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June 2004 IBEW Journal
L.U. 70 (lctt&o), WASHINGTON, D.C.Local 70 members are proud of their work on the National World War II Memorial project, located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument on the National Mall. The IBEW electricians installed transformers, switches and cable to light the 56 17-foot-high granite pillars and two 43-foot arches. They also supplied electric current to power the water pump for the waterfalls, essential to the "America Celebrates the Greatest Generation" program. Local 70 members worked hard to complete the project in time for the May 2004 dedication ceremony. We thank Bro. Robert Terry for bringing this project to our attention. The opening of the World War II Memorial is an important event for Washington, D.C. as well as the world. The memorial is dedicated to all who served during World War II. It will pay tribute to the 16 million who served in American uniform, the 292,000 killed in action and the 114,000 who died from non-combat causes. Please remember all the men and women who have served and are now serving in the armed forces for our freedom. Local 70 is saddened by the recent passing of retired Bro. Steve Szilasi. Our sincere condolences to his family. Jerome J. Deinlein Sr., P.S.
L.U. 76 (c,i,rts&st), TACOMA, WAOn Friday, Jan. 30, Local 76 members joined thousands of Building Trades workers for a union rally at the state Capitol. Our goal: To let legislators know that union workers are a force to be listened to as elections approach. The Washington State Building and Construction Trade Council organized the rally. Union members, carrying placards and signs, sang rally songs and chanted at the top of our lungs. Big business interests have put up huge amounts of money to pass legislation that strikes at the well being of every hard-working family in the state. We marched on the Legislatureand we made sure they knew we were there. Labor friendly elected officials addressed the boisterous crowd, assuring that with our help they will do everything within their power to carry labors message. First we must register to vote. Second, we must contact our representatives and let them know where we stand on issues that affect working people. Thanks to all sisters and brothers who took a day off from work to send labors message to elected representatives to "Respect Working Families." Don Waterhouse, P.S. L.U. 80 (i&o), NORFOLK, VACongratulations to our 50- and 55-year members, who were awarded service pins at our February meeting. Awards for 55-years went to Joe C. Bradshaw, James P. Capps, Charles W. Ironmonger and Ralph L. Lowe. Receiving 50-year pins were: Raymond E. Arthur, Louis M. Boyd, Charles R. Cash, Alfred W. Kreisel, Robert G. Marable, Roland L. Midgette, Howard T. Murrell, Joseph N. Smith Jr., William R. Sykes, Burrell R. Wimmer and Robert L. Wood. Despite reports of improving unemployment numbers locally, many of our brothers and sisters remain unemployed. Although increased employment in Wal-Mart stores, hamburger stands and other minimum wage jobs make for better employment statistics, the economic condition of our state and the country is still poor. George Bush has catered to the interests of big business and forgotten about working people. We must vote this president out of office. We must be sure all members and their families are registered to vote. Help elect representatives who will support organized labor and working families. Push political apathy aside and get out to vote. The job you save may be your own. Dennis Dasher, P.S.
L.U. 86 (ees,em,es,i,rts&spa), ROCHESTER, NYOn Saturday, March 13, Local 86 held its annual Service Pin Awards Dinner Dance at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Members in attendance who received pins were: for 45 yearsHarold "Paul" Brown, James W. Hynes and John "Bud" Kelly; 35 yearsDave Brown, Mike Cook, Jim Stalker, Ray McDermott and Ed Wilkins; 30 yearsJim Allen and Shaun OBrien; 15 yearsRandy LaBarge, Greg Post and Darrell Uetz; 10 yearsTim Allen, Dan OMealia, Phil Ponce and Ernie Schulze; 5 yearsJohn Bushart, Mike Frey, Bob McDermott, Helmut Menge, Mark Pratt, Carl Ronnenberg, Jeff Simmons and Bob Vingee. Thanks to committee members who planned a great event: Tim Allen, Tom Shaffer, Don Peters, John Lembach Jr., Dan OMealia and Tim Jobes. On April 30 the Spirit of Ontario (Fast Ferry) will have made its maiden voyage across Lake Ontario, linking Rochester and Toronto, Canada. At press time, construction of the Ferry Terminal was in its final stages and set to be ready to host passengers. Instrumental in building the terminal were members of IBEW Local 86 employed by OConnell Electric. Local 86 mourns the passing of Bros. Edward Stephany, Terry Haines and John Robinson. Thomas Shaffer, P.S.
L.U. 102 (c,catv,i,it,o&t), PATERSON, NJPennsylvania AFL-CIO Pres. William M. George was a guest speaker at our February union meeting. He spoke on the many challenges facing union labor: the consistent attacks by adversaries on our way of life; the anti-labor politicians who pass legislation that weakens our rights; and nonunion contractors who relentlessly pursue our work and test our resolve. George stressed that it is time to fight for what we believe in and for what the forefathers of union labor struggled to achieve. He also spoke on the national health care crisis and how it is affecting not only union health care plans but all private and public plans as well. Local 102 Bus. Mgr. Lou Baram spoke on the changes to our health and welfare plan in efforts to offset the outrageous rise in health care costs of the last five years. These exciting guest speakers come to our meetings for our benefit. They let us know how our working future is looking, and what we need to do to protect it. All members should attend our union meetings; if they do not it is our loss. Joe Nitti, P.S. |
