L.U.
306 (i), AKRON, OHThe election is over; many problems
remain. Seems no matter how things change, they somehow
stay the same!
Try as we might, most of us arent
cut out to be politicians. Kudos to the brothers and sisters
who are and have made us proud on the local and regional levels.
That being said, let us go forward doing the best electrical
work possible for our neighbors and fellow Americans who have
grown to expect no less.
We welcome the following 2004 signatory
Inside/Residential contractors: Blanks Electric, Hurley Electric,
Justice Electrical Services and Plazo Electric. New Teledata
and Specialty contractors are Automated Environments Inc.,
Pro-Tech Communications and Witchey Lightning Protection Inc.
The following friends, tool-buddies
and brothers have elected to join the ranks of the "gainfully
unemployed" and retire. We wish good health and happiness
for Dave Curry, Oran "OP" Post, David Brown, Richard
Vence, Howard Shafer and Mickey Tanaska.
We mourn the loss of retired brothers
Walt Batter, Tom Bennett, Ron McDaniel, Wallace Maxwell and
Ken Seger.
Check your smoke and CO detectorsthe
family you save may be your own!
L.U.
309 (i,lctt,mo,mt,o,rts,spa&u), COLLINSVILLE,
ILAs of this writing, the work picture in our area, as
with most of Illinois, is still on the slow side.
In early December 53 journeymen wiremen were on Book
I. While this is still too many, the number is down from
the high point of over 70. The outside branch continues
to be a bright spot with continued good employment.
Through rough employment times,
a little good news shines through with the settlement
of five different labor agreements. The inside, residential,
outside, Metro, and American Steele classifications received
new contracts recently. Thanks to all who took part.
Three Local 309 membersJason Brewer,
Dwight Childerson and Larry Lemonwere honored at the December
meeting for saving the life of another member who suffered
a heart attack. The three performed CPR until emergency crews
arrived. For their efforts all three were awarded the IBEW
Lifesaving Award.
Our local is saddened to report
the passing of former business manager John R. "Jack" Whealon
on Nov. 15, 2004. Bro. Whealon was an IBEW member for 46 years
and served as Local 309 business manager from 1990-1999. His
dedicated service to the IBEW will be greatly missed as
will he.
L.U.
332 (c,ees,i,o&st), SAN JOSE, CABecause of
incredible increases in the cost of health insurance, all
bargaining units have had to contribute most of their raises
to their Health and Welfare funds. The only alternatives
were to cut benefits, raise the co-pay, or contribute more
to the fund. We have excellent coverage and want to continue
to take care of our retirees, so were trying to keep up.
But costs are spiraling out of control.
Everyone enjoyed the annual Christmas
party at the hall; Santa paid a visit for the kids. We also
put up lights on Liberty Tower in Santa Clara. Our retirees
there appreciate volunteers who assist.
Frank Electric recently merged into
Cupertino Electric. Founded in 1922, Frank had about 200 employees.
Cupertino welcomed all the Frank employees with open arms,
but its a sign of the economic times that we have lost another
shop.
Unions continue to decline while
most of us stand on the sidelines and watch. Its time for
every member to do what he or she can. Pay attention to mailers
or announcements at union meetings to see how you can help.
Remember, "You cant steal second base and keep one
foot on first."
Local 340 Bus. Rep.
DElman Clark (left) greets
retired Bro. Evan Feil, a
75-year IBEW member.
L.U.
340 (em,i,o,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CABro. DElman
Clark and I recently enjoyed visiting 75-year member Bro.Evan
Feil. Bro. Feil shared stories of the "good old days" as
a union electrician. I am humbled by the stories told by
our retirees of much harder times. Their pride in their
trade, their craftsmanship, hard work and loyalty to their
union was, and still is, abundant. It was great seeing
so many of our retirees at our Christmas union meeting.
The next four years of the Bush
Administration will be tough for organized labor. However,
we never run from a good fight. Our love for our Brotherhood
and the fight for working families will keep our unions alive.
Get involved in your communities with the people who make the
laws. If we dont stand up for our rights, "a fair days
wage for a fair days work," people who dont believe in
the union way will make decisions that will affect us for years
to come.
With regret we announce the passing
of retired members Floyd Baker and Ray Garvey; and former member
John Vining, brother of Local 340 member Carl Vining.
L.U.
349 (em,i,mps,rtb,spa&u), MIAMI, FLA lot has
happened in Floridathree hurricanes and a lost presidential
election. The hurricanes did a lot of damage throughout
Florida, on both coasts and in the central part of the
state. Clean-up work and rebuilding will take a long time.
Bro. Bob Jeffries held a blood drive
in September 2004. Many thanks to all who donated.
Our annual picnic was a success
with over 700 members and family attending. It was the first
year in a long time that we ran out of food, but not beverages.
Thanks to the journeymen and apprentices and all who helped
make it a great outing.
We thank our Entertainment Committee
for all the hard work they do for each event.
On the presidential election: south
Florida did its job in voting for Sen. Kerry. We are proud
of all the members who gave of their time as volunteers to
get out the vote.
May our soldiers come home safely.
Remember our union meetings. We have enough seats, so come
on down. Best wishes to all for a happy new year ahead.
Related Articles
