L.U. 21 (catv,govt&t), DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Illinois union members are fighting back the punches being thrown at them by "the billionaire" Gov. Bruce Rauner. The governor is being taught a lesson — we refuse to be treated like his employees. We have voices and we are making them heard.

While the attorney general and courts have ruled his plans illegal, the CEO governor continues to demand support of his so-called Turnaround Agenda. Raunerism (which includes proposals to repeal union rights, prevailing wages, social programs and local government funding, along with a basic business approach of "do it my way or the highway") has been met with strong opposition. Time after time when Rauner's resolutions are discussed by government bodies, they are either rejected or tabled indefinitely.

IBEW members are helping to defeat the governor's proposed anti-worker measures. When IBEW members get involved, they make a strong impact.

We are very proud of our members, who are fighting like never before. IBEW Local 21 members not only work hard, but they also make a difference in the communities where we live and work.

Bob Przybylinski, R.S./P.S.

L.U. 25 (catv,i&rts), LONG ISLAND, NY — In 1980 our Pipe and Drum band was started by Bro. Ed McGilly and was the first Pipe and Drum band to be recognized by the IBEW International. Bro. McGilly had a passion to start a band after being taught by the Suffolk County Emerald Society.

Bro. McGilly asked then-business manager Bud Fisher if he could start a band and Fisher replied, "Find a band and teach them to play and get approval from the membership and we have a band." Then-president Eugene Parrington asked the I.O. for a charter and it was approved.

The band wanted to show union pride through organized music, marching in towns and hamlets throughout Long Island and far from home, all for the purpose of promoting Local 25 and the IBEW. Our pipers and drummers and Honor Guard dress in traditional Scottish military uniform with a feather bonnet.

This tradition continues today, 35 years later, with Bro. John Martin now running the band with many very talented brothers and sisters.

This year the band won a trophy at the Saint Patrick's Day parade for "Best Band" in Patchouge, NY. They really do a tremendous job, and we are all very proud of them.

Tom Lawless, P.S.

L.U. 37 (em,o&u), FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA — With the Federal election on the horizon, candidates are working hard to get our votes. Each one has his or her own ideas about shaping our country, the future of organized labour, spending our tax dollars, etc. Decisions and commitments that will affect us, and the generations to follow.

Make sure to choose your candidate by asking the questions that matter to you, your family, and your community. Ask candidates questions about jobs, the economy, education, healthcare, the energy sector, retirement, the environment, local issues, etc. Whatever is important to you, is important. You can find your answers by scheduling meetings, sending emails, making phone calls, reading campaign materials, and following the media coverage.

If you're satisfied with a particular candidate's answers, it's time for political action. And there are lots of ways to help your candidate get the votes that he or she needs to get elected. Here are some suggestions:

• Go door to door with candidate.
• Do survey phone calls.
• Put up signs.
• Make a financial contribution.
• Volunteer at campaign related events.
• Encourage others to vote.
• Drive voters to the polls.
• Invite candidates to events in your community.

But the single most important thing you can do is vote! It's your right, make it count!

Ross Galbraith, B.M.

L.U. 41 (em,es,govt,i,se&spa), BUFFALO, NY — A lot has happened since our last article. We negotiated new agreements for inside wiremen, with Volland Electric, SE-MAR Electric, Niagara Transformer, and our Motor Shop. At press time, we also have ongoing negotiations with The Buffalo News and ICS Telecom.

In early April, Local 41 held its first Easter Egg Hunt, which the local plans to make an annual event. Many eggs were found and ice-cream sundaes eaten. An "extreme" balloon artist was there, all the kids had fun, and even the Easter Bunny found his way to our party. We are booked for next year and have already passed the date on to the rabbit.

With the leadership of Ken Scheifla and Matt Gaiser, our RENEW (Reach out and Engage Next-gen Electrical Workers) group continues to volunteer in the community. More brothers and sisters show up at these projects to participate and to find out what it means to be part of the IBEW. We are not just union electricians; we are a part of the fabric of our community. We are not union thugs — we care about others and are willing to give to those less fortunate. We are not greedy or lazy or selfish — we are willing to spend our own time and efforts to make our communities better. Thank you to the brothers and sisters who take the time to show others we are the rising tide, and we want to raise all.

Gregory R. Inglut, A.B.M.

L.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY — In March, Local 43 members participated in America's Greatest Heart/Run Walk in Utica and the American Heart Walk in Syracuse. Combined, 40 members and family braved brisk winds and the cold to raise $10,198 for the American Heart Association. This was a significant increase from last year thanks to the hard work of those participating.

At the April local union meeting, third-year apprentices were acknowledged for their work in motor control class. Instructor Scot Garland led the class through 13 weeks devoted to motors, motor controls, variable frequency drives and programmable logic controls. Ten lab projects performed during that time involved wiring control cabinets based on ladder diagrams drawn by the students. The students' work was evaluated based on functionality and craftsmanship. David Graves, Joseph Merritt, Kirk Phillips and Adam Santamour were each awarded Fluke multimeters by the JATC for their outstanding work in the lab.

Gene Townsend, P.S.

L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Happy birthday, America!. Thank a veteran for 239 years of independence.

At press time, we remain at loggerheads in negotiations with Southern California Edison. Demonstrations and rallies continue at SCE events, including its annual stockholders meeting. We are applying pressure in the state legislature and at the Public Utilities Commission. The U.S. Senate is investigating the company's abuse of the H-1B visa program as a result of the layoff of several hundred non-represented American workers, who were replaced with workers from India. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled against SCE's mismanagement of its 401(k) program.

