the electrical worker january 2010

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

Mary Ann Jackson standsbeneath a massive replica ofNASA’s iconic space shuttleorbiter at the Kennedy Space

Center in Florida and fights back tears.“It’s just hard to believe this is all coming

to an end,” says Jackson, a field systems spe-cialist and member of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Local2088. “We’re not sure what happens now.”

It’s an uncertain time for Jackson—whospent the last 26 years working on the spacecenter’s communications systems—and for thehundreds of other IBEWmembers who dedi-cate their lives and careers to getting spaceshuttles off the ground, into orbit, then backhome to Earth again.

“There are so many people’s livesaffected by all this,” she says. Her husbandDenis is an IBEW shop steward with 17 years ofservice at the space center. “It’s sad to thinkwe might not have jobs soon, and tough todeal with where our work is going.”

NASA is scheduled to retire the shuttlefleet by the end of this year. With just five mis-sions left, human space flight—once one ofAmerica’s most prestigious home-grownindustries—is about to move overseas. By late2010, U.S. astronauts headed into orbit willhave just one surefire way to get there—aboard Russian-made, Russian-launched andRussian-controlled rockets.

“The U.S. manned space program should-n’t be outsourced to a foreign government,even temporarily,” says Dan Raymond, busi-ness manager of Local 2088, which representsmore than 800 space workers. “It’s a nationaltreasure, and should be treated like it. Wewouldn’t just give away the Statue of Liberty orsomething else so symbolic of our country.”

But the end of the shuttle program is aboutmore than symbolism.After the final launch inSeptember, theU.S.will no longer be capable ofsending its ownastronauts into space or evenbeable to reach the InternationalSpaceStation,paid forwith $100billion inAmerican taxmoney.

Until a new generation of spacecraft canbe built and perfected, U.S. astronauts will onlybe able to take flight inside Russia’s 40-year-old

I N T H I S I S S U E

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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. 4 | No. 1 | January 2010

END OF SHUTTLE ERA continued on page 2

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3 | Critics line up against Verizon sale

Online telecom learning

4 | Shuler on her new AFL-CIO role

5 | Top-down organizing in N.Y.

6 | North of 49°

7 | Founders’ Scholarship winners

Membership card reminder

8 | Circuits

On Duty

Transitions

9 | In Memoriam

10 | Local Lines

18 | Editorials

19 | Letters to the Editor

Who We Are

20 | IEC minutes

Referendum results

Atlantis lifts off fromFlorida’s KennedySpace Center inNovember 2009.NASA’s final shuttlemission is scheduledfor September.

OUTSOURCINGSPACE

IBEWWorkers FaceEnd ofShuttle Era

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

End ofShuttle Era

Continued from page 1

Soyuz spacecraft. While the $50mil-lion per astronaut, per flight price tagis still a fraction of the cost of launch-ing a shuttle, there is a nearly univer-sal fear that America will eventuallypay amuch higher price.

“We will be largely dependenton the Russians, and that is a terri-ble place for the United States tobe,” former NASA AdministratorMichael Griffin told the WashingtonPost. “I’m worried, and many othersare worried.”

Officials are concerned about aloss of U.S. prestige on theworldstage, a sharp drop in the defensecapabilities that amanned space pro-gramprovides and a potentially hugeloss of domestic jobs. Some fear NASAand its contractors could shed thou-sands of high-paying, high-tech unionpositions as early as this year.

At Kennedy Space Center alone,about 7,000 people—more than halfthe center’s work force—could belaid off on October 1. Workers at 13other NASA locations might also beaffected, as will local unions thatprovide construction-related laborfor the space agency, includingOrlando Local 606 and DaytonaBeach Local 756.

Jorge Vasquez, 52, a calibrationtechnician who spent the past 10years helping to fine-tune instru-ments onboard shuttle orbiters, isconvinced his position will be amongthose eliminated.

“Even as a boy, working atNASA was my dream,” saysVasquez, a member of Local 2088.“But when the shuttle goes, I go.There’s no job for me.”

IBEWmembers, who mostlywork on the shuttle program asNASA contractors, have jobs in com-munications, broadcasting andengineering. Some provide telecom-

munications expertise on theground, while others offer radar sup-port for spacecraft in Earth orbit anddeep space. They also staff NASA TV,the space agency’s video arm thatprovides live coverage of missions tothe media and to the world.

“Space flight has alwaysbeenone of our country’s

most valuableassets,” saidIBEWInternationalPresidentEdwinD. Hill.“OurNo. 1 pri-ority shouldbe keepingthe technol-ogy, the know-howand theworkhere inAmerica.”

Russian rockets are supposedto be a stopgapmeasure for NASA,giving the agency five to seven yearsto develop and test the next genera-tion of manned spacecraft. But thedirection of the entire space programremains unclear. NASAwants tohead to themoon, thenMars—ideasformulated under previousWhiteHouse leadership in 2005. TheObama administration is consideringwhether to keep those plans in placeor to continue NASA’s focus onmis-sions within Earth’s immediate orbit.

“Five years is a long time,”

Raymond says. “If you dismantle ahighly-skilled, highly-educatedwork force and all those people gosomewhere else, you may never getthem back.”

Thepotential layoffs also comeata tough time for theU.S. economy,especially in Florida,where homeprices have taken a staggering hit andunemployment is higher than thenational average.Workers representedby the IBEW, somewith advanced col-lege degrees, are not likely to find sim-ilar jobs in the state or region.

“We’re talking about a hugeimpact on a local economy, a wholestate and a whole country,”Raymond says, citing figures thatshow as many as 120,000 nation-wide private sector jobs indirectlyconnected to the space programmay also be lost or scaled back.

The U.S. and Russia have beencooperating in space since a jointspace flight in the summer of 1975.The partnership was strengthenedin 1995, when shuttles dockedrepeatedly with the Russian-ownedMir Space Station. NASA alsodepended on Russian rockets duringa two-year grounding of U.S. space-craft after the 2003 Space ShuttleColumbia disaster.

“Yes, we’ve had deals in thepast, but that’s no guarantee ofwhat’s to come in the future,” saysRaymond. “If we lose control of space,we lose the eyes and ears of the U.S.”

Advanced planning could havesaved the U.S. from its embarrass-ing and potentially dangerous spacepredicament, according to someexperts. For years, presidents andother politicians failed to act onNASA’s warnings that the agingshuttle fleet—which was supposedto fly only for a decade—needed to

be replaced. In October, NASA suc-cessfully launched a prototype of theAres I rocket, which, along with theOrion space capsule, could be thenext generation of manned spacetravel. Many question why the shut-tle program has to end before thatnew spacecraft is ready.

“Let’s keep this going until wehave something else,” says IBEWGovernment Department DirectorChico McGill. “America is in the mid-dle of the worst financial crisis indecades. The government should becreating jobs for people right now,not taking them away.”

Experts believe an infusion ofbillions of dollars—in addition toNASA’s current $18 billion budget—could either extend the shuttle pro-gram or shorten the gap betweenthe old and new technologies.

“Thiswonderfulmachine thatwe’ve been proud of for somany yearsis going away,” says Vasquez, thesoon-to-be-laid-off technician. “This isnot an easy thing to swallow.”

For him and hundreds of otherIBEWmembers, a real-life count-down clock is now ticking. The endof the shuttle program gets closereach day, and no one is sure whathappens when the time runs out. �

Russian security officers in Kazakhstan walk alongside a Soyuz rocket headed to the launch pad. The rockets willcarry U.S. astronauts into space after NASA retires the space shuttle fleet in September.

Through triumph and tragedy, hundreds of IBEWmem-bers have been part of NASA’s space shuttle programfor the past three decades. As NASA prepares to retirethe country’s only manned space fleet by the end ofthe year, members of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Local 2088look back on the missions they helped accomplish andreflect on the shuttle program’s success. See the videoreport atwww.ibew.org. �

Shuttle Special Video Report


Opposition toVerizon-Frontier DealMounts

The proposed sale ofVerizon’s landline systemin 14 states to FrontierCommunications is running

into stiff opposition from unionmembers, consumer advocates andpolitical leaders across the country.

InWest Virginia andWashington,state consumer advocates are urgingofficials to reject the deal, while inIllinois, AttorneyGeneral LisaMadigan is suggesting that theFederal CommunicationsCommissiongive the transaction a thumbs down.

The sale would affect morethan 4,000 IBEWmembers atVerizon, in addition to the approxi-mately 1,000 members currentlyworking for Frontier. In addition tothose already mentioned, the statesthat would be affected areMinnesota, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana,Wisconsin, South Carolina, NorthCarolina and Arkansas.

“People are getting the fullstory about how the sale is a baddeal for customers and workers,”said IBEW TelecommunicationsDepartment Director Martha Pultar.“The disasters at FairPoint andHawaiian Telecom say it all.”

Pultar is referring to two trans-actions that ended badly for thecompanies that purchased Verizon’sassets. Hawaiian Telecom boughtmore than 700,000 landlines fromVerizon in 2005, which saddled theHonolulu-based company with more

than $1 billion in debt. It declaredbankruptcy last year.

And last fall, FairPointCommunicationsdeclaredbankruptcyafter accumulating $2billion in debtafter acquiringmore than 1millionlandlines fromVerizon in northernNewEngland (See “DamagingDealsWorryMoreTelecomWorkers,”September2009, the ElectricalWorker).

“Our members know what hap-pened at FairPoint and with a poten-tial deal with Frontier, we’re worriedthat’s it going to be déjà vu all overagain,” said Norwalk, Ohio, Local986 Business Manager Fred Sabol.

Local 986 represents nearly 200Verizon employees—mostly in rural

north-central Ohio—who would goover to Frontier if sale goes through.

“I’ve got nothing against Frontier,but I don’t think it is in a strongenough financial position to responsi-bly take over these lines,”Sabol said.

Verizon is hoping to sell off 4.8million phone lines, mainly in ruralparts of the country where the com-pany fears it will be too expensive to

expand its next generation of fiberoptic networks, including its bun-dled high-speed communicationspackage, FiOS.

The IBEW and the Communica-tion Workers of America have beenmobilizing their members againstthe sale, flooding elected officialswith letters and e-mails and packingpublic commission hearings.

“The sale puts the economicfuture of our region at risk,” saidSeattle Local 89 Business ManagerRay Egelhoff. Local 89 representsmore than 1,500 Verizon employeeswho would be affected by the sale.“Frontier can’t take on this muchdebt and hope to maintain and

expand operations.”Opponents of the sale are also

criticizingVerizon’s plan to use anobscure financial loophole to avoidpaying taxes on the$3.3 billion sale.Usingwhat is knownas a “ReverseMorrisTrust,” Verizonplans to shift itsspun-off assets to a subsidiary thatwillthenmergewith Frontier, all tax-free.

A similar scheme was used byVerizon for its FairPoint deal.

In nine of the states the dealwill have to be approved by stateregulatory boards. It will also needto be approved by the FCC.

For more information go towww.ibew.org/verizon-frontier/index.html �

“Frontier can’t take onthis much debt andhope to maintain andexpand operations.”– Ray Egelhoff, Seattle Local 89

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

Looking to accelerate your career in telecommunications? TheNational Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning(NACTEL), in partnership with Pace University, offers online telecomdegrees that can be completed from home.

The online classes are meant to fit busy schedules and can be done fromanywhere with Internet access. Applications for the spring 2010 semester arenow being accepted.

Registration for the late spring semester, which starts in March, openson January 7.

Courses can range from nine to 15 weeks.The NACTEL program is designed to help both veteran and new telecom

workers get the training they need to help meet the growing demand forhighly-skilled workers—including cable splicing technicians, switching andtransport installers and repairers and wireless and broadband experts—inthe telecommunications industry.

One of the newest fields is video technology. The increased popularityof combined wireless, cable and phone packages, such as Verizon’s FiOS,makes a certificate in video technology essentials vital to opening up newjob opportunities.

And greater demand for broadband Internet access across the countrymakes the introduction to broadband certificate offered by NACTEL timelierthan ever.

More advanced degrees are also available. NACTEL offers a bachelor’sdegree in telecommunications technology, which gives students a firmgrounding in every aspect of the industry.

Degrees are fully accredited and sponsored by industry and union lead-ers, including the IBEW.

“I like the NACTEL program at Pace University,” said East Windsor, N.J.,Local 827 member David Furey. Furey, a technician with Verizon, received hisbachelor’s degree through the program. “It seems to be the closest tohands-on work, and it is designed with an eye on what the industry needs.”

In addition to class readings and online discussions, students areresponsible for a variety of hands-on projects. “They end up doing everythingfrom soldering their own phone to doing at-home chemistry experiments,”said Scott Bates, director of marketing for NACTEL.

Degrees and certificates are available in:• Video technologies• Wireless networking• Networking telecommunications• Telecommunications

Discounted tuition is available to all IBEWmembers. Financial aidthrough your employer may also be available. Consult your employer’stuition policy.

Formore information and to download an application, go towww.nactel.org. �

Give Your Career a BoostWith AnOnlineTelecommunicationsDegree


TheHardWorkAhead:

Former IBEWExecutive TakesOnOne of Labor’s Top Jobs

In September 2009, delegatesto the AFL-CIO’s convention inPittsburgh made history byelecting Liz Shuler, then the

Executive Assistant to the IBEW’sInternational President, to the secondhighest post in America’s largestlabor federation. As the first womanelected Secretary-Treasurer, she is, at39, the youngest person to hold oneof the federation’s top offices.

Shuler, along with newly-electedPresident Rich Trumka and ExecutiveVice President Arlene Holt Baker, ishelping to lead organized labor at atime of great hope and major chal-lenges for the union movement.

In her office, directly overlook-ing the north lawn of the WhiteHouse, The Electrical Worker satdown with Shuler (who asks peopleto call her Liz) to talk about the chal-lenges that lie ahead and the brightfuture she wants to help build forAmerica’s working families.

EW: You were the first woman toreach one of the top jobs at theIBEW. How did it prepare you forsome of the big challenges laboris facing now?

Liz: I really had the best on-the-jobtraining there was with [InternationalPresident] Ed Hill as a mentor. WhenI first took that job, it was somewhatcontroversial—I was a woman, and Iwas a relatively young woman as faras labor is concerned, in mymid 30s.But I tried to let my work speak foritself. When someone puts a chal-lenge in front of me, I take it, and Iwork hard at it. Policy-making andoffering advice on high level deci-sions was a big part of the job there,so it translates well for the job aheadof me here. Plus, the AFL-CIO is verydiverse, representing somany differ-ent kinds of workers. The IBEW is avery diverse organization too—withmanufacturing, telecommunications,maritime trades, transportationtrades andmore. I was exposed to alot of different industries and a lot ofdifferent issues prior to coming here,so that helped prepare me.

EW: You’ve reached the top of thelabor movement before the age of40. Now, it’s your job to reach outto younger workers. How do you doplan to do that?

Liz: The future of our labor move-ment is riding on our ability to con-nect with young workers. I’mconsidered young in the labor move-ment. I’m 39, and it seems logicalthat a top priority of my office is todevelop a strategic plan for gettingour message to younger people. Weare working on an internal compo-nent that’s meant to nurture andmentor young leaders within thelabor movement. We also have theexternal issues. How do we educateyoung people—the millennials—people in their 20s who don’t reallyknow about the labor movement?This group is suffering dispropor-tionately in our current economicdownturn. We have a lot to offerthem and now it’s our job to figureout the packaging—a way to makeall the good things we have to offerattractive to them. We’re taking alook at changing the way we do busi-ness to encompass this new audi-ence. We’ll be trying to marry thesocial justice issues, class issues,and the serious things in life with amore fun, social component. It’simportant when trying to reach thisgroup because people—young peo-

ple in particular—just aren’t defin-ing themselves as much by theirwork these days.

EW: There’s the promise of bigchange and bold new ideas with anew AFL-CIO leadership team. Howare people reacting so far?

Liz: There’s definitely an air ofchange in the building [AFL-CIOheadquarters in Washington].

Having a new team hasinjected excitement. People aresensing that we’re not doing thingslike they’ve normally been donehere. That’s been fun because we’re

getting a lot of feedback and peopleare really enthusiastic, especiallyabout the youth outreach.

As far as reaction to me, per-sonally? Being out in front of audi-ences has been a bit of anadjustment because I’ve alwaysbeenmore of a behind-the-scenesperson. It’s been surprising to seehowmuch it means to some peopleto have a woman and a youngerwoman in a position of leadership. Inever thought it would be a big deal.But when I speak at state labor coun-cils and local unions, a lot of laborwomen say that it gives themmotiva-tion. If I can inspire someone to risein the ranks of leadership at theirlocal union, then it’s all worthwhile.

EW: Everywhere you go, unionmembers ask you about jobs—where can they find them and whatis the AFL-CIO doing to help curbthe nation’s record unemployment?What do you tell them?

Liz: These are some of the toughestconversations I have. People arehurting. People come up to me andsay things like “I don’t have a job,”or “I can’t find a job.” I tell them

we’re working hard on the problem.First, we’ve encouraged the exten-sion of unemployment benefits, justto help people survive. Next, we’reurging politicians to invest in infra-structure. That creates jobs almostimmediately and, especially forunions like the IBEW, puts membersback to work. We’re advocating overthere [at the White House] for moreinfrastructure spending and trainingprograms that are pipelines.Thankfully, labor is at the table withthis administration. We really have avoice in the process of how our econ-omy is being rebuilt. We don’t haveall the answers yet, but we have thetools to find them.

EW: That brings us to the biggestpiece of pro-labor legislation indecades. How important is passingthe Employee Free Choice Act?

Liz:When we’re talking about pre-serving and boosting the middleclass, the Employee Free Choice Actis really going to be critical for us.Our ability to raise wages and pre-serve benefits relies exclusively onhow strong the labor movement is.We’re close now, and I think a lot ofpeople are talking aboutwhen it willhappen. It’s pretty evident that,when given a level playing field,people want unions. We’re alreadypreparing for the day after the EFCApasses. How are we going to edu-cate folks on how to build theunions? An election is one thing andgetting the contract is another, but areal union means having some kindof sustained long-term infrastruc-ture. You really have to have a move-ment going. It has to be organic. Ithas to be the workers in that partic-ular workplace being invested.

