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The clanking rhythm of oil pumps ringout day and night in the small deserttown of Eunice, N.M., bordering WestTexas. Oil has been the town’s bread

and butter for decades.But now Eunice is on its way to becoming

one of the country’s leading centers for theproduction of enriched uranium, a key nuclearfuel. It is the first civilian nuclear facility builtin the United States in more than 30 years.

Construction of the facility has beenproceeding under a unique alliance of theIBEW and three member companies of theNational Electrical Contractors Association.

The $1.5 billion National EnrichmentFacility, which began construction last year,will enrich enough low-yield uranium to pro-duce 5 percent of the nation’s energy needswhen the plant goes fully online in 2015. TheUnited States now gets most of its enricheduranium from Europe and Russia.

Nuclear power hasn’t seen much domesticgrowth since the last major oil crisis more than30 years ago, but rising oil prices and concernsabout global climate change have convincedmany government and industry leaders to takea second look at the energy source.

More than 70 percent of the facility’splanned uranium output over the next 10 yearshas already been sold to existing nuclear reac-tors and the soon-to-be increased supply ofprocessed uranium is already sparking calls forthe construction of new ones.

James Ferland, former president ofLouisiana Energy Services, a nuclear power

consortium behind the facility, told the NewYork Times that the nuclear industry viewedthe go-ahead for the plant’s construction byfederal and state officials as a bellwether forfuture nuclear construction.

“Nuclear power is an important energysource for our future so we need to makesure the IBEW and NECA are taking the leadin doing the work,” said Albuquerque Local611 Business Manager Chris Frentzel.

But in order to make sure the plant wasbuilt union, the IBEW and NECA contractorshad to pool their collective resources to getit done.

The sheer size of the facility made it dif-ficult for just one contractor to handle all thework. “The job would require a huge invest-ment from the contractor—$60 to $80 mil-lion—and that ruled out most local people,”said Linn Gamblin, construction coordinatorfor Rust Contractors, a management contrac-tor hired by L.E.S. to supervise construction.

So three NECA contractors who origi-nally bid on the job separately—PrimeElectric, Rosendin Electric, and Budwine

Service Electric—were encouraged by theIBEW to combine their forces to create ajoint company, Trico Power, LLC.

“The whole thing was looking like itwould go nonunion before the contractorsgot together,” said Seventh District OrganizerDick Wells.

According to Seventh District VicePresident Jon Gardner, “an emphasis on build-ing a partnership with the community, the cus-tomer, the contractors and Local 611 was a keyfactor in securing this project as a union job.”

Another factor in helping the project gounion was the IBEW’s and NECA’s ability toattract experienced and trained electriciansto a remote area where skilled labor was inshort supply.

The facility broke ground more than ayear ago, and currently employs more than 100IBEWmembers, with an additional 400 electri-cians needed soon. It is expected that it willtake eight years for the plant to be fully com-pleted, but the company hopes that it can startenriching uranium as early as next year. �

2Organizing win at Alberta oil sands

Unions negotiate new Verizon pact

3North of 49°

4Transitions

5Local Lines

12NEBF/NEAP notices

14Editorials

Letters to the Editor

Who We Are

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. 2 | No. 9 | September 2008

I N T H I S I S S U E

IBEW, NECA Contractors Help LeadNuclear Renaissance in New Mexico

Albuquerque Local 611 members on the site of the $1.5 billion National Enrichment Facility in New Mexico.Clockwise from bottom center are Ralph Garcia, Pete Barrera, Brad McCarson, Joseph Carl, Jonas Jaramillo,Ken Ziegler and Daniel Harbst.

2 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008

Bargaining teams representing 65,000IBEW and Communications Workersof America members reached a ten-tative three-year agreement with

Verizon on Aug. 10, preserving healthcare ben-efits for current members and retirees,expanding organizing opportunities for theunions and providing wage increases.

The deal came a week after the partiesstopped the clock at the expiration of their five-year contract. It followed an intense weekend ofaround-the-clock bargaining and came togetheronly hours before a midnight strike deadline.

The new agreement provides a 10.5 per-cent wage increase over the life of the contract,preserves fully paid health care premiums forcurrent members and retirees and, perhapsmost important, extends an opportunity formore than 600 former MCI technicians cur-rently employed by Verizon Business to becomeunion members.

“It finally gets our foot in the door atVerizon Business,” said Myles Calvey, busi-ness manager of Boston Local 2222 andSecond District International ExecutiveCouncil member. “Once other workers seethe benefits that come with union member-ship, it’s going to kickstart organizing there.”

More than 100 of the new members inNew England and New Jersey will be repre-sented by the IBEW.

In all, the CWA represents 50,000 workerscovered under the agreement and the IBEWrepresents 15,000.

Bargaining, which began in earnest lastspring, was preceded by large union rallies inmajor cities throughout the East Coast.

Just minutes before the previous contractwas set to expire Aug 2, negotiators agreed tocontinue bargaining, finally coming to anagreement on Aug 10.

The pact must be ratified by members,but union leaders are confident that they willhave their support. “The e-mails and callsI’ve received indicate that there is a lot ofbacking for the agreement,” said EastWindsor, N.J., Local 827 Business ManagerJohn Miller. The local represents more than7,000 Verizon workers.

The contract covers Verizon workers in10 states in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic

but mobilization activ-ities included Verizonunion members com-panywide. “This con-tract sets the standardfor everyone workingat Verizon, so we madesure everyone wasinvolved,” saidTelecommunicationsDepartment DirectorMartha Pultar.

Rising healthcare costs made med-ical benefits one ofthe top issues for theunions. Current mem-ber and retiree bene-

fits remain untouched, but future hires willhave a fixed dollar per year contribution bythe company toward retiree medical coverage.

“What made it happen was the powerthat comes from the solidarity of more than60,000 workers,” Miller said.

Verizon also agreed to contribute $2million a year to a national health carereform initiative.

“We won a fair agreement,” Miller said.“But bargaining on the next contract startstoday. After almost a year of solidarity, themotivation of members remains high so I’mconfident we can both defend what ourunion has won and keep the door open tononunion workers at the company.” �

IBEW, CWA Reach Agreement With Verizon

Acoordinated organizing campaign bylocal unions from the shores ofNewfoundland to the remote forestsof Alberta has brought IBEW repre-

sentation to over 400 electricians andopened up opportunities for hundreds moreon Canada’s oil sands project, the largestindustrial venture in North America.

Combining organizing with rigorous legaland political challenges, Edmonton, Alberta,Local 424 defeated efforts of employers to lockhundreds of electricians, including “temporaryworkers” from other nations, into sweetheartcontracts with the Christian Labour Associationof Canada, a longtime union adversary.Founded in 1952 as an “alternative union” tothe mainstream labor movement, CLAC has ahistory of involvement in right-wing, anti-laboractivities. (See “The Bosses Favorite Union,”The Electrical Worker, September 2007.)

“This was a landmark victory,” saysLocal 424 Business Manager Tim Brower.“There is real excitement here in Albertathat will go a long way as more workers onthe oil sands get a taste of IBEW unionismand solidarity.”

The organizing campaign focused onBasilian and Berry Y&V, contractors withCanadian National Resources Ltd, one of thelargest of a dozen oil companies developingthe world’s second largest oil reserve behindSaudi Arabia.

The projects involve clear-cutting forestsand moving tons of earth to locations where oilcan be extracted, or pumping steam into the

ground to heat the mixture of bitumen, a semi-solid form of crude oil to the surface. Most ofthe crude is transported to the U.S. for refining.(See “Immense Oil Sands Project ChallengesUnions,” The Electrical Worker, August 2007).

CNRL invited Basilian’s parent companyonto their site and encouraged the firm torecognize the CLAC, blocking any organizingby the Brotherhood.

Local 424 began organizing at the expi-ration of CLAC’s contract during an openperiod mandated by the Alberta Labour Codethat permits employees to decertify theirbargaining relationship or replace theirunion with another.

Aided by travelers, mostly fromNewfoundland and eastern Canada who con-stituted about 30 percent of the work force,Local 424 familiarized the work force withthe superior features of Local 424’s provincial

construction agreement. This resonated withworkers who were already complaining aboutdisparities between electricians in reimburse-ments for travel expenses and overtime pay.

In February, Local 424 filed petitions forrepresentation elections at Basilian andBerry Y&V. Elections were held, but chal-lenges from CLAC and the employers keptthe ballot box sealed.

Local 424 reached a settlement withCNRL that made Brotherhood organizerswho were fired during the campaign wholefor their lost wages and travel expenses.And the companies agreed to count thesealed ballots, and to recognize the IBEWif a majority of the workers voted toreject CLAC.

The vote at Basilian was 232 to 154 forthe IBEW. At Berry Y&V, the IBEW wasrejected by a vote of 140 to 103.

Under the settlement with CNRL, 400electricians will cease employment withBasilian and begin working for a new signa-tory company, Northern Alberta ConstructorsLtd. CNRL will recognize Local 424’s provin-cial construction agreement, with a few mod-ifications, until 2009 and avoid lengthylitigation between the parties.

Although IBEW did not prevail at BerryY&V, the settlement and growing labor demandwill provide many workers there the opportu-nity to move over to the new signatory firm.

“The eastern locals are truly great inLocal 424’s eyes for standing up throughoutthe campaign,” says First DistrictInternational Representative and WesternMembership Development RepresentativeLarry Schell. Local 424 Lead Organizer AlBrown and Organizers Eric Carpendale andRod McVicar coordinated the campaign. �

Hundreds of New Members Pump Up Alberta Local

Boston Local 2222 members celebrate a good agreement—and welcomenew Verizon Business members—at the Aug. 12 ratification vote.

IBEWMEMBERSHIPCARDS

COMING SOON TO A WALLET NEAR YOUYou know you’re one of the best trainedelectrical workers anywhere in the world.You are a member of the IBEW.

Soon, you will have a new high-tech proofof membership.

Starting this fall, all IBEW memberswill receive membership cards.Keep an eye out for mail from the I.O.

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008 3

for long-term illnesses and retiree healthcare benefits contributed to low morale.

Two years before the June 30 contractexpiration, Wacheski invited company officialsto join him in asking the Ministry of Labour fora relationship-building course. The curricu-lum, offered to all employers and unions inOntario, has led to improvements at otherIBEW-organized workplaces. Horizon declined.

On June 16, Local 636 presented aneleventh-hour tentative agreement toemployees. While the agreement includedsome monetary improvements, membersvoted to reject the proposal because it stillfailed to address pay inequities.

The new agreement harmonizes morerates of pay, boosts wages in the first year ofthe contract and improves benefits.

The Horizon strike and settlement waswidely covered in provincial newspapers andby workers in other bargaining units, includingGuelph Hydro. That IBEW-organized utility—where the parties engaged in the province’srelationship-building course—is in the processof merging with Horizon.

The Guelph Mercury newspaper pro-vided regular coverage of the strike andquestioned the decision by the Guelph board

of directors to consider merging with a utilitythat gives little credence to employee-man-agement relations.

Ontario, once served by over 300 sepa-rate utility companies, now contains 85.Wacheski says that the provincial govern-ment wants to end up with only 10. The sameprocess is taking place elsewhere in Canada.

A union bulletin distributed during thestrike offers a warning to other companies thatfail to properly weigh future mergers’ impacton employees. “There are some things thatmoney just can’t buy,” says the leaflet. “Fromour perspective, at the heart of this matter isthe question of dignity, not dollars.” �

Les relations patronales-syndicales déjàtendues, ont été rompues au mois dejuin dernier, lorsque 300 travailleurs àl’emploi de la société Horizon Utilities

en Ontario ont décidé d’ériger des lignes depiquetage. Les membres de la section locale636 sont restés fermes pendant que la sectionlocale menait une campagne auprès de lacommunauté environnante visant à lesinformer du manque de respect démontré parl’employeur envers ses employés, depuis lafusion en 2005, de deux sociétés syndiquées.

Après trois semaines de grève, une nou-velle convention collective a finalement étératifiée. Les monteurs de lignes, les opéra-teurs de sous-station ainsi que les préposésau service à la clientèle ont voté à 73% enfaveur de l’offre patronale.

“Après toutes ces journées sur les lignesde piquetage, nos membres à l’emploi de lasociété Horizon sont devenus de vrais mili-tants syndicaux” a déclaré le gérant d’af-faires, Rick Wacheski.

La société Horizon Utilities a été créée

en 2005 suite à la fusion de deux sociétés deservices publics, celles de Hamilton et deSt.Catharines. Une convention collective detravail avait été négociée pour les employésde chacune de ces sociétés avec la sectionlocale 636 dont la juridiction couvre laprovince de l’Ontario.

Après la fusion, la section locale a tentéd’ajuster les salaires et autres prestations pourtous les travailleurs regroupés sous la mêmebannière, mais Horizon a continué derémunérer plusieurs employés—accomplis-sant les mêmes tâches—à des taux de salairesdifférents. Les disparités sur le plan de lasécurité du revenu dans les cas d’invalidité àlong terme ainsi que sur les prestations auxretraités pour les soins de santé, ont sûrementcontribué à miner le moral des employés.

