L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,ptc,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MO — Congratulations are in order for Brother Shawn Levin for succeeding retiring JATC Training Director Dennis Gralike. Shawn, a 25-year member, brings knowledge gained from the many hats he has worn in our industry: steward, foreman, general foreman and many years as a member of our JATC.

More plaudits are in order for our Business Manager Frank Jacobs. He is the newest member of the St. Louis Lambert International Airport Commission. It is composed of a broad spectrum of regional business, civic, and labor leadership. The board provides guidance to overall airport operation, including construction, ongoing maintenance and general services.

Our annual health fair, sponsored by the trustees of the IBEW Local 1 Health and Welfare fund, was a huge home run. Following health guidelines by the city health department, members and their family were able to take advantage of the wellness screenings, flu shots, COVID-19 vaccinations, mammograms and information to help them make better decisions for a healthy lifestyle.

Happy holidays to all!

Kyle Hunter, P.S.

L.U. 41 (i,se,es,em&spa), BUFFALO, NY — Happy New Year, sisters and brothers! Last year we were finally able to hold graduation ceremonies for our 2020 and 2021 apprenticeship classes. It was great night to celebrate the graduates. Top-average awards were given to Steven Duda for 2020 and Jeff Shaffer for 2021. Perfect-attendance awards were given to Cole Huston for 2020 and Nikolay Kolev for 2021. Congratulations to all; you are the future of our IBEW!

We continue to upgrade our buildings and grounds by paving our parking lot and installing new lot lighting. It was much needed and looks terrific!

2022 looks to be an exciting year for Local 41. We are looking forward to constructing a new hydrogen manufacturing facility, the University of Buffalo is remodeling another building on the South Campus and we will continue to have suburban school work. Stay safe and remember that every hour counts.

Gregory R. Inglut, P.S.

L.U. 43 (em,i&rs), SYRACUSE, NY — The brothers and sisters of the IBEW are building the Amazon Warehouse in Clay, N.Y. The warehouse is one of the world's largest distribution centers, standing at five stories and 3.8-million square feet.

Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your world-class work and craftsmanship!

#IBEWLocal43OnTheMove!

Jeff Cassano, P.S.

L.U. 55 (c,lctt,o&u), DES MOINES, IOWA — Hello, brothers and sisters: I would like you to take a moment of silence for Richard (Dick) Snyder of Early, Iowa. He was a member for 60 years, working for L.E. Meyers for most of his career.

I took a picture of our office staff this month because a lot of people may call in but have no idea of who they talked to. Staff are very dedicated and go above and beyond for our membership. Any time you have a question just pick up the phone and call one of them!

Our local is still very blessed and has a lot of work! I remember back in the late '70s and early '80s when the local did not have much work, so save your money for a rainy day!

Local 55 will have a recognition dinner on Feb. 5 at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa. Save the date and let's have a good time! The local will also celebrate its 125th year of existence. Look forward to hearing much more about it in the coming months!

By the time you get this, I am sure we will have had a lot of snow and cold, so wear some warm gloves and get good, insulated boots. Drive safely and watch those fingers. Know where you're putting them! See ya later!

Myron Green, P.S.

L.U. 99 (govt&i), PROVIDENCE, RI — In 2021, our local and Local 2323 held the sixth annual Solidarity Ride. While the event was canceled in 2020 and rescheduled this past year from May to Sept. 19 due to COVID-19, the run was our best yet. Riders from locals all over the northeast and as far away as Illinois attended.

The proceeds from the ride benefit local charities. The beneficiaries of the most recent run included Day One, Nico's Tree and the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Day One is a Providence non-profit dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse. Nico's Tree provides emotional and financial support for patients and families undergoing treatment for long-term pediatric illness. The MS Society works to improve the quality of life for people affected by multiple sclerosis and raises funds for MS research.