Our Stewards Conference was May 1-2. Over 200 stewards attended. Speakers included: State Controller Betty T. Yee, organizer/author Stewart Acuff, Vietnam POW Cpt. J. Charles Plumb, and IBEW Ninth District Int. Vice Pres. John J. O'Rourke.

More than 150 members/families enjoyed a weekend of off-road fun at our Annual Desert Days.

Our first RENEW (Reach out and Engage Next-gen Electrical Workers) meeting was May 16. We encourage all our younger members to join.

We are sad to report the passing of Phil Pechacek and Miguel Mariscal. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.

Live long, live safe and well. Work and buy union!

Stan Stosel, P.S.

L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,ptc,rtb,t,u&uow), SPRINGFIELD, IL — The local mourns the loss of Bro. Orley Welker Jr., who passed away April 25 at age 87. Bro. Welker was formerly the local's business manager before going on to serve as an International Representative with the Sixth District and eventually retiring in 1993. Prior to joining the IBEW, Bro. Welker spent 29 years in the U.S. Air Force and 183rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, retiring as a colonel in 1980. He attended the University of Illinois and Western Illinois University and briefly taught elementary school. Bro. Welker attended the Local 51 Christmas lunch every year following his retirement and was a proud union brother.

S.B. 1585 and H.B. 3293 create low-carbon credits for generators in Illinois. Closure of three nuclear plants in Illinois, including Clinton Power Station, would be devastating in terms of union jobs. The local union supports these bills and others to assist nuclear, coal and renewable generators in Illinois, which is consistent with our "all-of-the-above" strategy for generation sources. Currently Clinton Power Station is shut down for a refuel outage and an additional 1,200 workers are on-site.

Have a safe summer and attend your local union meetings.

Karlene Knisley, B.R.

L.U. 97 (u), SYRACUSE, NY — A luncheon was held Feb. 13 to congratulate retired chief line mechanic Matthew Mott for his 50-plus years of IBEW service. Matt's career started in the U.S. Army doing line work in 1959. He was later deployed to Germany for several years.

Once returned to U.S. soil, he began working for Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. in 1963, as a janitor making $2.18 per hour. He was eventually awarded a "groundman" position and made his way through the line mechanic series. Matt worked on several large jobs during his IBEW career, as well as through countless storms and on thousands of trouble calls. We wish Matt the best in his retirement, after 51 years and 310 days of service to our community and to our local.

We continue to prepare for upcoming negotiations throughout the year, and finally welcome the warm weather within our territory.

Jim Zabinski, V.P.

L.U. 103 (cs&i), BOSTON, MA — Local 103's Annual Sports Night was held for the 34th time this March at UMass Boston. It is an event that has something for everyone in Local 103 and their family. The journeymen rivaled the apprentices in both hockey and basketball. Our members' children took to the ice in their own hockey game, and there was a kids' basketball shoot-out. Following the sports events, everyone gathered at the union hall to socialize while the kids continued to play through the evening.

The IBEW's 2015 RENEW (Reach out and Engage Next-gen Electrical Workers) Conference was held in Chicago, IL, also in March. Over 400 young workers attended from all parts of the U.S. and Canada. Local 103 sent a delegation of 13 members to attend the event. There the young workers of the IBEW experienced three days of intense workshops. Among the many workshop topics were: The History and Structure of the IBEW, How to Make a Presentation & Facilitate Your Own Workshop, Community Engagement, Organizing and Media. This event provided many educational tools for the young workers to bring back and apply to their home locals.

Kevin C. Molineaux, P.S.

L.U. 109 (u), ROCK ISLAND, IL — Congratulations to two longtime Local 109 members who recently retired, Stephen "Felg" Felgenhauer and Jeffrey Hughes.

Bro. Felgenhauer, electrical technician at Louisa Generating Station, received a retirement watch and pin, presented by Local 109 steward Bryan Stephens. Bro. Felgenhauer retired with just over 39 years of service.

Bro. Hughes, gas serviceman at our Davenport Service center, also received a retirement watch and pin, presented by Local 109 steward Jeff Bozman. Bro. Hughes retired with over 41 years of service.

Local 109 thanks these members for their IBEW service. We wish them a long and happy retirement.

Denise Newberry, R.S.

L.U. 111 (em,govt,lctt,mt,o,rtb,spa&u), DENVER, CO — The Local 111 Policy Committee meeting was held the weekend of April 17. We did experience a good turnout, even though a spring storm was thrown into the mix, making travel for some difficult. The purpose of the Policy Committee is to meet and discuss the business of the local union and to update the local's executive board and business manager on the business carried on by the Local 111 units.

I sincerely thank everyone who made the trip. Those who attended graciously gave up their weekend to participate and help set policy for the local. This is also a great opportunity for unit representatives to mingle with other unit participants, get to know their fellow union members, and experience firsthand what issues are affecting other units. Again, my extreme gratitude to those who participated and made this meeting a success.

Our new webpage is up and running. Construction members can now pay union dues online and re-sign the books. Please register at www.ibew111.com and see what is happening around your local.

On another note, the Local 111 EWMC 3rd Annual Car Show & Poker Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, at the Belle Creek Center in Henderson. Information is available on the Local 111 webpage.

Mike Kostelecky, P.S.

L.U. 125 (lctt,o,t&u), PORTLAND, OR — As of this writing, Local 125 continues negotiations with Pacific Power. The membership has rallied behind their brothers and sisters employed at the utility. In March, members who work at a variety of utilities — including Portland General Electric, Clark County PUD, Salem Electric, and Bonneville Power Administration — participated to show their support. Construction members also joined the informational picketing.