Deux ans avant la date d’expiration ducontrat [30 juin], le confrère Wacheski a invitéla compagnie à présenter une requête con-jointe au Ministère du travail afin de participerau programme offrant un cours sur la façon debâtir de bonnes relations. Ce programme, offert

à tous les employeurs ainsi qu’aux syndicats del’Ontario, a contribué à améliorer la situationpour d’autres compagnies syndiquées avec laFIOE. La société Horizon a refusé.

Après une négociation qui a duré onzeheures, les représentants de la S.L. 636 ontsoumis un projet de règlement à leurs mem-bres. Malgré les gains salariaux obtenus, lesmembres ont rejeté l’offre car les problèmesconcernant les iniquités salariales n’étaienttoujours pas résolus.

La nouvelle convention collective prévoitdes taux de salaire additionnels, des salairesplus élevés pour la première année du con-trat ainsi que de meilleurs avantages sociaux.

La grève chez les employés de la sociétéHorizon, ainsi que son règlement, ont défrayéles manchettes de plusieurs journaux de laprovince et intéressé les travailleurs d’autresunités de négociation, notamment chezGuelph Hydro. Cette société de servicespublics syndiquée avec la FIOE—dont lesparties participent au cours offert en vue debâtir de meilleures relations—est en train de

se fusionner à Horizon.Le quotidien Guelph Mercury qui a

assuré une couverture régulière de la grève,met en doute la décision du Conseil d’adminis-tration de Guelph de se joindre à une sociétéqui accorde si peu de crédit à l’importance debonnes relations entre employé et employeur.

L’Ontario qui, jadis, était desservie parplus de 300 compagnies de services publicsn’en compte plus que 85. Selon le confrèreWacheski, le gouvernement désire réduire cenombre à 10. Ce même processus va s’appli-quer partout ailleurs au Canada.

Sur une brochure distribuée par le syndi-cat durant la grève, on pouvait lire un avertisse-ment afin de sensibiliser les autres compagniesqui ne semblent pas préoccupées ou ne pensentpas aux conséquences d’une fusion éventuellepour les employés: “Certaines choses ne s’achè-tent pas”. “De notre point de vue, le cœur duproblème n’est pas une question d’argent maisbien une question de dignité”. �

Adeteriorating labor-management rela-tionship broke apart in June whennearly 300 workers at Horizon Utilitiesin Ontario took to the picket lines.

Members of Toronto Local 636 stood strong asthe local waged a campaign to inform the sur-rounding community of their employer’s lack ofrespect for the work force, since a 2005 mergerbetween two unionized companies.

After three weeks on the picket line, anew agreement was approved by a 73-per-cent margin of the linemen, substation oper-ators and customer service workers.

“For our members at Horizon, their timeon the picket line transformed them fromunion allies to labor activists,” says RickWacheski, business manager.

Horizon Utilities was formed in 2005,bringing together two utility companies,Hamilton and St. Catharines, which had sep-arate collective bargaining agreements withLocal 636, which has jurisdiction across theprovince of Ontario.

After the merger, the local union workedto harmonize benefits for workers at the newentity, but Horizon left many workers whoperform the same duties with different payrates. Disparities over both income security

North of 49°

Ontario Utility Members, Now Activists, Score Victory

Members of Toronto Local 636 picket Horizon Utilities in June. The three-week strike helped resolve payinequities between IBEW members employed by two merged utilities.

Les membres de la S.L. 636 sur les lignes de piquetage devant la société de services publics Horizon, en juindernier. Cette grève de trois semaines a eu un heureux dénouement, alors que le problème des iniquités salarialespour les membres de la FIOE à l’emploi des deux sociétés de services publics fusionnées en 2005, a été résolu.

Au nord du 49° parallèle

Une victoire pour nos travailleurs des services publics,maintenant des militants syndicaux convaincus!

4 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008

RetiredThomas A. McGreevy

First District Internat-ional RepresentativeThomas A. McGreevyretired August 1 after along IBEW career,including service asrecording secretaryand assistant businessmanager. He handled

maintenance agreements across Canada forthe past 10 years.

“I’m very happy with my years of serviceto the IBEW,” Brother McGreevy said.“Whether I was on a plane or in my car, I waseager to travel anywhere the Brotherhoodneeded me to go.”

Born in Ottawa, McGreevy was initiatedinto Ottawa Local 586 in 1964. Hired as ajourneyman inside wireman with Bedard &Girard Co., he went on to serve as recordingsecretary and on the executive board for thelocal from 1966 to 1968.

In 1980, McGreevy became chief stewardat Ontario Hydro Thunder Bay generatingstation, one of the largest hydroelectric com-panies in North America. He transferred hiscard to Local 1788 (then located in Toronto)and went on to serve as assistant businessmanager of that local from 1982 to 1990.

The following year, InternationalPresident J.J. Barry appointed McGreevy tothe First District staff. He handled griev-ances and negotiated agreements for theGeneral President’s Maintenance Committeefor Canada.

First tinkering with hot rod engines anddrag racers as a teenager, he said he wasalways interested in “making things soundbetter or go faster.” He began his apprentice-ship upon graduation.

McGreevy is a member of the Knights ofColumbus and has helped organize an IBEWmultiple sclerosis charity golf tournament forthe past 20 years.

McGreevy’s family includes his wife,Stella, and their two daughters. He plans tospend more time riding his Harley-Davidson

motorcycle, playing golf and traveling.The IBEW members, officers and staff

wish Brother McGreevy a long and fulfillingretirement. �

RetiredPaul G. Tremblay

First District Interna-tional RepresentativePaul G. Tremblayretired January 1 fol-lowing nearly fourdecades of service tothe IBEW.

“It was an honorto work for the union,”

Tremblay said. “They gave me such an oppor-tunity to help improve the lives of our mem-bers, and I strived to do my best for theBrotherhood.”

Born in Sillenstede, Germany, his familymoved to Montreal when he was a year old.Tremblay was initiated into Ottawa Local2228 in 1969 and worked as an electronicstechnician for the Canadian Department ofTransportation. While there, he served 15years as chief shop steward and was a mem-ber of several safety committees.

Tremblay was appointed to the First Dis-trict office in Quebec by International Presi-dent J.J. Barry in 1990. He serviced governmentlocals across Canada as chief negotiator.

“I tried to even the economic field forall the workers I represented,” he said.“Everything they got through negotiationsthey deserved because of their hard work.”

Tremblay is a member of the InternationalFederation of Air Traffic Safety ElectronicsAssociations. He plans to spend time engagedin civic activities in his retirement.

His family includes his wife, Gisèle,their four sons and two grandchildren. Helooks forward to traveling and adding to hiscollection of vintage transportation posters.

The staff, members and officers of theIBEW thank Brother Tremblay for his serviceand wish him an enjoyable retirement. �

DeceasedRobert Kaszubowski

Retired Third DistrictInternationalRepresentative RobertP. Kaszubowski died onJuly 16 in Clifton Park,N.J. He was 64.

Initiated intoBuffalo, N.Y., Local 41in 1963, Brother

Kaszubowski, a journeyman inside wireman,served as treasurer and assistant business

Transitions

manager before being named InternationalRepresentative in 1987. At the time of hisretirement in 2001, Kaszubowski was work-ing as a construction organizer.

An engineering graduate of theUniversity of Wisconsin, Kaszubowski servedas a lieutenant commander in the U.S. NavySeabees from 1969 to 1971. After his dis-charge, he studied labor-related subjects atthe University of Buffalo and the GeorgeMeany Center for Labor Studies. He estab-lished Local 41’s credit union, a federally-chartered institution with $8 million of assets.

“Bob was laughed off the floor when hefirst proposed that our local go through thework to establish a credit union,” says Local41 President Michael Franey. Members didn’twant anyone else taking care of their money.“But Kaszubowski pulled it off virtually single-handedly.” In 1993, the local awarded BrotherKaszubowski a plaque for his efforts.

Coordinating multiple negotiating com-mittees for the local, including nine years aschairman of the multi-union committee atArcata Graphics, Kaszubowki also repre-sented the IBEW as a delegate to conventionsof the Buffalo State AFL-CIO, the MaritimeTrades and the Building and ConstructionTrades Department.

A lifelong supporter of skilled workertraining, Kaszubowski served as chairman ofErie County Community College’s VocationalEducational Authority. He was also active inthe American Legion.

Moving to New Jersey after his appoint-ment to staff, Brother Kaszubowski assistedlocals representing workers under theService Contract Act at military installationsin the state and helped negotiate a statewidetelephone contract.

The officers and members of theIBEW extend our condolences to BrotherKaszubowski’s wife, Mary Ann, and to hisentire family. �

DeceasedErnest Swift

The IBEW regrets toannounce that retiredFirst District Interna-tional RepresentativeErnest J. Swift died onJune 20 at the age of 71.

Brother Swift wasinitiated into TorontoLocal 353 in 1958. A

Toronto native, he was a graduate of VaughanRoad High School and the ProvincialInstitute of Trades. A six-year veteran of theRoyal Canadian Navy Reserves, Swift’s 40-year union career included serving two yearsas a shop steward and as assistant businessmanager from 1970 to 1976.

Previous to joining the IBEW, Swiftserved as a policeman for the Toronto TransitCommission.

He was active on the labour manage-ment, health and safety and pension commit-tees and served as a member of the TorontoBuilding Trades Council.

In 1976 he was appointed InternationalRepresentative, assigned to the staff of VicePresident Kenneth G. Rose in the FirstDistrict office. Responsible for servicinginside locals throughout Ontario, he alsohelped monitor jurisdictional disputes. Heretired in 1998.

Swift’s IBEW brothers and sisters spokeof his loyalty and commitment to the missionof the Brotherhood. He is also rememberedfor his lifelong love of his hometown profes-sional hockey team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.“The Leafs have lost their greatest supporter,and the IBEW a loyal representative,” said for-mer First District Vice President Ken Woods.

The IBEW extends its deepest sympathyto his wife Margit and his family. �

IBEW PHOTO & VIDEO CONTESTIBEW PHOTO & VIDEO CONTESTAttention Photo & Video Buffs!Photographs have the power to inspire and motivate.With improved technology and the rise of video on theWeb, the ability to make moving pictures is accessibleto many. We have expanded our photo contest thisyear to include video productions.

Also new with this year’s contest is that the IBEWmembership will pick the winners on www.ibew.org.

Keep an eye on future issues of the Electrical Worker and the Web site forthe announcement of when the judging will begin.

Seewww.ibew.org/special/08PhotoContest.pdffor complete contest rules and entry forms.

DEADLINE

Oct. 24, 2008

CORRECTIONIn the August issue of the ElectricalWorker, in the story “IBEW HelpsPennsylvania Contractor Get the JobDone Right,” we mischaracterized theownership of Proelectric, LLC. It isowned by Deborah Rinehart.

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008 5

Election of OfficersL.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MO—The first weekend inJune marked elections for local union offices.Thanks to all members who ran for office.Commitment such as this defines the members ofthis local. Likewise, thanks to election judge BillWaterhouse and all election tellers for a fine job.

Officers elected are: Bus. Mgr. SteveSchoemehl, Pres. Tom George, Fin. Sec. DennisMurphy, Vice Pres. Bob Muckler, Rec. Sec. JohnKahrhoff, Treas. Dave Roth; Executive Boardmembers Larry Bausola, Tony Buffa, RobDussold, Dave Mackay, Dave Sachse; andExamining Board members Mike Kinloch, SteveMuehling, and Dan Nilica. Congratulations andbest of luck to the newly elected officers.

We mourn the following members’ deaths:Mark Hartman, Russell Greathouse, George Gross,Charles Lacy Jr., Rudolph Sanzottera, AlbertWalter Jr., William Hopson, Barbara Vogel, MortonSilverstein, George Smeehuyzen, Jerry McGee, JackSchrader, William Groom, Raymond Oster, EdgarNeidel, Donald McQuay and George Weinberg.

Matt Gober, P.S.

We mourn the passing of retired memberRalph Norrington. Ralph joined Local 1 in 1955and was a business rep and treasurer for manyyears. He will be missed.

Bob Oedy, P.S.

MGM Grand Hotel ProjectL.U. 35 (i), HARTFORD, CT—Work in the areaslowed down over the summer, but we expect it topick up by late fall. The grand opening of the MGMGrand Hotel and Casino at Foxwoods was on sched-ule and our tradesmen’s work was commended.

The 64th Annual Eastern SeaboardApprenticeship Conference was held at thebrand new union-built MGM Grand at FoxwoodsResort Casino on June 1-5.

At the conference, some of Local 35’s mili-tary veterans (see photo) were recognized byHelmets to Hardhats for their volunteer work onthe home of a returning veteran, Sgt. BarryAlbert, who was injured in Iraq.

Thanks to Local 35 Executive Board mem-bers Thomas Cosgrove, Barry Greene and ScottMunson and Local 35 members for making ourparticipation in the Hartford St. Patrick’s Dayparade a big success.

Bruce Silva, Pres./P.S.