With donations from 2020 rolling over to this year's charities, we are proud to report that we raised over $42,000 to benefit these worthy causes! You can find updates and info on next year's ride as it becomes available by following IBEW Local Union 99 Providence on Facebook.

Nicki Kent, P.S.

L.U. 103 (cs&i), BOSTON, MA — With diversity, equity and inclusion being foremost on all of our minds, our local and its NECA partners have launched the Empower DEI program to significantly increase women and minority-owned electrical contracting firms. This program combines an advanced training program with mentoring, resources and support for experienced, licensed minority-and women-owned NECA contractors as well as Local 103 electricians seeking to open their own businesses. Participants will have access to experienced industry leaders and business supports designed to ensure their success.

Local 103 has also engaged Alex Willis of Leadership Surge to conduct corporate training and development leadership training. This training focused on effective communication, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills to develop awareness and proficiencies in diversity, equity and inclusion, for our officers, stewards and members.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Jimmy Fleming, P.S.

L.U. 111 (em,govt,lctt,mt,o,ptc,rtb,spa&u), DENVER, CO — As 2021 ends, I would like to thank the membership for their hard work and unwavering sense of duty to their communities and fellow man during these unprecedented times. You continuously kept the lights on, the gas flowing and the plants generating. I would like to express my very sincere thanks to all of those who braved unsavory conditions as you restored the grids after the devastating hurricanes, fires and other weather events throughout our state and the country.

The annual Day of Service was a great success. Board member Kevin Smith, President Quinn, Business Manager/Financial Secretary Meisinger, along with other business agents and members from the Pueblo units, joined with Xcel Energy and Humana in a food bank for the Center for American Values. We assembled over 800 food care packages for disadvantaged veterans throughout nine counties in southern Colorado — some as far as the Kansas border — once again proving our membership shows up and volunteers when they are needed.

Please attend your unit meetings, be kind to one another and keep safety your No.1 priority.

Patrick S. Quinn, P.S.

L.U. 125 (lctt,o&u), PORTLAND, OR — 2021 has wound down, and it's time for apprentices to start another year of Saturday school.

VOLTA Instructor Brian Williams, who is in his first year as an instructor at NW Line JATC, joined Business Representative Dave Rondeau to kick off this class. Like many journeymen, the responsibility of giving back to the trade was a motivation for Rondeau: "I joined Local 125's staff, which was my way of giving back. I never thought I'd become an instructor," he said.

Local 125's Business Manager Travis Eri supported Rondeau's interest in being an instructor: "This gives Dave a different type of exposure to the next generation," he explained. "We all take pride in our trade; this is another way to pay it forward."

"This trade has been good to me and my family. I'm committed to helping apprentices get the knowledge needed so they can support their families — and go home safely every day," Rondeau said.

If you are interested in teaching Saturday school, VOLTA or Camp Rilea, call NW Line JATC at 360-816-7100. Thanks to all the instructors who are giving back!

Marcy Grail, A.B.M.

L.U. 141 (ees,i,o&u) WHEELING, WV — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Work in our area remains slow, with 90 members on Book 1.

A coal-fired power plant in our jurisdiction, AEP's Mitchell Power Plant, recently received some good news from the Public Service Commission of West Virginia. The plant had been slated to close as early 2024, but a recent ruling by the PSC has extended that closure to 2040. This will mean continued work for our members at this facility for many years to come, with substantial upgrade work to begin hopefully as early as spring 2022.

Also, a project that has been deemed all but dead, Moundsville Power, may be receiving new life as of this writing. The project developers have recently applied for the project permits to be reissued. This will be a new gas-fired power plant to be built within our jurisdiction, and it will provide many jobs for our members.

Local 141 is currently planning our holiday festivities as of this writing, with a kids' breakfast with Santa, members' Christmas party and local Christmas parades, to name a few.

Local 141 is mourning the passing of Brother Steve Finney. He will be greatly missed.

Please stay safe and healthy.

Kurt "Bug" Reed, P.S.

