L.U. 17 (catv,em,lctt,o&u), DETROIT, MI — Last year our members agreed to invest in our future by purchasing 52 acres of property becoming the first Local 17 IBEW Training Center. Our members understand clearly the need to raise our value by further separating ourselves from non-union. We currently have 100% of our jurisdiction for line work and line clearance tree trimming and need to continue taking steps to ensure it stays that way! Sitting still and doing nothing to increase our value is failed leadership! Improving safety, productivity, and quality of work is our goal.

We have broken ground on our first 60' x 80' pole barn. This structure will provide a place to train and store equipment for our 1,250 LCTT members. The second building will be an 80' x 120' structure where our linemen, cable splicers, traffic signal techs, and substation members will train. Our plans include building a pole yard, substation, transmission tower, and two fully functioning traffic signal intersections. We will also provide training on backhoes, excavators, directional boring, and crane certification.

We mourn the loss of Brothers Al Lach, Delton "Dutch" Miller and Will Cisco, all longtime members of Local 17.

Dean Bradley, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 37 (em,o&u), FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA — Local 37's Training Trust Fund (TTF) is hosting its ninth annual professional development conference open to members and their guests on June 13 and 14 this year in beautiful Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. Each year the conference is a great success, highlighted by international keynote speakers, informative and engaging breakout sessions, a kids' program, evening entertainment, great prizes, and so much more. Each year, about 150 attendees partake in the event.

This year's theme is "Reconnect, Renew, Refocus!" and will feature a number of sessions on how to do just that. Members will refresh their skills, receive helpful information, and refocus on their goals — and leave recharged, reconnected and ready for new possibilities. The TTF conference is also a great opportunity for members to network and meet other members from each corner of the province. This is a great chance for Local 37 members to take advantage of one of the many benefits of membership.

Ross Galbraith, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Greetings, brothers and sisters.

City of Anaheim negotiations — bargaining continues for a successor agreement. City of Colton — Water/Wastewater bargaining continues for a new contract. Electric side-contract was re-voted and passed; waiting for the city council for final approval. City of Banning — bargaining continues for a successor contract for both Utility & General Units. Southern California Edison (SCE) double time/meal waiver — one discussion has taken place as of press time with more meetings scheduled. City of Long Beach contract vote passed by 84 percent in February 2020. Line Clearance Tree Agreement — we continue to sign contractors to the updated line clearance tree trimming agreement with approximately 30 signed with around 1,000 members. San Bernardino Water & Sanitation (WAS) Unit — bargaining continues.

The Local 27 Safety Conference held April 4 at Universal Sheraton was a huge success.

A salute to those who served in the military took place at The Honda Center at the Anaheim Ducks hockey game on Jan. 17. Congratulations to Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Patrick A. Lavin, who was among those honored. In 1969, Lavin enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served on active duty in the Pacific with the Marine fleet force until 1972. Lavin was honorably discharged in April 1975. "We salute you, Corporal Patrick Lavin."

Work safe, live safe and free — and buy union!

Mitch Smith, P.S.

L.U. 55 (c,lctt,o&u), DES MOINES, IOWA — Hello, brothers and sisters.

Our local held its annual Recognition Dinner on Feb. 22, and more than 130 members attended. Two former business managers were present, Don Barrow and Mike Brooks. Newly retired member Bob Dilky received his 45-year pin. Everyone enjoyed visiting and swapping stories.

Our Annual Golf Outing will be June 27 this year, at Copper Creek in Pleasant Hill. Last year it raised over $50,000 for Cradling New Life. That money went to many families who needed help.

I was just informed that our local will have one of its best years ever and will need a lot of extra help in all classifications, so if you want to travel this year, give our local a call at 515-265-6193.

Our local has grown by over 400 members since 2010. Missouri Valley Apprenticeship has broken ground on its new building in Indianola, Iowa, and that work is going well. The Substation Technician program is also moving along.

If we have any retired members who would like to join us for breakfast at Prairie Meadows, we meet just inside the front doors on the first level on the first Monday of each month, at 8:45 a.m. We eat at 9 a.m. sharp!