KB Homes Gallery Shut DownL.U. 11 (i,rts&spa), LOS ANGELES, CA—KB Homes recently moved from its Warner Centersales gallery after Local 11 members, includingtwo retired members, pressured the homebuilderwith a 12-foot inflatable rat. Potential buyers werereminded that KB Homes lowered its standardswhen the company allowed nonunion HelixElectric to perform work at the Ascent at WarnerCenter project. This problem-plagued wood struc-ture had caught fire in an apparent welding acci-dent that caused major damage. Thanks to allmembers who volunteered to support our organiz-ing efforts and bring these and other concerns tothe public’s attention.

Faith-based and community groups oftenrefer interested applicants to our apprenticeshipprogram. EWMC volunteers mentor individualsthe third Saturday of every month to help prepareapplicants for the entrance exam and to impartlife skills. Please contact Eric Brown if you areinterested in sharing your knowledge and givingback to the community.

Construction accidents are preventable. If yousee an unsafe condition where you work, pleasebring it to the attention of the person in charge.Safety on the job is everyone’s responsibility.

2008 JATC Apprentice GraduatesL.U. 41 (em,es,govt,i,se&spa), BUFFALO, NY—Onbehalf of all Local 41 officers and members, con-gratulations to graduates of the NJATC apprentice-ship class of 2008. Graduates this year included:Daniel Blatz, Abede DaCosta, Brian Duke, CharlesEashak, Steven Hess, David Jakubowski, AdamJaniga, Justin Kemp, David Maltby, Timothy Millar,Jay Pinkert, Dennis Reszka, Bradley Seibert, RitaGay, Vereal Hill, Jason Matuszak, MatthewPouthier, Edmund Domagala Jr., Justin Loebel,Daniel Santilllo, Ryan Valentine and DanielWitczak. As I stated at the graduation ceremony,graduates, you are all professionals. Remember topresent and maintain a positive image of your-selves, your employer and your union and leteveryone know that the IBEW is the right choice.

The upcoming November election is veryimportant to labor and our country. We want ourtroops home safely and the rising cost of healthcare addressed. The Employee Free Choice Actallows employees to freely choose to form a union.Polls show that up to 57 million Americans wouldjoin a union if given a real choice. Americans alsoneed trade reform to keep jobs here in our coun-try. Please volunteer with your local COPECommittee and be active in this upcoming elec-tion and all future elections.

Anthony Coppola, B.M./F.S.

Lineman’s RodeoL.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA—Happy Labor Day. We had our Local 47 electionthis summer. All incumbents were re-elected,many with no challengers: Bus. Mgr. Pat Lavin,Pres. Ron Delgado, Vice Pres. Jeff Flory, Rec. Sec.Dillie Farris, Treas. Roger Heldoorn; ExecutiveBoard members Ernie Lopez, Hipolito Tavarez,Dwight Morgan, John Baca, Mark Long, RichardPaul, Willie Rios, Arnold Trevino; ExaminingBoard members Mike Hernandez, Trevor Kirklandand Arnold Trevino. Congratulations to everyonewho participated.

Local 47 beat a second attempt by threeother unions to decertify one of our undergroundcontractors. The employees of A.M. Ortega voted28-11 to remain IBEW.

Results of the Southern CaliforniaEdison/IBEW Local 47 Lineman’s Rodeo: 1stplace journeymen’s team–Steve Lekvold, BryanLee, Dan Ramirez; 1st place senior journey-man—Bruce Thompson, Dale Lorz, Kevin Best;1st place apprentice—Robert Rocha; 1st placegroundman—Randy White.

All are welcome to join us for our fifthannual Brotherhood Motorcycle Run on Sat.,Sept. 27. Contact the hall for information.Proceeds will benefit injured workers and theUnited Service Organization (USO).

We mourn the passing of Ronald Lujan andCharles Clark. Our thoughts and prayers go totheir families.

Stan Stosel, P.S.

‘Show Union Pride’L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,rtb,t&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL—Hopefully on Labor Day 2008 union memberstake time to show their union pride. As IBEWmembers we are part of the labor movement thathas protected the American way of life and willcontinue to do so as we work diligently to extendits opportunities to all working men and women.

The work scene for Local 51 members

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

(lpt) Lightning Protection Technicians

(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

Trade Classifications

At the Eastern Seaboard Apprenticeship Conference inJune, several Local 35 military veterans were recog-nized by Helmets to Hardhats for their volunteerism.Shown from left are: third-year apprentice RudolphHardie Jr., who is active in the military; Bus. Mgr. JohnSardo; Apprenticeship Training Dir. Brian Canny; andJATC graduates Michael Chew and Andrew Smith,both of whom are serving in the military.

Los Angeles Local 11 member Tom Tonavanik protestsin front of the now-empty KB Homes sales galleryat Warner Center location.

6 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008

International Executive Council from 1996-2001.Bro. Sickles maintained an influential voice amongthe labor community. Local 71 officers, membersand staff thank him for his dedicated service to ourunion and the entire outside branch as well.

Bro. Patrick Grice was elected as our newbusiness manager/financial secretary. Bro. DannyHarris was elected president and Larry Moorevice president. Bros. Nelson Duncan and JohnCrabtree were re-elected as recording secretaryand treasurer, respectively. Bros. Jimmy Carmack,Billy Crabtree, David Sugerik, Eli Teague andChip Curtis were elected to the Executive Board.We congratulate all officers and ask for the mem-bership’s support.

James CarmackExecutive Board

Andrew York Lineman RodeoL.U. 77 (lctt,mt,o,t&u), SEATTLE, WA—The 4thAnnual Andrew York Lineman Rodeo was heldJune 21 in Wenatchee, WA. A somewhat coolerday provided relief from the typical heat of sum-mer in central Washington for the 11 journeymanteams and 47 apprentices who participated. Theday began with a traditional lineman flag-raisingceremony and quickly built from that touchingevent into an action packed day. The journeymanteams and numerous apprentice participantsdemonstrated their skills, some developing newskills as the day progressed. Thank you to every-one for all their dedication in making the rodeoentertaining and successful. This year the IBEWLocal 77 annual picnic was held in conjunctionwith the Andrew York Lineman Rodeo. We willcarry on this partnership for years to come.

We at Local 77 were proud to host theIBEW Ninth District Progress Meeting in August.

Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hill, Int. Sec.-Treas. LindellK. Lee, Int. Vice Pres. Michael S. Mowrey andrepresentatives of all the IBEW local unions ofthe Northwest were in attendance.

David Wheeler, P.S.

Apprentices GraduateL.U. 103 (cs&i), BOSTON, MA—The apprenticegraduation was held June 5. Congratulations to the140 graduating electrical apprentices, whoadvanced to journeyman wireman status, and the16 telecom apprentice graduates, who advanced totechnicians. The Charles A. McCarthy MemorialAward recipient was Patrick O’Connor. The WilliamM. Swanson Memorial Award went to AndrewCampbell; Apprentice of the Year Award, electri-cal—Jacques Stiller; Telecom Award—DavidRosenfeld; Industry Commitment Award—DeniseDavis and Scott Johnson; and the AcademicAward—Donna LaScaleia and David Rosenfeld.

The annual Dad’s Day “Dollars AgainstDiabetes” held June 12-13 raised funds to benefitthe Diabetes Research Institute. Local 103 hasparticipated in this annual event for severalyears. To date, Local 103 and the Building Tradeshave raised millions of dollars nationwide. Thankyou to all the members who volunteered.

At the Pin Night held June 17, some 376members received service pins. Nearly 600 fami-lies and friends enjoyed the fun-filled evening.Congratulations also to the new apprenticessworn in that night.

Congratulations to Vice Pres. Mike Berry onhis retirement. Mike served Local 103 for over 20years and also was a fixture in Quincy politics,getting union-minded officials elected. We thankMike for his service and wish him all the best.

Bill Molineaux, P.S.

PSCO Lineman’s RodeoL.U. 111 (em,govt,lctt,mt,o,rtb,spa&u),DENVER, CO—Congratulations to the Alamosa/Salida Team for winning first place in the PublicService Company of Colorado 2008 Lineman’sRodeo on June 14, with a score of 500. Teammembers were Casey Golden, Paul Harris andGreg King. The second-place team was “TeamTrouble” with Patrick Kennedy, Ed Lensen and

Richard Kernan, with a score of 498. Top appren-tice was Cody Nicholas, from the Boulder ServiceCenter, with a score of 498. Second-place appren-tice was Travis Landis, Trouble Department, witha score of 494. It is always a pleasure to witnessour linemen exhibit their skills and speed at thePSCO Lineman’s Rodeo.

Congratulations to our 2008 Vinc Perry-EllisScholarship winners. Five children of Local 111members were awarded the $1,500 scholarshipsthis year. Winners are: Christopher Ely, son ofMichael Ely, Unit 6A; Robin and Laura Newcome,daughters of Don Newcome, Unit 2; KaleyO’Connell, daughter of Don O’Connell, Unit 19A;and Erin Markley, daughter of Dave Markley,Unit 2. The winning essays are posted on thelocal’s Web site at www.ibew111.com.

Stay safe and make sure you are registeredto vote.

Dennis Z. LeTurgez, P.S.

Election of OfficersL.U. 125 (lctt,o&u), PORTLAND, OR—The suc-cess of our local is dependent on our membersand the leadership of our elected officers. We arepleased to announce the results of our 2008 gen-eral election: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Travis Eri, Pres.Larry Browning, Vice Pres. Brian Williams, Rec.Sec. Ray Cowell and Treas. Doug Shaffer.

Elected to serve on the Executive Boardwere Troy Anderson, Joe Gass, Jim Sweet andPat Winter; and on the Examining Board, LeeCole, Ryan Hagel, Ron Rodgers, Gary Schwartzand Bill Young.

Thank you to all our members who partici-pated in this important process. Congratulationsand thank you to all of our elected officials, whohave shown their commitment through their will-ingness to serve.

Marcy Putman, P.S.

New Journeyman WiremenL.U. 139 (i&u), ELMIRA, NY—Local 139 is proudto present our newest journeyman wiremen of2008. The apprentice graduates are: JoshBenjamin, Jamie Boyles, Mike VanZile, JimKennedy and John Vogel. Jim Kennedy receivedthe top grade average. Their hard work and sac-

remains strong with journeyman linemen neededthroughout the jurisdiction both for our signatorycontractors and investor-owned utilities. Checkout our manpower needs at the job board atwww.ibew.org or by contacting the Local 51 office.

The annual Local 51 picnic is scheduled forSept. 20 at Clinton Lake. Members are encouragedto bring their families and enjoy the festivities.

Congratulations to the following members oncompleting their apprenticeships and advancingto journeyman linemen: Jeff Behl, Chris Braden,Chuck Gilmore, Brad Kleckner, Scott Lane,Andrew Siemsen, Dave Sprinkle and Matt Walker.

Remember to work safe, give a good day’s workfor a good day’s pay, and attend your union meetings.

Dan Pridemore, Pres.

Longtime ServiceL.U. 57 (lctt,mo,o,t&u),SALT LAKE CITY,UT—On June 30,Local 57 Admin. Asst.Deanna Gill retiredafter 23 years of serv-ice. Former businessmanager Blaine A.Newman hired Deannain 1985 as an adminis-trative assistant. Shewas a former memberof OPEIU Local 11 andjoined the IBEW in1986. Deanna is the

mother of five and has 11 grandchildren. She andher husband, Francis, plan to travel as much as pos-sible and simply enjoy life together.

Local 57 officers, members and staff thankDeanna for her hard work and dedication to thelocal. She will be deeply missed. We extendheartfelt best wishes and congratulations toDeanna on her retirement.

Roberta Wilson, P.S.

Bus. Mgr. Sickles RetiresL.U. 71 (lctt,o&rtb),COLUMBUS, OH—After 23 years, Bus.Mgr. Wally Sicklesopted not to seek re-election andannounced his retire-ment from that office.Over his tenure asbusiness manager,Bro. Sickles served ona host of committeesand chaired many ofthose committees. Heserved on the IBEW

IBEW Local 77 linemen participate in flag raisingceremony at the 2008 Andrew York Lineman Rodeo.At top is Daryn Klinginsmith; below, Kyle Pennington(left) and Kole Pennington.

Local 71 former Bus Mgr./Fin. Sec. Wally Sicklesretires from office.

Local 57 Admin. Asst.Deanna Gill retiredJune 30.

Local 51 members on the jobfor Wright Tree Service, fromleft: Ron Jones, Ervin McCone,Keith Resch and Russ Doyle.

IBEW Local 111membersdemonstratetheir skills atthe 2008 PublicServiceCompany ofColoradoLineman’sRodeo.

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008 7

rifice was evident with their success in the class-room and their work ethic in the field. We haveno doubt that these men will be leaders for thefuture of Local 139. Congratulations to all.

Ernie Hartman, P.S.

Officers ElectedL.U. 143 (em,i&spa), HARRISBURG, PA—On June14, Local 143 held its election of officers. Electedwere: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Robert Bair, Pres. KirbyArtz, Vice Pres. John Moore, Rec. Sec. ThomasPorr and Treas. Jason Baney; Executive Boardmembers James Neiswender, Steven Wolfe, JohnHunt, Timothy Coy, Brian Weibley, Troy Woodward,Glenn Ellis; and Examining Board membersMichael Reber, Daniel Berrier and David Primeau.Elected delegate to the International Conventionwas Eric Basehore. Congratulations to all and goodluck in the upcoming term. (See photo below.)

