L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MO — On Sat., April 24, for the 18th year, our local, NECA and the Electrical Connection joined forces with Rebuilding Together St. Louis for Rebuilding Day.

Rebuilding Together relies on Local 1, other building trades and volunteers to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans and disabled, elderly and low-income homeowners unable to afford much-needed upgrades and repairs.

Local 1 Financial Secretary and Rebuilding Together Board member Dave Roth explained, "Our members get satisfaction from knowing they provide the workmanship which helps the person have a more comfortable, safe and secure home. All because of the education and training members receive through Local 1. It's a great day to give back to the community."

One hundred forty-three members volunteered their time and skills and 32 service trucks were donated for the event.

Business Manager Frank Jacobs secured April 20 and May 11 for Local 1 members to receive both doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the Machinists Hall in Bridgeton, Mo. Members and their spouses were eligible to participate; 350 members were vaccinated.

The first annual IBEW 1 RENEW Food Drive was on April 17 at the local's union hall in St. Louis. Brother Jacobs stated, "2,800 pounds of food were collected and $1,050 was donated." Twenty members volunteered, and all proceeds benefited the St. Louis Area Foodbank.

Jan Bresnan, P.S.

Editor's Note: See our story on Local 1's Rebuilding Together effort in this issue.

L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Greetings, brothers and sisters! On March 9, Business Manager Pat Lavin reported his last parent body meeting as business manager/financial secretary; Pat retired on March 12. Pat thanked the members and staff for their support for the last 22 years. He congratulated Senior Assistant Business Manger Colin Lavin on being appointed business manager/financial secretary by our Executive Board.

Pat, enjoy your retirement and congratulations — it's well deserved.

We filed an unfair labor practice against SCE for not bargaining when moving Bishop Control Center to Lugo Control Center. Bargaining continues for two new classifications, supervising dispatcher and supervising grid operator. Negotiations continue with the city of Anaheim. We are bargaining with the city of Colton for both electric and water/wastewater units. Negotiations are ongoing with city of Banning for its utility and general units. Negotiations are set to begin with Irvine Ranch Water District. AltaGas Blythe Energy Center operations are approximately 2% a year for 3 years.

All of Local 47's upcoming events are canceled until further notice.

We're sad to report the deaths of Darrell Jackson, Eugene Kokenge, Richard Lua and Richard Wilson. Our condolences and prayers are with their loved ones.

Work safe and buy union.

Mitch Smith, P.S.

L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,ptc,rtb,t,u&uow), SPRINGFIELD, IL — Our monthly unit meetings have resumed. As a reminder, the meetings are as follows: first Tuesday is Bloomington; first Wednesday is Clinton, Lincoln, LaSalle; first Thursday is Galesburg, Wood River, Springfield; second Tuesday is Champaign; second Wednesday is Baldwin, Jacksonville; second Thursday is Decatur, Peoria; and finally, the second Friday is Construction. See our website (ibew51.org) for specific times. We look forward to seeing you!

Our local mourns the death of Brother David C. Armstrong. Davey was a 57-year IBEW member who retired from Ameren as a journeyman lineman in 2006. He stayed active in the local by attending the majority of our monthly union meetings and ran the putting contest at our annual scholarship golf outing for many years. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.

We will have work at four wind farms this year. Our first solar farm was completed, and line-clearance tree trimming is at full employment.

Enjoy your summer and be safe.

Karlene Knisley, B.R.

L.U. 55 (c,lctt,o&u), DES MOINES, IA — Hello to all my union brothers and sisters, especially Ed Kooker. It looks like Iowa is on the road to success with its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak. All of our kids are back in school and we can go out to eat and meet with friends. Our local has been very blessed throughout this period of time.

Work is really picking up, and we have a need for journeymen linemen and operators. We have several transmission projects beginning, and we will have several wind farm projects starting up. Give our office a call at 515-265 6193 for more details!