EW: As Secretary-Treasurer, you’realso responsible for the checkbook.That’s not always easy in toughtimes like these.

Liz:Managing the finances andkeeping them healthy are critical.And the No. 1 question to consideris: are our affiliates getting the mostbang for their buck? We want to betransparent and accountable andmake sure we’re communicatingconstantly about where we standand where we need to go.

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler in her Washington, D.C. office: “This view is a constant reminder of thehuge responsibility we have to help the working people of America.”

“The futureof our labormovement isriding on ourability toconnect withyoung workers.”



EW: So where are we going as amovement? And how will the AFL-CIO fit in, in the years ahead?

Liz: Traditionally, we’ve been moreof a service organization. We have 57affiliates and they have drivenlabor’s agenda based on whateverchallenges are affecting their mem-bers. Now, we’ve started to shift abit—always keeping that mission inmind—but also representing work-ers, in general, who have no voice. Imean low-income workers, workersof color, women in the workplace,and we’re focusing not just on union

membership, but speaking onbehalf of all workers. The door isopen to so much possibility. Thepossibility of increasing our num-bers, the possibility of building amovement that harnesses different,disparate groups and brings theircollective energy together for socialchange. The youth piece—if we canstem the decline and the negativeperceptions that are out there aboutlabor by reaching young people whodon’t have an opinion yet—we canstart the curve going back up. I lovemy job in the union movement—and

I always have—because I get tospeak for people in a venue wherethey wouldn’t normally have a voice.

Thinking back to my local uniondays, I always wondered if I, as anindividual, was making a difference.Now I realize, yes, I was. Andtogether all of us can have thatsame sort of impact. Together, we’rebuilding something stronger andbetter. It’s really important for themovement, for our families andreally for our whole country. Beingpart of something so big, so impor-tant is just an amazing feeling. �

When Liz Shuler was elected Secretary-Treasurer ofthe AFL-CIO last fall, she knew she needed a well-edu-cated team of people ready to tackle the big chal-lenges facing the labor movement. She chose anelectrician turned organizer and a former professionaleducator, both with their roots in the IBEW.

Kirk Brungard, previously director of the IBEW’sconstruction organizing, and Amanda Pacheco, for-mer International Representative in the EducationDepartment, are now serving as Shuler’s ExecutiveAssistants.

“We want young people to seelabor like we do, as a way oflife, a good way of life.”– Amanda Pacheco, Assistant to theSecretary-Treasurer

“Kirk has great qualifications and the perfecttemperament for this job,” Shuler said. “He has a

master’s degree in public administration, so he knowshow to work in a large organization with all its movingparts. As a strategic advisor, he’s a terrific fit.”

Brungard, a 26-year IBEWmember, helpsShuleroversee sixAFL-CIOdepartments and assists in theman-agement of the federation’smulti-million dollar budget.

“Words don’t adequately convey how exciting itis to be here,” Brungard said. “The amount of enthu-siasm in this movement is truly palpable.”

Pacheco, a former Spanish teacher and thedaughter of two union parents, is helping to coordi-nate the AFL-CIO’s new outreach to young people andwill work on a new, high-tech curriculum for theNational Labor College.

“We want young people to see labor like we do,as a way of life, a good way of life,” Pacheco said.

“Amanda has a lot of experience with youngpeople and a unique perspective,” Shuler said. “As aHispanic woman, she brings an important point ofview to the table. We’ve put together a great team,and we’re ready to get the job done.” �

Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, center, works alongside Executive Assistants Kirk Brungard and Amanda Pachecoat AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington.

IBEWStaffers Build AFL-CIO Team

As 22 electricianstook their member-ship oaths atAlbany, N.Y., Local

236’s training center inSeptember, MembershipDevelopment RepresentativeFrankMuia thought about howfortunate he was to havedeveloped a smooth relation-ship with them and theiremployer, Kevin Haggerty,owner of Flex Electric.

Haggerty, who had been in business as a nonunion contractor for 30years before signing with the local, “went against the grain,” says Muia. Hehad a stable work force, with some electricians who had been with him 27years. His wages and benefits were in the top tier of the open shop sector.

Discussions between Haggerty and Local 236 go back four years. Whiletalks between membership development representatives and the ownerwere cordial, serious dialogue about developing a signatory relationship onlytook shape this year. After four or five meetings, Haggerty told his crew thathe was considering signing with IBEW and met with a favorable response.

Mark Donahue, an eight-year Flex electrician who formerly worked as aTeamster at UPS, says, “Kevin could have signed without talking to us, butthat’s not how he does things.” Donahue, 27, says, “Now I get the best ofboth worlds, working for Kevin and having IBEW benefits.”

Before the signing, Local 236 asked the owner for time to meet withFlex’s electricians and answer any questions about the union. “There wereno grumblings from the guys,” says Muia. Haggerty signed soon after.

“Over time, I got a more comfortable feeling that the union wants to bea partner, rather than an adversary,” says Haggerty, who expects his rela-tionship with IBEW to open up larger, more complex jobs. “Time will tell if mydecision was right,” says Haggerty, but so far he and Muia agree that “nei-ther one of us is perfect, but we both want to do what is right.”

“We brought in some very talented electricians and we added a greatcontractor with Flex,” says Muia, who looks back to the 2007 signing of CareyElectric, another long-time nonunion contractor, as a guide to the positiverelationship with Flex Electric.

Mike Carey, owner of Carey Electric, a three-man shop, had been inbusiness almost 28 years before he decided to sign with Local 236. “After Isigned, I got calls from other contractors asking me why,” says Carey, whotold them that it was good for business.

“My business has grown because I can bid on jobs with confidenceknowing I have the resources I need,” says Carey, who recently received a let-ter of commendation from a consulting engineer overseeing the building ofTech Valley High School in Rensselaer.

“The workmanship on this project compares with that of any of thearea’s ‘big boys’ I’ve seen on projects over the last 20 years,” states the letter.

Muia stays in close touch with Flex, Carey and other signatory contrac-tors. “I tell Kevin and Mike and the rest of them that signing with the IBEW islike having a marketing director on your staff,” says Muia. “We’re constantlymarketing all of our contractors to developers, end users and owners.”

A favorable work situation, including a new computer chip manufactur-ing facility and a major power plant construction project, makes it easier toorganize contractors and electricians in the jurisdiction than elsewhere, saysMuia. But persistence and follow-up on top-down efforts make all the differ-ence, he says. �

Twenty-two electricians at Flex Electricare initiated into Albany, N.Y., Local 236.

Top-DownOrganizing

Veteran ContractorSignsWith IBEW

The proposed sale of NewBrunswick’s public powercompany to Hydro-Quebecis raising concerns among

utility workers and consumersacross the province.

Under the terms of the deal,Hydro-Quebec, the largest utility inCanada, would acquire NB Power’stransmission and distribution sys-tem and the majority of its generat-ing stations.

But the $4.8 billion merger,announced on October 29, couldend up leading to higher energyprices for New Brunswick residents,who have some of the lowest in east-ern North America.

For Fredericton Local 37Business Manager Ross Galbraith,the sale places the job security andterms and conditions of employmentof more than 2,200 IBEWmembersat risk. Local 37 represents themajority of workers at the utility.

Under the terms set by anagreement between New Brunswickand Quebec, the Dalhousie thermalgenerating station—which employsmore than 100 Local 37 members—would be closed by late 2010.

Two other generating stations,Belledune and Coleson Cove, arealso at risk and could be shutdown with as little as 12 monthsnotice. Local 37’s lawyer Ron Pinktold the Canadian Press that thereis nothing in the agreement thatwould guarantee that existing col-lective bargaining agreementswould be respected.

“Our members should not haveto wake up every morning wonderingif this is the day the clock starts tick-ing on the closure of their genera-tion station,” Galbraith said.

Liberal PremierShawnGrahamsays thatNBPower is a financial drainon theprovince, necessitating thesale.

It is an argument that doesn’thold up against the facts, saysGalbraith. “NB Power has turned aprofit for the last five years in a row.”

The move by Graham to sell offNew Brunswick’s power system hasmotivated a firestorm of oppositionfrom across the province. Graham

has said he hopes to have the dealfinalized by the end of March.

OnNovember 17,more than1,000protestors came to Fredericton toshow theirdispleasurewith thedeal.

“This government came topower talking about how NB Powerwas our greatest asset,” Galbraithtold the crowd. “Overnight they dida 180-degree turn, telling you it’s amillstone around our necks.”

An anti-sale Facebook pagehas attracted more than 26,000supporters.

Galbraith says that the IBEWwillcontinue to fight the sale and demandthat the governmentmake a firm com-mitment to uphold its obligations toNB Power’s employees. �


North of 49° | Au nord du 49° parallèle

NewBrunswickLocal Rallies toStopSale ofProvincial Utility

Lesmembresd’un local duNouveau-Brunswicksemobilisent afin d’empêcherla vente d’un service public provincial

Le projet de vente de l’entre-prise de service publicÉnergie Nouveau-Brunswick à Hydro Québec

a soulevé des inquiétudes parmi lestravailleurs de ce service et les con-sommateurs de toute la province.

Selon les termes de la transac-tion, Hydro-Québec, la plus impor-tante entreprise de service public auCanada, obtiendrait le monopole dutransport et de la distribution d’élec-tricité au Nouveau-Brunswick et lamajorité de ses centrales électriques.

Mais cette fusion se chiffrant à4.8 milliards $ et qui fut annoncée le29 octobre dernier, pourraitentraîner des tarifs résidentiels plusélevés pour le Nouveau-Brunswick,la province où les tarifs sont parmiles plus bas dans l’est del’Amérique du Nord.

Le confrère Ross Galbraith,Gérant d’affaires de la Section locale

37 de Frédéricton, croit que cettetransaction mettra en péril les con-ditions d’emploi, les avantages soci-aux de même que la sécuritéd’emploi de plus de 2,200 membresde la FIOE. La S.L. 37 représente lamajorité des travailleurs de cetteentreprise de service public.

Selon les termes de l’ententeentre le Nouveau-Brunswick et leQuébec, la centrale thermique deDalhousie, qui emploie plus de 100membres de la S.L. 37, cesserait pro-gressivement sa production et devraitfermer vers la fin de l’année 2010.

Deux autres centrales ther-miques, notamment celles deBelledune et Coleson Cove, risquentde connaître le même sort. Laprovince pourrait fermer ces cen-trales après un préavis d’un anseulement. L’avocat de la S.L. 37, M.Ron Pink, a déclaré à la Presse cana-dienne que rien dans cette entente

ne prévoit que les conventions col-lectives actuellement en vigueurseront respectées.

“Nos membres ne devraientpas avoir à s’inquiéter chaque matinsi la course contre la montre vas’amorcer pour la fermetureéventuelle de leur centrale élec-trique.” dit le confrère Galbraith

Le Premier ministre ShawnGraham considère qu’Énergie NB estun gouffre financier pour la province,d’où la nécessité de la transaction.“C’est un argument qui ne tient pasla route devant les faits. Énergie NBa réalisé des bénéfices au cours desdernières cinq années consécu-tives.” ajoute-t-il.

La décision de Graham de liq-uider le système d’énergie duNouveau-Brunswick a suscité untollé à travers la province. Grahamespère que la transaction sera con-clue d’ici la fin du mois de mars.

Plus de 1,000 manifestants sesont rassemblés le 17 novembredernier à Frédéricton afin de dénon-cer la transaction.

“Ce gouvernement a fait cam-pagne et a été élu après nous avoirassuré qu’Énergie NB était l’actif leplus important de la province. Puisdu jour au lendemain, ils font un180 degrés et viennent nous direque l’entreprise n’est qu’un bouletqu’on traîne!” s’est écrié le confrèreGalbraith en s’adressant à la foule.

Une page sur Facebook contrela transaction a attiré plus de26,000 sympathisants.

Le confrère Galbraith affirmeque la FIOE va continuer de s’opposerà cette transaction et demande augouvernement qu’il prenne l’engage-ment ferme de respecter ses obliga-tions envers les employés d’ÉnergieNouveau-Brunswick. �

Fredericton, NewBrunswick, Local 37Business Manager RossGalbraith spoke to morethan 1,000 protestors inthe provincial capital onNovember 17 at a rallyagainst the proposedsale of NB Power toHydro-Quebec.

Plus de 1,000personnes ontmanifesté le 17novembre dernier àFrédéricton, auNouveau-Brunswick,afin de dénoncer lavente d’Énergie NB àHydro-Québec.



Hard work. Dedication. Alove for your trade. Theseare just some of thetraits that members dis-

play on the jobsite every day. Nowthree exceptional brothers are tak-ing those qualities into the class-room as recipients of the 2009Founders’ Scholarship.

The scholarship was estab-lished in 1966 to help IBEWmem-bers obtain higher educationdegrees to bolster their contribu-tions to the trade and the union. Forformer Grand Forks, N.D., Local 1426Business Manager Seth Thompson,receivingthe honoris both“gratifyingand hum-bling.”

“Start-ing out asan electri-cian andseeing the

struggle employees go throughmademe interested in pursuing a career asa labor attorney,” saidThompson. InDecember, he finished his firstsemester at Hamline University LawSchool inSt. Paul,Minn., where he ishoning hisknowledgeof alterna-tive disputeresolu-tion andlabor law.

The29-year-oldcut histeeth han-dling negotiations andwinning tougharbitrations for his local—including acase involving a 30-year Local 1426member whowas unjustly termi-nated. “We got him reinstated and hereceived all of his back pay,”Thompson said. “Moments like thatmake you feel good to be in themovement.” Thompson looks for-ward to a dynamic career defending

the rights ofworkingmenandwomen.For fellow recipient Matthew

Wilkinson, the scholarship will helpfund theMadison, Wis., Local 159member’s degree in career and tech-nical education and training at theUniversity of Wisconsin-Stout so hecan teach the next generation ofapprentices. A full-time journeymanwireman foreman atWestphal & Co.,Wilkinson brings his 11 years of elec-trical expertise to classes atMadisonArea Technical College, where heserves as a part-time instructor.

“I seethis as anopportunityto help megive backand edu-cate youngpeoplewhile push-ing thetrade for-

ward,” Wilkinson said. At 29, he isin his fourth year of service as thelocal’s education committee chair-man, having coordinated appren-ticeship courses while developinginstructional curricula. Wilkinsonoffered gratitude to Local 159apprentice instructor Matt Parks,who guided him through his fifthyear in the apprenticeship andhelped inspire his love of teaching.

Hamilton, Ohio, Local 648PresidentMatthewVonStein is put-ting his scholarshipmoney toward adegree in businessmanagement fromCincinnati’s Xavier University. Withexperience as chairman of the ButlerCounty DemocraticParty, a seat on thecounty’s Board of Elections and aspresident of the local’sCOPE commit-tee, the third-generation IBEWmem-ber has his eyes on the city council inthe coming years.

“Sometimes, the way toadvance our cause is not with ourtools, but with pen and paper,” VonStein said. “Getting my degree willhelp me further the purpose of theunion through politics.”

As scholarship winners,Thompson, Wilkinson and Von Steinhave each earned $200 per semes-ter hour toward their degrees with amaximum amount of $24,000, notto exceed an eight-year period. �

2009 Founders’ ScholarshipWinnersReflectHeart of theMovement

Matthew Von Stein

T he new year will bring some new developments atmy.ibew.org.Since high-tech, “smart” membership cards were mailed to

members last summer, more than 20 percent of you have registeredat the site. The IBEW is encouraging all members to register to take fulladvantage of soon-to-come features, including tracking your history ofNJATC and Code of Excellence training and more.

Whyshould I register?More than 150,000 of your union brothers and sisters are already using theportal to calculate projected I.O. pensions, verify or change beneficiariesand manage personal information. More features will be added this yearthat will streamline and enhance your experience as a member.

I havemy card, but I’mnot that familiar withcomputers.What should I do?Visit https://my.ibew.org to view a short tutorial on how to navigate thepage. Follow the prompts and you’ll be registered in no time. We can alsooffer additional phone or e-mail support (see below).

I no longer havemy card. Can I get a newone?Yes. Visit https://my.ibew.org and click on the link that says “Having tech-nical issues?” Fill out the online form and someone will either contact youor a new card will be sent to you.

I never received a card.What now?Your address needs to match the info we have on file. Contact the I.O.’s PerCapita Department at (202) 728-6263 and we will update your informationand send you a replacement card.

Any other questions? Call (202) 728-6231 or send an e-mail [email protected]. �

Register Your IBEWMembership CardToday

MatthewWilkinson

Seth Thompson


DECEASEDJack J. Joyce

The IBEW regretsto report the Nov.22 death ofretired Interna-tional Represen-tative Jack J. Joyce,whowas85.

Brother Joyce worked for 12years in the International Office inthe Grievance Appeals, Bylaws,Agreement Approval andConstruction and Maintenancedepartments. He retired in 1989 tohis native Kansas City, Mo.

In 1951, Brother Joyce was initi-ated into Kansas City Local 124,where he served as business man-ager from 1969 to 1976. He alsoserved on the joint apprenticeshiptraining, pension, and health andwelfare committees. Joyce was vicepresident of the Missouri StateElectrical Workers Association.

He graduated fromKansasCityJuniorCollege and attended classes atthe University of Kansas. AnAir Forceveteran ofWorldWar II and the Koreanconflict, hewas a longtimemember ofthe Veterans of ForeignWars.

At the I.O., Joyce was respectedfor his commitment to the labor

movement, said Dmytro Halkyn, whois now Director of the Per CapitaMembership Department. “He was alabor leader that believed in thecause and always strived to do theright thing for working people.”

Brother Joyce’s twin sons, Jackand Paul, are Kansas City Local 124members.

