FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1893

w w w . i b e w . o r g

When Idaho passed a right-to-worklaw in 1986, it had a chillingeffect on union organizing. Laboractivists and the AFL-CIO

mounted two consecutive efforts to repealthe law, citing statistics that showed thestate’s average wage had fallen and that itstax base was eroding from workers travelingto work in nearby states for more money, butthe campaigns failed.

Against this background, Pocatello,Idaho, Local 449 attempted to organize PowerLine Construction, a contractor that—for 40years—had erected and maintained powerlines for Fall River Rural Electric Association,an IBEW-organized utility. Three times, theBrotherhood tried and failed to organizePower Line.

Last year, Tom Atchley, a popular localbusinessman who had served on the REA’sboard of directors, bought Power Line. Hisfirst priority was to retain as many of the 21linemen and apprentices as he could, keepthe REA satisfied and pay his bills.

But keeping stable crews is no easy featin Idaho’s outside construction industry.Brutal winters force contractors to lay offworkers until the snows melt and the groundthaws. Atchley idled his crew in winter; somedidn’t return in spring. Several skilled IBEWjourneymen who had traveled to other stateswere willing to return home, but only tounion contractors.

Needing skilled journeymen, Atchley gotbusy and, last March, called Local 449.Organizers answered Atchley’s questions andhe agreed to sign with the local.

Many of his workershad grown up on localfarms and had no priorexperience with unions.Stuart Schreiber, anapprentice who hasworked at Power Linefor four years, says,“Joining the IBEW isdefinitely a change forthe better that gives usthe chance to continueon into a career. Itopened opportunitiesfor all of us.”

“The biggest thingthat led to the signingwas Local 449’s long,productive collectivebargaining relationshipwith Fall River,” saysBob Bodell, Local 449business manager, whodemonstrated how theREA would gain fromimproved training andmanpower availability.

Atchley said theIBEW has been good forthe REA and for PowerLine Construction.

With the activesupport the MountainStates LineApprenticeship, Atchleyand Local 449 set up apole yard for workersfrom Power Line and other companies topractice safe climbing. Freshly-designedclassroom instruction supplements the out-side training. A teacher helps apprenticesbrush up on their math. Other classes helpthem obtain commercial drivers licenses andCPR certificates.

With two sons starting the apprenticeshipprogram, Atchley is looking to expand the fam-ily business. He has an exuberant crew to help

him, energized by the newfound opportunity—as IBEW members—to travel to California orother warmer climes to keep their paycheckscoming in during Idaho’s winters.

In July, Power Line’s apprentices and jour-neymen traveled to a lineman’s rodeo in DeerLodge, Mont. “I feel good about how muchthey want to participate,” says Bodell. “Theyare a good bunch of people who are reallydoing their job to become IBEW members.” z

Signing Energizes Idaho Linemen

I N T H I S I S S U E

I n t e r n a t i o n a l B r o t h e r h o o d o f E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r s Vol. 1 | No. 5 | September 2007

Newly organized Pocatello, Idaho, Local 449 apprentices sharpen their climbing skills.

2IBEW ready to rumble with Verizon

Parties reach railroad settlement

3Iowa wind power workers go with IBEW

News Corp. to sell Fox affiliates

4Nuclear plant reopens with IBEW help

Cooper Tire workers win first contract

5North of 49°

6Organizing Wire

Circuits

Transitions

7Washington Update

Spotlight on Safety

8Local Lines

12NEBF/NEAP notices

14Editorials

Letters

Who We Are

What Do You Think?

IBEW and Verizon: One Year Out

Along list of issues both companywideand local are amounting to whatpromises to be difficult contracttalks next year between Verizon and

its employees represented by the IBEW andthe Communications Workers of America.

The last time the parties met at the bar-gaining table was 2003. In the end, after sev-eral weeks and the appointment of amediator, a deal was reached and the con-tract term was extended to five years. Itseems like a long time ago.

Since then, the cutthroat telecommuni-cations business environment has gotten morecompetitive as new technologies evolve. Yearsof traditionally decent labor-managementrelations in the once-staid telephone industryhave been shunted aside in the transition to“telecom.” Many companies have come to viewtheir workers not so much as partners in acommon goal but hindrances to profit marginsmore attractive to shareholders.

“In this business, I don’t know that thereever is a good relationship,” said Middleboro,Mass., Local 2322 Business Manager DickCappiello. “Everything is a confrontation.”

An Aug. 2 rally in front of Verizon’s NewEngland headquarters in Boston was meantto send a message to the company and toVerizon employees, said Boston Local 2222Business Agent Dave Reardon. The IBEWrepresents approximately 32,000 members inNew England, New Jersey, New York, Floridaand California.

“We’re preparing for the possibility of astrike in 2008,” Reardon said, adding thatVerizon has already signaled it will demand

concessions on health care, pensions andwork rules. “It’s important to let the mem-bers know that the possibility exists, espe-cially in this corporate climate.”

One of the main points of contentionbetween IBEW members and the company isVerizon’s new fiber-optic service FiOS, a highbandwidth option that carries traditionalphone service, Internet and cable. The com-pany unilaterally implemented work rule

changes regarding Saturday work inNew England. To meet demand, Verizonhas also hired hundreds of new employ-ees, but only training them on FiOSinstallation, causing rifts among themore experienced workers in the bar-gaining unit.

Most of all, Verizon’s proposed sale of its1.6 million copper telephone access lines inthe states of New Hampshire, Maine and

Vermont has hit a nerve. The IBEW and CWAhave launched a major public campaign aimedat preventing the sale to FairPointCommunications, a rural telephone provider.The unions hope to convince state and federalregulators the sale would be bad for traditionaltelephone customers. They have also filed fourcases related to the sale for arbitration regard-ing job security and the transfer of jobs.Cappiello said the union is facing the loss of3,000 jobs; and those members could lose theirpensions and good benefits.

The company is also refusing to recog-nize the more than 75 percent of techniciansat Verizon Business who have petitioned thecompany for union bargaining rights.Majority support of 350 workers has beencertified by elected officials and communityleaders in Boston and New York.

“Verizon probably has the best contractin the telecommunications industry, but weare losing membership due to technology andthe company divesting itself of their unionproperties,” said TelecommunicationsDepartment Director Martha Pultar.

In New York, where the IBEW repre-sents customer service representatives, callcenters are understaffed and members areworking overtime even as the company hasbeen declaring their work force surplus, forc-ing layoffs, said Syracuse, N.Y., Local 2213Business Manager MaryJo Arcuri.

With a statewide franchise agreement inNew Jersey, East Windsor Local 827 BusinessManager John Miller said his members arehaving trouble keeping up with the new FiOSinstallation work, but the company is hiring.

“In New Jersey, we worked hard to get astatewide franchise agreement and now weare working hard to get it deployed,” Millersaid. “We are very concerned that the com-pany will try to eliminate many of the bene-fits they have already stripped from thenonunion and management employees.” z

2 T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007

Nearly 600 people attended a rally August 2 at Verizon’s headquarters in Boston to gear up forcontract negotiations next year.

Tentative Agreement Reached inNational Railroad Negotiations

After working for over four yearswithout a contract, more than36,000 union members reached atentative agreement with the rail-

road carriers on July 17. Ratification votingby each union is expected to be completed bythe end of September.

“The railroads have been making moneyhand over fist while we were working withouta contract,” said IBEW Railroad DepartmentDirector Bill Bohne’. “We are glad to havereached an agreement that makes some realprogress for our members.”

A coalition of four unions—theInternational Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers, the International Association ofMachinists, the Transportation

Communications Union, and the TransportWorkers Union—reached the agreement withthe railroad industry’s negotiating group, theNational Carriers’ Conference Committee.

The IBEW represents approximately6,000 electrical workers on more than 30freight railroads covered by the new agree-ment, including Burlington Northern Santa Fe,CSX, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern,Union Pacific and Indiana Harbor Belt.

The four-year agreement—which is toretroactively start January 2005 and runthrough December 2009—includes a 17-per-cent wage increase over the life of the con-tract, retroactive pay averaging $2,600 peremployee, no work rule changes and only amodest increase in health care co-pays. For

the first time, the railroads agreed to sethealth care premium co-pays at 15 percentof the monthly cost.

Negotiations began in late 2004 afterthe former contract expired, but the rail-roads resisted negotiations. After two yearsof working without a contract, the fourunions filed for mediation before theNational Mediation Board, an independentgovernment agency that coordinates laborrelations in the railroad and airline industry.The parties returned to the table in January,following prompting by the Democratic-ledCongress. “Hard work at the bargaining tableand solidarity in the field made this agree-ment possible,” said International PresidentEdwin D. Hill. z

“Verizon probably has

the best contract in the

telecommunications

industry, but we are

losing membership due to

technology and the company

divesting itself of their

union properties.”

– Martha Pultar,Telecommunications Department Director

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007 3

News Corp.To Sell NineFox Stations

Over 300 wind turbines dot the rollinghills of Iowa, generating enoughpower to run a small city. Wind tur-bine specialists, who maintain and

operate the turbines, must climb two of these600-foot generators each day, checking thegears and motor to make sure they are run-ning properly and generating energy.

“It’s not a good job if you’re afraid ofheights,” said Des Moines Local 499 BusinessManager Don Krause. When the workersreach the top, they have to slide down themiddle hub—which is hundreds of feet offthe ground—to get inside the turbine tocheck the motors to make sure they areproperly greased. As the tallest structures inthe area, the danger of lightning strikes isalso a major concern, he said.

Despite the danger and skill involved,the men and women who maintain the tur-bines had no representation on the job andsuffered from low wages and benefits. “Thewhole [wind power] industry is pretty muchnonunion,” Krause said.

But thanks to the work of Local 499,the wind turbine specialists at MidAmericanEnergy, Iowa’s largest utility and its biggestproducer of wind power, are now members

of the IBEW.In May, when MidAmerican announced it

was expanding its fleet of wind turbines, thecompany signed an agreement with the local—which represents over 1,200 utility workers atMidAmerican—to organize the new employees.“We had lobbied the state legislature for windturbine tax credits, which made the expansionpossible,” Krause said. “So MidAmerican knewwe were committed to wind power.”

One of the big challenges for the local waswriting contract language for a new branch ofthe utility industry that has never seen a union.“We couldn’t just use language from some-where else because it didn’t exist,” Krause said.

Now wind turbine specialists start atapproximately $28 an hour, a rate comparableto what other utility workers make.

Currently seven specialists are repre-sented by Local 499, with more to join in thenext few months. General Electric Co.—which produced the turbines—continues tostaff many of the operations until the war-ranty runs out and they transfer full opera-tions over to MidAmerican.

Wind power is one of the fastest growingindustries in Iowa, with the state now the thirdlargest generator of wind power in the nation.

MidAmerican is planning to add another 320turbines in the next year and all the new work-ers will be represented by Local 499.

“We are proud to be breaking newground,” Krause said. The local has beenreceiving inquires from California—the great-est generator of wind power in the nation—foradvice on organizing workers there. “We hopethat this is the beginning of a breakthrough ofthe IBEW in the wind power industry.” z

The New York City-based News Corp.announced plans to sell four IBEW-represented stations in Kansas City,Mo., St. Louis, Milwaukee and

Birmingham, Ala.News Corp., run by media mogul Rupert

Murdoch, announced in June that it was put-ting nine of its 35 Fox affiliates up for sale.The stations are WDAF in Kansas City, Mo.,represented by Kansas City Local 53; KTVI inSt. Louis, represented by St. Louis Local 4;WITI in Milwaukee represented by MilwaukeeLocal 715; and WBRC in Birmingham, Ala.,represented by Birmingham Local 253.

The ramifications of the sale for IBEWmembers are still unclear, but successor lan-guage in the individual contracts has some,like Milwaukee Local 715 Business ManagerChristopher Albrecht, hopeful that their jobsand benefits packages are safe. “This stationhas gone through five owners,” Albrechtsaid. “I think the station will be maintainedas it is.” z

One of the over 300 wind turbines operated bymembers of Des Moines,Iowa Local 499.

Iowa Local Organizes Wind Power Workers

PRIZES

1st Place — $2002nd Place — $1503rd Place — $100

Honorable Mention — $50(Note- There will be as many honorable mentions as the judges deem worthy.)

RULES

1. The photo contest is open to active or retired IBEW members only.The person submitting the photograph must be the one who tookthe photograph.

2. International Officers and staff are not eligible.3. Submissions can be in color or black and white, on slides, 300 dpi

tif file, or glossy prints. The preferred print size is 8x10.4. All submissions become the property of the IBEW Journal and

Media Relations Department.5. Photos must have an IBEW theme of some sort, with IBEW

members at work, engaged in a union related activity, or stillsubjects conveying images of the electrical industry or the union.

6. If members are featured in the photo, they should be identified. Iflarge groups are pictured, the name of the group or purpose of thegathering (e.g., a safety committee, a linemen’s rodeo, a unionmeeting) can be submitted in place of individual names.

7. Photos previously published in the IBEW Journal are not eligible forsubmission.

8. Please fill out the IBEW CONTEST ENTRY FORM and affix it to eachphoto you submit for the contest, and mail photo(s) to the IBEW Photo Contest, 900 Seventh Street, N.W., Washington,D.C. 20001.

9. All entries must be postmarked no later than November 21, 2007.

You Get the Picture

IBEW® CONTEST ENTRY FORM

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP/POSTAL CODE

LOCAL UNION NO.

IBEW CARD NO. (IMPORTANT)

HOME PHONE NO.

Fill out this form and attach it to the back of each entry and mail to:The IBEW Photo Contest, 900 Seventh Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001

The IBEW photo contest is again seeking your photos of life as an IBEW member. Photosdo not have to be new, but they must have an IBEW theme, be it an IBEW member atwork, at a union activity or an image of the industry. (See complete rules below.)

In the past, our photo contests have reflected the impressive field of this membership’sphotographic talent. Winners will be printed in the Winter 2008 issue of the Journal.

SO GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT.

DEADLINEEXTENDED!Nov. 21, 2007

4 T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007

Nuclear reactor operators Jeff Canafaxand Bill Johnson, members ofSheffield, Ala., Local 765, just mighthave ushered in a renaissance in the

utility industry in May when they restartedBrowns Ferry Unit 1, the first U.S. nuclearreactor to be commissioned in the 21st century.

As the environmental and monetarycosts of coal, oil and gasoline continue torise, nuclear power is a more essential com-ponent in the nation’s power generation mix.The Tennessee Valley Authority’s need forpower continues to grow 2 percent per year.