Our retiree breakfasts have not started back up yet. We're still waiting on Prairie Meadows to give us the green light. A big shout-out to Lee in Arkansas!

The road project in front of the hall has just started up so finding your way to the entrance might be difficult. Give them a call if you need a little help. Let's remember to have someone help when backing up. Watch out for kids on bikes, too. If you don't understand something, ask questions.

Work safely and have a great summer! I'll be going on several vacations!

Myron Green, P.S.

L.U. 103 (cs&i), BOSTON, MA — The good weather has arrived, and we are getting back into full swing. Union meetings are being held outside, under a tent in the parking lot. It's great to be getting a little closer to normal. The economy is reopening: Work has really picked up in the last few months and the rest of the year looks to be a busy one here in Boston.

Local 103 hosted new Mayor of Boston Kim Janey in May. On her arrival, Mayor Janey fist-bumped and talked to many of our apprentices, who gave her a warm welcome and round of applause as she entered the building. She spoke to many of the city's labor leaders about her plan to safely re-open the city as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, and she talked about her pro-labor agenda and all the good things Local 103 is doing to offer equitable opportunities for all.

Stay safe, brothers and sisters! #LetsGetToWork

Jimmy Fleming, P.S.

L.U. 125 (lctt,o&u), PORTLAND, OR — Staff changes have led us to saying thank you and goodbye to Business Representatives Shane Watson (PGE) and Pat Winter. "Thank you to both Shane and Pat," said Business Manager Travis Eri. "Our membership benefited greatly from their service." Best wishes to Shane and Pat as they venture into retirement with their families. Of course, we hope to continue seeing them at our local's events and celebrating their retirements.

Journeyman linemen Jude Jolma and Hank Williams have been selected to fill the vacancies. Additionally, Tommy Lux, journeyman line-clearance tree trimmer, has been named to staff as a business representative. We will feature Jude, Hank and Tommy in the upcoming issue of Local Lines in the Northwest Labor Press.

Our staff is busy preparing for negotiations with BPA, PGE, Pacific Power, line-clearance tree trimming and TransAlta. We will need all members' support to help raise awareness about and communicate why unions matter as we fight for our wages, hours and working conditions. Ultimately, it is on all of us to uphold the IBEW's legacy and prepare for our future.

As our business manager always reminds us: Stay safe — your family depends on it!

Marcy Grail, A.B.M.

L.U. 129 (i) LORAIN, OH — Looking back on the past year, we extend our thoughts and prayers to our IBEW brothers and sisters and their families who have experienced loss and devastation caused by the pandemic.

Through hope, science and our competent and compassionate leadership team in Washington, we will have better days ahead!

At present, Book 1 has been steady and looks good through the year's end.

We also have some Book 2 hands who are providing much-needed support. Thank you, travelers!

The Bendix North American Headquarters project is currently in full swing, and the Ardugh Metal project should start manning up in early summer.

Business Manager John Novak and Organizer J.R. Roark have made it a top priority to re-energize organizing efforts. Open and constructive communication with Executive Board members and the general membership has provided valuable feedback on different ways to promote and sell the IBEW. We all agree that all members can be organizers.

Even with the arrival of better days, Ohio, like many other states, continues to be tormented by senseless right-to-work legislation proposed regularly in Columbus.

We encourage all members to step up and pressure their elected officials.

An important fact is that during last year's election season, Local 129's political team had positive feedback from both political parties. The common consensus was that good wages and benefits drive the Ohio economy.

Paul Kress, P.S.

L.U. 141 (ees,i,o&u), WHEELING, WV — Greetings, brothers and sisters. As of this writing, the work picture remains slow, with 89 members on Book 1.

Chapman Corporation has been awarded the Williams Ridgeline Natural Gas Compressor Station in Marshall County, W.Va. This project should put many of our members back to work for a few months. Williams constructed several of these compressor stations within our jurisdiction and has trusted the craftsmanship of IBEW members for a vast majority of these projects.