Hiswife, Jo Ann, died in 2003.Theyweremarried for 54 years,spending their retirement years travel-ing extensively. The IBEWofficers, staffandmembers extend our deepestcondolences to Brother Joyce’s chil-dren, grandchildren and great-grand-children aswell as hismany friends. �

Transitions

IBEW On Duty

Recession ColorsMember’sWar Experience

For redeployedNational GuardsmanOmarTrujillo, serving in Iraq over the lastyearwas a “feast or famine” affair. TheTacoma,Wash., Local 76 fifth-yearapprentice helped lead infantry platoons guarding supply trucks onmidnightruns frombase to base in the country’s northern region.

It was highly dangerous work that allowed for a lot of down time.“The job was tense at first,” said Trujillo, 29. “Then after a while, it

became just like driving down the road anywhere else.” But long stretchesof caravanning were punctuated with occasional IED blasts, remindingtroops of the constant, unpredictable threat.

Still, Trujillo said themain sources of stress and anxiety among his fellowsoldierswere thousands ofmiles away, where familymembers and loved oneswereweathering theworst economicblizzard since theGreat Depression.

“In Iraq, the biggest topic of conversation was jobs,” Trujillo said.“When we left last August, the economy was down, but things got progres-sively worse. It felt like everything was going to hell. It was on people’sminds constantly. When you’re doing the samemissions over and over, itwas all you could think about.”

SoTrujillo gave himself an additionalmission: to spread theword of thetrade to his fellow troopswhowould need jobswhen theywent home.

“I made a point to talk with everyone about being a union electrician,”he said. “Being in the Guard is a good place to promote the IBEW. Whenreservists come back from their tours, they go back to the lives they left.If you had no work before, you’ve got no work when you come back. TheGuard is doing its damndest to make sure that people get jobs when theyredeploy, and I thinkmy advocating for the union adds to that. I want otherreservists and guardsmen to know that there is help out there.”

A year after hitting the sands in Iraq, Trujillo is back in Washington tack-ling his final year of apprenticeship and working for Carl T. Madsen, Inc. Hesaid he’s grateful for the chance to serve his country and is pleased he’sbeen able to steer at least one fellow soldier into the trade: platoonmemberManuel Magdaleno was accepted into the first class of the IBEW’s VeteransIn Construction Electrical program and nowmakes a good wage as anapprentice wireman in the Puget Sound area.

The local and his instructors are happy to have Trujillo back. “Wordscan’t describe what it means to be a business manager of a membershipthat includes this caliber of an individual,” said Local 76 Business ManagerGary L. Younghans. �

Tacoma, Wash., Local 76 memberOmar Trujillo, center, spread themessage of the brotherhood whilein Iraq. Also pictured is BusinessManager Gary Younghans, left,and training director Tony Lewis.

“I made a point to talk with

everyone about being a

union electrician. Being in

the Guard is a good place to

promote the IBEW. When

reservists come back from

their tours, they go back to

the lives they left.”

Circuits

UnemployedMembersRescueShelter

Unemployed after 33 years in the electrical trade, Milo Ziemer couldn’t befaulted for putting his own needs first. But when Jason Drake, director ofDecatur, Ill., Local 146’s apprenticeship program, asked Ziemer to super-vise volunteersupgrading electricalservice in a men’shomeless shelter in a100-year-old building,he didn’t hesitate.

“How could I notvolunteer to help thosewho are less fortunate?It’s the Christian thingto do,” says Ziemer,who is looking to travelfor work. “I can go toother places and get ajob. For whatever rea-son, the men in theshelter can’t. I need tohelp my fellow man.”

Ziemer’s crew of12 unemployed jour-neymen and appren-tices is on its way tocompleting $15,000 ofelectrical work on theshelter run by DecaturCares Rescue Ministries and has been widely recognized in the local press.

Like its 16 nightly tenants, the shelter had fallen on hard times. MikeMcCammack, who took over its direction three years ago, had a plan toexpand living quarters on the second floor of the building, which doubles

as a community kitchen for fami-lies in need. He wanted to pro-vide bigger sleeping rooms, alarger chapel and more kitchenspace. But after working hard tosolicit money from the local com-munity, McCammack did nothave enough to complete theproject in line with local con-struction code.

Randy Hendrix, the mis-sion’s project manager, con-tacted Local 146’s apprenticeship

for help. The local invited him to address its executive board and said hewould get their response within two weeks.

“[Before the meeting,] we were dead in the water,” says Hendrix. Butthe day after the executive board meeting, Ziemer and his crew arrived.“Local 146 sent super people,” says Hendrix, “doing what they do—knockingout quality work quickly to code.”

“I would love to get on the big national news shows and talk about howlocal unionmembers volunteered their time to save this shelter,” says Hendrix.

Work on the men’s mission follows a long tradition of Local 146 andother AFL-CIO affiliates volunteering in the community, says Local 146Business Manager Shad Etchason. Decatur’s annual Labor Day parade is arallying point for unions in the city. Decatur drew national attention in 1993when locked-out workers at A.E. Staley’s corn-processing plant joined work-ers on strike at the now-shuttered Bridgestone/Firestone plant and others onstrike at Caterpillar to challenge corporate greed. �

Decatur, Ill., Local 146 apprentice Jeff Taylor,part of a crew of unemployed IBEW volunteers,installs a receptacle at a men’s shelter.

The crew of unemployedjourneymen andapprentices is on its wayto completing $15,000 ofelectrical work on theshelter run by DecaturCares Rescue Ministries.

In Memoriam

1 Behlmann, J. J. 9/12/20091 Boelloeni, R. 9/25/20091 Brooks, K. R. 9/24/20091 Knight, A. H. 9/28/20091 McCutchen, J. L. 10/4/20092 Kunz, P. B. 8/8/20093 Ackerman, N. N. 10/8/20093 Baccaglini, J. J. 8/25/20093 Catalano, J. J. 8/27/20093 Colon, J. F. 10/15/20093 Fay, T. J. 9/13/20093 Gasbarro, F. 4/30/20093 Kocaj, V. P. 8/30/20093 Kostadinovic, M. 8/10/20093 McIntosh, C. A. 9/25/20093 Napoli, A. 3/12/20093 Neary, T. A. 9/18/20093 Ohrn, A. E. 7/6/20093 Orlando, S. J. 9/19/20093 Papa, C. 9/25/20093 Pitzer, J. 9/26/20093 Stratford, R. T. 10/3/20095 Gloekler,W. C. 7/18/20095 Huesdash, J. J. 9/25/20096 Debisschop,W. H. 8/4/20096 McCoskrie, A. B. 7/31/20096 Ruble, J. G. 8/25/20097 Potkai, F. J. 12/23/20078 Hester, C. C. 10/8/20098 Ingle, H. 7/17/20099 Faulk, C. G. 10/24/200911 Bastain, H. D. 9/15/200911 Dorton, F. J. 9/15/200911 Ende, A. 9/30/200911 Ganster, V. H. 9/15/200911 Herrera, A. 9/16/200911 Ransom, A. T. 8/21/200911 Roy, F. S. 10/11/200915 Schwartz, R. P. 8/14/200916 Bolden, F. E. 9/23/200917 Caig, L. D. 9/2/200917 Demanski,W. J. 10/28/200917 McCleery, R. L. 8/29/200917 Renner, T. D. 7/6/200920 Sexton, B. J. 10/1/200920 Westbrook, B.W. 1/12/200922 Cerveny, J. J. 9/25/200922 Johnson, C. A. 9/22/200924 Bancroft, G. L. 9/25/200926 Barbarito, J. C. 10/2/200926 Crosby, E. F. 10/1/200926 McConkey, P. A. 6/26/200932 Alkire, I. 9/1/200932 Bullock, E. M. 4/25/200934 Harvey, R. L. 8/22/200935 Burgess, D. H. 8/12/200938 Knotts, G. D. 9/13/200938 LaCava, F. G. 9/27/200938 Ols, E.W. 9/16/200938 Rockford, R. J. 9/27/200940 Bonadie, E. D. 2/6/200941 Kress, E. A. 12/28/200841 O’Connor, D. J. 4/16/200943 DeFrancis, R. J. 9/17/200946 Newson, J. F. 9/3/200947 Cutshaw, M. L. 7/3/200947 McCord, P. M. 8/16/200948 Jensen, O.W. 9/26/200948 Kozlowski, E. J. 9/22/200948 Lucht,W. C. 10/23/200948 Peters, V.W. 9/17/200951 Miller, B. D. 9/16/200958 Buranskas, V. 10/4/200958 Carveth, G. F. 10/11/200958 Dittenber, R.W. 10/6/200958 Emerson, R. J. 11/17/200758 Hudson,W. S. 9/26/200958 Marter, C.W. 9/17/200958 Saunders, C. H. 9/22/2009

58 Schiete, L. E. 9/22/200958 Vorgitch, M. T. 10/1/200960 Young, E. S. 8/4/200964 Bates, R. S. 7/31/200964 Pfund, A. C. 9/16/200966 Hollins, J. E. 7/9/200968 Flynn, J. R. 8/8/200973 Earley, P. M. 10/2/200973 Sisk, A. E. 10/7/200976 Thomas, M.W. 9/12/200977 Rasberry, N. J. 2/6/200977 Smith, P. 5/18/200977 Wacker, D. 9/22/200977 Woolley,W.W. 7/26/200981 Yarnchak,W. P. 9/9/200982 Shade, D. L. 10/22/200982 Sibery, R. A. 10/14/200983 Gilbert, F. O. 9/2/200984 Boyd, H. L. 9/16/200984 Scott, M. C. 9/23/200997 DiBello, L. P. 9/9/200998 Heeneke, G. R. 9/17/200998 Queroli, J. D. 7/27/200999 Gavek, B. T. 8/12/2009102 Adosci, G. J. 8/9/2009102 Dumont, C.W. 9/16/2009102 Novak, E. 6/27/2009103 Badger, F. O. 6/27/2009103 Conlan, P. V. 8/11/2009103 Deegan, J. R. 2/15/2009103 Keough, E. M. 10/4/2009103 Orsini, L. G. 8/25/2009103 Taylor, F. H. 12/6/2008104 O’Donnell, M. J. 9/23/2009104 Young, J. E. 5/6/2009105 Hunt,W. G. 9/16/2009105 Killeleagh, D. A. 9/18/2009105 Koo,W. 10/9/2009105 Ottenbacher, R. 9/24/2009110 Brinatte, A. F. 8/5/2009110 McNamara, P. L. 9/9/2009115 Moffatt, G. M. 10/3/2009117 Hubka, R. E. 8/27/2009124 Dalton, J. F. 10/12/2009125 Baxter, F. O. 9/22/2009125 Brooks, J. J. 9/14/2009130 Duplantis,W. A. 9/3/2009130 Ehrensing, D. J. 10/1/2009130 Ferguson, T. P. 10/16/2009130 Whitney, J. J. 9/14/2009131 Bothwell, E. P. 4/4/2009134 Chisholm,W. J. 9/26/2009134 Chisholm, K. R. 7/22/2009134 De Fina, J. 9/4/2009134 Krispin, J. J. 9/16/2009134 Lockwood, H. A. 8/25/2009134 Nessler, J.W. 8/31/2009134 Remafedi, D. 9/19/2009134 Rubin, L. 8/29/2009134 Scanlan, R. J. 9/1/2009134 Szewczynski, E. J. 8/1/2009136 Craft, G.W. 6/25/2009136 Dugger, F. T. 10/3/2009136 Howard, R. M. 9/22/2009136 Winters, J. R. 9/3/2009139 Ambuski, S. R. 8/22/2009141 Fankhauser, R. E. 9/24/2009146 Barnes, R. M. 9/1/2009150 Humer, F. 8/23/2009153 Watts, R. L. 9/2/2009159 Stull, W. C. 8/11/2009160 Lien, G. P. 5/1/2009164 Butterwei, E. J. 8/7/2009175 Bivens, J. 8/24/2009175 Gustus, K. T. 9/29/2009175 Hookey, J. R. 5/4/2009175 McCommon,W. E. 9/2/2009175 Mitchell, J. A. 10/17/2009177 Crews, T. R. 10/29/2008

191 Folkes, H.W. 9/11/2009193 Fifer,W. C. 10/8/2009193 Latonis, C. R. 10/1/2009194 Carey, F. H. 9/18/2009212 Clemons, D. A. 10/2/2009212 Decker, J. E. 7/6/2009212 Dreyer, C. E. 9/22/2009213 Gray, C.W. 6/30/2009219 Ojala, D. J. 8/19/2009223 Ribeiro, F. 9/30/2009233 Bersanti, A. L. 9/26/2009233 Bonnes, G.W. 8/24/2009233 Denny, H. A. 9/17/2009236 Broadhurst, J. L. 7/10/2009236 Thorpe, G. H. 9/23/2009237 Mariano, A. 8/13/2009242 Bye, C. R. 9/19/2009252 Kobert, C. B. 9/10/2009254 Lang, R. 10/21/2009257 Creath, R. E. 9/26/2009258 Callihoo, G. 6/1/2009258 Stedman, C. H. 5/4/2009258 Wills, C. G. 7/28/2009269 Foy, J. D. 7/5/2009271 Moeder, R. J. 9/21/2009275 Anderson, H. A. 9/16/2009280 Clontz, J. A. 7/6/2009280 Petsch, R. 9/9/2009292 Seekon, L. A. 10/6/2009294 Bowen, T. M. 9/6/2009295 Cochran, G. E. 10/4/2009302 Schieberl, R. R. 8/30/2009303 Pollack, J. I. 9/23/2009304 Barker, G. P. 8/18/2009304 Brabander, K. F. 10/4/2009306 Vaughan, D. T. 8/20/2009313 Clothier, J. 9/26/2009322 Goodchild, A. K. 9/16/2009326 Galeski, B. T. 9/19/2009332 Demele, E. F. 8/5/2009332 Gordon, E. I. 6/2/2009340 Anderson, F. C. 9/24/2009340 Muck, J. C. 4/22/2009340 Tichenor, J. C. 8/19/2009347 Hager, K. B. 10/5/2009349 Karssen, J. K. 8/7/2009351 Blumberg, L. 6/11/2009353 Gountaras, J. 9/25/2009353 Hesse, S. J. 5/23/2008353 Matson, R.W. 6/12/2008354 Harrington, R. R. 10/7/2009357 Moore, D. A. 9/12/2009357 Tomsik, E. H. 9/23/2009364 Cummins, L. 8/2/2009369 Baker, K. 5/19/2009369 Cordle, D. 10/16/2009369 Dearmond, H.W. 9/7/2009369 Jones, J. R. 9/5/2009369 Matthews, C. R. 9/19/2009369 Yocom, J. R. 10/25/2009379 Brandon, F.W. 9/12/2009379 Twitty, L. G. 9/24/2009379 Woodle, M. 10/5/2009380 Coccia, S. 10/24/2009387 Armstrong, J. I. 9/17/2009387 Clark, J. A. 9/1/2009405 Buck, K. B. 3/14/2009424 Miller, R. B. 8/8/2009429 Williams, T. E. 9/12/2009441 Hudson, J. M. 9/1/2009449 Nugent, R. L. 10/3/2009456 Stevens, R. L. 9/24/2009465 Elless, C. G. 6/21/2009474 Davis, C. B. 9/21/2009477 Eaton, G. K. 9/5/2009477 Mauterstock, R. I. 10/4/2009479 Becker,W. D. 8/5/2009479 Vicknair, N. J. 9/9/2009480 Smith, J. N. 9/21/2009

480 Upton, T. L. 7/16/2009481 Davis, E. E. 6/9/2009483 Stephens, R. L. 8/28/2009486 Mulvaney, J. R. 9/24/2009486 Tomasini, J. L. 9/11/2009488 Schmidheini, J. A. 2/26/2009490 Courteau, E. F. 9/9/2009494 Kashishian, J. 9/14/2009494 Smith, J. A. 6/13/2009494 Stanoch, M. R. 7/23/2009494 Verhalen, J. A. 6/26/2009499 Wagner, C. E. 9/27/2009518 Evans, R. E. 10/10/2009527 Gold, J. E. 9/24/2009527 Turner, D. C. 10/2/2009531 Phillips, J. P. 6/9/2009538 Shaw, R.W. 9/16/2009553 Cockman, G. B. 7/16/2009557 Schmerheim, D. J. 6/10/2009569 Newsham, K. L. 9/18/2009570 Johnson, L. 9/25/2009575 Hendricks, C. S. 8/7/2009575 Jordan, H. A. 8/9/2009576 Derbonne, D. 9/26/2009583 Peer, G. R. 9/11/2009584 Ervin,W.W. 7/31/2009586 Tomlinson, G. C. 1/9/2009595 Crouse, R. R. 7/31/2009602 Gollihugh, D. P. 8/30/2009611 Lopez, P. I. 4/29/2009611 Quintana, M. L. 10/4/2009611 Salway, M. A. 3/29/2009613 Bartlett, C. J. 8/6/2009613 Gloss, C. C. 9/27/2009613 Winslette, J. B. 7/24/2009613 Worthy,W. D. 6/29/2009617 Reents, H. L. 9/27/2009625 Coyle,W. D. 9/4/2009632 Drummond, T.W. 9/28/2009640 Baker, C. D. 10/6/2009640 Correa, A. S. 9/4/2009659 Saunders, R. E. 9/28/2009659 Yocom, T. B. 8/26/2009661 Schnurr, J. J. 8/9/2009666 Jones, M. E. 9/17/2009682 Thrift, B. H. 4/7/2009683 Brown, L. R. 7/24/2009683 Levison, M. B. 10/8/2009688 Saunier, J. D. 9/18/2009697 Blossom, J. J. 10/24/2009697 Woodke, D. C. 10/15/2009700 Martin, J. 10/7/2009702 Colclasure, L. J. 7/31/2009702 Ryan, L. D. 10/8/2009706 Thorson, A. G. 10/3/2009712 Beck, R. A. 10/24/2009712 Namadan, R. M. 9/28/2009712 Trenschel, R. H. 9/17/2009714 Domsten, M. K. 9/29/2009714 Kuntz, L. G. 9/1/2009716 Anderson, B. J. 8/9/2009716 Jordan, R.W. 9/30/2009716 Lawson, L. D. 9/1/2009716 Long, B. D. 8/5/2009725 McNabb, G. L. 9/16/2009728 Joubert, M. J. 8/28/2009728 Maier, H. H. 8/17/2009728 Ursone, F. D. 8/28/2009760 Kitts, E. L. 9/19/2009763 Foltz, N. S. 8/12/2009767 Hebert, V. 4/3/2009768 Benefiel, F. E. 10/12/2009768 Rauthe, J.W. 8/9/2009768 Veltman, G. F. 3/12/2009769 Brown, H. D. 10/6/2009773 McLean, N. D. 9/19/2009773 Parr, M. E. 9/7/2009776 Foster, K. M. 9/19/2009816 Culp, B. E. 10/7/2009