L.U. 159 (i), MADISON, WI — We are fortunate that the work outlook remains strong into and through 2022. We are grateful to be in a better place with COVID-19 than we were last year. This fall, thanks to public health measures and vaccines, members attended in-person continuing education classes, and apprentices returned to in-person day school.

We just took down our 33rd annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights display. We thank everyone who helps make it happen. We especially thank our retirees (and some active members) for all their hours volunteered since June, building, repairing and prepping displays and equipment. We couldn't do it without them! We enjoy seeing them at the hall.

Act 10 rocked Wisconsin's public-sector unions in 2011. Our state workers took a pay cut, due to increased costs for benefits. They can negotiate only for raises, and those are capped at the rate of inflation. They must vote yearly to re-certify, to negotiate for even those raises. The university recently gave workers a better rate on insurance, but it may be too little too late, as many UW trades workers have left for greener pastures. We hope the strikes of autumn were a sign of better times ahead for all workers.

Sue Blue, B.M.

L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH — Happy New Year, brothers and sisters! We hope you and your families had a safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday season.

We would like to express our gratitude to Larry Tscherne for his years of dedication and service to the membership of Local 245 and the IBEW. Larry retired officially Oct. 1, 2021, after a combined four years as an assistant business manager and 24 years as the business manager/financial secretary. Larry, enjoy a long, healthy retirement and congratulations — it's well deserved. For a full dedication to Larry, please visit our website (www.ibew245.com) and our Facebook page.

As of this writing, negotiations with Energy Harbor, Walleye Power LLC, Nelson Tree Service and Rossford Fire & Rescue Department are ongoing, and we hope to reach agreements soon. We recently reached a tentative agreement with Henkels & McCoy for Fourth District teledata work.

As 2022 gets underway, we want to encourage all of our members and their families to help raise awareness about the importance of unions and all of the benefits that go along with being a part of the IBEW. Now more than ever, we need to STAY UNITED.

Brian Gendaszek, P.S.

L.U. 309 (i,lctt,mo,mt,o,rts,spa&u), COLLINSVILLE, IL — On Sept. 17 and 18, volunteers from our local assisted with the eighth annual Songs 4 Soldiers benefit concert. Since the event's inception, our retirees' volunteer group, the Electric Pros, and countless other Local 309 volunteers have helped this charity with site power distribution. Songs 4 Soldiers is a 100%-volunteer-run organization with all of the proceeds going to combat veterans and their families who have limited resources. A special thanks goes to event organizer Jason Pulse and volunteer Gary Queen — both Local 309 inside wiremen.

It is with a heavy heart that Local 309 reports the passing of Brother Chris Weir. Even though we mourn his early departure from this world, we find comfort in honoring his legacy. To many, Chris was a mentor and confidant. To all, he was kind, compassionate and generous. As an inside wireman, he took pride in his work and teaching apprentices. As an assistant business manager, Chris was an expert communicator and a passionate defender of workers' rights. As a person, Chris had a heart of gold, which he shared with everyone. Put simply, Brother Weir exemplified the best of Local 309, and we will not forget him. Love you, Brother.

Carlos S. Perez, R.S.

L.U. 313 (i&spa), WILMINGTON, DE — Our local's former president, Ricky Crawford, had a masterful idea of holding a service to remember those who had passed since the beginning of the pandemic. Current President Darren Scott and his Assistant Peggy Burgess turned this concept into a tribute ceremony that took place after the October retirees meeting at the union hall.

Business Manager Bobby Murrian offered heartfelt greetings to all followed by the draping of our charter. A tribute to Local 313 fallen military proceeded with a moving rendition of "Amazing Grace" by Scotty Mauchin Jr. on the bagpipes. Brother Marty Wilson offered a prayer for the prepared meal and the rest of the reception.

Family members expressed deep appreciation for the chance to come together and once again celebrate the lives of those lost. Invited guests, along with good brothers and sisters, shared memories and stories of our close friends and co-workers, while laughter and tears became medicine for heavy hearts.