Local 141 is beginning a slow return to normalcy amid the pandemic, with in-person union meetings resuming. It's very hopeful that we will begin to return to some of our social events, especially the Local 141 Family Picnic and Golf Scramble.

Our local is also prepping to go into negotiations for our upcoming contract. Our current labor agreement is set to expire in Sept. 2021.

Local 141 is sad to report the passing of Brother Paul Tepe. He will be sadly missed.

Please stay safe and healthy.

Kurt "Bug" Reed, P.S.

L.U. 159 (i), MADISON, WI — With spring, we are pleased to see work continuing to pick up and our book numbers dropping — a welcome sign of normalcy.

Our winter Holiday Fantasy in Lights exhibit gives back to the community year-round: Our LMCC just donated sets of tools to 15 new Habitat for Humanity homeowners.

We worked hard supporting candidates in local spring elections, and we were especially happy to see one first-time candidate — a union Steelworker — win a seat on Madison City Council. We want to increase members' political education and involvement through 2022 and beyond.

With our Building Trades Council, we look forward to both the annual Take Kids Fishing event and working on a conservation project.

Many of our members are part of the Tradeswomen of South Central Wisconsin (TWSCW), which is now a subcommittee of our Building Trades Council.

TWSCW will also become a chapter of Wisconsin's statewide tradeswomen group, empowHER.

empowHER will have multiyear funding from the Wisconsin Building Trades Council to effect positive change for women in the construction industry.

Local 159 is committed to working with our partners to advocate for, recruit and retain a diverse workforce.

Sue Blue, B.M.

L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH — We would like to welcome Justin Cappelletty, who has just accepted the role of assistant business manager. Justin started at First Energy (Toledo Edison) 13 years ago as a lineman, has been a union steward for the last four years and was recently elected to the Executive Board.

Also, we would like to congratulate Greg Walter, who was recently appointed to the Executive Board. Greg started at Davis-Besse as a nuclear reactor operator, and has been a union steward for most of his career and a chief steward for the last five years. We are happy to have them both aboard.

As of this writing, our monthly union meetings at the union hall have been canceled due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in Ohio. Hopefully, as you are reading this article, we will be back to our normal meetings.

Work on the outside remains steady, but the ALBAT Lineman apprenticeship has been closed until further notice. WNWO-TV 24 contract was extended for one year into 2022. Contract negotiations with Davis-Besse are still ongoing. Future negotiations for 2021 include Walleye Power, which has an expiration date of November; Rossford Firefighters, whose contract will expire in December; and Wolf Creek at NASA Glenn Research Center, whose contract will also expire at the end of this calendar year.

Until next time, stay safe and remember: No shortcuts at work or at home and enjoy your summer!

Brian Gendaszek, P.S.

L.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ — Trick-or-treating at Halloween. Big family get-togethers at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sporting events from T-ball to high-school championships. We've lost so many things to the pandemic that we are almost surprised when we lose something or someone to what used to be a natural occurrence.

In late April of this year, Local 269 experienced just such a loss. Brother Jeff Johnson died suddenly of natural causes while tending the garden he loved so much outside his home in Morrisville, Pa. Jeff was a member of the IBEW for 30 years. He held a position on the Executive Board at the time of his passing and was one of the most active and engaged members of the local during his time with the organization. Jeff was also active within his local government, serving as a councilman and a member of the Municipal Board of Morrisville.

Jeff was an avid outdoor sportsman, a diehard Green Bay Packers fan, a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. But above all, Jeffrey S. Johnson was not just a good union man — he was a good man, period. He will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, Brother.

Brian Jacoppo, P.S.

L.U. 291 (c,i,mo,o,rtb&rts), BOISE, ID — Things are going well in our local. We have wrapped up negotiations with J&J Worldwide Services and Intralot, Inc. Both of these contracts bring security and stability to workers in each respective unit.

