Sign up for the lastest information from the IBEW!

The company has engaged in bad faith bargaining during negotiations for a new agreement with Local 95, Joplin, Missouri. Local 95 has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, but company tactics also led the members of Local 95 to engage in an unfair labor practice strike against Williams. The company responded by hiring 50 replacement workers. Local 95 made an unconditional offer to return to work, an offer which was initially rejected by the company. Presently, however, the strikers have returned to work.

The International Office has requested that IBEW locals join in the boycott to help our brothers and sisters, by contacting contractors, warehouses, wholesalers and architects with whom they do business. These sources should be alerted to the fact that H.E. Williams products no longer has authorization to carry the IBEW label and informed of H. H. Williams’ blatant disregard for their employees, their employees’ rights and the IBEW.

All IBEW members are urged to honor the IBEW’s boycott of all H.E. Williams products and encouraged to seek alternative products from unionized companies carrying the IBEW Union Label.

Rally for New Mexico

At the largest rally of its kind in New Mexico, over 800 workers joined leaders of employer associations, unions, education institutions and the legislature at a rally on the steps of the State Capitol on the Annual Jobs Day, Saturday, February 7. Buses of workers from Las Cruces, Roswell, Farmington and Albuquerque arrived at the event, sponsored by the New Mexico Building and Construction Trades Council. Brian Condit, president of the Building Trades Council and lead organizer for IBEW Local 611, Albuquerque, New Mexico, said, "We had a record crowd of workers from all over New Mexico. They were united in their convictions to support New Mexico workers, protect a living wage and to express their displeasure with Governor Gary Johnson’s (R) anti-worker agenda."
Workers visited their state legislators after the rally to discuss these issues, personally, with their representatives.

Members Helping Members

Local 125 officers honored members of their local with the highest award that can be given on behalf of the IBEW— the Life Saving Award.

On April 17, 1997, Brother Blaine Degerness was working from a 48foot Hi-ranger man lift for Portland General Electric (PGE), when hydraulic fluid spilled on his body and ignited, producing second and third degree burns over 55 percent of his body. He was saved by the quick actions of Brothers Patrick Betteridge, Mike Patrick, Cary Gray, Robby Craig, Brett Tindle, Kevin Akers and Brian Williams. After a lengthy stay in the hospital, Brother Degerness is recovering courageously from many skin grafts and the amputation of one leg.

Then, on September 8 of the same year, Brother Jim Howard received a severe electric shock while changing out a pole in Lebanon, Oregon. Brothers Tom Wood, Gabriel Aburto and Kelly Marvin saved his life by performing CPR while waiting for his transport to the hospital and then the burn center. Brother Howard suffered burns on his hands, face, neck, thigh and chest. Without the quick thinking and life saving knowledge of CPR by his fellow union members, Brother Howard would not have survived.

It’s encouraging to know that when heroes are needed, the IBEW has more than its share.

Back to the Future

IBEW volunteers from across the state of Kansas, recently spent the day bringing the historical Z Bar Ranch House, near Strong City, Kansas, ‘back to the future.’ NECA Kansas, IBEW Locals 271, Wichita; 226, Topeka; and 661, Hutchinson, D.L. Smith Electrical Construction Inc. and Western Resources Green Team have joined together in a volunteer effort to overhaul the national landmark’s electrical system.

The historic ranch house was constructed in the 1880s and serves as the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve’s temporary visitors center. It contains 11 rooms and is built of hand-cut native limestone. The ranch was designated as a National Historical Landmark in February 1997. The ranch includes a three-story limestone barn and other outbuildings.

IBEW volunteers upgraded the electrical wiring to make it safer, more efficient and within National Electric Code compliance. Then, they installed new heating and cooling equipment to preserve the building and displays and to improve the comfort level for both the staff and visitors.

Teeing Up for D.A.D.s

Local 26, Washington, D.C., held its annual D.A.D.’s Day Golf Tournament in May.

This year’s tournament, organized by Business Manager Buddy Satterfield and Business Representative Bobby Hughes, hosted 548 golfers on four courses — even Maryland Governor Parris Glendening joined in the popular contest. "IBEW members always give back to the community," he said.

"Thanks to the generosity of Local 26's friends, business associates and contractors, a significant donation was made to Dollars Against Diabetes. We hope we are able to break this year’s record at next year’s tournament," said Satterfield.

Hanford Health Screening

The Central Washington Building and Construction Trades Council announced a new program of free health screening for former construction and maintenance workers at the DOE Hanford Reservation Site.

The program is operated by a nationwide team of health organizations and sponsored by the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO.
The U.S. Department of Energy will pay all the costs of the first health screening for former Hanford workers who are eligible.

Individuals who worked at least 5,000 hours in construction and maintenance work at Hanford or if they had exposures to specific hazards there. Health problems resulting from exposures to asbestos, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, noise, radiation, silica, and solvents are targeted by the screening program.

For further information, contact the Hanford Building Trades Medical Screening Program at 1-800-896-9663.

K-9s for Kids

Last summer, three first-class electricians from Local 1837, Manchester, Maine, helped start K-9s for Kids at the Anah Temple Shrine.

Brothers Greg Smith, Chris Day and Kevin Black bring their certified therapy dogs to hospitals and nursing homes to provide emotional therapy to the people residing there.

This is the first unit of its kind within the Shrine and the brothers are hoping that the idea will take hold in other Shrines across the nation. They plan to visit the Shriners’ hospitals in Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts. "Please contact Local 1837 if you know of any other IBEW members who are interested in doing this kind of therapy work," said Business Manager Gary Bofinger.

You can reach Local 1837 at Outer Western Avenue, RR 2, Box 1920-A, Manchester, Maine, 04351 or 207-623-1030.

Related Articles

IBEW CURRENTS