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September 2005 IBEW Journal

APS Contract Ratified

L.U. 387 (em,lctt&u), PHOENIX, AZ—After the membership turned down the first Local 387/Arizona Public Service Company contract, changes were made and voted on again. The second count was 800 yes and 279 no. The three-year contract features wage increases of 3.5 percent for 2005; 3.5 percent for 2006; and 3.5 percent for 2007.

Recently, two of our members were the first in the state of Arizona to complete the Joint Apprenticeship for Tree Trimming. Congratulations to Steve McInelly and Brian Wilson, who are employees of Navopache Electric Co-Op.

Four Corners Power Plant recently held a picnic themed “Bringing Families Together”; more than 1,500 attended this event. Thanks to all the local brothers and sisters for making this day a huge success.

With the summer temperatures rising above 110 degrees and multiple brush and forest fires burning in the state, everyone is busy, to say the least.

Sam Hoover, Pres.

Congratulations, Bro. Martz

L.U. 435 (as,rtv,rts,spa&t), WINNIPEG, MB, CANADA—After many years of dedicated service to Local 435, our former president Bro. Carl Martz has retired. Carl served the local as president since 1997. Over the years he also served the local in many other capacities, including that of shop steward, Executive Board member and negotiating committee member.

A retirement party in his honor was held June 2, 2005, with many friends, co-workers and retirees in attendance. Carl worked for Manitoba Telecom Services for 32 years. We all wish him the best.

Thanks go out to Local 435 member George Bain, who provided information for this article and the accompanying photo

Dave Robertson, Pres.

Dedicated Service

L.U. 441 (as,i,o&rts), SANTA ANA, CA—Our local extends sincere appreciation to two brothers, who recently retired from our staff, for all of the ways that they served and supported our membership. Both served Local 441 well and their daily contributions will surely be missed.

Jim Berkey is a 42-year IBEW member, who after completing his apprenticeship in Local 46, transferred to Local 441 in 1976. He has worked for us practically nonstop since his arrival. Jim served as steward on several occasions and has served as recording secretary, Executive Board member, president, business representative and assistant business manager.

Dave Tschann is equally hard to replace and has also contributed to this union for many years. After he was initiated into our local in 1971, Dave served on the Apprenticeship and Health and Welfare committees and our benefit trusts. He served as a steward when asked and was elected to the Executive Board and as president. Since 1998 Dave served as a business representative and directed our organizing efforts.

Our entire membership, officers and staff wish these brothers a long, healthy and happy retirement.

Steve Igoe, P.S.

Well Done, Graduates!

L.U. 445 (catv,i,&spa), BATTLE CREEK, MI—June was an exciting month for many members of Local 445, and most especially for graduating apprentices. After completing the five-year Inside program, the following brothers are now journeyman wiremen: Derick Boyette, Mike Butts, Lance Dougherty, Bill Gish, Pat Huff, Brian Jaques, Tom Sullivan and Marvin Voke. Congratulations, brothers, on a job well done!

Local 445 elections were held June 13, 2005, and the following officers were sworn in on July 11, 2005: Bus. Mgr. Steve Claywell, Pres. Yole Velo, Vice Pres. John Conkle, Rec. Sec. Kevin Hagelgans and Treas. Deral Murray. Elected to the Executive Board: Ed Everest, Jeff Eyre, Bill Johnson, Bob Martin, Ken Scott and Brad Storm. Examining Board: Doug Curey, Ken Huestis and Tom Weiland

Congratulations and good luck to you all.

Bill Kazlauskas, P.S.

100th Anniversary Plans

L.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa &u), POCATELLO, ID—Calls of “here, fishy fishy” echoed over the calm waters of the Ririe Reservoir as members and their families participated in the first IBEW/NECA Fishing Derby. Winner of the three best fish in the “14 and Way Over” category was Richard Byington—whose catch weighed 2 pounds 4 ounces. Hunter Chapman won the “14 and Under” division weighing in at 2 pounds 1 ounce. Many folks just came to soak in the sunshine, enjoy lunch and visit.

Remember to celebrate Labor Day weekend—it’s our holiday! We all need to be politically active to affect our futures, so contact your elected representatives regarding our issues.

Preparations for Local 449’s 100th anniversary continue as the celebration draws near. The committee is working hard to ensure that this commemoration is classic. Please join us Nov. 12 at the Pocatello Red Lion.

With many members working in neighboring local jurisdictions we thank our sister locals for their hospitality. Projected local work projects are slow in developing and getting underway.

Our condolences to the families of retired Bros. Joe Dyer and Gene Jester, who recently passed away.

Laurie Watters, P.S.