“I knew being in on the start-up was abig thing,” says Canafax, a 25-year TVAworker. “What I didn’t fully understand wasthe significance of Unit 1’s restart to theindustry, until I stood in the control roomand met President Bush [who was touringthe facility],” says Canafax.

The $1.8 billion project to rebuild BrownsFerry Unit 1, which had been shut down sincea 1975 fire (see “Nuclear Power Rising Again,”IBEW Journal, May 2005) was approved in2002. Hundreds of IBEW members from 32different locals referred through Sheffield,Ala., Local 558, worked on rebuilding thestructure at the three-reactor plant under aProject Maintenance and ModificationAgreement between the general presidents ofbuilding trades unions, Bechtel Power Corp.and general contractor Stone and Webster.

Because of chronic understaffing, thestart-up crews worked long overtime hours, a“phenomenal accomplishment working againstthe odds,” says Bobby Davis, business managerof Local 765, representing TVA’s operating per-sonnel and much of the TVA maintenancecrafts at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant.

Modification, replacement and refur-bishment of the reactor required 15 millionwork hours, 200 miles of electrical cable and

127,000 electrical terminations. Over twomiles of new cable tray and 35 miles of newconduit were installed.

Browns Ferry’s increased generatingcapacity required even more work by IBEW

journeymen and signatory outside contractorsto upgrade transmission capacity. Workersreplaced three transformers, each weighingmore than 300 tons. They beefed up substa-tions and installed several miles of transmis-sion lines. IBEW members worked under theTVA’s Construction Project Agreement andTenth District policy that provides for fullportability throughout TVA’s property.

The safety of nuclear power is onceagain a focus of world attention since a Julyearthquake in Japan released radioactivewastes from a reactor owned by TokyoElectric Power. Safety—the cause of BrownsFerry 1’s shutdown—is at the center of itsrebuilding effort. The refurbishment ofBrowns Ferry 1 incorporates all priorupgrades to Browns Ferry’s reactors 2 and 3.This provides for more uniform and effectivetraining of operators and maintenance per-sonnel, say senior TVA managers.

The high quality of IBEW’s work onBrowns Ferry’s start-up was a key factorleading to TVA’s announcement of a refur-bishment project at Watts Bar nuclear plantin Tennessee, says Tenth DistrictInternational Representative Keith Craig. z

IBEW Skill Fuels First Nuclear Reactor Start-Up of Century

Chicago Local 21 members scored an important victory in their struggle for equalrights and fair wages at Comcast on July 19 when the Chicago City Council passed aresolution calling for hearings into the company’s history of pay inequality and dis-crimination against union workers.

“All Comcast workers deserve fair and equitable pay,” said Local 21 Business Agent JerryRankins. “We are delighted that the city council has decided to get involved.”

Local 21 accused Comcast of paying the nearly 100 cable technicians at its Cortland facil-ity—their only union worksite in the city—less than other employees. Nonunion employeesat Comcast start at between $2 and $5 more per hour than union employees.

Local 21 members said the Cortland facility employs a higher percentage of black workersthan any other worksite in the city, putting Comcast in violation of its own affirmative actionplan, a city requirement.

Comcast has refused to disclose job classifications and wage rates for their employees,which the city council has demanded be made public.

On May 31, the contract for the Cortland facility workers expired and so far Comcast hasrefused to constructively negotiate with the local, cancelling a planned bargaining sessionscheduled for July 25. Instead, the company hired anti-union lawyers.

“Comcast would rather pay a bunch of notorious union busters $400 an hour than givetheir workers a decent wage,” Rankins said.

Local 21 has begun an outreach program to recruit clergy and consumer organizations to par-ticipate in the Comcast hearings before the city council. A date has not been set for the hearings. z

Chicago City CouncilInvestigates Race, UnionDiscrimination at Comcast

Senior Reactor Operator Chris Vaught, left, and Browns Ferry Reactor Operators Jeff Canafax and BillJohnson, both members of Sheffield, Ala., Local 765, prepare to begin the re-start of Browns Ferry Unit 1.

Cooper Tire Workers Win Four-Year Battle

Don Hasbrouck, a lift truck operatorat Cooper Tire’s warehouse in CedarRapids, Iowa, still doesn’t know whyhis employer, which has long-stand-

ing bargaining units in its manufacturingplants, went all the way to the U.S. SupremeCourt to stop him and seven co-workers fromorganizing a union. He does know two thingsfor certain. Cooper lacked respect for thewarehouse crew and “if the purpose and thecause are right, you have to follow through.”

After a four-year battle, Cooper Tireand Coralville, Iowa, Local 1634 signed afirst contract covering the warehouse work-ers. The IBEW had lost the first representa-tion vote at the unit, but appealed to theNational Labor Relations Board. The NLRBheld that the company had illegally with-held bonuses to workers for voting union. Anew election was scheduled for December2004. The IBEW won. (See “Cooper TireWarehouse Workers Choose IBEW,” IBEWJournal, March 2004).

“For eight workers facing a big company,the contract is a good start,” says Hasbrouck.While Cooper’s factory workers are organizedby the Steelworkers, the Iowa warehouse isthe only one of eight to be organized.

The contract provides for wage increasesequal to those bargained by the Steelworkers.IBEW bargaining also kept intact a bonusplan that Cooper wanted to cut, which pro-vides up to $2,500 yearly per employee.

Cooper Tire challenged the results of the2004 election to the U.S. Court of Appeals forthe Sixth Circuit. The Appeals Court rejectedCooper’s challenge and the company asked theU.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. TheSupreme Court refused to review the lowercourt’s action, leaving the union vote standing.

Favoritism and arbitrary changes to thecompany handbook drove the consensus for aunion. “I’m glad we stuck with the IBEW,” saysHasbrouck, who started working at Cooperwhen the warehouse opened in 2000. Now, hesays, there are contractual remedies to ensurethat Cooper treats workers fairly. “We madethe company understand that we want towork with them to be successful,” he says.

Workers still are concerned by rumorsthat the warehouse could be shut down.Cooper’s stock has fallen and the warehouseforce, which was originally 12, has dropped toeight, but Hasbrouck said the first contractstill means that a “burden has been lifted offour shoulders.” z

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w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007 5

bargaining agent on the company’s $10 bil-lion Horizon oil sands project. The companyturned to CLAC as its preferred union and itsoon became clear why.

“Canadian Natural chose CLAC becauseit will give the company anything they want,”said IBEW First District InternationalRepresentative Larry Schell. “CLAC reachedan agreement with the company even beforemost of the workers were hired.”

The new CLAC-negotiated contractcame with longer workweeks, less overtimepay and more employer flexibility when itcame to hiring. CLAC also supported bring-ing in lower paid foreign workers.

CLAC has approximately 30,000 mem-bers, mostly in Western Canada. Its locals rep-resent workers in a variety of industries fromretail to health care, but thanks to the activesupport of open shop contractors, it is in theoil sands region where CLAC has seen itsbiggest jump in membership. CLAC has twicethe rate of voluntary recognitions as otherunions in Alberta, which “means that nobodyin these worksites ever voted to certify CLACas their union—nobody except CLAC itselfand the employers,” according to AlbertaFederation of Labour President Gil McGowan.

Founded in 1952 as an “alternativeunion” to the mainstream labour movement,CLAC says it can better service their mem-bers by eschewing strikes and adopting amore cooperative attitude towards employ-ers. But for many in the labour movement,CLAC’s record does not match their rhetoric.

CLAC staffers also have a history ofinvolvement in right-wing, anti-labour activi-ties. In February, a representative from aCLAC-affiliated think tank testified beforethe House of Commons against an anti-scab-bing amendment to the Federal Labour Code.

“CLAC is a cancer on the labour move-ment,” First District Vice President PhillipFlemming said.

In response to CLAC’s growth, the build-ing trades have stepped up their organizingamong workers unwillingly covered by CLACcontracts. For example the building trades inWestern Canada recently hired full-timeorganizers devoted to winning over CLACmembers to the building trades. “When work-ers are represented by CLAC, it means theirboss can do anything it wants, so we need tolet them know what a real union could do forthem,” Schell said. z

Comment désigne-t-on le syndicat queles entrepreneurs à atelier ouvert priv-ilégient, le syndicat qui s’oppose auprojet de loi anti-scab et qui signe des

accords de compérage, nuisant ainsi aux affiliésdu Congrès du travail du Canada? Au Canada,il est connu sous le nom de l’Association syndi-cale chrétienne (Christian Labour Association)et bien qu’il soit de petite envergure, il joue unrôle important dans les conflits de travail surle site de production de sables bétumineux del’Alberta, vu l’étroite collaboration créée avecles pétrolières, les politiciens de droite et lesentrepreneurs à atelier ouvert. L’ASCC (CLAC)a miné la législation provinciale du travail eta tenté d’empêcher la progression des métiersde la construction dans l’Ouest du Canada.

M. Wayne Peppard, Directeur exécutifdu Conseil des métiers de la construction dela Colombie-Britannique et du Territoire duYukon déclarait: “Si on compare avec nosconventions collectives, les ententes négo-ciées par l’ASCC (CLAC) sont 20 à 25 pourcent moins avantageuses pour les employéset laissent aux employeurs une entière flexi-bilité en ce qui a trait aux lois du travail. Enplus, l’ASCC (CLAC) ne déclenche jamais de

grève et se rend rarement en arbitrage”.En 2004, une des principales compag-

nies de prospection pétrolière en Alberta—laCanadian Natural Resource Ltd.—s’est pré-value des dispositions d’une section très peuconnue du code provincial du travail, luidonnant le droit de négocier avec un seulnégociateur syndical sur le projet de produc-tion des sables bétumineux Horizon, un pro-jet de $10 milliards. La compagnie s’esttournée vers son syndicat favori, l’ASCC(CLAC), et on a vite réalisé pourquoi.

“La compagnie Canadian Naturalsavait qu’en choisissant de négocier avecl’ASCC (CLAC), elle obtiendrait tout cequ’elle demande” soulignait Larry Schell,Représentant international du PremierDistrict de la FIOE. “L’ASCC (CLAC) a concluune entente avec la compagnie avant mêmeque tous les travailleurs soient embauchés”.

Ce nouveau contrat négocié par l’ASCC(CLAC) comporte des semaines de travail pluslongues, moins d’heures en temps supplémen-taire et une plus grande flexibilité pour l’em-ployeur en ce qui a trait à l’embauche. L’ASCCa également donné son appui à l’embauche detravailleurs étrangers payés à salaire moindre.

L’Association syndicale chrétienne(Chritian Labour Association) compte envi-ron 30,000 membres, répartis pour la plupartdans l’Ouest du Canada. Ses sections localesreprésentent les travailleurs de diversesindustries, du secteur de la vente à celui dessoins de santé, et grâce à l’appui des entrepre-neurs à atelier ouvert, c’est dans le secteurdes sables bétumineux que cette Association aconnu la plus importante augmentation deson membership. L’ASCC (CLAC) détient untaux d’ententes volontaires de reconnaissancedeux fois plus élevé par rapport aux autressyndicats en Alberta et selon Gil McGowan,Président de la Fédération du travail del’Alberta, cela signifie que personne sur tousces sites de travail n’a jamais eu à voter pourque l’ASCC (CLAC) soit accréditée—per-sonne sauf l’ASCC et les employeurs!

Fondée en 1952, l’ASCC (CLAC) se voulaitune nouvelle alternative au mouvement syn-dical courant et affirmait pouvoir offrir unmeilleur service à ses membres en évitantde recourir à la grève et en adoptant uneattitude de coopération avec les employeurs.Cependant pour plusieurs syndicalistes, sonparcours ne concorde pas avec sa rhétorique.

Les collaborateurs de l’ASCC (CLAC)sont aussi reconnus pour être partisans de ladroite et leurs activités anti-syndicales. Unreprésentant d’un des groupes qui y sontaffiliés a témoigné contre le projet de loianti-scab au mois de février, avant que ceditprojet ne soit soumis à un vote devant laChambre des communes afin d’amender leCode canadien du travail.

Comme le faisait remarquer le Vice-président du Premier District, Phil Flemming,“l’ASCC (CLAC) est un véritable cancer quironge le mouvement syndical”.

Pour contrer cette progression de l’ASCC(CLAC), les métiers de la construction ontintensifié leur recrutement parmi les tra-vailleurs régis, bien malgré eux, par des con-trats négociés par l’ASCC (CLAC). Ils ontdonc embauché des recruteurs syndicaux àtemps plein dans l’Ouest du Canada, pourtenter de convaincre les membres de l’ASCC(CLAC) de se rallier à eux. “Lorsque les tra-vailleurs sont représentés par l’ASCC (CLAC),cela signifie que leur patron peut faire toutce qu’il veut; nous devons donc leur démon-trer ce qu’un vrai syndicat pourrait faire poureux” concluait le confrère Schell. z

What do you call a union that isfavored by open shop contrac-tors, that undermines affiliatesof the Canadian Labour Congress

by signing sweetheart contracts and opposesanti-scabbing legislation? In Canada, it iscalled the Christian Labour Association, anddespite its small size, it is playing a promi-nent role in the brewing labour disputes inthe oil sands of Alberta, where oil companies,right-wing politicians and open shop contrac-tors have built a close alliance with it. CLAChas undercut provincial labour law andattempted to drive out the building tradesfrom booming Western Canada.

“Compared to our contracts, their agree-ments bring around 20 to 25 percent less andthey give employers total flexibility when comesto labor regulations,” said British Columbiaand Yukon Territory Building and ConstructionTrades Council Executive Director WaynePeppard. “They never go on strike and theyrarely even engage in arbitration.”

In 2004, Canadian Natural ResourceLtd.—one of Alberta’s leading oil explorationcompanies—invoked a little known sectionof the provincial labour code to give themthe right to negotiate exclusively with one

North of 49°

The Bosses’ Favorite Union

Au nord du 49° parallèle

Le syndicat favori des patrons

IBEW RejectsOil SandsContract

Sixty-six percent of IBEW membersworking on the oil sands of WesternCanada rejected a contract proposalnegotiated with companies who

lease land containing the second-largestreserve of petroleum behind Saudi Arabia.

Union members are dissatisfied with theproposed four-year contract. They seek atwo-year agreement or one with higher wagesin the third and fourth year to help themstay ahead of skyrocketing costs for housingand other necessities in Alberta.

