa Rosa Chapter, member.

“Every little bit counts,” said retired PG&Emeter reader Warren Templeman, 82. Templemannoted that both he and his wife would get an extra$40 a month toward their premium starting no laterthan June 2010, and that company contributions,

At the June Local 611 Retirees Club meeting,retirees Glen Frazier (left) and Ralph Garcialook over hundreds of photos in the local’sarchives.

which are currently capped, would be indexed forinflation going forward.

“For me, this is going to be great,” said KenRawles, Santa Rosa Chapter recording secretary.“This will be $2,500 each year starting in 2011 to gotoward premiums.”

Santa Rosa is one of five chapters of the Local1245 Retirees Club that have worked for years toremove the cap on company contributions to retireemedical premiums. Retirees have courted supportfor their cause from other retiree groups, state andfederal legislators, the newsmedia and currentunion members, who will be the retirees of tomor-row. Other chapters of the Club meet in the SouthBay, East Bay, Vacaville/Sacramento, and Merced.

Local 1245 retirees who are interested in start-ing a chapter in their area may contact union officemanager Tonya Alston at (707) 452-2718.

Eric Wolfe, P.S.

Local 666 Retirees Club members enjoy a tour of the IBEW headquarters building in Washington, D.C.

Members from several chapters of the Local 1245 Retirees Club rallied at the PG&E annualshareholders meeting in May to ask the company to address the problem of rising medicalcosts for retirees.

Attention AFL-CIOConvention Delegates!

If you are a delegate and attending the AFL-CIOConventionSeptember 13-17in Pittsburgh, the IBEWPolitical/Legislative Departmentwants to know.

Please e-mail the following information to:[email protected] or fax to (202) 728-6245:

� Name

� Local union number

� Title

� State Federation orCentral Labor Council

� E-mail address

� Mailing address

� Work phone number

� Cell phone number

� Fax number

� Shirt size



In Memoriam

1 Csukas, L. L. 5/23/20091 English, T. 6/18/20091 Jaromack, H.W. 5/15/20091 Meyer, A. K. 4/11/20091 Mundwiller, V. 5/31/20093 Alexander, H. 4/17/20093 Barry, J. A. 6/7/20093 Bartholomew,W. N.4/12/20093 Bowen, G. O. 2/19/20093 Davis, R. 2/17/20093 De Marco, R. 4/26/20093 Eligon, A. J. 5/7/20093 Galante, N. J. 3/15/20093 Kitton, S. 3/10/20093 Ling, J. 4/9/20093 McCullough, G. K. 3/12/20093 Merandi, L. 5/9/20093 Moore, R. N. 4/1/20093 Norton,W. 5/2/20093 Ouyoung, F. J. 3/18/20093 Pleickhardt, E. 5/5/20093 Purpura, A. P. 5/13/20093 Ridge, B. J. 6/9/20093 Schonleber, A. J. 6/17/20083 Snead, L. E. 5/9/20093 Stella, V. N. 5/18/20093 Wengler, M. 5/27/20095 Lauten, B. F. 5/29/20095 Werner, R. J. 4/2/20096 Steers, R. D. 4/14/20097 Percoski, F. P. 4/2/20098 Jankowski, C. S. 5/16/200911 Bogema, K. T. 5/19/200911 Friedenberg, L. 3/17/200911 Huffman, L. E. 4/19/200911 Lasalle, J. A. 5/18/200911 Levy, A. 5/9/200911 Mendelle, M. T. 5/7/200911 Penny, C. S. 5/20/200911 Pierce,W. M. 4/15/200911 Titcomb, M. A. 1/3/200511 Willbrandt, A.W. 4/19/200911 Wright, C.W. 6/17/200816 Henderson, M. V. 4/25/200918 Ferris, R. L. 4/17/200918 Storto, A. J. 8/26/200820 Hooker, A. D. 5/12/200920 Rains, D. M. 5/5/200922 Babb,W. R. 6/1/200922 Sykora, E. H. 5/25/200924 Brazezicki, C. A. 12/20/200824 Fitzberger, K. J. 5/19/200924 Lusco, J. E. 4/28/200924 Piechota, J. A. 4/24/200924 Reynolds, D. C. 5/30/200924 Zimmerman,W. A. 3/23/200925 Androvic, R. G. 5/18/200925 Briggs, N. S. 5/28/200925 Gleckler, H. R. 5/24/200925 Quit, C. A. 6/6/200926 Best, C. R. 6/4/200926 Foote, D. E. 3/15/200926 Hanko, E. F. 5/3/200926 McCabe, J. J. 1/16/200926 Moncrief, B. D. 3/29/200932 Remaklus, L. J. 3/15/200934 Gudeman, E. G. 4/7/200935 Calbi, C. F. 3/19/200935 Davis, J. D. 1/21/200935 Hamilton, M. M. 12/29/200835 Torneo, J. A. 6/4/200938 Dorenkott, R. A. 6/14/200938 Nichols,W. J. 12/27/200741 Williams, L. 4/11/200942 Castellan,W. 4/19/2009