We thank Robert Rhoades, Glenn Carnahan,Gary Yinger, Eric Basehore, Henry Bonson andChad Kline for their years of service as officers ofthe local.

Graduating apprentices this year are JeremyAnderson, Matthew Hoover, David Primeau,Matthew Reber, Kevin Roy and Lavan Zorn.

This is a very important election year, soeveryone please remember to register and vote!

Mark Holder, P.S.

Sept. 20 Annual PicnicL.U. 153 (em,i,rtb,rts,se,spa&st), SOUTH BEND,IN—Congratulations to Local 153 retired mem-ber Bill Haase Jr., who received his 50-year serv-ice pin, presented by Asst. Bus. Mgr. Bill HaaseIII, at the April union meeting.

Bro. Terry Sarul was awarded a distin-guished service award at the July union meeting.We all appreciate Terry’s dedicated service.

Congratulations to the newest apprentice-ship graduates. These new journeyman inside

wiremen are: Josh Asmus, Robbie Britton, JeffreyBurdick, Frank Emery Jr., Ryan Ganser, EthanGrubert, Frank Hanks III, Ron Hein III, AnthonyHerrman, Erick Humes, Robert Klein II, AnthonyLubelski, Brian Perry, David Ross, Patrick Vankirkand Bryan Weisser. Robert Klein was selected asthe 2008 outstanding apprentice, and Josh Asmusreceived the 2008 academic achievement award.

Local 153’s work picture continues to slowlyimprove. Many projects are beginning and severalmore are in the planning and conceptual stages.

The Local 153 annual picnic will be held atPotawatomi Park in South Bend on Sept. 20,from noon to 5 p.m. Plan to attend and enjoy theday with family and friends.

Please visit the “new and improved” Local153 Web site at www.ibew153.com. We will con-tinue to strive to make our Web site a usefulsource of information for our members and inter-ested visitors.

Corey D. Noland, P.S.

Apprentices VolunteerL.U. 163 (ees&i), WILKES-BARRE, PA—Apprentices donated their time to several commu-nity service projects during the past year, including

the new anthracite coalmining exhibit at theWyoming Valley HistoricalSociety. CavanaughElectrical Contractingdonated materials and toolsfor the mining exhibit proj-ect. Apprentices also wireda Habitat for Humanityhouse and participated inthe Letter Carriers’ fooddrive. (See photo.)

We are proud of ourapprentices for the helpthey give and the positiveattitudes they reflectwithin our community.Through their efforts and

hard work, we can see a bright future.IBEW Third District and NECA co-spon-

sored an Industry Night on June 5. Participatinglocals included 163, 81 and 375. Third DistrictInt. Vice Pres. Donald C. Siegel as well as Int.Reps. Randy Kieffer and Keenan Eagan attended.A highlight of the event was Alli Owens, driver ofthe Electrifying Careers.com race car, who was onhand to sign autographs and take pictures.

On Saturday, June 7, IBEW and NECA spon-sored a day at the Pocono ARCA 200 at PoconoRaceway. In attendance for an exciting race wereIBEW Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hill, Int. Vice Pres.Donald C. Siegel, NECA reps, newly organizedmembers and contractors.

John T. Nadolny, P.S./Tr. Dir.

Campaign SeasonL.U. 193 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL—Elections results at Local 193 are as follows: Bus.Mgr. Dave Burns, Pres. Steve Antonacci, VicePres. Tom Schafer, Rec. Sec. Susan Solon, Treas.Rick Shereda; E-Board members George Moore,Mike Carver and Jason Ruggless. Congratulationsand best wishes.

The approved bylaws change paved the wayfor the new hall and training center. An architectis hired, and planning and design are ongoing.

The local’s picnic was held July 12 at Knight’sRecreation Park. Everyone had a great time.

At this writing, Local 193’s softball teamwas scheduled to play in the 2008 IBEW StateTourney on Aug. 9-10. Last year the Local 193team placed fourth! They are accepting dona-tions for uniforms. Contact team captain MikeLautemann for details.

Please note the passing of Bros. Jim Moore,Arnold Kochman, Don Judd and Mo Woodrum.We will all miss them.

At press time we were looking forward tothe annual Labor Day picnic/parade on Sept. 1.This sacred day traditionally kicks off the fallIllinois campaign season. Please register to voteand support labor-sponsored candidates.Everyone will remember, come November.

Don Hudson, P.S.

Volunteers Light Memorial WallL.U. 197 (em&i), BLOOMINGTON, IL—Recentlyour community was privileged to have the travel-ing Vietnam War Memorial Wall come to town. Wewere pleased to honor veterans who gave the ulti-mate sacrifice for our country. Some of our mem-bers and retirees volunteered their time to providetemporary power and lightning for the event.

We thank our volunteers: Gary Eichelberger,Lance Reece, Dale Glasscock, Steve Rousey, JeffPillow, Chris Arbuckle, Clint Miller, Terri Spencer,Dave Ashenbremer, Bill Pillow, Bob Branom, JackRoberts, Dan Wissmiller, Duke Durham, Bob Sipes,Norm Phillips, and Ken McLean. Some brothersfrom IBEW Local 51 also helped out. Thanks to TimBaker, Brian Felker and Randy Walters, who gave updouble time on a Sunday to volunteer. Ken McLeanheaded the project and did an outstanding job.

Congratulations to recently elected Local 197officers: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Lance Reece, Pres.Richard Veitengruber, Vice Pres. Derek Bauer, Rec.Sec. Angie Miller, Treas. Terri Spencer; ExecutiveBoard members Dave Ashenbremer, KeithAshenbremer, Brian Graves, Greg Potter, MikeRaikes, Steve Rousey and Bill Swindle. Thanks toFrank Kuhns, Ken McLean, Bernie Usczienski andMark Schweitzer for their professionalism anddedication to our local as prior officers. They alldecided not to run for re-election.

Take pride in your union, be active andattend the meetings.

Mike Raikes, P.S.

Support for Proposed ProjectL.U. 223 (em,govt&i), BROCKTON, MA—Withthe presidential election approaching, it is criti-cal that we do not have another four years ofRepublican policies. We need to elect aDemocratic president and Democratic legislatorswho will pass the Employee Free Choice Act.This legislation will allow workers the freedom tojoin unions that they do not now have.

A proposed movie studio has secured landin Plymouth, MA. This project will be atremendous boost for the local with 14 soundstages and back lots. We will need support tomake sure that this proposal makes it throughthe permitting process and receives approvalsthis fall.

Congratulations to the newly elected offi-cers of Local 223. We wish them much successand look forward to working together for thefuture. Also, thanks to all the former officers fortheir service to the local.

Dave Fenton, A.B.M.

Co-Op Contract RatifiedL.U. 231 (i,rtb,spa&u), SIOUX CITY, IA—Ourlocal held elections in June. Officers electedare: Bus. Mgr./Fin.Sec. James Kavanaugh, Pres.Thomas Zeman, Vice Pres. Andrew

Among the Local 197members who volun-teered to help light thetraveling Vietnam WarMemorial Wall were, fromleft: Gary Eichelberger,Dale Glasscock, KenMcLean, Steve Rouseyand Jeff Pillow.

IBEW Local 163 apprentices lend a hand for a LetterCarriers’ food drive.

Local 153 retired member Bill Haase Jr. (right)receives his 50-year service award presented by hisson Asst. Bus. Mgr. Bill Haase III.

Local 139’s class of 2008apprentice graduates are, fromleft: Josh Benjamin, JamieBoyles, Mike VanZile, JimKennedy and John Vogel.

IBEW Local 143 newly elected officers, from left: Executive Board membersJohn Hunt and Steven Wolfe; Examining Board member Michael Reber;Executive Board member Brian Weibley; Examining Board member DanielBerrier; Treas. Jason Baney; Pres. Kirby Artz; Executive Board members TroyWoodward and Timothy Coy; Bus. Mgr. Robert Bair; Executive Board memberGlenn Ellis; Vice Pres. John Moore; Executive Board member JamesNeiswender; Rec. Sec. Thomas Porr; Examining Board member DavidPrimeau; and I.O. Convention Delegate Eric Basehore.

Garlinghouse, Rec. Sec. James Shook. Treas.Ronald Grimsley; Executive Board membersGerald Grimsley, Troy Gross, David Hobbs,James McCluskey, Daniel Reynolds, ShawnWinter; and Examining Board members MarkNicolls and Duane Wanamaker. Congratulationsto all those elected. We also thank all memberswho ran for an office. Their interest in repre-senting this local is greatly appreciated.

Journeyman wireman Steve Dirks wentback for a second tour of duty in Iraq in May.He was there in 2005 and 2006. We all wishhim well.

Work has been good in our jurisdiction. Wehave had several ethanol plants keeping many ofour members, as well as travelers, working forover a year.

Fourteen new apprentices started workingfor local contractors this summer.

Negotiations with Northwest Iowa PowerCooperative in LeMars, IA, recently were settled,and a three-year contract was ratified.

Debby Spencer, P.S.

Labor Votes CountL.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH—Makehistory or be history. We the working men andwomen of this country have a chance to make his-tory this fall by electing the first person of African-American descent as president of the United States.On the other hand if we elect his opponent in thiscrucial race, we the middle-class people of thiscountry may become history (a thing of the past). Ifwe continue the Republican leadership with theirfailed economic policies, tax breaks for the rich andbig-business mentality, there will not be much left.Those failed policies would further drive the coun-try to a land of rich and poor. So please register andvote in this very important election and make sureyou tell others to do the same. Don’t get hung up onhot button issues. Look at the platforms of the can-didates, at their voting track record on labor andlabor issues. Just remember, make history or possi-bly be history. It is your choice. Our votes do count.

On the local scene, we will take nominationsfor union officers at the September union meeting.This will be your opportunity to get more involvedwith your union and let your voice be heard.

Ray Zychowicz, P.S.

Members Update SkillsL.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ—As summer turnsthe corner, hopefully the work picture will also.Members have used their downtime wisely, updat-ing their skills through code update classes, OSHA30-hour training classes and a new course on basicrigging and knot tying.

Members once again rolled up their sleevesfor another successful blood drive. About 60 unitswere collected and sent to our community hospitals.

We welcome back Local 269 memberKristina Soloman Davenport as she returns homefrom serving in Iraq.

8 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008

A new opportunity presented itself to ourmembers this year. We will be helping wire anew home being constructed for AndyRobinson, a U.S. Marine who was severelyinjured by a roadside bomb while on his secondtour of duty in Iraq. Members interested inhelping may contact Local 269 Executive Boardmember John Tenzer.

D. Brian Proctor, P.S.

Nomination of OfficersL.U. 349 (em,i,mps,rtb,spa&u), MIAMI, FL—InMay we held our nomination of officers. The offi-cers ran unopposed. Congratulations to all for ajob well-done.

We also congratulate the new officers of theFlorida Keys Co-op.

In June at our Florida Electrical WorkersAssociation and 2008 IBEW Fifth District ProgressMeeting, Local 349 Bus. Mgr. Bill Riley gave intro-ductions for the meeting. Paul Alessi Jr., a 50-plusyear member of Local 349, gave the invocation.Paul’s son Mark Alessi is also a Local 349 journey-man wireman. We thank Locals 759, 728 and 359 fortheir help in the hospitality room. Special thanks toLocals 359 and 349 for the clean-up assistance.

In June we had 37 apprentices turn out tojourneyman classification. Congratulations to all.

Please remember our troops overseas; wehope for their speedy return.

Our local meetings are getting a little thin.Remember to attend your union meetings.Participation makes our union strong. It’s yourfuture, so support your local union and its events.

Frank Albury, P.S./Exec. Brd.

Apprentices ExcelL.U. 359 (u), MIAMI, FL—The DJAC at theTraining Center offers many classes with varioustraining levels for journeyman linemen, cablesplicers and meter men; other classes are beingdeveloped.

The Turkey Point Nuclear Plant had its firstgraduating class of the Nuclear MaintenancePilot Apprenticeship Program held recently at

Miami-Dade College. Those graduates will entertheir third year of training in the plant withmuch mentor training from the journeymen theywill work with. Material for training demos isbeing developed for fields including nuclearmechanic, I&C specialist/digital, or plant electri-cian. Union instructors who teach at the TMClocation and those involved with the nuclear pro-gram who teach at the college are commendedfor their work developing training material.

Local 359 was one of the locals that helpedsponsor the 2008 IBEW Fifth District ProgressMeeting in Miami Beach. We thank all the IBEWsponsor locals and all members who assisted.

Congratulations to recently elected Local359 officers, Executive Board members and dele-gates to System Council meetings.

Attendance at monthly meetings hasincreased. As workers and union members, weneed to get involved in upcoming November elec-tions. Make sure you are registered to vote. Helpelect candidates who support working families.Be informed on the issues and help with phonebank calls and door to door canvassing.

Steve Flynn, F.S.