By the time you get this article, our work load will have greatly increased, so make sure you keep your eyes open and work safely and follow all the safety rules. Don't take short cuts and use plenty of cover up. Never put your hands where you can't see them. Lift properly and treat your back kindly. Safety is becoming one of the biggest aspects of your job.

Have a happy May Day. See you back here in a couple of months!

Myron Green, P.S.

L.U. 89 (catv,em,lctt,o&t), SEATTLE, WA — As active union members in our communities, we had two of our local's units collect and donate to programs that provided toys for kids during the holiday season. The members in Unit #114, out of McMinnville, OR, have donated for the past several years. This year they worked collecting on behalf of over 300 needy children throughout the area. Their contributions were added to the local fire department's attempt to address the overwhelming need.

Our AT&T Unit #112, in Vancouver, WA, also collected donations and participated in the Labor Community Services annual toy drive and holiday giving party. Thank you to all who helped in making this effort a success.

We also thank the officers, staff and membership of the local for their support and efforts that helped us recently purchase a building for our local's offices. The ability to purchase our building located in Mount Vernon, WA, was a group endeavor and was very much appreciated. The purchase will help ensure financial stability for several years to come. Thank you!

Matthew P. Carroll, B.M.

L.U. 97 (u), SYRACUSE, NY — On April 24, 2019, one member as part of an eight-person transmission line crew was electrocuted and suffered cardiac arrest.

His seven union brothers sprang into action. One called 911, another retrieved the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) that was on site, others began CPR while the remaining members began clearing a path from the Transmission Right-of-Way to the roadway and took position to flag down first responders when they arrived.

The AED was powered on and attached and a defibrillating pulse was initiated. Our fallen brother responded and regained consciousness.

Being in a remote area, it was still several more minutes before first responders arrived. They expressed complete surprise when they learned that the victim that they expected to find was sitting upright and conscious. Because of the swift actions of the crew that day, our brother has made a full recovery and has returned to work. We hold these men up as examples of the finest qualities of our brotherhood and thank them for their actions that day. They received Life Saving Awards and Certificates of Appreciation from the IBEW. (See accompanying photo.)

Dan Machold, B.R./P.S.

L.U. 103 (cs&i), BOSTON, MA — We're well into 2020, a big year for Local 103.

This year we celebrate our 120th year serving the electrical needs of Greater Boston. A historic milestone of longevity and staying power. In celebration of this anniversary, Local 103 has hired a historian to help us track and retain our great history, the people, the generations of Local 103 families, the job sites, the stories and Local 103's role in the constantly changing landscape of the city of Boston.

We welcome and encourage the input of our members. We want your stories and pictures to be included in a "Local 103 120 Years" book we intend to print, publish and distribute to each member at a celebration event later this year.

Please send your stories, pictures and memorabilia to IBEW Local 103, 256 Freeport Street, Dorchester, MA 02122 (Attention: 120 Year Celebration). Please identify your pictures and stories with your name and return address so we can be sure to return your pictures.

Jimmy Fleming, P.S.

L.U. 111 (em,govt,lctt,mt,o,rtb,spa&u), DENVER, CO — 2020 has been a very busy at Local 111. The PSCO Units overwhelmingly ratified a three-year contract extension to secure their contract through May 31, 2023. The United Power trades units have agreed to a new three-year agreement as well, with negotiations beginning for the United Power Member Service Representatives agreement. Congratulations to those units. Thank you to all the members who took time to vote.

We continue to be very active on the political front at the state Capitol and the PUC, focusing on the membership's interests. This year is a big election year, and we encourage the membership to be involved in the process and to please make sure you and your family are registered to vote. Every vote counts!

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend and remember those who have sacrificed for our families.

Please attend your unit meetings and continue to make safety your No. 1 priority.

Patrick S. Quinn, P.S.

L.U. 113 (ees,em,i,mo&o), COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Wow, how time flies by. Here it is May already and summer is just next month. At this time of year, I like to reflect on where we've been, where we are now, and where we would like to be in the future.

Unions have been in better shape; the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision in 2018 somewhat took the wind out of us, but we are never down for the count. The current administration would love nothing more than to pass a national "right-to-work-for-less" law. We must never let that happen! We were successful yet again in Colorado when a "right-to-work" proposal was defeated in a state legislative committee. Over 100 trade unionists turned out at the state capitol to oppose the anti-worker measure.

