Slow Work Picture L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa),
MINNEAPOLIS, MNWork has slowed considerably in our area, with around
175 inside wiremen unemployed at this writing. The winter work picture
looks bleak, with no major projects on the near horizon.
The annual Local 292 picnic was a pretty good time, with the weather
cooperating. Thanks to all the brothers and sisters who helped.
The big news around here at the moment is the Minnesota Twins reaching the
playoffs. This was accomplished in spite of the turmoil about "contraction,"
eliminating the Twins franchise.
Hope everyone enjoys a happy and safe holiday season. Work safe and remember
solidarity is the key.
Chuck Gleason, P.S.
Jim Merrigan Retires L.U. 300 (govt,i&u), MONTPELLIER, VTWe congratulate Second Dist. Int. Rep.
James D. Merrigan on his recent retirement and express our gratitude for his 40
years of service to the IBEW. Jim served as Local 300 business manager from
1969-1988. He was appointed Second District International Representative in 1988
where he served until his retirement on September 1, 2002. We thank him for a
lifetime of service and wish him the very best in his well deserved retirement.
Unit seven members recently volunteered to work on a Burlington, VT, Habitat
for Humanity project. Thanks to the first-year apprenticeship class for all the
rough-in work, and to Bros. Tom Gibson and Ken Goulette for their help and
supervision. Our thanks to everyone who participated.
Happy Holidays to Everyone.
Leigh A. Girouard, R.S.
Congratulations, Graduates L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OHWe extend our heartfelt congratulations to our
graduating apprentice class of 2002. A celebration was held at Todaros Party
Center, and the guest speaker was Dr. Sandy K. Auburn, vice president of
Workforce Development of the Greater Akron Chamber.
Completing the journeyman inside wireman program are Shawn Beban, Theodore
Carey, Robert Capron, Jr., James Cultrona, David V. Dies, Jeremy Dobscha, Troy
Hickman, Robert Kimmel, Richard Lawrence, Ray Madonia, Jr., Benjamin McAmis, Max
McCormack, Stephen Peterman, James Peterson, Jason Pudloski, Robert Richards,
Scott Stewart, Walter Watkins and Edward Zetts. Top scholastic achievement award
went to Bro. Theodore Carey. Perfect attendance awards were earned by Bros.
Capron, Carey, Kimmel, Madonia, McAmis, McCormack, Peterman, Stewart, Watkins
and Zetts.
We also extend congratulations to Sister Caren Stutzman who was recently
named both National and World Queen of the Percheron Draft Horse Association.
The officers and members wish all our brothers and sisters a Merry Christmas
and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
Robert Sallaz, V.P./P.S.
Giving Back L.U. 332 (c,ees,i,o&st), SAN JOSE, CAThe officers and staff would like to
extend warm holiday greetings to everyone. The work picture hasnt changed much,
with many members on the out of work list and many empty buildings around
Silicon Valley. But we are optimistic because computers, software and
telecommunications are going to be a large part of our economy for a long time
to come.
At this writing, the election has not been held, but we fully expect that
there will be a labor majority on the San Jose City Council. We want to thank
the many volunteers who walked precincts, worked phone banks and got to know the
candidates. PAC Chairman Paul Shaimas put in many hours and his work is paying
off. Thanks, Paul, for your dedication.
Congratulations to Organizer Jay James on his election as San Jose Planning
Commission chairman. Jay is also president of the Santa Clara, San Benito
Counties Building Trades Council.
These are good examples of what can happen when union members get involved in
their community. We can make a difference. Give a little time back to your
union.
Alan Wieteska, P.S.
Apprentice Competition L.U. 340 (em,i,o,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CAThe 39th Annual Western States
Electrical Contest was held for the first time in California. The Sacramento
JATC proudly hosted the competition on September 14. Congratulations to
first-place winner Bro. Eric Wick of Local 280, Tangent, OR, second-place winner
Ed Huskey of Local 291, Boise ID, and third-place winner Edgar Cook of Local 6,
San Francisco, CA.
Twenty-one locals from seven states sent their best JATC graduates to compete
in the conduit bending, motor control, residential projects, material
identification and written exam. The competition was tough, and in my book every
participant is a winner!
The true winners are the IBEW local unions and their signatory employers. It
was evident by the over 200 spectators that our JATCs are doing their job
training young men and women as sharp, hardworking journeymen who get the job
done quick and right the first time.
Sacramento Training Dir Gary Hunziker and staff did a first class job putting
this event together, with help from local members, contractors, inspectors and
vendors.
With sadness, I report the deaths of Bros. George E. Bennett, C. R. Crews,
Jewell A. Moore, James B. Morrow, L. E. Palmer and Lawrence J. Reed.
Our officers, staff and members wish all a very Merry Christmas.
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