Stay safe for the new year, on and off the job. There are a lot of people counting on you.

If by chance you do not stay well, we are trying to "up our game" with how the Health & Welfare benefit is standing by to help. Stay tuned!

Bruce W. Esper, P.S.

L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — As of November, the work picture remains strong with several calls reaching Book 2. The Conagra corn-packing plant in Waseca is currently the largest project, pushing 100 journeyman and apprentices with two signatory contractors on site.

Union journeymen have the freedom to choose whom to work for. We can move from shop to shop. The pay, benefits and working conditions do not change. The collective bargaining agreement protects us. A nonunion journeyman must negotiate his pay and possible benefits with the boss each time, more often if work slows down. A nonunion electrician must wonder: Will I get vehicle and phone reimbursement? What tools do I supply? What holidays are non-work days? When is quitting time? Is overtime paid or do I bank it? Is there a lunch break?

As union journeymen, we have the power to control our careers. We have a yellow ticket and a journeyman's license in our pocket. Our dues fund the hall that works for us and represents us. Union members have the power to direct how the local does that.

Attend union meetings, get informed, be active in the local and pay your dues. Don't know what the yellow ticket is? Ask your steward.

Avoid the cargo ship backlog — Buy Made In USA.

Tom Small, P.S.

L.U. 449 (i,o,u,rtb,rts&spa), POCATELLO, ID — Our local recently held a graduation dinner and celebration for our thirteen new JW graduates. We had two sisters and eleven brothers who showed us they had what it takes to persevere and turn out as part of the next generation of journeymen. Congratulations to the graduates and their families.

We made it through another year of COVID-19 and were able to hold our holiday party that we had to forgo last year. It is always great to be able to get together and catch up with everyone away from work for a change. We are looking forward to an even better year in 2022. Local 449 would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.

Congratulations to our recent retired Brothers Michael Smith and Steven Cobbley. We wish you both a long and enjoyable retirement.

In memoriam: Brothers Gordon Hudson and Virgil Price will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends.

Ned Jones, B.M.

L.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — This past October, our local's newly formed Veterans Committee came together for their first service project. Our members got together early on a Saturday morning to help a Vietnam veteran whose house needed some electrical work to make it safer for him and his wife. At the end of the day, the group of volunteers had accomplished a significant amount of work and the veteran was more than pleased with the result. To be able to sleep knowing his house was now safe and up to code was wonderful feeling, and the veteran expressed his gratitude to the volunteers for their time and talents. A special thanks to Local 481's Veterans Committee for bringing this project together and for making it such a successful first project. We look forward to seeing what the committee has in store.

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

L.U. 569 (i,mar,mt,rts&spa), SAN DIEGO, CA — Throughout the past year, we made much progress on business development and securing more work for our members — including multiple project labor agreements on downtown high-rise buildings, battery-storage projects and new solar developments — and signing new contractors to put more members to work. Additionally, major projects with PLAs broke ground last quarter, including the $3-billion Pure Water project.

And the biggest wins came when two of our regional transit agencies, SANDAG and MTS, both voted affirmatively to enter into PLA negotiations with the Building Trades unions for future work valued at more than $163 billion of transit construction and infrastructure.

In 2022, we are going to continue focusing on our members, providing better service; strengthening our jobsite steward program to ensure safe, quality workplaces; focusing on accountability and transparency; pursuing more top-down organizing to add more contractors and therefore increase work opportunities for 569 members; and gearing up to enter into sound contract negotiations to fight for better wages and benefits.

We're hoping this year will be even bolder and brighter than 2021! Stay safe and thank you for keeping our union strong.

Gretchen Newson, Political Dir./Organizer

L.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), ALBUQUERQUE, NM — As most of you know by now, the inside agreement has been ratified after going to CIR. The final decision was a 3-year contract totaling $4.65 and 45 cents in our annuity. Each year will have $1.55 on the check and 15 cents in our annuity beginning Jan. 1. Our NEBF will increase by 50 cents.

