L.U. 673 (catv,i,rts,spa,t&u), PAINESVILLE, OH—Local 673 extends many thanks to Bro. Tony Gambatese, who, in retirement, continues to serve the union. Bro. Gambatese used his own time to take instructor training so he can teach OSHA classes. He has taught an OSHA 10-hour course and will teach a 30-hour class in the fall. If you want to take his class, sign up at the union hall.
We continue efforts to organize non-union contractors in our jurisdiction. One way our members can help is by salting. Unemployed members are encouraged to take a salting class to learn how to make applications to non-union contractors. If you want to become a salt, you must take a class and sign a salting agreement with the local. Call Dan Lastoria for details.
Although there is no presidential election this year, there are still state and local races; and 2006 mid-term elections are coming up. Let’s help candidates who show a commitment to organized labor and working folks.
Local 683 members on
the jobsite at Ohio State
University’s Mechanical
Engineering replace-
ment building project
with Wagner-Smith
Electrical Contractors.
L.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OH—Work has finally started to pick up after several years of slow down. Several new projects have started with anticipation of more to come. We initiated 18 new apprentices and expect to employ several more soon.
Our newly elected officers are: Bus. Mgr. Mario Ciardelli, Pres. Dennis Nicodemus, Vice Pres. Barry Hughes, Rec. Sec. Jim Henry and Treas. Kenny Dean. Executive Board members are: Joe Biser, Dan George, Mark Laemmle, Doug Stewart, Skip Teaford and Jerry Lang. Examining Board members: Dave Dudley, Jim Laemmle and Rod Sumner. We wish all of them much success in their positions and know they will serve the membership well.
The annual Chuck Bland Memorial fish fry was a huge success. Members braved potential rain and came out to fellowship in record numbers. Everyone had a great time and we look forward to next year.
L.U. 697 (i), GARY AND HAMMOND, IN—In June Local 697 elected our leadership for the next three years. Newly elected officers are: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Ray Kasmark, Pres. Larry Slagle II, Vice Pres. Patrick Bailey, Rec. Sec. Raymond Kottka Jr. and Treas. David Beanblossom. Returning to the Executive Board are Paul Anderson, David Frohnappple, Brian Flannery and Jeff Nimon, who will serve with first-timer Randy Palmateer.
Elected as Examining Board members: Jerry Ehresman, Jim Ferry and Tim Juergens. Chosen as delegates to the Indiana State AFL-CIO Convention are: Larry Slagle II, Curt Lesnick and Daniel Waldrop. Delegates to the International Convention will be Curt Lesnick, Joe Pfister and Larry Slagle II.
We congratulate our newly elected leaders and give them our support and prayers for wisdom for the important responsibility set before them.
Celebrate this Labor Day in thankfulness for the many blessings we enjoy.
L.U. 777 (u), READING, PA—After tough negotiations, IBEW Local 777 and Metropolitan Edison Co. (a First Energy company) reached agreement on a final settlement May 5, 2005. Our members ratified the four-year contract May 16. Negotiations with Metropolitan Edison followed on the heels of a three-month strike by our members at SC-U3 against JCP&L, also a First Energy company.
Contract highlights include a 3 percent wage increase each year of the agreement, double time pay for emergencies requiring an overnight stay, a vacation banking program, an increased maximum sick leave allowance, a company commitment to post 18 positions in the EC&M and Line departments between 2005 and 2008, and creation of a Utility C&M Leader position for EC&M.
Lowlights include an extreme increase in our members’ contribution toward health care benefits, alternate work schedules, changes in the meal policy, potential implementation of “on call crews,” a requirement that newly hired Meter Readers use their own personal vehicle for work, institution of a zipper clause, and changes in remote reporting.
We thank our members for their support through negotiations and we thank SC-U3’s members and negotiating team for their sacrifice and commitment. Get involved in issues affecting your union or the lowlight list will grow with each passing contract.
Local 915 journeyman wireman apprentice graduates
of 2005. From left, front row, Phillip Swinson, Kim
Fuselli, Buddy Pimentel, Diane Weiss and Rickie
Thomas; back row, Eddy Wagner, Ashley Bennett,
Adam Jones, Jon Hendley, Brian Elkins, Ryan Jones
and George Thompson.
L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL—Our annual JATC banquet and completion ceremony held in May was chaired by Bro. Jim Austin. Twelve apprentices graduated to inside journeyman wireman status and three graduated to residential wireman.
One apprentice, Eddy Wagner, had perfect attendance for the
entire apprenticeship program. Eddy
received a plaque of recognition and $50. Five apprentices had perfect attendance for their fifth year: Kim M. Fuselli, Ryan L. Jones, Daniel A. Mullin, Phillip M. Swinson and Eddy Wagner.
Fifth-year outstanding apprentice was Phillip M. Swinson. Philip received a plaque and $500 from the JATC, $150 from PowerNet Credit Union, and a set of tools donated by Klein Tool Company. Phillip also received the Brad Felker Memorial Award, which honors leadership, volunteerism, service and academic achievement.
Residential graduating apprentices were: Kyle E. Arnett, Jesse R. Fike and Brian K. Macumber. The first-year outstanding residential apprentice was Matthew W. Hughes. Second-year outstanding apprentice was Thomas L. Walker. Third-year outstanding residential apprentice was Kyle E. Arnett.
Congratulations and may you all have prosperous careers.
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