816 Poe, J. R. 9/8/2009816 Webb, G. D. 8/25/2009816 Wyatt, G. M. 9/5/2009852 Kent, K. C. 9/4/2009852 Reese, A. J. 9/11/2009855 McIntire, I. 8/26/2009890 Grace, M. J. 8/27/2009890 Tolley, H. T. 10/18/2009894 Orton, A. A. 9/27/2009903 Bridges,W. H. 11/12/2007903 Lizana, L. C. 10/12/2009903 McManus, I. T. 9/30/2009915 Campbell, M. A. 9/30/2009915 Hickman, L. 9/4/2009917 Caldwell, J. L. 7/13/2009917 Pearce, N. D. 8/10/2009932 Bayles, S. H. 9/9/2009932 Boutilier, C. S. 7/11/2009932 Langlinais, K. C. 10/18/2009934 Dickenson, P. R. 10/3/2009968 Nulter, R. F. 8/21/2009970 Morang, M.W. 9/5/20091055 Engram, J. M. 9/22/20091141 Gaston,W. L. 9/1/20091186 Hanohano, S. K. 9/19/20091186 Kido, H. 8/16/20091200 Banfer, K. P. 9/8/20091205 DeBarr, J. M. 7/16/20091220 Bobera, J. A. 9/19/20091245 Ables, D. R. 7/11/20091245 Schmitz, J. T. 8/28/20091245 Updegraff, K. A. 10/8/20091316 Palmer, J. C. 9/10/20091319 Vangorden, R. K. 9/28/20091340 Gibson, J. F. 10/5/20091393 Cline, N. E. 4/20/20091393 Evans,W. T. 5/8/20091426 Naumann, G. J. 8/31/20091547 Waldrop, I. M. 8/1/20091579 Hebbard, M. F. 9/11/20091837 Bowen, D. F. 10/8/20091924 Parrish,W. L. 7/11/20091984 Hutto, F. A. 9/28/20092330 Connors, M. F. 9/18/2009I.O. (3) Wishart, R. G. 9/18/2009I.O. (5) Mench, H. H. 7/30/2009Pens. (323) Patterson,W. F. 8/8/2009Pens. (1251) Vert,W. 9/21/2009Pens. (I.O.) Bartsch, J. D. 10/8/2009Pens. (I.O.) Bro, E.W. 10/21/2009Pens. (I.O.) Carroll, W. E. 9/12/2009Pens. (I.O.) Chase, J.W. 5/8/2009Pens. (I.O.) Church, R. L. 9/24/2009Pens. (I.O.) Coan, A. 7/18/2009Pens. (I.O.) Coon, E. F. 4/15/2009Pens. (I.O.) Frantz, J. C. 9/18/2008Pens. (I.O.) Hangleitner, R. R. 9/14/2009Pens. (I.O.) Hartman,W. J. 8/31/2009Pens. (I.O.) Hayes, L. D. 9/13/2009Pens. (I.O.) Hintze, E. O. 7/29/2009Pens. (I.O.) Hughes, L. C. 10/15/2009Pens. (I.O.) Johnson, V. A. 10/18/2008Pens. (I.O.) Kopala, C. 8/9/2009Pens. (I.O.) Kuper, D. D. 9/2/2009Pens. (I.O.) Lance, J. F. 10/19/2009Pens. (I.O.) Langley, J. A. 2/10/2009Pens. (I.O.) Linkenbach,W. 10/8/2009Pens. (I.O.) Marino, P. 7/1/2009Pens. (I.O.) Maslo, R.W. 10/10/2008Pens. (I.O.) Nelson,W. 9/19/2009Pens. (I.O.) Vokal, E. L. 8/27/2003Pens. (I.O.) Wick, H. S. 9/22/2009Pens. (I.O.) Wilton, R. R. 9/27/2009Pens. (I.O.) Winings, R. L. 9/19/2009Pens. (I.O.) Worth, J. F. 9/21/2009

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

Members forWhomPBFDeathClaimswereApproved inNovember2009



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CommunityServiceVolunteersL.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MO—Happy new year to all. Thegood news about 2009 is that it’s over! It would beeasy to dwell on all the negatives in today’s econ-omy and area work situation. However, there issome good news out there.

Local 1 continues towork tirelessly in theSt.Louis community, volunteering a helping hand to chari-ties, organizations and families in need. Annual oppor-tunities to volunteer abound, such aswithHabitat forHumanity projects, the “LightsOut” program, etc. Thevolunteerworkdonatedby Local 1 is remarkable, andeverymember should beproud of our local’s commit-ment. Additionally, volunteers are always needed tohelp elect labor-friendly candidates to office.

The upcoming annual Valentine’s Day Dancein February is always a great way to catch up withold friends and enjoy a wonderful evening.

Local 1 wishes all a happy, and hopefully pros-perous, new year.

We mourn the following members’ deaths:Louis Kornhardt, John Behlmann, Alex Gibson,Eugene Jones, Kenneth Brooks, Arthur Knight,James McCutchen, James Wheeler Jr., KennethMauer, Michael Stuckel, William Germer, ArthurMoran, Robert Spence, William Forshee, JosephThiemet, Bernard Walker, Morgan Trigg, NealMoenigmann, Robert Boelloeni, Giuseppe “Joe”DiMaggio, Thomas Roling and James Reinheimer.

Matt Gober, P.S.

ProposedNFLStadiumProjectL.U. 11 (i,rts&spa), LOS ANGELES, CA—RepublicanGov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, bowing to pressurefrom labor, signed a bill allowing development of anall-union NFL stadium project in the City of Industry.

The proposed 75,000-seat Los Angeles areastadium will meet the Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) green building stan-dards and incorporate sustainable energy features.Approximately 60 local union members attendedthe bill-signing ceremony. Touting green careers andquality union apprenticeship programs, the gover-nor promised hundreds of construction jobs toCalifornia residents. Thank you to all our memberswho attended the event. Members wishing to stayinformed, to volunteer, or participate in futureevents should sign up at the local’s Web sitewww.ibew11.org to receive e-mails.

The 11th Annual Local Wide Picnic was great.Thank you to the contractors who generously

donated prizes and to dozens of volunteers whohelped make the picnic a success. Local 11 mem-bers and their families enjoyed a fine barbecue,music, prizes, games, rock climbing and more.

The Electrical Workers Minority Caucus L.A.Chapter purchased needed school supplies andbackpacks as part of an ongoing community out-reach project. Barrett Elementary School was chosento receive support. EWMC is also participating in awinter clothes drive for the Los AngelesMission.Congratulations to the EWMC for their dedicationand support for worthy causes.

Bob Oedy, P.S.

Hope for a TurnaroundL.U. 15 (u), DOWNERS GROVE, IL—We hope everyonehad a happy holiday season—andmay 2010 be theyear of an economic turnaround. It’s time!

As is the case formany IBEW locals, Local 15 hasexperienced a slowdown inworkassociatedwithhousing starts.Consequentlymanyof ourmemberswere declared excessby theComEdCompany.Fortunately, throughdiscussionswith the company,wewere successful in placingmembers in other positions.

We recently reached a three-year agreementfor our ComEd System Services group membersthat will include a 3 percent annual wage increase,improved sick leave pay and other benefit improve-ments, including future employment opportunities.

Our local continues to work toward finalizingan Overhead Transmission Agreement as well as afinal resolution to the Pole Hauling Arbitration Awardwith ComEd.

In addition, we have agreed to allow the coalplant operators to vote on whether they want a paidlunch period.

At this writing, all of ourmembers employed byDominion Energy, ExelonCorporation andMidwestGeneration are currentlymakingtheir benefit selections for 2010.

Our local mourns theuntimely death of two fellowunion members, Bro. MikeInfelise and Sister TashaWells Lee.

May 2010 be a prosper-ous year for all our IBEW broth-ers and sisters.

Ronald V. Welte, P.S.

Code of ExcellenceL.U. 17 (catv,em,lctt,o&u), DETROIT, MI—Bro. BobSigouin was honored at the November 2009 gen-eral membership meeting with a 45-yearservice pin. Bob has served the local inmany capacities over the years includingas business manager/financial secretary.

Work is still quite lean for our con-tractor work force, despite the October2009 hiring of 17 crews. However, our LineClearance Tree Trimming agreement isgoing strong with 640 tree trimmers cur-rently working. Our Regional Utility TrainingCenter began training its first class of line-man apprentices for employment at DetroitEdison in late 2009.

Local 17 started training and imple-mentation of the IBEWCode of Excellence.We as IBEWmembers have alwaysdemanded fair and equal treatment andthatmanagement live up to our agree-ments. We also made the commitment toworkplace excellence andmust live up to itevery day. Our skills, knowledge and safetyrecord are what we bring to the bargainingtable, and nothing less than the best willsustain the future of our livelihood.

We are saddened by the passing ofBros. RayWilliams, Lyn Caig, CliffordShortridge, Carl Snyder and JamesCasey.We also wish to pay our respects to the fam-ily of Bro. Robert Kress, a pole haul driverand 44-yearmember, who passed away inAugust 2008. These brothers aremissed.

Dean Bradley, P.S.

2009 LineWorker ClassL.U. 29 (u), PITTSBURGH, PA—Congratulations to theDuquesne Light Company line worker class ofOctober 2009. [See photo, below.] The 13 men grad-uated from pole climbing and ground school train-ing. They are now qualified to work with and learnfrom their Local 29 union brothers as they continuetoward their goal of becoming journey line workers.

Joe Meyers Jr., Ed Scherer and Chris Goring areon their way to becoming second-generation line-men. Their fathers are longtime IBEW Local 29 line-men. Congratulations and good luck, brothers.

Other news around the local: Negotiationswith Reliant Energy are complete and the contractwas ratified. The company and the union agreed toa contract on Oct. 30, 2009.

Our community services team is out andabout. They served a Christmas dinner to disadvan-taged children at the Holy Family Institute.

Remember safety both in the home and theworkplace. Be safe, not sorry.

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

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

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

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

(t) Telephone

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

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

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

(c Communications (govt) Governmentmow) Manufacturing Office Workers

(so) Service Occupations (ws) Warehouse and Supply

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

(s) Shopmen

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

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

Model of a proposed Los Angeles area NFL stadiumdevelopment.

IBEW Local 29 congratulates the Duquesne LightCompany line worker class of October 2009. On poleat left, from top to bottom, are Steve Kahle, Joe MeyersJr., Todd Covel, Chad Buczinski, Kris Anderson, ChrisGorring; and on pole at right, Scott Brimmer, EdScherer Jr., Drew Brown, Lonnie Rotondo, Ryan Brown,Scott Hutton and Chris Bruder.



Thanks to senior hot stick worker Joe Meyer forcontributions to this article. Joe is currently servingas a subject matter expert (SME), providing trainingin hot stick line work for the Safety and WorkforceDevelopment Department.

Kim Washburn, R.S.

DragonBoat FundraiserSuccessL.U. 37 (em,o&u), FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK,CANADA—Local 37 members have a growing historyof getting involved with community events. Just thispast September IBEW Local 37 sponsored twoteams in the 5th Annual Saint John Dragon BoatFestival: Point Lepreau’s “Positive Energy” andColeson Cove’s “Generate-oars.” The IBEW/Lepreauteam was the event’s top fundraiser, raising over$25,000! Together the two teams raised close to$30,000 for the St. Joseph’s Hospital foundation.

The very first Point Lepreau Dragon Boat entryoccurred three years ago, when a Local 37 member,who had recently returned to work after an illness,organized and registered an IBEW /Lepreau DragonBoat team as a way to give back to the hospital thathad treated him so well. The generosity and hardwork of this team turned out to be such a great suc-cess that Local 37 developed a pilot project thatprovides financial support to teams of IBEWmem-bers wishing to participate in community-based,charitable fundraising events.

This program has been, and continues to be,incredibly successful, and to date, Local 37 hassponsored a variety of teams that have raised thou-sands of dollars for New Brunswick communities!

Ross Galbraith, B.M.

MohawkValley Career DayL.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY—Local 43 partici-pated in the 6th Annual Mohawk Valley IndustryCareer Day, held Oct.15, 2009. More than 450 areahigh school juniors and seniors participated in thisyear’s event.

Local 43 members who participated in theevent included: JATCTraining Dir. Pete Dulcich,Bernie Coffay, Ken Caldwell, Conrad Dorn and MikeSmith. These brothers showed the students various

displays on branch circuitry and conduit bending.Our members explained to the students that thereis a significant advantage to learning the electricaltrade in a union-run JATCprogram. Thank you to allmembers who donated their time and expertise forthis day-long event.

Jim Corbett, P.S.

Transmission Line ProjectsL.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA—Happy new year. We certainly hope 2010 is betterthan 2009. The entire nation has been hit hard. InCalifornia, unemployment is 12.5 percent, and evenhigher in construction trades. Local 47 has someminor setbacks, but has fared well.

Outside Construction has been helped by sev-eral large transmission projects that will bringrenewable power to SoCal, including a 170-mile linefrom Blythe to the Palm Springs area.

Congratulations to ourmembers who competedat the International Lineman’s Rodeo—includingLocal 47 Bus. Mgr. Pat Lavin’s team, which includedJoel Bell, businessmanager of IBEW Local 769, aswell as Rod Peterson, Local 47member working forHenkels &McCoy. Award winners included: JeffHinojos, Alex Ramirez, Ted Durnerin, JohnSatterfield,Lorenzo Deliso, Clayton Loback, Enoch Verdin Jr., JoshRegalado, Raudel Ruiz and James Booth.

Our 6th Annual Brotherhood Motorcycle Runwas held Oct. 24, 2009. The ride was followed by abarbecue and live music.

Mike Asam, a Riverside lineman, his wife andson were tragically killed in a traffic accident. AaronDineen, a Local 1245 apprentice linemanwhoworkedin our jurisdiction, was killed in a work-related inci-dent. We deeplymourn these losses. Our thoughtsand prayers are with the families of the deceased.

Live safe, live well, work union!

Stan Stosel, P.S.

‘Strength andSolidarity’L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,rtb,t&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL—Local 51wishes all IBEWmembers and their families a safe,prosperous new year. As we begin 2010 the work pic-ture for our outside construction and LCTTmember-ship is good. Fortunately, our local has notexperienced the work slowdown that other localsacross the country have and we are thankful for that.Hopefully, as the economy continues to improve, thework outlook across the nation will improve also.

Our line clearancemembers atSpoon RiverElectricCo-op recently ratified a new labor agreement,while negotiations continuewith American LineBuilders (NECA), Henkels &McCoy, Asplundh Power,NelsonTree,WrightTree and the L.E.Myers shopmechanics. As always, the key to success lies in our

strength and solidarity. If we remain strong and uni-fiedwewill succeed through the negotiation process.

I encouragemembers to get involvedwith notonly our local but also in the communitieswherewelive—and remember to work safe, give a full daysworkfor a good days pay and attend your unionmeetings.

Dan Pridemore, Pres.

ACareer ofServiceL.U. 57 (lctt,mo,o,t&u), SALT LAKE CITY,UT—On June 26,2009, Local 57Senior Asst. Bus.Mgr. Ronald Mayretired after a long-time IBEW career ofservice. Ron servedfor 17 years as assis-tant business man-ager and was a41-year member.

Former busi-ness managerBlaine A. Newman

hired Ron as a business representative in 1992. Ronwas initiated into the IBEW in 1968 and served as asteward, a negotiator, and on several committees.In 1983 he was elected treasurer and served on theLocal 57 Executive Board. Prior to going to work onthe Local 57 staff, Ron worked as a journeyman line-man/troubleshooter for Utah Power. He and hiswife, Priscilla, look forward to travel and spendingtime with their family.

Local 57 officers and members thank Ron forhis hard work and dedication to the union. We allwill miss Ron, and we extend heartfelt congratula-tions on his well-deserved retirement.

Roberta Wilson, P.S.

50-YearService AwardsL.U. 111 (em,govt,lctt,mt,o,rtb,spa&u), DENVER,CO—Congratulations to Don Shaputis and ClaudeChapman, who each recently received their 50-yearIBEW service award pins.

Shaputis, former assistant businessmanager,joined the IBEW in 1957. Hewasappointed as an agentin 1976, andwas tapped to join the InternationalEighthDistrict staff as an International Representativein 1987, servicing all the EighthDistrict states at onetimeor another. He retired in July 2003.

ClaudeChapman, former lineman, joined theIBEW in 1959. He remembers being a top apprentice inthe five-state lineman competition and receiving thefirst goldwatch given out for the achievement. He

served on the Executive Board, attended twoInternationalConventions, served as theUnit 1 chair-manandas recording secretary, participated on sev-eral negotiating committees, andwas chairmanof theLineman’sTestCommittee for the five-state region,before retiring in January 2009, fromSturgeon Electric.

We wish both brothers the best on their futureendeavors. We are proud to acknowledge all theirmany achievements, and we sincerely thank themfor their longtime service to the Brotherhood andthe local union.

Dennis Z. LeTurgez, P.S.