43 McDougall, N. E. 4/27/200943 Waloven, E. J. 5/21/200946 Holt, J. H. 3/24/200946 Overly, R. F. 3/30/200946 Sunde, N. O. 5/16/200946 Todd, S. M. 5/19/200946 Wasielewski, J. K. 2/16/200946 Wright, B. M. 4/29/200947 Carbone, L. J. 11/25/200848 Addington, J. B. 6/6/200948 Hersch, A. 1/5/200948 Sherry, C. L. 5/22/200950 Lewis, J. V. 1/3/200951 Obermiller, L. R. 2/19/200951 Shaw, R. E. 2/22/200957 Forsberg, S. 11/16/200857 Peters, J. P. 1/20/200958 Hurst, H.W. 3/14/200958 Kirkwood, J. R. 3/5/200958 Lerman, S. 5/14/200958 Melloy, K. J. 4/2/200958 Newton, J. P. 4/25/200958 Schulte, P. R. 6/10/200958 Shaffer,W. A. 6/6/200958 Smutzki, P. J. 12/23/200858 Somes, F. J. 3/3/200958 Unthank, D. J. 5/6/200960 Hahn, F. C. 5/13/200964 Yacovone, N. 5/9/200966 Davidson, T. K. 5/13/200966 Krenek, P. P. 4/22/200966 Penny, D.W. 12/27/200868 Castleman, C. H. 3/18/200968 Kitzman,W. H. 5/14/200968 Pinz, R. L. 3/4/200968 Rossorelli, R. 5/6/200968 Sadusky, M. R. 5/6/200970 Lovelace, S. R. 4/14/200971 Driskill, G. H. 1/3/200971 Graham, J. L. 3/20/200973 Bohnet, D. L. 5/7/200973 Broberg, R. 5/14/200973 Myers, J. E. 4/9/200976 Tilton,W. H. 3/28/200977 Browning, L. E. 6/1/200977 Crutcher, J. M. 5/26/200977 Hoffman, E. M. 6/7/200977 La Pas, L. L. 5/10/200977 Shepherd, H. J. 5/30/200977 Worby, E. B. 6/1/200980 Harrell, B. E. 5/16/200980 Tatem, M. R. 5/22/200981 Bockelkamp, F. P. 4/7/200982 Osterfeld, J. D. 5/26/200986 Hansen, R. 4/25/200990 Cave, R. E. 8/5/200890 Connelly, J. E. 1/10/200996 Rudzinski, R. S. 6/2/200998 Breslin, J. R. 6/12/200998 McManus, S. D. 4/22/2009102 Clark, C.W. 4/2/2009102 Lee, E. H. 5/17/2009102 Previti, J. L. 12/17/2008102 Thoms, E. V. 1/19/2009102 Vockel,W. F. 5/10/2009103 Atkinson, B. B. 4/15/2009103 Donovan, P. F. 4/30/2009103 Dufresne, R. A. 6/2/2009103 Erskine, J. F. 5/8/2009103 Johnson, C.W. 5/24/2009103 Kincaid, B. L. 5/30/2009103 McHugh, F. J. 5/16/2009103 Miller, R. A. 4/8/2009103 Nagim, F. 5/10/2009103 Radomskas, V. J. 4/25/2009

