L.U.
103 (cs&i), BOSTON, MAThe IBEW Lifesaving Award was
presented to Bro. C.J. Gillis for his unselfish gift of life to
another person. C.J. donated half his liver to a friend, Christopher
Wales, in February 2003.
We sadly reflect upon the untimely death of Bro. Paul Goodwin,
who was struck by a vehicle and killed while picketing a nonunion
contractor in January. This was a tragic accident, not any type
of violence on the picket line.
Although we all differ and never see eye to eye on all issues,
Sen. John Kerry has never wavered in supporting organized labor
in Massachusetts. We look forward to the prospect of helping Sen.
Kerry defeat the anti-union, anti-worker George W. Bush.
On Jan. 17, 2004, Local 103 hosted the 1st annual Liberty Cup Hockey
Game against Local 3 of New York. It was a great success and we
look forward to many more.
To members age 53 and older: When the Pre-Retirement Seminar takes
place at the union hall, you should take advantage of the invaluable
information on planning for retirement to help you put your future
in order.
L.U.
131 (i,rtb,rts&spa), KALAMAZOO, MIA contractor formation
class was offered to our general membership, in hopes of providing
an up-close insight of what it takes to start and run a successful
electrical business. Capstone Enterprises presented the two-day
class and 40 members attended.
Since completion of this class, both the local and our contractors
have adopted a one-man resolution providing our membership the opportunity
to enter into business.
Our sincere condolences to the families of the following retired
brothers who passed away: Neal Ward, John Klomparens and Andrew
Truax Sr.
L.U.
141 (ees,i,o&u), WHEELING, WVWork remains slow in our
area with many apprentices and journeymen unemployed. Slow work
in sister locals has worsened the situation, as it has across the
Brotherhood. Please register and vote so that come November we can
repay those who brought us this drought.
We do expect our work picture to improve soon. Construction has
begun on the new Cabelas store, with W.R. Casteel Co. employing
our members for the electrical work and bids will soon be opened
on the new Cabelas distribution center. Both jobs are on a fast-track
schedule and should employ a number of people. It is also believed
that many satellite businesses will emerge in the complex.
Our annual credit union dinner is scheduled for this month and
election of officers will be held during this event. Many members
will be in attendance.
Our condolences to the families of Aaron Synder and Jim Harsh,
both of whom recently passed away. Aaron was a former apprentice
and Jim was a journeyman with many years of service. Both were veterans
and will be sorely missed.
L.U.
159 (i), MADISON, WIOur work situation seems to be improving.
The weather may be our last hurdle to clear as several meat and
potatoes projects begin to absorb our unemployed Book I members.
It has been another tough winter.
Our union brothers and sisters of UFCW Local 538 settled their
strike against Tyson Foods in nearby Jefferson. U.S. labor law would
have allowed for replacement workers to be decertified if the strike
had continued (for more than one year). The workers were forced
to settle and the employer will only return them in tiers over a
period of time. Local 159 voted unselfishly to continue its strike-support
dollars for a time.
Our statewide health insurance group has been able to stanch the
increased cost of our health insurance premium at 5.8 percent for
the coming year, and for that we are appreciative.
This, naturally, did not occur without cost; the trustees of the
fund were forced to modify the program in order to avoid a very
unappetizing menu this spring.
Local 191 members attend a Local
3
womens conference: from left, journeyman
wireman Kelly Makus, 1st year apprentice
Jody Howsen, Executive Board member
Sharon Howsen and Pres. Dave Howsen.
L.U.
191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WAIt is important for
union workers to remember their roots and not forget the true meaning
of union membership. In todays world, as we try to do what is right
amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is easy to lose
focus of the real agenda: Solidarity amongst all unions.
It is important for us as IBEW members to help and honor all unions
and support their disputes. A good example would be the recent grocery
workers strike in California. It is always important that all union
members support their fellow brothers and sisters. When labor unions
stick together, it is easier to impact a situation from a position
of strength, rather than as an individual union acting alone. Being
a union member is not just a 9-to- 5 job; it is a way of life. Until
we realize that and start living our life that way, it will be difficult
to see the solidarity.
Work is still slow in Local 191 but there is hope in the future.
With work scheduled at local refineries, along with possible work
at co-gens and at the Boeing plant, the future looks better than
the present. Get involved and work safe.
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