The July 27 contract rejection comes onlydays after members of the IBEW and severalbuilding trades unions conducted the firststrike vote in Alberta since 1979. Membersvoted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike ifnegotiated settlements are not reached withelectricians, pipefitters, boilermakers, mill-wrights, plumbers and refrigeration mechanics.

Leaders of Edmonton, Alberta, Local 424,which has jurisdiction across the province,are continuing negotiations. If the localunion’s negotiating committee votes to strike,it needs to wait 72 hours under Alberta lawbefore setting up picket lines. z

6 T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007

RetiredRick Diegel

The IBEW says good-bye to a brother whobecame a fixture inWashington, D.C. andwas one of the archi-tects of the IBEW’smodern political pro-gram with the October 1retirement of Political/

Legislative Department Director Rick Diegel.Under Brother Diegel, the IBEW became

one of the most influential labor voices onCapitol Hill, leading a staff that lobbies mem-bers of Congress and influences public policyon behalf of the IBEW.

“When a candidate comes to town, oneof the first places they want to come is thisoffice,” Diegel said. “And they make it theirbusiness to know our local leaders, who areoverwhelmingly respected in their states.”

Before he came to Washington, BrotherDiegel was active in politics in his nativeTexas, where he served three terms as mayorpro-tem of the City of Ingleside in the early-to mid-1970’s. Initiated into Corpus ChristiLocal 278 in 1969, he worked for several con-tractors in Texas as a journeyman wiremanand foreman. He was elected business man-ager in 1977, a post he held until his appoint-ment in 1983 to the International Office asCOPE director. He became director of thePolitical/Legislative Department when theywere combined in 1998.

When he arrived in Washington, the unionwas taking in $500,000 in annual political con-

tributions. Now the IBEW raises between $7and $10 million a year in donations from mem-bers, used to support IBEW-endorsed candi-dates in local, state and federal races acrossthe country. “We consistently rank No. 1 inlabor political action committees and neverbelow No. 5 in all PACs in the country,” Diegelsaid. “Our people work really hard to get us onthe political map.”

Diegel points to the high number ofIBEW members serving in office around thecountry as one of his contributions to theunion. “We have the greatest number of mem-bers elected to office than any organization—labor or otherwise,” he said, adding that theIBEW pushed the AFL-CIO to create an officeto recruit members for political races.

The establishment of a full-time politi-cal mobilization program this year will beanother legacy. Building on the success ofthe temporary grassroots mobilizations putinto place in the two months before the fed-eral elections in 2006 and 2004, the full-timeprogram focuses on broadening IBEW mem-ber support at the local level and voter regis-tration efforts.

Diegel credits his talented and resource-ful staff with their level-headed performancein an intense atmosphere.

A Vietnam veteran, Diegel served in theU.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1968.

Diegel, a close friend of Bill and HillaryClinton, will return with his wife Theresa toTexas. He plans to spend more time with hisseven children and four grandchildren. TheIBEW members, staff and officers thankBrother Diegel for his 38 years of service andwish him a long and satisfying retirement.

Transitions

Public Safety Workers May Earn Right to BargainPublic safety workers nationwide could soon finally have the opportunity to bargain with localgovernments over wages, hours, benefits and working conditions if legislation that passed theHouse of Representatives becomes law.

The bill overwhelmingly passed on a 314 to 97 vote in July. Supporters are optimisticabout a similar bill’s likely passage in the Senate, due to be introduced soon, said a spokes-woman for Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.).

“The right to join unions and bargain collectively is a fundamental, internationally recog-nized human right,” said House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-Calif.). “We have a duty to guarantee this basic right to all of our first responders.”

Firefighters, police officers and other public safety officials—who currently lack bar-gaining rights in many states—would be covered by the bill and state government wouldenforce the contracts.

“Finally, Congress is recognizing the rights of our fellow citizens who put their lives onthe line for our safety,” says IBEW Government Employees Department Director ChicoMcGill. While the IBEW has successfully organized police officers in many municipalitiessuch as Morristown and Worthfield, Vt., and Warren and Westfield, Pa., state laws have oftenfrustrated organizing, particularly in the South. z

New Hampshire Utility Workers Join IBEWThirty-five field technicians and field techni-cian specialists will join 450 other membersof Manchester, Maine, Local 1837 at PublicService Company of New Hampshire follow-ing a mail-in secret ballot election on July 20.

“Considering the campaign that waswaged against us, I think it was a significantvictory for our local and the IBEW and theworkers—they are the real winners here,”said Local 1837 organizer Matt Beck.

The new IBEW members, who areresponsible for the design, maintenance andconstruction and operation of the statewideelectrical distribution system, were targetedby the company with several captive audi-ence meetings. But despite the sweet talk bymanagement and its union-busting consult-ants, the workers persevered in a close vote.

They were tired of what Beck characterizedas a lack of consistency in wages and work-load and a general desire for a voice in whathappens at their workplace.

“We literally had several people who wentout on stress-related disabilities because thejob had become so intense,” he said. “Whenthey went to their supervisors they were toldthere was no overtime and the work wouldget done.”

Some of the workers reached out to theIBEW last fall, but it took until April to file apetition for an election. PSNH challengedthe local’s proposed bargaining unit: all thefield techs and field tech specialists. But thecompany suggested it would be more appro-priate to split that group into up to 15 units.That proposal was rejected by the NationalLabor Relations Board, but the red tape gavePSNH more time to get to the bargainingunit, Beck said. z

Washington Update

CircuitsIllinois Members Seek OSHA Safety AwardMembers of Downers Grove,Ill., Local 15 go above andbeyond when it comes to safety,and they will soon get thechance to prove it. This sum-mer the Exelon Corporation’snuclear power station inBraidwood, which employeesover 230 IBEW plant operatorsand maintenance engineers,underwent a weeklong safetyaudit by the OccupationalSafety and HealthAdministration in hopes ofbecoming the first worksite rep-resented by the local to becomea Voluntary Protection ProgramStar status site.

The Voluntary Protection Program was established by OSHA as an official recognition ofthe efforts of employers and employees who go beyond the required workplace standards toestablish outstanding safety practices. The highest rating is Star.

“There is nothing easy about obtaining VPP Star status,” said Local 15 member DavidVescogni, who is chairman of the VPP subcommittee. Local 15 and management made a com-mitment over a year ago to prepare the plant for the audit. Everything from work practicesand training to industrial hygiene and the ventilation system had to be revamped to meetOSHA’s high standards for VPP recognition.

To help through the process, the local brought in members from Springfield, Ill., Local51, who work at the Clinton Power Station. The station is an Exelon nuclear plant that hasalready achieved Star status.

“The success VPP plants have in reducing injuries and illnesses is amazing,” Vescognisaid. “Local 15 is very proud of our accomplishments to get the plant ready and we are lookingforward to the audit.” z

Organizing Wire

Employees at the Exelon Corp.’s Braidwood nuclear plant seek VPPStar Status. Front row from left are Jeff Humernik, welding adminis-trator; Donna Turner, business operations; Doris Willis, security; TomDahl, safety advisor. Back row from left are Local 15 members DaveVescogni, Howard Silkowski, Bob Rohrer, Chuck Dixon and Tony Rigor.

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007 7

Spotlight on Safety

AppointedBrian Baker

International Represen-tative Brian Baker hasbeen appointed Directorof the IBEW Political/Legislative Department,effective October 1. Hereplaces Rick Diegel,who retired.

“This is a greathonor,” says Baker, who served as nationalgrassroots political coordinator since March. “Ihope to continue what the IBEW has builtunder Rick Diegel’s leadership so that we canchange our nation’s laws to help unions rebuildthe labor movement and the middle class.”

Initiated in 1987 into Lorain, Ohio,Local 129, Brother Baker completed hisinside wireman apprenticeship and served ina number of positions before being appointedbusiness manager in 1997. Under his leader-ship, the local organized several new con-tractors, growing from 380 members to 435.As a participant in community planningefforts, Baker used labor’s seat at the table toprotect the needs of the IBEW and the build-ing trades in economic development.

Baker was elected president of theLorain County AFL-CIO in 2001 and was amember of numerous civic and labor organi-zations. He played an influential role in the2006 electoral campaigns of Gov. TedStrickland and Sen. Sherrod Brown, bothDemocrats, and numerous other office hold-ers. He got an early start in political workputting up campaign signs with his father, alifelong member of Laborers’ Local 758.

After his 1981 graduation from ElyriaWest High School, where he was a memberof the National Honor Society, Baker enteredLorain County Community College’s CivilEngineering Technology Program. He hasattended numerous IBEW training sessions,including COMET, SCORE and new businessmanager’s school.

Looking back to his apprenticeship,when former Local 129 business managerTom Patterson and retired InternationalRepresentative Chuck Graft mentored him toget involved in his local, Baker says, “One ofour main goals must be to get the fire backin the bellies of our young members, so thatit’s not just about ‘me,’ but about the unionand working people.”

“I was always involved in the commu-nity,” says Baker, who played catcher in afast-pitch softball league until age 35. Bakerand his wife, Kimberli, have two daughters,Courtney, 25, and Ashley, 23.

The officers and members of the IBEWwish Brother Baker great success in his new position.

DeceasedJohn J. Joyce

The IBEW is saddenedto announce the July 11death of retired SecondDistrict InternationalRepresentative John J.Joyce. He was 86.

A native ofEngland, Brother Joycemoved to the United

States as a boy, and joined the IBEW beforehe signed up as a World War II sailor. Heserved in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, receiv-ing the Victory Medal. He was initiated intoPortland, Maine, Local 567 in 1941, servingas JATC director, and on the negotiating,joint apprenticeship, pension, and health andwelfare committees, as well as on the execu-tive board, before his election as businessmanager in 1964. He held that office for 10years before his appointment asInternational Representative.

Joyce serviced inside construction localsin Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire andpaper mills in northern Maine. He was alsoactive in organizing in the construction branch.

In the 1970s, he served on the Council onIndustrial Relations, the Maine Building TradesCouncil, the Southern Maine Building TradesCouncil and the Maine State ElectriciansExamining Board. He was also a member ofthe American Legion.

Predeceased by his first wife, Colleen,Joyce remarried after his retirement in 1987.He and wife Simone traveled throughout theCaribbean, Europe and the United States; theywintered in Sarasota, Fla. Joyce attended the37th International Convention in Cleveland.

He was remembered by Second DistrictInternational Representative RichardPanagrossi as a well-spoken, knowledgeableand fair-minded person. “I always called him‘Gentleman John,’” he said.

IBEW members, staff and officers wishBrother Joyce’s wife, children, grandchildrenand great-grandchildren our most sincerecondolences for their loss. z

Electrical Safety Rules Prevent Flash ExplosionsAn arc flash explosion lasts only seconds, but the damage it causes to anyone nearby can last alifetime. When insulation between energized conductors is breached, direct contact with theconductors can lead to an arc flash. The resulting blast can heat temperatures to over 30,000 F,causing even metal to melt.

“Workers in the vicinity are subject to radiation and thermal burns, hot gases and pres-sure waves, leading to severe, even fatal, injuries,” said Jersey City, N.J., Local 164 ElectricalAssistant Training Director David Milazzo.

To help inside wiremen prevent arc flashes—the leading cause of electrical accidents—more and more contractors and IBEW locals are incorporating the latest version of theNational Fire Protection Association’s 70E standard, which now includes steps to avoid arcflashes, into their trainings and on-the-job procedures, with many apprentices now requiredto take courses on it.

“It’s a good standard that will save a lot of lives,” said IBEW Director of Safety Jim Tomaseski.For one inside wireman who is a member of Rockford, Ill., Local 364, following the

updated 70E standard meant the difference between going home and going to the hospital.“He was working on an energized panel when it exploded,” said Local 364 Safety CommitteeChairman Todd Kindred. “Thanks to the protective equipment required by 70E, he went hometo his family that night instead of to the emergency room.”

The NFPA developed 70E in 1979 as a consensus industry standard to help workers andtheir employers meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s electrical safetyrequirements. The standard, which covers everything from the proper installation of equip-ment to training requirements, was last updated in 2004. “OSHA says that you need to protectyour workers from recognized hazards, but doesn’t show you how,” said Palmer Hickman,director of Safety, Codes and Standards for the National Joint Apprenticeship and TrainingCommittee. “70E shows you how.”

To prevent arc flashes, 70E recommends that workers should avoid working near ener-gized equipment by shutting off the power. When that is not possible, it specifies the propersafety gear to wear.

Since Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin Foulke Jr.publicly recommended following 70E as the best way to comply with OSHA regulations in2006, many construction contractors and companies where IBEW members work as insidewiremen started incorporating it into their safety procedures. While still not officially man-dated by OSHA, violation of 70E can in some cases lead to fines.

Many smaller contractors are also starting to get the message and are partnering withthe IBEW and the NJATC to learn how to follow 70E. “Employers are starting to get it,”Kindred said. “70E is a win-win situation, because no one wants to see on-the-job injuries thatcould be easily prevented.” z

A still from a safety training video shows what can happen during an arc flash explosion.

8 T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x July 2007

Wiremen Ratify ContractL.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MO—The membersemployed as journeyman wiremen and residen-tial wiremen recently ratified a new workingagreement, which took effect June 1 and hasmany positive changes for our membership.Thanks to lead negotiator Bus. Mgr. SteveSchoemehl and his staff of negotiators for theirtireless work and dedication in representingthe interests of our members and industry.

The new contract contains numerous lan-guage changes, and all members should becomefamiliar with these changes. For example, the defi-nition of “employer” changed, making it easier forcontractors to secure smaller work to help regainmarket share. Also, language added to the stewardssection stresses how vital stewards are to a project.A well-informed membership is imperative, soplease review the new agreement for any questions.

Local 1 mourns the deaths of: Bros. RobertMorris, Andy Boehm, Ronald Lands, MichaelBerendt, Frank Ulrich, Cyril Heintzelman,William Finley, Charles Hughart, Billy Gropp,John Loch, John McLaughlin Jr., Ronald Smetak,Mark Schilly, Van Wilkinson, William Horine,Matthew Clements and Hubert Denningmann.

Matt Gober, P.S.

Congratulations to Diana Limon and KevinNorton on graduating from the National LaborCollege. Diana earned a master’s degree in pub-lic administration and Kevin earned a bachelor’sin labor studies.

Additional classes are being scheduled forLocal 11 members interested in exploring oppor-tunities to become an electrical contractor. Pro-Union Consulting Inc. has conducted severalclasses and many members have become unioncontractors as a result.