104 Lohnes, B. J. 12/16/2008105 Mihailovich, B. 3/10/2009110 Foss, D. A. 5/16/2009110 Koelndorfer, B. V. 5/11/2009110 Snelson, P. E. 5/13/2009113 Beckley, T. 5/12/2009124 Holeman, G.W. 5/6/2009124 Jenkins, L. P. 5/13/2009125 Beard, D. D. 5/1/2009125 Olson, S. D. 12/21/2008126 Smith, R.W. 2/27/2009130 Bertucci, J. M. 2/13/2009130 Gifford, A. F. 4/7/2009130 Will, O. R. 5/24/2009134 Calvert, D.W. 3/3/2009134 Donaldson, J. D. 5/22/2009134 Ganatos, M. A. 5/18/2009134 Golombiewski, J. A.5/10/2009134 Hatzis, A. 5/15/2009134 Jarzombek, R. A. 5/2/2009134 Lundquist, C. H. 4/21/2009134 Mau, R. J. 5/8/2009134 Prasher, M. A. 5/29/2009134 Selzer, R. L. 4/29/2009134 Shea,W. B. 5/6/2009136 Craft, G.W. 6/25/2009139 Terwilliger, A. S. 12/21/2008143 Crouse, R.W. 5/13/2009145 Howe, M. B. 5/10/2009145 Pfitzenmaier, B. F. 5/13/2009146 Wrigley, M. A. 5/12/2009150 Lahey, D. J. 6/22/2009150 Raven, T. 5/22/2009158 Bergemann, T.W. 4/18/2009160 Christianson, D. 5/28/2009164 Boyd, C. 5/25/2009164 Popp, J. J. 6/1/2009164 Rawnsley,W. H. 6/14/2009164 Tarabar, M. L. 3/23/2009164 Volpe, J. A. 5/16/2009164 Warner, L. A. 4/19/2008164 Yurewicz, J. R. 5/21/2009175 Baggett,W. L. 10/21/2008175 Callahan, D. E. 5/27/2009175 Parson, H.W. 3/2/2009176 Tucek,W. 5/30/2009177 Fowler, C. E. 2/1/2009177 Freeman, L. T. 5/7/2009193 Headen,W.W. 4/13/2009194 Arrington, C. D. 2/24/2009196 Flaharty, D. L. 5/26/2009212 Fussner, R. A. 11/2/2007212 Hillen, L. B. 6/11/2009212 Jaccod, J.W. 5/28/2009213 Bourget, R. I. 3/23/2009213 Cowell, M. A. 3/30/2009213 Kocsis, T. 4/21/2009226 Ortgies, E. M. 6/5/2009226 Trollope, R. C. 3/25/2009230 Campbell, E. G. 3/6/2009236 Bottisti, J. J. 6/8/2009236 Davis,W. M. 6/17/2009245 Jensen, R. I. 5/6/2009258 Singleton, K. F. 4/30/2009266 McIntosh, D. R. 9/22/2008275 Sruba, I. 4/21/2009278 Durham, J. E. 4/28/2009278 Mendez, R. S. 5/14/2009288 Boesen,W. J. 5/16/2009292 Adkins, R. S. 4/29/2009292 Haag, R. G. 2/13/2009292 Sherwood, R. L. 5/30/2009295 Sandusky, J. E. 4/6/2009300 Ronner, A. F. 4/15/2009302 Grossen, J. E. 2/22/2009