Annual Golf OutingL.U. 363 (catv,em,govt,i,t,u&ws), NEW CITY, NY—We held our annual golf outing on May 17 at theLochmore & Kutchers golf courses. We began withlunch at 11 a.m. followed by a scramble format at1 p.m. The outing was successful with 170 golfersand many sponsors. Special thanks go to Bus. Mgr.John Maraia and the Golf Committee includingMatt, Larry and Chad Beairsto, Tony Fuller, MikeGrainger and Scott Taylor. Of course we could nothave done it without our sponsorships and dona-tions. Thank you to all the contractors, retiredand active members and other constructiontrades that supported our outing.

Timothy Poulin, P.S.

UPS Worldport Project AwardedL.U. 369 (em,es,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u),LOUISVILLE, KY—The Greater LouisvilleBuilding and Construction Trades Council, in con-junction with United Parcel Service, won the cov-eted 15th annual University of Louisville LaborManagement Award for the project labor agree-ment implemented at the UPS Worldport expan-sion. Worldport is the worldwide air hub for UPS,located at the Louisville International Airport.

Approximately 300 Local 369 members andeight or nine electrical contractors are currentlyworking on the Worldport project as of this writ-ing. The $1 billion project began in 2006 and thefirst two phases are scheduled for a 2010 comple-tion date.

This is the first time in the history of theUniversity’s award that a PLA project was chosenfor the award. With the construction trade, it’shere today and gone tomorrow; we are not alwaysaround for the accolades divvied out at a job’scompletion. Our hard hats are off to all the menand women who tolerated the conditions and puttheir best foot forward to let the University, UPSand the world know that the Greater LouisvilleBuilding and Construction Trades can do what ittakes to get the job done.

John E. Morrison Jr., P.S.

Graduates and OfficersL.U. 413 (em&i), SANTA BARBARA, CA—Thespirit of pride and brotherhood is alive and wellamong our 2008 graduating inside apprentice-ship class (see photo). Aaron Holtgrewe wasnamed the outstanding graduate and TimGallant received our Dedication Award. Thefuture of our industry is in excellent hands!

The following newly elected Local 413 offi-cers were sworn in on July 17 at the generalmembership meeting: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Chuck

Local 413 proudly cel-ebrates the 2008graduation of appren-tices. Front row, fromleft, are graduatesAaron Holtgrewe, LincReed and Lloyd Taylor;back row, SammyFernandez, TimGallant, Bob Anderson,Chad McGray, JustinSherwood andAdam Vega.

Among those attending the University of Louisville Labor Management Award ceremony are: IBEW Local 369Bus. Mgr. William Finn (third from right), Local 369 Bus. Rep. Charlie Essex (fifth from right, back row), IBEWInt. Rep. Terry Luckett (fourth from right, back row), Local 369 Bus. Rep. John Morrison Jr. (seventh fromright, back row), Greater Louisville Building and Construction Trades Pres. Joseph Wise III (center, holdingtrophy), Kentucky State AFL-CIO Pres. William Londrigan (fourth from left), and other Greater LouisvilleBuilding and Construction Trades Council members.

Local 269 Bro. Dave Archer (left) observes as InstructorMark Waladkewics teaches the bowline knot.

Among recently electedLocal 231 officers are, fromleft: Vice Pres. AndrewGarlinghouse, Pres. ThomasZeman, Rec. Sec. JamesShook, Executive Boardmembers David Hobbs andDaniel Reynolds, and Bus.Mgr./ Fin. Sec. JamesKavanaugh.

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008 9

Huddleston, Pres. Joseph M. Furino, Vice Pres.Mark Jacobsen, Rec. Sec. David Poorbaugh,Treas. John E. Smith; Executive Board membersJack Dally, Rockie Ginter, Joseph Paquet, BeauRay; and Examining Board members BrianGregory and Tim Bennett.

Chuck Huddleston, B.M.Brian Gregory, Tr. Dir.

‘Start! Heart Walk’L.U. 441 (as,i&rts), SANTA ANA, CA—The mem-bers, officers and staff of Local 441 and our familiesare walking in this year’s 28th annual OrangeCounty “Start! Heart Walk” on Sept. 14. The eventis a fund-raiser for the American Heart Association.

We are raising critical dollars for heart dis-ease and stroke research and education to helpfight our nation’s No.1 and No. 3 killers. Local441 chose this charity as one of our volunteeractivities this year. Our team captains for thisevent are Richard Vasquez, Doug Chappell,Richard Samaniego, Ernie Oviedo and DougMangione. Supervising the captains is RickCruzen, team leader. These members not onlylead by joining in the walk, but also are in chargeof raising funds for the AHA.

Join other Local 441 members and theirfamilies at the Irvine Spectrum on Sept. 14. Thewalk starts between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Thisyear’s event will include the 5-K route, a healthexpo, food and educational booths, Kid’s Zone,the Kid’s Fun Run, the Survivor Café, live musicand other entertainment.

Steve Igoe, P.S.

‘Be IBEW Strong’L.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO,ID—Being a member of the IBEW has its privi-leges, such as representation on the job; thestrength of many to obtain a fair wage with healthbenefits and build a pension; opportunities tokeep up in training with new industry develop-ments and technologies; and best of all, being apart of a brotherhood that is bigger than you.

Along with privileges come responsibilities.We, as members of the IBEW, are the IBEW. As theIBEW, we need to attend our local union meetings,get involved with the workings of our own local,attend with our families the many union socialevents, and encourage others to join us.

Be IBEW strong, support and elect candi-dates who will help working people.

Congratulations on their retirement to:Robert Chadwick, Michael Lott, Leonard Higley,and Norman Hayball. We wish them all the best.

We offer our condolences to the family ofretired member Lavelle Sheppard, who passed away.

See you at the next union meeting, brothersand sisters.

Laurie Watters, R.S.

Steward Training SessionL.U. 459 (ees,em,govt,so&u), JOHNSTOWN, PA—The local held a full day of training for our stew-ards. Topics discussed included issues such asthe importance of greeting new members on thejob site and providing correct information aboutthe IBEW. Other topics included the grievanceprocess and COPE involvement. The local receivedgood feedback from members as to what can bedone to better serve them.

Guest speakers also were invited to providepoints of interest. Int. Rep. James Schlosser dis-cussed the importance of and the differencebetween “A” and “BA” memberships.

Next, we were honored to have Third DistrictInt. Vice Pres. Donald C. Siegel address the session.He discussed the importance of the upcoming pres-idential election and how some voters in centralPennsylvania need to focus on how candidates voteon labor and middle-class issues. He emphasizedthe need to move beyond the divisions of the past.

The local’s labor attorney, Marianne Oliver,also gave an interesting talk with a question-and-answer session.

Many thanks to Bus. Rep. Robert Ashbaugh,who spent much time putting the training ses-sion together.

Kenneth L. Richards, Pres./A.B.M.

Contract NegotiationsL.U. 465 (lctt&u), SAN DIEGO, CA—Local 465 issaddened by the death of four of our active mem-bers: Bro. Grant Valentine of San Diego Gas &Electric, Bro. Frank Womack and Sister SherryDrew of San Diego Trolley, and Bro. Jo Garza ofAsplundh Tree. Please join us is in expressingour condolences to their families.

We are currently in negotiations withSDG&E, San Diego Transit and Imperial IrrigationDistrict. Negotiations are set later for Asplundhand Davey Tree. We recently signed an agreementwith VSI for the contractors to install remote-readmeters across the utility.

Organizing our IID property is our No. 1goal as membership has increased from 40 to300. Thanks to our organizing committee in theImperial Valley for their efforts.

A special welcome goes to our new mem-bers at the Imperial Court, who ratified theirfirst agreement in May.

John C. Hunter, B.M./F.S.

Accident PreventionL.U. 531 (i), LAPORTE, IN—It seems that morecritical accidents are happening from multime-ters, an everyday tool that all electricians use.Upon examination, “meter failure” was listed asthe cause. However, why did the meter fail?

User errors would include: wrong settings(ohm scale when testing voltage); wrong “catarea” application; wrong probe socket used(amps instead of volts); wrong use of product(such as switching settings under power); andwear and tear examination.

Close examination of the devices involvedin these accidents indicated that many of theseproducts did not have traditional internal protec-tion. In most cases it appears that although theinitial fault itself did not cause the injury to theuser, the meter had introduced the fault directlyinto the system being tested. As a result, a deadshort was initiated right at the test probes ends.

Could the answer be using fused leads withall multimeters? Fused leads are being tested nowto see if they truly would protect the user fromany or all of the five most common user errors.

Meter manufacturers say they do not needfused leads because their product is safe. But ispersonal injury worth the risk? Electrical inspec-tors across the nation are promoting fused leadsto the people. Fused leads are worth using. It’sbetter to be safe than sorry.

J. Switzer, P.S.

November ElectionsL.U. 557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW, MI—Summer isa relief from our cold winters, but also brings floodwaters mid-country and wild fires in the West. Ithink of the flood victims, knowing their loss.

Industry nights with our contractors haveinvolved meeting people who are considering join-ing our work force. The Kroger Company has keptunions busy over the years, but now Kessel is dis-locating union people, taking back the stores and

recently giving work to lower paid electricians. So,we picket! Organizing has many tools and we areusing them.

November elections are near. Congressneeds to represent people who care about theenvironment and the nation’s infrastructure, andto support prevailing wage jobs and enforcement.We need a president who does not continue awar in the wrong places, who promotes peaceand makes alliances so if terrorism occurs theworld gets involved. We need to elect people whowill speak for working families who are losingtheir homes, incomes and health care. Are webetter off with Republicans charting the coursefor most of the past decade? At least vote; manyhave sacrificed for your privilege.

John E. Clemens, P.S.

‘Christmas in April’ VolunteersL.U. 569 (i,mar,mt,rts&spa), SAN DIEGO, CA—This year’s “Christmas in April” (RebuildingTogether San Diego) event was a tremendoussuccess, thanks to the more than 125 IBEWLocal 569 members who continue to support thisimportant event every year. The event was led byAsst. Bus. Mgr. Johnny Simpson and OrganizerDanny Machain.

The goal of the program is to provide homerepairs to low-income families, seniors and disabledindividuals who own their own home, at no cost tothe owners. Because of age, fixed income or disabil-ity, the owners are unable to manage home repairsthemselves. Chula Vista Electric, Baker Electric,Dynalectric, Morrow Meadows Corp. and SouthlandElectric donated use of their service vehicles.

The volunteer contingent was so large thata number of members were able to take part in aprecinct walk for the very important San Diego7th District City Council race of Marti Emerald.Marti is a pro-labor candidate, and would be the‘swing vote’ on the City Council. Thanks again toall the volunteers!

Nicholas Segura, Pres.

San Diego Local 569 members volunteer for “Christmas in April” 2008 community service project.

Local 557 mem-bers protest Krogerstores’ use of low-paid constructionworkers. Picketing,from left, are:Richard Marker,James Thiel, FloydWildman, DarleneMeyer and DanAlcock.

IBEW Int. Vice Pres. Donald C. Siegel (at podium)speaks at a Local 459 steward training session.

10 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008

Wage Allocation and ElectionL.U. 595 (c,govt,i&st), DUBLIN, CA—We havefull employment this summer after a slow winterand spring. Our future work picture looks bright.We thank IBEW travelers who helped staff ourschool jobs.

We are gearing up for the presidential cam-paign of our lives. We have an opportunity for bigthings for labor and working people when we electSen. Obama as president. Union members canmake this happen. Answer the call when asked!

We completed allocation of our wage increaseand held Local 595 elections. Some new, enthusias-tic members are in place to continue our local’sexciting work. Past Executive Board member BobTieman is now president. Dave Thoni is vice presi-dent. Sean Kyle and Juan Guerrero Jr. left theExamining Board and are now new ExecutiveBoard members, joining four re-elected incum-bents. Past vice president Clark Denning is now onthe Examining Board, along with a new, youngjourneyman, Jason Gumataotao. New and re-elected officers will together lead Local 595 for-ward. They will support Bus. Mgr. Victor Uno, whoran unopposed for his third term as our fine leader.Bus. Mgr. Uno, his staff and fellow officers look for-ward to meeting challenges ahead and advancingour local. Thanks to the election judge and tellers.

Local 595 joined a big labor-wide MidnightMarch through Oakland to support union mem-bers whose labor contracts were expiring. Wesent a powerful message to employers that alllabor stands in solidarity for working people.

Tom Mullarkey, B.R.

2008 Apprentice GraduatesL.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u),ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Congratulations to Local611’s newest journeyman wiremen. The recentapprentice graduates are: Michael Apodaca Jr.,Jeremy Bauer, James Boles, Randall Brodesser,Joshua Chaves, Richard Dryden, Donny Foster,Joseph Xavier Fuka, Christopher Gallegos, AdrianMariah, Rick Martinez, Loren Medley, GabinoMorantes, Preciliano Naraiz, Kenneth Ortiz,Lester Ortiz, Jason Romero, Paul Ronquillo, TravisTucker and Jonathan Valdez. Welcome, guys.