The annual local wide picnic is Sat., Oct. 6,at the L.A. Police Revolver and Athletic Club.There will be plenty of food, games and prizes.We hope you will plan to attend and bring yourfamily to this fun-filled event.

Bob Oedy, P.S.

Summer EventsL.U. 17 (catv,em,lctt,o&u), DETROIT, MI—Local 17 was fortunate to have several excitingevents take place in the summer of 2007. Theseincluded a Utility Softball Tournament, thefourth annual Local 17 Golf Outing, a Lineman’sRodeo, and Tree Trim Jamboree. Also, at thiswriting, we are looking forward to the DetroitLabor Day parade.

The work picture at Detroit EdisonCompany has slowed due to a massive computerchangeover; Detroit Edison is having troubleordering material and planning jobs.

International Transmission Company hasseveral projects going in our jurisdiction, includ-ing substation, underground and overhead work.

The line clearance tree trimming agree-ment was ratified by a membership vote of 244-134. Highlights of the new three-year agreementinclude wage increases of 4.25 percent, 3.0 per-cent and 3.0 percent respectively, optional workweek and show-up pay.

James Beaubien, P.S.

Member Action & StrengthL.U. 21 (catv,govt&t), DOWNERS GROVE, IL—Stewards, activists, officers, staff and our friendsand labor allies across Illinois and northwestIndiana worked extremely hard to gain legisla-tive support for passage of the 2007 Cable andVideo Competition Law, signed by Illinois Gov.Rod Blagojevich on June 30. (See “Local 21Leads Efforts to Pass Statewide VideoCompetition Law,” The Electrical Worker, Aug.2007.) AT&T will now invest $750 million intonew infrastructure resulting in over 2,500 newjobs in our local union by 2009.

Steward and membership surveys were con-ducted earlier this year with the goal of makingour union even stronger in the years ahead.Information gained will assist Local 21’s leader-ship in preparing for the future. Increased mem-ber involvement strengthens workers’ bargainingand organizing rights. Member participation andpolitical involvement are crucial in our fight forjobs, health care and retirement security.

2007 has been a great year for building soli-darity both during and after work. We recentlyhosted four successful union nights held duringminor league baseball games played in differentcities across the jurisdiction. Members and theirfamilies enjoyed low-priced nights out withplenty of food and drink, as well as children’sraffles for team merchandise.

Thomas Hopper, P.S.

Awards for L.A. LocalL.U. 11 (i,rts&spa), LOS ANGELES, CA—TheWomen in Construction Conference was held in Mayat the Los Angeles Convention Center. Local 11was proud to provide shuttle services and host aparty at the Convention Center for all in attendance.

Congratulations to Local 11 for receivingthe Union of the Year Award and to the ElectricalTraining Institute for receiving the OutstandingApprenticeship Program Award presented at thePlaya Vista Jobs luncheon. Playa Vista JobOpportunities and Business Services is a non-profit organization providing job placementopportunities for at-risk youth and adults.

Graduation CelebrationL.U. 41 (em,es,i,se,spa&govt), BUFFALO, NY—Local union officers extend our warmest thanksto all apprenticeship instructors. The JATC hon-ored our graduating class of 2007 at theHearthstone Manor on June 22.

Congratulations to our 2007 inside wiremanapprentice graduates along with the 2007 inter-connect-security-sound cabler/installer gradu-ates (see photo). I would like to urge graduatesto take the knowledge you have acquired andstrive to be the best electrician you can be. Youwill now be asked to take your experience andshare it with upcoming apprentices as othershave done for you.

The work picture this summer was abun-dant with the future looking very promising. Keepan eye out for upcoming events and stay involved.

Kenneth C. Zack, P.S.

Lineman’s RodeoL.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR,CA—Congratulations to everyone who competedat the SCE/Local 47 Lineman’s Rodeo. The over-all winners were: Journeyman team—SteveLekvold, Brian Lee, Mike Petersen; Seniorteam—Art Cordova, Rex Klinkenborg, ErnieDominguez; Apprentice—Ben Beardslee;Groundman—Adam Colca.

The Membership Development staff haspresented COMET training to 125 second-yearapprentices. Quality General Engineering of SanDiego signed a letter of assent for undergrounddry-utility work. The material handlers at Pouk &Steinle have requested representation fromIBEW Local 47, and the company has agreed torecognize the new unit.

Wage re-openers were completed for theGeneral Unit at the City of Banning and ElectricUtility at the City of Colton. Linemen at Coltonwill be at $41.23/hr. effective Jan. 1, 2008.

Our condolences go to the families of memberswho recently passed away: John Hall, Erik Maciel,Ben Velarde, Juan Huizar and Harrison Rogers.

Stan Stosel, P.S.

60-Year Member HonoredL.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,rtb,t&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL—Congratulations to Bro. Robert Swadener on his60-year membership award. Bro. Robert Swadenerrecently retired from WEEK-TV in Peoria.

Local Lines

(as) Alarm and Signal

(ars) Atomic Research Service

(bo) Bridge Operators

(cs) Cable Splicers

(catv) Cable Television

(c) Communications

(cr) Cranemen

(ees) Electrical Equipment Service

(ei) Electrical Inspection

(em) Electrical Manufacturing

(es) Electric Signs

(et) Electronic Technicians

(fm) Fixture Manufacturing

(govt) Government

(i) Inside

(it) Instrument Technicians

(lctt) Line Clearance Tree Trimming

(mt) Maintenance

(mo) Maintenance and Operation

(mow) Manufacturing Office Workers

(mar) Marine

(mps) Motion Picture Studios

(nst) Nuclear Service Technicians

(o) Outside

(p) Powerhouse

(pet) Professional, Engineers and Technicians

(ptc) Professional, Technical and Clerical

(rr) Railroad

(rtb) Radio-Television Broadcasting

(rtm) Radio-Television Manufacturing

(rts) Radio-Television Service

(so) Service Occupations

(s) Shopmen

(se) Sign Erector

(spa) Sound and Public Address

(st) Sound Technicians

(t) Telephone

(u) Utility

(uow) Utility Office Workers

(ws) Warehouse and Supply

Local 11 welcomed attendees at the Women inConstruction Conference in Los Angeles.

Local 41 class of 2007 graduates, front row, (L-R),Samuel Howe, Timothy O’Brien, Robert Friedrich,Tuan Nguyen, Karl Chapman II, Keith Pastuszynskiand Anthony Walker; back row, Kevin Hartman,James Murdoch, Joshua Krischan, ThomasTiedemann, Todd Berwaldt, Andrew Schlau, CaseyPasinski, Christopher Lozo, Ronald Stoj, KennethScheifla Jr. and Gemma Lanthier. Not pictured:Latisha Honer-Anthony and Daniel McDonnel.Trade Classifications

New Union HallL.U. 57 (lctt,mo,o,t&u), SALT LAKE CITY, UT—Local 57 thanks and pays tribute to Bro. RoydenMendenhall who, with his fine talents in carpen-try, designed, built and donated a podium for themeeting hall in our new building. Bro.Mendenhall is a longtime journeyman linemanand always a dedicated union friend.

In spring of 2005, Local 57 purchased abuilding at a new location to meet the growingneeds of our members and staff. After severalmonths of planning, remodeling and much hardwork, Local 57 made the move after more than50 years at our previous location. Our formerbuilding was purchased by CommunicationWorkers of America Local 7704, and the buildingis still in good union hands. The members andstaff of Local 57 are enjoying the convenience ofa more central location with larger facilities andmore parking area.

Deanna Gill, P. S.

Anti-Union Bills DefeatedL.U. 99 (govt&i), PROVIDENCE, RI—Work in thearea has slowed, but the Foxwood and MoheganSun Casino Hotel expansion should help employsome members for a while.

On the political front, thanks to efforts of Bus.Mgr. Al Durand and staff, three union-busting billswere defeated at our State House recently. One bill,introduced by open-shop contractors, was to allowout-of-state electricians to work here without aRhode Island license. Another bill was to create aone-to-one ratio for apprentices; and another dealtwith contractor assignment of apprentices.

We welcome Paul McDonald, our new lobby-ist. Paul’s strong labor background and experi-ence in Rhode Island politics will be a great helpto Local 99.

Congratulations to our 2007 apprenticegraduates—31 inside wiremen, eight residentialwiremen and two teledata technicians. Thesegraduates represent the future of our local.

Organizing efforts are moving moderatelywell, with negotiations with Synet still incom-plete. Welcome back to J.C. Electric Co.

The annual Everett Tommy WoodmanseeMemorial Golf Tournament, held July 14 atTriggs Memorial in Providence, was again a greatsuccess. Thanks to Bus. Mgr. Durand, volunteersand sponsors.

Local 99’s annual clambake in early Augustat Kempanaar’s in Middletown was a great timefor active and retired members and their families.

S.P. Callaghan, P.S.

Celebrating ExcellenceL.U. 103 (cs&i), BOSTON, MA—On June 7, theBoston JATC celebrated 61 years of educationalexcellence by honoring its recent graduates: 148journeyman inside wiremen and 14 new telecomtechnicians. More than 1,000 guests attended thecelebration at the Local 103 hall. Richard Morrisseyreceived the Charles McCarthy Award; Andrew Carlreceived the Swanson Award for academic perform-ance; and Michael Trachtenberg and JosephBingham both received the Industry CommitmentAward. Kristin Hurley was named TelecomApprentice of the Year, and Salvatore Serio wasnamed the Philip Davis Electrical Apprentice of theYear. Congratulations to the class of 2007.

Local 103 held its annual pin night June 26.Over 300 members with 20 or more years of servicewere awarded pins and certificates. Notably, onemember was recognized for 67 years of service. Astanding room crowd of over 1,200 members andtheir families and guests attended the ceremony.

The annual Brotherhood Golf Tournamentwas held June 16 with approximately 130 mem-bers participating to raise money for theBrotherhood Fund. After the golf tournament,members returned to the hall for food and prizes.Special thanks to Eddie Keogh for the manyyears he has organized this event.

Bill Molineaux, P.S.

100th Anniversary CelebrationL.U. 111 (em,govt,lctt,mt,o,rtb,spa&u), DENVER,CO—Local 111 will hold a grand celebration ofits 100th anniversary Sat., Dec. 8, 2007, at theColorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, indowntown Denver. Doors open at 4 p.m. for earlycheck-in; a pre-dinner social hour will followwith a sit-down dinner at 6 p.m. A live band,“Home Slice,” will play for dancing from 8-11p.m. Each member will receive a gift package,two complimentary beverage coupons, a memo-rable keepsake and the chance to win gift prizesdonated for our event.

The celebration will begin with introductionsand guest speakers, including Int. Pres. Edwin D.Hill and AFL-CIO organizer Stuart Acuff.

Don’t wait, sign up now. Cost for registra-tion is $25 per person if received by Sept. 1, andafter that date $35. Deadline for all reservationsis Oct. 1. Please save this date and celebrate thismilestone with your union brothers and sisters.Get the word out, especially to our retirees. Formore information call the office at (303) 744-7171 or (800) 824-5540 and ask for Joan.

Dennis Z. LeTurgez, P.S.

Benefit Golf ClassicL.U. 125 (lctt,o&u), PORTLAND, OR—The 2007Benefit Golf Classic was held Sat., June 30, atthe Indian Creek Golf Course in Hood River, OR.Thirty volunteers supported 136 golfers duringthe 11th annual event. Golfers enjoyed a beauti-ful, wind-free day while playing to support theOregon Burn Center’s Burn Education andPrevention Program. This year’s event raisedmore than $56,000 to support the outstandingwork of the prevention program. To date, thisannual tournament has raised nearly $600,000.

Local 125’s commitment was apparent asmembers and staff participated in the tourna-ment and donated money to benefit the burn

center. On behalf of the Local 125 ExecutiveBoard, thank you to everyone who donated timeand money for this worthy cause. If you are inter-ested in contributing to the Oregon Burn Center,please call 503-262-9125 for more information.

Marcy Putnam, Organizer

Productive SummerL.U. 143 (em,i&spa), HARRISBURG, PA—It hasbeen a productive summer here in Harrisburg.Work has been outstanding and promises to con-tinue. We thank all our traveling brothers andsisters who have helped us staff our jurisdiction.

Hats off to our entertainment committeefor their hard work on our members picnic, fam-ily picnic and golf tournament. Thanks to all ourmembers who participated.

Congratulations to our apprentice class of2007: Scott Baney, Luke Berger, William Bogden,Jeffrey Devine, Aaron Hersh, Gerald Kane, BrandonRhine, Mike Seaman, Brian Graham, Bryan Hale,David Hoover, Michael Nailor, Michael Negrete,Kenneth Neumayer Jr., Christopher Spahr, DustinTreaster and Joseph Weyrich IV. Remember, safetyis a job well done.

Mark Holder, P.S.

Legislative SuccessL.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WA—Local191 is saddened to announce the passing of amember, David Kessler, in an unfortunate on-the-job accident. On a positive note, the WashingtonState Legislature has been enacting numerousbills backed by our local. In addition, we are innegotiations for a new contract, at a time whenour members are staying very busy.

Marcus Abarcus, P.S.

Labor Day Parade/PicnicL.U. 197 (em&i), BLOOMINGTON, IL—Shortlyinto spring, work slowed in our jurisdiction; how-ever we are happy to report work is picking upagain. We look forward to a busy last half of theyear due to a couple of big projects in our area.

The area Wal-Mart decided to employnonunion workers to complete a $1.5 millionremodel. Our members are busy hand-billingWal-Mart’s customers and turning them around.As union workers and families, we must not sup-port businesses that do not support us. Thanksto all our members who are distributing hand-bills and thanks to those who choose not to shopat the Wal-Marts and Sam’s Clubs of the world.

Congratulations to our 2007 graduatingcommercial and residential apprentices. DustinHall and Ryan Burt earned high honors in theirclasses. Good luck, graduates, and we hope tosee you at monthly meetings.

We look forward to celebrating Labor Day.Our members and families are invited to walk inthe parade and have a picnic at the hall after-ward. We hope for a good turnout. Take pride inyour local union.

Mike Raikes, P.S.

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007 9

We are pleased to announce the election ofBus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Jim Bates. Bro. Bates has beenon staff since 1985; he was assistant business man-ager for 12 years. IBEW Local 51 congratulates allrecently elected officers, Executive Board mem-bers and all elected members throughout Local51’s 14 units. Thanks for being involved, brothersand sisters.

We are also pleased to announce the appoint-ment of Asst. Bus. Mgr. John Johnson. He was abusiness representative for 13 years.