302 Ramey, H. E. 3/28/2009303 Smart, J.W. 5/18/2009307 Raley, R. J. 4/28/2009309 Panzau, C. A. 9/11/2008317 Thomas, D. C. 6/19/2009322 Anderson, J. K. 9/2/2008322 Middleton, D. G. 5/8/2009326 Vardner, J. A. 12/11/2008329 Martin, C. D. 5/18/2009332 Cameron, C. E. 6/1/2009332 Carney, J. T. 6/1/2009332 Doerr, P. R. 5/24/2009332 Vollers, D. L. 5/8/2009340 Clark, E. R. 3/24/2009340 Fritts, R. D. 1/18/2009340 Wyman, J. S. 4/20/2009342 Edwards, J. E. 6/10/2009343 Christensen, D. R. 5/7/2009343 Wiese, D. A. 5/7/2009349 Green, J. R. 5/22/2009351 Dyner, S. M. 1/23/2009351 Sparks, G. P. 5/23/2009352 Hath, G. D. 5/18/2009353 Berriault, B. A. 6/8/2009353 Ellis, J. 6/10/2009353 Gaddi, C. 5/31/2009353 Heenan, T. J. 5/19/2009353 Hyndman, A. L. 6/20/2009353 Kirk,W. 6/7/2009353 Petropoulos, E. 5/31/2009353 Pomeranz, I. 6/13/2009353 Sullivan, E. A. 6/14/2009357 Reber, R. 5/13/2009357 Redmond, J. R. 5/5/2009363 Clearwater, E. V. 4/29/2009363 Lawless, J. P. 4/3/2009363 Schmit, R. C. 6/8/2009369 Bailey, A. R. 4/25/2009369 Fancher, K. D. 5/23/2009369 Schurch, H. L. 5/15/2009369 Whitehead, R.W. 5/9/2009379 Burgess, C. L. 5/27/2009387 Boyd, J. F. 4/8/2009400 Ennis, C. L. 11/12/2008405 Fitzgerald, D. M. 5/17/2009424 Carter, G. J. 3/25/2009424 Nikolic, M. 4/10/2009429 Barrett, J. D. 5/4/2009429 Harris, J. L. 4/10/2009429 Jackson, C. D. 12/7/2008440 Johnson, J. T. 4/21/2009441 Armstrong, A. G. 4/12/2008441 Johnson,W. D. 5/15/2009441 Mongeon, L. G. 5/14/2009441 Williams, N. 4/18/2009441 Wilson, D. A. 1/4/2008441 Yakimov, A. S. 3/7/2009443 Ross, J. D. 6/20/2009445 Ellis, A. C. 3/18/2009456 Fessel, J. 6/1/2009456 Kowitski, R. G. 5/16/2009456 Saunders, G. T. 4/23/2009459 Spence,W. D. 2/28/2009465 Hyde, R. L. 3/30/2009465 Williams, R. D. 5/24/2009474 Newman,W. L. 5/15/2009477 Linden, B. H. 1/19/2009479 Childers, J. C. 5/11/2009479 Hall, B. B. 5/31/2009479 Hardy, C. A. 4/6/2009480 Kinstley, B. S. 4/22/2009481 Manns, D. E. 5/27/2009481 Sparks, H. M. 5/3/2009488 Kiley,W. J. 5/15/2009488 Merli, J. E. 5/17/2009

488 Silverstone, N. 1/19/2009488 Wills, C. J. 10/30/2008490 Montminy, P. H. 5/21/2009494 Behringer, A. 6/7/2009494 Schuster, A. 1/14/2009499 Lewis, E. E. 5/6/2009499 Schmidt, G. C. 5/21/2009502 Leblanc, J. 5/4/2009505 Robinson, J. T. 2/18/2009505 Ross, J. J. 5/22/2009527 Einecke,W. E. 1/31/2009527 Sonnenburg, P. R. 5/27/2009530 Jackson, E. J. 4/16/2009531 Kubsch, H. H. 3/19/2009558 Alexander, R. G. 5/11/2009558 Bedingfield, J. H. 6/10/2009558 Carroll, E. 5/14/2009567 Allaire, R. K. 5/11/2009569 Alba, J.W. 5/29/2009569 Ragle, R. E. 1/4/2009570 Jordan, M. 5/27/2009573 Martin, L. E. 5/25/2009595 Lee, A.W. 3/3/2009595 MacLean,W. 4/16/2009611 Law, H. L. 5/13/2009613 Ford, G. D. 6/13/2009624 Whitehurst, O. H. 5/23/2009640 Elsner, H.W. 4/14/2009640 Uetz, D. C. 3/19/2009648 Helm, R. E. 5/27/2009648 Schuster, T. L. 4/30/2009654 Bolt, H. R. 5/12/2009659 LaMar, R. F. 3/31/2009659 Robinson, I. C. 6/1/2009666 Poindexter, C. H. 6/14/2009673 Hudson, D. C. 4/1/2009676 McCranie, O. J. 3/10/2009683 Handley, J. L. 5/8/2009688 Young,W. R. 3/12/2009692 Allen,W. J. 5/18/2009700 Perkins, C. D. 1/22/2009701 Mason, L. E. 9/28/2007701 Wood, J. B. 5/4/2009702 Durham, M. 5/24/2009702 Herrmann, C. H. 4/26/2009702 Lamb, D. J. 4/27/2009702 Murphy, J. E. 6/29/2009708 Padilla, M. 5/30/2009716 Barefield, M. L. 5/1/2009716 Hostetter, M. E. 1/2/2009716 Reeves, J. R. 4/9/2009716 Speegle, L. P. 5/3/2009716 Stacks, C. L. 5/23/2009716 Yates, C. D. 4/16/2009728 Arnold, S.W. 5/18/2009728 Eagle, B. R. 3/2/2009728 Ferguson, J. B. 6/1/2009728 Hayes, R. M. 5/24/2009728 Riassetto, B. 4/20/2009728 Somers, J. L. 3/6/2009756 Kelley, C. E. 5/10/2009756 Severson, M. J. 5/16/2009760 Cunningham, E. E. 4/14/2009767 Messina, N. A. 4/23/2009769 Jensen, L. L. 10/14/2008772 Burkett, H. 3/9/2008776 Pou, I. 6/3/2009799 Dralle, E.W. 4/18/2009799 Portwood, R. F. 1/4/2008804 McKeown, T. 4/23/2009804 Youngdahl, E. 5/1/2009812 Weinhardt, G. G. 4/27/2009814 McCloud, K.W. 5/4/2009

