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Secretary-Treasurers Message

In this, my first column, let me start by expressing my thanks for the kind words and best wishes from so many of you since I was named International Secretary-Treasurer. Your confidence in me will not be misplaced.

I have no doubt the proper course for our Brotherhood is straight ahead, as set by President Hill. But straight ahead cant be achieved with a locked rudder. It takes corrections to stay on course, and occasionally they are big and painful turns forced by facts of life like the presence of George W. Bush in the White House. A presidential term spans 48 months and our court-appointed president hadnt served one full month before he slammed workers and their unions with four Executive Orders. We fully understand thats a clear message about the next 47 months.

I come from the Sixth District, specifically from Local 701 in Lisle, Illinois, west of Chicago. The district mirrors our Brotherhood. Membership in construction has been growing because of good times and aggressive organizing, but membership in manufacturing has been irreparably harmed because of technology and wrong-headed foreign trade policies. We struggle in utility, where the dislocation of restructuring bedevils our locals and strive to grow in telecommunications, government, broadcasting and railroads.

I have great respect for Washington, D.C., but I dont think that all questions, answers and wisdom reside here. I have a responsibility to make your point of view known in the halls of power. But I will always know that the prestige of my new office exists because of you.

We have seen the fragility of economic booms and trade union rights. We recognize injustice in advance whether it comes to us in the wrapping of NAFTA, deregulation or health care and job safety reform. We embrace technological change, but only when it benefits everyone. In short, we live by and impose only one test: Is it good for our members and other working North Americans?

I see it as a challenge to apply and follow those principles as faithfully as the distinguished brothers who have held this office before me. I have been privileged to know Joe Keenan and Ralph Leigon and to work with Jack Moore and Ed Hill. They were all leaders whose careers adhered to the high standard that dates all the way back to J.T. Kelly.

President Hill created a clear blueprint for the job of International Secretary-Treasurer. He set a new standard with his innovations in streamlining day-to-day operations, intensifying our members involvement in political and legislative action and improved the use of tools like our pension funds to create union jobs. I will follow that blueprint.

Perhaps the most important pledge I can make to IBEW members in discharging my new duties is that I will be a team player. And team means all of us, together. I know what Im asking for because, perhaps as nearly as anybody, I have served at every level of our unionlocal, district and international. I know the demands of solidarity, and the headaches and frustration of the day-in, day-out perseverance to do the jobs you do so very well.

I know a good officer never asks anyone to bear a burden alone. A true leader has to be there, alongside the brothers and sisters, pulling the heavy load. To do that is a pledge I make to all of you.

Jerry O'Connor,
International Secretary-Treasurer