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May 2003 IBEW Journal
L.U. 665 (i,rts&spa), LANSING, MIWe wish to congratulate the recent communication, residential and inside apprentices on their graduation. It was challenging, rewarding and well worth the long hours of study involved to complete the three and five-year programs. The graduation dinner included speakers Bus. Mgr. Bill Patrick, Apprenticeship Chairman Chris Jones and Professor Dale Belman from Michigan State University. Congratulations to graduates Matt Filipich, Jason Munschy, Andy Douglas, Brad House, Anthony Fryer, Jeremy Hidalgo, Scott Rudy, Andy Mosser, Casey Morrill, Brett Eitniear, LaTonya Cross, David Skinner, Brandon Pattison, Tracey Sears, Richard Green, Daniel Wysko, Jason Steinacker, Jeff Beak, Dave Anderson, James Finch, Brian Atkinson, Ray Michaels, Darin Bacon, Kevin Borgman, Derek Cummings, Chris Gallt, Beau Gay, Dennis Glew, Mike Gubry, Jeff Ingersol, Thomas Jones, Dennis Loe, Michael Mahoney, Rick Ramon, Travis Simmon, Matt Tropp, Brain VanVorst, Timothy Voisinet and Matthew Winright. A special congratulations to Brian Atkinson for being selected as Outstanding Apprentice. Jeremy Hidalgo, P.S.
L.U. 681 (i,o&spa), WICHITA FALLS, TXThe local was proud to have Bro. Clarence A. Conner as an honored guest at its awards banquet. Bro. Conner, who was initiated in December 1942 at age 29, received a 60-year service pin. He was reluctant to attend, because he lives an hour away. But his son, who is 67 years old himself, agreed to drive him. Bro. Finis Taylor, who was to receive a 55-year pin, passed away two days after the banquet. Just as the new, younger members bring youth and new ideas to the Brotherhood, our older brothers provide experience and leadership. They were hard workers in a very tough trade. The older generation fought for what we have todayinsurance, weekends and retirement packages. Thank an older member, and listen to him; you might learn something. Two other members received 50-year service pins, Bro. Ray Stubbs and, one I am very proud of, Bro. Bill Neely, Sr., my father. The work situation has improved. Several jobs are starting up, and work for the summer looks good. Billy Neely, P.S.
L.U. 697 (i) GARY AND HAMMOND, INEverything seems to be in turmoil these days. Work is generally very slow; the health care industry is undergoing insane cost escalation and seemingly headed for destruction; companies are moving to foreign countries; and the threat of war looms dark and heavy against the eastern sky. Many of those things are out of our control as citizens but they affect all of us. It is difficult to stay positive in the face of so much uncertainty. One thing we can do and must do to have any influence on our society and the world is to start with the basics. As Vince Lombardi once said after a particularly bad first half: "Gentlemen, this is a football!" Our society is built on the right to vote, but a person cannot vote unless he registers and takes the time to cast his ballot. We must also let our local, state and national representatives know how we feel. Recent news articles suggest that the 40-hour work week and child labor laws are archaic and should be repealed or at least drastically weakened. History is destined to repeat itself unless we let our voices be heard at all levels of government. It seems the war isnt just overseas. DAVID SODERQUIST, P.S. L.U. 777 (u), READING, PALocal 777 recently won an arbitration award involving contract violations by Met Ed/First Energy regarding limitations placed on overtime. While the damage awards are still being tabulated, this marks a significant victory for our local. Since First Energys buyout of GPU in 2001, the number of grievances has skyrocketed. First Energys flagrant disregard for negotiated contracts and established work practices has been a scourge to each local within the Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey operating regions. We only hope that the momentum has shifted and that all our union brothers and sisters at First Energy are united and will fight for what is right. Stephen T. Krause, P.S. L.U. 861 (i&o), LAKE CHARLES, LAThe work situation is like that of the rest of the nationslow. The Bush administration continues to hamper our economy and that hurts our industry. Buddy Leach, a gubernatorial candidate, has said he would sign a repeal of right-to-workand we need more candidates like Buddy. We are starting to picket nonunion contractors again, using our now-famous rat, Monty. With the current work situation, we may truly find out who is union and who is not. We have made it through rough times before and together we will make it through again. Remember there is always strength in numbers. Harlan J. Duhon, Sr., B.M.
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