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April 2003 IBEW Journal

State Certification

L.U. 6 (c,i,o,st&u), SAN FRANCISCO, CA The work situation in Local 6 remained slow through the winter months. We are hopeful that the Letterman Digital Arts Project in the Presidio and the DeYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park both scheduled to break ground in spring will clear our books.

The SFJATC is currently holding practice exams for the California Electrical Certification. Test sessions are limited to 50 members on a first come, first served basis. For more information about the State Certification Program, log on to www.dir.ca.gov.

The seventh annual Ninth District Softball Tournament will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 16-17. A detailed mailing will be going out to all participating locals. As defending champions, Local 6 is proud to host this great event. Thanks to Bus. Agent/Dispatcher Dan Chivello of Local 595 for his assistance in planning this years tournament.

Jeff Sweeney, P.S.

A Different Tactic

L.U. 8 (i&mt), TOLEDO, OH Fighting for our rights is nothing new for organized labor, but in recent months our local used a different tactic to catch the attention of some non-signatory contractors who violate state prevailing wage laws. We have won some favorable decisions from the courts by filing civil suits in support of employees who have been cheated out of wages and benefits. This is much more effective than trying to get our Republican state attorney general to prosecute since he tends to ignore violations by nonunion contractors.

Its no secret that our Republican state legislature would like to make Ohio a right-to-work state and eliminate prevailing wage rates. Right now they are occupied with which taxes to raise in order to balance the budget. They have a big majority, so before long they will be out to destroy the rights of working families.

Our work situation is still slow, with many journeymen and apprentices out of work. There are rumors of some work on the drawing board, but not much is confirmed. All I can say is dont hold your breath waiting for President Bushs economic recovery plan to start working.

Chuck Wistinghausen, P.S.

Winter Slowdown

Local 14, Eau Claire, WI, new web site.

L.U. 14 (i), EAU CLAIRE, WI Construction work in Western Wisconsin continues to be slow, with some projects on hold and some shut down for the winter months. This is typical for this season in the northland. The situation finds many of our members "out on the road."

To the locals that have our brothers and sisters employed in your area, I say, "thank you for the opportunity." To our traveling members, remember, you are a guest in that local union. Conduct yourselves in a manner that is respectful and make Local 14 proud of you.

The local and trust have done a commendable job of providing continuing education classes, with more on the schedule. Thank you to the members who have stepped forward to share their skills as instructors. We could use more.

A plaque has been put up in the hall honoring the local members who have perished on the job. It is a wood engraved plaque with brass engravings identifying the members. We hope it will not have to be added to. "Work safe and be careful out there."

Jim Pierce, Asst. B.M.

Remembering a Fallen Brother

Local 18, Los Angeles, CA, Bro. Brian Blaney.

L.U. 18 (u), LOS ANGELES, CA Bro. Brian Blaney passed away last August at the Grossman Burn Center, following an accident on the job at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP).

Bro. Blaney, a power-line patrolman and a 22-year DWP veteran, was only 42 at the time of his death. He left behind his beloved wife of 20 years, Belinda, a daughter, Brooke (16) and a son, Blake (13). Brian was very well liked and respected by his colleagues and took pride and pleasure in always doing the best-possible job for DWP and the people it serves. He was a loyal member of Local 18, and is sorely missed!

We continue to mourn the loss of Bro. Blaney and offer our prayers to his family. Above all, we must never forget that the death of any fellow IBEW member on the job is a death in our family, and a reminder that many Local 18 brothers and sisters perform very dangerous and vital work in the course of their shifts. Worksite safety is a top priority: Please be careful out there! (Thanks to Bro. Dan Ritey for his contribution to this article).

Russ Butow, P.S.

Thanks, Volunteers

Local 24, Baltimore, MD, members and family who volunteered at the Christmas party.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD Local 24 would like to once again thank Pres. Jim Jarvis and the over 50 volunteers who made our Christmas party a success. We estimate that over 1,000 were in attendance, and over 800 toys were given to the children, as well as 325 pictures taken with Santa. While many brothers and sisters got together to talk about the past year and past jobs, their children were entertained with cartoons, clowns and a puppet show. Special thanks to our two Santas, Bros. Ron Williams and Jim Smith.

Eighty-nine years ago on April 20, 20 people lost their lives while on strike for union representation. Twelve of the 20 were the wives and children of the strikers. They were gunned down and burned to death in a tent colony by militiamen, company guards, private detectives and strikebreakers. Please remember the victims of the Ludlow Massacre on that day.

We are saddened to report the deaths of the following members: former Organizer Robert Kulp, Walter Manolovich, Jr., Austin Foreman, Ellsworth Lutz, Stephen Kanis, Kent Butcher, Hubert Adams, Norman Pottle and Larry Addison.

Michael Lange, P.S.