L.U.
1749 (u), NEW JOHNSONVILLE, TNThe local held its second
annual fish fry Oct 12, 2004, before our regularly scheduled
union meeting at our new hall. Thanks to all participants,
it was a great success.
We had a pretty good turnout, with some new members and even a
few retired ones. The food was delicious with catfish, crappie
and shellcracker as the main entre. Diane Conger made tasty coleslaw
and sides included hushpuppies, baked beans, etc. Compliments to
the officers, fishermen and chefs who put it all together for a
nice outing. I cant wait until next year. Hope everyone can make
it for the next occasion.
I thank Bus. Mgr. Jeff Rosentretter, the officers and all the
shop stewards for their help with our voter registration drive.
We were able to verify the 40 percent of our local who did not
show up on the AFL-CIO list and to register 12 percent more. This
should put our local at 100 percent participation. Remember, a
union is only as strong as its membership. So stay active, come
to the meetings and vote in every election.
IBEW linemen restored power to 100,000 customers in mainland
Nova Scotia after a November 2004 early winter storm. Pictured
in the buckets are Local 1928 linemen Darby Gray, Kevin Murphy
and Kevin Wells.
L.U.
1928 (i,o&u), HALIFAX, NS, CANADAAn early winter
storm Nov 13-14, 2004, caused severe damage to high voltage
transmission towers in mainland Nova Scotia. Over 100,000 customers
were left without power. Approximately 400 IBEW members were
on the job of restoring power to all customers, which took
roughly one week.
Local 1928 members completed the task with the help of brothers
and sisters from IBEW Local 37 of Fredericton, New Brunswick and
IBEW Local 1837, Manchester, Maine. The job was done without any
serious injuries. Hats off to the entire IBEW team on a job well
done!
L.U.
2273 (rr), ALTOONA, PABecause of retirements and an
increase in work, Norfolk Southern hired 42 electricians at
its Juniata Locomotive Shops in 2004. At present we have 156
journeymen, 16 promoted students and 34 studentsfor a total
of 206 positions. There is also a hint that there will be more
hiring in 2005.
Railroad System Council # 6, which represents all of Norfolk Southerns
IBEW members, has negotiated new work rules for the shops and piers.
These rules become effective Jan. 1, 2005. As of this writing,
SC #6 is continuing negotiations for communication members.
The local would like to thank everyone who helped with the Kerry
Campaign. There is however one member, Bro. Bob Savino, who deserves
a special thanks. Bro. Bobs effort during the campaign was second
to none. Bob, your dedication and sincerity campaigning for Sen.
Kerry were just phenomenal. Thanks so much. Well try again next
time.
A private clinic owned by union employees
at MeadWestvaco paper mill in Evadale,
TX. Health care services at the clinic are
free to IBEW Local 2286 members and
other union employees who work at the mill.
L.U.
2286 (o&u), BEAUMONT, TXApproximately two years
ago the unions (PACE 4-801, PACE 4-825 and IBEW) at MeadWestvaco
paper mill in Evadale, TX, began looking at alternative measures
to provide better insurance coverage for their members. Studies
were conducted which provided union members with data that
allowed them to design and negotiate an Independent Insurance
Board operating under the Taft Hartley Trust guidelines. A
clinic was constructed near the mill, which includes a laboratory,
an x-ray machine and many other medical amenities. Three full-time,
hourly employeesa doctor, nurse and lab technician/office
managerstaff the clinic at this time with the Board looking
to hire a nurse practitioner soon. All services provided at
the clinic are free to union employees and their families.
The Independent Insurance Board comprises 10 union members
who oversee the operation and pay the bills. The operation
is funded by MeadWestvaco and the employees. The clinic opened
Jan. 8, 2004, and has been a tremendous asset to the members.
The merger between IBEW Locals 390 and 2286 has been positive
and rewarding for the membership.
L.U.
2321 (t), MIDDLETON, MA2004 was a busy year, brothers
and sisters. We started coordinating efforts with CWA to organize
Comcast and Verizon Wireless. Technicians forced to NH were
brought back after winning an important grievance. The SST
canvas is complete. Verizon closed the Tewksbury CSB and incorporated
it into the Andover office. August pay raises went into effect.
The hockey, golf and the Make-A-Wish softball tournaments were
all successful. We held our first retiree chapter meeting in
September. Welcome back to the Executive Board-Bill Page and
welcome aboard new member Len Joseph. Congratulations AFL-CIO
Scholarship winners: Brendan Chisholm, Kaitlan Tucker, Holly
Jackson and Kris Roux. Were still trying to resolve the surplus
declared in the equipment installation department. Our condolences
go out to the Davis family for the loss of Sister Beth during
the holiday season. Also, our prayers go out to all our members
serving this great country.
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