Bro. Rod Brandt, a 29-year member, joinedthe Local 51 staff as a business representativefor Verizon, Corn Belt Energy, FrontierCommunications, WEEK-TV, WMBD-TV, WICS-TV,and McDonough Electric Cooperative.

As of t this writing, contract negotiationscontinue at Central Illinois Light Co., IllinoisPower, City of Princeton and The University ofIllinois. Members at the Village of Riverton andthe Verizon Buried Service Wire group ratifiedtheir contracts.

The work scene for Outside Power andLCTT remains good, while Teledata remains slow.

Congratulations to Bros. Chris Crafton,Calvin DeBoer and Gerry Lee on completingtheir apprenticeship and advancing to journey-man lineman status.

Dan Pridemore, Pres./B.R.

Work Picture GoodL.U. 53 (lctt,o,rts&u), KANSAS CITY, MO—Workis good at this writing. Pres. Steve White reportsthat some negotiations are coming up soon. I willreport on those in a future issue. It is our goal tokeep our members up-to-date as much as possible.

Bus. Rep. Dexter Drerup reported that onJune 7, 2007, members at Laclede Co-op inLebanon, MO, ratified a three-year extension tothe current bargaining agreement. Membersreceived a 4 percent increase in wages for eachof the three years beginning Jan. 1, 2008. Stormwork language was improved with all work beingperformed for nothing less than time and a halfof the prevailing wage. Also, vacation languagechanges give employees more flexibility.

Local 53 mourns the death of retired Bro.Pole Easter of Clinton, MO, who passed away inJuly. Bro. Easter formerly owned Easter PoleLine Construction Co. We extend condolences tohis family.

We had a great turnout at the annual crap-pie tournament in May. Congratulations to win-ners of the cash awards. But in fact everyonewho came was a winner. We thank all the partici-pants and everyone who attended. We hopeeveryone can attend next year and join the fun.

Duane Pearce, P.S.

Local 51 retired Bro. Robert Swadener (second fromleft) receives his 60-year IBEW service award. Fromleft, Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Jim Bates, Bro. Swadener, Bro.Mike Aldredge, Peoria Unit Executive Board member;and Bro. David King, Peoria Unit vice chairman.

Local 57 Bro. Royden Mendenhall stands beside thepodium he made for the local.

Brayton Point WorkL.U. 223 (em,govt&i), BROCKTON, MA—Thissummer we saw the retirement of Bus. AgentErnest Correia, a tireless worker on behalf of thelocal. He has agreed to remain active in thepolitical arena and become Local 223 politicaldirector. We thank Ernie for his hard work anddedication to the IBEW and look forward toworking with him in the political arena.

We welcome new Organizer Brian Callahanto the staff. Brian has been researching contrac-tors as targets for organizing campaigns. We lookforward to working with him bringing new con-tractors on board.

As of this writing, work at the Brayton PointPower Station construction projects has StateElectric and Mass Electric busy there. City LightsElectrical has been working at the University ofMassachusetts, renovating dormitories.

With November elections coming up, we needto elect candidates to public office at the locallevel who favor the interests of working people.

Dave Fenton, A.B.M.

Attend Union MeetingsL.U. 231 (i,rtb,spa&u), SIOUX CITY, IA—In aneffort to get better attendance at union meetings,Local 231 has tried holding card games after themeeting and drawings for prizes for which win-ners must be present, as well as changing themeeting night and starting time, and even cook-outs. Attendance has picked up, but still couldstand to improve.

As IBEW members, we need to rememberthat the strength of our union depends on ourparticipation. Meetings are only once a monthand may last a couple of hours. We get to seefriends and colleagues we may not see very often,but more importantly we have a say in what’shappening with our future. If we don’t attend, weonly have ourselves to blame when things don’tturn out the way we’d like.

Our condolences to the family of retiredBro. Bernard Dickey, who passed away April 11at age 79. Bro. Dickey joined the IBEW in 1958and retired as a journeyman wireman in 1989.

Ethanol, windmills and biodiesel plantsare springing up all over our jurisdiction andthey’re employing many union members. This isgood for everyone.

Debby Spencer, P.S.

New Members WelcomedL.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH—The outside construction work picture looksgood, with everyone who wants to work gainfullyemployed. First Energy is on a hiring frenzy inorder to replenish its work force. It brought 19new members to be sworn in at our last localunion meeting. That was a first, to have thatmany new members at one time. It was also thefirst time we’ve held our local union meeting ona Wednesday night; we had to move the datebecause of the Utility Conference.

Our local was also pleased by another first:Colleen Rynski, (pictured at center in theaccompanying photo) was one of the new mem-bers sworn in. Colleen became the third genera-tion, and the first woman, of her family to workat First Energy.

Negotiations at TV Channel 30 concludedwith an extension of the current agreement for oneyear. Two other contracts are coming due for nego-tiations this year—Tri-County and First Energy.

On a sad note, a friend, past business agentand 60-year member, Bro. Jim Gunselman, passedaway June 30. Jim was a very giving person wholoved to help people. He will be greatly missed byeveryone at Local 245.

Ray Zychowicz, P.S.

Welding CoursesL.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ—Congratulationsto members who completed a 16-week weldingcourse: Tom Cramer, Jim French Jr., JohnFitzgibbon, Scott Grace, David Koeppel, JohnPiszczek and Mike Wizeman. Instructor Mark“Wally” Waladkewics taught torch safety and cut-ting, vertical, horizontal and overhead weldingwith both 60-10 and 70-18 rods. Future coursesin MIG and TIG welding are planned.

U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Penn., presidedover opening ceremonies for the American CancerSociety 2007 Bensalem Relay for Life. IBEW Bros.Sean Cullen (a 10-year veteran of this event) alongwith Bros. Steve Aldrich, Jeff Johnson, Mike Martin,John Zoldi, Joe Fowler Jr. and Gino D’Pasqualonhelped raise $3,500 of the total $174,000 raised.

Bros. Steve Cross and Dan Calderbankhelped administer emergency medical assistance

to GE employee Rich Pleva, who had a heartattack while working at Ocean View Substationfor General Electric. Bros. Calderbank and Crosscalled 911 and gave on-site evaluation of Pleva’scondition. GE Project Mgr. Brian Monahanadministered CPR until EMTs arrived.to stabilizePleva and transport him to a hospital. Pleva isnow doing well with a prognosis for a full recov-ery. We thank Bros. Cross and Calderbank fortheir quick response to help save a life.

D. B. Proctor, P.S.

Apprentice Training FacilityL.U. 295 (em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), LITTLE ROCK,AR—Brothers and sisters of Local 295 recentlypurchased the building adjacent to our meetinghall where many members received their appren-ticeship training. We are remodeling and upgrad-ing the building to better serve as a trainingfacility for apprentices and journeymen.

We know that as demand for qualified jour-neyman continues to grow the IBEW needs to beon the cutting edge of training our members. Wewant the customers of our contractors to knowthat they are getting the best money can buy.

David Stephens, A.B.M.

Officers ElectedL.U. 317 (i,o,rts,t&u), HUNTINGTON, WV—We are pleased to announce that we have hadanother successful election. Elected officers are:Bus. Mgr. Brent Gray, Pres. Charles “Shane” Wolfe,Vice Pres. Jimmy Davis, Rec. Sec. Jason Adamsand Treas. Skip Bailey. Executive Board members:Jeff Thompson (chairman), Alec Plymale, AdamDunkle, Roger Neil, Mike Kelly, Gary Webb andReuben Adkins. Examining Board members: ClayHudson (chairman), P.J. Bartley and Mick Mayes.

Commercial work continues to do well inour area with the hospitals and schools in ourtri-state area continuing to expand, as well asMarshall University and the outlying area busi-ness. We expect more new jobs to develop on theindustrial level at Kyger Creek Powerhouse, atMarathon Refinery and at a new ethanol plant inSouth Point, OH.

Charles S. Wolfe, Pres.

Local Holds ElectionL.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NV—Local 357EWMC held its annual barbeque the same day thelocal union election ballots were counted, June 23.Congratulations to our elected officers, Bus.Mgr./Fin.Sec. David R Jones, Pres. Charles “Tom”Stetson, Vice Pres. Edward “Eddie” Gering, Rec. Sec.Linda M. Bieniek and Treas. Terry Heins. Elected tothe Executive Board were, for Maintenance, FrankUpright; Inside Construction, Jeffrey L. Westover, Al

Harris and Jack Fleig; Sound & Communication,Susan “”Sue” Huening; and Sign, Kenyon Crouch.Elected to the Examining Board were, for InsideConstruction, Cherie Espinoza Dinkfeld and RonnieM. Espinoza; Maintenance, Howard Killian; andSound & Communication, Noel Hernberger. Thanksto our election judge, Steve Barker, and the tellerswho helped. We also thank Bob Barker and GarySilva. who provided invaluable support.

Congratulations to our 2007 scholarshiprecipients—Breanne Bertrand, granddaughter ofCharles Merrick; Samantha Jennings, daughter ofVenise Gratt and stepdaughter of William Gratt;Ralee Lopez, son of Rollando “Rollie” Lopez;Matthew Hale, son of Raymond Gilbert Hale; andCarlie A. Watson, daughter of Michael D. Watsonand granddaughter of Derrellyn Watson.

The summer work picture looks good forLas Vegas, if you like the heat.

Timothy W. Bolton, P.S.

Scholarship Golf OutingL.U. 363 (catv,em,govt,i,t,u&ws), NEW CITY,NY—On Sat., May 12, our local held its annualScholarship Golf Outing. The format was ascramble format. A shotgun start was scheduledfor 1 p.m. at Lochmore and Kutschers golfcourses. Due to the limited foursomes, availabil-ity was on a first-come, first-serve basis. It was aterrific day. Each course had lunch at 11:30 a.m.and dinner was served at 6 p.m. at Kutschers. Atthe dinner Bus. Mgr. John Maraia introduced thehonored guests. Prize drawings for assorted golfclubs and equipment were awarded to winningticket holders. We thank Matt Beairsto, LarryBeairsto, Scott Taylor and committee membersfor making this event a great success.

Timothy Poulin, P.S.

Goal: Gain Market ShareL.U. 379 (i,o&rtb), CHARLOTTE, NC—We wishto thank our retired brothers for their years ofIBEW service. We honored four retirees recentlyat the summer picnic at the union hall (seephoto). These union events are always enjoyable;they give the retirees, members and their fami-lies a welcome chance to get together.

Our local is taking part in the CarolinaInitiative. The goal is to gain market share in ourindustry. We need union contractors to get thework, and our local can secure the manpower.

There’s plenty of construction in theCarolinas. The Carolinas have a lot to offer anyoneinterested in relocating. Contact our union hall.

Our condolences to the families of membersWalter Honeycutt and Herbert Rector, whorecently passed away.

Bob Krebs, B.M.

10 T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007

View of windmills near Schaller, IA. Local 231 mem-bers are working on numerous such alternativeenergy projects throughout the local’s jurisdiction.

Local 245 swears in new members employed byFirst Energy.

Local 379 service award recipients, from left: 50-year member Billy Rutledge, 55-year membersJames Gant Jr. and Doyle C. McManus, and 60-yearmember McNair Woodle.

IBEW Local 269 members and theirfamilies were among the walkers join-ing U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy (fourthfrom left) at the American CancerSociety Bensalem Relay for Life. Backrow, from left, Mike Martin, John Zoldi,Mariah Martin, U.S. Rep. Murphy, PhilAckler, Steve Aldrich, Jim Halstead andSean Cullen; front row, Katie Aldrich,Steve Aldrich Jr., Jeff Johnson andNicole Cullen. Not pictured: Joe FowlerJr. and Gino Pasqualone.

Apprentice GraduatesL.U. 387 (em,lctt&u), PHOENIX, AZ—The Local 387 election of officers was held inMay. Congratulations to all the elected officers.Thanks to all for their participation and for sup-port of elected officers. Thanks also to the elec-tion judge and tellers; they did an excellent job.

The apprenticeship classes of 2007, electri-cians, linemen and mechanics, have all passed theiroral examinations and are currently finding jobs.

Thank you to all the apprentices who puton the local union picnic. It was a good outingand everyone had a great time.

Local 387 wishes all the best to retiring Bus.Rep. Bruce Osborne. Bro. Osborne’s dedication tothe labor movement will be greatly missed.

Sam Hoover, P.S.

Sept. 22 Awards EventL.U. 453 (govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), SPRINGFIELD,MO—Congratulations to the 2007 inside wire-man graduating apprentices (see photo). Wewish all our newest inside wiremen the best intheir careers. The apprentice of the year awardwent to Josh Pendergrass.

On Sept. 22, 2007, we will honor active andretired members with their years-of-service pins.There will be food and drinks and lots of fun forthe family. Hope to see all the brothers and sis-ters attending.

Ryan Huff, P.S.

Saginaw Work PictureL.U. 557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW, MI—Michiganweather, which dictates lifestyle and affects thework picture, has not been average in recentmonths. As the jet stream effect changed most ofthe nation, we did not escape its effect here.

We have full employment with a few travel-ers working in our area. Many thanks to thelocals that employed our hands during past years.

Soon we will transfer our hourly supplemen-tal unemployment check-off into our Saginawfund so that can start growing into a benefit itemavailable during times of unemployment.

Recent elections results: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec.Robert C. Orr, Pres. Scott D. Gale, Vice Pres. ChrisM. Nickodemus, Treas. Paul D. Dupuis Jr., Rec. Sec.Evan H. Allardyce; Executive Board membersReuben Ceja, John P. Hagarty, Russell D. Combs,John R. McKay, James A. Darling, Robb L. Stanick;Examining Board members Phillip E. Barnett, LarryA. Engel and David L. Nostrandt. Many thanks tothese members for offering their time for our localand thanks to those who have served so faithfully.

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007 11

A moment of silence for Ted Gosko, whopassed away June 12, was observed at the Julymeeting and members reminisced about the lifeof a good friend and co-worker.

John E. Clemens, P.S.

New Contractor WelcomedL.U. 577 (em&i), APPLETON, WI—The work out-look in the local has remained stagnant for severalmonths. The commercial market has beenextremely competitive. Imagine the shock weexperienced in early June when we were notifiedthat a national sports apparel chain planned toopen a store in this area and had received no localunion electrical contractor’s bids. The office con-tacted several contractors to encourage them tobid this job. Two newer contractors pursued thejob and Bulls Eye Electric was the low bidder.Some of the work was performed using the CW/CEclassifications in order to achieve a composite ratethat was needed to win this job. We welcome BullsEye Electric as our newest signatory contractor.