In November 2020, we have a chance to vote the Instigator in Chief out of office, but it will take everyone's help. Please ensure that everyone you know is registered to vote in the upcoming election. When asked to volunteer your time, please do so. Keep in mind that the IBEW will never tell you how to vote, but we will make every effort to inform our membership as to which candidates will have our back regardless of party affiliation.

Also, let's take time to reflect on the good brothers we've lost this last year: Joe Collins, Roger Mealer, William Allenbach, Richard Benell and Travis Smith. Our prayers and condolences go out to their loved ones and may our brothers rest in peace.

Brian Putnam, P.S.

L.U. 125 (lctt,o,t&u), PORTLAND, OR — 2020 is going to be a busy year for our local. In addition to our annual events — Casino Night, Benefit Golf Classic, Safety Summit, NW Lineman's Rodeo, and Bend Golf & Softball Tournaments — we have our local union elections.

As a member in good standing, you have the right to vote on our local's officers and this year, delegates to the 2021 IBEW International Convention. The nomination process took place at the April unit meetings. Read the May issue of the Labor Press to read the biographies on nominees. Please note some nominees may choose not to publish a bio. Most importantly, please complete your ballot and send it on time, so your voice can be heard through our democratic election process.

With spring upon us, just a reminder to stay cut in. Don't let the warm weather and sunshine distract you from working safely and professionally every day — no matter your classification. Every one of our brothers and sisters bring value each day. Your focus on quality, safety and timeliness allows work to be completed right — the first time. Look out for your brothers and sisters every day on every job. IBEW equals ALL IN!

Marcy Grail, A.B.M.

L.U. 141 (ees,i,o&u), WHEELING, WV — Hello, brothers and sisters. As of this writing, work remains slow, with 46 members on Book 1. There are some projects starting in the spring that should put many of our members back to work.

In January, Local 141 honored our newest journeyman inside wiremen with a graduation dinner held at Wheeling Island Casino Racetrack. The following members have completed their five-year apprenticeship: Eric Minor, Ryan Garloch, Hunter Allen, Logan Jarrett, Nickey Renforth, Fred Metcalf and Jordan Steele. Congratulations to these fine men!

IBEW Local 141 is sad to report the passing of Bro. Bob Palmer. Bob was a Marine Corps and Vietnam War veteran, and a member of Local 141 for many years. He will be greatly missed.

Kurt "Bug" Reed, P.S.

L.U. 177 (bo,ees,govt,i,mo,o&pet), JACKSONVILLE, FL — Work in the Jacksonville area has been getting better and better; with no real big jobs, a 60-man job is a big job for us these days. We have several of these similar-size jobs underway and more in the pipeline, with most of them in the health-care industry.

Local 177 has even been able to employ a few travelers and organize new members, taking a little bit of the manpower away from the nonunion. Right now, we are experiencing a great opportunity to increase our membership and gain market share. We need these people working with us and not working against us with substandard wages and benefits. Some great members have come in through organizing and many others may also fall in that category.

As we organize new electrical workers, please make them feel welcome and show them the ropes and what real brotherhood is all about.

Alan Jones, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ — Every year around March, 17 people around the U.S. and the world embrace their Irish heritage and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with festivities ranging from the religious to the downright rowdy.

Whatever foot your camp happens to be in is hardly relevant. The feeling of unity and fellowship is everywhere. And when you combine a shared heritage with the bonds of union membership the result is a mixture of pride, friendship and appreciation. The tradition of marching in our local St. Patrick's Day parades — whether it's in Mt. Holly, NJ, Buck's County, PA, or Hamilton, NJ — is something that our members look forward to every year.

It is a chance to wear your union pride on your sleeve as you march along with all the other members of organized labor from your surrounding community. It is an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances along the parade route. And perhaps most of all it is a time to look around and truly appreciate what you mean to your local union and what your union means to you.

Brian Jacoppo, P.S.

