Sign up for the lastest information from the IBEW!

It is indeed an honor to address the delegates in attendance at this convention. I attended my first convention in Cleveland in 1958 as a delegate from my home Local 453 in Springfield, Missouri. I have attended every convention after that as either a delegate or an International officer. And, of course, as International Secretary, my staff and I had much of the responsibility for planning the 1986, '91 and '96 conventions. So I say with authority that it is good to be able to relax and enjoy this convention and let others carry on the business of this great organization.

It's good to be with you in this beautiful city for many reasons. My wife Betty and I have enjoyed the real hospitality shown us since our arrival. It is always good to see so many comrades in arms with whom I share so many vivid memories. Among the ranks of our retired officers and staff are some of the finest men and women I have ever known. And I hope that the dedicated service that they have given this great Brotherhood will never be forgotten.

Above all, I am pleased that this convention gives met opportunity to be with International President Emeritus Barry. I had the great honor of working closely with Jack for eleven years as a leadership team at the International office, and we were brother officers for many years before that. We were friends, we were working partners, and I like to think that we played our part in keeping the bridge to opportunity in good working order during our time in office. Jack, it was good working with you.

It is also great to see Secretary Emeritus Ralph Leigon. Ralph and I served on the IEC together for ten years, and we both left the IEC at the same time. He went as International Secretary, and I went as Vice President of the Eleventh District. And I was fortunate enough to follow in Ralph's footsteps. He has reminded me that he has seniority on the emeritus title, whatever that means.

When you have had the honor and privilege of serving this great Brotherhood in a leadership capacity, you want to pass on the union in good shape to your successor, and you want to see your successors take it even higher and do a better job than you did. That validates one's legacy in the most positive way possible. I watched with pride when Ed Hill took over the International Secretary's job and went on to do great things with it. He led IBEW COPE to even greater heights and made it a stronger force on behalf of the pro-labor candidates in the '98 and 2000 elections.

He set in motion a tremendous grassroots political effort. And under his leadership, our benefit funds prospered greatly, which made it possible to increase the pension benefits for our members under NEBF. That's what leadership is, building on success and adding new, innovative programs.

As International President, Ed and his working partner Jerry O'Connor have already made their marks and have proven that they are the team of the hour. I congratulate them on winning a full five-year term to keep the Brotherhood on the road to progress. I guarantee that you, the delegates, made the right choice when you elected this team, that Ed and Jerry with your help, they will see that the IBEW continues to grow and prosper.

In an organization like the IBEW that has such a proud history, it is natural and it's proper that we look to the past for guidance and inspiration. But what really matters is the future. As I look out over this great hall at the delegates seated in this convention, I can see the future of the Brotherhood is in good hands. You are the future of the Brotherhood. Any officer in any union will talk about the pride he or she feels in leading their organization. But I can tell you that serving as an officer in the IBEW is a truly great honor, precisely because of the incredible depth of talent and leadership in this organization.

The top officers of the IBEW do not pull the switches in Washington and cause things to happen all over the continent. The leaders set a course and inspire action throughout the Brotherhood, including local leaders and rank-and-file members.

You are the ones who make positive change happen. You are the ones who provide the great foundation on which this union is built and will continue to stand. You are the heart and the soul of the IBEW and always will be.

I hope this is a productive convention. I hope that you, the officers and delegates who cast the votes on the various resolutions at this convention, think carefully and set a wise and prudent course for the future. It is a great responsibility to be here and speak for the brothers and sisters back home.

Those of you who know me know that politics has been one of my great passions in life. I've never made any bones about my standing as a proud and staunch Democrat.

Now, like most of you, I disagree with George Bush most of the time; but now is not the time for any of us to be divisive.

I had prepared a different speech than I'm delivering now, but I strongly feel that we are Americans first and must unite behind our President in this crisis.

I was extremely proud to see both the Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill uniting behind our President and committing to do whatever necessary to bring our enemies to their knees.

Yet labor must never forget that we have the obligation to communicate with our members, inform them about politics on a regular basis, talk to them about issues that affect labor, and let them know how their congressmen and senators voted on labor issues.

I go back to the statement Samuel Gompers made many years ago: "Elect your friends and defeat your enemies." And if our members are properly informed, I am sure they will do just that.

I'll close by saying thank you for your support and friendship over the years. I know you will continue to give that same kind of support to our present officers. I am proud to be your union brother and always will be.

Keep up the good fight. Stay strong and united. Thank you. You are the greatest.

International Secretary Emeritus Jack F. Moore

Related Articles