2008 Apprentice of the Year is PeterLohberger. This year’s C.S. Mitchell Award recipient

is Logan Wilson. Donny Foster received a perfectattendance award. Our apprenticeship programadopted a day-school schedule, which enablesapprentices to break out about six months early.

Reminder: Be sure to vote in the Novemberpresidential election.

Recently elected Local 611 officers: Bus.Mgr. Chris Frentzel, Pres. Carl Condit, Vice Pres.Antonio Cruz, Rec. Sec. Ron Chandler, Treas.Adolph Chavez; Executive Board members LloydBeebe, Matt Bodine, Matthew Bustos, ShannonFitzgerald, Robert Porter, Pablo Sedillo,Guillermo Trujillo; and Examining Board mem-bers Dennis Carriere, David Griego, CharlesKennedy, Jose Martinez Jr. and Eugene Romero.

Condolences to the families of our memberswho recently passed away: Cecil W. Kreidler, JoeD. Gherardini, Eliseo Martinez, James W.Callender, Thomas Dan Highfill, Don Cash,William “Bill” Farless, E.J. Brockman, Gerald J.Goncz, Gerald D. Britt and John Michael Mobley.

Darrell Blair, P.S.

Union Posters & Radio SpotsL.U. 625 (ees,em,i,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NOVASCOTIA, CANADA—Congratulations to memberswho recently completed their apprenticeshipprogram and received their certificate of qualifi-cation with red seal: Bros. Sheldon MacDonald,Patrick Hammond, Ken MacKenzie, AndrewJotcham and Wade McIssaac.

Our local put over 450 30-second messages onsix radio stations around the Province. We also put12 posters on public transportation buses in theHalifax area. The message is aimed at nonunionelectricians who earn less than they are worth.These electrical workers hurt not only themselvesand their families but all of us in the industry.Hopefully the message will get through that theIBEW has been the right choice for over 100 years.

Job fairs aimed at fourth-year apprenticesfinishing their apprenticeship have had goodresults. These young journeymen and -womenare the future of the industry and have become ahigh priority for organizing.

Congratulations also to Norm Sawler onhis retirement from the local. We wish him ahappy retirement.

It is with a heavy heart that I report thepassing of Bro. Ian MacDonald. Ian, who retired in

August 2006, died in the hospital on July17, 2008.He was 57. Ian was always quick to volunteer forcommittees, job stewards, helping out at meet-ings, charity events, picnics, etc. He will begreatly missed by all.

Tom Griffiths, Pres.

Union Events SuccessfulL.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OH—Summerstarted with the annual Armed Forces Day Rideon May 17. The event was co-chaired by DennisMullen and Bill Davies.

The blood drive held May 22 was co-chairedby Dan George and Malcolm Griffin. The drive sur-passed their goal of 33 pints. The annual ChuckBland Fish Fry was held June 6. It was chaired byJim Laemmle. Thanks to all committee membersfor a job well-done, and thanks to everyone whoparticipated to help make these events a success.

Congratulations to our newest journeymenwho successfully completed the apprenticeshipprogram. It is a challenging five-year program,but well worth the effort.

On June 12, local union elections were held.Elected were: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Mario Ciardelli,Pres. Dennis Nicodemus, Vice Pres. Rick Deime,Rec. Sec. Jim Henry, Treas. Kenny Dean; ExecutiveBoard members Mark Laemmle, Dan George, JoeBiser, Jerry Lang, Doug Stewart, Tom Kollmer; andExamining Board members Mike McNeeley, RobinCasey and Dave Dudley. The local appreciates theofficers’ dedication of time and service.

Please make sure your dues are paid; yourfamily depends on you.

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

Election of OfficersL.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se), GARY AND HAMMOND,IN—In June Local 697 elected our leadership toserve for a three-year term. Officers elected are:Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Ray Kasmark, Pres. LarrySlagle II, Vice Pres. Patrick Bailey, Rec. Sec.Micah Schantz and Treas. David Beanblossom.Elected to the Executive Board are: PaulAnderson, Brian Flannery, Charles Miller, CurtLesnick and Herb Hippie. Elected to theExamining Board: Brandon Fritzche, TimJuergens and Doug Meeer. Chosen as delegates tothe Indiana State AFL-CIO Convention are: CurtLesnick and Daniel Waldrop. Delegates to theIndiana State Building and Construction TradesConvention will be Curt Lesnick and RandyPalmateer. We congratulate our newly electedleaders and give them our support and prayers forthe responsibility before them.

Celebrate this Labor Day in thankfulnessfor the many blessings we enjoy.

David A. Soderquist, P.S.

Updated COMET ClassL.U. 725 (i,rts&spa), TERRE HAUTE, IN—Training continues on the updated COMET class.To date, we have taught 77 members aboutorganizing, market share, union density and itsimpact on our collective bargaining agreements.

We welcomed 20 new inside journeymanwiremen from the graduating class of 2008 inMay. The Outstanding Apprentice was RaymondFranko. Congratulations to all graduates on agreat achievement. For attending COMET class,they received COMET T-shirts. (See photo).

Recently, Int. Rep. David Ruhmkorff pre-sented the Code of Excellence to the union offi-cers. On their recommendation, our union bodyvoted to endorse the Code of Excellence on ajob-by-job basis. We are proud to have taken aproactive position in securing more work andproving that we are the best.

Bus. Mgr. R. Todd Thacker graduated fromthe National Labor College with a bachelor’s degreein Union Leadership and Administration this June.Organizer Tom Szymanski completed his master’sdegree in Labor Studies in September 2007 fromthe University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Finally, at a newly chartered Jobs With Justicechapter in South Central Indiana, our local unionwas one of the first unions to become a supportingmember and will be on the Steering Committee.

Tom Szymanski, P.S.

Volunteer Organizer CommitteeL.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL—Local 915 is imple-menting the Volunteer Organizer Committee calledthe Local 915 “5 Percent Club.” Organizing activitiesinclude: identifying nonunion contractors who arehiring, referring nonunion electricians to local unionorganizers, and identifying nonunion job sites.

The most exciting one for us right nowinvolves Tampa Bay’s professional baseball team,the Tampa Bay Rays. The team has put into motiona plan to build a new, state-of- the-art, outdoorwaterfront stadium. Team executives have been innegotiations with the building trades unions tobuild this stadium using union labor. However, therehas been strong opposition to the stadium plan.Union members were called on to show support forunion job creation and members responded over-whelmingly. The following brothers volunteeredwhenasked: Stan Lenas, DanielMarrero, KevinOzment,Roberto Rosa, JeffWilliams, JohnLacey, Casey Loftus,Brian Young, JonDehmel,Michael Slicker, Robert Ray,ErichHalen, Jeff Steinbach, GregRoberson, ChadPurdy,Mario Passanisi,Marcus Sherrod, Scott Nangle,ToddCorrea, JustinMartin, Gabe Smiles, Joe Farrow,Dolph Sharpe, JohnRourke andDarrell Cuendet.Contact the office to see how you can helpLocal 915 grow.

Theresa King, P.S.

Local 725 apprentice graduates of 2008 wear COMET T-shirts to show solidarity. Front row, from left, fifth-year Instructor Don S. Jenkins, Todd Wirey, Jonathan Haskell, Harold Maesch, Brent Tomey, Chad Waldon,William Aydelotte; middle row, Ty Deckard, Raymond Franko, Donald Dixon, Sr., Jason Caswell, RandallRussell, Robert Morris, Joshua Wallace; and back row, Matthew Parker, Alexander Reeves, Nicholas Surber,Ryan Tindall, Clifford Kinkade, Joshua Hatfield and Anthony Guevara.

Local 625 Bros. Everett Delahunt, Greg Cornect,Greg Durno, Howard Smith, Craig MacDonald,Aaron Little, and John Cameron (at front) gatherat the Stewiacke school job site in Nova Scotia.Not pictured is Bro. Jeff Lewis.

Local 611 congratulatesrecent apprenticeshipgraduates and welcomesall aboard as journey-man wiremen.

Local 595 members let their voices be heard asthey cast their votes.

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008 11

Flood Recovery EffortsL.U. 965 (em,govt&u), MADISON, WI—Floodingin June has devastated many parts of our local’sservice territory. Our hats are off to all our mem-bers who have exerted an extraordinary effort toassist in the recovery.

The local’s new Retirees Club is now up andrunning and we wish them much success in theirfuture endeavors.

A recent favorable decision in our health ben-efit lawsuit on behalf of our retirees has deniedAlliant Energy’s request of a dismissal of the case.

IBEW business managers throughoutWisconsin voted unanimous support for WisconsinPower & Light’s planned construction of a 300-megawatt coal and renewable fuel power plant inCassville, WI, while WP&L commits to constructand operate this plant with union labor.

A motorcycle Solidarity Ride from severallocations in the state kicked off festivities for thelocal’s annual summer picnic. A pig roast, rafflesfor charity, donations for the local food pantry,temporary tattoos and games for the kids, aplethora of prizes, good food, cold beverages andexcellent weather all ensured a great day of funand solidarity.

The local’s Legislative Committee stronglyurges everyone to learn the facts, get involvedand help support those candidates for publicoffice who support working families.

Kurt Roberts, P.S.

Campaign Efforts in Full SwingL.U. 1049 (lctt,o&u), LONG ISLAND, NY—OurGovernmental Affairs Committee is in full swingpreparing for the November elections. Throughoutthe year the committee is active educating themembership and elected officials, monitoring legis-lation, and interviewing candidates for politicaloffice. This year we have welcomed to our union hallU.S. Rep. Steve Israel, then-New York State SenateMajority Leader Joe Bruno, all nine of Long Island’sNew York state senators, numerous local officials,and the IBEW’s chief lobbyist for New York state.

At these meetings we conveyed labor’s mes-sage to our elected officials. As men and womenof labor it is imperative that we elect and sup-port those candidates who know, understand andsupport labor’s issues. We cannot always afford tosupport labor-friendly candidates financially, butwe can provide our services. As in the past wewill be staffing phone banks and distributingcampaign literature. The Governmental AffairsCommittee asks each member to donate fourhours of their time a year.

On behalf of Bus. Mgr. Robert Shand, I wishto congratulate the committee for hosting ourannual golf tournament. Thanks to them all fortheir hard work and dedication.

Thomas J. Dowling, R.S.

‘Whistleblowers’ HonoredL.U. 1245 (catv,em,govt,lctt,o,pet,t&u), VACAVILLE,CA—Four Local 1245 “whistleblowers” were hon-ored at Pacific Gas & Electric’s annual sharehold-ers meeting for their efforts to expose seriousshortcomings in PG&E’s natural gas infrastructure.

Individual union members had tried to con-front local management with the problem, and hadraised concerns at previous shareholder meetings.But only when members banded together to makea united appearance at the 2007 shareholdersmeeting did they get management’s attention. The

problems they exposed—including falsification ofdata by supervisors—led to a company investiga-tion and eventual dismissal of several supervisorsand the area director’s departure. IBEW membershonored by PG&E Chmn. Peter Darbee were JimFindley, Vince Zinkl, Steve Segale and MikeScafani, along with Wayne Welsh of Engineers andScientists, IFPTE Local 20.

In other news, the local kicked off bargainingwith PG&E on June 6. Full-scale bargaining on thePhysical and Benefits Agreements are slated tobegin around Labor Day. The Clerical Agreementruns for two more years, with wages pegged to theoutcome of Physical Agreement negotiations.

Members at Plumas-Sierra Rural ElectricCooperative ratified a new agreement thatenhances medical coverage for retirees.

The Local 1245 Safety Committee is launch-ing a “Near Miss” feature on the union’s Web site,where members are encouraged to submit “nearmisses” experienced in the field so others maylearn from the experiences. The Web site addressis www.ibew1245.com.

Members ratified new agreements with lineclearance tree trimming contractor Davey Tree,and with tree contractors Mountain Enterprisesand Family Tree.

Eric Wolfe, P.S.

Code Update/Industry EventL.U. 1253 (i), AUGUSTA, ME—Congratulationsto our JATC class of 2008. Their graduation cere-mony was June 13 at the Holiday Inn inWaterville. Brandon Craft will attend theNational Training Institute in August as ourOutstanding Apprentice of the Year.

Our annual picnic will be held Sept. 13 atYonder Hills Campground in Skowhegan. Weinvite all to attend this family event.

A code update/industry event will be heldSept. 20 and 21 at United Technologies Center inBangor. The event will be complete with food,trade vendors and contractor representatives.Members and nonmembers are urged to attend.

Hollywood Slots opened its new Bangor facil-ity to the public on July 1. Thanks to all who madethis a successful Code of Excellence project.

With regret we report the passing of threeretired brothers this spring. We extend our sympa-thies to the families of Alex Fidalgo, Les Spencerand Bob Williams. Each left his mark on the localand the industry and will be missed by all.

Bro. Rick Pedley was seriously burned as theresult of a propane explosion. In his final act, hetried to save his companion Linda from the fire. Rickpassed away on July 5. Linda is still undergoingtreatment. The families of both are in our prayers.

William Gifford, P.S.

