Related Articles
Related Articles
July/August 2005 IBEW Journal L.U. 577 (em&i), APPLETON, WI—Employment for the local membership was strong through April. As the first phase of the Fox Energies project came to an end, a couple of shut downs at some of our local industrial customers provided work opportunities for members who were on the out-of-work list. The Industry Advancement Fund was very busy in March and April, as we received many requests from the contractors for assistance. I hope that as you read this article, there will be referrals to those targeted jobs. The Appleton/Oshkosh Joint Apprenticeship Committee recently recommended the following apprentices for inside journeymen wiremen status. Congratulations to: Jeremy Barth, Tom Bell, Keith Boylan, Steve Coats, Pat Colligan, Dan Derks, James Falk, Eric Gerndt, Travis Hanson, Jason Johnson, Brian Loker, Eric Paulsen, Josh Polley, Dave Martens, Robert Mathre, Steve Helmeid, Chris Nicklaus, Nathan Seelow, Nick Schmitting, Dale Simpson, Jacob Solberg, Joe Thiel, Ben Vandehey, Michael Verhagen, Randy Weber and Steve Willison. The fall class schedules will arrive at your homes soon in the newsletter. Continuing education by IBEW members is one of qualities cited when a customer is asked to compare us to the unorganized. Take the time to complete a night class this year. Greg Breaker, B.M./P.S.
L.U. 586 (em,i&o), OTTAWA, ON, CANADA—Bro. Andre "Andy" Lemay has been a legend in our local for the past 35 years. Known as the strongest man in Canada during the 1970s, Bro. Lemay is an acclaimed former triple championship winner of the Canadian strongman competition, an event held at the Hull Raftsmen’s Festival. Local 586 recently presented Andy with his IBEW 35-year watch and certificate awards (see photo). Bro. Lemay’s feats of strength are still discussed by the members, and equally impressive are his union principles and kindness to anyone he can help. Andy is now retired and living north of Ottawa, close to the nature he loves. In July 1973 when he captured the strongman championship for the third time in four years, Lemay decided to make that contest his last. "I’m old enough; I want to let other people have a chance," he told reporters. At that time Bro. Lemay was employed as an IBEW electrician from Pte. Gatineau working in Hawkesbury. The local misses Andy’s sense of humor and good nature and sends him all the best. Doug Parsons, Pres./P.S.
L.U. 595 (c,govt,i,o&st), DUBLIN, CA—Last year Local 595 apprentice Pamela Satterwhite attended a public meeting of the Peralta Community College District. Trustees were considering their options in regard to building a new $40 million Vista College facility. Pamela spoke in favor of a PLA by addressing the value of apprenticeship training and the importance of using labor from the community. Little did Pamela know that a year later she would be employed by Edward Scott Electric and…working on the new Vista College facility. The dark cloud of Arnold Schwarzenegger has triggered a rainbow of enthusiasm for the unions of California. The governator’s attacks on unions as "special interest" groups has mobilized and brought together a broad spectrum of California unions. Leading the defense of California workers is the California Nurses Association. New, creative energy has spilled forward, inspiring all union members to see what effect "organized, special interest" workers can have on this champion of organized corporate special interest. The governor can’t go anywhere without being confronted by boisterous union protestors. The pressure has him backing off from his flagrant disregard for laws voters passed. Our support of all workers could turn this dark cloud inside out. After a very wet winter, we look for work to pick up this summer! Marta Schultz, P.S. L.U. 596 (i,o,u&t), CLARKSBURG, WV—The local congratulates our 11 graduating apprentices: Allen Bowmar, Josh Childers, Greg Cummins, Shane Flanagan, Chad Hamilton, Bryan Maze, Michael McVicker, Andre Parker, Jonathan Stone, David Tallman and Scott Tiano. Also, congratulations and best wishes to our many members with 50+ years of service. They are: 50-year members—Perry Moore, Frank Paris and Thomas Sharpe; 55-year members—Paul Beerbower, Manzel Brooks, Roy Crickard, Thomas Harbert, Truman Rhoades, Kenneth Ryan, William Sharpe, Ralph Smith, Edwin Stewart and Wayne Watts; and 60-year member—Donald Terrill. Thank you all for your many years of service to IBEW Local 596. Homer Butch Adams, P.S. L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL—As of this writing work in our area looks good for the summer and we hope to help out some of our Book II brothers and sisters. We ratified our residential agreement at our April 2005 regular meeting. This two-year agreement will provide for an increase in wages and pension. The Local 601 Annual Steak Stag was held April 16. The event was a great success with a good turnout. We thank retired Bro. Bob Woodard and his cooking crew. Michael Herbert, B.M./F.S. |