L.U. 309 (i,lctt,mo,mt,o,rts,spa&u), COLLINSVILLE, IL — Local 309 is assisting IBEW Local 1 with their effort to organize electricians working under a Carpenters' District Council of Greater St. Louis collective bargaining agreement. Years ago, in a supposed effort to "promote harmony among the trades," the Carpenters formed the Associated Electrical Contractors Local 57. In reality, the Carpenters' vindictive move was intended to circumvent the jurisdictional dispute process and take any work that they wanted.

To correct for past transgressions against us and to advance the prosperity of Assoc. Electrical Contractors Local 57 members, the IBEW is asking for the opportunity to represent the electricians of Assoc. Electrical Contractors Local 57. Former Assoc. Electrical Contractors Local 57 electricians, now IBEW members, are partnering with IBEW organizers and visiting job sites during the day. They are also meeting with individuals in the evenings and weekends as well. Thanks to former Assoc. Electrical Contractors Local 57 members Don Heberer, Carlos Henderson, Chris Kettelhut, Mike Meinhardt and Andrew Schaeffer for their dedication in this endeavor.

The general response from Assoc. Electrical Contractors Local 57 members is that a change in representation to the IBEW is desirable. It was reported that one long term Assoc. Electrical Contractors Local 57 member stated that: "If this gets to a vote, no one will vote for [AEC] 57."

Carlos S. Perez, R.S.

L.U. 313 (i&spa), WILMINGTON, DE — We have had many events in the past couple of months: the St. Patrick's Day parade, Annual Shrimp Feast, Beef 'N Beer, car show, hockey games and softball games. We are getting ready for a local election, then a golf outing — and probably summertime overtime and then some vacation. Of course, there are meetings and classes; and do not forget to renew your electrical license.

With summer coming, we will conclude another year of working with the lawmakers in Dover. It is hard for most to connect with how working with politicians benefits electricians directly. Not working with them and leaving our fate up to chance is not a tried-and-true option. When they want yard signs planted in front yards and boots on the ground come Election Day, nobody is better at these important tasks than organized labor. That fact alone keeps us in the conversation! And, as the saying goes, "If you're not at the table, you're on it."

Our competition would love to put a wedge between the building trades and our friends of labor. For now, we push and holler, as much as we can get away with. When things work out, the tangible effects are not always easily seen. When they go wrong, sometimes we all feel it right away. Political action on behalf of working people involves many hours and days of hard work.

One thing I know everybody relates to is how the raise will get distributed. So please send back your responses to the hall as soon as you receive them.

Bruce W. Esper, P.S.

L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LESUEUR, MN — May 1 is International Workers Day, celebrated as an official holiday in 66 countries. The USA is not one of them. In 1995 and 1996, then-Pres. Bill Clinton declared May as Labor History Month. In May of 1886, union members and supporters gathered in Chicago's Haymarket Square to rally for the adoption of the eight-hour workday. The rally exploded into violence with gunfire being exchanged between the police and union members with deaths on both sides. This came to be known as the Haymarket Riot.

It wasn't until 1940 that the 40-hour workweek became federal law. Thirty-five states have 40-hour workweek laws to protect workers and provide overtime pay not covered under federal law. Minnesota has a 48-hour workweek. Minnesota Statute 177.25 states overtime compensation is not required until the employee works in excess of 48 hours. Members who attended precinct caucuses last February advanced an AFL-CIO endorsed Minnesota DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party) resolution to establish a 40-hour workweek in MN. Our negotiated contract assures us of overtime pay after eight hours.

Working conditions, fair wages, and fringe benefits are not guaranteed. Informed and involved members are the core of our union. In July, we allocate our pay raise of $2.95. Attend the union meeting and be a part of the decision-making process.

Keep America strong — buy "Made in USA."

Tom Small, P.S.

L.U. 347 (em,i,mt,rtb,rts&spa), DES MOINES, IOWA — At the time of this writing, Local 347 members were making plans to participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade and working toward the goal of securing another trophy. We do this for the challenge and the fun of it, not just to make the other trades green with envy.

