L.U.
449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa &u), POCATELLO, IDIt is
more important now than ever for members to get involved politically.
We each have a responsibility to become politically activeand to
make sure we VOTE! We must increase the percentage of registered
IBEW members who actually do vote. Make sure you are registered
and ready for November.
If we dont change the present administration, the working
class of this nation will become a third-world working class. We
are already among the lowest paid workers in the industrialized
world. This is terrible, coming from the richest nation in the world.
Congratulations to our new retirees: Charles Featherston, Richard
Murray and John Danz.
Congratulations also to the following on completing their five-year
apprenticeships: Scott Boden, Jacob Buhler, L. Mark Buhler, Sam
Edmo, Travis Fraser, Brandon Gillins, Quinton Gneiting, Jeremiah
Hammond, John Hopkins, Mark Koopman, Tim Marlow, Justin Marotz,
David Metz, Jacob Phillips, James Richardson, Seth Stears, Scot
Wanstrom and Jeremy Wise.
Our condolences to the families of brothers Roland Helm, David
Dowd and Gil Humberger, who passed away. These brothers have made
exceptional contributions to the IBEW over the years and will truly
be missed.
Local 459 Bus. Mgr. Donald J.
Hoak (center)
and Local 459 Safety Committee Chmn.
Gene Warner receive safety awards
presented by Pennsylvania Department of
Labor Deputy Scty. Elizabeth Crum.
L.U.
459 (ees,em,so&u), JOHNSTOWN, PAOn March 3, 2004, Bus.
Mgr. Donald J. Hoak, Asst. Bus. Mgr. Joseph Sanna and myself were
invited to a celebration luncheon at one of our employers, Edison
Mission Energy.
EME received the Pennsylvania Governors Safety Award. This award
is presented to only five companies statewide, selected from a field
of thousands. In 2003 EME members recorded one accident. Their record
was reviewed over the past three years.
Numerous political leaders from Indiana County attended the EME
luncheon. Guy Gorney, vice president of O&M from Chicago, was
present to receive the award presented by a Pennsylvania Department
of Labor representative.
Bus. Mgr. Donald J. Hoak also accepted the award for Local 459.
Local 459 received recognition from EME senior management for our
strong support of safety and for a good working relationship. Sen.
Donald White of Indiana County also extended commendations to our
local.
L.U.
481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, INWork in
our jurisdiction has not turned around 100 percent, but the book
is beginning to move slowly. Spring should see many jobs starting.
Thanks to all who contributed to the Help Fund to assist our members
get through the rough times.
Joe Breedlove, a dedicated Local 481 member, was named secretary
treasurer of the Indiana State AFL-CIO. His daily commitment to
the local will be missed, but the state and the larger IBEW have
gained a great leader.
Rick Boothman joined the local as a referral agent and information
officer. Rick will be on-site daily from 7 a.m. until closing to
serve the membership.
Bus. Mgr. Tom ODonnell has again reached out to the membership
with a series of town meetings as a means to reach members who are
unable to attend regular union meetings.
Bus. Mgr. ODonnell brought back old business at the union meeting
regarding the one-man, one-vote issue. The local membership voted
not to support the motion. This motion originated in Local 666 and
Bus. Mgr. ODonnell informed the business manager of Local 666 by
letter of Local 481s decision.
Local 481s Web site is up and changing daily, providing members
faster access to important local news.
Organizing has several salts gathering OSHA violations and common
wage violations. Those interested in salting please contact Steve
Dunbar.
L.U.
503 (i&u), MONROE, NYNegotiations with Frontier Telephone
were successfully completed, and the contract was ratified by a
margin of greater than 85 percent. Special thanks to committee members
for their dedication and hard work.
At press time, negotiations with Orange and Rockland were scheduled
to begin March 30, 2004. Proposals were scheduled to be read at
the April meeting. Members have been strongly encouraged to make
an extra effort to attend the April and May meetings to keep informed
on negotiation issues.
The Local 503 Annual Golf Outing is planned for September 2004.
Watch the bulletin boards for details. We will also be starting
the raffle for two Giants season tickets for 2004. This money helps
the local feed needy families each year during the holidays, a 20-year
tradition for our local. The annual holiday Toys-For-Tots drive
last year was, as always, a great success. Thanks for everyones
support and generosity.
Mirants bankruptcy is still a major cause for concern for our
brother and sisters at the power plant. Currently, lawyers are pursuing
vacation monies due to retirees.
IBEW 557 members at work on a Thiel
Electric project at the new Home Depot in
Saginaw, MI. From left: Robert Reinelt, Aaron
Hauger, Lon Reed, Jim Markel, Chad Throop,
Tom Winchell, Phil Jimenez, Tim Iles, Donnie
Miller, Chris Nickodemus and Larry Engel.
L.U.
557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW, MIWe are saddened to report
that retired Bro. Del Foster passed away in February. Our condolences
and prayers go out to his family.
The Plus 5 advertising plan is on the radio, due to monies donated
from Briggs & Stratton and Cutler Hammer home products. The
program is being reinforced by the work of our members, the activity
at the Home Builders show in March, and by having contractors in
the residential market. Residential work is helping in a non-job
economic recovery. We have a good record on projects completed.
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) spoke of many positive initiatives
to promote growth and enhance opportunities for working people.
We need more people in public office who will advance causes beneficial
to working familiesnot just blow smoke about issues that result
in the upper crust accumulating more wealth.
A few hands went to work over the winter, but many more have run
out of unemployment compensation. Some jobs should start soon, which
will move the out-of-work list.
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