Jobs&ApprenticeshipsL.U. 125 (lctt,o,t&u), PORTLAND, OR—The 2009 IBEWPolitical/Legislative Conference was held recently.With topics like health care reform, climate change,and the Employee Free Choice Act dominating dis-cussion, workers’ primary concern—jobs—was acontinuous theme.

Throughout this nation, more discussion hasbeen focused on restoring vocational and technicaleducation in secondary schools; however, studentsmay be sorely disappointed. Why? Community col-leges have taken a proactive and leading role intechnical training which is challenging apprentice-ships. In today’s times many employers wantapprentices or pre-apprentices to have collegedegrees, which affects our ability to maintain andenhance existing, or create new, apprenticeships.

For more information, read Local 125’s sectionof the Northwest Labor Press in December issue.

Marcy Putman, P.S.

‘Stuff-A-Bus’ FoodDriveL.U. 153 (em,i,rtb,rts,se,spa&st), SOUTH BEND, IN—The South Bend JATCheld the banquet for the gradu-ating apprentices on Oct. 10. All the apprenticeswere recognized for their dedication and achieve-ments. WilliamGrubbs, VDV technician, was recog-nized for the highest GPA and Kennen Schafer asapprentice of the year. Congratulations to all theapprentices; you will find that just because you havetopped out in no waymeans your education is done.

On Halloween the local helped with the 14thannual Stuff-A-Bus food drive for the South BendCenter for the Homeless. IBEW Local 153 mannedfour of the 23 local Martins stores; also involved inthe event are WRBR radio station and numerous

Syracuse, NY, Local 43members staff MohawkValley Industry CareerDay. From left: membersBernie Coffay, Ken Caldwell, JATC Training Dir.Pete Dulcich, Conrad Dorn andMike Smith.

Recently retired Havana Power Station unionsteward Charlie James (far left) is joined byfellow Local 51 members Al Riley, Bus. Mgr.Jim Bates, Davey Sayers and Asst. Bus. Mgr.John Johnson.

Local 57 former SeniorAsst. Bus.Mgr. RonaldMay retired in June 2009.

Local 111 Bus. Mgr. Mike Byrd (right) andPres. Duane Lawlor (left) congratulate 50-yearservice award recipients Claude Chapman(second from left) and Don Shaputis.

Some of IBEW Local 153’s top-notchvolunteers collect food for the SouthBend Center for the Homeless.

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student and church groups. Last year’s Stuff-A-Busdrive collected nine months worth of food for theshelter. Due to the economy, if we collected thesame amount of food this year it would only last sixmonths. We are reminded to thank God for ourblessings and remember those who have not beenso fortunate. Work in the area is slow and it will bea hard winter, not only for many IBEWmembers butalso for a great many in our communities.

Troy D. Warner, B.R./P.S.

StrongSpirit of BrotherhoodL.U. 159 (i), MADISON, WI—Work in our area hasremained slow. As the holidays approached, ourmembers continued to exhibit the truemeaning ofbrotherhood by volunteering for our annual HolidayFantasy in Lights display. This seasonmarks our 21styear of providing this free lighting display to ourcommunity. It is always a bright spot during the holi-days and especially now, during these difficult eco-nomic times. In addition to providing these displays,money is also raised and donated to local charities.

Likemany IBEW locals across the country, weexpect to see our work picture gradually improve aswe get closer to spring. We do have some good-sizedprojects coming up andmore still in the biddingprocess. With triple digits on both book I and II, it willbe a while before we see the bottom of either book.

These past few years have been a difficulttime for many of our brothers and sisters. May thenew year bring better times for all members andtheir families.

Joel Kapusta, B.A.

WorkPictureSlowL.U. 177 (bo,ees,i,mo,o&pet), JACKSONVILLE, FL—Thanks to many volunteers, Local 177 had anothersuccessful Labor Day picnic. There was good barbe-cue and brotherhood for all.

Local 177’s Membership DevelopmentVolunteer Committee has beenmeeting on the firstTuesday of themonth at 5:30 p.m. for the last sixmonths. Bus. Mgr.Russell Harper and ourMVDCmembers have been attending city council meetingsandmonitoring the city courthouse project, which isbeing wired nonunion. The work picture in theJacksonville area is currently worse than anyonearound here can remember. There isn’t much on thehorizon presently for northeast Florida. Thanks to allthe locals that are working our traveling members.

Alan Jones, Pres.

Class of 2009L.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WA—We areextremely proud of our 46 graduating apprentices.They all did an outstanding job. The graduation cere-mony was held at the Tulalip Resort Hotel. It was anexciting evening, which began with speeches from:IBEW Local 191 Bus. Mgr. Dave Howson, CascadeChapter NECA Exec. Mgr. Cindy Austin, and NWJATCInstructor Joe Peters. The graduates received won-derful gifts for their outstanding performances.

The top three apprentices in the class of 2009:are Philip Honeycutt, inside wireman; DominicD’Agostini, residential wireman; and ZacharyThomas, Sound & Communications technician.

Class of 2009 graduates are as follows. Insidewireman graduates: Todd Albachten-Degolier, TedButton, ShawnCurtis, Jordan Dovich, Justin Dugger,WhitneyGonzalez, JackGrove, Paul Hanko, AustinHowrey, Tracy Jenks, Jeremy Knabe, BeauHannafious, David Hansen, Brent Hockman, PhilipHoneycutt, Dale Laing, Russell Lautensleger, MonteMaestas, D. BrianMagnuson, JosephMamac, DianaMarchel, Christopher Norde, JamesOdegaard,Johnathan Ohlund, Brian Pence, Jorge Perez, RubenPerez, Jason Porter, Trevor Qualsund, LucasRaymond, Travis Rosencrans, DanSchmidt, JoshuaSchoener, Robert Sesko, RayTanner, Michael Thorpe,Aleksandr Verovoy, David Vezzani, BrianWall, DorianWebster and Paul Weiland. Residential wiremangraduates: Joshua Armstrong, DominicD’Agostiniand Kevin Kiper. Sound andCommunications gradu-ates: Zachary Thomas and AdamTownsend.

Congratulations to all the graduates. You areour future.

Rob De Velder, P.S.

ApprenticeGraduatesL.U. 241 (i), ITHICA, NY—Congratulations to ourclass of 2009 apprentice graduates, who havebecome Local 241’s newest journeyman wiremen.All successfully completed the inside wiremanapprenticeship program. The graduates are:Kathryn Boucakis, Joshua Cooley, John Pensyl,Sean Rooker and David Swearingen.

We thank the travelers who came to work inour local over the summer months. Your help in get-ting jobs done was appreciated by all.

Work productively and safely.

Michael A. Creasy, P.S.

Food CollectionDriveL.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH—As wereported last fall, Local 245 won an NLRB election in2009 with the Darlington Nursing & RehabilitationCenter. This unit represents approximately 24

licensed practical nurses. At press time, we are inongoing negotiations for a first-time contract andthings are going pretty well. We should reach a set-tlement very soon. Congratulations to theDarlington nurses for taking the first step to securetheir future wages and conditions and gain a voicein the workplace.

It was a personal privilege to witness thechanging of the guard at the 2009 AFL-CIOConvention. What a historic convention! During histenure former president John Sweeney helped pavethe way for labor’s continued progress under newlyelected AFL-CIO Pres. Richard Trumka and AFL-CIOSecretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, former executiveassistant to IBEW Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hill.

As withmany areas, we are in a severe eco-nomic downturn. The economy has affected everybranch of our local union. Ourmajor utility employer,First Energy, has downsized its work force. Recentlywe did hear that somework should pick up soon.

Local 245’s food collection drive helpedbrightentheThanksgiving andChristmasholidays for area fami-lies. Thanks to allmembers for their contributions.

We are fortunate that we have not had anyworkrelated accidents. Please continue to work safely!

Philip LaCourse, Pres.

2009ApprenticeGraduatesL.U. 257 (em,i,rtb,rts,spa&t), JEFFERSON CITY, MO—Local 257’s annual picnic was held Sept. 19, 2009. Itwas a good time for all ages. Years-of-service pinswere awarded. We thank all members who receivedpins for their great years of service to the local. Aspecial thanks to all second-year apprentices whohelped out at the picnic, with guidance from DonBruemmer and Jim Winemiller.

On Sept. 12 last year we had our Labor Dayparade. It was a beautiful day. Thanks to all whoturned out to support Local 257 and all who helpedwith the float—it was great.

Shown in the photo below are the 2009 grad-uating apprentices. The photo was taken at thelocal’s graduation ceremony/dinner in their honor.Congratulations to the new journeymen.

The work picture and the economy are stillslow in our central Missouri area. We definitely hopefor a big turnaround in 2010. We hope everybodyhad a safe and happy holiday season and that thenew year will bring us amuch brighter work picture.

Support your local unions, so we can keep ourunion strong.

Ryan Buschjost, P.S.

Service Award RecipientsL.U. 291 (i,o,rts&rts), BOISE, ID—We hope all had ahappy holiday season.

Congratulations to all service pin recipients hon-ored at Local 291’s annual picnic last summer.Specialcongratulations to 60-yearmembersBill Stith andAlbertSiron Jr., and to 50-yearmembersArthurCastagnola,TheodoreMarrone, Del Ray andPhilStewart. IreneMcMillin, nowdeceased, received a 55-year pin.Work is still very slowhere in southwest Idahowith 248Book1 handsout ofwork. A few larger proj-ects—Sorrento Lactalis, BoiseStateUniversityScienceBuilding, Portico, andMiddletonHighSchool—recentlystarted staffing up, helping the situation along.

Thanks to Bro. Mark Zaleski and all the volun-teers for their time donated to three Habitat forHumanity projects and the ANSER Charter Schoolproject currently underway.

We regret the passing of Bros. Ken Hubbard,Cecil Dean and Thomas Rowley. Our condolences goout to their families. We also regret the passing ofthe wives of Mike Wagner and Aaron, as well as thepassing of Irene McMillin, who worked as secretaryof our local for 37 years.

Even though many of our members are on theroad, let’s do the best we can to maintain contactwith our local and attend our monthly meetings.Here’s wishing all a successful 2010.

Ron Ely, P.S.

MountainRidgeHighScoreboardL.U. 307 (ees,es,i,o&u), CUMBERLAND, MD—InOctober 2005 Gill-Simpson began work on the newMountain Ridge High School project in Frostburg,MD. The school was fully funded except for approxi-mately $3 million needed to complete visitor sidebleachers, scoreboards, a concession stand andrest room building, field house and other items notincluded in the price of the school. Various eventswere planned to raise money for the stadium.

On Jan. 3, 2008, IBEW Local 307 andWesternMarylandChapter of NECA donated $73,000 for pur-chase of the video scoreboard atMountain RidgeStadium. [See photo, pg. 13.] In addition they com-mitted to the installation of the scoreboard at noadditional cost to the school system. Gill-Simpson,Consolidated Electric andS&S Electric donatedmate-rial and labor. Bros. Ed Crowe, George Koontz, MikeLehman, Robert Duncan,Mark Fost andToddSheallyvolunteered tomake this project a huge success.

Local 307 congratulates our new apprenticeswho were sworn into membership: Dustin Clayton,

At the Local 177 Labor Day picnic, Bus. Mgr.Russell Harper takesadip in thedunkingbooth.

Local 241 class of 2009 apprenticegraduates, from left: David Swearingen,Joshua Cooley, Kathryn Boucakis and SeanRooker. Not pictured: John Pensyl.

Local 257 congratulates 2009 apprentice graduates. From left, front row, are: Justin LaValley,Kelly Baker, John Hickman, Curt Libbert, Sean Chapman, Robbie Hart; back row, Chris Vinson,Beau Cook, Matt Henning, Thomas Ballew, Daniel Murphy and Justin Crane.



Travis Bradley, ShawnMiller, Stephen DeShong,WilliamWeisenmiller, Joseph Taylor, Robert Dellone,William Carlisle and JeremyMetz.

Jon “Rosey” Rosenberger, R.S.

BallparkStadiumL.U. 349 (em,i,mps,rtb,spa&u), MIAMI, FL—Some ofthe electrical temporary installation work for theFlorida Marlin’s new ballpark stadium trailer com-pound was awarded to one of our employers,Outlook International. As of this writing, OutlookInternational also was awarded the twelve 135-footreinforced super columns that supply power andwill support the newMarlin stadium’s 8,300-tonretractable roof. We hope that by this publicationdate, the majority of the stadium work will havebeen awarded to our contractors.

Our annual picnicwas held in October. Niceweather, lots of fun formembers and kids. Some920members and their families showed up for the fun,food and refreshments. The EntertainmentCommitteeoutdid themselves, again. Lots of effort and planninggoes into the picnicand other events during the year.The committee did a great job andwe thank them.

Retired Bro. Leo Flynt, a 55-year IBEWmember,passed away in October 2009. Bro. Leo served onthe Local 349 Executive Board and EntertainmentCommittee for many years. He served in the U.S.Marine Corp, Marine Amphibious Reconnaissance,participating in campaigns on Saipan and Okinawain the South Pacific during World War II. Bro. Leo willbe missed.

Remember: Support our troops here and over-seas.

Attend your union meetings. Help make yourunion strong. Work smart and work safe.

Frank Albury, Exec. Bd./P.S.

ApprenticeGraduationDinnerL.U. 351 (c,cs,i,it,lctt,mt,o,se,spa&t), FOLSOM, NJ—On Oct. 24, 2009, Local 351 held its 15th annualgraduation dinner. Congratulations to the graduates:Donald Cosner, Bruce Crowe Jr., JamesD’Alessandris, John Davis, Michael DiMarco,Michael Fitzgerald, Robert Foster, Daniel GonzalezJr., Matthew Griffith, Timothy Ichinaga, Eric Konczyk,Frank Laspada, Michael Magilton, StevenMcAleer,ChristopherMcFarland, AdamMeany, MatthewMoore, Matthew Neborak, Brian Olsen, Jason Olsen,Eric Ore, Anthony Pacana, David Pangia, BrandonParkin, Travis Pearson, Scott Pezzato, Christopher

Powell, Marc Principato, John Quinn Jr., Marc Raffa,Joseph Roberson, EricScannapieco, Daniel Scarle,Philip Smith, Robert Sneathen, Richard Thomas,Justin Toscano, Sean Unitis, Nicholas Vitola, RyanWhite, Brian Wilson and Jeffrey Kosden.

Outstanding Apprentice Awards went toMichael DiMarco and Nicholas Vitola. Awards forperfect attendance went to Robert Foster, TimothyIchinaga, Anthony Pacana and Marc Principato.

Congratulations to all the apprentices on theirachievements.

Please remember to stay involved in the localand participate in our many functions throughoutyour career.

Daniel Cosner, P.S.

Local Union ClambakeL.U. 363 (catv,em,govt,i,t,u&ws), NEW CITY, NY—OnSept. 19, 2009, we had our annual clambake at theGerman Masonic Lodge grounds in Tappan, NY. Thelocal provided bus transportation to and from vari-ous areas of our jurisdiction. We had a lot of goodfood and of course clams on the half-shell. It wasgood to see retirees and brothers and sisters at thebake. It was a beautiful sunny, warm day and every-body had a great time. The local thanks the clam-bake committee, our training director andapprentices, contractors and supply houses, andLocal 363 Bus. Mgr. John Maraia.

Timothy Poulin, P.S.

WorkOn theHorizonL.U. 369 (em,es,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), LOUISVILLE,KY—The work picture in our jurisdiction is some-what bleak at this juncture. With several jobs on thehorizon it should improve in the near future.

The University of Louisville has several projectsin the works that will result in somemuch neededwork for our members. The university is building anew $230 million basketball arena in downtownLouisville with an opening date scheduled for nextfall. There is an expansion to the existing Papa

Johns football stadium thathopefully will be completedin time for the next footballseason. The university alsois in the process of a $40million renovation to itsdental school that shouldtake approximately twoyears to complete.

The Blue Grass ArmyDepot, a U.S. Army facility inRichmond, KY, is starting togear up. This project will

take years to complete and at its peak shouldemploy hundreds of ourmembers. This project hasalso been designated as a Code of Excellence site.

I wish everyone a safe and happy new year;hopefully 2010 will be a prosperous year for all.

John E. Morrison Jr., P.S.

UnionMembersRallyL.U. 375 (catv,ees&i), ALLENTOWN, PA—LastSeptember a busload of IBEW Local 375 membersattended a union-wide rally at Harrisburg, PA, toprotest a proposed change to Pennsylvania’s proj-ect labor agreement law. We outnumbered support-ers of this bill by a margin of about 10 to 1! We mustremain vigilant regarding this and other laborissues. Many thanks to all members who steppedup when called, especially on such short notice!

Last summer we hosted a breakfast honoringour retired members with the presentation of serv-ice pins for the year. Everyone had a wonderful timereminiscing together. [See photo, below.]

In October 2009 we hosted a friendly competi-tion between IBEW Locals 375 and 743 at a claypigeon shoot at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays. Thefriendly, competitive spirit shared between the twosister locals was great fun. All who attended afterthe meet enjoyed a pig roast and refreshments.

Please remember thatwe are still supportingour active duty soldiers, our fellowmembers deployedin theMiddle East, by contributing to “BrotherBoxes.”Currently, Bro. BruceSnyder is on active dutyin theMiddle East. Wewish himwell and extend ourheartfelt thanks for his service to our country.

Roger D. Gaydos, P.S.

Donation to ‘Coats for Kids’L.U. 385 (as,catv,ees,em,es,et,fm,govt,ptc,rtb,rts,s,se&ws), PITTSBURGH, PA—At a company cookouton Sept. 25, 2009, IBEW Local 385 members in thebargaining unit at Cooper Crouse-Hinds Outlet

Boxes in Meadow Lands, PA, celebrated an impor-tant safety milestone.