Over the years I have been asked what CIR is, so I will take this opportunity to attempt an easy explanation. The Council on Industrial Relations, or CIR, is cosponsored by the IBEW and NECA as a means to settle labor disputes peacefully within the electrical industry. With a CIR clause in the collective bargaining agreement, all disputes between labor and management that have come to an impasse must be brought to CIR to be settled. The decision determined by CIR is legal and binding between both parties, which will prevent a strike. The panel is made up of six IBEW and six NECA representatives. All decisions by the CIR must be unanimous before it can become official. I hope that gives everyone some understanding of what the CIR does for our industry.

Abi Mendoza has left as an assistant at the hall and is being replaced by Cheryl Largo; congratulations to Cheryl on her new position.

On behalf of the local, I would like to send condolences to the family and friends of Leo Crank, Thomas D. Lindsay, William Long and Arville Sullins.

Don't forget the inside meetings are on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

Darrell J. Blair, P.S.

L.U. 625 (c,ees,em,i,it,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA & PEI, CANADA — We have recently lost the following members: On Sept. 22, David Bremner (71); Aug. 10, David Coldwell (72); Oct. 7, Bill Logan (68).

The following members have recently retired: J. Fred Chilsholm, John Hamilton, Richard A. Morrison and Clive Wood.

Local 625 would like to welcome newly organized contractors P.T. Industrial and Twins Electric Inc.

Our local had its annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 19 at Penn Hills golf course, with 67 members in attendance.

Brad Wood, B.R./Organizer

L.U. 683 (i&ptc), COLUMBUS, OH — Our 62nd annual 25-Year Club Dinner was held in October at the Hollywood Casino. At this event, we welcomed our new members with 25 years of service to the club and recognized our members who continue their service in 5-year increments. The dinner was very well attended by our members and guests. Joseph Kuhn was in attendance to receive his 70-year pin (pictured). Congratulations to all who received service pins this year.

Our local welcomed back the Chuck Bland Memorial Fish Fry in September. This event is normally on the first Friday in June, but was delayed due to Covid. The food was excellent, and there was no shortage of drinks and brotherhood. Thank you to all who attended and the Fish Fry Committee for making the event a success.

The work outlook in our jurisdiction continues to be bright. Ohio State and many data-center sites have created an abundance of calls and opportunities for Book 2. The announcement of a new multi-building pharmaceutical facility will add to the need for manpower. With years of work on the horizon, we invite our traveling sisters and brothers to help keep the work done by members of the IBEW.

Mike Morey, Pres.

L.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se), GARY/HAMMOND, IN — Our local has been ready for much needed in-person events. Late summer/early fall events were in abundance for the membership and their families. The Lowell Labor Day Parade brought many eager people. They were ready to take the parade route on, handing out candy and Powering America bags to the parade crowd of onlookers. We then followed that up with our local picnic, held at the Lake County Fairgrounds. There were over 600 members and their families that came out for the day's camaraderie, activities and good food.

We also want to thank all those who came out for the fall blood drive. There were 102 units collected by the American Red Cross that day.

This is the 110-year anniversary of Local 697, and bringing our retirees and active membership to our awards night was a welcome site. The time to celebrate our past and acknowledge our future brought together in one event allowed many to recognize the long-standing history and pride of the IBEW and Local 697. We had the honor of acknowledging our 70-year member Gene Brown, who spent over 40 of those years as an active member before retiring.

As you can see, it has been it a busy time, and there are so many worthwhile events that I can't fit them into one article. We have been amidst hectic work schedules and project deadlines, like so many locals across the country. I appreciate all of you who take the time to participate in our local events and volunteer opportunities.

