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July/August 2005 IBEW Journal
L.U. 606 (em,es,i,rtb,spa&u), ORLANDO, FL—Please make every effort to attend our local union meetings. Remember that decisions on our welfare are made at these meetings. And it is the membership’s responsibility to help in those decisions. By the time this article is published inside negotiations will be over for another contract. Always make your voice heard on matters important to the membership and the local. Local 606 members had a great time at the 2004 Christmas party, where they enjoyed discussing the past, present and future of our local (see photo). Participation is key. Janet D. Skipper, P.S. L.U. 611 (catv,es,i,lctt,o,spa&u), ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Congratulations to Local 611’s newest journeymen: Jeremy Donald Akridge, Saul E. Botone, Jason Bowers, Brian Cabeza de Vaca, Tito J. Campos, James Clines, George Dial, Pete Florez, Andrew G. Garcia, Andrew Griego, Samuel P. Hernandez, Kevin A. Hernandez, Santino G. Hinojos, Charles L. Kennedy, Cheryl Largo, Rick K. Lopez, Randy Lopez, Christopher R. Maes, Gilbert D. Mascarenas, Ron A. Montano, Eli G. Montoya, Jason Moore, Isidro T. Padilla, Nelson F. Rodarte Jr., Ernando J. Saavedra, Peter Staker, Manuel Torres III, Daniel A. Valerio, Victor Allen Webb, and Christopher R. Welch. Great job, guys! Local 611 extends sincere condolences to the families and friends of the following members who recently passed away: Eddie C. Collins, Harold D. Danenburg, W. Brad Prather, David D. Givins, Fred Casias, John H. Perry, Ben E. Serna and Paul G. Stevens. Darrell J. Blair, P.S.
L.U. 625 (ees,em,i,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NS, CANADA—As of this writing we have 162 journeymen and 41 apprentices out of work. Thanks to the following IBEW locals for employing Local 625 members in recent months: Local 424, Edmonton, AB; Local 2330, St. John’s, NL; and Local 894, Oshawa, ON. The job opportunities these locals have provided for our members are greatly appreciated. On April 15 the Provincial Skills Competition for apprentice tradesmen was held in Dartmouth, NS, at the Community College. Local 625 Bro. Don Abbott won the electrical competition and at press time was scheduled to go to Edmonton, AB, for the National Skills Competition on June 3-4, 2005. Local 625 is sponsoring him and I’ll report the results in my next article. Local 625 was successful in having charges laid in Provincial Court against another non-union contractor for using uncertified workers to perform electrical work. On April 21 Atlas Electric pleaded guilty and was fined for "employing persons prohibited from practicing the electrical trade." We pledge to be vigilant and bring any unscrupulous contractor to justice. Active member Bro. Bill Zinck died suddenly at home on March 16, 2005. Bro. Zinck was a longtime member/contractor. He is greatly missed and will be long remembered. Tom Griffiths, P.S.
L.U. 649 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), ALTON, IL—Although he doesn’t officially retire until August of this year, former business manager Gordon Admire recently began easing into retirement mode. Initiated into the IBEW in 1967, Gordon almost immediately immersed himself in Local 649 union activities. Among his many responsibilities, Gordon served as training director of the JATC, Local 649 president, and assistant business manager. Gordon culminated his career at Local 649 by serving as business manager from 1989 through April 1994. He then chose to return to the wireman’s trade. For the last 11 years he ran numerous large projects for Central Electric in our area. Among the many projects spearheaded by Gordon were the implementation of the JATC’s relationship with Lewis & Clark College (which continues to this day), the long-needed move of Local 649 from Central Avenue in Alton to our current Humbert Road location, and the initiation of computers into the Local 649 offices. Gordon also was a key player in Local 649’s incorporating the local pension plan into all of our construction agreements. The entire membership, active and retired, extends a sincere "thank you" to Gordon as he enters into the "Golden Years." Robert E. Travis, P.S.
L.U. 654 (i), CHESTER, PA—For the first time in a very long time, we have managed to negotiate a contract with the contractors and without the need for CIR. The lucrative dollar increases coupled with the acquisition of enabling language (something that has eluded us each contract) serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished through teamwork. Our thanks to Bro. Jeff Richardson, Bro. Jim Thompson Sr., Pres. Paul Mullen and Bus. Mgr. Steve McNally for the long hours they devoted to getting the job done. The Chester Station job at Rivertown is nearing completion. A mega-million dollar conversion of a coal fired generating station built in the early 1900’s to a unique waterfront office building, not only provided work for many, but offered an overview of electrical work through the last 100 years. Palatial and majestic, it is expected to be a centerpiece in the redevelopment of Chester. Job opportunities continue to improve with the continued hiring for the "clean fuels projects" at the refineries. Also, the upcoming Comcast building, racetrack and chocolate factory should provide a substantial amount of work for our members. Jim Russell, R.S./P.S. |