Pacific Power in Bend, OR, organized a three-day informational picketing effort as well.

"Thank you to all our members and their families who have stood up in support of this effort," said Local 125 Bus. Mgr. Travis Eri. "This is not about Pacific Power only. Many utilities use Pacific Power as part of their comparison toward overall compensation, so these negotiations affect more than these members."

The union simply seeks a fair total compensation package that is based on comparative utilities in the Pacific Northwest.

Marcy Grail, A.B.M.

L.U. 145 (em,i,o,rts,spa&u), ROCK ISLAND, IL — April 2015 marked the 90th anniversary of Local 145! As documented by the IBEW, former Local 485 (chartered in Rock Island, IL, in 1913) and former Local 635 (chartered in Davenport, Iowa, in 1917) merged in Rock Island, IL on March 27, 1925 … to become IBEW Local 145! We plan to continue our 90th Anniversary celebration with special events and commemorative items throughout the year. A big celebration for our members and retirees is being planned for October.

At press time, we are busy planning the finishing touches for our annual picnic, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1. Our Picnic Committee is working diligently to organize another successful picnic. Each year our members, retirees and their families gather in the hundreds for this casual and family friendly event and this year will be no exception! The new location at Sunset Lakes Resort promises to have something for everyone with new activities and plenty of space to enjoy a day of solidarity — and we can't wait! Plan to attend!

We acknowledge the loss of our recently deceased members and retirees. Their contributions to our industry were instrumental in the success of Local 145.

Dan Larson, P.S.

L.U. 159 (i), MADISON, WI — Earlier this year, in the face of broad opposition, Wisconsin became a so-called "right-to-work" state. Shortly after Gov. Scott Walker was sworn in for his second term, the Republican-dominated state legislature wasted little time fast-tracking a RTW bill to his desk. We rallied alongside thousands of others, but the voices of the thousands who registered and spoke out against RTW were quashed by the voices and dollars of a powerful few. We are grateful to all who turned out, particularly fellow IBEW members from around Wisconsin, adjacent states and beyond.

We purchased our own building in late 2014 and moved in at the end of January. This summer we'll begin remodeling and equipping our Training Center. We finance all of our training with our own private funds. We look forward to providing continuing education classes on-site later this year. Our work picture looks good for late summer and early fall.

At press time we are preparing to go to the Council on Industrial Relations (CIR) for final resolution, following spring negotiations for a new voice-data- video contract representing eight Wisconsin locals.

Please note our local's new address, 4903 Commerce Court, McFarland, WI 53558. Our other contact information remains the same.

Lisa Goodman, P.S.

L.U. 193 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL — The contract for the Sangamon County Central Dispatch System members was ratified; it is a four-year agreement. At this writing, the State of Illinois Central Management Services agreement and the Secretary of State agreement are pending.

Local 193 organized a new contractor, Bledsoe Electric, out of Mechanicsburg-Springfield. Welcome aboard!

The work scene remains slow with eight small jobs on the Dodge Reports. City Water Light & Power is doing a transmission line, in-house, along Wabash Avenue. A water purification project by Springfield Sanitary District (Metro) is ongoing.

Habitat for Humanity is now doing its 100th housing project in Springfield. A big IBEW Local 193 "thank-you" to all the hard-working, skilled journeymen and apprentices on their selfless contribution to Abraham Lincoln's hometown! Congratulations to our new Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder on his recent election.

We urge all IBEW members to contact your state representatives and senators as well as Gov. Bruce Rauner's office and tell them how you feel about the 112 project labor agreements (PLAs) the newly elected governor chose to dismiss throughout Illinois.

I would be remiss if I did not encourage all Cardinals, White Sox and Cubs fans to follow baseball for another exciting year in Major League Baseball.

Donald Hudson, P.S.

L.U. 197 (em&i), BLOOMINGTON, IL — At this writing, work in our jurisdiction remains slow. Thank you to fellow locals that are able to provide work for our brothers and sisters, allowing them to receive a paycheck and bolster their Health and Welfare accounts. We hope we will be able to return the favor.

We have been busy fighting off government efforts to pass Gov. Bruce Rauner's anti-union agenda. Thank you to our members who have showed up to support the cause of workers. Member activism is important for a couple of reasons. First, when we make our voices heard, it informs those who vote against our interests as to what our perspective is and how the anti-worker agenda negatively affects us. It also allows those elected officials who do support us a chance to stiffen their resolve to act in the interest of workers. It is vital that we continue to be visible at these meetings. [Note: For more detail, see Politics & Jobs: Rebuking Ill. Gov., Pro-Worker Lawmakers Go on Right-To-Work Offensive.]

Please put our Annual Golf Outing on your calendar. It will be Saturday, July 25, at Fairlakes Golf Course in Secor, IL. The Golf Committee is working hard to ensure a good time for all.

Thanks to those who attended the Workers Memorial Day ceremony at White Oak Park: Don Armstrong, John Moss, Tom Willan, Mike Russell, Jack Roberts, Robin Roberts, Jake Goar, Carson Copley, Matt Wall, Brian Stufflebeam and Dan Uhlir.

Work safe, get involved in the local, and stay involved!

Mike Raikes, Pres.

L.U. 213 (c,catv,em,i&u), VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — On April 8, Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Adam Van Steinburg and Bus. Rep. Jim Lofty conducted an orientation/initiation session with 95 new journeypersons and apprentices in attendance. Bros. Van Steinburg and Lofty addressed the group and gave advice on being good union members. Congratulations to our new members!