At press time, Local 347's RENEW was making plans to present an Easter gathering scheduled for April 11. RENEW decided to capitalize on last year's successful egg hunt with the ever present Easter Bunny and expand the event to include a breakfast also. Hope you made it to the Labor Park for the fun. The event makes the younger ones in the family "hoppy." Get it? Hoppy like a bunny? Never mind.

Journeyman wireman classes have begun; please consider yourself encouraged to take classes early and get that item knocked off of the "to do" list.

The work forecast for this area remains strong. If you're looking for work, get your name on the book.

Mike Schweiger, P.S.

L.U. 369 (em,es,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), LOUISVILLE, KY — Local 369 has two members running for elected public office this year.

Jeremy Shumate, a 12-year member from southern Indiana, is running for Floyd County commissioner from District 2. This is Bro. Shumate's first time running and he is working hard to meet voters in his community. Jeremy has gained the notice of and will be receiving help from Indiana's AFL-CIO and the group "Path to Power," which kicked off in 2019 and helped elect 10 of 13 union candidates.

Jonathon Cacciatore, an 11-year member, is making his first run for the Kentucky State House of Representatives. Jonathon is also working hard to gain name recognition by meeting his constituents and getting his message out. Bro. Cacciatore is running in House District 49, Bullitt County, for a seat now occupied by a Republican. Brother Cacciatore has a tough fight ahead, and Local 369 will do everything in its power to help.

Good luck and thank you to both these members. They show great courage putting themselves in the public eye while endeavoring to make both Indiana and Kentucky a better place to live for all working women and men. God speed, Jeremy and Jonathon.

Gene Holthouser, Political Dir.

L.U. 375 (catv,ees,et,govt,i&mo), ALLENTOWN, PA — In February, Local 375 hosted a meet and greet with U.S. Rep. Susan Wild attended by local labor leaders. The congresswoman spoke about many of the bills that are coming out of the House and she focused on the Pro Act, which recently passed in the House and is sitting in the Senate, waiting to be brought up for a vote.

The Pro Act is one of the friendliest labor bills to be put forth in decades. It revises the definition of "employee" and "supervisor" to prevent employers from classifying employees as exempt from labor law protections; it expands unfair labor practices to include prohibitions against replacement of or discrimination against workers who participate in strikes; it makes coercing employees to attend employer meetings designed to discourage union membership an unfair labor practice; and it allows injunctions against employers engaging in unfair labor practices involving discharge or serious economic harm to an employee. Those are a few of the key points in the Pro Act, and we thank Rep. Susan Wild for supporting the act.

Also in February, Local 375 hosted U.S. Sen. Bob Casey to meet with labor leaders and apprentices. The senator's message was very enlightening, as he spoke about the contributions that both journeymen and apprentices make to the community with their skills and ability. He also thanked all the apprentices for the many hours they give back in community service.

Justin Grimshaw, A.B.M.

L.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO, IDAHO — Brothers and sisters, I hope everyone had a great winter.

Local 449 has two upcoming summer events. The Chukars Baseball night is scheduled for June 26 at the Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls. And our annual picnic will be July 18 at Lower Ross Park in Pocatello. These events are always a great time and a way to keep the brotherhood together.

The work is picking up and the outlook for Local 449 looks good for several years to come at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), along with the offsite work, which will be busy as well.

Congratulations to our recently retired brothers: Michael Davis, Jim Hoadley, Wendell "Ray" Mortensen, Samuel Rosen and Larry Tauscher. You have earned it, brothers — and best of wishes from Local 449!

We honor the memory of our late Bro. Walter Johnson. He will be truly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.

Clay Hirning, A.B.M.

L.U. 531 (i), LAPORTE, IN — With the political season in full swing, I feel it's important to remember that we are all in this boat together. Everyone has their political leanings, whether it be left, right, or somewhere in the middle. You might be motivated by social issues, financial issues or moral issues. Whatever drives you to vote the way you do, I think we need to remember how we as a labor movement as a whole are treated by the people we are voting for. Sometimes when things are going well economically it can be easy to forget how quickly politicians can affect our way of life and take away the benefits provided and fought for by those before us.

It's also important to remain involved and informed. It is easier than ever nowadays with the use of social media and other electronic means to stay in contact with other members of your local. In Local 531 with our new website and app on your phone, most of the vital information about our local is right at your fingertips.

