L.U. 58 (em,i,rtb&spa), DETROIT, MI—The work picture is improving slightly here in Detroit. I will compare it to looking down a tunnel and seeing a tiny light in the distance. We anticipate school work in Macomb and Oakland counties for the spring and summer, but we have 1,260 members signed on Book 1 as of April 1.
Local 58 and NECA are getting involved in a big way this year with Habitat House and the Blitz Build. Motor City Electric is coordinating, along with eight other contractors, the 30 homes in the Detroit area. Contact Tom Linenger (313) 957-3464 if you can lend a hand on June 19 and 23. Mike Conflitti is coordinator for the Pontiac area houses; call him at the hall to volunteer. The Blitz Build in Clinton Twp will start June 10 and be completed on June 24; call Joe Abdoo at the hall. Plenty of 58ers are off work, so join with Jimmy Carter and use your expertise to extend some good PR for our union.
I will close with a quote from Nicholas Lore: “It takes committed, high energy, full-tilt boogie participation to have the kind of ___ you want.” Insert: life, union, job or whatever.
L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO—Our contract negotiations should be complete by the time you read this.
But the attack on Social Security continues. No matter what Bush says, under his proposal Wall Street investment corporations will profit from your hard earned dollars, which could be wiped out by stock market changes. I have a story about what happened to my in-laws. They had no pension benefits at work. But their investment company told them to trust them with their retirement dollars. They invested with Wall Street and things looked good for their retirement in 2001. Then the stock market fell and they lost most of their retirement investment. They will now have to work into their 70s—sad story but true.
Check out what would happen to your social security under the Bush proposal at www.goiam.org/news. asp?c=6132. I would lose $1,719 a year, providing the stock market doesn’t fall when I need my money and increase that loss. Write and e-mail Bush and your representatives—tell them to fix Social Security not destroy it.
We thank the locals that are putting our members to work in their jurisdictions. Note to our traveling members: Be active in the locals you are working out of when you are called upon. See you at the picnic.
Reviewing Local 80’s new JATC
classrooms are, from left: Training
Dir. Mike Iacobellis, Organizer
Dennis Dasher, Fourth District Int.
Rep. Brian Malloy and Bus. Mgr.
Bruce Woolridge.
L.U. 80 (i&o), NORFOLK, VA—The JATC has completed its move into the training facility in the new union hall. Training Dir. Mike Iacobellis, his staff and the apprentices have done an outstanding job installing equipment and outfitting the classrooms. The classrooms will enable the apprentices to participate in hands-on instruction from residential wiring to the latest in commercial and industrial applications. Journeyman upgrade classes for Motor Controls and the Fiber Optic training will also be conducted there. The JATC thanks all of our contractors who have, over the years, donated tools and materials that have contributed to the advancement of our program.
A special thanks to Mike Jennings of Conti Electric and Wayne Williams of Incon for their recent contributions to be used in the classrooms. Also, much appreciation goes to the apprentices for the installation of the new security lighting.
The Local 80 election of officers for a three-year term will take place Tuesday, June 7. Please take part and cast your vote.
From left, Local 82 Fin. Sec.
Tom Russell, Office Mgr. Kathy
Velinska, Bus. Mgr. Johnny
Morris, Organizer Douglas
Searcy, Office Asst. Kim Omar,
Asst. Bus. Mgr. Douglas Breese
and Organizer Grady Mullins.
L.U. 82 (em,i&mt), DAYTON, OH—Much of what is done to keep our local union operating daily goes unseen, but not unappreciated. Pictured in the accompanying photo is the core group that keeps the business of Local 82 working so well.
Local 82 is pleased to host the Wiremans Golf Association in August. Bros. Nick Comstock and Bill Melke have led the dedicated group responsible for making this tournament possible for over 400 IBEW golfers.
So much of what makes up our locals go beyond the bond of workman/employer. It is also the care and support of our families and fellow workers, in securing their good health and providing opportunities to be involved in the community and local union activities.
Note: To reach Local 82 offices on Poe Avenue, it is now necessary to use exit #59 off of I-75. This is the Wyse/Benchwood Road exit. Solidarity.
L.U. 86 (ees,em,es,i,rts&spa), ROCHESTER, NY—Congratulations to our newly graduated 36 journeymen of the Class of 2005! This is our last class of night school; next year’s graduates will be our first grads of our day school.
On April 9 we had our annual pin party and dinner dance. A special thank you goes out to Bro. Tim Jobes for another successful party. Everyone had a great time! Congratulations to Bros. Curt Evans and Tom Smith, who were voted this year’s winners of the Henry Miller Award for organizing. Sister Tina Pierce was recognized as “Local Activist of the Year,” and Bro. Brian Johnson was recognized as “Volunteer of the Year.”
Local 86 extends sincere sympathy to the family of Bro. Frank T. Jansson, who passed away recently.
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