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

PBFDeath ClaimsApproved for Payment in July 2009

Note: In order to providemore relevant information, beginning with this issue we have changed InMemoriam to include the date of death. This replaces the previously published amount paid.

MEMORIAM continued on page 20


HOWTO REACH US

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

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

©2009 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

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

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

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

T here’s an old adage that goes: “Fool me once, shame on you.Fool me twice, shame on me.”If Verizon gets the go-ahead to proceed with its planned $8.6

billion sale of its landline systems in 14 states to FrontierCommunications, then it’s shame on all of us.

As we report in this issue, in every instance the telecom gianthas sold off a section of its more rural system to a smaller company,it’s been a disaster for both our members and both business andresidential consumers.

A year after Verizon’s sale of its northern New England opera-tions to FairPoint, a small and underfunded carrier, FairPoint is onthe verge of bankruptcy, leaving angry customers and our membersstuck, while the same public commissions that approved the sale areasking how this happened. And the FairPoint executives who engi-

neered this disastrous sale? At least three of them landed safely with golden parachutes while the restof us are left to deal with the mess they created.

I don’t take any particular comfort in saying, “We told you so.” I’d rather see political, businessand community leaders take to heart the lessons of history.

We can’t expect companies like Verizon not to sell its operations in more remote parts of the coun-try to lessen its debt load and focus on big-money urban markets. And we can’t hope that the execu-tives of the purchasing telecoms won’t be tempted to take the money and run during the post-salebubble that inevitably precedes the crash. But we can demand that federal and state regulators do theirjobs and look out for the public interest. It’s time for an end to the type of corporate deal making thatgot us into the current painful recession.

We are going to let regulators and public officials know that customers and telecommunicationworkers aren’t about to get fooled again.

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

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

A s Congress considers whether to make major reforms inAmerica’s health care insurance system, media attentionhas focused on town hall meetings where elected represen-

tatives have been shouted down and disrupted even before they canexplain their positions on proposed legislation.

I’m all for passionate debate, but citizens and leaders alikeneed to base our decisions on facts.

Too many citizens are denied insurance by private carriersbecause of pre-existing health conditions, raising the premiumsboth on employers who offer insurance and individuals who are for-tunate enough to still have coverage. A growing number of Americansare being forced into bankruptcy because of medical costs. At thebargaining table, local unions are under increasing pressure to agreeto higher deductibles and co-pays.

One of the solutions proposed to bring down the costs of health care is a public, government-spon-sored insurance option that would provide competition for insurance companies and lower costs in theprivate market. Unfortunately, the public option has been unfairly branded by opponents of real healthcare reform—including highly profitable insurance companies—as “socializedmedicine,” which will leadto the collapse of private insurance. And they’re slandering Canada’s health care system in the process.

None of the three major health reform bills in Congress calls for “socialized” medicine. I agree withthe Maryland activist who was reported as saying that predictions that a public option will put privateinsurers out of business are no more accurate than saying that public libraries will drive private book-store chains into bankruptcy.

Shutting down health care reform would hurt a lot of working families. But it just might help biginsurance companies that profit from the current system. Some of those companies are spending mil-lions of dollars in advertising to spread untruths about the need for health care reform.

As trade unionists, we need to be just as passionate and active on health care reform as are thosewho twist the facts to protect their vested interest in the status quo.