Joree Richards, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL — Greetings, everyone: We hope everybody had a happy holiday season. Our local continues to have steady employment with more work on the horizon. In September, Business Manager King led the pack in the ninth annual Labor Day Ride for the St. Jude Children's Hospital along with Locals 222 and 756. Since 2013, we have collectively raised $59,600 for this great cause.

Our negotiating committee was able to come to an agreement with NECA and it was ratified at the October general membership meeting. Also in October, there was a union appreciation night (an anomaly in the south) at Amalie Arena for the Tampa Bay Lightning game. Business Manager King seized the opportunity to purchase tickets in an all-inclusive section and hold a raffle for interested members. There was only one requirement to enter the raffle: The member had to show his/her vaccine card as well as a card for their guest. There were also reduced tickets for sale for others who wished to attend. We had two members who got the vaccine just to be able to enter, and a great time was had by all.

Shawn McDonnell, Mem. Dev.

L.U. 1347 (ees,em,ptc&u), CINCINNATI, OH — Members of the Executive Board (pictured below) for Local 1347, Cincinnati, Ohio, worked late into the night to bring resolution to issues being faced by their local and many others around the globe today. The fight for worker's rights during plant closures, a nationwide labor shortage, grievances and improving the working relationship with our various companies has become part of the daily grind. These board members and union officers have stepped up to sacrifice their time, and we are grateful for the work they do every day to help lead Local 1347 to a better future.

Local 1347's very own Executive Board Chairman Patrick Kallaher has accepted a new position within the International organization as the Fourth District organizer. He will be bringing his years of experience from his home local into service for the good of all IBEW members. Thank you, Pat!

Since Patrick has accepted his new role, we are happy to announce that Don Scott Smith has stepped up as the new chairman of our Executive Board. He is very excited for an opportunity to help lead his local going forward and make it stronger and more resilient. Thank you, Don!

All of these officers have stepped into these roles knowing they are here to help the local grow and leave a stronger future for all union members. Thanks to you all again, and here's to making 2022 the best year yet for our members and everyone within the IBEW!

Brad Evans, Exec. Board

L.U. 1505 (em), WALTHAM, MA — Our local secured its first apprenticeship programs with Raytheon Technologies (RTX) as part of the 2021 contract signed in September. This was a fight waged by Business Manager Mike Zagami and the negotiations team dating back 20 years. At many levels, we were told this could not be done. But through hard work, these programs are now officially part of our contract. This new program should also stem some of the vending issues we have experienced with the company.

This important win creates a clear path for our members to achieve rewarding, high-paying careers in the plumbing and electrical trades. The apprentice programs also help RTX fill positions that have proven challenging over the last few years. Brother Zagami is hopeful the company will see the value in these programs, with the goal of expanding into all building trade positions within our local.

John Donald, P.S.

L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — Our local is looking forward to another great year for our members. Units 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle are still going strong. This project should decrease in manpower numbers over the year, but it should maintain over 1,000 IBEW members.

Although the Vogtle project will be downsizing, we have another project that will be kicking off: The plutonium pit production facility at the Savannah River Site is expected to start hiring in the spring. This project will start out slow as a lot of demolition and prep work is needed before the major construction can begin. Once this project gets started, it is expected to have about 400 IBEW members at its peak and will take several years to complete.

What is the purpose of the plutonium pit production facility? The plutonium pits are critical components to nuclear weapons. The United States has a stockpile of pits that were produced from 1978 to 1989, and our government now must produce more pits to replace the aging stockpile. Under federal and national security requirements, the federal government must produce a minimum of 80 pits per year by 2030.

Local 1579 is also looking forward to other projects in the jurisdiction. Although many of these additional projects are small, they all add up. There is no project too small or too large for the IBEW.

I would like to thank all our traveling brothers and sisters that assisted us with our work. I know 2022 will be a time for many of you to move on to the next job. I hope that you leave with a good, satisfied feeling, and I hope Local 1579 members treated you with much hospitality.

Until next time, God bless!

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