The annual golf outing was July 21 at LakeBreeze Golf Club in Winneconne. Food, fun andstories were enjoyed by all. I heard some golf wasplayed, too. Thanks to Corey Wiegel for againorganizing this event.

Local 577’s August newsletter contains thefall training schedule. There will be limited classofferings, as many of the members and some ofour instructors are working out of town. In orderto prevent cancellations, please call the hall toregister for classes.

Greg Breaker, B.M.

Congratulations, GraduatesL.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL—Congratulations to the 2007 apprentice graduates.Inside wireman graduates: Gareth Boyd, Brent Burr,Eric Cokley, Chet Gentille, Ryan Kelly, Mark Klein,Michael Johnson, Matthew Logsdon, James McCall,Casey Reisner, Steve Woodard and Adam Yuhas.Residential graduates: Jacob Collins and BrianNierenhausen. The Top Inside Apprentice Awardwent to Adam Yuhas, and the Top ResidentialApprentice Award went to Jacob Collins. We wishall the graduates the best in their careers.

Work looks good for the summer with a

great deal of new construction in our jurisdic-tion. The outlook for upcoming projects startingin the fall should keep us busy.

Our condolences to the families of memberswho recently passed away: Fred Kelly, StanErschen, Chuck Leonard, Brad Roderick andNyles Hardyman.

Bob Withers, Training Dir.

‘We Pull Together’L.U. 625 (ees,em,i,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NOVASCOTIA, CANADA—Congratulations to Bros.Dean Simm, Bill Pashkoski and Stephen Stewartfor earning their Certificate of Qualifications.

In June, Local 625 filed complaints to theDepartment of Education, Apprentice Division,which led to the Enforcement Officer laying fivecharges against nonunion shops that were usinglabourers to do electrical work. Thanks to Local625 members who called the hall to report thesenonunion activities—please keep it up.

Any unemployed members are asked to con-tact the local’s organizer to assist with efforts togain market share. New members especially canhelp by talking to their friends who have not yetjoined the union. We are at our strongest whenwe pull together.

Local 625 thanks locals that have called torequest travelers; special thanks to WindsorLocal 773 and Ottawa Local 586. We welcomechances to help locals staff their jobs. We areworking to organize our jurisdiction and gainIBEW market share.

There is talk of major industrial projectscoming to the Maritimes. As of press time, nonehave become a reality. The biggest projects onthe go now are the Research in Motion job inBedford and the Maritime Helicopter TrainingFacility in Shearwater. Both were awarded toBond & Coolen of Dartmouth.

Tom Griffiths, Pres.

Election of OfficersL.U. 649 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), ALTON, IL—TheLocal 649 election of officers was held June 9.Elected were: Bus. Mgr. Jack Tueth, Pres. FredRedd, Vice Pres. Mark Woulfe, Rec. Sec. RyanGriffin and Treas. William Gottlob; Executive

Board members John Gottlob, Joe Elliot, BertHartley, Pete Dochwat, Tim Kusmierczak, JosephRister, Dave Burns, Mark Fair, Scott Wagner; andExamining Board members Tim Wieckhorst,Robert Moore, Jessie Landers and BrettMcCormick. Elected delegates to the Illinois StateFederation of Labor: Charles Yancey and KeithBecker. Appointed are: Asst. Bus. Mgr. CharlesYancey and Organizing Agent Ed Taylor.Congratulations to these members and to all whoran for office for pursuing leadership roles in thislocal’s future.

We have two new journeymen: Dan Zorger,tree trimmer; and Mark Toppmeyer, electronictechnician. Good job, guys, on completing yourrequirements.

Alton area residents are enjoying the pres-ence of yet another group of Local 649 volun-teers, who recently completed a lighting projectin the city at Hellrung Park. It is the spirit of ourvolunteers that this community respects.

Our thoughts go to a “standout electrician,”five-term Pres. Fred Redd, as he works throughsome challenging medical concerns.

Bryan Berg, P.S.

Memorial Fish FryL.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OH—Recent localunion events included the May 19 retirementseminar held at the JATC with 87 members andspouses attending. The seminar was set for mem-bers within five years of retirement. On May 24, ablood drive was held and was chaired by “Chief”Dan George. Thanks to all participating members.

June 1 was the annual Chuck Bland MemorialFish Fry. Chair Frank Vanarsdale and his commit-tee did an excellent job. The retirees picnic washeld June 16. Also a District Progress meeting washosted by Locals 71, 683, 1466 and 2020 in June.

Congratulations to our 18 newest journey-men; a challenging five years but well worth the effort.

Our condolences to the families of recentlydeceased members, Edward Huston and Arcolino“Arky” Rosato.

Thanks to sister locals that have put ourtraveling members to work.

Rick Deime, V.P./P.S.

Brotherhood & CamaraderieL.U. 725 (i,rts&spa), TERRE HAUTE, IN—Onwhat was a perfect May 12 we held our annualmembers cookout at the union hall. The day wasfilled with brotherhood and camaraderie. Weenjoyed steaks, ribs, shrimp and all the trimmingsprepared by retirees with the assistance of officersand other active members. We had a great turnoutand enjoyed visiting with active and retired mem-bers. Attending events like this brings theBrotherhood closer together as we stop to appre-ciate what a real treasure our membership can be.

Our local elections took place June 1.Elected were: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. R. Todd Thacker,Pres. Robert M. Denny, Vice Pres. Paul Rupska.Rec. Sec. Shane Hohenstein and Treas. JohnHedden II. Newly elected Examining Board mem-bers are Eric Biernbaum, Matthew Hamburg andJonathon Kimmel. New Executive Board membersare Dan Blackwell, Tracy Cook, Johnnie Flynn,Dave Grandidier, Rick Hayes and Mike McNabb.

Gayle D. Meeker Jr., P.S.

LOCAL LINES continued on page 16

Local 453 congratulates 2007 graduating apprentices.From left, back row, standing, Training Dir. Mike Millsand graduates Ryan Huff, Bryan Hensley, JeremyJohnson, Brad Barreca and Josh Pendergrass; frontrow, seated, graduates Spud Pritchett, GrantThompson, Chad Ervin and Chad Keller.

IBEW Local 557 members remodeling Pioneer Hallat Saginaw Valley State University are, from left:Andrew J. Austin, Scott MacArthur, Charlie Trumble,Jason Shea, Rick Dilts, David Gregory, Dale Wehnerand David Hayward.

Local 601 congratu-lates 2007 apprenticegraduates.

Local 625 Asst. Bus. Mgr. Tim Swinamer (secondfrom left) was one of the 159 motorcyclists partici-pating in the fourth annual Cruise for Crohn’s bene-fit rally July 8 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

12 T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007

Annual Funding Notice for National Electrical Benefit Fund

2006 Summary Annual Report for the National Electrical Benefit Fund

IntroductionThis notice, which federal law requires all multiem-ployer plans to send annually, includes importantinformation about the funding level of the NationalElectrical Benefit Fund, Plan 001, EmployerIdentification Number (EIN) 53-0181657 (Plan). Thisnotice also includes information about rules govern-ing insolvent plans and benefit payments guaran-teed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation(PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the planyear beginning January 1, 2006 and endingDecember 31, 2006 (Plan Year).

Plan’s Funding LevelThe Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” forthe Plan Year was 70.65%. In general, the higher thepercentage, the better funded the plan. The fundedcurrent liability percentage, however, is not indicativeof how well a plan will be funded in the future or if itterminates. Whether this percentage will increase ordecrease over time depends on a number of factors,including how the plan’s investments perform, whatassumptions the plan makes about rates of return,whether employer contributions to the fund increaseor decline, and whether benefits payments from thefund increase or decline.

Plan’s Financial InformationThe market value of the Plan’s assets as of January 1,2006 was $10,566,642,221. The total amount ofbenefit payments for the Plan Year was$682,275,921. The ratio of assets to benefit pay-ments is 15.49. This ratio suggests that the Plan’sassets could provide for approximately 15.49 yearsof benefit payments in annual amounts equal towhat was paid out in the Plan Year. However, theratio does not take into account future changes intotal benefit payments or plan assets.

Rules Governing Insolvent PlansFederal law has a number of special rules thatapply to financially troubled multiemployer plans.Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan

with adverse financial experience may need toincrease required contributions and may, under cer-tain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eli-gible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefitsthat have been in effect for less than 60 months).If a plan is in reorganization status, it must providenotification that the plan is in reorganization statusand that, if contributions are not increased, accruedbenefits under the plan may be reduced or anexcise tax may be imposed (or both). The lawrequires the plan to furnish this notification to eachcontributing employer and the labor organization.

Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a planin reorganization nevertheless could become insol-vent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its avail-able financial resources are not sufficient to paybenefits when due for the plan year. An insolventplan must reduce benefit payments to the highestlevel that can be paid from the plan’s availablefinancial resources. If such resources are notenough to pay benefits at a level specified by law(see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC,below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for finan-cial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the planthe amount necessary to pay benefits at the guar-anteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored ifthe plan’s financial condition improves.

A plan that becomes insolvent must provide promptnotification of the insolvency to participants and bene-ficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions repre-senting participants, and PBGC. In addition,participants and beneficiaries also must receive infor-mation regarding whether, and how, their benefits willbe reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency,including loss of a lump sum option. This informationwill be provided for each year the plan is insolvent.

Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGCThe maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees isset by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed.Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit

payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of thePlan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percentof the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each yearof credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guaran-tee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a partici-pant’s years of credited service.

Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of creditedservice has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, theaccrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGCguarantee would be determined by dividing themonthly benefit by the participant’s years of service($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteedamount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal tothe sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75.Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefitis $357.50 ($35.75 x 10).

Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has anaccrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual ratefor purposes of determining the guarantee would be$20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the partici-pant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be$177.50 ($17.75 x 10).

In calculating a person’s monthly payment, thePBGC will disregard any benefit increases that weremade under the plan within 60 months before theearlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency.Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retire-ment death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g.,a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if theparticipant dies after the plan terminates, benefitsabove the normal retirement benefit, disability ben-efits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits,such as health insurance, life insurance, death ben-efits, vacation pay, or severance pay.

Where to Get More InformationFor more information about this notice, you maycontact the Trustees of the National Electrical

Benefit Fund at (301) 556-4300, 2400 ResearchBoulevard, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850-3266.For more information about the PBGC and multiem-ployer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s web site,www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relayservice toll free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to beconnected to 1-800-400-7242).

Calculation of Plan’s FundingLevel Is Misleading

Please be aware that the Trustees believe the infor-mation set forth in the preceding Annual FundingNotice is not an accurate reflection of the NEBF’sactual funding status. Of particular note is the factthat the 70.65 “funded current liability percentage”figure in the section of the Notice entitled, “Plan’sFunding Level,” is misleading. In computing this fig-ure, IRS rules mandate that plans such as NEBF usea very conservative 5.77% interest rate assumption(i.e., expected average annual investment return)and very general actuarial assumptions (mortalityrates) that do not in many cases (such as here)match a particular plan’s actual experience. If, how-ever, the “funded current liability percentage” calcu-lation assumed a 7.00% estimated average annualrate of return (which, according to the NEBF’s invest-ment advisors and actuaries is more than reason-able given its current asset mix) and mortality ratesmodeled on the actual experience of NEBF partici-pants — figures the NEBF’s actuaries actually use inaccordance with federal law to prepare the actuarialvaluation for the NEBF’s Form 5500 annual report —the resulting figure would tell a starkly differentstory. Use of these more realistic assumptions wouldresult in a much healthier funded percentage of89.76%. The bottom line is that you can be assuredthat the Trustees believe there is very little risk of theNEBF becoming under-funded, let alone “financiallytroubled” or “insolvent,” in the near or distant future.

This is a summary of the annual report for theNational Electrical Benefit Fund, #53-0181657, for theyear ended December 31, 2006. The annual reporthas been filed with the Employee Benefits SecurityAdministration, as required under the EmployeeRetirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial StatementBenefits under the plan are provided by a trust. Planexpenses were $746,847,631. These expensesincluded $64,571,710 in administrative expensesand $682,275,921 in benefits paid to participantsand beneficiaries. A total of 481,494 persons wereparticipants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the endof the plan year, although not all of these personshad yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities ofthe plan, was $11,398,630,966 as of December 31,2006, compared to $10,566,642,221 as of January1, 2006. During the plan year the plan experiencedan increase in its net assets of $831,988,745. Thisincrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreci-

ation in the value of plan assets; that is, the differ-ence between the value of the plan’s assets at theend of the year and the value of the assets at thebeginning of the year or the cost of assets acquiredduring the year. The plan had total income of$1,578,836,376, including employer contributionsof $408,047,534, gains of $62,375,571 from thesale of assets, earnings from investments of$1,100,488,078, and other income of $7,925,193.

Minimum Funding StandardsAn actuary’s statement shows that enough money wascontributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordancewith the minimum funding standards of ERISA.

Your Rights to Additional InformationYou have the right to receive a copy of the fullannual report, or any part thereof, on request.The items listed below are included in that report:

• an accountant’s report;• financial information and information on

payments to service providers;

• assets held for investment;• loans or other obligations in default or

classified as uncollectible;• leases in default or classified as uncollectible;• insurance information, including sales

commissions paid by insurance carriers;• transactions in excess of 5 percent of

plan assets;• information regarding any common or

collective trusts, pooled separate accounts,master trusts, or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates; and

• actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or anypart thereof, write or call the office of the Trusteesof the National Electrical Benefit Fund, who are theplan administrators, 2400 Research Boulevard,Suite 500, Rockville, Maryland 20850-3266,(301) 556-4300. The charge to cover copying costswill be $29.75 for the full annual report, or $.25 perpage for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan admin-istrator, on request and at no charge, a statement ofthe assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanyingnotes, or a statement of income and expenses of theplan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request acopy of the full annual report from the plan administra-tor, these two statements and accompanying notes willbe included as part of that report. The charge to covercopying costs given above does not include a chargefor the copying of these portions of the report becausethese portions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally-protected right to examinethe annual report at the main office of the plan at2400 Research Boulevard, Suite 500, Rockville,Maryland 20850-3266, and at the U.S. Departmentof Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copyfrom the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment ofcopying costs. Requests to the Department shouldbe addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor,Employee Benefits Security Administration, PublicDisclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW,Room N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210.