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

Lindell K. LeeInternational Secretary-Treasurer

Fight Backwith Facts

Edwin D. HillInternational President

Won’t Get Fooled Again

EXECUTIVEOFFICERS

Edwin D. HillInternational President

Lindell K. LeeInternationalSecretary-Treasurer

INTERNATIONALEXECUTIVECOUNCIL

ChairmanRobert W. Pierson

First DistrictJoseph P. Calabro

Second DistrictMyles J. Calvey

Third DistrictJohn R. Clarke

Fourth DistrictWilliamW. Riley

Fifth DistrictStephen Schoemehl

Sixth DistrictGregory A. Lucero

Seventh DistrictPatrick Lavin

Eighth DistrictRick Dowling

INTERNATIONALVICEPRESIDENTS

First DistrictPhillip J. Flemming

Second DistrictFrank J. Carroll

Third DistrictDonald C. Siegel

Fourth DistrictSalvatore J. Chilia

Fifth DistrictJoe S. Davis

Sixth DistrictJoseph F. Lohman

Seventh DistrictJonathan B. Gardner

Eighth DistrictTed C. Jensen

Ninth DistrictMichael S. Mowrey

Tenth DistrictRobert P. Klein

Eleventh DistrictCurtis E. Henke

THEELECTRICALWORKER

EditorEdwin D. Hill

C. James Spellane

MarkBrueggenjohann

Mike Nugent

Malinda Brent

Len Shindel

Carol Fisher

Alex Hogan

Lucas Oswalt

James H. Jones

Len Turner

Hannah Herbst



Solidarity. For labor veterans,it’s a term that invokes feelingsof brotherhood, camaraderie

and the sense that somebody’s gotyourback—andvice versa. Butwhatdoes itmean to a youngworker juststarting off in the trade?

San Mateo, Calif., Local 617Vice President and JATC instructorDan Pasini posed this question onenight last spring to his classroom ofthird-year inside wiremen appren-tices. Pasini asked the apprenticesto expound on the principle of soli-darity in short essay form—and hewas impressed with the results.

“The students’ observationsand reflections were nothing lessthan insightful, discerning, honestand brilliant,” Pasini said. “The per-ception and wisdom contained inthose pages was encouraging.”

Here’s what some newer brothersand sisters of Local 617 think aboutthe meaning of solidarity:

“Every time I run into a co-worker whileI’m out, put onmy Local 617 sweat-shirt, go to class, go to work, completea hard day’s work, learn somethingnew,meet a new co-worker or even cel-ebrate a holiday (without pay), I feelproud. This sense of pride doesn’tcomewith an ‘I.’ It comes with a ‘we.’”

– Justin Clark

“Solidarity is more than just stickingtogether for a common purpose. It’sdoing the right thing when it isn’teasy. It’s doing what is right evenwhen you may end up on the shortend of the stick. It’s doing what isright even when nobody would everknow if you took the easy way out.”

– Dave Wilson

“Growing up as the son of a unionelectrician, I would hear storiesabout how organized and united theIBEW was. For the most part, if oneperson walked, they all walked. Ifone demanded certain conditions tobe met, everyone demanded them tobe met. [It means] not leaving any-one behind to fight alone, becausewe are stronger together.”

– Mike Perez

“Acts of compassion build solidarity.Being an apprentice, you are usedto cleaning, moving and roundingup material—all the hard physicallabor of the trade. But you feel soli-darity when a journeyman wiremansays, ‘I’ll grab the material, yourelax. Put up a piece of pipe or thinkabout the next task.’ This expressionmade me feel equal, made me feelimportant and made my belief inthis union stronger.”

– Abe Talakai Jr.

“We don’t all have to have the samepoint of view on every issue, but weall have the same things that matterto us. Every person needs health carefor their families. Everyone has tomake a living to be able to live theway they want to. But we could allbenefit from helping each other outto make our lives better.”

– Leah Sachs

“It is not easy for us to change ourattitudes to a ‘we’ instead of ‘me’mentality. If we were able to startmaking solidarity a part of our liveson a small scale, I feel like we wouldbe more willing to expand solidarityto other aspects of our lives as well.”

– Eric Sloan

For Pasini, the class’ writings signalgrowing union strength among thenewer generation of workers.

“The younger people aren’t justour future—they’re our present,”Pasini said. “To have them writingand thinking about solidarity in thisway lets me know that the power ofour movement is well-intact.” �

Lettersto theEditor

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

WhoWeAre

WhatStimulus?With 300 of my Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Local 728 brothers and sisters and more than200 in the local north of me out of work, these are some very dire times. I havecalled and written my state senator, U.S. senator and congressman—and not onecan tell me where the stimulus or infrastructure jobs in my state are.

