Local 827, East Windsor, NJ, volunteers display
the 48
bicycles they bought, assembled and donated to "Toys
for Tots."
L.U. 827 (catv&t), EAST WINDSOR,
NJThis past year our local experienced the effects of corporate
greed. We had to deal with early retirements and layoffs in 2002
and some continue to date.
By November 2002, Verizon had trimmed its work
force in New Jersey by over 1,700 members, but even that was not
enough for Verizonlayoffs continued during this past holiday season
affecting an additional 406 members.
Although things were not cheerful during the holidays
for our Local 827 members, they continued to help the less fortunate.
Members of the Central Unit bought, assembled and donated 48 bicycles,
helmets and locks to "Toys for Tots." Special thanks to
Deborah Sieron for organizing this drive and to all the proud IBEW
members who volunteered to help in this worthwhile project, all
the while not knowing if their own job may be on the line.
Local 915, Tampa, FL, Bro. Buck Johnson
installing the cooking hood on a new lake front
recreation shed for our members.
L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL2002 was
a year of great loss for Local 915 as the following members passed
away: James Smith, Bill Elliott, Jim Mays, Charlie Johnston, Jr.,
Oliver Johnson, Frank Ingraham, Fred Hackett, Jr., Loyd Dyal, Sr.,
Leon Rea, Angel Delaparte, Eppie Ellis, John Rivera, James Sinclair,
William Molnar and James Cook. Our sincere condolences to all the
families.
It was also a year of property and building improvements.
The exhaust systems were repaired and installed, chairs for the
rostrum were replaced, a new computer system was installed and a
major improvement was made near the lake area, with new facilities
for membership use.
Special thanks to those locals who helped our unemployed
members on the road, especially the locals in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Our unemployment has reached into the hundreds since President Bushs
"chad" election. His economic policies dont seem to "trickle-down"
to blue-collar workers. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary,
the "trickle-down" theory means that financial benefits
given to big business will in turn be passed down to smaller businesses
and then on to the consumers. I didnt see worker or employee mentioned
anywhere! I think there is an open circuit up-line somewhere.
Local 953, Eau Claire, WI, members
employed by Xcel Energy waiting to
participate in the La Crosse, WI, 2002
Labor Day parade.
L.U. 953 (catv,em,lctt,o,spa&u),
EAU CLAIRE, WILocal 953 has a new organizer on staff. We welcome
Organizer Mike Priem, who comes to us with many years of organizing
experience within the IBEW. Mike has already had some organizing
success within the distribution cooperatives, propane division.
He has been busy organizing other employers, with many close to
having an election. As things stand, the local should either meet
or exceed our organizing goals set for the year.
At this writing, we are looking forward to our
second-annual Fishing Derby scheduled for Feb. 1, and hope the weather
will cooperate with us.
Until next time, work safe and have a happy, healthy
New Year.
Local 965, Madison, WI, Bus. Mgr.
Shawn Reents, center, accepts the
National Safety Council Award of
Merit certificate on behalf of the
ocal from Safety Chmn. Rick Erwin,
right, with newly elected National
Safety Council Labor Div. Chmn.
and Local 965 Pres. Mike Pyne, left.
L.U. 965, (em,govt&u), MADISON, WICongratulations
to Pres. Mike Pyne, who was elected National Safety Council Labor
Division Chairman at a national meeting in San Diego. Local 965
was also honored to receive the Award of Merit for its safety involvement
and joint labor/management efforts to achieve a safe work environment.
The Award of Merit is the second highest award
for labor organizations. Local 965 has been an active National Safety
Council member for many years and a strong advocate for safety in
Wisconsin and the many service territories where our members reside.
Local members have participated in safety and operating practice
committees, and have also had input on safety practices and safety
rulebooks utilized by workers in the field. Our members have been
trained to show the public the hazards of electricity and natural
gas and also to teach safety to contractors working near energized
cables or gas lines. In a joint effort with management, Local 965
has had an active role in the indentured apprenticeship programs
that many of its members are working in. We thank all our brothers
and sisters for their continued commitment to work safety.
L.U. 1049 (lctt,o&u), LONG ISLAND, NYThis
past election our Governmental Affairs Committee endorsed 32 candidates
and 30 were elected. Congratulations! Chairman Patty Guidice asked
me to thank the committee and those who volunteered during the election
for all of their hard work, and to give special thanks to all who
voted. With the current political atmosphere it is very important
that our voices be heard. If you are not contributing to COPE, please
consider signing up. If you already contribute, please consider
increasing your donation, and accept our thanks for your help.
Local 1049 held its annual Dinner Dance in November
2002, and all had great fun. Guests included Third Dist. Int. Vice
Pres. Donald Segal and Int. Rep. Richard Redmond. Thanks to our
Entertainment Committee for a job well done.
Our Community Affairs Committee held its annual
Christmas tree sale in December. The committee distributes food
to the needy throughout the year, and our food pantry does run low,
so please bring a non-perishable food donation to the union hall.
Our Organizing Committee continues to pursue organizing
opportunities within our jurisdiction, and continues to be very
active within the jurisdiction.
On behalf of the family of Bro. Dennis Strittmatter,
I would like to thank all who contributed so generously to the Strittmatter
Childrens Fund.
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