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Corporate Propaganda

L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc, rtv,rts,spa&u), EDMONTON, AB, CANADA—Over the next 15 years, several oil sands “mega projects” worth billions in materials and wages are scheduled for construction. In our July/August article, we reported that corporations are spewing propaganda of a “skilled labor shortage” in northern Alberta where the plants will be located. This is being used as the justification to import offshore or “foreign” workers.

This is particularly irritating considering that from 1995 to 2000, U.S. Immigration allowed much of corporate America to bring in hundreds of Canadian electricians for projects in several states. It would be fitting to reciprocate—and in keeping with the spirit of NAFTA, if not the terms. There is a vast pool of well trained U.S. tradesmen to draw upon if necessary.

Besides a common language, their NEC is identical to our CEC, as well as very close Boiler & Gas Codes. With “camp” or “living-out allowance” provisions in our agreement (eliminating accommodation costs), along with excellent overtime clauses, it is still financially advantageous for travelers working in the “Great White North,” despite the small difference between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. Bus. Mgr. Brower addressed this issue, and the possibility of bringing U.S. IBEW workers in legally, at the First District Progress Meeting in August. Meanwhile, our American cousins could exert pressure on their federal leadership for common sense to prevail with Immigration Canada (federal), and the Alberta provincial government.

Dave Anderson, P.S.

Book I Now Clear

L.U. 426 (i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), SIOUX FALLS, SD—As of this writing in August, Book I is clear for the first time in years and we have around 50 travelers working as well. With mild fall weather and a bit of good luck, work should stay with us through the winter.

In May we welcomed 18 new journeymen from the apprentice class of 2005. The graduation banquet was May 13 and the breakout party was May 20. We wish the graduates the best of luck as they begin a new chapter in their careers.

Our 30th annual fishing tournament and picnic was held the weekend of June 10-12 in Pierre, SD. Eleven locals were represented and the winner was Gary Loers of Local 1959 with a 3 lb.
7 oz. walleye. Unfortunately, Local 426’s traveling trophy must spend another year away from home. Special thanks to Steve “Zerf” Zerfas, Steve Miller and Dale Swenson, who have spent much time and effort organizing these tournaments for the past 30 years.

With great sorrow I report the passing of Bro. Lyle Kabeisman in April. Lyle was a member for 28 years and had retired only two years ago at the age of 62.

Jon Olson, P.S.

‘What It Takes’

Local 474 newly elected officers: from left, front row, Executive Board members Jay Greenwell, Stephanie Shaw and Jim Mason, Pres. Glenn Greenwell, Vice Pres. Dan McCarver and Executive Board member David Chew; back row, Examining Board members Phillip Flowers, Dean Clark and Gil Mauer, Executive Board member Jack Gatlin, Treas. Ken Thomas, Rec. Sec. Mike Haley, Executive Board member Steve Cecil, Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Paul Shaffer and Executive Board member John Wooten.

L.U. 474 (em,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), MEMPHIS, TN—Many years from now someone will retrieve a copy of the accompanying picture from our local union’s archives and comment, “Hey everybody, come take a look at this old photo. It was taken around the turn of the century, and I’ll bet that’s old so and so’s grandfather or grandmother.”

Local 474 was chartered on Jan. 13, 1906, and we will begin to celebrate our centennial in 2006. We must have had a marketable commodity to sell for all those years. It can be summarized as follows: We sell our skilled union labor.

As our local union officers begin their new terms in office, let us remember the tremendous responsibility placed upon them. We live in some very challenging times—socially, economically and morally. One definition of insanity might read: Expecting your local union to enjoy continued success without your total commitment to its cause.

We already know what it takes, so there is no need to list all the details here. One thing is certain—success is not going to be handed to us, and failure is not an option.

Sam LaDart, P.S.

Elections Held

L.U. 502 (c,em,i,it&t), ST. JOHN, NB, CANADA—Our local held its election of officers. Congratulations to all who participated and thanks to all outgoing Executive members. The new E-Board consists of Pres. David McKenna, Bus. Mgr. Frank Brown, Treas. John Deering and Board members Gary Clements, Fred London and Carl Randal. At this writing the vice president and recording secretary positions remain open and will be filled shortly.

A $1.4 billion refurbishment of Point Lepreau nuclear plant was announced, with the LNG project to begin construction soon and other projects also planned. The local’s future appears bright.

Local 502 celebrated its 75th anniversary in October. Dignitaries from government, industry and labor, including IBEW First District Int. Vice Pres. Philip J. Flemming were there to offer congratulations. The celebration was well attended. Thanks to Pres. David McKenna, Entertainment Chmn. Bob Janes and their committee for the excellent job they did.

Organizing is ongoing. Robert MacNeil and his organizing committee are working hard to get contractors signed and to inform the public about the IBEW and what we can do for them. We are: “On Time and On Budget.”

Thanks to sister locals that have put our traveling members to work during our downtime.

Mike Bissett, P.S.

17 Apprentices Graduate

L.U. 508 (i,it&o), SAVANNAH, GA—Our local recently held its election of officers. Running unopposed and re-elected to office were: Bus. Mgr. William “Willie” McLaughlin, Pres. Jimmy Ray and Rec. Sec. Judy Sheahan. Elected for a first term in their respective posts were Vice Pres. Ron Maroney and Treas. James “Jimmy” Barker. Executive Board members are: Terry Barker, Gene “Snuffy” Driggers, Larry “Big Moe” Hancock, Brian Harrison, James “Bo” Lee and Randy Williams. Examining Board members are: Ervin Mallette, Raymond McDuffie and Jimmy Gernatt. Congratulations to all.

Contract negotiations are under way as of press time; the old contract was scheduled to expire the last day of August. The negotiating committee and the local contractors failed to reach an agreement for a new one-year contract, mainly over the issue of wages. At this writing, it appears Bus. Mgr. McLaughlin will be headed for Washington to take the matter before the Council.

Our apprenticeship program graduated a rather large class of 17 apprentices on June 10. Congratulations and welcome to our new brothers and sisters.

Ken Hannah, P.S.