In May, the news advertised a job fair for a Florida Power & Light solar plantto be built in Martin County. In two days, 8,000 people rolled through. The sadthing is that the nonunion contractor is from out of state and will use nonunionand out-of-state applicants for this two-year construction project. Several tags onvehicles were from South Carolina, the very state whose governor said he wasn’taccepting stimulus money.

Brothers and sisters, we need employment and fair wages from our leadersand politicians, not promises. Where is the stimulus money and projects? Ourunion contractors are being underbid by out-of-state, nonunion contractors whodon’t pay their fair share for health care to their employees. Where are the jobs?

Scott NolanLocal 728 member, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

ABreath of Fresh AirThe article in the July Electrical Worker, “IBEW Green-Job Training Facilities Aroundthe Country Open Doors to Public,” highlights the current ecological trend towardbuilding environmentally sensitive structures and generating renewable energy. Itshowcases how the IBEW is ahead of the curve in training the work force that willallow all of this to succeed.

What is not mentioned is the rare opportunity we have to implement a posi-tive shift in basic workplace safety as these construction innovations appear.Providence, R.I., Local 99 is working with groups like the Rhode Island Committeeon Occupational Safety and Health to sponsor a policy for jobsite safety named“Green During Construction” that could, and should, be a mandatory componentof all green construction. It would require any contractor who bids for work to followguidelines which would preserve safe air quality while the building is going up.Failure to do so could result in fines or debarment.

Response from the general publichas been supportive. The community sur-rounding the jobsite is reminded that it breathes the same air thatwe do. There is noreasonwhy that air should be contaminated, and there is no reasonwhy constructionworkers should be precluded from enjoying protections that the rest of society enjoys.

Patrick BradyLocal 99 member, Providence, R.I.

Strengthening theBrotherhoodAfter attendingmy firstCOMET (ConstructionOrganizingMembership EducationTraining) class, I wanted to go out and let all the nonunion electricians knowhowmuch better it is on our side. A short while after being turned out, I was blessedwiththe opportunity to serve Riverside, Calif., Local 440 as an organizer. On June 24, JoeMendoza and I held our firstCOMET class inwhichwewere the instructors, and this isthe picture of ourmemberswho attended. I would love for all of ourmembers in 440 toknowhow important it is to organize and inform the unorganized. I have become afirm believer thatCOMET can be an excellent tool in strengthening our Brotherhood!

Bernie BallandLocal 440 member, Riverside, Calif.

Members of Riverside, Calif., Local 440 attend a ConstructionOrganizing Membership Education Training class.

‘The Principle isSolidarity’ApprenticesWeigh in on theThread that Connects theMovement

San Mateo, Calif., Local 617 third-year inside wireman apprentices completed a class assignment extolling thevirtues of solidarity in the workplace and in the Brotherhood.

www.ibew.orgFrom breaking news to video news stories, our updatedWebsite has information not available anywhere else.

IBEW on the Huffington PostInternational President Edwin D. Hill has a new blog on theHuffington Post. Read it monthly at www.huffingtonpost.com.

NEW! IBEW on FacebookConnect with the IBEWon Facebook to get the latest news,videos and other updates from the IBEW. Become an IBEW fanon theworld’s fastest-growing social networking site.www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/International-Brotherhood-of-Electrical-Workers/109756549871?ref=nf

IBEW on TwitterPresident Hill has joined the latest social networking scene.Find out what’s on his mind at http://twitter.com/IBEW_IP.

YouTubeThe IBEW has its own channel on YouTube, devotedexclusively to videos about the IBEW and its members.www.youtube.com/user/theelectricalworker.

HourPowerCheck out two IBEWmembers who joinedthe Union Sportsmen’s Alliance … andappeared aswinners on the Versuschannel’s “Escape to theWild program.”www.ibewhourpower.com.

ElectricTVWe take you to theheart of New York’s Times Square and show you how the NewYork Times Co. is saving $600,000 on its energy bill by trustingthe IBEW-NECA team to install the latest lightingcontrols.electricTV.net.

IBEWMEDIAWORLDIn addition to your monthly issue of TheElectrical Worker, check out the wealth ofIBEW-related information in cyberspace.