The way we get our information is changing compared to the way it was in years past, but the goal should be the same as always. Keep in communication with your local membership, stay informed of what is going on in your local, and no matter what your political beliefs, we are union members who need to remain united against those who would negatively influence our way of life.

Jeremy Woolever, P.S.

L.U. 553 (i,lctt,mt,o&ws), RALEIGH, NC — Women in our industry are, once again, stepping up in a big way in the effort to organize all electrical workers. In one of the most anti-union states in the nation, two women rallied a small army of future IBEW leaders from Locals 553 and 379 and crossed jurisdictional boundaries to march around the Capitol of North Carolina, displaying solidarity for their union and their basic human rights.

On Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, RENEW presidents Emma Basmayor (Local 553) and Melissa Reyes (Local 379) led several of their fellow brothers and sisters from across the state in the Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) / Moral March in Raleigh. This is an annual event that supports labor unions and promotes safe working practices, education, and many other progressive ideas.

"This was the first time members from both locals met in our state's capital to attend an event together," Basmayor said. "We're looking forward to having future events with them and working to build stronger unions everywhere!"

Steve Baker, V.P.

L.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SAN MATEO, CA — Greetings, sisters and brothers. As summertime is fast approaching, we are looking forward to our upcoming family events day at Great America, our union picnic, pin party and our annual benefit educational workshops. Workshop topics include: our pension plan, NEBF pension plan, steps to retirement, investments, etc.

Along with Bay Area Sports, NECA and IBEW Local 617 provide wellness services. Our members participate in healthy lifestyle programs — including wellness screenings, weight loss and advice on healthy diets and exercise — in order to keep our sisters and brothers healthy.

At the time of this writing, California was scheduled to hold state and local elections on March 3. Election results impact our jobs, families and the future. In future elections, let our voices be heard and vote for those who support unions and act upon it. Local politicians and our registrar have spoken at union meetings about the importance of getting out to vote.

As we take time to enjoy family and friends on the 79th annual Memorial Day in May, please take a moment to remember and honor our fallen warriors. "Semper recordare" (always remember).

Kenn Perfitt, P.S.

L.U. 625 (c,ees,em,i,it,mar​&mt), HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA — The following members have recently retired: Larry Duggan and Sam Cassar.

We recently lost the following members: Johnny Meagher and Donnie Harrison in November, Ray Wilkie in December, and Donnie Sampson in January. Condolences go out to their families.

Congratulations to the following brothers on completing their Certificate of Qualification and becoming Red Seal electricians: Tristun Doherty, Alden Burke, Ken Webb, Paul Murphy, James Mackinnon, Vasquez Moule, Mark Huyghe, Andrew Bond, Cory Pettipas and Alex Betts.

We held the annual Kid's Holiday Party at Hatfields Farm, with over 150 in attendance. The Holiday Dinner & Dance on Dec. 14 was a huge hit as always with over 400 members and guests attending. Our local held its first-ever Family Ski Day at Ski Martock on Saturday, Feb. 15. We had 89 in attendance and everyone had fun. Plans are to make the Family Ski Day an annual event.

Local 625 would like to welcome newly organized developer/contractor MacGillvray Properties Limited.

Brad Wood, B.R./Organizer

L.U. 639 (i&rts), SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — Ellen Beraud, candidate for San Luis Obispo County 5th District supervisor, stands with IBEW Local 639 veterans showing her support. (See accompanying photo.)

Ellen Beraud, wife of Local 639 member and signatory contractor Francois Beraud of French Electric, is no stranger to organized labor. As a union member and facility chief steward of AFSCME (American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees) Local 2620, Ellen knows the importance labor unions play in providing good paying jobs in the community. IBEW 639 has endorsed Ellen Beraud for 5th District supervisor and has worked tirelessly canvassing neighborhoods, placing yard signs and phone banking to help her win this election. If elected, Ellen will work with the Board of Supervisors to negotiate a county-wide project labor agreement (PLA). She will also advocate to expand resources for veterans services and our counties most vulnerable, including homelessness, health care and affordable housing.