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007 13

Notice to Participants in the National Electrical Annuity PlanExplanation of Preretirement Surviving Spouse Benefit

If you are married and die before retirement, NEAPwill provide your spouse with a PreretirementSurviving Spouse Benefit. Your spouse will receivethis benefit if: (1) you have satisfied the minimumeligibility requirement of 160 hours of service; (2)you have a balance in your Individual Account; (3)you die prior to receiving a pension benefit; (4) youare married; and (5) you have not previouslydeclined the Preretirement Surviving Spouse Benefit.

If you are entitled to a Preretirement SurvivingSpouse Benefit, NEAP will purchase an annuity con-tract from an insurance company for your spouse.The annuity contract will pay your surviving spouse amonthly benefit for life. Monthly payments will startwithin a reasonable period of time after your death.The amount of the monthly benefit depends upon

(1) the amount in your Individual Account; (2) yourspouse’s age (and, therefore, his/her life expectancyand prospective benefit payment period); and (3) theinsurance company’s price for annuity contracts.

Elections/ConsentsIf you are under age 35, your spouse will automati-cally receive the Preretirement Surviving SpouseBenefit upon your death (unless your spouse selectsa lump sum payment instead of the annuity). Youmay not decline the Preretirement Surviving SpouseBenefit unless you have permanently stopped work-ing in Covered Employment.

However, beginning the year you reach age 35 and at any time thereafter, you may decline thePreretirement Surviving Spouse Benefit. Your

spouse must consent in writing and the consentmust be witnessed by a representative of NEAP orby a notary public. Consent given by a spouse is noteffective as to a subsequent spouse.

You may revoke your election to decline thePreretirement Surviving Spouse Benefit at any time.You may again decline the Preretirement SurvivingSpouse Benefit at any time by executing the appro-priate form and obtaining your spouse’s consent.Your spouse may also revoke his/her consent at anytime. Contact the Plan Administrator’s Office for theappropriate forms.

Lump SumIf you decline the Preretirement Surviving SpouseBenefit, your Individual Account balance will be paid to

your designated surviving beneficiary in a lump sum. Ifyour designated surviving beneficiary is not yourspouse, your spouse must also consent to that as well,in order for it to be valid. If you have not designated abeneficiary (or your designated beneficiary is not livingat the time of your death), the balance will be paid tothe following persons, if living, in the following order ofpriority: (1) your spouse, (2) your children, (3) your par-ents, or (4) your estate. The total amount of moneyreceived as a lump sum may ultimately be different(either greater or lesser) than the total amount ofmoney your spouse would have received under thePreretirement Surviving Spouse Benefit. This isbecause the Preretirement Surviving Spouse Benefit isan annuity and depends on the time value of moneyand how long your spouse lives. Additional informationis available from the Plan Administrator’s Office.

2006 Summary Annual Report for the National Electrical Annuity Plan

This is a summary of the annual report for theNational Electrical Annuity Plan, #52-6132372, for theyear ended December 31, 2006. The annual reporthas been filed with the Employee Benefits SecurityAdministration, as required under the EmployeeRetirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial StatementBenefits under the plan are provided by a trust.Plan expenses were $82,884,381. These expensesincluded $8,130,785 in administrative expensesand $74,753,596 in benefits paid to participantsand beneficiaries. A total of 76,328 persons wereparticipants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end

of the plan year, although not all of these personshad yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities ofthe plan, was $2,271,474,132 as of December 31,2006, compared to $1,934,477,031 as of January 1,2006. During the plan year the plan experienced anincrease in its net assets of $336,997,101. Thisincrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreci-ation in the value of plan assets; that is, the differ-ence between the value of the plan’s assets at theend of the year and the value of the assets at thebeginning of the year or the cost of assets acquiredduring the year. The plan had total income of

$419,881,482, including employer contributions of$204,010,596, gains of $6,252,118 from the sale ofassets, earnings from investments of $209,317,362,and other income of $301,406.

Minimum Funding StandardsEnough money was contributed to the plan to keepit funded in accordance with the minimum fundingstandards of ERISA.

Your Rights to Additional InformationYou have the right to receive a copy of the fullannual report, or any part thereof, on request. Theitems listed below are included in that report:

• an accountant’s report;• financial information and information on

payments to service providers;• assets held for investment;• transactions in excess of 5 percent of

plan assets;• insurance information, including sales com-

missions paid by insurance carriers; and• information regarding any common or collective

trusts, pooled separate accounts, mastertrusts, or 103-12 investment entities in whichthe plan participates.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or anypart thereof, write or call the office of the Trusteesof the National Electrical Annuity Plan, who are theplan administrators, 2400 Research Boulevard,Suite 500, Rockville, Maryland 20850-3266, (301)556-4300. The charge to cover copying costs willbe $10.75 for the full annual report, or $.25 perpage for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the planadministrator, on request and at no charge, a state-ment of the assets and liabilities of the plan andaccompanying notes, or a statement of income andexpenses of the plan and accompanying notes, orboth. If you request a copy of the full annual reportfrom the plan administrator, these two statementsand accompanying notes will be included as part ofthat report. The charge to cover copying costs givenabove does not include a charge for the copying ofthese portions of the report because these portionsare furnished without charge.

You also have the legally-protected right to examinethe annual report at the main office of the plan at2400 Research Boulevard, Suite 500, Rockville,Maryland 20850-3266, and at the U.S. Departmentof Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copyfrom the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment ofcopying costs. Requests to the Department shouldbe addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor,Employee Benefits Security Administration, PublicDisclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW,Room N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210.

Tune in to celebrate the success of our Brothers andSisters across North America!Click on our “Feature Story” this month to see the latest and greatestadvancements in the industry, all on display for the first time at theNational Training Institute (NTI). And while you’re on the site, be sureto click on our “Out of the Box” segment, which showcases thisyear’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, IBEW style! Fire up that computerand race over to IBEWHourPower.com.

ElectricTV.net showcases the teamwork of IBEW-NECA that makes us the best choice for the customer!The IBEW-NECA team boasts a formal training program second tonone. How does that translate to making us the electricians of choicefor the customer? Also—It was the kind of place you would NEVERwant to spend any time in. Now, it’s a luxury attraction. We’ll show howthe IBEW-NECA team is helping turn a jail into a high-end hotel indowntown Boston. All that andmore, now on ElectricTV.net.

IBEWHourPower.comYour “IBEW TV Network” delivered online

W ith organized labor poised to play a major role indeciding the next president of the United States, theIBEW can expect to see a lot of candidates looking

for our support. But what are our members looking for in acandidate, and what issues do they see as vital in 2008?

Recently we commissioned a national survey of IBEWmembers on the 2008 presidential election. While only aninitial poll, its results speak loudly and any candidate lookingfor the IBEW’s endorsement should take note.

Our members are looking for a president who will make aclean break with policies of the last seven years. While most ofthose polled are not settled on any particular candidate, theyare impressed by the leading Democratic contenders. Butwhen asked their opinion of the Republican candidates—the

party that has up until recently dominated Washington—a majority volunteered that they didnot think any of them would do a good job in the White House. This is the highest negativeapproval ratings for the Republican Party that we have seen in over 12 years of member polling.

And with health care, Social Security, and good jobs topping the issues poll, IBEW membersare looking for a candidate who will make protecting and expanding the middle class a top priority.

I don’t need to remind you what a disaster for working families the last seven years havebeen. Declining incomes, lost jobs and corporate dominance have systematically eaten awayat our standard of living. Our members are looking for a president who can provide realchange, not four more years of the same.

Any candidate that wants the IBEW’s support needs to show us that they can take on thecorporate special interests that have encased themselves in our nation’s capital, and promote aworking families agenda: providing every American access to quality health care, protecting ourhard-earned pensions and Social Security and creating good jobs that can grow our middleclass. I urge every IBEW member in the United States to study closely the positions of all thecandidates to see who can best accomplish these tasks. And through our grassroots politicalmobilization program, we will mobilize and educate our members to keep the spotlight on work-ing families through 2008 and beyond.

I n t e r n a t i o n a l B r o t h e r h o o d o f E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r s

HOW TO REACH US

We welcome letters from our readers. The writer should include his or her name, address and, ifapplicable, IBEW local union number and card number. Family members should include the localunion number of the IBEW member to whom The Electrical Worker is mailed. Please keep lettersas brief as possible. The Electrical Worker reserves the right to select letters for publication and editall submissions for length.

Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Electrical Worker, 900 Seventh Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001Or send by e-mail to: publications@ibew.org

©2007 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A on Union-made paper.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Electrical Worker, 900 Seventh Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20001. The Electrical Worker will not be held responsible for views expressed by correspondents. Paid advertising is not accepted.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40011756 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to B&M Mailing Services Limited, 35 VanKirk Drive, Unit 15, Brampton, Ontario L7A1A5.E-mail: bmmail@bellnet.ca

The Electrical Worker was the name of the first official publication ofthe National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1893 (the NBEWbecame the IBEW in 1899 with the expansion of the union intoCanada). The name and format of the publication have changed overthe years. This newspaper, along with the IBEW Journal magazine,now published quarterly, now constitute the official publications ofthe IBEW and seek to capture the courage and spirit that motivatedthe founders of the Brotherhood and continue to inspire the union’smembers today. The masthead of this newspaper is an adaptation ofthat of the first edition in 1893.

14 T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007

As Americans contemplated the terrifying end of thosewho plunged to their deaths in August from a col-lapsed Minnesota bridge, I thought about how many

times the building trades had tried to wake up the nation tothe steep costs of ignoring our deteriorating infrastructure.Like the TV coverage from New Orleans after Katrina, imagesof the bridge were accomplishing what we could not.

A day before the failure of Minnesota I-35’s span over theMississippi, another bridge fell in California. A few weeksbefore that, an 80-year-old steam pipe exploded in Manhattan,killing one and injuring many more. The story of a crumblingAmerica is finally getting out. But how did we get so messedup to begin with?

Consider Minnesota, where Republican Gov. TimPawlenty vetoed a bipartisan transportation bill in 2005 thatcalled for an $8 billion investment in highways, roads and transit over the next decade. MaybePawlenty really believed his party’s leaders who win elections by convincing working folksthat “smaller government” and “lower taxes” will help them.

Who’s fooling who? State and federal tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals and corporationshave left less money for everything from job training to maintaining roads and public services.These tax policies, along with trade agreements that have put millions of Americans out of work,are part of the problem, not the solution. As for “smaller government,” watch what we ask for.

Union workers are now being sidelined after Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, a former Bushadministration official, sold the operation of the 160-mile Indiana toll road—for the next 75years—to a consortium of Spanish and Australian businesses.

Privatization and feeding the greedy won’t solve the problems of our crashing infrastruc-ture. We can honor the victims of Minnesota’s tragedy only by pushing for public investmentthat will put Americans to work. From roads and bridges to our power grid and broadbandtelecommunications systems, it’s time to rebuild.

EXECUTIVEOFFICERS

Edwin D. HillInternational President

Jon F. WaltersInternational Secretary-Treasurer

INTERNATIONALEXECUTIVECOUNCIL

ChairmanRobert W. Pierson

First DistrictJoseph P. Calabro

Second DistrictMyles J. Calvey

Third DistrictJohn R. Clarke

Fourth DistrictJackie E. Goodwin

Fifth DistrictStephen Schoemehl

Sixth DistrictGregory A. Lucero

Seventh DistrictPatrick Lavin

Eighth DistrictRick Dowling

INTERNATIONALVICE PRESIDENTS

First DistrictPhillip J. Flemming

Second DistrictFrank J. Carroll

Third DistrictDonald C. Siegel

Fourth DistrictSalvatore J. Chilia

Fifth DistrictJoe S. Davis

Sixth DistrictJoseph F. Lohman

Seventh DistrictJonathan B. Gardner

Eighth DistrictTed C. Jensen

Ninth DistrictMichael S. Mowrey

Tenth DistrictRobert P. Klein

Eleventh DistrictLindell K. Lee

THE ELECTRICALWORKER

EditorEdwin D. Hill

DEPARTMENT STAFF

C. James Spellane

Mark Brueggenjohann

Mike Nugent

Malinda Brent

Len Shindel

Carol Fisher

Alex Hogan

Elizabeth Pultar

Jon F. WaltersInternational Secretary-Treasurer

Rebuild America’s Infrastructure

Beyond Bush

Edwin D. HillInternational President

F R O M T H E O F F I C E R S

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007 15

The opening ceremoniesof the 37th IBEWInternational Convention

in Cleveland last year includedthe presentation of two cere-monial gavels crafted by mem-bers of the IBEW from the hostFourth District. One of thegavels was made of cherrywood by Mark Abe, a 34-yearmember of Cumberland, Md.,Local 307. Woodworking is notthe Abe family’s only contribu-tion to the IBEW. The familyincludes five other journeymeninside wiremen covering threegenerations of the Abe family.One of them, Mark Abe’s step-brother, Local 307 Business Manager RichardCarder, presented the gavel to President Hill atthe Convention.

In June, Mark Abe, his father Virgil Abe, aformer member of Local 307’s executive board,and first cousin Ron Abe, traveled to Washington,D.C. to tour the IBEW museum. “I read about themuseum in the IBEW Journal and I thought itwould be a great chance to spend some timewith my Dad,” Mark Abe said. The visit turnedout to be even more special than a nostalgicwalk through the IBEW’s past.

Prior to leaving Cumberland, Mark Abe hade-mailed Senior Executive Assistant to the IBEWSecretary-Treasurer Jim Combs, a close friendand former business manager of Local 307, totell him he was coming. He even brought alongJim’s brother, John, a former IBEW member ofLuke, Md., Local 1653.

While visiting Combs’s office, the groupwas shocked when President Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Walters invited them into their offices,where they held an impromptu ceremony, pre-senting Virgil with his 60-year pin, Ron with his50-year pin and Mark with his 35-year pin.

Virgil Abe, 87, completed his journeymanwireman apprenticeship after World War II serv-ice in the Army Signal Corps and traveled toDelaware and Baltimore when work at home wasslack. Now retired, he stays busy building pondsand patios and gardening with his wife Ruth.Virgil Abe said he is saddened by the decline ofmanufacturing in his Western Maryland region,including the shutdown of a Pittsburgh PlateGlass plant, which he helped to build. Life wasn’talways easy, he says, remembering “asking fora quarter in contract talks and making six trips tothe negotiating table to get a nickel,” but “I feeljust wonderful that my family followed me intothe IBEW.”

