Something To Build On

January 2006 IBEW Journal

The turning of the calendar to 2006 brought
the familiar and the new.

Familiar were the same problems facing the United States and Canada at home and aboard, not the least of which was the growing struggle of working families to keep afloat in an ever more unforgiving economy.

New were the stories of success that are beginning to crop up across the continent, and in the process could lay the foundation for changing the landscape for working people.

The past year’s groundwork gives me much hope for 2006. Each of our achievements belongs to all of us. That is one of the hallmarks of IBEW unionism; so is our willingness to be self-critical about our failures.

I found it amusing that an employer quoted my “state of the union” speech, posted on our Web site, in an attempt to undermine a recent organizing campaign. This tactic backfired because most folks know that any organization, from the largest corporation to their bowling league, is stronger when members face up to problems with a plan to correct them. Our plans are beginning to work.

In construction, locals moved boldly in 2005 to sign nonunion contractors and increase membership. We are showing that we are not content with the status quo and are not building the union of the future with yesterday’s tools. We have implemented new classifications and new types of agreements designed to help us get work in areas where we previously had no shot, and put new members to work at levels that match their skills while still offering opportunities for advancement. Unorganized contractors and their workers are coming to realize that the IBEW stands for quality and are dropping their traditional fear and opposition to unions.

In the face of massive upheaval in the U.S. telecommunications industry, our new national agreement at AT&T expands neutrality guarantees and further restricts contract work, laying the basis for organizing new members. Our joint strategic campaign with the CWA to organize Comcast is showing promise, although the road remains rocky. A committee of experienced and dedicated IBEW leaders is developing a tool kit to help local unions lobby on upcoming telecommunications legislation.

In 2005, we recruited new utility members from every point of the energy grid. They include nuclear workers in Louisiana ; broadband linemen in Washington state; meter readers in the Southwest; tree trimmers in Tennessee , New Jersey and Oregon ; power plant operators in Massachusetts and ash handlers in Texas . The IBEW is planning vigorous intervention in pending utility company mergers to protect and extend our bargaining units.

IBEW members in New England helped mobilize thousands to protest the proposed closing of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. After winning that battle, local unions, supported by IBEW’s Government Department, immediately began mobilizing against new anti-union rules at the Department of Defense.

Railroad members rallied in Washington to stop the current administration from de-funding and privatizing Amtrak. After the IBEW and other unions threatened to strike the Canadian National Railway, their contract was settled.

IBEW’s manufacturing locals continue to be slammed by unfair trade policies and the out-of-control costs of the U.S. healthcare system. While the IBEW lobbies for legislative relief, we are developing new plans to climb the difficult hill to organize more manufacturing workers.

I don’t pretend that these victories in 2005 will bring smooth sailing to the IBEW in 2006. Organized labor is in turbulent waters with the Bush administration that would have us drown, rather than throw us a life preserver. And it remains to be seen what the ascension of a Conservative minority government in Canada under Prime Minister Stephen Harper will mean for working people.

We will, however, do more than persevere. In this year of the 37th IBEW International Convention, we will continue to refine our tactics and strategies to improve the lives of our members and thousands who desperately desire a voice in their workplaces.

Edwin D. Hill

International President