Related Articles
Related Articles
December 2003 IBEW Journal
L.U. 804 (i&o), KITCHENER, ON, CANADA--Congratulations and thanks to those IBEW members who graciously volunteered their time to make the annual Summerfolk Festival in Owen Sound a success. This years event coincided with the summer blackout but, despite adverse conditions, IBEW volunteers prevailed in ensuring that electricity would be provided. A standby generator was brought to the site, just in case the rolling blackouts hit the Owen Sound area. Thanks again to those involved in supporting the community and bringing the IBEW to the forefront. By the time you read this article, our Provincial election will have concluded, and it is hoped our tireless efforts will have prevailed and a new government will be in place. Thanks to all those who supported our political initiatives. The power in any society rests with the working class citizens, and we must continue to be politically active at all levels of government. Together we can overcome any hurdles we face. Brett McKenzie, B.M./F.S. L.U. 910 (i&rts), WATERTOWN, NY--Our local negotiated a new three-year Inside Construction Agreement effective April 1, 2003. The new contract has some language changes, and pay increases of $1.40 the first year, $1.55 the second year and $1.70 in the third year. Our Northern Federal Credit Union members started contract negotiations this past summer. Congratulations to our newest journeymen wiremen who have completed their apprenticeship training. Our 2003 apprentice graduates are: Peter Ames, Randy Ashley, Justin Connell, Kelly Grill, Brian Kaufmann, Craig Martin, Robert Miller, Kevin Norsworthy, Rick Rosbrook, HallieWarren, Tim Benson, Stuart Burnett, Jr., William Carr, Scott Dubuque, Matt Godlewski, David Ross, Jody Roy and David Thomas. Best wishes to all. Our local union has an opportunity to install a photovoltaic electrical system at our union hall. Photovoltaic cells will be placed on the roof to produce electricity, which will reduce our electric bill. Our members will help install this system for training. Retired journeyman wireman Mike Davis has been helping others with raising puppies for guide dogs. The guide dog foundation pays for expenses, training and equipment. Raising a Labrador or Golden Retriever puppy for a year will provide a guide dog for a sight-impaired person. Roger LaPlatney, P.S. L.U. 1116 (em,lctt&u), TUCSON, AZ--Our organizing efforts paid off with an election win at UniSource Energy Services/Gas Division. Now Bus. Mgr. Joe Carl will have a busy time negotiating an agreement and organizing new members. Our annual picnic in September had a great turnout. Members and their families enjoyed the great BBQ, volleyball, horseshoes and socializing. To all members who served on various committees this year, thank you for your time and effort. Your contributions did not go unnoticed; you made this local stronger and better for all members. As for the year 2004, Local 1116 will continue to educate its members, helping the membership to stay politically aware of labor concerns with city/state elections and government bills and laws that affect working men and women. R. Cavaletto, P.S.
L.U. 1426 (i,o,rtb,spa&u), GRAND FORKS, ND--In March of 2003, Roseau Electric Cooperative linemen trenched through more than 3 feet of ice to install 11 miles of 4/0 concentric jacketed cable to deliver dependable power to the islands on Lake of the Woods. A project like this typically would have been done after the ice on the lake has melted, but the Co-op decided to do this installation in March when the ice was softer. The Co-ops linemen worked from sunup to sundown and completed the project in only eight days. With the Christmas season upon us, IBEW members purchasing televisions, VCRs and DVD players should look for "Made in the USA" because the job you might save could be that of our IBEW brothers and sisters. The annual North Dakota Ice fishing Derby will be held Feb. 28, 2004, on Devils Lake. Scott Sansburn, Org.
L.U. 1464 (u), Kansas City, MO--The Joint Activities Committee, comprising members from Locals 412, 1464, and 1613, had another successful picnic. A hot summer day was greatly enjoyed by active members and retirees in attendance. We had bucket truck rides, mini backhoe demonstrations, moonwalks, face painting and games for the kids, door prizes, Blue Bunny ice cream, and the best ribs, chicken, hamburgers, and hotdogs you could imagine. Our guest of honor was Walter White, a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors, and a former Kansas City Chiefs player. Walter donated many sports items for the raffle, which included a Chiefs VIP package to the Dec. 28, 2003, game against the Chicago Bears. We thank Walter White for his hard work and dedication. Most importantly, we thank the committee for planning the picnic. Mark your calendar for the seventh annual picnic to be held Aug. 28, 2004. Susan Cowart, R.S.
|
