L.U. 1505 (em), WALTHAM, MAFor the fourth
consecutive Christmas, Local 1505 raised money and purchased gifts
for the residents of the House of Hope, a shelter for battered women
in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The House of Hope helps many mothers and their
children who are attempting to escape abusive relationships, often
fleeing with little more than the clothes on their backs. Without
the generosity of the Local 1505 members, these children might not
receive any gifts during the holiday season and at a time when their
lives are already in a state of chaos and turmoil.
This year, the members raised $3,000 for this truly
worthwhile cause, and also helped to bring a little cheer to those
less fortunate. We sincerely thank all who contributed money and
time to make this fund-raiser a continuing success.
L.U. 1547 (c,em,i,o,t&u), ANCHORAGE, AKMembers
recently met with representatives from the Alaska chapter of the
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to renew their
commitment to work together to increase market share in the electrical
construction industry in Alaska.
Man-hours and union market share have increased
in the Alaska electrical market over the past few years. However,
because of economic conditions, ever-changing technologies and continued
pressure from the nonunion sector, the future provides challenges
along with the opportunities.
According to Bus. Mgr. Gary Brooks, "It is
necessary now more than ever for us to build a true partnership
with our employers to reduce conflicts, improve morals and also
lead to increased wages. We believe partnering represents the next
frontier, the key to adding value for clients and customers and
providing jobs for the IBEW-NECA Team in the 21st century."
L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GAAt this writing
we are working with local and state politicians to secure various
projects locally, and only time will tell for us here in Augusta.
After the general elections and the loss of many
good friends in office, we thought things couldnt get worse. How
wrong we were. Not only could they get worse, they hit rock bottom.
Four of our Democratic state senators eroded the system we hold
so dear to our heartsdemocracy. These four Benedict Arnolds ran
as Democrats, and upon victory, ungraciously turned their backs
on the constituency who worked so hard to put them in office. All
four are now Republicans! They are Jack Hill (Senate Dist. 4), Rooney
Bowen (Senate Dist. 13), Dan Lee (Senate Dist. 29) and our very
own traitor, Don Cheeks of Augusta (Senate Dist. 23). These acts
of treason by so-called public servants are incomprehensible, and
to top it all, Cheeks commented that the Democrats have done nothing
for him and he owes them nothing. We voters must never forget this
slap in the face. Their quest for power will be short lived as voters
hold the ultimate power and will be their future demise. Brothers
and Sisters, I assure you, we will overcome adversity.
With sadness, we report the passing of Bros. Llewellyn
M. Alexander and Noah E. Feagan. Our prayers and sympathy to their
families and friends.
Local 1701, Owensboro, KY, Bus. Mgr. Harold Baggett,
right, with, from left, Bros. James McCarthy (30-years),
Bob Risley (45-years), Bob Renfrow (55-years), James
Brown (45-years) and Jim Moorman (40-years), who
eceived years of service awards and pins at the
December 2002 union meeting.
L.U. 1701 (catv,ees,i,o&u), OWENSBORO,
KYAt this writing, work in the jurisdiction has slowed, with about
135 members on Book I. We thank all locals employing our traveling
members. We were hoping that by the end of 2002 our power plant
work would have started. However, the Western Kentucky Energy (WKE)
Coleman power plant project near Hawesville, KY, has been put on
hold and the Thoroughbred and Cash power plants are still in the
permitting stages.
After Jan. 1, 2003, Louisville Gas and Electric
(LGE), which owns WKE and Kentucky Utilities (KU) power plants in
our jurisdiction, are requiring all contractor personnel to be passport
trained. Members who wish to take these training classes should
contact the hall and register for the next available class.
The Examining Board gave the journeyman wireman
exam recently and reports Bros. Scott Fielden and James Spencer
both passed. Congratulations.
A special union meeting was held in December for
the purpose of extending our inside working agreement and to cover
upcoming health care increases. Details will be reported in the
May edition.
In sadness, we report the passing of retired Bro.
Tom Napier. May he rest in peace.
Local 2067, Regina, SK,
Canada, Bro. Gord "Buckie"
Buckingham displays the
Outstanding Trade Board
award.
L.U. 2067 (i&u), REGINA, SK, CANADACongratulations
to Bro. Gord "Buckie" Buckingham and his fellow Power
Lineperson Trade Board members for their nomination and selection
to receive the "Outstanding Trade Board" award.
This award was presented at Saskatchewans second
annual Apprentice Works Awards Ceremony at Queensbury Downs in Regina,
Saskatchewan, in October 2002. The goal of this ceremony was to
honor the outstanding achievement in training and certification
of those remarkable individuals in the trade industry.
The Power Lineperson Trade Board is a committee
that makes recommendations for the apprenticeship curriculum, training
and delivery. The Board was nominated to receive this award because
they reviewed and approved an online computer-based technical training
method for level one apprentices. In doing so, this new method of
training showed a marked improvement of a 7 percent increase in
technical marks and a 1 to 2 percent increase in practical marks
on their exams, when compared to the two other groups that were
taught using the traditional training methods. This form of training
was deemed successful and is now being implemented for all new level
one apprentices. The awards banquet also honored the top journeyperson
in each of the 47 trades that are recognized in Saskatchewan.
The SaskPower Weyburn Training Centre that developed
the program was also recognized for the "Outstanding Technical
Training Team" award. Congratulations to all.
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