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November 2003 IBEW Journal

New Brunswick Brothers Perform Line Work Brothers Bill Hay and Joe Carter of Local 37, Fredericton, NB, Canada, install a regulator bank on line 7035 in Miramichi, New Brunswick.  Be An Informed Voter

Be An Informed Voter

L.U. 41 (em,es,i,se&spa), BUFFALO, NY-The summer has finally come to an end and the fall season is upon us. It is that time of the year for the politicians to ratchet up their campaigns. Our households have been inundated with their messages on TV, radio and via mailings. We should all pay attention to the issues that affect the lives of all workers.

Several local politicians have used the local union hall as a call center in the past at election time. This year will be no different. We should help those that help us.

The COPE Committee has been hard at work keeping track of developing issues such as project labor agreements (PLA's), health, safety, labor laws, and now the 40-hour work week and overtime. All of these are under attack and what we have fought for could be lost with the wrong people in office. The COPE Committee will be making informed recommendations to the floor and we will support the best candidates for working families. The committee would like you to become an informed union activist and get others to the polls.

As always, be strong, stand united.
CHARLES P. MOORE, P.S.

Mourning Brothers

The Local 43 hockey team raised more than $5,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.

L.U. 43 (em,i &rts), SYRACUSE, NY-We are sorry to report the loss of two of our brothers. Bro. Everett Swasey had a heart attack at the young age of 32. A member for eight years, he leaves behind his wife and son. Bro. Gregory Gibson also suffered a heart attack and passed away. Greg was a 10-year member. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

We would like to report on two organizing successes, Eppy Electric in the Utica area and ABC contractor Allied Electric in Syracuse are now signatory with Local 43. Bruce Penny, owner of Allied Electric, said he was tired of being told of training with ABC and never getting any. Now he has the best-trained employees and is doing well.

In February we had our annual hockey fundraiser against UA Local 267. Local 43 won the game (5-4) with a last second goal. IBEW leads this series 3-0-1. This year's event raised over $5,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. Congratulations to our team. (I've waited until now to report on this game to bring attention to this year's event, which we hope will be well attended. We've got the best team on the ice and they practice hard, so let' support them-they're doing this for charity and for the IBEW).
 

DENNIS A. BREHENY, P.S.

Anti-Union Power Grab

Local 47 mourns the loss of former Bus. Rep. Dave McMillan, who passed away this year.

L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA-Labor is fighting the recall of California's governor. We are resisting this blatant power grab attempt by the same anti-union group that promoted the failed electric deregulation scheme in California.

We participated in the annual Labor Day parade in Wilmington, the largest event of this type in California, along with our brothers and sisters from IBEW Local 11.

Benefits negotiations are set to begin with Southern California Edison. Healthcare costs are on the rise across the United States and Canada, and we will do our best to protect our members' interests. The company recently received a favorable ruling from the California State Supreme Court regarding the failed rate doctrine lawsuit. We support the court's decision.

Negotiations have begun on a wage re-opener with Anaheim. In Colton, we are negotiating for water and wastewater members added to our unit through a certification election.

We are sad to report the passing of former Bus. Rep. Dave McMillan. He served the local in many capacities over his career and will be greatly missed.

A special thanks to all IBEW veterans who have served their country in war and peace.

Happy Thanksgiving. Work safe, work union!
STAN STOSEL, P.S.

Collective Good

Local B.M. Dominic Rivara presents Ron Gilen with 50-year service pin.

L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,rtb,t&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL-There has been a lot said about the 2003 blackout and the power loss to eight states in the Northeast and Canada. Task forces have been established to determine the cause and ensure that it does not happen again.

We hear and read about the war on terrorism and how we won't stand by and let the likes of the Taliban and Saddam Hussein destroy human rights.

What we don't hear much about on the TV, radio or read in the newspaper is the phase-out and loss of worker rights and jobs since 2001.

Union members helped make this country what it is today. Why is there no task force about the job loss and union worker rights? Why does the present administration in Washington view unions as the enemy?

Unions were founded to give workers a collective voice and say in working conditions, benefits, and wages. They set the standard for medical and pension programs. They help establish a standard of living that we enjoy today. What have we done to become the enemy?

The work picture in our jurisdiction is not good. Transmission and distribution is slow with more layoffs coming. Tree trimming is down and telecommunications is at a standstill. One electric and gas utility is up for sale; this is an on-going process these days.

Please attend your local union meetings; this is the place where it all begins.

DOMINIC RIVARA, B.M.