L.U.
520 (i&spa), AUSTIN, TXThe Austin JATC is proud
of its facility. With over 27,000 square feet it contains 13
classrooms, five administrative offices, a library, conference
room and a 6,000 square feet "hands-on" training
area. It is by far the largest and most multipurpose facility
in the Austin JATCs history. Along with training provided
at the facility, JATC boards also evaluate intermediate journeymens
(IJ) entrance abilities and assess their progress as well as
that of apprentices. This facility also serves Local 520 in
continuing education. Austin JATC Dir. Gilbert Ferrales hopes
to see additional journeyman inside wireman courses offered
to better equip our members for the future.
The JATC facility has also been used by the Seventh District,
NECA and Local 520 for informative meetings and conferences as
well as instructional training. Currently, with an administrative
staff of four and 13 part time instructors, there are 200 apprentices
and 80 IJs benefiting from this educational facility.
The U.S. Department of Labor first recognized the Austin JATC
in 1946. Our Austin facility is the oldest Bureau of Apprentice
Training (BAT) school in central Texas.
Local 530 members volunteer for Habitat for
Humanity
projects, (L-R): Dave George, Kevin Ptolemy, Justin Bedard,
Brian Bedard, Phil Schleihauf, John Gerber, Marv Kember
and Jeff Rawson.
LU.
530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA, ON, CANADAMany local members
volunteered for two Habitat for Humanity projects last summer.
Two families, one in Sarnia and another in Forest, had their
dreams of home ownership become a reality thanks to a helping
hand from Local 530 members. Thanks to all who donated time
or materials for a very worthy cause.
Several members received 50- and 55-year awards at our annual
Retirees Dinner Dance. Ted Winson received a 50-year pin, and 55-year
pins went to Gus Hungle, Steve Kennedy and Don Ostrom.
At our annual Childrens Christmas Skating Party, members and
their families were treated to visits from Santa and Sponge Bob
(Bus. Mgr. Mick Cataford) Square Pants. Thanks to the Recreation
Committee and all volunteers.
Local 530 is saddened by the recent passing of Bro. Tom Needham
and retired members Harold Hanki, Jack Brough and Bill Manicom,
former business manager.
The work picture in our jurisdiction is still very slow, with
a large out-of-work list. Thanks to all jurisdictions that helped
put our members to work. We hope the work picture will improve
in 2005. Best wishes to all for a prosperous new year.
Local 532 member Keith Ricketts is
inducted into the U.S. Apprenticeship
Association Hall of Fame. From left: Terry
Benewich, USAA board chair, Chicago, IL;
Keith Ricketts; Mark Maki, NASTAD
president; and Gary Becker, owner,
Yellowstone Electric.
L.U.
532 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,s,se, spa,t&u), BILLINGS,MTThe
National Association of State & Territorial Apprenticeship
Directors (NASTAD) elected Keith Ricketts, 46-year member of
Local 532, to its National Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals
who have made outstanding contributions to apprenticeship.
Bro. Rickets began training apprentices as an instructor and in
1966 he was instrumental in developing the first formal classroom
training in this area. Keith has given countless hours of dedicated
service to building and enhancing the ability of both apprentices
and journeymen to enable them to stay on the leading edge of technology
and innovation.
Mark Maki, president of NASTAD and program supervisor for Montana
Apprenticeship & Training Program, presented Keith his award
at the July 22, 2004, U.S. Apprenticeship Association Hall of Fame
banquet.
Gary Becker, president of Yellowstone Electric, and Local 532
office manager Jean Smith gave testimonials on Keiths years of
dedication to the IBEW and the electrical industry. His name will
be on a plaque at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.
Bro. Ricketts is the first recipient from the Eighth District to
receive this honor.
Local 557 apprentice graduates with Apprentice
Dir.
George Dryer (right). From left, graduates Chad
Throop, Evan Allardyce, Jim Markel and Dave
Nostrandt.
L.U.
557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW,MIWe had an unusually
warm fallthe mostly dry weather made the Flying J truck stop
project nice work, with picnic lunch conditions daily. A change
in the work situation in our area, even putting Book II people
to work, gives a positive feeling about our economic conditions.
Big business and the polls try to show a positive economy,
which is just a try to diminish the failure of our current
government administration.
Lots of effort and cost was incurred in safety training due to
a presumed requirement if work became available in local industry.
We were being told that in order to be eligible for a job certain
safety classes had to be completed. The safety class requirements
were revoked and employment became available! The effort put forth
in taking the classes will save lives. However, the concern about
taking classes and job acquisition was unnecessary.
Longtime Local 569 members received years-of-service
pins.
L.U.
569 (i,mar,mt,o,rts&spa), SAN DIEGO, CAAt this
writing we still dont know who the next San Diego mayor will
beelection results are being litigated. Donna Frye was
the union-endorsed write-in mayoral candidate. Running just
a five-week campaign, we won the popular votean impressive
feat for a labor-backed write-in candidate in a large city.
The courts decided that minor technical errors made thousands
of Donna Frye votes ineligible. All the votes were not counted
because some people who wrote in her name forgot to darken
the oval next to the line where they wrote in Donna Frye.
No matter the outcome, this is a victory for working families.
The people have spoken and the power of business interests
that control City Hall is eroding, as the voices of San Diegos
working families grow louder. Thanks to 569 members and supporters
who volunteered.
As Local 569 members plan for 2005 we are stretching our imaginations.
We plan more creative grassroots organizing and coalition buildingand
a better job of communicating with one another to facilitate organizing
goals in this challenging socio-political climate. The mayors
race reminds us that even in tough times our collective values
can prevail and our union can grow.
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