Related Articles
Related Articles
March 2003 IBEW Journal L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i, mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MOWith the advent of term limitations exacting a significant toll on the number of Local 1 members in public office (e.g. State Rep. Tim Green), we wish to congratulate Bros. Tom George (74th District and Tom Green (15th District) on their successful return to the seats in the Missouri legislature. We wish also to compliment two newly elected state representatives, with close personal ties to the local, on their victories in November: Sue Schoemehl (100th District) and Mike Vogt (66th District). We also wish to take particular note of and extend our appreciation to the many brothers and sisters who gave of their time and talent assisting in the election process for the candidates elected to represent labors interests in the new Missouri state legislature. Please be advised of the following members deaths: Frank Eufinger, Anthony Heeney, Billy Asbridge, Roy Weidemann, Hawley Forgotston, David Sahrmann, Joseph Browning, Arthur Patrick, Charles Thompson, Vickie Huskey, Harold Kumpf, Ralph Kriete, Russell Haberstroh, Frank Bardot, Robert Krout, John Steffanow, Oliver Cole, Larry Pruett, John Miller, Everett Crawford, Robert Koeppel, Donald Handshy and Katie Stork.
L.U. 17 (catv,lctt,o&u), DETROIT, MIA quick look at the past year. Stock market: Third consecutive year for double-digit losses. Health care/prescription drug costs: Continued double-digit increases, with no relief likely without fundamental changes in the way the government delivers health care in this country. Unemployment: 6 percent nationally, but 16 percent within our Brotherhood. When Democrats are in office, we work. When Republicans are in office, we dont. Go figure. DTE Energy recently followed a FERC order by announcing they were looking to sell the transmission system to a "for profit" Independent System Operator (ISO). DTE also announced they had submitted a bid for four coal fired power plants from First Energy, along the Lake Erie basin. All in all, we came through the year with steady employment and have come through this first quarter of the new year maintaining existing crew levels and staffing. The City of Wyandotte has approached the union about early negotiations. Union Built PCs first contract expires March 1. Companies in this sector have been very slow because of the economy. We look forward to corporate spending to resume soon in the tech area. The Lecom agreement is due to be renegotiated in the fall. Contract negotiations at the City of Detroit are ongoing. Thumb Co-Op will be accepting bids early this year for 11 miles of distribution work. It is with sadness we report the death of retired Bros. Robert Buck and Dale Edgerton.
L.U. 21 (catv,govt&t), DOWNERS GROVE, ILIn December 2002, approximately 650 members were placed on layoff at SBC/Ameritech. With tough negotiations supported by rank and file collective activities, the local was successful in lowering the number of members laid off from the companys originally announced layoff of 750 members. Informational pickets at numerous work locations and a mass rally at SBCs Chicago Headquarters helped Local 21 members as they took the fight and their message to the streets. Additionally, just before Christmas, a toy drive was held and over 1,000 pounds of new toys were collected and distributed to the children of laid off workers. Workers continue the struggle for a contract at the former AT&T Broadband, which spun off from AT&T Corp. and has now merged with Comcast Corporation, creating the largest U.S. cable company. IBEW negotiators were cautiously optimistic with new players on both sides of the bargaining table. Organizing continues for over 2,500 Comcast workers throughout the companys Greater Chicago Market.
L.U. 25 (catv,i,o&rts), LONG ISLAND, NYBus. Mgr. Bob Dow recently established Local 25s "Electrical Workers Minority Caucus." At the inaugural meeting in October 2002, the members elected Bro. James Pea as president and Bro. Godfrey King as vice-president. The objective is to handle minority issues collectively and establish open lines of communication. We will keep you apprised of their progress. Work has slowed down in our jurisdiction, and as of Dec. 30, 2002, there were 210 members on Book I. We anticipate a busy summer to clear Book I. Over 700 children brought Santa their Christmas lists at the Local 25 Christmas party, where the children and families were held spellbound with roving animated "Disney" characters and a captivating two-hour show with jugglers and comedians. The children and families also consumed hundreds of ice cream cups, donuts, candy and refreshments. Local 25s Santa, "Conduit" editor-in-chief John Guadagno, is not just Santa to Local 25. John is the perennial Santa to hospitals, churches, handicap schools and needy families. John, along with Bro. George Starke, a tireless worker on the Christmas Committee, delivered food and presents donated by Local 25 to ensure everyone in the community had a merry Christmas. United we bargaindivided we beg.
L.U. 35 (i), HARTFORD, CTCongratulations to the JATC class of 2002. They are Ryan Barna, Thomas Barnett, Jason Berube, Bobby Clay, George Corriveau, Mark Grinuk, Brian Kinghorn, Leroy Lawrence, William Lopez, Joshua Ludka, Robert Messier, Matthew Montemerlo, Michael Prisco, Christopher Stevens, Ivan Tereshchenko and Cameron Wood. As we all know, the IBEW apprenticeship program is second to none in turning out the best-trained journeymen in our industry. On behalf of the local, I would like to thank Apprenticeship Dir. Brian Canny and Instructors Terry Anderson, Luis Calderon, Moses Calderon, Dennis Machol and Sal Puzzo for their dedication and hard work. The year 2002 was a down year for work in our territory. A few large jobs came to completion early in the year and, combined with the stagnant economy, led to high unemployment in our local union. The year 2003 looks to be better, with several large projects getting started early this year. John Sardo, Pres.
|