NRG Energy ContractL.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY, MD—Local 1307recently ratified a new four-year contract withNRG Energy. The contract includes general wageincreases of 3.2 percent for each year of the con-tract. There are also changes in the administrationof the pension plan and changes in the 401(k)plan. Language changes were made to fall more inline with today’s operation of the plants. The nego-tiating committee consisted of Pres. David Adkins,Vice Pres. Lindley Hudson, E-Board member AndyGenga and members David Long, Roy Bunting, BillSwift and Larry Fisher. Thanks for a job well-done.

Congratulations to Bros. James Insley, TomCleary and Jeron Duffy, who retired in February.Bro. Insley retired after 36 years with DelmarvaPower. He began work as a laborer at ViennaPower Plant, held numerous posts and trans-ferred to Salisbury as a substation tech. Heretired as a senior substation technician.

Bro. Cleary began at Delmarva Power in 1976as a journeyman lineman in the Cambridge District,advanced to lead lineman and was a senior linemaninstructor. He retired as a trouble serviceman.

Bro. Jeron Duffy started as a meter reader inthe Rehoboth District for Delmarva Power in 1973.He worked as a district utility man since 1991.

Best wishes for a happy retirement, brothers.

E.D. Sparks, F.S.

Labor Leads the WayL.U. 1357 (t), HONOLULU, HI—Local 1357recently entered into contract negotiations withHawaiian Telcom. Local 1357 Bus. Mgr. ScotLong, IBEW Ninth District Int. Rep. Harold Dias,Local 1357 Pres. Ted Furukado and the bargainingteam have been busy preparing for what isexpected to be difficult negotiations.

Int. Rep. Dias and Local 1357 Rep./RegistrarAndie Kahakui recently returned from registrartraining in Los Angeles. They will be working onsuch key initiatives as membership participation,voter registration, absentee balloting and maxi-mizing educational efforts for our members. Thisis the year labor must take back the White House.

Our plates are full! Local 1357 Rep./OrganizerKimi Koge continues to focus on organizing, whilealso helping raise funds for our scholarship pro-gram. Sister Koge and Local 1357 Pres. ThomasGrogan spearheaded our Labor Day Scholarship GolfTournament, held Aug. 30 at Makaha Resort andGolf Club. This is a day when education and poli-tics converge for a great cause.

Congratulations to Ariel Keanini, recipientof a $1,000 Local 1357 scholarship. Ariel is thedaughter of Unit 7-Molokai Recorder and com-munications technician Kelvin Keanini. Ariel is astudent at BYU-Hawaii.

Karenann Wedge, P.S.

Union BrotherhoodL.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,rts&t), BALTIMORE,MD—It’s wonderful that our members make newfriends among themselves and stay friends over theyears. The brotherhood that the union brings isamazing. Members keep in touch with each otherafter working hours and even into retirement. Theaccompanying photo shows some of our membersat a barbecue in Hollywood Beach, FL, in 1993.

Bro. John “Yank” Yanczewski, recentlypassed away and he will be missed.

Thomas J. Rostkowski, R.S.

‘Leading by Example’L.U. 1523 (u), WICHITA, KS—We are pleased toreport that we have our first female substationjourneyman at our parent company, WestarEnergy. Rachel White-McQuillan’s career startedin the phone center and from there she trans-ferred to Newton, KS, as a line clerk.Subsequently, she bid on a substation apprentice-ship. Rachel has not only excelled in her careerwith Local 1523, she also has earned a bachelor’sand a master’s degree in business administration.Rachel managed to do all this as a single parent.Being of Native American descent makes it evenmore important to her to lead by example. Andthat she has. Congratulations on your new jour-neyman status, Rachael.

Keep your eyes open for our new 1523 Website, which we are working on. Informed mem-bers are the key to success.

We extend condolences to the family of BrookRobinson, who passed away suddenly on May 14.Brook was a member of Local 1523 since October1994. He came up the ranks from first-year servicehelper and became a journeyman lineman. In 2001he became a service operator. Brook was the typeof guy who would help anybody. He will be missed.

Candy C. Cruz-Dodd, P.S.

Alaska Officers ElectedL.U. 1547 (c,em,i,o,t&u), ANCHORAGE, AK—IBEW Local 1547 recently held statewide elec-tions of officers. Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Larry Bellwas re-elected in a three-way contest. “I’m hon-ored that our membership has shown trust in myadministration to chart the course of our localunion for another three years. My top priority isto ensure that our members remain safe andsecure on the job,” Bell said.

North Pole resident Knute Anderson waselected to his sixth consecutive term as presi-dent. “Our members are pleased with the way ourunion is being run,” Anderson said. Also electedto three-year terms: Vice Pres. Danny Gillette;Sec. Laura Bonner, Anchorage; and Treas.Charlie Breitenstein, Anchorage. Elected toExecutive Board Unit Seats 101-104: Cecil ColleyIII, Tom Minder, Brett Allio and Jay Rhodes.Elected to the Examining Board: Curtis Dunham,James Gengler, Chris Harmon and Dennis Olson;and Examining Board at-large—Cache Carr.

Bus. Rep. and journeyman cable splicerDoug Mills retired after 37 years of active Local1547 membership. He was business agent at theAnchorage hall since 2002. Local 1547 wishesBro. Mills a happy retirement.

Melinda Taylor, P.S.

Baltimore, MD, Local 1501 members enjoy a barbe-cue in Hollywood Beach, FL. From left, back row, E.Meyers, T. Roche, J. Cain, K. Green, D. Verzier, and P.Pham; front row, the late John “Yank” Yanczewskiand Jerry Brady.

Local 1253 member Rick Pedley passed awayJuly 5, 2008.

LOCAL LINES continued on page 16

12 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008

Annual Funding Notice for National Electrical Benefit Fund

2007 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, 2007 and endingDecember 31, 2007 (Plan Year).

Plan’s Funding LevelThe Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” forthe Plan Year was 67.37%. In general, the higher thepercentage, the better funded the plan. The fundedcurrent liability percentage, however, is not indica-tive of how well a plan will be funded in the futureor if it terminates. Whether this percentage willincrease or decrease over time depends on a num-ber of factors, including how the plan’s investmentsperform, what assumptions the plan makes aboutrates of return, whether employer contributions tothe fund increase or decline, and whether benefitspayments from the fund increase or decline.

Plan’s Financial InformationThe market value of the Plan’s assets as of January 1,2007 was $11,398,630,966. The total amount ofbenefit payments for the Plan Year was$723,737,488. The ratio of assets to benefit pay-ments is 15.75. This ratio suggests that the Plan’sassets could provide for approximately 15.75 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 andbeneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unionsrepresenting participants, and PBGC. In addition, par-ticipants and beneficiaries also must receive informa-tion 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 guarantee,therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’syears 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) ifthe participant dies after the plan terminates, bene-fits above the normal retirement benefit, disabilitybenefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits,such as health insurance, life insurance, deathbenefits, 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 Research Boulevard,Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850-3266. For moreinformation about the PBGC and multiemployer bene-fit 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 relay service tollfree at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connectedto 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 67.37 “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 5.78% 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) matcha particular plan’s actual experience. If, however, the“funded current liability percentage” calculationassumed a 7.00% estimated average annual rateof return (which, according to the NEBF’s investmentadvisors and actuaries is more than reasonable givenits current asset mix) and mortality rates modeled onthe actual experience of NEBF participants—figuresthe NEBF’s actuaries actually use in accordance withfederal law to prepare the actuarial valuation for theNEBF’s Form 5500 annual report—the resulting fig-ure would tell a starkly different story. Use of thesemore realistic assumptions would result in a muchhealthier funded percentage of 90.88%. The bottomline is that you can be assured that the Trusteesbelieve there is very little risk of the NEBF becomingunder-funded, let alone “financially troubled” 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, 2007. 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 $782,762,299. These expensesincluded $59,024,811 in administrative expensesand $723,737,488 in benefits paid to participantsand beneficiaries. A total of 497,272 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 $11,857,581,409 as of December 31,2007, compared to $11,398,630,966 as of January 1,2007. During the plan year the plan experienced anincrease in its net assets of $458,950,443. Thisincrease includes unrealized appreciation or depre-

ciation 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$1,241,712,742, including employer contributionsof $433,032,368, gains of $161,926,048 from thesale of assets, earnings from investments of$635,963,445, and other income of $10,790,881.

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 pay-

ments to service providers;

• assets held for investment;• loans or other obligations 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 entitiesin which the plan participates; and

• actuarial information regarding the fundingof 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 $34.25 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 noteswill be included as part of that report. The charge tocover copying costs given above does not include acharge for the copying of these portions of the reportbecause these 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 Wo r k e r � September 2008 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) you are 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 35and 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.If your 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 orderof priority: (1) your spouse, (2) your children, (3) yourparents, 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 informa-tion is available from the Plan Administrator’s Office.

2007 Summary Annual Report for theNational Electrical Annuity Plan

This is a summary of the annual report for theNational Electrical Annuity Plan, #52-6132372, for theyear ended December 31, 2007. 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 $95,132,049. These expensesincluded $8,984,197 in administrative expensesand $86,147,852 in benefits paid to participantsand beneficiaries. A total of 79,139 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 liabilitiesof the plan, was $2,570,508,001 as of December 31,2007, compared to $2,271,474,132 as of January 1,2007. During the plan year the plan experienced anincrease in its net assets of $299,033,869. Thisincrease includes unrealized appreciation or depre-ciation 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$394,165,918, including employer contributions of$231,130,691, gains of $25,425,242 from the saleof assets, earnings from investments of$136,624,375, and other income of $985,610.

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 informationon 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 costswill be $11.75 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 portionsof the report 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.

Amidst all the noise coming from beltway talkingheads, the importance of this year’s election is bestsummed up by one of our own members: “My liveli-hood – my family, my house, my job, everything I’ve

ever worked for – depends on this election.”The facts are clear: the last eight years have been a dis-

aster for working families.But in 2008 we have an opportunity to start anew. From

Alaska to Mississippi, there are talented and inspiring pro-working family candidates running for everything from thestate house to the U.S. Senate, candidates who have vowedto pass the Employee Free Choice Act, defend SocialSecurity and our pensions and invest in creating good jobshere at home. And nationally there is the candidacy of Sen.

Barack Obama, who has made his commitment to a working family agenda clear.Our Brotherhood was founded on the principle of nonpartisanship, welcoming

Democrats, Republicans and independents equally, and we always made it clear that how youvote is your own personal decision.

So I have no intention of telling you who to vote for, but as an officer of this union I do havethe responsibility to educate our members on the issues that are important to the future of ourunion and working families – such as workers’ rights, fair trade, health care, and protecting ourretirement – and make sure we elect representatives who will stand up and fight for them.

IBEW locals across the United States will be joining with other union members in mem-ber-to-member walks, which kick off early this month and continue through Election Day. Theidea is to help union voters think and vote on the basis of real issues that speak to our liveli-hoods, not divisive campaign talk.

As a union member and citizen, these walks are your opportunity to help cut through the chat-ter and meaningless rhetoric and focus on what’s important to you, your family, your co-workersand your neighbors. Get your best pair of walking shoes ready, because it’s time to get moving. �

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

HOWTO 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: media@ibew.org

©2008 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:P.O. Box 503RPO West Beaver CreekRichmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6

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 Wo r k e r � September 2008

North Americans have grown accustomed to followingreports of calamities in California. Our sympathyextends to families facing earthquakes, fires andmudslides. But a man-made earthquake is facing

the city of Vallejo, just north of San Francisco, and the after-shocks could soon be reverberating through our hometowns.

Vallejo, hard hit by a declining tax base—the partialresult of the sub-prime mortgage mess—has declared bank-ruptcy. More than 5 percent of homes in the city are in fore-closure. Home values are falling.

The city is asking a judge to set aside contracts with itspolice and firefighter unions and over 200 members of Local2376, who do the rest of the work in the city of 125,000 resi-dents. (See “Vallejo, Calif., Declares Bankruptcy,Scapegoats Union Contract” at www.ibew.org).

Local 2376 and its sister locals offered wage concessions to help the city through its budgetshortfall. But the city rejected their offer. So they mounted a legal and public relations campaignto keep from being made the scapegoats for financial problems that are out of their control.

What happens in Vallejo could set a precedent for dozens of cities, counties and statesfacing financial trouble. Jefferson County, Ala., for instance, has built up a $3.2 billion debtand could become the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. San Diego, Atlanta andNew York State are facing major budget shortfalls.

But the most extreme threat of the budget problems facing our public sector is a severereduction in essential services for working families—health care insurance for elderly anddisabled residents, fire and police protection, the proper funding of public education.

Like our brothers and sisters in Vallejo, we must resist any effort to lay the growing finan-cial crisis on the backs of the most vulnerable residents of our cities and states. But we needmore than a good defense. We need to elect leaders at all levels who will stand up for an econ-omy that grows good-paying union jobs that can keep our cities and their tax bases strong. �

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

EXECUTIVEOFFICERS

Edwin D. HillInternational President

Lindell K. LeeInternational 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 DistrictCurtis E. Henke

THE ELECTRICALWORKER

EditorEdwin D. Hill

C. James Spellane

Mark Brueggenjohann

Mike Nugent

Malinda Brent

Len Shindel

Carol Fisher

Alex Hogan

Lucas Oswalt

James H. Jones

Lindell K. LeeInternational Secretary-Treasurer

Scapegoating Workers

What’s At Stake in 2008

Edwin D. HillInternational President

w w w. i b e w. o r g T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008 15

Phoenix Local 640 members joined firefighters and a nearby VFWpost to come to the aid of Joe Kellwood, one of 400 Navajo“Windtalkers,” whose secret code, based upon their tribal lan-

guage, helped to win Iwo Jima and several battles in World War II. The“Windtalkers” were commemorated in a 2002 movie of the same name,starring Christian Slater.