Their plant was among only three out of 134Cooper plants worldwide (and the only U.S. plant)to earn the Cooper $1,500 Bi-Star Award for Safety.They earned this award not for having the bestsafety record in Cooper but rather to recognize theplant’s outstanding achievements in improving thehealth and safety of employees through actions,programs and innovative solutions.

The plant’s Labor-Management SafetyCommittee decided to reach out to families less for-tunate, especially during this difficult economicperiod, and donate the $1,500 check on behalf ofthe employees of Crouse-Hinds Outlet Boxes andCooper Industries to provide winter coats to kids thisseason. The $1,500 checkwas presented during thecookout to Major Gene Foster, of the Salvation Army,for the area “Coats for Kids” Foundation.

Special thanks to all bargaining unit membersfor helping to make this happen. Together we canmake a difference.

Scott C. Baker Sr., Pres. & B.M./F.S.

Eco-Friendly ‘Tree of Light’L.U. 413 (em&i), SANTA BARBARA, CA—Local 413members decorate the 100-foot tall “Tree of Light”in Santa Barbara, CA. This latest effort marks the85th consecutive holiday season that the membersof the IBEW have lit the community Christmas tree.That’s a truly remarkable service record by anystretch of the imagination.

It is said that the Tree of Light can be seenfrom La Cumbre Peak, to ships 30 miles out at sea.But, of course, there is an associated cost for such adisplay. The traditional lighting design, though verybright and powerful, did not consider protecting theenvironment or controlling energy related costs. Thetraditional lighting utilized 500 40-watt incandes-cent lights, consuming approximately 20,000 watts

Mountain Ridge High School scoreboarddonated by IBEW Local 307 and WesternMaryland Chapter of NECA.

Local 351 congratulates 2009 apprentice graduating class.

IBEW Local 369 members are starting workon the University of Louisville’s new sportsarena construction project getting under way.

Local 375 hosts a service award breakfast for retired members.

Local 413 members donated LED lightingsystem and decorated the holiday Tree ofLight in Santa Barbara, CA.

Local Lines


of power. At today’s electricity rates, that equated toapproximately $29 per night to operate.

In August 2009, themembers of IBEW Local 413donated an entirely new energy efficient lighting sys-tem for the city’s tree. The previous light design wasreplaced this season with over 3,300 eco-friendly LEDlights. This new systemwill consume less than 200watts and will cost about 29 cents per night to oper-ate. That’s 99 percentmore energy efficient!

John Hughes, B.R.

ApprenticeGraduation BanquetL.U. 429 (em,i,lctt,o,ptc,rtb&u), NASHVILLE, TN—TheNashville Electrical Joint Apprenticeship andTrainingCommittee held a banquet and graduation ceremonyin August 2009 for the recent class of 13 apprenticegraduates, who completed the five-year NEJATC train-ing program. [See photo, above.] Congratulations tothe new IBEW inside journeymanwiremen: HenryPerez, Matthew Visocky, JohnWooten, Robert Huffer,JamesTucker, Robert York, Shane Ferrell, RyanEngdahl, Jason Nesbitt, ScottyWest, David Day,Matthew Brown and Nicholas Prebonick.

Our work picture is still very slow but looksgood for next year. Remember that TVA and otherprojects now require OSHA 10. We are offering anumber of journeyman classes, so check Local429’s Web pagewww.ibew429.org.

Remember our deceased members and sol-diers; honor our retirees; support our troops; andhelp the returning soldiers adjust.

During these hard times, remember to help eachother and support your local union. Ourunionmeet-ings are the first and thirdMondayof eachmonth.

Gerald A. Grant, P.S.

‘Delegate of the Year’L.U. 441 (as,i&rts), SANTA ANA, CA—On Sept. 26,2009, Bus. Rep./Political Coordinator DougMangione was honored as “Delegate of the Year” bythe Orange County Labor Federation at the CostaMesa Hilton. Doug has spent tireless hours at citycouncil meetings, board hearings, communityevents and political functions to help spread thevoice of working families in Orange County. Amongthose in attendance for the September event wereAFL-CIO then-president John J. Sweeney, U.S. Rep.Loretta Sanchez, area politicians, families andfriends of labor. Local 441 is extremely proud andhonored to have Doug as a spokesman for our localand the union affiliates in our county.

Local 441 then-president Ken Bock and then-vice president Howard Autrey recently retired. Wethank them for their dedicated service to the localand wish them both a happy retirement.

Richard Vasquez, B.R.

Health Care DebateL.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO, ID—Best wishes to Gordon “Scott” Hadley and DonaldPatterson for good health in their retirements.

The health care debate continues, as of thiswriting in November, and hopefully the working peo-ple’s needs are not completely overshadowed byinsurance and pharmaceutical lobbies. What impactwould we see if we didn’t have to base our retire-ment decisions on the ability to maintain necessaryhealth coverage? Would we see a change in our abil-ity to compete if the playing field was leveled regard-ing health care costs? Unfortunately, many peopleare swayed bymedia that is not reporting news orfactual information upon which to base decisions,but rather carrying out a specific agenda that hasbeen paid for to mold opinion to a pre-conceivedoutcome rather than generate thoughtful debate.These very words are political in that I am trying toinfluence the reader to look beyond the hype andlook at what goes on with themoney. “Follow themoney and learn the truth,” as it has been said. Iexpect that the health care debate continues and Ihope you actively participate by contacting your rep-resentatives with your priorities.

In closing, we are saddened by the passing ofRon Nugent.

Don Watters, Pres.

Circle of LightsL.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS,IN—We thank recently retired business managerTom O’Donnell for his hard work and dedicatedservice throughout his career. We wish Bro.O’Donnell all the best in retirement and the best ofluck in his new endeavors. Jason Haltom wasappointed business manager to fill the unexpiredterm and is ready to lead and serve our members.Kevin Marshall was appointed treasurer to fill thepost vacated by Jason.

The annual Labor Day parade was Sat., Sept.5, 2009. Members and their families marchedtogether with all the trades in central Indiana toshow their solidarity. We had a good turnout andwant it to continue to grow.

Local 481 is in its 47th year of volunteering forthe Circle of Lights. What a great way to be seen inour community and help give back. ThisThanksgiving weekend tradition is a special way tokick off the holiday season for Indianapolis. Thankyou to all the volunteers and retirees, who alwaysmake it look so easy.

As the New Year is upon us, we hope 2010 is aprosperous year for all.

Jonathon Hooker, R.S.

Kudos for ExcellenceL.U. 483 (catv,lctt,o&u), TACOMA,WA—Congratulationsto IBEW Local 483memberAmyMiddleton, who isthis year’s recipient of the Dan RossAward. Amy is notonly an activemember of IBEW Local 483, but also afoundingmember of our Relay for Life team, a shopsteward, bargaining teammember and BrotherhoodFund boardmember. Cheers to Amy!

Big congratulations also to IBEW Local 483members Kevin Kelley and Ray Leske, who are the2009 Washington State Pole Top Rescue champs!Kevin and Ray have competed in this competitionfor years and have finally achieved a well-deservedfirst place finish this year at the Governor’s SafetyConference, beating out seven other teams fromacross the state for the coveted title.

Alice Phillips, B.M.

Tribute toServiceL.U. 503 (t&u), MONROE, NY—Happy new year,brothers and sisters! I’ll start this year off with goodnews about one of our injured members. First-classlineman Steve Altieri is finally home from the hospi-tal! He’s doing well and happy to be home.

On a bittersweet note, a fond farewell goesout to Local 503’s treasurer and longtime shopsteward, Joe Hosking. After 37 years of service, Joeis throwing his hat into the retirement ring!

Joe started his career in 1972 as a third-classlineman and progressed through the ranks untilUnderground Line was formed in 1974, where heremained until his retirement. He served as stewardfor nearly 30 years and as treasurer for almost 10years. Joe says his retirement will be enjoyed withhis wife, Nancy, and their family. He will continuerunning his family farm and will also continue toserve as Town Justice of Otisville and Mount Hope,NY, as he has for the past 24 years.

We all thank Joe for his hard work and dedica-tion to Local 503. All the best of health and happi-ness in your retirement, Joe!

Mary M. Casey, P.S.

ITT Industries Contract RatifiedL.U. 543 (mo&t), SAN BERNARDINO, CA—I wish topersonally thank Local 543’s negotiating teammembers who dedicated many hours to ensuringthat we properly represented our members atNASA’s Deep Space Network facility located on theU.S. Army’s National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, CA.Congratulations for a job well-done to members

Scott Heck, Geoff Hewitt, Sandi Irby, Mike Lucero,Mark Chen, Dave Clark, Jeff LaGrange, Frank King,Larry Schrader and Seymour Unpingco. The negoti-ating team developed a survey and instructed ourmembers to prioritize our mission to be accom-plished during negotiations.

We separated our non-economic changes fromour economic issues and presented themseparatelyto the company, ITT Industries. This teamwas pre-paredwith financial spreadsheets, data, and the jus-tifications that supported our requests and presentedthem to the company via a formal presentation usinga projector and screen.We controlled the negotiatingprocess by focusing on our non-economic tentativeagreement, whichwas signed and set aside, and thenwe proceededwith our economicproposal.

We negotiated a five-year collective bargainingagreement with a 13 percent raise, a 5 percentreduction of monthly medical premiums, theIBEW/NECAmedical insurance, emergencyresponse team bonus, and mid-shift and mainte-nance & operation differential increases.

Jerry Koger, B.M.

SonomaVillage ProjectL.U. 551 (c,i&st), SANTA ROSA, CA—After more thantwo years of negotiations with many groups in theNorth Bay, Codding Enterprises agreed to complywith living wage ordinances and “union neutrality”on hiring, at the SonomaMountain Village.

This community being developed by CoddingEnterprises on more than 200 acres in Rohnert Parkwill be the first in North America and the fourth intheworld to be endorsed byOne PlanetCommunities,which enables the entire community to live within asensitive ecological footprint. The $1 billion sustain-able, mixed-use community calls for 1,900 homesand will be the largest development in SonomaCounty. Local 551 Bus. Mgr. Jack Buckhorn was a bigpart in making this “Community BenefitsAgreement” a reality.

Check out IBEW Local 551’s Web sitewww.ibewlocal551.org, where the business man-ager sends out daily happenings on Twitter.

We are training our journeyman wiremen instate-of-the-art solar technology. Photovoltaic designand installation classes are now being offered.Participants who complete the 48-hour coursereceive credit toward state certification require-ments. Check out the Local 551 Web site for details.

We hope everyone had a happy holiday.

Denise D. Soza, BR./P.S.

Local 483 Bus. Mgr. Alice Phillips (left) andPres. Mike Shook (right) congratulate awardrecipient AmyMiddleton.

Local 543membersmaintain NASA’s 70-meterdeep space communications antenna.

PhotobyLorraineKoger.

At the NEJATCgraduationbanquet,some of theLocal 429apprenticegraduatesgather for aphoto.



Rally atState CapitolL.U. 557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW, MI—The messagewas loud and clear on the steps of the state Capitolin Lansing, MI, on Oct. 6, 2009. Put us to work! Formore than two years the state legislature has heldup what would be two outstanding projects for thisarea. The projects in question: two clean coal-burn-ing power plants, totaling over $3 billion worth ofconstruction. Approximately 3,000 constructionworkers, from all across the state, came together toshow their support for the two projects. The projectshave bipartisan support from both the House andSenate in Michigan, but have one last obstacle: thegovernor. With Saginaw and the state of Michiganseeing the highest unemployment rates ever, itwould be a huge boost to surrounding communitiesto have these projects get underway, and soon.

Members attending the rally were treated tospeeches frommany friends of labor.With somuchsupport for the projects and somuch turmoil inMichigan’s economy, it is a wonder how things are notmoving forward. The clock is ticking. Soon some of thepermits that are in place for these jobswill expire andthe approval processwill have to start over again. Therally was necessary in order to put pressure on ourlocal governments before it is too late.

Evan Allardyce, P.S.

ProjectStabilization AgreementL.U. 569 (i,mar,mt,rts&spa), SAN DIEGO, CA—OnMay 27, 2009, the San Diego Unified School DistrictBoard of Education agreed to a Project StabilizationAgreement with the $2.1 billion Prop S ConstructionBond. The PSA went into effect on Oct. 27, 2009.

IBEW Local 569 members led the fight andeventual victory of the PSA. Our members showedup by the hundreds at these board meetings, someparticipating with heartfelt speeches about thesuperior training and many benefits of having aunion construction career.

I had the pleasure of being on hand to hearBoard of Education Chair Shelia Jackson—throughthe exterior loudspeakers at the capacity-filledauditorium—announce that the PSA had passed.

The celebratory atmosphere, with hundreds ofunionmembers cheering, was fantastic. Thanks go toSDUSDPres. Shelia Jackson, Richard Barrera and Dr.John Lee Evans for enduring themassive campaignfor and against the PSA, and for doing the right thingfor thousands of union workers. Congratulations toall the community, environmental and faith groups;elected officials; and our local members who cameout in support of this historic agreement.

Nicholas J. Segura Jr., P.S.

Training Agreement withDOE LabL.U. 595 (c,govt,i&st), DUBLIN, CA—An exciting newtraining partnership was launched Oct, 27, 2009,with the signing of a training agreement betweenLocal 595, NECA, our JATC, and the LawrenceBerkeley National Laboratory.

With this agreement, Local 595 apprenticeswill be dispatched to the U.S. Department of EnergyBerkeley Lab for training and work experience. “Theidea of a partnership between Berkeley Lab and theJATCemerged from the recognition of the growingimportance of green technology and science, andthe need to train the future work force to contributeto the local community with employment,” said Bus.Mgr. Victor Uno, announcing the partnership at apress conference.

At a recentmembership meeting Local 595 rec-ognized 18 recipients of our annual Thomas J.Sweeney Scholarship grants, named in honor of ourpast businessmanager. Apprentice and CollegeGrant winners were: Suzanne Anderson, JoshuaEdwards, Megan Farro, Anthony Guerrero, ChristinaLau, EricMurray, Amanda Owyoung and AlexandraSheffield. Graduating High School StudentScholarship recipients were: Andrew Guilford, KarlieHayes, Alanah Joseph, Gabrielle Koizumi, TorrieLewis, MaiyahMatsumura, Julious Orejudos, SophiaReal, Benjamin Stoakes and Chantel Wiederholt.

We mourn the passing of a great electricianand union advocate, Ingrid Harder. Ingrid was agraduate of our apprenticeship, a well-respectedwireman, a steward, a teacher and a JATC committeemember, who was taken from us way too young. Ourhearts go out to her family at this difficult time.

Tom Mullarkey, B.R.

JATCTrainingDirectorL.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u),ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Congratulationsto Local 611’s newest journeymanwiremen. The recent apprentice grad-uates are: Eliberto Calderon, RayCantrell Jr., Brian Chavez, Levi Cortez,Christopher Darley, Phillip Dillard,Ronald Ferguson,Martin Garcia,JosephGarcia Jr., Raul Gonzalez,JamesGranger, Jared Hanes, AdamJaramillo, Alex Jaureguiberry, SherryMouton, Ryan Phillips, MarioSaavedra, StevenSolis, ChristopherSweeney, NathanTinker, Alexander

Ukestine and Aaron Yatsattie. This year’s outstandingapprentice was Aaron Yatsattie. The C.S. MitchellAward went toWilliam Rigo. Congratulations to all.

After several years of serving as our JATC train-ing director, Dean Dopson has decided to retire.Thanks, Dean, for all your years of service to thelocal. Taking over for Dean will be Charles “Hank”Humiston. Hank has been involved with JATC formany years and will do an outstanding job as thenew training director.

The local recently elected two new E-Boardmembers: Alan Shepherd and Pete Trujillo.Congratulations, guys, and good luck.

Local 611 extends condolences to the familiesof members who recently passed away: Max L.Quintana, Lawrence F. Reyos, Martin J. Petersen andKyle A. Spreacker.

Darrell Blair, P.S.

Advanced LightingControlsTrainingL.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SANMATEO, CA—In recent cityand county elections, 37 of our 49 endorsed candi-dates were elected and will soon join incumbents invoting on issues important to working families. Newhousing developments, hospitals, and project laboragreements are in San Mateo County’s future.Thanks to all the Local 617 members who partici-pated in the extensive phone banking and precinctwalks. You’ve made the difference once again!

The San Mateo JATC leads the Bay Area as oneof only two training centers in the state of Californiato offer training in Advanced Lighting Controls.Thanks to the untiring efforts of Training Dir.Kathleen Barber and Instructor Ranee Davall,trainees are provided with a detailed examinationof a multitude of lighting control devices and state-of-the-art labs for hands-on instruction. This pro-gram is designed to prepare journeymen and

apprentices to secure the work that will be gener-ated by the state Public Utilities Commission man-dated reduction in energy consumption in Californiaby 1 billion kilowatts by 2020.

Bro. Wayne K. Thomas passed away Nov. 2,2009. Bro. Thomas served as Local 617’s businessmanager from 1971 until 1986, when he retired. Weappreciate his years of distinguished service, andkeep his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Dan Pasini, V.P.

Update at Year’s EndL.U. 625 (ees,em,i,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NOVASCOTIA,CANADA—2009wasa slowyearworkwise, bothlocally and across the country. At thiswriting, wehave450members unemployed andonly 30members trav-elling forworkwith otherCanadian locals. Thankyou toLocals 586,Ottawa; 1687,Sudbury; 529,Saskatoon;and 424, Edmonton for the calls formanpower.

As of this writing, we have only four retire-ments to report so far in 2009: Bros. John Doyle,James Williams, James Wentzell and Phil Wallace.

With great sadness I report the passing of sev-eral members: Bros. Robert Blackadar, KevinChallenger, Wayne Coyle, Claude Langley andHarold Davis. Our condolences to their families.

As of press time, 28members had achievedtheir RedSeal Journeyperson status in 2009. Twomore classes will have concluded before the end of2009. Congratulations toMorgan Hodder andWilliamPashkoski for becoming journeypersons in August2009, and JosephMcCarthy in November 2009.

