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Brother Van Arsdale was re-elected to the office of International Treasurer, a part-time position, at the 35th International Convention in 1996. He had held that position since 1978. That same convention also created a Select Committee on the Future of the Brotherhood, to which Brother Van Arsdale was appointed. The committee recommended a package of constitutional amendments, one of which abolished the office of International Treasurer and combined its duties with that of the International Secretary to create the new position of International Secretary-Treasurer. The package of amendments was adopted in a referendum vote of IBEW locals in March 1998. Brother Van Arsdale fully supported this move, and the International Executive Council bestowed upon him the title of International Treasurer Emeritus.

Article 1, Section 6, of the IBEW Constitution, adopted as part of the referendum, provided that the International Treasurer Emeritus Van Arsdale would continue to serve the International until 30 days following the 36th International Convention and perform duties as assigned by the International President. Thus, the term to which Brother Van Arsdale was elected in 1996 is now expired, and his retirement as an International officer is official. He continues to serve as business manager of IBEW Local 3, New York, New York.

"Tom Van Arsdale is one of the finest, most dedicated trade union leaders in the history of the entire labor movement, not just the IBEW," said International President Edwin D. Hill. "His integrity, his sense of honor and his wisdom have been of tremendous benefit to each and every brother and sister in this union. He has served the International with great distinction, and we will continue to rely on his counsel for many years to come."

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