Congratulations to our newest inside journeymen: Matthew Adair, Jonathan Banta, Tyson Bean, Jose Casillas, Jonathan Cook, Ted Duman, Jesse Hanson, Nicholas Harmon, Joshua Hewitt, Zachary Krishnek, Tyler Mott, Taber Nelson and Isaac Palmer-Groves.

We have been able to begin in-person union meetings by renting a larger room and practicing all the safety protocols put in place by local officials. These meetings seem a little different than the past, but it was great to assemble in that union meeting atmosphere again. A big thank you to the traveling brothers and sisters who took calls over the last year to help us man our work. We are very appreciative of you.

Condolences go out to the families of recently deceased members Gordon Bullock, David Owen and James Theiss.

In March we celebrated the retirement of office manager Dawn Walsh, who served our local for 25 years! We wish her the best in her retirement.

Stay safe out there, sisters and brothers, and remember IBEW STRONG!

Mark Zaleski, B.M.

L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — Happy Independence Day, brothers and sisters!

July is full of celebrations. One such festival to the north is the Minneapolis Aquatennial. The history of the event began as a battle in July 1934 where Minneapolis police shot 67 striking teamsters, killing two. The day was to become known as "Bloody Friday." The NLRB settled the strike between Teamsters Local 574 and the CA, a business association, awarding the teamsters the right to organize. For the next six years, festivals, parades and memorials commemorated the union's victories. The teamsters' annual free picnic on Bass Lake gathered 15,000 to 20,000 members and public supporters. Union membership was on the rise throughout the city and union labor held the power. The CA was determined to regain control. In 1940, the CA devised the Minneapolis Aquatennial, held during the third week in July, as an event to sway public support away from the unions' achievements and promote businesses as the leaders of the city.

We congratulate the following retirees: Holly Barnes, Robert Borchardt, Laverne Dudas, Scott Friese, Kim Kestner, Edwin Kramer, Mike Liebenow, Micheal Martinson, John Penkava, David Peterson, Kevin Petersen, William Reiter, Micheal Sammon, Scott Shonkwiler, Jeffery Sprick, Anthony Toft and Gregory VanRyswyk.

Celebrate the union way, buy "Made In U.S.A."

Tom Small, P.S.

L.U. 375 (catv,ees,et,govt,i&mo), ALLENTOWN, PA — Our local has lost a great brother, friend and leader. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp. during World War II, Andy S. Kubik became a member of IBEW Local 375 in May of 1949 as a journeyman wireman. On Aug. 4, 1971, he became the business manager and remained in that position until he retired in July of 1989.

Andy cared deeply about each and every member that he served during his time as the business manager. Brothers like Mr. Kubik have laid the foundation for the things we take for granted today: earning a living wage, receiving adequate healthcare, retiring with dignity, and the list goes on. His contributions were formally recognized in 1976 when he was awarded the highest honor a person can receive from Local 375: the addition of his name to the Harry B. Parks Sr. Memorial Award. This achievement has only been awarded to a few members "who contributed most to promote the ideals and principles for which the IBEW was founded." For his exemplary representation of the beliefs of the brotherhood, Andy Kubik will forever be revered.

Brother Kubik has left a legacy within our local, as his son Andy J. Kubik recently retired as a journeyman wireman in March 2020, having also served the local as the safety director during his tenure. His grandson, Andy R. Kubik, is currently a journeyman wireman within our ranks.

Brother Kubik, thank you for everything you contributed to Local 375 during your time. You can rest assured that we will keep fighting the fight for not only Local 375, but for the labor movement as a whole.

Justin Grimshaw, A.B.M.

L.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — This past April, our local hosted the sixth annual IBEW Midwest Regional Bowling Tournament with bowlers from Locals 1, 58, 134, 369, 481 and 531 attending the event. It was a great time, and it was wonderful to see brothers and sisters from the other locals.