Stewards training courses held recently were well-attended. These brothers/sisters who participated are to be congratulated. Stewards play a very important role within our Brotherhood. They will better our work relationship and communications with the employer and with each other.

Adam Van Steinburg, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH — Local 245 has been busy with negotiations. At this writing, first contracts for newly organized Lake Township workers and S&N Communications are in progress. All other negotiations are completed at this time. The next upcoming contracts for negotiation are First Energy and Outside Construction. The work picture at Local 245 on the outside looks good at this time for underground work. Negotiations in the broadcast area were concluded after completion of the contract with the Sinclair group at WNWO-Channel 24. Next year WTOL-Channel 11 and WTVG-Channel 13 contracts will be negotiated.

In nuclear news, Davis Besse power station was recognized by Ottawa County Improvement Corporation as the 2014 Business of the Year. Also in 2014, Davis Besse achieved its lowest online exposure rate ever, landing among the top 10 nuclear plants in the country. The Bayshore Plant has been pretty quiet; the last lost-time accident there was May 5, 2011, and the last OSHA recordable was May 28, 2014.

On the transmission and distribution side, First Energy will be working with a new group of students for the PSI (Power System Institute) program. If these students make it through the pre-hire training program, they could eventually become the linemen/substation workers of the future.

Local 245 will again sponsor a Mud Hens baseball game, on Aug. 9, for members and their immediate family. Please remember to sign up — call the union hall by July 10. Hope to see you at the ballgame. Have a safe and wonderful summer!

Ray Zychowicz, P.S.

L.U. 257 (em,i,rtb,rts,spa&t), JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Greg Phillippe, longtime president of the Local 257 Telephone Workers Unit, has retired.

Bro. Phillippe has been an IBEW member since 1977 and has served as president of the Local 257 Telephone Workers Unit since 1992. A devoted member, Greg has always had an open ear for any member who needed to discuss an issue. He negotiated numerous contracts through the years and worked hand-in-hand with the members to ensure a bright future for the telephone workers and all members to follow in the years ahead.

Bus. Mgr. Don Bruemmer wishes to thank Bro. Phillippe for his devotion to Local 257 and his longtime service. Congratulations and best wishes to Bro. Phillippe for a long and happy retirement.

In other news, Bus. Mgr. Bruemmer reports that the Local 257 work outlook for the spring and summer of 2015 appears very promising.

Joel Vanderslice, P.S.

L.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ — While the kids enjoy a summer off, members look forward to a summer on the job. As local schools empty their classrooms, local brothers and sisters move in with their tools and their know-how, providing the skilled labor needed to make much-needed improvements in learning facilities throughout our communities.

New and existing construction projects are some of the most tangible examples of our tax dollars at work. Funding for these projects is usually provided through taxpayer referendums. These referendum questions appear on your local ballot through the efforts of elected city and town officials.

Having a local union brother or sister on a school board or town council certainly gives us an advantage when the time comes to hammer out project labor agreements (PLAs) and award contracts.

Summer always provides an uptick of employment that can be attributed to work on our schools. Without the hard work of our members who are involved in local government, much of this work would never reach our hiring halls. Surely, some view politics as a necessary evil to be avoided if possible. Others see political engagement as a challenge and an opportunity to improve the quality of all our lives — and they deserve our support.

Brian Jacoppo, P.S.

L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — Don't throw away the flyer! Instead, be sure to RSVP to attend the summer picnic scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8. This year the picnic will be in the Winona area. See the Local 343 newsletter or website www.ibewlocal343.org for details.

The 1891 Preamble to the IBEW Constitution stated: "We earnestly invite all workers belonging to our trade to come forward, join our ranks and help increase our numbers. …" That statement defines organizing.

Since the earliest days of the IBEW's founding, organizing has been a fundamental priority of the Brotherhood. The IBEW Constitution lists as a first object: "To organize all workers in the entire electrical industry in the United States and Canada, including all those in public utilities and electrical manufacturing, into local unions." As organized labor faces continued obstacles today, organizing and educational outreach are still of utmost importance to our union. The more we grow our ranks, the stronger we will be. We were not born union — we got educated.

Tom Small, P.S.

L.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NV — Congratulations to the apprenticeship graduating class of 2015. The graduates are: Willie Hoover, Thomas Lafferty, Ryan Matthews, Charles Meyers, Andre Owens, William Rowen, David Sibilia, Nichole Stumpf, Lewis Terry, Jerry Warren and Anthony Withers.

Thank you to all who participated in the blood drive and Health Fair. And a big shout-out to the 2015 Chili Contest participants! Kenyon Couch took first place, John Eliuk came in second, and James Zakosky came in third. Great job, guys!

Jennifer Tabor, P.S.

L.U. 369 (em,es,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), LOUISVILLE, KY — Local 369 members and staff volunteered at a local television station for the 2015 Mayor's Give a Day week of service telethon. The IBEW members along with local celebrities manned the phone lines to recruit volunteers for acts of compassion.

The Louisville community service projects included over 50,000 meals packaged by volunteers for Kids Against Hunger; the participation of over 12,000 Brightside volunteers who helped clean up Louisville neighborhoods; and 1,100 stuffed animals donated for kids in crisis by Kosair Charities and its Bears on Patrol program, just to name a few.

In all, there were more than 166,000 volunteers and acts of compassion, breaking last year's record of 150,000. This was the fourth year for Louisville's Give-A-Day week of service event. Mayor Greg Fischer noted a quest to make Louisville the most compassionate city and said the volunteers' service was inspiring. IBEW Local 369 is proud to be affiliated with this annual event and we look forward to participating again in the future.

John E. Morrison Jr., P.S.

