Local 540s 2003 graduating apprentices:
from
left, front row, Mike C. Davis, Mike R. Davis,
David Millard, Jim Stockton, Aaron Brown and
Kirk Spencer; middle row, Brenda Harrington,
Brad Klotz, Hope Sharrard and Wayne Boden;
back row, Ken Snyder, Jason Smith, Frank
Swogger, Matt McElfresh and Scott McElfresh.
L.U. 540 (i), CANTON, OHCongratulations from the officers
and members of Local 540 to each of our graduating apprentices.
The graduation dinner included an excellent speech from Bus. Mgr.
Les T. Wiley. Bro. Wiley stated, "Each new class becomes the
future of our industry with an obligation to preserve what we have,
build on it and pass it on to those who come after us. Here is your
chance to step forward as leaders of tomorrow and help solve the
problems we face in the competitive battle for our industry."
Brothers and Sisters, please remember all our brave soldiers who
are fighting for our freedoms throughout the worldespecially the
families of our soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice of life
to preserve our enduring freedoms.
The Local 586 childrens Christmas
party of
2002 was a great success.
L.U. 586 (em,i&o), OTTAWA, ON, CANADAAt first no one
wanted it. But Bro. Mike Bruyere knew that a childrens Christmas
party was just what the local needed. The first year showed he was
right when approximately 100 children and their parents attended
in 1991. The annual celebration has grown steadily, with 175 attending
the last party.
Because participants must pre-register, the presents Santa gives
are always right for the age and sex of the children. Shiny new
toys and a hall transformed by the work of 15 volunteers make for
a great party for the children.
New Party: An adult Christmas gala will be held at Ottawas newest
and best hotel on Dec. 13. The Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata opened
in June. Located on Marsh Golf Course, it is Terry Mathews high-tech
answer to plush living.
L.U. 596 (i,o&u), CLARKSBURG, WVBrother Richard "Dick"
Barnes, former business manager of Local 596 passed away in May
2003 at the age of 91. He will be sadly missed.
Five new inside journeyman wiremen fill the ranks in the local.
Donald Crites, Scott Marshall, Darren Marteny, Brad Morris and Jack
Ocheltree all topped out in May 2003.
The newly organized IBEW Local 596 Softball Team is coached by
Mike Suder and Andre Parker. The team is playing as hard as they
can, but the first-year blues have bit them. Team members are: Clint
Moran, Brad Morris, Shane Flannigan, Scott Rowan, Danny Gonzalez,
Ricky Gayton, Bob Kelly, Jon Stone, Adam Miller, and David Tallman.
Hang in there team!
The Picnic Committee scored a big hit July 20 with family members
and retirees coming out for fellowship, games, prizes and good food.
The work picture remains very slow.
Celebrating with Local 606 Bro.
Keith Johnson
(ninth from left) are, from left, Cliff Starling,
Doug Miller, Jeff Bohr, Jim Sullivan, Bill
Robinson, Sr., Ricky Howey, Gary Jenkins, Phil
Whisenant, "Birthday Boy" Johnson, Jason
Duffield, Bobby Weich, Richard Bert, Monica
Schorer, Andy Spencer, Olson Electric Pres. Curtis
Duffield, Victor Alfred and Mike Zimke.
L.U. 606 (em,es,i,rtb,spa&u). ORLANDO, FLOlson Electric,
the oldest licensed electrical contractor in Florida, celebrated
the birthday of one of Local 606s oldest working members. The accompanying
photo was taken at Bro. Keith Johnsons surprise 65th birthday party.
Bro. Johnson has been a member of our local for 47 years. He has
served on the Apprenticeship Committee for the last 13 years.
Work in the area is still slow, but the contractors expect the
work to start picking up in the fall.
Since the beginning of this year, we have lost nine members of
our local: Bros. Michael Ayala, Herman Cunningham, Jim Driggers,
Walter Ray Goodson, Rick Howey, Gerald Lukcso, William "Buddy"
Shoaf, Fred Skrobot and Eugene Swinford. Our thoughts and prayers
are with the families of our lost brothers.
Local 636 members from Essex Power
Services
during their recent strike.
L.U. 636 (as,catv,em,spa&u) TORONTO, ON, CANADAIt
has been another busy year at the bargaining table with more than
24 collective agreements already ratified. Despite the prevailing
economic and political uncertainties across Ontario, our negotiating
teams were able to secure improvements to wages, benefits, language
and working conditions that set the standard for the industries
we serve. We salute all those who contributed to these negotiations.
Dave Morris (Orillia Power) has accepted an appointment to the
Line Worker Provincial Advisory Committeewhose mandate is to review
and revise the training program for Powerline apprentices. Among
their key objectives is to lobby the government for recognition
of Line Trades through compulsory certification.
Our Labour Education program has begun the fall semester with training
courses offered that deal with a variety of topics aimed at raising
the awareness of our members.
Recent events remind us yet again of the importance of political
partnerships and the social justice movement. Whether it is at the
Municipal, Provincial or Federal level, organized labour must work
with our friends to ensure that our voice is heard and issues addressed.
The campaigns will soon be in full swingbe sure to contribute in
whatever way you can.
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