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November 2003 IBEW Journal

Politics and Deregulation

L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH-The good Lord must have known we were tired, because for the first time since the rebirth of the Labor Day parade in the 1980s, the parade here was canceled due to bad weather. It forced many of us to just take a break. Many utility workers have been forced to endure longer hours with fewer days off, thanks to the downsizing associated with deregulation.

Speaking of deregulation, how about that blackout of 2003? Am I the only one to see the IBEW documentary on the woes of deregulation based on the real-life experiences in California? I remember showing that film to area politicians, who said they would make sure that doesn't happen here. Right!

Many of us don't like to get involved in politics-voting just doesn't interest us. These two issues, overtime and blackouts, are examples of how politics affects our lives. Important elections are coming up and we need to get informed, learn what each candidate stands for and vote responsibly. We owe it to ourselves and our families.

On the local scene, outside construction is picking up. Davis Besse remains off-line, but just maybe by November...who knows. Bayshore's efforts to address the aging workforce were stymied by First Energy's hiring freeze; no improvements on the energy delivery side of the house; and the TV stations are holding their own.
 

RAY ZYCHOWICZ, P.S.

Hospital Construction Team

Local 265 members employed by Common- wealth Electric at the St. Elizabeth Hospital construction project.

L.U. 265 (i,mt,rts&spa), LINCOLN, NB-In the fall of 2000, Commonwealth Electric was awarded the electric work at St. Elizabeth Hospital. The project was divided into four main phases. The first was to complete the four-story parking garage. Workers then moved to the Medical Office Building, which held rooms for MRI equipment and an orthopedic office. The third and fourth phases involved work on a medical tower structure connected to the existing hospital and a new utility plant.

The job began in October 2001 and will be completed in March 2004. Approximately 45 electricians are working on the job, with the highest total exceeding 60. Kraus/Anderson, a union contractor out of Minneapolis, is the general contractor. Every craft on the job is union except the dry-waller and framers. It is nice to see a job 90 percent union, especially in these times.
 

KRIS SWANSON, P.S.

Residential Resurgence

L.U. 309 (i,lctt,mo,mt,o,rts,spa&u), COLLINSVILLE, IL-Despite the rainy weather, our members turned out in force for the Labor Day parade in Belleville. Our resurgence in the residential market continues, with 55 to 60 members currently working. We are still engaged in a struggle with Taylor-Morley, a St. Louis firm building a large subdivision in our jurisdiction with a nonunion electrical subcontractor.

Organizer Randy Eastwood has focused on the northern part of our jurisdiction, shining a light in dark corners where prevailing wage issues remain. New sign shop and telecommunication agreements have been reached.

An aptitude test has been adopted as part of the ALBAT selection process. Those interested in line apprenticeships would be well advised to hone their skills in reading comprehension, basic math and algebra.

MIKE FAUST, P.S.

Job Well Done

L.U. 357 (c,i,mt,o&se), LAS VEGAS, NV-Greetings from Las Vegas! We are wrapping up a slow year by our standards in the entertainment capital of the world. All the members of the local union wish to thank Gary Silva for his dedication and service as a trustee on our Health and Welfare and Pension Trust over the past 17 years. Gary's retirement from the Trust will leave shoes hard to fill.

The upcoming holiday season is right around the corner and we would like to wish all members and their families the very best. We are gearing up for our "old timers" party, December 11 and our kids Christmas party December 14. The amount of "service" pins presented at last years "old timers" party was astounding.

Let's put President Bush in the same unemployment line our members have been in over the past year. We must all vote in the next presidential election if we hope to turn the work picture around in this country. We only have one year to register our members and mobilize them to elect union friendly candidates.

Be safe, be union, be proud, and God bless America.

DALE WALSH, P.S.

Under Two Bushes

L.U. 359 (u), MIAMI, FL-Summer months were busy with so many storms pushing through south Florida. Crews from the various yards have done a great job restoring power in storm zones. Work it safe! Make sure all safety equipment is on hand and in good working order.

Turkey Point nuclear plant Unit 4 is coming up for an outage. A representation election for chemistry lab technicians was scheduled for Sept. 24. We look forward to adding these employees to the Brotherhood. Our next refueling will see a reactor head replacement with Unit 3. Unit 4 is also scheduled for reactor head replacement.

Local 359 members at Homestead and Lake Worth municipalities are experiencing layoffs. Smaller "munis" throughout the country face budget shortfalls with all the federal cutbacks under the George W. Bush administration-and we have another Bush as governor.

Our union meetings at the firefighters hall have been well attended, with negotiations coming up. Union meetings are where we do our business, not in the yards or plants. Make a commitment to attend. Thanks to all United Way drive volunteers.

Important elections are coming up. Help support labor-friendly candidates. See Leo Stewart or your job steward to make ELECTRO-PAC contributions.

STEVE FLYNN, F.S.