L.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO, ID — The work picture seems to be looking up. We have a couple of good projects around the local. It has been a long time since we we've been able to tell our members that the work picture is improving and we hope to get everyone home. Clif Bar & Co. is building a $120 million plant in the western part of our jurisdiction and several other projects that will employ our members. We also have various other projects scheduled this year. Looking out over the next several years, there is projected to be billions of dollars in construction in the Local 449 area. The projects will range from our Department of Energy site to the Department of Defense site and across the rest of the jurisdiction. This type of work will allow us to put travelers out to work again.

Local 449 thanks the following members for their service to the local and congratulates them on their hard fought, well-deserved journey to retirement: Brent Inskeep, Richard Byington, Ben Gregory, Kevin Norby, Kirk Thurman and Lance Davis.

It is with deepest regret that I report the passing of Blaine Hogue.

Rodney James, B.M.

L.U. 479 (i&u), BEAUMONT, TX — John Bolser is Local 479's Apprentice of The Year. He traveled to Topeka, KS, to participate in the IBEW Seventh District Inside Apprentice Contest held April 30 - May 2, and represented our local well.

Work is steady with almost 200 traveling brothers and sisters here. We appreciate these fellow IBEW members who are helping us man the work in our area.

As we move forward all IBEW members should ask themselves what they do each day to make their local union better. Consider what improvements can be made to show the customer that the IBEW does have the most highly trained, most efficient and productive workers in the industry. Supervision shares the responsibility to ensure that members have the tools, material and information to be that worker. We are professionals. We have responsibilities to our family, friends and our community. Do not take lightly that responsibility. Remember what each of us took an oath to do for the IBEW, that is "to further the purposes for which the IBEW was instituted." Purpose is powerful and so is the IBEW. Separately, you can make a difference, but together we can do so much more.

Jimmy Burk, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — In April, IBEW Local 481 teamed up with Rebuilding Together for the 16th annual Union Build Day. This event provides the opportunity for our membership to give back to the community. Many members donated their time and tools to help maintain and restore a total of 24 homes around the Indianapolis area. Thank you to all the volunteers!

I would like to recognize a member who went above and beyond his normal day-to-day responsibilities as a journeyman wireman and acted to save the life of a fellow journeyman. Bro. Ben Jacobs was working alongside journeyman Jeff Hubble, who suddenly went into cardiac arrest. While another employee on the jobsite ran to call for help, Ben jumped in and started administering CPR and continued to do so until the EMT's arrived on-site to take over. I am happy to report that due to Ben's quick thinking and actions, Jeff is home and on the road to a full recovery. Incidents such as this serve as a reminder to us all to stay up to date on our jobsite safety practices. Thank you to Ben, and best wishes to Jeff on his recovery.

Blake Andrews, R.S.

L.U. 551 (c,i&st), SANTA ROSA, CA — Greetings from northern California. Our work picture is starting to move. All of our apprentices are working and we are chipping away at our JW book.

The Marin General Hospital construction project is scheduled to start this year as well as the Graton Casino Hotel project. We are certainly ready for both of these project labor agreement (PLA) jobs.

We have extended our Inside Construction Agreement for another two years, effective June 1. Along with a $4 increase we agreed to some pension changes. The pension contribution has been standardized to one class, and we will have the opportunity to invest in the NEFP.

A big thank-you to Training Director Steve Stobel and Training Instructor Tom Ritch on building a brand new Craft Certification Lab! This lab will give our first-year through third-year apprentices the hands-on knowledge to be the best of the best! Fourth-year apprentices will receive extensive motor control lab training, and fifth-year apprentices will have fire alarm training. Apprentices will also receive certificates after their completion. Great job! I'm sure our apprentices can't wait to get in there!

We remove our hard hats for members who recently passed away: Ralph Twichell, Allan Muggli and Bob Barnes.

Denise D. Soza, B.R./P.S.

L.U. 557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW, MI — Work has remained at a slow rate in our local. Although there has been much work in our surrounding locals, things were slow here throughout the winter and spring.

With warmer weather now here, our summer projects are starting and should create some work throughout the summertime.

We congratulate John and Dana Bishop on the birth of their son Paul Frederick, born Feb. 28. Also, congratulations to Rich and Sara Metiva on the birth of their son Reed Mitchell on April 1.

Following contract negotiations, Local 557 members ratified a new three-year contract with the Saginaw Division Michigan Chapter NECA. Ratification took place at the May 5 membership meeting. The new contract is effective June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2018.

We also recently finished with interviews for our new first-year apprenticeship class. We will soon notify the selected apprentices and put them out to work shortly.

We wish everyone a safe and happy summer.

Howard Revard, P.S.

L.U. 569 (i,mar,mt,rts&spa), SAN DIEGO, CA — We recently partnered with Rebuilding Together San Diego to build a new house for a wounded veteran and to fix up half a dozen homes for families in need. Over 125 members from IBEW Locals 569 and 465 volunteered for this effort. Our members contributed approximately 500 hours of labor valued at $20,000 to install the electrical systems at the homes. Many thanks to all of our volunteers, contractor partners and employers!

Local 569 took action to stop proposed "fast track" authority to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This trade proposal threatens our jobs, democracy, and the environment! We participated in "Flush the TPP" rallies, educated community members at the Earth Day Fair, and joined letter delivery delegations to the U.S. Congress. We hope that by the time you read this, fast-track authority will have been defeated. If not, take action today to protect American jobs: http://bit.ly/1CiBiL6.

We ask our brothers and sisters to please donate to help Bro. Zach Squire, who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. Donations may be made online at http://bit.ly/ZachSquire2. Zach will need multiple surgeries to repair the damage. Our support during this difficult time will be appreciated.