In March, firefighters were called to Kellwood’s house after he suf-fered a medical emergency. While preparing to transport the celebratedveteran to the hospital, they noticed numerous housing code violationsthat needed immediate attention before Kellwood, 86, a retired memberof the Carpenters, could return home. Firefighters, Carpenters and otherlocal unionists immediately went to work renovating Kellwood’s home.

Tom Patterson, a retired electrician and a member of VFW Post9400 who worked on the project, contacted Local 640, asking for members to contribute to therebuilding effort. Kellwood is also a member of the post.

Jason Fails, a third-generation journeyman wireman, owner of G&S Electric, answered the call.New electric service was provided to the home by Jason’s son, Manfred, a journeyman wireman whowas assisted by apprentice Shawn McMahan. G&S donated all of the materials.

“I always believe in giving back,” says Jason Fails, who chaired Local 640’s examining board beforetaking over G&S from his father, Scott, when he retired in 1986. For years, G&S participated in Christmas inApril, a program that remodeled 50 homes each year for low-income homeowners. Today, G&S works withLocal 640 to raise money for Hacienda de Los Angeles, a non-profit that shelters victims of traumatic acci-dents. “It makes you feel how fortunate you are,” he says.

Kellwood enlisted in the First Marine Division in 1942 and was in the second group who estab-lished the only U.S. code that was unbroken by the Japanese. Navajo code talkers were sworn tosecrecy until 1968, when the military declassified their work. They were presented with CongressionalGold Medals in 2001. �

Phoenix Local Members RewireHome of Navajo ‘Windtalker’

Lettersto theEditorLettersto theEditorShoddy Electrical WorkI just read The Electrical Worker and was very disgusted by the articles regarding ourservice men dying in Iraq due to poor electrical work. It seems like a good time for theIBEW to go and show the nonunion contractors and Republicans in Congress why union isso important. We should not be in Iraq. I could not stand it if my child died in Iraq, period,but to have died due to electrocution, due to poor workmanship, would be more than Icould ever get over. Let’s make our presence known!

Paula HulsWife of Local 601 member Elmer Huls, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

Support the TroopsI support the troops but I don’t support the mission. I supported the troops in Vietnam,especially the ones who came back and told the rest of us it was senseless. Maybe onepresidential candidate would still want us to be in Vietnam since that mission was nevermade very clear as well. The current mission was supposed to be to capture and elimi-nate those responsible for 9/11, namely Osama bin Laden. Remember him? He’s theguy that was on the CIA payroll and had his picture taken with Rumsfeld. It’s strange thatthe fight against terrorism in the Middle East and Iraq doesn’t include the sons or daugh-ters from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or those other oil-rich nation states that we’re there toprotect. If anyone who supports this war can tell me that, it would surely be appreciated.

Gregory KestelLocal 1246 retiree, Guerenville, Calif.

We Thank You, Brothers and SistersMy husband is a journeyman lineman for Vacaville, Calif., Local 1245. He was injured onMay 22 on a backyard pole change in Sacramento. He suffered a bad head injury whenthe pole broke at ground level, bringing him to the ground.

After spending a few days at University of California Davis Medical Center, webrought him home. It has been hard going through this slow recovery, especially to seesomeone who is normally very active, be so ill. We also understand how blessed we are tohave an injury from which he can recover.

Jim has come a long way and hopes to return to work sooner than later. Patiencehas surely been a virtue, between the good and bad days.

My reason for writing this note is to thank allof the members in the union who havehad us in their thoughts. To pass the hat only days after the accident, and for checking onhim, even after these two months have passed.

I often worry about all of you during storms or the hot dry days of summer, but myeyes did not want to see the day-to-day danger in your work. It is easier that way.

Thank you again, Local 1245.

Amber DeptuchWife of 1245 member Jim J. Deptuch, Vacaville, Calif.

If you have a story to tell about your IBEW experience, please send it tomedia@ibew.org.

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If you would like to receive your Electrical Worker via e-mail instead of in your mailbox,contact us at media@ibew.org. Give us your name, IBEW local union number, cardnumber and e-mail address and we will send you the link to access The ElectricalWorker electronically.

Get Connected

World War II code talkerJoe Kellwood

16 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r � September 2008

Apprentice Graduates HonoredL.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA—On May 30, theElectrical Joint Apprenticeship TrainingCommittee, IBEW and NECA held a dinner andgraduation in honor of 28 graduating apprentices.Local 1579 congratulates the following new jour-neyman wiremen: Al Aleem, Pat Bland, ShawnBotelho, Neil Broach, Josh Bruce, Bryan Coogler,Rock El, Marcus Green, Jimmy Griswell, DustinHegler, Chris Holley, Tina Jones, Steve Langley,Mike Miller, Willie Newsome, Dustin Palmer,Rodney Parker, Randy Percival, Matt Robinson,Jason Salemi, Chad Smith, James Smith, BrettStory, Frank Story, Jeff Tharin, Chris Thomas,Tommy Tritt and Arthur “Ray” Wombles. With one-third of our local retiring within the next 10 years,our future lies in these new journeyman wiremen.

Work in the Augusta area is starting to pickup and all indicators point toward a busy fall.The Mixed Oxide Project and the Salt WasteProcessing Facility at the Savannah River siteshould add manpower, and Plant Vogtle will starthiring for the fall outage.

Remember, our union meetings are held onthe third Monday of each month with dinner start-ing at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting at 8 p.m. Let’s allmake a commitment to attend our union meetings.

Will Salters, A.B.M.

Brother Receives REC AwardL.U. 1593 (u), HAZEN, ND—McKenzie ElectricCooperative mechanic and IBEW Local 1593member Rocky Prestangen received the NorthDakota Rural Electric Cooperative CommunityService Award for his volunteer service to indi-viduals, groups, businesses and families.

Rocky’s leadership was instrumental in estab-lishing a dive rescue team for McKenzie County. Healso is a member of the Watford City Volunteer FireDepartment and McKenzie County AmbulanceService. About three years ago Rocky set out to formthe dive team. A certified diver and instructor, Rockytook 12 area volunteers and had each diver undergo2,000 hours of intense training to become certified.

Rocky also volunteered on the McKenzieCounty multi-purpose building, the children’splayground and Relay for Life projects. A mem-ber of First Lutheran Church, Rocky and wifeSharon have two children.

Tom Schwab, B.M./F.S.

Work Picture BrighterL.U. 1701 (catv,ees,i,o&u), OWENSBORO, KY—Work in the jurisdiction has picked up. Severalprojects are getting under way in the area andour work picture looks brighter for the future.We thank all locals that have employed our trav-eling members. Bus. Mgr. Gary Osborne reportsthat additional out-of-town electrical contractorsare looking to open shops in the Owensboro area.We welcome all contractors to our area and lookforward to working with them.

The inside branch ratified a three-yearagreement with contract language changes andsignificant increases in the wage and benefitpackage. We thank negotiating committee mem-bers, Mike Roby, Terry Stearsman, Pres. RichardThomson and Bus. Mgr. Osborne.

Our LMCC committee met in June to discussand adopt language for our Code of Excellenceprogram. NECA Dir. Tom Millay presented the lan-guage and it was accepted by the committee.

On the political front, Kentucky state Sen.David Boswell defeated Davies County JudgeExecutive Reid Haire in the May Democratic pri-mary for the U.S. House of Representatives, 2ndCongressional District seat. Boswell will faceRepublican Kentucky state Sen. Brett Guthrie inthe November general election. Local 1701endorsed candidate Boswell as well as Sen.Barack Obama for president. Please register tovote and please support our labor candidates.

See you at union meetings, held the thirdMonday of each month.

Tim Blandford, P.S.

50-Year AwardL.U. 1739 (i&o), BARRIE, ONTARIO, CANADA—The membership of IBEW Local 1739 congratu-lates retired member Nigel Yetman on receivinghis IBEW 50-Year Achievement Award. We thankNigel for his contributions to this local and wishhim the very best in the future. Local 1739 alsowishes all our brothers and sisters across NorthAmerica a safe and productive year ahead.

Frank Kastle, P.S.

Vote Our Jobs!L.U. 1749 (u), NEW JOHNSONVILLE, TN—Congratulations to the local’s newly elected offi-cers: Bus.Mgr./Pres. Chester “Kim” Dawson, VicePres. Jimmy Phy, Rec. Sec. Tim Griffin, Fin. Sec.Barry Arnold, Treas. Jackie Plant; VincentWilson—Unit Chairman 1749.1; and Gene Slater—Unit Recording Secretary 1749.1. Executive Boardmembers are: Randy Blaine, Mark DeJuliis, SteveJoiner, George Potter and Billy D. Ross. TheExamining Board was cancelled.

Remember to send Barry Arnold your mostrecent address information for the upcoming presi-dential election. Register to vote by Sept. 29 tovote in the general election. You can get registra-tion forms at your local election office, library,Motor Vehicle Administration, or state governmentWeb site. If you have any problem and wish me toforward you a form, please let me know ASAP!

The November election is critical to work-ing folks. When the last president took office, gaswas $1.49 a gallon and look at it now! We have atilted Labor Relations Board, and an ineffectiveOSHA. The Wage and Hour Commission has onlytwo inspectors per state and no transportationbudget. Prescription drugs and medical premi-ums are skyrocketing. We need you to vote ourjobs and lobby our conscience.

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

Selfless Act AwardedL.U. 1759 (u), CASPER, WY—On behalf of IBEWLocal 1759 members, Asst. Bus. Agent DaleForsberg presented local union member RockieHoskinson with an IBEW jacket for his quickaction that saved the life of a motorist on Feb. 27.Rockie is a power system control center operatorfor the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, WY.

Rockie and his wife, Janice, were traveling

south on Interstate 25 near Casper, WY, whenthey observed flames coming from the back of apickup truck ahead of them. Rockie was drivingand pursued the vehicle. He pulled up alongsidethe pickup truck and got the driver’s attention toget him to stop.

When the driver pulled over, the flamesengulfed the driver’s side of the truck and thedriver attempted to get out but the fire was toomuch. Rockie ran up to the passenger door,opened it, grabbed the driver and drug him outof the truck and to a safe distance just as flamesengulfed the truck. Janice stayed in their vehicleand contacted 911.

In recognition of his actions, RockieHoskinson is the first civilian to receive a life-savingaward from the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office.

Dale Forsberg, A.B.A.

Golf Tournament a SuccessL.U. 2325 (t), WORCESTER, MA—The annual Local2325 Golf Tournament was held Sunday, June 8, atthe Heritage Country Club in Charlton, MA. Thisyear’s tournament was played to raise money for the1st annual Mark Booden Scholarship. The tourna-ment was a complete success and support shown forthe scholarship fund by the membership was over-whelming. Bro. Booden was a longtime splice servicetechnician for Verizon and a loyal member of IBEW2325. Tragically, Mark died of cancer in his 40s, leav-ing behind his loving wife and three children. TheLocal 2325 COPE Committee, with the blessing ofMark’s family, including his father, FrederickBooden, a retired IBEW 2325 member, decided itwould be appropriate to honor Mark in this way.

Congratulations to the winning tournamentteam of Ron Darling, Charlie Darling, ChrisTowne and Bobby Dunn. The team won with ascore of 12 under par and donated their entire$400 prize to the scholarship fund. Special recog-nition also goes to Bro. Brian Duplessis, winner ofthe 50/50 raffle who donated his entire prize tothe scholarship fund. The local also thanks volun-teers Ronda Bertrand Robbins, Donna Bertrandand Joe Floyd, of Local 2324, for their help at thetournament, and all those who sponsored a hole.

Paul Mark, P.S.

Local 1759 Asst. Bus. Agent Dale Forsberg (left)presents IBEW jacket to local union memberRockie Hoskinson.

Local 1739retired memberNigel Yetmanreceives anIBEW award for50 years ofservice.

Local 1701 retired member Gary Nance (left) dis-plays his 55-year service award at the November2007 pin ceremony. He is joined by his son Brent,a 14-year member.

IBEW Local 1579’s2008 graduatingclass, instructorsand apprentice-ship committeeattend graduationcelebration.

Local Linescontinued from page 13

IBEW locals come together for a worthycause at Local 2325’s annual golf tour-nament. From left: Local 2324 Pres.Bruce Lambert, Local 2325 Press Sec.and Registrar Paul W. Mark, Local 2325Bus. Mgr. Dave Keating, Local 2320Steward Paul J. Mark, Local 2320Executive Board member DaveDuhamel, and Local 2324 Press Sec.and Executive Board member Joe Floyd.