L.U. 254 (ees,em,mo,rts&u), CALGARY, AB, CANADA—The City of Lethbridge’s Electrical Utility work force consists of 40 members who maintain a control centre, substations area, overhead and underground crews, three utility crews and a 24/7 trouble truck.
We have two second-year apprentice linemen who will be attending trade school in April.
The city at a glance has a lot of growth happening: the large Versacold Freezer Warehouse presently under construction and a poultry processing plant being built in the same area later this year.
All crews are busy trying to keep up with the work orders coming from design. We have never been fortunate enough to be able to replace the personnel lost in the 2000 downsizing. As a result the city decided all subdivision work should be contracted out except for placement of transformers along with the associated primary and secondary connections. This decision was a political move by the City Fathers resulting from consumer perception and not cost factors of union collective agreements. The crews are working hard to keep on top of their work orders to prevent more of their work going to the non-union sector.
L.U. 280 (c,ees,em,es,i,mo,mt,rts &st), SALEM, OR—Volunteers from Locals 280, 659 and 932 staffed a booth at the 2005 AFL-CIO Union Industries Show in Portland, OR, April 29 through May 2. Training directors and some instructors from the three locals were on hand as well to answer questions concerning apprenticeship and how to enter the program. The event drew thousands of visitors as the AFL-CIO showcased the latest technologies and union craftsmanship.
The Local 280 apprentice banquet is June 4, with 28 apprentices set to graduate; 21 from the Inside program, four from the Residential program and three Sound & Communication technicians. Congratulations to the graduates and may their futures be bright.
The LMCC continues to meet, the latest topic being the Residential market. A subcommittee was formed and ideas under consideration include rearranging the benefit package and an innovative approach to dispatch. Local 280 and the Oregon Pacific-Cascade Chapter of NECA recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity on a statewide level to undertake the wiring of every Habitat project in the state. This arrangement gives those members with little or no residential experience a chance to learn new skills and also help disadvantaged families.
L.U. 294 (ees,em,i,rts,spa&u), HIBBING, MN—Thanks to all the sister locals that have employed our members. We hope we can return the favor in the not too distant future. Our work for Book 1 looks good and with summer the building season is here too. Let us hope that 2005 is a better year than 2004 for work.
We are having a summer picnic for our 90th anniversary. The date is August 6 at the Veteran’s Park at Ely Lake just south of Eveleth. Work safe and have a great 4th of July. Be union, buy union!
L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OH—Amen! Bros. Paul Troutman and Dave Williamson are home from Iraq safe and sound as can be expected. Paul is back to work with the tools. Dan remains on active duty with the U.S. Army but expects to get reacquainted with his civilian clothes real soon. Family and friends are breathing easier these days.
Hats off to our fabulous Social Committee for braving the weather to put on our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Everyone enjoyed the fruits of their labor.
Work is slow and negotiations are underway at press time.
We mourn the loss of retired Bros. Clair “Mac” McCaulley, Steve Sycz and Dave Miller.
The economy seems flatter than the cardiac monitor of a corpse—but we all know what a little “jolt” of electricity can do! Work Safe & Work Smart!
L.U. 332 (c,ees,i,o&st), SAN JOSE, CA—At press time we’re nearing a vote on a new contract for inside wiremen. Proposals have been exchanged and negotiating teams are meeting. With the market improving we’re starting to see the private sector do some building and with the upcoming public works projects we should get a decent agreement.
Election of officers takes place in June. Be sure to mail in your ballot. A Candidates Night was held at the hall as a way to meet the candidates.
Our union opposes privatizing Social Security and we should remind our elected representatives how we feel.
The California governor is trying to change the pension system for public employees. Yes, the state needs to stop spending more money than it has in the budget, but are working people really the reason the state is in this situation?
The deadline for state certification for electricians is still July 1 at the time of this writing. Every member should have his or her license by now. Don’t be intimidated by this exam. It’s not that bad. Help is available at the hall or at the JATC.
Check out Local 332’s Web site at www.ibew332.org for job calls, dispatch info, forms, available classes, political action and relevant links.
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