“The International headquarters and theIBEW museum were magnificent,” says Ron Abe,whose brother Richard, a 46-year Local 307member, couldn’t make the trip to D.C. becausehe is suffering from a serious illness. His son,Brian, a member of Washington, D.C. Local 26who lives in Spotsylvania, Va., was busy that dayas an employee of Freestate Electric.

“I’m proud of the good living that the IBEWhas provided for my family,” says Ron Abe, whocared for his wife Elizabeth for 13 years beforeher death in April. “I’m also proud of the accom-plishments of Local 307 members Jim Combsand Fourth District International RepresentativeBrian Malloy and I’m proud of how the IBEW setsthe precedent for other trades.”

“I’m sure our family is only one of many whohave contributed generations of service to oneorganization,” says Carder. “I am very proud to bepart of the 233 years of service this family haspledged to the IBEW; and we haven’t finishedyet.” The family’s labor went far beyondCumberland, says Carder, who, like Mark Abe andothers, traveled for long stretches to projects fromthe subways of New York City to power plants andcommercial jobs in Pittsburgh, Steubenville, Ohio,and Parkersburg, W.Va. z

Traveling a Well-Worn Path

Lettersto the EditorLettersto the Editor If you have a story to tell about your IBEW experience, please send it to

publications@ibew.org.

Who We Are

What DoYou Think?

Due to production schedules and time constraints,we will now print responses to “What Do YouThink?” on the Web site. To review responses toearlier questions and to answer the following query,go to www.ibew.org.

This month’s question:Do you believe the global climate change threat is real, and if so,what can be done to curb it?

President Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Walters honor contributions ofthe Abe family to Cumberland, Md., Local 307. From left are Ron Abe,50-year pin; Virgil Abe, 60-year pin; Mark Abe, 35-year pin.

Honoring the WorkerBelow is a copy of a poem I composed last year as I was contemplating the approachingLabor Day holiday, as well as those long since passed. I’d like to wish everyone a HappyLabor Day 2007!

Working Class Hero (for the New Millennium)

The working class hero struggles to his feet,and finds himself back out on the street.His proud, painful past incomplete.

With legacy well founded in freedom and faith,step forth in whose footprints as not to betray,a debt so exacted from all yesterdays.

But carry and keep them, each day if you will.For future generations we hope to instill.Lest not that their dreams be left unfulfilled.

The working class hero struggles to his feet,and fins himself back out on the street.His proud, painful past incomplete.

George SmithLocal 716 member, Houston, Texas

Undercutting AmericansI just read [President Hill’s editorial] in The Electrical Worker newspaper and was veryhappy to read I am not alone on this issue of immigration. It was disappointing to speakwith one of our Local 11 staff members about illegal immigrants only to hear he doesn’twant to take a stand because it might upset one of our Latin/Spanish brothers.

It’s good to know someone else gets it. Every day I’m learning something new aboutthis administration’s hatred for American labor organizations and American jobs. I wasable to learn a lot from some videos that might be interesting, if you ever get any freetime. One is of Sen. Byron Dorgan (D) North Dakota; he talks about all my concerns withemployment. The second is a group of lawyers telling their clients how to skirt the law onthe H1B visa program to further undercut workers in this country.

Kevin Barry CorcoranLocal 11 member, Los Angeles

Put Me on the BooksWith the price of Bush’s gasoline these days, can anyone figure out how we can put ourname on several books, from our own local union hall? Using the technology of the com-puter, I don’t see why this would be hard to do. Once you get the job, the hall hiring couldtake your name off all books until you are laid off once again, then you could start theprocess all over again. Would that be so hard?

Alan RaffertyLocal 1701 member, Owensnboro, Ky.

If you would like to receive yourElectrical Worker via e-mail instead of in your mailbox, contact us atpublications@ibew.org. Give us yourname, IBEW local union number, cardnumber and e-mail address and we will send you the link to access TheElectrical Worker electronically.

Get Connected

16 T h e E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r x September 2007

Windsor Local’s SuccessL.U. 773 (as,em,i,mo&o), WINDSOR, ONTARIO,CANADA—Local 773 elections were held in June.Elected were: Bus. Mgr. Sol Furer, Pres. EdMcDowell, Vice Pres. Sean Bristow; Rec. Sec. KipStratichuk; Executive Board members Norm Ball,Dana Chappell, Karl Lovett, Jeff McPherson andMark Stobbs; and Examining Board member RayParis. Thanks to all the members who were willingto do their part for the local.

Local 773 has been very successful at theLabour Relations Board and in the courts toestablish once and for all that the local union hasconstruction bargaining rights, in the county aswell as in the city, with our Public School Board.The local union is defending itself in what is nowa four-year battle with the Public School Board toretain our bargaining rights for work on all of ourschools. The school board wants to decertify theunion, as they call themselves a “non-construc-tion employer,” and they want to use formerOntario premier Mike Harris’s changed languagein the Labour Relations Act to help them.

David Spencer, P.S.

Service Award HonoreesL.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL—Our annual cook-out and service pin presentation in the springwas a huge success. We were honored to havemany brothers who paved the road to Local 915’sfuture in attendance. Receiving 50-year pins wereHarold Hudson, Franklin Johnson, Robert Kaiser,Ronald LaPierre, Faustino Mayo and RobertMcIntyre; a 55-year pin—Andrew Dean; 60-yearpins—Joseph G. Cain, John Graham and WilliamStephenson; and a 65-year pin—Victor Moore.Congratulations to these and all members whoreceived service pins. We are proud of you all.

Our Brother of the Year Award recipientwas Bro. Ken Brewer. Ken was honored for hisdedication to our local. He is also one of ourApprentice Instructors whose true mission is toproduce quality craftsmen for IBEW’s future.Congratulations, Ken!

Our work party helped prep the grounds for abusy storm season. Thanks go to: Bill Dever, BruceBarrow, Randall King, Larry Jenkins, Buddy Wade,Clyde Tucker, Robert Ray, Karen Hill, TheresaKing, John Keefer, Mike Dearden, Roce Simpson,John Dehmel, David McCraw and Stan Lenas.

Theresa King, P.S.

Safety Advocate PostL.U. 1049 (lctt,o&u), LONG ISLAND, NY—TheIBEW was founded to address concerns regardingsafety. Over 100 years ago the founders secretlygathered to share safe work practices and to formour Brotherhood. In keeping with the IBEW’s tradi-tion of safety, Local 1049 recently negotiated asafety advocate’s position in our Electric Design andConstruction Department. Unfortunately, we havehad several accidents and numerous disciplinaryactions due to safety practices, or the lack thereof.Bus. Manager Bob Shand has appointed ExecutiveBoard member Ronald Bauer as our IBEW safetyadvocate. It is Bro. Bauer’s job to answer any ques-tions about safety and work practices and proce-dures, as well as to analyze and ensure that all jobsare progressing in a safe and efficient manner.

In May, our Gas Craft Division membersoverwhelmingly ratified a new four-year agree-ment. The agreement includes general wageincreases of 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6 percent, respectively.Over the four years, the employer-paid annuitygoes to 18 percent. The new contract also callsfor increases to the employer-funded Health andWelfare Fund in each year of the contract, and forestablishing a Health Reimbursement Account.Congratulations to Bus. Mgr. Shand and his nego-tiating committee for a great contract.

Thomas J. Dowling, R.S.

Union ActivitiesL.U. 1205 (em,govt,i&u), GAINESVILLE, FL—The work situation is good at press time and itstands a good chance of getting even better soon.

Local 1205 recently held its election of offi-cers. Elected were: Bus. Mgr. Matt Meadows, Pres.Lanny Mathis, Vice Pres. James Ingle, Rec. Sec. ZotSzurgot, Treas. Shawn Graves; Executive Boardmembers Buck Hill, Vernon Bernard, John BurchJr., Ray Yanke Sr., Tommy Ward; and ExaminingBoard members Jamie Veatch, Steve Ever, RayYanke Jr. and Trey Ross. Good luck, brothers.

This year has been very busy for us! We helda crawfish boil for the vote count (many thanksto Curt Davis and Sandy Hale for cooking); theannual W.S. Brown bream tournament; two TexasHold’em tournaments benefiting the sick andneedy; and a retirement party for our office man-ager, Maggie Stallings. Congratulations, “MissMaggie.” Many thanks to everyone who helpedwith the work for all these celebrations.

Congratulations to Bros. Junior Beard andLewis Friedman, who received their 60-year pins.

At this writing we were looking forward to aJuly 28 journeyman versus apprentice softball game.Don’t forget the local’s annual Labor Day picnic. Ihope everyone can attend and enjoys the outing.

Lanny Mathis, Pres.

Four Members RetireL.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY, MD—Congratulationsto recent Local 1307 retirees: Geoff Haley, AlanKing, William Hall and Mike Dennis.

Bro. Haley began work at Delmarva Power in1981 as a fuel handler at the Indian River powerplant. He advanced through the ranks to qualifiedmachinist and retired Feb. 8, 2007. At the time ofhis retirement the plant was owned by NRG. Geoffalso served on numerous local union committees.

Bro. Alan King retired from NRG on Feb. 16,2007. He began at the Indian River power plant in1982 as a laborer and later became a fuel handler.

Bro. William Hall started with ChoptankElectric Co-op in 1970 as an apprentice linemanand became a journeyman lineman in1973. Heretired as chief lineman Feb. 23, 2007.

Bro. Mike Dennis began at Delmarva Power in1969 as a laborer at Indian River power plant. Headvanced through the ranks and became a quali-fied instrument technician. Over the years Mikeserved Local 1307 as an E-Board member, financialsecretary and committee member. In 1994 Mikewas elected Local 1307 president. He chose not torun in the 2006 election and returned to the plantas a senior control specialist. Mike retired fromNRG Feb. 28, 2007. Happy retirement to all.

E.D. Sparks, F.S.

Anchorage UpdateL.U. 1547 (c,em,i,o,t&u), ANCHORAGE, AK—Local1547 and the Alaska Chapter of NECA have joinedtogether for a television advertising campaign. Thefirst spot, entitled “Half Way,” began airing this sum-mer and will continue into 2008. The commercialwas filmed at the Tom Cashen and Kornfiend JATCtraining facilities. More joint advertising is beingplanned for the future. Alaska NECA and Local 1547co-sponsor Anchorage’s biggest and most popularcommunity celebration, the NECA/IBEW New Year’sEve Fire and Ice Show in town square.

An IBEW Shop Steward Conference will beheld Oct. 26-28. The conference is Alaska’s pre-mier labor training conference and attracts morethan 200 stewards from across the state. A LaborManagement Cooperation Committee meetingwill follow the conference.

IBEW 1547 Bus. Mgr. Larry Bell and otherswere successful in their efforts to have project laboragreement (PLA) language added to the Alaska GasInducement Act (AGIA). AGIA is legislationdesigned to encourage expedited construction of anatural gas pipeline, which will commercializeNorth Slope gas, promote exploration, and encour-age North Slope leaseholders to commit to shiptheir gas across Alaska through a gas line. TheAssociated Building Contractors (ABC) had aggres-sively lobbied the governor and Alaska Legislatureagainst having PLA language in the bill.

Melinda Taylor, P.S.

Officers ElectedL.U. 1701 (catv,ees,i,o&u), OWENSBORO, KY—Although our work has been slow, we have beenbusy the past few months. Construction branchmembers unanimously ratified a one-year agree-ment with NECA for a 3.3 percent wage and ben-efit package increase. We thank the negotiating

team: Bros. Mike Likens, Mike Roby, TerryStearsman and Bus. Mgr. Gary Osborne.

Local 1701 elected officers in all branches inJune. Elected were: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. GaryOsborne, Pers. Richard Thomson, Vice Pres. GaryBrown, Treas. Alan Rafferty; Executive Board mem-bers David Carrico, Cliff Greenwell, Joe McBride,Ashley Payne, Steve Thomson and Tim West. BigRivers election results: Chmn. Tom Howard, ViceChmn. Mike Thomas, Recorder Danny Gish;Executive Committee members Marty Hite and JimRoth. Western Kentucky Energy results: Chmn. TimWest, Vice Chmn. Pat Kellems, Recorder RobertMelloy; Executive Committee Nobel Denton, JerryParker, Chris Mattingly and Jerry Wilson. Thanks toall election judges and tellers.

Remember state elections in November. For the governor’s race, Local 1701 endorsesDemocract Steve Beshear, running against incum-bent Republican Ernie Fletcher. Let’s not forgetGov. Fletcher’s attacks on organized labor and thescandals he created in the state Capitol. We willsend a newsletter to members noting other stateoffice endorsements.

We mourn the passing of retired memberRandall Shutt. May he rest in peace.

Tim Blandford, P.S.

Solidarity & SupportL.U. 1749 (u), NEW JOHNSONVILLE, TN—Welcome to the SGPO (steam generator plantoperator) class at Allen steam plant in Memphis.That class is about eight weeks into their training.

Cumberland city steam plant will be interview-ing for its next SGPO class and also hiring two elec-trical tech II’s for the yard. The combustion turbineyard at Gleason is also looking for a senior instru-ment tech and electrical tech. Cumberland will belooking for a couple of electrical trainees and instru-ment maintenance trainees around October.

Please stay active in your union. Come to themeetings and stay informed. TVA is rapidly chang-ing and our solidarity and support is needed. Aunion is only as strong as its weakest member.

The Local 1749 Executive Board appointedChester “Kim” Dawson as local union businessmanager/president to fill the post vacated byJeffrey Rosentreter, who resigned effective June 18.

Members, please make sure the local has yourcurrent address information. The International hadeach local to appoint a registrar to assure thateveryone is informed about issues important toworking folks and that members are registered tovote. So many issues affect our jobs, such as theMcConnell-Bunning bill in the U.S. Senate to pri-vatize TVA. Seven of the nine-member TVA boardsupport this. Keep informed and don’t vote yourstandard of living away.

Mark J. DeJuliis, P.S./E-Board

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Local 915 Apprentice Instructor Ken Brewer (center)receives Brother of the Year Award. From left, Local 915Bus.Mgr. Bill Dever, Brewer, and Pres. Randall King.

Local 1749 congratulates members attending the 2007 SGPO class at the Allen steam plant inMemphis, TN. From left are: Mark Clark, CamearaHarris, Bart Tolbert, Katerna Parnell, Orlando Brassel,Cassidy Chandler, Kim Kuhns and Mike Hatley.

IBEW Long Island, NY,Local 1049 crews restoredpower to the neighborhoodof President Bill Clintonand Sen. Hillary RodhamClinton after a severestorm. The 1049 crewsmet up with Pres. Clintonand his dog, Seamus, whowere out for a walk.