Local 639 veterans who met with candidate Beraud include: Kevin Grimes, U.S. Marines (2004-'08), E-5 infantry; Jeff Buchanan, U.S. Army (1968-'70), E-4 Vietnam veteran; Taylor Apetz, U.S. Navy (2014-'16), E-3 submarine service; Mike Johnson, U.S. Marines (1996-'99); Dru Hernandez, U.S. Army (2006-'11), E-5 one tour Iraq; Darren Lapitan, U.S. Air Force (2016-'19), officer O-1; Juan Guzman-Garcia, U.S. Army (1996-2016), E-5 1 tour Iraq; Don Proeber, U.S. Marines (2007-'13), one tour Iraq, two tours Afghanistan; Arnoldo Gomez, U.S. Army (1998-2006), E-5 1 tour Afghanistan; and Sean Perry, U.S. Navy (1980-'84).

Thank you to all for your service.

Kurt McClave, P.S.

L.U. 649 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), ALTON, IL — Here is the outlook for our bargaining units and construction work in our jurisdiction:

Special thanks to our retired and active members for volunteering their time to our local communities.

Please remember to support our Democratic candidates who support organized labor.

Thank you to Bro. Alan Rubenstein for compiling the information for this article.

Terry Wilhite, P.S.

L.U. 683 (i), COLUMBUS, OHIO — 2020 is looking to be another great year for Local 683! Work opportunities continue to be plentiful. We are fortunate to have over 300 travelers helping us man our projects. We anticipate the need for more traveling brothers and sisters in the future. Several large data center projects continue to require manpower on top of the upcoming Columbus Crew Stadium project and several OSU projects on the horizon.

The Electrical Trades Center (see photo) continues to grow and modernize to accommodate increased numbers of Inside and I.T. apprentices. Fire Alarm and wiring methods labs have been upgraded with new equipment and workstations for our Inside program. A new and improved BICSI lab has been completed for our I.T. program.

On June 5, Local 683 will host our annual Chuck Bland Memorial Fish Fry! Our local union elections are on June 11. Hope to see you at both!

Pat Hook, Pres.

L.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se), GARY AND HAMMOND, IN — On Feb. 22 this year, the Local 697 IBEW-EWMC held its 6th annual charity basketball day. The event was held at the all-union-built Hammond Sportsplex. A day of fun activities with a 3-on-3 tournament, 3-point and free throw competition. The 3-on 3-tourney was won by defending champs Bros. Adam Spurr, Brad Stooksbury and Paul Quiroz. The 3-point competition was won by Bro. Paul Quiroz, and the free-throw competition was won by Sister Paula Orueta. The event successfully raised an additional $500 from the participants to go to the family of Thomas Richardson. All the pictures from that day are located on our website www.ibew697.org in the "Photo Gallery."

Ask of this writing, the warm April weather has allowed the Local 697 Golf League to start play for the 2020 season.

Tuesday, May 5, is the Indiana primary election, so please remember to get out and vote!

Ryan Reithel, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 1015 (em&i), WESLACO, TEXAS — IBEW Local 1015 would like to send a big Texas salute to Francisco Hernandez, Sergio Torres and Jose Guadalupe Solis. With their very big effort working long days and studying late at night, we are very proud to announce that those Local 1015 members were able to get their journeyman inside wireman licenses. If you want something bad enough you will try even harder to get it. These three members tried even harder than most due to the fact that they do not write, read and/or speak the English language fluently. Bus. Mgr. Sergio A. Salinas offered free tutoring classes for the members to understand the terms without getting stressed out due to the language barrier. Once each of these guys passed their test and came by the office to present their JIW receipt with that big smile on their faces, IBEW Local 1015 made sure to put it on the local's monthly newsletter to encourage other members to do the same. It doesn't make any difference how many times you try and fail, what counts is that you keep trying until you pass. That piece of paper makes a difference in wages for each of these families.

Tammy Casas, P.S.

