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Local 852 President/Organizer Lanny Horn (seated, far left) with local union members employed at Tippah Electric Power Association: standing, from left, Johnny Roberson, John Childs, Ricky Shinall, Charles Carter, Larry Newby, Arthur Cockrell, Todd Braddock, Freddie Crawford, Randy Cockrell, Ronald Stroupe, Glen Michael; seated, second from left, Stevie Davis, Willie Prather, Doug Stanley and Lonnie Smith. Not pictured: Gilroy Bails, Jr., Steven Dowdy and Jeff Huddleston.

In Mississippi, IBEW Local 852, based in Corinth and Tupelo, has signed a first-ever union contract agreement with Tippah Electric Power Association (TEPA).

"We got that sucker signed, sealed and delivered," said Local 852 Business Manager Jackie B. Smith. Local 852 President and Organizer Lanny Horn said the three-year contract for outside utility workers at Tippah Electric was ratified on January 12, 2001, after long and hard contract negotiations.

As previously reported by the IBEW Journal [September 2000], 24 employees at TEPA voted by an overwhelming margin in the spring of 2000 to be represented by Local 852. The unit consists of linemen, apprentice linemen, meter readers and right-of-way tree trimmers.

The new contract features a wage increase of 4 percent the first year, 3 percent the second year and 4 percent the third year. It also includes improvements in vacation, sick leave, apprentice training, seniority provisions, the grievance procedure and the bidding process for higher paying classifications.

Fifth District International Vice President Melvin W. Horton extended his congratulations to Local 852, noting that "winning an election is difficultgetting an agreement is doubly difficult."

"The entire Fifth District applauds Local 852s perseverance and success," added Vice President Horton. "Once again, you have proven that working men and women want to have a voice in their future. I am sure the new members will soon learn what you and I know already the IBEW is truly the union of hearts and minds."