Gretchen Newsom, P.S.

L.U. 595 (c,cs,govt,i,mt,o,se&st), DUBLIN, CA — For over a decade, IBEW Local 595 has worked with Rebuilding Together Oakland to improve the living conditions of veteran, elderly and disabled residents by providing electrical repairs at no charge. This year we focused on the needs of veterans and their widows. This underserved and vulnerable population has sacrificed much for our families and the freedoms we enjoy. Eight homeowners were selected, one of whom had four service people in her immediate family. Another survived multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. Improving their living conditions by installing interior and exterior lighting, ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and new circuit breakers was a true honor and privilege.

Eighteen inside wiremen volunteered to help these veteran homeowners. RENEW 595 has taken the lead on logistics, material and management of volunteers for the past three years. This has been good experience for young workers active with RENEW (Reach out and Engage Next-gen Electrical Workers) efforts.

Many volunteers expressed great joy in helping those in need and said the opportunity to serve is priceless. Our Labor Management Cooperation Committee also donated $5,000 to RTO to strengthen our partnership and commitment to helping working families.

While we build physical buildings, it is also our duty to build up our communities through transformative engagement and to do all we can to help not just our own family, but all working families.

Thank you to Rachel Bryan, Local 595 community liaison, for providing information for this article.

Bob Tieman, B.R.

L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL — With the assistance of financial grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, we had the opportunity to install a power regeneration system. The system consists of: a roof array of 22 solar panels, a wall array of 10 solar panels, ground array of 112 panels and a dual axis tracker of 20 solar panels, as well as a wind turbine that produces 10 kilowatts of power. The total power available for generation is 51 kilowatts.

This will prove to be a great teaching tool for the JATC. The apprentices will have the opportunity to monitor just how much electricity is being generated from a panel inside their classrooms. They will also be able to disassemble and reassemble a number of the panels themselves.

[Editor's Note: The National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (NJATC) rebranded in 2014 and transitioned into the Electrical Training Alliance. See "NJATC Transitions into the Electrical Training Alliance," The Electrical Worker (Sept. 2014), and at www.ibew.org.]

Our local offers many journeyman wireman classes throughout the year, thanks to our dedicated instructors: Bob Withers, Brent Stull, John Mingee, Al Halberstadt, Richard Mingee, Michael Aper, Dana Nichols, John Allen, Todd Nicholas, Rob Mishler and Randy Lutz.

Work in our local is good currently, and for the next few years we anticipate a great deal of work. At this writing, we have seven on Book 1 and 171 on Book 2.

Daniel Hatter, P.S.

L.U. 625 (c,ees,em,i,it,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA — The work picture in Halifax is still better than usual with 207 members working at the shipyard as of May 1. It is still slow in Unit #2 with only 19 at the Pulp Mill Precipitator. Upcoming work will include the Aberdeen Hospital project in New Glasgow and the Fish Oil Plant expansion in Guysborough County. We hope this will improve the unemployment levels in Unit #2 later in the year.

Canadian unions and their members are under a full frontal attack by the federal Conservative majority government. The Conservatives have strong support from the business community and are spending millions of taxpayer dollars convincing the people to keep them in office. All labour activists and union members need to wake up, stand together and vote in numbers in the upcoming federal election to remove this anti-union government before it achieves a third term and succeeds in destroying the union movement and the middle class. [To read more, see "North of 49: First District Readies for Federal Election," The Electrical Worker, March 2015.]

Successful in completing their apprenticeship program and becoming journeypersons are: Matt Andrea, Vincent Forsyth, Shane MacArthur, James "Craig" Christison, Trevor MacKay, Angela Duquette, Ashley Currie, Jason MacKinnon and Jody Corkum. Congratulations to all!

Recently retired are: Bros. Les Sheffield, Gary Williams, Eric Grant, Arthur "Reg" Marryatt, Derrick Robinson and Stan Riley.

Tom Griffiths, A.B.M.

L.U. 627 (u), FORT PIERCE, FL — Headed north to cooler climates for a break from the heat? Please ensure safety is stressed, as always, at the jobsite and when you are on the road. One moment of inattention is all that is needed for a life-changing event.

Pres. Mark MacNichol reported that the apprentice program for transmission and distribution is going great.

Our local received recognition from the City of Port St. Lucie for our continuing effort to "Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful" with our road-cleanup crews.

Congratulations go out to Bro. Jon Celebak's family on the arrival of a new baby girl.

Stay informed and stay safe. See you at the union hall.

Raymond Vos, P.S.

L.U. 639 (i&rts), SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — The JATC recently purchased a Smart Bender from Greenlee. Two representatives from the company came to the hall to put on a "Train the Trainer" class for the instructors. The second-year apprenticeship class was also given hands-on training.

Training Dir. Chuck Headington plans to retire at school year's end. Over the years Chuck has developed countless partnerships with venders in the electrical industry to provide the JATC with state-of-the-art training aids and instruction. Thank you, Chuck Headington, for all your hard work and years of dedication to Local 639.

[Editor's Note: The National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (NJATC) rebranded in 2014 and transitioned into the Electrical Training Alliance. See "NJATC Transitions into the Electrical Training Alliance," The Electrical Worker (Sept. 2014), and at www.ibew.org.]

Kurt McClave, P.S.

L.U. 673 (catv,i,rts,spa,t&u), PAINESVILLE, OH — Last year it was announced that Cristal Global, the largest manufacturing facility in Ashtabula County, planned to build a $64 million Air Separation Plant. This plant would provide the company with the ability to manufacture its own oxygen, nitrogen and argon for its processing needs. What you see in the accompanying photo is the cold box, which acts as a giant distiller to separate these gases.