L.U. 1049 (lctt,o,u&uow), LONG ISLAND, NY — In the past year, under the leadership of Bus. Mgr. Ronald Bauer, we at Local 1049 have increased our membership by 200. With the signing and ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement with Premier Infrastructure and Energy LLC, we have added 62 new members. This new three-year agreement includes wage increases in each year and an employer funded annuity. For several years we have attempted to organize several mark out/underground utility locating contractors. Premier is our first success in the gas business. We are hoping to expand into the Electric Underground Field as well. All members who will be working under this agreement will be trained and certified in our newly designed Locating Training room, which is a part of our training center.

Mark your calendars! Local 1049's Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) will be hosting their first Casino Night on May 29. All proceeds will benefit the MSC Kyle Sports Program. Our Annual Golf Tournament will take place on June 19. Reserve your foursomes early, as the tournament regularly sells out. Proceeds will support the Local 1049 Scholarship Fund and our COPE fund.

As of this writing, we are preparing for negotiations for our members who work under the NECA Agreement. We look forward to a successful conclusion.

Thomas J. Dowling, R.S.

L.U. 1249 (catv,lctt,o,t&u), SYRACUSE, NY — IBEW Local 1249 would like to wish David T. Burnett a very happy and healthy retirement. Dave was initiated into IBEW Local 1249 on Nov. 16, 1977, and he worked in the field as a journeyman lineman. In 1993, Dave began his career with NYS Lineman Safety Training. Dave's hard work and dedication helped to build our safety and training program into what it is today. Good luck, Dave, and enjoy your retirement — you deserve it!

Colby J. Czajak, A.B.M.

L.U. 1347 (ees,em,ptc&u), CINCINNATI, OHIO — On Saturday, Dec. 28, last year IBEW Local 1347 met with several other IBEW Locals (71, 212, 1224) at Matthews 25 Ministries in Kenwood, Ohio, for an afternoon of volunteering. In just two hours' time, our efforts can help as many as 150-plus individuals, which is why we love coming back every year! This is our fourth year in a row attending a Matthews 25 Ministries event, and plans are already underway for a fifth year come December 2020. We appreciate everyone who donated their time and hope to keep growing our group of volunteers as the years go by.

Volunteers pictured in the accompanying photo are: Kristen Kallaher, Pat Kallaher, Ray Fowee, Linda Dixon, Will McMahan, Kyle McMahan, Don Scott Smith, Tom Messamer, Sophia Sheppard, Bear Sheppard, Bill Dietz, Rachel Glover, Lee McIntosh, Dustin Fossette, Danny Fossette, Dominick Fossette, Greg Prewitt, Andrew Kirk, Adrienne Fossette, Richard Heimbrock, Liza Bruggeman and Matt Bruggeman.

Andrew Kirk, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,rts&t), BALTIMORE, MD — Recently, Bus. Mgr./Pres. Dion F. Guthrie, reportedly the longest serving business manager in the IBEW serving over 50 years and with 60 years as an IBEW member, had a meeting at the Aqueduct Racetrack in New York with the members there to discuss the new collective bargaining agreement. The members there helped to add their input to the proposals that were negotiated with Amtote International for the new CBA. We don't have the final results as of this writing, but we are looking forward to successful contract negotiations.

The local has members who work at several racetracks in New York. The accompanying photo, below left, was taken at Bus. Mgr. Guthrie's meeting with some members at the Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park, Queens, New York. That racetrack is a thoroughbred horse racing facility, which is open from October through April.

James Boyd, F.S./P.S.

L.U. 1547 (c,em,i,lctt,o,t&u), ANCHORAGE, AK — Congratulations to Bro. Tyler Aklestad and his team partner, Nick Olstad, on winning the Iron Dog snowmobile race. The Iron Dog is the world's longest, toughest snowmobile race covering more than 2,400 miles in Alaska's backcountry. Bro. Aklestad and his partner led the entire race.

"It's an amazing race and great opportunity," Bro. Aklestad said. "I appreciate all the support I got from the brotherhood." When asked why he thought his team won he replied: "We spent a lot of time getting prepared. We put in a lot of work and dedication, so this was definitely a labor of love." This year, an additional 375 miles were added to the race and with the extreme weather, only 11 of 29 teams finished.

Bro. Aklestad is an OSP Engineer with Matanuska Electric Association. He won the race previously in 2016 with his team partner Tyson Johnson.

Melinda Taylor, P.S.