Local 481 not only hosted the event, but brought home some hardware as well. The team, made up of Collin Cline, Ryan Cline, Scott Cline, Eddie Lyster and Quantez Mims took home the team event, and Trevor Goewey took home the singles event. Congrats to all the winners and thanks to all who participated. A special thanks to Ryan Cline for all his hard work in making sure the event was a success. See you all at next year's tournament!

Blake A. Andrews, B.R./Treas.

L.U. 557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW, MI — Our local has been fortunate to work on the Mary Free Bed project located in downtown Saginaw. This 3-story, total patient rehabilitation center brings with it unique design challenges and has been a great learning opportunity for our apprentices. The smaller crew has allowed time to build bonds needed in every local. Hospital-grade jobs require special attention to code details, which can require more time and planning. When we have JIWs with a level of passion for their craft and the ability to take time to teach and direct, we can feel confident in our work quality and continuing to secure future work. We have a strong sense of brotherhood among this crew, and our JIWs have taken great pride in passing on knowledge of the union along with hands-on trade knowledge. What a great example of the true meaning of a union apprenticeship.

COVID-19 has completely changed the way we work together in the trades. It's no different for the members of Local 557. As walls go up, conduit is bent and drywall taped, open spaces close in and present social-distancing problems for all trades involved. With challenges seemingly at every turn, our members stayed diligent in following CDC guidelines, with most opting for the vaccine. These efforts helped keep our members and their families safe. The local contractor for the Mary Free Bed job has provided adequate PPE and shown a strong concern for the safety of this crew. It has been interesting for companies and people to adapt to these changing times and extra precautions. But even with all the bumps this job has faced, this has been and continues to be a great experience for some true brothers.

Breanna DePottey, P.S.

L.U. 569 (i,mar,mt,rts&spa), SAN DIEGO, CA — Our local's members successfully advocated for the approval of the $350 million California Theater Project with Australian developer Caydon. This will be the largest skyscraper constructed in San Diego, with 41 stories of mixed-use development, and will be built over multiple years with a PLA that puts Local 569 members to work!

We thank San Diego City Council for moving this project forward, as well as union members who testified how this project will benefit the local economy and the skilled and trained construction workforce, including Local 569 members Jose Durazo, Nephi Hancock, Steve Wilcox, Simon Williams and Jennifer Wilson.

At the time of this writing, the state of California has the highest vaccine rate and the lowest COVID-19 case rate. We're hoping that things will continue to look better come August, and we invite you to join our 2021 IBEW 569 Family Picnic for a full day of fun, food and sun!

SAVE THE DATE: The 2021 IBEW 569 Annual Picnic for our members and families will be on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Santee Lakes #5, 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee, Calif.

Make sure to RSVP so we'll know how much food to order and that we can send you additional updates (bit.ly/2021picnic).

Gretchen Newsom, Political Dir./Organizer

L.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,​o,spa,t&u), ALBUQUERQUE, NM — On May 19, the local held its first in-house union meeting since the pandemic started; there was a good crowd in attendance. Now that the state is opening up, hopefully things can get back to normal soon, and just as a reminder, union meetings are held on the third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m.

Due to the rising cost of material, the much-anticipated Orion project has been pushed back until later in the year, possibly as far back as September or October.

In July, the Intel project should be ramping up. Intel is pumping $3.5 billion into the project, and B&D has picked up quite a bit of the work and should be putting in calls soon.

The JATC just finished up a 5,600-square-foot addition, which consists of four new large classrooms. With all of the work that has been going on in our state recently, we have had to hire a lot of apprentices, and our current building was too small.

On behalf of the local, I would like to send condolences to the family and friends of Elmer R. Bebee and Ronald L. Bossard.

Darrell J. Blair, P.S.

L.U. 649 (i,lctt,mt&o), ALTON, IL — Here is an overview of Local 649 activities: Work has been steady with projects and turnarounds at P66 Refinery; work progresses at Alton Schools, the warehouse work with a new Fed Ex project and Team Industrial Services warehouse; and work continues with World Wide Technology in the warehouse district. The Local 649 JATC has completed the interview process of candidates. A new inside wireman class of 16 new apprentices has been referred out to contractors to begin working in May.