Everyone was excited with this announcement until the realization set in that the project management company, AMCS out of New Jersey, had no loyalty to unionized labor. Many parts of this project went to nonunion shops, but the electrical portion went to one of our contractors.

Valley Electric was awarded this project and at press time the hiring has begun. Bros. Dave Phillips and Dan Cierebiej went out as foreman and steward, respectively, to get this project started. We expect this job to ramp up quickly, putting many members to work to meet the very aggressive schedule. Good luck to everyone on this project. Work safe!

Jim Braunlich, P.S.

L.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OH — Since this is not an election year, we might be tempted not to pay attention to politics. That would be a mistake.

It may not be happening in your state or ours yet, but the anti-worker push for so-called "right-to-work" measures harmful to working people will still affect us. Please be aware of issues that affect union labor and working people — and be sure to vote in every election.

Our work outlook continues to improve. Upcoming jobs in our area include projects at two hospitals, an outlet mall and a remodel of the convention center. Our organizers recently were successful in organizing a residential contractor that is currently working on a retirement facility.

Everyone have a safe and fun summer.

Tracy Starcher, V.P./P.S.

L.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se), GARY AND HAMMOND, IN — Hoops for Clarence: Eight teams of Local 697 members competed in a basketball tournament fundraiser for Clarence Link, son of Local 697 member Jacob Link. Clarence is in a courageous battle with cancer and is winning! The team of T. Cooper, T. Janke and D. Crummie won the double elimination tournament and everyone nursed sore muscles the following day.

Rally at the Statehouse: Local members joined thousands of Indiana Building Trades members to voice our displeasure with the Indiana Assembly and Gov. Mike Pence's attack on working Hoosiers. While the "aristocrats" ignored the efforts of Hoosier business owners and employees, we utilized every strategy and resource available in an attempt to educate the citizens of Indiana about the potential impact that the repeal of the common construction wage law will have on Indiana communities. We must strive to get all of our families and friends to the polls and to vote with us in the fight for justice for working families.

Our picnic is scheduled for Sept. 12. Also, Building Trades Night at the RailCats will be Aug. 28.

Enjoy the summer and be safe!

Dan Waldrop, B.M.

L.U. 743 (em&i), READING, PA — Over 50 IBEW Local 743 journeymen and apprentices recently finished installing what is reportedly the largest roof-top mounted solar photovoltaic array in the state of Pennsylvania.

The four-megawatt array, installed for electrical contractor Ray Angelini Inc. at the Urban Outfitters' distribution center in Gap, PA, consists of 13,364 modules; 5,000 feet of cable tray; and 84 miles of wire.

Congratulations to all involved on completing the project on time and on budget with no lost-time injuries.

Mark Pinkasavage, Training Dir.

L.U. 777 (u), READING, PA — Local 777 is happy to announce the safe return of our Bro. Joshua Harris from his tour of duty in the Middle East. He served honorably with the Air Force, Air National Guard, 201st Red Horse Squadron out of Fort Indiantown Gap, PA. He is currently working at our Lebanon, PA, line shop training for a journeyman lineman position.

We are proud of Joshua and his service to our great country, as we are of all the active duty and veterans both in the IBEW and across the world. A sincere thank-you from Local 777 to Joshua Harris and all who have served our country. Also a shout-out to our allies, and brothers and sisters of Canada.

Mark Power, P.S.

L.U. 827 (catv&t), EAST WINDSOR, NJ — In April, the Advisory Council on Career and Life Strategies (ACCLS), a joint IBEW/Verizon committee, sponsored a three-day training seminar in Atlantic City, NJ, for approximately 65 ACCLS advocates.

The ACCLS is a bargained benefit, funded by Verizon to offer programs on employee career development, skill enhancement and family support, as well as other educational programs, to bargaining unit employees.

The advocates from New Jersey and Pennsylvania attended workshops on: elder care, public speaking, growing from change, staying motivated and positive, understanding communication styles, enhancing customer service skills, and planning for a successful retirement. Keynote speakers spoke about Verizon's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), dealing with such issues as stress and identity theft.

After long days of workshops, the advocates participated in a team-building exercise that was both fun and rewarding. Participants formed teams and learned quickly how to work together, while having fun and helping others. The goal of the exercise was to put care packages together for Operation Yellow Ribbon for our soldiers deployed overseas.

Suzanne Wallin, R.S.

L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL — It was a great night of brotherhood at our annual Service Pin and Brother of the Year Awards presentation and cookout. We were honored to have members with up to 60 years of service, as well as six new members being sworn in to our Local 915 family.

Congratulations to the following brothers on their longtime service: 60-year member James Cole; 55-year members James Allums and Philip Humphrey; 50-year member Larry Whitted; 45-year members Earnest Baggett, Kenneth Brewer, Robert Lowe, Victor Moore and Ernest Riske; and 40-year members Eugene Brito, James Snuggs, Manuel Tamargo and Leon Ward.

The Local 915 James H. Phillips Brother of the Year Award went to a brother who helps coordinate and started our now-annual Christmas party. He has served on the Executive Board and has put in many hours helping to promote the true spirit brotherhood in this local. We are honored to name Bro. Roberto Rosa as this year's Brother of the Year Award recipient.

Kudos to Bro. Leon Ward on the 8th Annual Fishing Tournament and his dedication each year to unite our members with this event.

Theresa King, P.S.

