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May 2005 IBEW Journal
L.U. 983 (em), HUNTINGTON, IN—In February Local 983 scored a milestone in its effort to organize Huntington Electric, Inc. when it received enough authorization cards to file for an NLRB election. At this writing, the campaign has been going on for nearly 18 months, and it has been a long road but a battle well fought. As this article went to press, local union volunteers and organizers were working closely with Bus. Mgr. Tyler Brown to achieve a victory during the March 18, 2005, representation election. Some employees from Huntington Electric cannot afford vehicles, and one is so poor that he is even living in a camper. Employees make just over minimum wage and either have no benefits or benefits that they simply cannot afford living on the wages they receive working for Huntington Electric. Tyler Brown, B.M. L.U. 1049 (lctt,o&u), LONG ISLAND, NY—As of this writing we are commencing negotiations with our NECA Chapter on our outside utility agreement. The Local 1049 negotiating committee mailed membership surveys and an information meeting was held for the membership to discuss changes to the contract. We are closely monitoring the LIPA situation and their self-examination process. LIPA Chmn. Richard Kessel committed to the membership that Local 1049 will be a part of the process and remains committed to protecting the interests of our members. We also continue to assess the Business Transformation Initiative at Keyspan. Both of these items are "works in progress." As working people we need to fight against President Bush’s proposal on privatizing Social Security, which would risk our hard earned money and economic futures. In January 2005, after a six-year organizing campaign, workers at Cablevision had the opportunity to vote for union representation. Unfortunately the workers chose to work without the benefits of a collective bargaining agreement. On behalf of Bus. Mgr. Ralph Ranghelli and Organizer Robert Podlaski, I thank all the members who volunteered for the campaign to help these workers gain fair treatment from their employer. We walk away from this campaign with our heads held high. Thomas J. Dowling, R.S. L.U. 1191 (u), WEST PALM BEACH, FL—At this writing our union is still in contract negotiations with Florida Power & Light. As one of your System Council U-4 delegates, I can tell you our Negotiating Committee is trying to work out some issues the System Council had a problem with. Please attend Local 1191 monthly meetings, held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., for more details. In June Local 1191 will hold its election of officers, System Council delegates and the Executive Board. Please remember to cast your votes. Our annual picnic is coming up in the next few months. At press time, the date had not yet been set. The picnic will be held at the same place as last year in Okeeheelee Park. A good friend to many of us passed away Feb.15. Bro. Bob Colburn, known to many of you as "Boney," served our local as president; he also served on the System Council and the Negotiating Committee. Bro. Colburn will be missed. Hope to see you at our next meeting. Have a safe year and remember to visit our web page at: www.ibewlu1191.org. Brad Baldwin, Treas. L.U. 1249 (catv,lctt,o,t&u), SYRACUSE, NY—Work in our area is very good at this time. We currently have 357 people working out of the A Chapter on many projects across New York state. There are 643 Line Clearance tree trimmers working and 190 laid off. We hope more tree work will be coming out soon. Also we have 64 people working in our tele-data area. Upcoming projects include more work to be let by RG&E, National Grid, and the Flat Rock Windmill Farm. At this writing, the Flat Rock job was expected to start in April and end phase one in November with 140 windmills projected to be online. This will take many people, with a lot of coordination in some rough country to get this done. We are currently negotiating with the City of Watertown and the Village of Frankfort. It is hoped we’ll get new contracts soon. With sadness we report the passing of Bros. Antonio Armanio, Leonard Besaw, Henry Bryk, Robert Dafoe, Charlie Douglas, Richard Leather, Brian O’ Conner, Rollind Tobrocke, Timothy Trombley and Clifford Vernon. Our deepest sympathy to their families. Remember, Brothers and Sisters, buy union-made products and invest in America. Buy items that say: Made in the U.S.A.! William C. Boire L.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY, MD—Local 1307 extends congratulations and best wishes to three retiring members. Bro. John Wade was hired in 1966 by Choptank Electric Co-op as a groundman in Denton, MD. He progressed through the apprentice program and made journeyman lineman in 1969. John was a chief lineman when he retired in January 2005. Bro. Wade Bloodsworth started with Delmarva Power, later to become Conectiv Power Delivery, as a laborer in Salisbury, MD, in 1969. He bid into the Meter Relay Dept. as a meter tester 3rd class in 1970 and was promoted to 2nd class in 1973. Wade advanced to 1st Class in 1993, the position he retired from on March 1, 2005. Bro. Gerald Rouse was hired by Delmarva Power, later to become Conectiv Power Delivery, in Onancock, VA, as an apprentice lineman in 1977. In 1983, Jerry became a journeyman lineman in Exmore, VA. He became a lead lineman in 1986. He took a Trouble Serviceman job in 2001 and retired from that post on March 1, 2005. Negotiations with PHI, the holding company for Conectiv, are on the horizon. We expect a battle. Unity is our best tool. Please attend regular union meetings and show your support. E.D. Sparks, F.S. |