Congratulations to our newly retired members, one of which is me. Thanks to each of you for years of service with to the IBEW, and we will miss you at the jobsites: Thomas E. Albrecht, Keith A. Becker, Kenneth A. Kleeman, David A. McIver, Jeffrey M. Nappier, Terry W. Wilhite and Tim Zini.

On an added note, please keep our deceased members and families in your thoughts and prayers!

Thanks to Alan and Terry for providing information to share with the local!!

Terry Wilhite, P.S.

L.U. 673 (catv,i,rts,spa,t&u), PAINESVILLE, OH — We'd like to congratulate retired member Brother Richard Johnson on his prestigious 50-year service award. Rich wasn't only the first African-American member initiated into Local 673 back in 1970; he also paved the way as he served in multiple capacities for the local including the Executive Board, Examining Board and the Joint Apprentice Training Committee. Throughout Rich's 37-year storied career, he was a foreman on multiple projects, held the role as union steward at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant and traveled across the country to numerous locals to help his fellow brothers and sisters man their work. In his spare time, Rich enjoys hanging out with his wife and his grandkids and even manages to carve out some precious time for his two dogs. We hope Rich continues to enjoy his retirement for many years to come! Congratulations!

John D. Rusnak, Mem. Dev.

L.U. 683 (i&ptc), COLUMBUS, OH — The work outlook in our jurisdiction continues to look great. With many data-center projects in progress, the new Crew Stadium and multiple ongoing and upcoming projects at OSU, there will be many calls going into Book 2. Thank you to our traveling sisters and brothers for helping us fill calls.

Local 683 has experienced some transitions recently, with Business Manager John "Ed" Moore moving on to be a Fourth District representative. We are very proud to send one of our own to the district ranks. During Ed's tenure as business manager, our local experienced abundant growth in membership and market share. Patrick Hook has been appointed to the business manager position, transitioning from president/business representative.

We resumed union meetings again in April after four months without having one. The April meetings were well attended considering the restrictions in place due to COVID-19. It was nice to see some familiar faces again, and we look forward to it again in the future.

Thank you to all of our members who continue to prove that we are essential.

Mike Morey, Pres.

L.U. 1105 (i), NEWARK, OH — Amidst the past year's craziness, our local is proud to have signed new contractor, Axxel Electric. Owner Luke Hurst can only be described as a go-getter. His passion for electrical work and his family background in construction inspired him to start Axxel Electric in 2020, and he has big dreams for his company.

Luke worked nonunion for six years prior to becoming a member, and since joining the IBEW he has spoken about the importance of becoming a union contractor. When asked, Luke said, "The IBEW is full of individuals who are proud to do their job with precision and excellence. As an employer, I wish to develop a work environment where my employees find they enjoy their job. Personally, I feel it is a moral responsibility to make sure that the people who work for me are taken care of. By hiring union employees, I am offering excellent pay, with excellent benefits, and I believe I will always employ the best of the best because I offer the best deal. I am in this to leave a footprint, and I am excited for this journey."

Ashley Labaki, P.S.

L.U. 1347 (ees,em,ptc&u), CINCINNATI, OH — A big shout out to all the workers that help run the show behind the scenes: This one goes out to all of you! This month we wanted to do a special piece on our office coordinator, Rachel Glover. She has worked at Local 1347 for the past four years and has gone above and beyond each and every day. With the stress level for our membership at an all-time high this past year, having someone ready and available to answer any questions and ensure things are running smoothly (despite the chaos happening outside of the office walls) has really helped keep our membership on track. She is the glue to our operation, and we appreciate her efforts. Each one of us can make a difference, but together we can make change.

Andrew Kirk, B.M.

