April 2005 IBEW Journal
Policy Workshops
L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc, rtb,rts,spa&u), EDMONTON, AB, CANADA—During the 1970s, this local adopted the practice of doing a major review of all our "policies" every few years. These review sessions take the format of a weekend workshop in our Board Room. Bus. Mgr. Tim Brower has convened one such workshop (comprising some rank and file members, a few job stewards and the Executive Board) for the last weekend in January.
A second "policy workshop" dealing with organizing only is slated for a weekend in February. The second one is for the Organizing and Business Office staff and emphasizes "certifying" more contractors and greater member involvement.
Organizing became "job one" for us in 1991. By 1992, we already had full-time organizers on staff. Today, we employ four organizers (two each in Calgary and Edmonton) for inside wiremen and three more for the outside jurisdiction.
Now after 10 years, Provincial labor legislation has become more restrictive. Also, the other side has been "educated" through newsletters, seminars and other methods used by those hostile to the IBEW and the Alberta Building Trades Council. Consequently, non-union contractors are no longer "easy" targets, and are more knowledgeable on how to thwart an organizing drive. Changing times and circumstances call for changing strategies.
Dave Anderson, P.S.
Work on the Horizon
L.U. 426 (i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), SIOUX FALLS, SD—Local 426 and the state of South Dakota suffered a great loss in November when then-Senate minority leader Tom Daschle was defeated in his bid for re-election. Tom has long been a staunch defender for the American working family and one of the best friends organized labor will ever have. We thank Tom for his 26 years of dedicated public service, and we thank the many volunteers who worked tirelessly on his campaign.
In June 2004, Rob Fischer was elected as our new business manager. Rob has been a member of the local for 17 years and we wish him all the best in his new position. The work situation remains stagnant, with 60 on Book 1. Things look better for the future, with several hospital additions and a planned expansion at the Big Stone power plant.
Jon Olson P.S.
Service Award Honorees
Local 474 retired Bro. Archie McCarver (seated)
displays his 60-year service award. Attending the
pin presentation ceremony, from left: Bus. Mgr.
Paul Shaffer, Archie’s nephew and Local 474
member Dan McCarver, Archie’s daughter Kathy
Fry, Archie’s wife Liz, and past presidents Billy
Hearn and Sam LaDart. |
L.U. 474 (em,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa &u), MEMPHIS, TN—As former presidents of our local union, Bro. Billy Hearn and I were honored to participate as presenters in our local union’s pin presentation, held in conjunction with our annual Christmas party.
The heartfelt emotion surrounding the pin presentation is the realization that many of the recipients are our mentors, brothers and sisters who are truly to be honored for their contributions to one another and the IBEW.
Firefighters, policemen, athletes and many others in the public view have much adulation bestowed upon them for their contributions to society, but their objectives could never be met if it were not for the buildings and resources provided to them by the IBEW.
Our local union stands very proud of its history and traditions. The pin presentation constitutes a gathering of members, both youthful and elderly, to celebrate our history, our future and our very own heroes.
Archie McCarver is one such hero. As recipient of a 60-year service award pin, Archie lit up the union hall and his presence there was greatly appreciated.
I thank Local 474 Pres. Glenn Greenwell for giving Bro. Hearn and myself the great pleasure of honoring our fellow members.
Sam LaDart, P.S.
‘Union Wired’
L.U. 520 (i&spa), AUSTIN, TX—In September 2004 the membership voted to enter into the Seventh District Code of Excellence program. In January 2005 we started having classes for our membership to be trained in the Code of Excellence. We are holding weekly classes until our entire membership is trained. Those who have attended have voiced positive comments on seeing how we can regain our market share and show our customers, contractors and community the professionalism that is the cornerstone of our organization.
The Austin JATC was certified as a provider of continuing education for state licensing renewal for the state of Texas. Thanks to Bros.Gilbert Ferrales, Benny Arellano and Don Petrosky for their work in this endeavor to serve our membership.
In 2004 Local 520 became actively involved with Austin Habitat for Humanity. In our first year of partnership we completed 22 homes of the 24 built in Austin. This year we are targeting 100 percent of the Habitat homes in Austin to be union wired. Thanks to Bros. David Adamson, Del Goss and all those volunteers who made this possible.
Lane Price, R.S./P.S.
Celebration of Fellowship
At the Local 606 Christmas party, (L-R): journeyman
wireman Leonard Ross, guest Tranay, journeyman
wireman John Williams, 2nd year apprentice Kadette
Ford, Wanda Kresch (Mrs. Claus), journeyman
wireman Rick Kresch (Santa), retired member Al
Brower and Bus. Mgr. Harry Brown. |
L.U. 606 (em,es,i,rtb,spa&u), ORLANDO, FL—Last year’s Christmas party was filled with good fellowship and great food. Our members’ children had a great time playing on the jumping moonwalk and receiving gifts from Santa and Mrs. Santa, played by Bro. Rick Kresch and his wife, Wanda.
Retired member Tom Wingate and Al Brower enjoyed talking to the younger members about how great retirement really is. Bro. John Bregg headed up the party and Bro. Bob Carr cooked fried turkey and smoked the meat. Both of them did a great job and made the party enjoyable for all.
Recent retiree Al Brower was a member of the IBEW for 34 years. He served as a trustee for the local and on the E-Board for many years. Also, he served on the JATC committee for 14 years. Thank you, Bro. Al, for all your time and hard work in making Local 606 a better union.
Janet D. Skipper, P.S.
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