L.U. 340 (em,i,o,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA—Congratulations to the 55 new journeyman inside wiremen and the 10 Sound & Communications journeyman installers who recently completed training. This is the first Local 340 graduating class required to be state certified.
Through our Local 340 LMCC, we have hired Business Development Specialist Patrick Kennedy. He is an attorney who spent nine years on the Sacramento City Planning Commission and represented Indian tribes in their quest for casino properties. Patrick is well known in the community and has many business and political contacts in our jurisdictional area. Patrick will locate projects while they are still in the planning stages and use his expertise and resources to promote union electrical work on these projects.
As of June 1, 2005, Local 340 implemented a Drug and Alcohol Policy. Much time, money and thought was put into this substance abuse program to ensure accuracy and fairness. I appreciate the members’ cooperation in helping IBEW and NECA promote a safe work environment for our members and our employers.
At this writing, we have over 100 Book 1 members on our out-of-work list. Thanks to locals helping our traveling members.
I regret to report the passing of retired Bro. Marion Brunia. Rest in peace, brother.
L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts& spa), ROCKFORD, IL—Local 364 welcomed the return of Bro. Steve Bjork from his service with the Marines in Iraq. Thankfully he came back to us unharmed. Bro. Bjork received well-deserved standing ovations on three occasions from the membership during his first union meeting following his return. We are certainly glad to have him back and proudly acknowledge him as one of our own.
Congratulations to Local 364 member and Bus. Agent Bro. Darrin Golden, who was recently elected Village Trustee of Machesney Park (a Rockford suburb) and to Bro. Charles Laskonis, who was running in an uphill battle against an incumbent for Rockford alderman. Results of this race were not yet in at this article’s deadline. Both Bros. Laskonis and Golden are Democrats.
It is very important for unionists to run for political office to represent the needs of working people. Who better to represent working families than union workers?
Two of Local 364’s summer social events will take place in July—the annual membership picnic and the annual Golf Play Day. Local 364 members are encouraged to participate.
IBEW Local 380 presents safety recogni-
tion award to Merck and Company
officials at West Point, PA, site. From left:
Local 380 member Roger Day; Greg
Landis, director, Merck site facilities
engineering; Scott McMaster, Merck
construction safety coordinator; Local
380 Bus. Mgr. Kenneth MacDougall; and
Local 380 member Bill Wright.
L.U. 380 (ei,es,i&it), NORRISTOWN, PA—Local 380 members presented a safety recognition award to Merck and Company Inc. officials—for outstanding interest and input in the area of electrical worker safety. For two years our safety committee worked closely with Merck’s construction safety department at its research and development facility in West Point, PA. Utilizing a unique approach, the group discussed past accidents and near-miss incidents and developed policy to improve worker safety. The team is also working on new standards in preparation for new NFPA 70E requirements, which include safe electrical practices and guidelines for working on energized electrical systems. Working with innovative, forward thinking industry leaders improves workplace safety, a primary goal of the IBEW.
Bus. Mgr. Ken MacDougall and Laborers’ 135 officials presented the “Best Value” contracting policy to the Norristown Borough Council. When communities use the Best Value system, contractors bidding on municipal projects must provide information such as past business practices and safety record, and show that their workers received training from a five-year, state approved apprenticeship training system. The Best Value policy provides vital information to municipalities and saves taxpayers’ money. In March, the Norristown Borough Council unanimously approved the Best Value ordinance, which provides fiscal responsibility, not merely bottom line cost, for construction projects.
L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc, rtb,rts,spa&u), EDMONTON, AB, CANADA—Here in the “Great White North,” spring’s warmer weather loosens the last of winter’s icy grip. It also signals a “flurry” (not snow!) of upcoming events within the local to promote brotherhood and unity. The local level annual Apprenticeship Competitions & Barbecue, (jointly sponsored by 424 and our union contractors) goes in early June. This year marks the first time there is a 3rd & 4th place cash prize in each of the four apprenticeship years. Also in June, both the Provincial and Canadian (national) Competitions will be held in Edmonton.
Our annual 424 Golf Tournament & Barbecue (and fund-raiser for Junior Diabetes) is early July. Many excellent prizes donated by our contractors and “friends of the union” make early entries advisable. Next are the July Pancake Breakfasts in Unit 2 Calgary and Unit 1 Edmonton, one week prior to the Calgary Stampede and Klondike Days, respectively. In October, it’s the Members Appreciation Banquet & Dance, where long-term members are honored, along with those who have contributed in some way to the advancement of the local. As winter retakes the land, it will be time for the Children’s Christmas party, and another in the evening for Job Stewards & Executive Board.
L.U. 426 (i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), SIOUX FALLS, SD—Local 426 congratulates two long-time members on their recent retirements.
John “Jack” Fraser began his retirement in January after 42 years in the electrical field. Jack has worn many hats in the field from wireman to contractor and also served as 426’s business agent from 1975-1977.
In February, Dennis Sutter retired after 33 years with Electric Construction. Dennis has served as general foreman on many of the company’s larger projects in Sioux Falls and Rapid City through the years.
Their dedication, leadership and skill as craftsmen, which they brought to the trade for a combined 77 years, will be missed. Thank you, brothers, and best wishes for your futures.
Our organizing position was filled in September when Kory Rawstern, a member since 1989, was hired. After the membership development classes that go along with the position, Kory has hit the ground running making great progress with both nonunion electricians and their contractors.
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