Another four units are just being completedfor Habitat for Humanity. Special thanks to ourMembership Development representative, Bro.Barnaby McHarg, for his time and effort coordinat-ing volunteers and materials to see this projectthrough to completion. Also thank you to memberswho gave their time and skills to make this happenfor four more families just in time for winter.

Tom Griffiths, Pres.

Among those gathered for signing of the Berkeley Lab apprenticeship training agreement are,front row, from left: Byron Benton, JATC training facility director; Don Campbell, executivedirector, Northern California Chapter of NECA; IBEW Local 595 Bus. Mgr. Victor Uno; andJennifer Ridgeway, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s facilities division director.

Local 617’s inaugural Advanced LightingControls journeyman upgrade class gathersfor a photo.

Some 300 IBEW electricians turned out to support theSan Diego School Board’s vote to enter into a ProjectStabilization Agreement.

Local 611 congratulates JATC apprentice graduating class.

Local Lines


OhioState ConferenceL.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OH—The 51st Annual25-Year Club Dinner-Dance was held Oct. 2, 2009, atVilla Milano. The newest club members are: MarioBalzano, Edward Cutler, Larry Cutler, Chris Daubitz,Shelley Fravel, Larry Jones, Ted Manos, NormanMucci, Tim Novotni, Tom Rathbun, John Sapp Jr.,Bob Stansberry, Tim Strawn and Robert Truelove.Congratulations to all pin recipients and especiallythe 60-year members: Ralph Bickel, Joe Donovan,Bill Harris, JackMaurey, Dale Metcalf, EmmitStephenson and Robert Trowbridge.

Local 683 hosted the Ohio State Conference ofthe IBEW on Oct. 9, 2009, at the Crowne PlazaNorth. Speakers were: Joe Rugola, Ohio AFL-CIOpresident; Ohio Attorney Gen. Richard Cordray; Ohiostate Rep. Vernon Sykes (44th Dist.); IBEW UtilityDept. Dir. Jim Hunter; Jennifer Garrison, candidatefor Ohio Secretary of State; and IBEW 4th DistrictInt. Vice Pres. Salvatore “Sam” Chilia. All Ohiolocals were well-represented at the meeting.

Thanks to all who participated in the blooddrive held Oct. 22, 2009, at the Apprentice TrainingCenter. Job well-done by “Chief” Dan George andDave Swackhamer.

We extend condolences to the families of ourrecently deceased members James Gallagher,James Binkley and Marc Levison.

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

AUnion Career ofServiceL.U. 773 (as,em,i,mo&o), WINDSOR, ONTARIO,CANADA—Greetings from Local 773. I’d like to dedi-cate a portion of this article to former businessman-ager, Bro. Neil McLean, who passed away last year.Neal served in World War II and saw active duty inItaly and France. He was initiated into IBEW Local773 in 1947. He served as businessmanager/finan-cial secretary from 1974-1980. Neal was a great guywho headed up the local through some very difficulttimes. You could always talk to Neil; he was a pas-sionate man and had a great demeanor about him.Neil retired in May 1987 and passed awaySept. 19,2009. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

The work picture in Local 773 is very slowpresently; however, some wind farm projects thatwe have in our jurisdiction will staff up in thespring. We thank the locals that put Local 773 mem-bers to work last year. The calls for manpower werevery much appreciated. Thank you.

We wish everyone a successful and healthy2010.

David Spencer, P.S.

Volunteers AssistOrganizersL.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL—Local 915 rallied themembership to help volunteer with the Fifth Districtinternational organizers as well as the field organiz-ers of Florida and local unions to reach out to work-ers who once showed an interest in our union.These were people who either attended one of ourindustry nights or were contacted on jobsites. Ourgoal was to contact them to remind them that theIBEW is still here and we are still interested in hav-ing them joining our ranks.

We had 22 volunteers helpwith the phonebanking and home visits. These volunteers helped thelocals’ organizers contact a large list of people in ourarea. LindeyWooten received special recognition forvolunteering all four days. Harry Platt, JenniferWarbar,KarenHill and LouisMatos donated two days.

Additional volunteers included: BartGilkes, Bob Adams, Caleb Bretbach, DemetriusGreen, Donald Dever, Eugene Swisher, GrahamHadley, Gregg Roberson, Jeff Davis, Larry Johnson,Mark Teague, Michael Dearden, Mike Buhr, PeteDorizas, Rob Ray, Theresa King and Tyler Morrow.

Local 915 thanks thesemembers for going theextramile to help growourmembership for the future.

Theresa King, P.S.

COPEDriveL.U. 1049 (lctt,o,u&uow), LONG ISLAND, NY—Werecently welcomed Long Island PowerAuthority’s sen-ior vice president of operations,Mike Hervee, to ourOctober 2009 generalmeeting.Mike expressed hisgratitude and praised the Local 1049work force fortheir hardworkand dedication inmaintaining thetransmission and distribution system.Mike also dis-cussed LIPA’s recent decision not to exercise its rightto purchase the Barrett GeneratingStation, therenewal of and the bidding process of theMaintenanceServices Agreement, which expires in2013. Going forward hemade a commitment to keepour leadership involved and to strongly consider ourinterests as LIPA continues its self-evaluation process.

Severalmonths ago ourGovernmental AffairsCommittee started aCOPEdrive.More than 700mem-bers are nowparticipating inCOPE. Bus.Mgr. RobertShand and theGovernmental AffairsCommittee thankthe 200memberswho either registered for the firsttime or increased their contributions.

As of this writing, we are beginning negotia-tions for our members who work in the LineClearance Tree Trim Division. Prior to commence-ment of negotiations, the main NegotiatingCommittee met, surveys were sent out, and a

membership information meeting was held.Bus. Mg. Shand and the main committee are

cautiously optimistic that they will bring to themembers a new contract which will be ratified bythe members.

Thomas J. Dowling, R.S.

Stetson IIWind FarmL.U. 1253 (i), AUGUSTA, ME—Our local held itsannual family picnic in Canaan, ME, on Sept. 12,2009, with a large turnout in attendance. Therewere raffles and prizes, miscellaneous IBEW itemsfor sale, music by a DJ and fun for all. The foodserved was outstanding—thanks to the cooks andthe fourth-year JATC class! Also, a wellness clinicoffered free blood pressure and cholesterol screen-ing. Some service pins were presented as well.

We are pleased to welcome Northline Utilitiesas a signatory contractor. We’ve begun work at theStetson II Wind Farm and arelooking forward to many years ofworking together.

TheMaine AFL-CIOConvention was held in Bangoron Oct. 22–23, 2009. State AFL-CIO Pres. Ed Gorham announcedhis retirement and will be greatlymissed for hismany years of serv-ice. Congratulations to our sisterLocal 567’s Allan Shepard, whowas elected asMaine AFL-CIOsecretary- treasurer.

Maria Duffy of the U.S.Department of Labor’sPhiladelphia Wage and HourDivision presented a DavisBacon Wage Survey seminar in

Augusta on Nov. 4, 2009, sponsored by the Buildingand Construction Trades Council.

William Gifford, P.S.

Kudos to Retirees&VolunteersL.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY, MD—We congratulateLocal 1307 retirees Larry Fisher, Eugene McNair andJo Anne Lank.

Bro. Fisher started at Delmarva Power in 1968andworked at the Vienna and Indian River PowerPlants. His posts included power plantmachinist,qualified electrician andmaintenance operator. Larryretired inMarch 2009 fromNRG, which now owns thepower plants. He was a Local 1307 E-Boardmember,steward and negotiating committeemember.

Bro. McNair began at Delmarva Power atIndian River Power Plant in 1974. His positionsincluded plant equipment operator, control roomoperator and power plantmachinist. He retired fromNRG as a qualified machinist in February 2009.

Sister Lank started at Delmarva Power as acashier in 1977. She held clerical positions in theSalisbury District, at Indian River Power Plant and inHarrington District. She retired from NRG as a sen-ior clerical associate in April 2009.

Recently, IBEWmembers at NRG Indian RiverPower Plant contacted the town ofMillsboro, DE, andvolunteered to perform a community service. TheCupola Park neededmulch around the playgroundarea, so ourmembers accepted the challenge. NRGprovided themulch and 10members of Local 1307volunteered for the work. Union volunteers were:JimmyAndrie, Jim Ricci, DesireeMoore, JamesHummer, Kevin Parson, AndrewSteen, MichaelMoore, AndyGenga, Toni James and Deanna Frazier.

E.D. Sparks, F.S.

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordrayaddresses the Ohio State Conference ofthe IBEW.

Tampa, FL, Local 915volunteers assist IBEWorganizing effort.From left, back row,are: Local 915 Pres.Randall King, MikeBuhr, Jeff Davis, BobAdams, EugeneSwisher, TheresaKing, LindeyWooten,TylerMorrow,Organizer Jon Dehmel;front row, kneeling,Michael Dearden,Louis Matos, JenniferWarbar, Karen Hill andHarry Platt.

Local 1253 retireesgather for a photo at thelocal’s 2009 familypicnic. From left, frontrow, are: Earl Wallace,Dick Neville; center row,Harold Casey, Ray Ayer;and back row, ReggieDumont, Dave Hinckley,Don Dupont,Sid Dupont, Bill Gifford,Gary Bellefleur,Mike Dumont andNorm Rodrigue.

Local 1307 members from Indian River Power Plant volunteerto make improvements at a town park in Millsboro, DE.



Annual Lineman’s RodeoL.U. 1439 (u), ST. LOUIS, MO—The 26th AnnualLineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, KS, was theplace to be on Oct. 17, 2009, when the Local 1439Construction Team took first place. On the teamwere: journeymen Jorden Drummond, TedWalsh, JeffFleming and alternate Kris Covert. Also, Local 1439then-apprentices David Kearns andMikeMyers(both of whom are now journeymen) took secondand third place, respectively. Big thanks to the unionhall, the stewards and apprentice advisors andtrainers for being such great teachers andmentorsto those up and coming.

Don’t forget your out-of-work brothers and sis-ters in IBEW locals. Contact your union office fordetails on how you can help.

Ken Carroll, P.S.

TeamAnalexContractL.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,rts&t), BALTIMORE, MD—We negotiated a new five-year contract with TeamAnalex (Qinetiq North America and Jackson & Tull).

We thank the negotiating committee of BobDenhardt, Fred Richards, Robert Taminelli, NeilBecker, Jason Strawhorn, Delany Burkhart, JohnPhillips and Bus. Mgr. Dion Guthrie.

The negotiated agreement provides a 4 per-cent wage increase for each year of the contract. Theagreement also features a number of new languagechanges on seniority, transfers and job bidding.Additionally, it includes improvements in healthbenefits. With the fact that the average increasenationwide is 2.8 percent and the cost of livingincrease this year is 0.09 percent, this is an out-standing settlement. We appreciate all the work ofthe negotiating committee and the long hours theyput in; it has paid off in a job well-done.

Thomas Rostkowski, R.S.

SafetyRecordStrongL.U. 1523 (u), WICHITA, KS—We had a safe year. Oursafety record is going strong. Westar Energy saw a37 percent reduction in employee injuries from2007 to 2008. Additionally, as of this writing,another 48 percent reduction in injuries was real-ized from 2008 to 2009. These gains are based ontotal company employees, including members fromtwo different IBEW locals.

Wehadninemajor off property storms, inOklahoma,Texas, Louisiana, Iowa andMissouri andseveralmajor storms in theWestar Energy service area.Through all of this, Local 523members hadno injuries.

Labor and management are involved in sev-eral joint committees working together on safety,job hazards and training to improve the work envi-ronment. With cooperation and collaborationbetween Local 1523 and Westar Energy, we will havea safe work culture.

The second lineman-apprentice school classstarted in October 2009. Kyle Hazelwood, a Networkjourneyman, was from the first class and wasselected to fill one of the apprentice lineman vacan-cies in the line department. The school is going welland is successful in bringing out the attributesneeded to become a lineman apprentice.Congratulations, Kyle.

Our Pres. Russ Whitley and Vice Pres. DarrelWilson attended the Negotiation Training Institutein Dallas last November. Thank you, guys, for yourservice to our union.

Candy C. Cruz-Dodd, P.S.

Jobs for IBEWL.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA—The accompanyingphoto was taken just outside a major project nearAugusta. There are many projects in Georgia thatare going to out-of-state, nonunion contractors.Local 1579’s jurisdiction covers 12 counties inGeorgia and five counties in South Carolina.

The current unemployment rate in Georgia is10.1 percent and the South Carolina rate is evenworse at 11.6 percent. This number could bereduced if this work went to local contractors thathire local people.

In order for this work to go to IBEWmembers,we all have to take the time to do work that doesnot pay. This work involves writing letters to politi-cians, participating in demonstrations and electingworking family friendly candidates.

When you see your local union business man-ager, assistant business manager, president andorganizer standing on the side of the road with asign in their hands, stop and help them out. Therewards will be great.

Local 1579 recently held a pinning ceremony.We presented service award pins to 154 memberseligible for 65-year pins to 5-year pins.Congratulations and thank-you to all awardees fortheir many years of IBEW service.

Until next time, God bless.

Will Salters, A.B.M.

‘ExtremeHomeMakeover’L.U. 1701 (catv,ees,i,o&u), OWENSBORO, KY—TheExecutive Board appointed the following to theExamining Board: Joe Fulkerson, Joe Brown, TomBrown and Tim Howard. Their terms will run untilthe next local union election. The board gave the JWexam in October 2009 to Shane Booker, and Chmn.Joe Fulkerson reports he passed the exam.

Local 1701 performed electrical work for anExtreme HomeMakeover project, aired on ABC-TVon Nov. 1, 2009. Bro. Travis Thompson oversaw theproject for the IBEW and the following membersalso volunteered: Mike Buskill, David Carrico, AndyDaniel, Brent Ebelhar, Brett Hermann, AshleyPayne, Robert Pillow, Tim Therber and Jim Weakley.Retired Bros. John Bethel, Mike Buskill and JimWeakley also volunteer their time for Habitat forHumanity. Thanks, brothers, for a job well-done.

Bus.Mgr.GaryOsborne reports thatDownsElectricwill teamwithBeltline Electric fromOwensboroon anewhospital inOwensboro.This project shouldbeunderwayby the secondquarter of 2010.

Local 1701 had a good turnout at the LaborDay picnic. We thank all who attended.

The JATCpurchased a training center buildingon Ewing Road in Owensboro, and renovations willbegin soon. We thank Asst. Bus. Agent/JATCSec.Larry Boswell and the committee, who worked dili-gently to accomplish this task.

Remember union meetings held the thirdMonday of each month.

Tim Blandford, P.S.

Service to CountryL.U. 1739 (i&o), BARRIE,ONTARIO, CANADA—Fourth-term apprenticeGrant Kemster has taken atemporary leave fromhiselectrical apprenticeship.Grant is a reservist with theCanadianArmed Forcesand is currently training forhis first tour of duty inAfghanistan next spring.Our local is very proud ofGrant and his service to ourcountry. From all of yourbrothers and sisters inLocal 1739—we say thankyou, Grant.

Frank Kastle, P.S.

IBEWLifesaving AwardL.U. 2273 (rr), ALTOONA, PA—OnMay 26, 2009, atthe Norfolk Southern Juniata Locomotive Shop, anear-fatal accident was curtailed.

Local 2273 Bro. Kevin Hanlin, an electrician of33 years, received an electrical shock while per-forming his work. He fell to the floor with burns onboth hands and the electrical shock stopping hisheart. Machinist Robert Stoltz (IAM Local 1639)came to the rescue.

Local 2273 electrician Eric Cover and Stoltzperformed CPR until Local 2273 electrician Jess Hallarrived with an automated external defibrillator.Local 2273 electrician Jim Little called 911 for EMS.Stoltz and Cover began the process to shock Hanlinwith the AED. Hanlin responded and began breath-ing on his own. A life was saved.

Bro. Hanlin is recovering from this ordeal andwas on hand with othermembers of his local for anawards presentation dinner for Stoltz and Cover.IBEW Lifesaving Awards signed by Int. Pres. Edwin D.Hill and Int. Sec. Treas. Lindell K. Lee were presentedOct. 17. Local 2273 thanks Int. Pres. Hill and Int. Sec.-Treas. Lee, as well as Third District Int. Vice Pres.Donald C. Siegel, for his efforts to secure the award.

Local 2273 also thanks state Rep. Rick Geistand the Pennsylvania General Assembly for CitationAwards presented to Stoltz and Cover.

Don A. Rabenstein, V.P.

Assembled at the 2009 Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, KS, are, from left: IBEW Int. Reps.Richard Michel and Mark Hagar; Local 1439 member David Kearns; Eleventh District Int. VicePres. Curtis E. Henke; Local 1439 memberMike Myers; Apprentice Advisor Marty Politte;Trainer Ted Howle; Local 1439 Pres. Billy Howle; Local 1439 members John Farris, Ted Walsh,Jeff Fleming, Kris Covert and Jorden Drummond.

Local 1501 members working at GoddardSpace Flight Center for Team Analex weartheir Local 1501-2 “We Are a Team” shirts toshow their unity.

Augusta, GA, Local 1579 Bus. Mgr. Ken Ward(left), Asst. Bus. Mgr. Will Salters and Pres.Raymond Hawkinberry display signs at aunion demonstration on jobs.

Local 1701 members volunteer for ABC-TV’sExtreme HomeMakeover project in Maceo,KY. From left are: Ashley Payne, Mike Buskill,Brent Ebelhar and David Carrico.

Barrie, Ontario,Local 1739recognizesapprentice GrantKemster, servingin the military.

Attending IBEW Local 2273 Lifesaving Awardspresentation dinner are, from left: Local 2273Vice Pres. Don Rabenstein, Local 2273members Eric Cover and Kevin Hanlin, IAMLocal 1639 member Robert Stoltz and Local2273 Pres. Ken Kumpf.