L.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,rts&t), BALTIMORE, MD — President/Business Manager Dion F. Guthrie met with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren earlier this year and had some discussion about how the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, of which Sen. Warren is a member, provides details on the national coronavirus preparedness and response efforts. This information is vital in protecting the safety, health and economic security of labor and their families.

Sen. Warren assured President Guthrie that she had met with the Labor Secretary and was convinced that they are doing everything possible to protect labor. Sen. Warren stated, "As businesses are continuing to work and develop plans to respond to COVID-19, it is critical they are taking the best interest of labor into account. Businesses and labor must be provided with up-to-date information so they can base decisions on facts and science."

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

L.U 1505 (et,it&mo), WOBURN, MA — On Feb. 19, our local hosted a workplace visit by Second District International Vice President Michael Monahan. IVP Monahan toured the Raytheon facility in Andover, Mass., where a majority of our members work. We were extremely pleased and proud to show off our world-class work supporting our U.S. warfighters here in America and around the world. Mr. Monahan was impressed with our efforts and the excellent quality of our work demonstrating the IBEW Code of Excellence.

Local 1505 will be the first large union (approximately 2,500 members) to negotiate a contract with the new Raytheon Technologies. Working with RTX became our reality when United Technologies bought out Raytheon last year. Our current four-year contract expires in Sept. 2021, and for more than 75 years we have been successfully negotiating contracts with the Raytheon Company. But, for reasons we do not understand, the new Raytheon Technologies is already taking a hardline stance on many issues important to our members. This will present an uphill challenge to our committee.

Company leadership no longer resides here in Massachusetts, and they seem to have forgotten that Local 1505 workers built the legacy Raytheon Company from its roots over seven decades! As many as four generations of our family members have worked here on vital military programs, including HAWK, AMRAAM, PATRIOT, AEGIS and LTAMDS. So, we will be working tirelessly to bargain a fair agreement with Raytheon Technologies, reminding them that our skilled and dedicated workforce both built this company and kept it afloat during the COVID-19 crisis.

Finally, Local 1505 has been strong in its support of the 700 Massachusetts Nurses Association members who are on strike at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester, Mass., with our local members joining MNA members in a strike line.

Stay strong, sisters and brothers!

John Donald, P.S.

L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — It is a great feeling to once again have a president who is labor friendly.

Based on what President Biden has already done in his first few months in office, I would say that he is the most union-friendly president in my lifetime and most likely in the history of this great country. When President Biden speaks, he always speaks about the middle class and how we would not have a middle class without unions. I have often heard the phrase "good-paying union jobs," and he has mentioned the IBEW many times when he talks. He doesn't just get up on the podium and make a lot of promises and say a bunch of words, he backs up those words with his actions.

The president so far has introduced legislation that will create jobs for the middle class and union members. The American Jobs Plan will create millions of good union jobs, rebuild our country's physical infrastructure and workforce, and spark innovation and manufacturing here at home. The American Families Plan is an investment in our children and our families — helping families cover the basic expenses that so many struggle with now, lowering health insurance premiums and continuing the American Rescue Plan's historic reductions in child poverty.

Together, these plans reinvest in the future of the American economy and American workers and will help us out-compete China and other countries around the world. The president also has a plan to restore the tax deductions for IBEW members for travel expenses, tools, work clothing and union dues, deductions that were ripped away from us when the last president gave a tax cut to the wealthy.

This investment will cost money, as all investments come at a cost. However, when creating jobs for the middle class and unions, tax dollars are being paid from wages from those newly created jobs, and these tax dollars will go back to the government to pay for the investment.

I know that there are critics out there that say that the president is running up our debt, but those same critics had no problem when the mega rich got a huge tax break that ran up debt. That tax break was nothing but free money for the wealthy that never made its way into the economy — it only made its way to their bank accounts.

I know that we have a bright future as long as the middle class and unions have a voice in Washington.

Until next time, God bless.

Will Salters, B.M./F.S.