April 2005 IBEW Journal
Habitat for Humanity
Local 180 volunteers helped build a Habitat for
Humanity project. Front row, (L-R): Rich Mattson, Jason
Carrier, Nick Baker and James Jewet. Back row: Rob
Shaw, Lee Bowen, Sam Haines, Dan Broadwater, Rick
Row, Gene Watson, Rich Manny and Dennis Haley. |
L.U. 180 (c,i,o&st), VALLEJO, CA—Many thanks to the members pictured in the accompanying photo for stepping up and providing service to the Brotherhood and helping those in need. These fine craftsmen wired a 2,900 square foot duplex, a Habitat for Humanity project, in under six hours on a Saturday morning. The IBEW members made a great impression. When the IBEW makes plans to help, we staff-up and get it done.
Additional thanks go to two other organizations, Platt Electric and Valero Refinery. Platt Electric of Vacaville provided the materials, some of which were donated, with the balance to be worked out with Habitat. Platt is a strong sponsor of our apprenticeship and small-business incubator programs. Habitat will pick up the tab for some of the materials and that will be possible thanks in part to our largest employer, Valero Refinery in Benicia. Valero is a major sponsor of Habitat for Humanity and other programs that help so many of our area residents. Valero is a valuable asset for employment and social responsibility.
Michael C. Smith, B.A.
Open Calls For Linemen
L.U. 196 (govt,mt,o,t&u), ROCKFORD, IL—At this writing our local has open calls for journeyman linemen for Overhead Distribution and Underground Distribution.
The entire IBEW needs to be aware that the IUOE is out to raid the IBEW of most of the work we normally perform. It’s not only the Outside Branch of our Brotherhood they are going after, but the Inside Branch as well. This needs to be addressed immediately. The IUOE is trying to take over the operation of all hydraulic equipment and any new equipment that comes along because of new technology. In the area we live we have seen this attack on our Brotherhood and it is now affecting the Inside Branch. The IUOE is working on conduit installations and pipe bending on any kind of project they can bid and get. The IBEW needs to fight this raid on our trade now and not later. To the Inside Branch, I will say if you think the IUOE is your friend you are sadly mistaken and should beware. You’re in their sights.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Terry Lindsay, who passed away Jan. 1, 2005. Terry, we all miss you—thank you for all the memories.
Edgar R. Mings Jr., B.M./F.S.
Convention Center Expansion
Local 212 Bus. Mgr. Chuck Seymour (at right,
in leather jacket) shows several members
some preliminary blueprint drawings for the
local’s new union hall. |
L.U. 212 (i), CINCINNATI, OH—Cincinnati is moving along just about like every other city, slowly. As of this writing we still have 342 journeyman wiremen on Book 1. The cold weather has played a little havoc on outside jobs, but our members are still working hard. We are waiting for a few decent size jobs to start picking up. As soon as expansion of the Cincinnati Convention Center takes off, it will employ about 60-70 journeyman wiremen.
I would like to nationally recognize our member Steve Huffmann for his hard work and dedication. Along with many union brothers and sisters, he helped get out the vote in 2004. Although "Georgeee POORgee" was re-elected, it was not because of a lack of effort on Steve’s part. Local 212’s jurisdiction involves three states, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Steve helped members register to vote, explained issues, and endorsed only the best candidates for our benefit in all three states. Thanks again, Steve.
Our local is excited about the building of our new union hall. The old building on the property we purchased is being demolished. Please visit our Web site at www.local212.com to see the progress as it unfolds.
Mark Boyers, P.S.
Steward Training
L.U. 230 (c,catv,em,i,mar&u), VICTORIA, BC, CANADA—IBEW members working at the federal government’s Department of National Defense recently received needed steward training. Pres. Hugh Price of the Dockyard Trades and Labour Council in conjunction with two members from the Liaison Committee, IBEW Int. Rep. and Liaison Committee Chmn. Paul Tremblay and IBB Int. Rep. Dwight Harris, instructed the members of the 11 international and national craft unions affiliated with the council.
During the two-day course, stewards went through the structure of handling a grievance as well as the investigation process. Guest speakers included the Employee Assistance Program chairperson and Dispute Resolution Centre worker. The course also featured videos explaining grievance mediation and an introduction to the formal and expedited adjudication process within the Public Service Staff Relations Board. IBEW Local 230 stewards are now much better equipped at doing their job.
In Solidarity,
Philip Venoit. B.M./F.S.
Habitat for Humanity
L.U. 236 (catv,ees,govt,i,mo, rtb&t), ALBANY, NY—The work situation in Albany is slow at this time. Local 236 has over 200 members on Book 1. The Bethlehem power plant is winding down and continues to lay off. Summer outlook is good in 2005.
Local 236 thanks Bro. Mark Grogan and the first- and second-year apprentice classes for all their hard work and effort while volunteering for the Habitat for Humanities projects. To date we are working on the eighth home and continue to build a strong bond with the communities within our jurisdiction.
Also special thanks to Bro. Mike McCloskey and apprentice Paul Piche for all their hard work and dedication to bring about the first annual Christmas with Santa party. There were over 200 in attendance. The children had a great time, especially when Santa and his elves showed up with gifts for all the good boys and girls.
Mark LaJeunesse, P.S.
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