April 2005 IBEW Journal
Daytona Update
L.U. 756 (es&i), DAYTONA BEACH, FL—Work in the jurisdiction has picked up some. The Operations Support Building II (OSBII) at the Kennedy Space Center is taking some members off the Books. Some shops in town picked up condominium projects and huge growth is projected in this market.
The OSBII is an essential support facility and it lies in the shadow of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), which houses the space shuttles as they are prepared for launch. In early January our members working on this project witnessed the arrival of the newly designed shuttle fuel tank transported by barge from New Orleans.
Hurricanes that hit Florida last summer caused damage to the VAB and other structures at the space center; many tiles are missing on the sides of the huge building. Blue tarps are still conspicuously present throughout Florida.
Thanks to our brothers and sisters around the country who donated to hurricane relief funds—and who came to Florida to restore power after the storms.
The JATC is relocating to a facility in Port Orange, much closer to the union hall. This process has also fallen victim to the hurricanes; there are some additional engineering requirements, which were put in place to meet FEMA standards. It is hoped the move will take place soon.
John W. Barrington, P.S.
Contract Negotiations
L.U. 760 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), KNOXVILLE, TN—We have had a few calls coming in, off and on, and sometimes get toward the back of Book 1. There is some talk of a few projects in the area, so it is hoped these will go fair and we can get everybody back to work. The scrubber project at Bull Run Steam Plant is supposed to start the grading work early this summer.
We have contract negotiations coming up at Appalachian Electric Cooperative and Rockwood Electric Utility this spring. As of this writing we are still negotiating with ADT Systems for a new agreement.
ORNL and BWXT Y-12 have been hiring a few electricians and instrument technicians, so if you are interested, please contact the local union office for information on how to get your resume to them.
We are saddened to report the passing of retired members Willard G. McFarland and Doyle Harmon. They both will be sadly missed. Doyle was brother to member Jason Harmon and son to member Dean Harmon.
Will Muncy, P.S.
What’s In a Name?
L.U. 804 (i&o), KITCHENER, ON, CANADA—For over a century now the acronym IBEW has represented the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the organization of which we are all proud to be a member.
The problem we face in society today is that too many people do not know what the acronym stands for, let alone the positives our organization provides to the communities where we reside. Each year Local 804 donates thousands of dollars to worthy charitable causes within our jurisdiction, but we seem to get little or no recognition for our efforts.
Many people do not know what the IBEW is, and our goal is to change that situation. In Kitchener, our local has embarked upon a program designed to increase the level of awareness of the IBEW within surrounding communities. Thus far we have held two events to increase our exposure: 1) A golf tournament with the proceeds donated to the Grand River Hospital Foundation and 2) The first annual IBEW Night at the Kitchener Ranger’s Hockey Game. The media has recognized our efforts and the exposure we have received has been invaluable. We have begun to expand our "circle of influence" and we must continue to educate the public about the value of unions.
Brett McKenzie, P.S.
COMET Class
Local 890 Bro. Robert
Nalevac (left) receives his
55-year service award
presented by Pres. Jon
Hilden. |
L.U. 890 (i), JANESVILLE, WI—Our local’s Christmas party was Dec.19. Many retirees attended, Santa paid a visit for the children, and service awards were presented.
Thanks to all who helped make the party a great success and to contractors who donated door prizes.
Service award recipients were: for 55 years—Robert Nalevac; 40 years—David Wanninger; 35 years—Dalen Friedrichs and Dave Kuebli; 30 years—Executive Board member Dale Buchholz; 15 years—Executive Board member Rick Ehle and John Adsit; 10 years—Bus. Mgr. Norb Jarzynski; and 5 years—Chad Bliefernicht.
A Local 890 COMET class held in December presented information about why organizing is so crucial to our survival, as well as some IBEW history. It is critical that our members know where we came from and what lies ahead. Thanks to all who attended.
A renovation project at the historic Milton House museum is under way in our jurisdiction. Despite numerous grants and fund-raising efforts, the project will exceed available finances. Local 890 is working with the Milton Historical Society to help with fund-raisers and provide extra hands to help finish the project. We are proud to help a community-based organization.
Mark Mezera, P.S.
A New Hall
Local 894 Pres. Lance Knowles (left),
Bus. Mgr. John Gillett (second from
left) and IBEW Construction Council
of Ontario Exec. Sec. John Pender
(right) present three checks totaling
$30,000 to Chmn. Paul Ayotte from
the Peterborough Area Flood Relief
Committee. |
L.U. 894 (i&o), OSHAWA, ON, CANADA—The purchase of a new hall for 894 has our members excited about the prospect of a place to call our own. Bus. Mgr. John Gillett spearheaded the purchase of a building in Bowmanville, ON, that will house the new offices, training facility, retirees’ lounge and meeting hall.
Bus. Mgr. Gillett has initiated membership education opportunities, promoted workplace fairness and increased awareness of our local’s contributions to the community.
Work at the new GM Paint Shop, refits at Pickering A&B nuclear plants, and a robust commercial sector have kept our members fully employed. Thanks to all the travelers who have worked alongside us. Thanks to members for their contributions to our organizing, entertainment, health and welfare, pension, education and training, and JATC committees; and for the generosity extended to the Peterborough Area Flood Relief ($20,000), the Deering family ($18,900) and the many charities we support.
The annual Local 894 Ladies Night is set for Oct. 15. Our family picnic day will be Aug. 21 at a local water park.
The 4th annual Harry Moran Memorial Local 894 Golf Tournament will be in August. We will send our A team to the Local 586 Ottawa, ON, hockey tournament.
Lastly, we pay tribute to our members who have passed away.
Darrell Scott, R.S.
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