L.U. 949 (em,t&u), BURNSVILLE, MN — On May 16, Local 949 members Luke Lallemont and Matt Hazelton participated in Touch-A-Truck day, a free event where families could view and explore all kinds of parked trucks on display in parking lots located throughout downtown Winona. Trucks displayed in the annual Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event included: fire trucks, tow trucks, semitrailers, pickup trucks, utility trucks and more.

Approximately 3,000 visited downtown Winona during the event and had the opportunity to see an Xcel Energy bucket truck and digger truck up close. As IBEW members, Bros. Lallemont and Hazelton explained the job of a lineman to the young boys and girls in attendance.

A special thank-you to Angie Lallemont for providing information for this article.

Rick Oakes, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 1249 (catv,lctt,o,t&u), SYRACUSE, NY — The snow is finally gone! It was a rough winter … but the nice weather is finally here and I hope everyone takes advantage of every minute they can.

Local 1249 celebrates summer annually with the Bobby Shutter Memorial Golf Tournament, followed by the Active Retiree Club Pig Roast, and then the 1249 Clambake at the end of the summer. At the time of this writing we were also hoping to send a team to the NSUJL's 2015 Fallen Linemen Benefit Rodeo, and to make it an annual event for Local 1249. The National Sisterhood for Journeymen Linemen is an organization dedicated to assisting families of fallen or injured IBEW linemen.

The extra cold and snowy winter that New York experienced resulted in a late spring. Work is now picking back up, and we expect the summer to bring full employment and even the need for travelers.

Stay safe, and have fun!

Jennifer Schneider, P.S.

L.U. 1439 (u), ST. LOUIS, MO — Ameren Missouri held lineman evaluations during the last week of April to select candidates for a Lineman's Apprentice class that, as of this writing, was scheduled to begin June 1 this year. This was welcome news considering it's been more than five years since the last lineman apprenticeship. We look forward to the possibility that Ameren will continue much-needed apprenticeships in other departments in order to replace the aging workforce.

Local 1439 held a pre-apprentice training class on March 21 to prepare potential candidates for the Lineman Apprenticeship. Thanks go out to Local 1439 Bus. Mgr. Mike Walter, Pres. Billy Howle, Bus. Rep. Doug Mueller, and Bros. Marty Politte, Steve Rettig and Russ McCreary for giving up their Saturday to provide instruction and support for the members in attendance. Additionally, we thank Local 2 for allowing us to use its training facility in St. Clair, MO.

As always, we encourage our members to attend the monthly union meetings. It's the best way to stay informed and connected to your brothers and sisters.

Matt Curry, R.S.

L.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,rts&t), BALTIMORE, MD — Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski was honored by the Metropolitan Baltimore Council of AFL-CIO Unions at its 34th Annual COPE (Committee on Political Education) Dinner. The event was held at the Pimlico Race Course on April 28.

Throughout her long and distinguished career in public service, Sen. Mikulski has been a tireless champion of labor and working families. During her keynote speech she stated that she wears the union label on her heart.

Maryland and the labor movement have been fortunate to have Sen. Mikulski working on our behalf. This is especially so for our members employed by Sierra Lobo who work at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. The Hubble Space Telescope, at age 25, has fulfilled predictions that it would rewrite science textbooks. Its success will guide the new James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled for launch in 2018.

Local 1501 Bus. Mgr./Pres. Dion F. Guthrie had the foresight to realize that in order for Congress to keep funding space exploration, elected officials needed to be knowledgeable about the program. He invited Sen. Mikulski to our membership meeting several years ago, and then arranged a tour of the NASA Goddard facility. Sen. Mikulski became a supporter of the program and served as chairperson of the subcommittee that provided NASA with funding and oversight. Although she plans to retire at the end of her current term, we have no doubt that labor will continue to benefit from the hard work of Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski. She will be sorely missed.

Thomas J. Rostkowski, R.S.

L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — Georgia Regents University recently made history in Augusta when a quick-charge station for electric and hybrid vehicles was installed.

Local 1579 members, working for BESCo Electric, were responsible for installing the electrical portion of this job. Thanks to our members and BESCo for the good work you are doing at Georgia Regents University. BESCo also was awarded contracts to install similar charging stations for Georgia Power in Athens, Augusta and Savannah, GA.

In Local 1579 our work situation is still very good and will continue to do well throughout the rest of the year. In addition to our major work in the area, we have been in contact with contractors that are bidding on pipeline work as part of a project that will be coming through this area.

The Apprenticeship Graduation was on May 29. Congratulations to these new journeymen on their achievement. A thank-you goes out to the graduates for all their hard work over the last five years.

As we have been very busy and will continue to be, stay focused on your job. With all the overtime that is being made, save up for the future.

Until next time, God bless.

Will Salters, A.B.M.

L.U. 1759 (u), CASPER, WY — Greetings to all. I hope this article finds everyone well.

Local 1759 congratulates Bro. Kermit Klepper on his retirement. Bro Klepper is a 33-year IBEW member and the local will surely miss him.

At the time of this writing, Local 1759 was preparing for the "All Hands Meeting" scheduled for May 9 in Casper, WY. Since our local is spread out over four states, it is nice to see the other brothers travel in for the meeting and get to talk face-to-face rather than over the phone or by email.

I am also proud to report that the shop stewards are doing an excellent job of getting new members signed up and into the local. It is through their persistence and knowledge that we are able to keep the local strong. Great job, brothers!

We also recently welcomed new journeymen. Andrew Dendinger has turned out and is now a journeyman lineman, and Jesse Marr is now a journeyman meter and relay craftsman. Congratulations, brothers — you earned it.

Jason Mengwasser, F.S.