April 2005 IBEW Journal
Work Picture Brighter
L.U. 332 (c,ees,i,o&st), SAN JOSE, CA—Work should pick up this spring and summer. We had our usual winter slowdown. Because of a lack of work hours, some members need to make sure their dues are current.
The deadline for state certification for electricians is July 1, 2005. Nearly half our members still need to take the test. Please apply and take the exam as soon as possible.
In January, Mark Breslin spoke to approximately 350 members, apprentices and NECA members. He stressed that our industry needs to promote itself. We need to demonstrate that we are the best at what we do—to sell the fact that the IBEW and our contractors offer a better value, a more qualified and educated work force, and that we get the jobs done efficiently and on time. We need to be aware of how we present ourselves to the public and show up for work looking like the professionals we are.
In these times it is important for workers around the world to be united—to make our voices heard. Abraham Lincoln said: "The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues and kindreds."
Alan L. Wieteska, P.S.
Training Director Retires
L.U. 340 (em,i,o,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA—U.S. Rep. Robert T. Matsui (D-CA) recently passed away and labor truly lost a good friend with his passing. The congressman’s service and dedication to working families was outstanding. He was an exemplary model of what we would wish from all politicians. Honorable Matsui’s wife, Doris, will run for his seat in March and we strongly support her election and her endeavors to continue the work of her husband.
Our Training Dir. Gary Hunziker announced his decision to retire in March 2005. Bro. Hunziker brought many great ideas and changes when he took this position over 8 years ago, promoting training for both journeymen and apprentices. On behalf of Local 340 officers, members and staff, we wish him a long and healthy retirement.
As of this writing, there are 100-plus Book 1 members on our out-of-work list. The SMUD Power Plant has peaked with over 100 of our local members employed. Thanks again to those locals helping out our traveling Local 340 members.
I regret to report the passing of retired Bros. Hale Dunlap and Frank D. Lambert, and active member Tim Lyons.
A.C. Steelman, P.S.
Winning Work
L.U. 354 (i,mt,rts&spa), SALT LAKE CITY, UT—The members and staff at Local 354 would like to thank former IBEW Int. Sec.-Treas. Jeremiah J. O’Connor for his years of dedication and service to the IBEW. We wish him the best in his retirement.
Congratulations to newly appointed Int. Sec.-Treas. Jon F. Walters, former Eighth District IVP. His years of experience and dedication will be an asset to the office. Thank you for being there for the members. Our congratulations also go to newly appointed Eighth District Int. Vice Pres. Ted C. Jensen
The Provo Unit held the Annual Shrimp Fry on Friday, Feb. 11 at the Eagles Hall in Pleasant Grove, UT. Thanks to all the hard work of the unit members and volunteers, the party was a big success.
Although work is still slow, one of our union contractors picked up the electrical package at the new Cabela’s store, and our signatory contractors are winning work at the power plants being upgraded and built in this jurisdiction.
Manya Blackburn, R.S.
A Greater Voice
L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts &spa), ROCKFORD, IL—After a few years of hard economic times for the majority of IBEW locals, Local 364 looks as though we will be busy over the next few months. Welcome good news in bad times. Due to an increased property tax burden and membership needs, Local 364 is considering the feasibility of building a new hall in the future.
It seems as if the 2004 presidential and other elections (with less than favorable results for working people) were just completed. Right on the heels of the 2004 elections were municipal primary elections. Less than two months later, on the first Tuesday of April, the general elections for these offices are held this year on April 5.
In an attempt to give IBEW members and all workers a greater voice in the area political arena, Local 364 Bros. Darrin Golden and Charlie Laskonis are running for public office. Bro. Golden is running as a Democrat for Machesney Park trustee and Bro. Laskonis is running as a Democrat for Rockford 9th Ward alderman.
Local 364 Bro. Scott Mohr, who is a Democrat and incumbent member of the Whiteside County Board, represents the concerns of working families in his county.
Ray Pendzinski, P.S.
Spring Construction
L.U. 402 (i&o), THUNDER BAY, ON, CANADA—Within our jurisdiction of northwestern Ontario, the work picture for Local 402 remains woefully slow. In fact, many of our members are availing themselves of opportunities found on Book 2, primarily at the nuclear power facility in Pickering, Ontario. We are, however, optimistic for spring construction starts closer to home.
We are also pleased to note that two primary positions within our local have been filled. Bryan Thiel has been appointed interim president, while Wayne McCarthy has very capably assumed the position of business manager, to which he was appointed.
The annual Local 402 scholarship for members’ children and dependents seeking higher education recently was awarded to Zachari Medendorp. Son of 24-year IBEW member Ed Medendorp, Zachari will use his $1,000 scholarship to further his studies in mathematical physics at Lakehead University.
Local 402 also announces the retirement of 37-year IBEW members Bill Perozzo and Bruce Lajat. It was with members like Bill and Bruce that the local was established. We appreciate their contributions.
Dave Fournier, P.S.
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