HOWTO REACH US

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

I t was an honor to be one of the more than 100 labor, communityand business leaders invited to the White House earlier thismonth to take part in President Obama’s jobs summit.I knew that we wouldn’t come up with a quick-fix solution to the

greatest jobs crisis in a quarter-century in just one day, but someinnovative ideas were raised and were subject to serious discussion.

PresidentObama’s new jobs program contains some importantfirst steps to help revive the economy, including using TARPmoney tohelp small businesses grow and increasing capital investments.

Here are some of the suggestions I offered at the summit:• Rebuild DomesticManufacturing:We need to make sure stimulusmoney ends up creating jobs where they are needed themost—righthere at home. Rebuilding our roads, bridges and schools, not to men-

tion greening our economy through wind, solar and biodiesels, could lead to a rebirth of manufactur-ing. We can’t afford anymore incidents like when developers of a massive Texas wind-farm projecttried to use stimulusmoney to off-shore jobs to China.

• Learn from the innovators: The IBEW hasn’t let the recession stop us from continuing to take thehigh road, upholding the wages and benefits that guarantee our members a place in the middleclass, while upgrading our training programs and commitment to on-the-job excellence—the antithe-sis of the Wal-Mart economicmodel. In the Bay Area, Local 595 is partnering with the LawrenceBerkeley National Laboratory to help green our work force, while to the south, in Los Angeles, Local 11just signed a deal to build the city’s new “green” NFL stadium, creating hundreds of good jobs.And inMinnesota, our locals are partneringwith a new start-up company—LVXSystem—that has devel-

oped a revolutionarywireless Internet system that connects to theWeb using energy-efficient LED lights.President Obama andCongress now have the opportunity to reversemore than 30 years of economic

stagnation. The IBEW, our industry partners and the labormovement stand as ready leaders in this effort.To read a longer version of this column, check out my blog on the Huffington Post at

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

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

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

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

EXECUTIVEOFFICERS

Edwin D. HillInternational President

Lindell K. LeeInternationalSecretary-Treasurer

INTERNATIONALEXECUTIVECOUNCIL

ChairmanRobert W. Pierson

First DistrictJoseph P. Calabro

Second DistrictMyles J. Calvey

Third DistrictJohn R. Clarke

Fourth DistrictWilliam W. Riley

Fifth DistrictStephen Schoemehl

Sixth DistrictGregory A. Lucero

Seventh DistrictPatrick Lavin

Eighth 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

Malinda Brent

Len Shindel

Carol Fisher

Alex Hogan

Lucas Oswalt

James H. Jones

Len Turner

Tim Prendergast

Edwin D. HillInternational President

What I Saw at the JobsSummit

C onsider the gigantic challenge that faced 100 heads of stateand representatives of thousands of non-governmentalorganizations, including 400 trade unionists, who gathered

last month in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the United Nations ClimateChange Conference.

All delegates shared an intellectual understanding of the needto reduce the overheating of our planet’s atmosphere. But they wereall over the map on how to do it.

Developing nations said they need financial help from wealthiernations—like the U.S.—to limit their use of fossil fuels. Developednations hung tough, insisting that if such help is given, nations likeChina and India must not gain a competitive advantage in globaltrade by escaping pollution goals.

IBEWUtility Department Director Jim Hunter was part of an International Trade UnionConfederationdelegation that promoted a “just transition” to a green economy. They pushed for public investment, inno-vation, skill development, and labor protections, arguing against those whowould leave the green econ-omy to the freemarket. Such an approach, they said, wouldmostly benefit the global corporate elite.

For a time, it looked like the conferees would end up without an agreement. Then President BarackObama arrived and negotiated a deal with China, India and other developing and wealthy nations. It isa start at addressing one of our most solemn obligations to future generations.

Developed nations will contribute over $100 billion to help developing nations. In return, China,India and other major developing nations agree to accurately report on and verify their emissions goals.

I respect the passion of environmentalists who say that this agreement is too weak. But, like a firstcontract in a newly-organized shop, Copenhagen is a work in progress, a first step.

Congress will soon be debating climate change legislation. The IBEW will follow up BrotherHunter’s significant participation in Copenhagen by insisting upon a realistic transition to cleaner ener-gies that will require a mix of sources, including nuclear, coal, natural gas and renewable technologies.We will need the support of members in contacting your senators and representatives.

Next year, another world climate change conference will be held in Mexico. The IBEW will be backat the table carrying the voices of our members to the world’s decision makers. �

Lindell K. LeeInternational Secretary-Treasurer

AStep Forward in Copenhagen



Ababy boy lies motionlesson an operating table.Tubes protruding from hisnose andmouth provide

life-giving fluids. White medical tapecovers his eyes. Around him, a teamof American and Chinese doctors atthe newChildren’s Hospital of FudanUniversity in Shanghai carefullybegin the grueling operation that willstave off his congenital heart diseaseand give him a chance at life.

Hovering close to the scene,news photographer andManchester,Maine, Local 1837member JasonNelson’s video camera capturesthe drama.

Hours later, success. The boyrests in a recovery room filled withgroggy babies and overjoyed familymembers. The child’s parentsweep—at other hospitals, they weretold the boy would not survive. Themother strokes her son’s hair andrespectfully bows to the nursesbetween sobs. For Nelson, this is alife-changing moment.

Brother Nelson accompanied ateam of about a dozen surgeons,doctors and nurses from the MaineFoundation for CardiacSurgery whoflew to Shanghai in late 2008 to vol-unteer at the hospital. Fudan is oneof only three facilities in the dense,smog-choked city of 20 million thatstruggles to help the 150,000 babieswho are born with heart problemseach year. The Americans’ mission:to take on the most challengingcases while teaching new tech-niques to their Chinese counter-parts. Along with reporter Kim Block,Nelson spent 10 hectic days docu-menting the action for CBS affiliateWGME-TV Channel 13 in Portland,bringing “The China Journey” toviewers in southern Maine andnorthern New Hampshire.

For his unflinching honesty andtechnical precision, Nelson was hon-ored with an Emmy from theNational Academy of Arts andSciences. Even more impressively,he netted what’s considered thehighest accolade in TV reporting—anEdward R. Murrow Award from theRadio-Television News Directors

Association. The awardsconfirm the eight-yearbrother as one of thebest news photogra-phers in the NewEngland area, as he beatout tough competitionfrommuch larger citieslike Boston andProvidence, R.I.

“I’d never done aproject of this magni-tude,” Nelson said. “Itwas an intense experi-ence.” At 32, he hasalready nabbed regionalawards and was twicenamed National PressPhotographer of the Yearfor his area. A graduateof Worcester StateCollege in his nativeMassachusetts, Nelsonworked for two years asa photographer at a nonunion sta-tion before moving to Portland andjoining the IBEW in 2001. Since then,he has shot video of border patrolagents in Arizona and covered twoSuper Bowls and two World Series—but nothing compares to Shanghai.

“All the families had been toldby other hospitals that there wasnothing they could do,” Nelson said.“So to see a kid go from being sickto the operating room to the recoveryroom the next morning blewmeaway. Before surgery, some lookedreally blue, tired and unhealthy. Butthree days later, they were smilingand high fiving.”

While the concise scriptingsharply traces the arc of the doctors’efforts to save 17 young lives, it’sNelson’s camerawork that breatheslife into the five-part series.

“I wanted to relay the amount ofemotion that I sawwithmy owneyes—to bring that over on the televi-sion,” he said. “I tried to capture nat-ural moments, like people waiting upall night or visiting their kids in recov-ery. I’ve talked withmanywhowatched the series and said the feel-ings of the people came through.”

Those images and sounds—a rolling tear here, a crying baby

there—spontaneously show theemotional spectrum of the experi-ence of children, families and healthcare workers. In one, a Maine nursetalks about how the patients aresedated but not given adequatepain medication, resulting in a four-hour-long process to give a childTylenol. In another, a close-up ofBlock pulls out into a long shot,framing the hundreds of familiesinside the gaping maw of the hospi-tal’s main hallway. Brows furrow andeyes squint as surgeons carefullyattach a valve to a beating heart.And families erupt into laughter andplayfulness as their children heal.

The segments ran in November2008 and were repackaged into a30-minute special that aired duringlast year’s holiday season.

Local 1837 Business ManagerCynthia Phinney said Nelson is well-deserving of all the kudos for “TheChina Journey.”

“We were very excited whenJason got the award,” Phinney said.“He’s a great guy and he approacheseverything with enthusiasm and ahelpful attitude. We’re pleased andproud that one of our members isdoing such quality work and is beingrecognized for it.” �

Lettersto the Editor

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

Who We Are

A League ofTheir OwnI am the safety officer forthe Fulton Little Leagueand have been anSyracuse Local 97 mem-ber for 28 years.Although our LittleLeague has been notedas one of the top in thenation by Little Leagueheadquarters, we hadold wooden bleachers.Through fundraising anda grant we finally hadenough money to getnew bleachers—but hadno one to assemblethem before our upcoming opening day. Four of my union brothers stepped up andcame out on a cold, rainy day and worked through the pouring rain and built all ofthem. I would love to see them recognized for their great effort.

A big thank-you goes out to Local 97 security officers Jess Lamb, Matt Stone,Jeff Bristol and Greg Steiner from Entergy’s James A. FitzPatrick nuclear power plantfor volunteering their time and tools to assemble all the new aluminum bleachers.It is kind, caring members like these that keep our communities and youth organi-zations growing strong!

Jodi Lynn LarkinLocal 97 member, Syracuse, N.Y.

Reaping IBEW’sBenefitsJust want to say thanks for keeping us informed with the Electrical Worker newspa-per. I am retired from Local Union 11, and a 49-year member. There were two lettersin the December issue that got my attention. First, a very disturbing one from amember of Richmond, Va., Local 50 titled, “The Road to Socialism?” This member,after saying he does not support the present administration, goes on to say he canno longer support the IBEW.

It is sad that one of ourmemberswhohas reaped thebenefits that the IBEWhasfought so hard for the past 100-plus years has such an attitude.There is not enoughspace to respond to such anegative attitude as this, so I will respond to the othermorepositive letter titled, “Don’t JustCarry aTicket,” fromamember of KansasCity,Mo.,Local 124. He sounds like a proud IBEWmemberbutwarns that just carrying a unionticket is not enough to contribute to the betterment of our brotherhood. His endingstatement says it all. “The sacrifices andhard labors of the generations that precededyouwere vital towhat youhave now.…”Tohelp the labormovement fromdying,weneed to educate ourselves and strive to be the best andmostproductive in our fields.

Jack PineLocal 11 retiree, Los Angeles

Universal Health CareWorksI just received my latest edition of the Electrical Worker, something I look forward toeachmonth, and read the letter from Brother FentonWyatt Jr. of Local 50, Richmond,Va., with sadness. I always read the letters to the editor with great interest butdon’t usually feel the need to reply. In this case I feel I must.

As a retired IBEWmember and aCanadian, I would like to take this opportunityto attempt to explain some of the issues BrotherWyatt raises. Contrary to what hasbeen said in the U.S.A., most Canadians are satisfied with their health care system,and it is working. I cannot speak to the system in Britain because I don’t live there.

One defining feature of our system is its universality. It does notmatter who youare, or your circumstance, or where you live, yourmedical care is assured, and it iswithout cost to the individual, except through taxes. Thatmeans if you are injured, orill, your health care is covered nomatter if you are unemployed or have pre-existingconditions. Even with these features the annual cost of healthcare is less per capitain Canada than in the U.S.A., and letme assure you that the care is of a high quality.

As a retired person I have my share of medical misfortune, but one thing Idon’t have to worry about is if I can afford it. My provincial health care plan looksafter me and my family in an efficient and timely manner. No system is perfect, butthe Canadian system provides peace of mind for anyone with health care concerns.

Evert van MaanenLocal 120 retiree, London, Ontario

Syracuse Local 97 members helped a fellowmember in need.

Member’s ‘China Journey’WinsAccolades

Manchester, Maine, Local 1837member JasonNelson earned an Emmy and an Edward R.Murrow Award for his coverage of Maine doctorssaving children’s lives in Shanghai, China.


September International Executive Council Meeting

Minutes and Report of The International ExecutiveCouncil’s Regular Meeting

The regularmeeting of the InternationalExecutiveCouncil was called to order at8:30 a.m., bySecretary Lavin, onTuesday,September 15, 2009, in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania. Othermembers of theCouncil inattendancewere Dowling, Riley, Calvey, Clarke,Calabro, Lucero, andSchoemehl. ChairmanPiersonwas hospitalizedwith pneumonia andwas unable to attend this session.

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

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

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

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

Local Union Under International OfficeSupervisionInternational President Hill advised theCouncil that there are no local unions, as ofthis meeting, under the supervision of theInternational Office.

Retirement of InternationalRepresentativesMichael NugentEffective August 1, 2009International Office

James RudicilEffective August 1, 2009International Office

Charles McKenzieEffective August 1, 2009First District

Richard PanagrossiEffective August 1, 2009Second District

Michael FlanaganEffective August 1, 2009Third District

Gerald CounihanEffective August 1, 2009Fifth District

Duane NordickEffective August 1, 2009Sixth District

Michael BlanchardEffective August 1, 2009Seventh District

Retirement of Office EmployeesThelma SpriggsEffective January 1, 2010International Office

Patricia GurskyEffective July 1, 2009International Office

Appeals of TimMitchinsonThe International Executive Council has con-ducted a thorough review of the facts pertain-ing to the appeals of TimMitchinson, Card No.D636007, amember of Local Union 303, IBEW,St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, and it is theunanimous opinion of the InternationalExecutive Council that the determination of theInternational President, Edwin D. Hill, of March27, 2009, was proper and within the scope ofthe International Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers’ Constitution and the articles govern-ing local union officers and their duties.

Therefore, the appeals are hereby denied.

Appeal of William LeoneThe International Executive Council has con-ducted a thorough review of the facts pertain-ing to an appeal of William Leone, Card No.D191199, and it is the decision of theInternational Executive Council to uphold thedecision rendered by International PresidentEdwin D. Hill, on June 1, 2009.

Therefore the appeal is denied.

Article XX and XXI CasesThere are currently no ongoing Article XX orXXI cases involving the IBEW. However, theInternational Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers continues to struggle with the after-math of the Yellowpages.com Article XXI case.

Voting Results—Proposed Amendmentof Article III, Section 8, of theIBEW ConstitutionAt itsMaymeeting, the International ExecutiveCouncil instructed the International Secretary-Treasure to submit an amendment to the IBEWConstitution to all IBEW local unionsmodifyingthemanner in which pay increases forInternational Officers, Assistants andRepresentatives are to be calculated over thenext three years. The purpose of the amend-ment was to divert some of the increases thatwould be due to bolster the funding of the pen-sion plan for international officers and staff.

Local unions voted during the period fromJune 1 to August 15, 2009. Each local cast onevote. The amendments passed with 374 localsvoting in favor and 93 against.

Per Capita Objection PlanThe International Executive Council discussedthe IBEW Reporting Form for the Per CapitaObjection Plan.

Elizabeth “Liz” H. ShulerThe members of the International ExecutiveCouncil wish to extend their best wishes toSister Elizabeth “Liz” H. Shuler on her recentelection as the first elected female Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO. Congratulations toSister Shuler as she accepts her new position.

Special Dispensation for the Paymentof the IBEW Death Payment forKatharina E. EngnellAfter having reviewed the details concerningSister Katharina Engnell’s arrearage, it hasbeen determined that it was through no faultof her own that her dues became delinquentand that the denial of the IBEW DeathBenefit, due to the erroneous delinquency,be overturned and that her beneficiary(ies)receive the IBEW Death Benefit payment.

Sister Engnell’s death was due to an acciden-tal electrocution and the members of theInternational Executive Council wish to extendtheir condolences to the family of SisterKatharina Engnell.

The Next Regular InternationalCouncil MeetingThis regularmeeting of the International Execu-tiveCouncil was originally scheduled to beheldin the International Office, inWashington, D.C.However, in order to accommodate thoseattending theAFL-CIOConvention, thismeetingwasheld in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, andwasadjourned onThursday,September 17, 2009.

The next regular meeting of the InternationalExecutive Council will commence at 8:30 a.m.,on Monday, December 14, 2009, inWashington, D.C.

For the International Executive CouncilPatrick Lavin, SecretarySeptember 2009

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

IBEWLocals Approve ConstitutionalChanges onStaff Compensation

In a referendum vote conducted between October 2 and December 1, 2009,IBEW locals approved a revised amendment to the Brotherhood’s constitutionthat alters the compensation formula for International officers, assistants,directors and representatives so that theywill now resumemaking contributionsto the pension plan.

Members who wish to review the text of the language should contacttheir local union.

The International Secretary-Treasurer received responses from 415locals out of 894 eligible to vote, and the final tally was 357 locals in favorand 58 against. All locals had one vote in the process in accordance withArticle XXVII, Section 1(a) of the IBEW Constitution.

For a complete listing of voting results, seewww.ibew.org. �

www.ibew.orgFrom breaking news to video stories, ourupdatedWeb site has information notavailable anywhere else. Visit us toconnect with the IBEWon Facebook andto follow International President Edwin D.Hill on Twitter!

IBEW on theHuffington PostPresidentHill hasanewblogchampioninggreen jobsandmore. Read it atwww.huffingtonpost.com.

YouTubeThe IBEWhas its ownchannel on YouTube,devoted exclusively to videos about theunion and its members. Watch online atwww.youtube.com/user/theelectricalworker.

HourPowerRight now onwww.IBEWHourPower.com,PresidentHill talks aboutsocial networking—andhow, as theworld isgetting smaller, theIBEW is getting bigger

and better by leveraging theseWeb sites.

ElectricTVOn electricTV.net, we visit Ann Arbor,Mich., new site of the National TrainingInstitute. Thework instructors do there ischanging the IBEW—andwe let you knowhow they’re staying ahead of the curve.

IBEWMEDIAWORLD

In addition to your monthly issueof The Electrical Worker, checkout the wealth of IBEW-relatedinformation in cyberspace.

the electrical worker january 2010

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