In Memoriam

816 Travis,W. B. 5/1/2009841 Gamble, R. A. 4/26/2009852 Cowley, R. H. 4/22/2009855 Ramsey, L. D. 5/5/2009861 Surles, J. G. 6/1/2009865 Drab, J. 12/3/2008876 Houck, M.W. 10/2/2008903 Martin, H. R. 4/26/2009910 Reff, G. F. 5/24/2009910 Tarwater, H.W. 5/27/2009915 Janet, R. D. 5/21/2009915 Kira, S. J. 5/29/2009915 Moon, R. H. 6/4/2009934 Elliott, T. J. 5/1/2009948 Rivers, J. E. 4/22/2009949 Rapp, L. A. 5/26/2009953 Gunnes, T. P. 4/28/2009970 Anshutz, R. L. 5/25/2009970 Whitman, D. D. 6/2/2009975 Ryckman, D. L. 5/6/2009993 Watkin, A. 5/24/2008995 Gassie, A. E. 5/19/20091049 Ittig, T. C. 3/21/20091186 Oshita, J. O. 4/28/20091212 Silver, S. L. 5/23/20091220 Prokes, P. H. 4/5/20091228 Crowhurst, S. F. 5/3/20091249 Copeland, D. F. 4/3/20091249 Winn, J. L. 4/30/20091253 Rancourt, K. D. 11/22/20081306 Greear, F. R. 3/31/20091306 Woodrey, B. P. 12/5/20081319 DePhillips, A. G. 5/31/20091319 Gulczynski,W. 6/2/20091340 Hirst, J.W. 3/19/20091362 Boehm, A. M. 3/31/20091393 Cruzan, C. G. 5/6/20091393 McCormick, R. H. 5/5/20091393 Rhine, J. D. 6/12/20091464 Harvey, A. D. 3/25/20091547 Barineau, G. H. 3/31/20091547 Henley, S. C. 6/5/20091701 Rowan, J. B. 5/30/20091701 Self, H. G. 1/17/2009

I.O. (76) Taylor, D. R. 6/13/2009I.O. (104) Miele, S. A. 4/25/2009I.O. (134) Ponto, R. V. 3/29/2009Pens. (317) Thomas, J. 5/24/2009Pens. (323) Gregg, E. R. 5/26/2009Pens. (561) Young, N. H. 3/12/2009Pens. (637) Ford, B. L. 4/4/2009Pens. (694) Uscilowski, S. 3/14/2009Pens. (1788) Longley, L. F. 3/1/2009Pens. (I.O.) Albert, R.W. 5/21/2009Pens. (I.O.) Alter, R. F. 5/8/2009Pens. (I.O.) Bacon, H.W. 2/27/2009Pens. (I.O.) Bowden, L.W. 3/19/2009Pens. (I.O.) Braun, H. F. 4/8/2009Pens. (I.O.) Carlock, M. 3/18/2009Pens. (I.O.) Crawford, H. F. 6/1/2009Pens. (I.O.) Crawley, G. G. 12/6/2008Pens. (I.O.) Duffey, J. S. 5/7/2009Pens. (I.O.) Ford, J. E. 3/20/2009Pens. (I.O.) Givens, T. 3/2/2009Pens. (I.O.) Granade, J. R. 12/24/2008Pens. (I.O.) Gudgeon, K. L. 5/25/2009Pens. (I.O.) Guinn, F. E. 5/12/2009Pens. (I.O.) Gurley, S. G. 6/5/2009Pens. (I.O.) Henry, A. L. 2/1/2009Pens. (I.O.) Henry, C. J. 1/29/2009Pens. (I.O.) Jackley, J.W. 4/24/2009Pens. (I.O.) Jalkanen, A. 5/24/2009Pens. (I.O.) Lopresti, J. A. 6/10/2009Pens. (I.O.) Marrese, V. D. 2/19/2009Pens. (I.O.) Mayer, E. C. 5/29/2009Pens. (I.O.) Meehan, J. C. 3/2/2009Pens. (I.O.) Mosley, G. L. 5/15/2009Pens. (I.O.) Pierce, C. F. 6/2/2009Pens. (I.O.) Rexrode, K. A. 2/18/2009Pens. (I.O.) Roberts, R.W. 5/30/2008Pens. (I.O.) Russell, C. D. 3/13/2009Pens. (I.O.) Schiestl, L. F. 5/14/2009Pens. (I.O.) Sopkowiak, A. J. 5/14/2009Pens. (I.O.) Stephenson, M. H. 5/17/2009Pens. (I.O.) Szymanski, T. F. 6/17/2009Pens. (I.O.) Wilkinson, O. N. 3/5/2009Pens. (I.O.) Winegard,W. L. 5/22/2009

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Give It Your Best Shot

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the electrical worker september 2009

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