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IBEW Members Tapped For Illinois State Jobs

Its been a long 30 years for Democrats in Illinois. But now that the voters put Democrats in charge of the governors office, the Senate and the House of Representatives, working people are finally having their interests served.

Governor Rod Blagojevich has appointed IBEW members to several key posts in his administration.

Former Local 364 Business Manager Michael Fenger is the new director of the Illinois Department of Labor following his April confirmation by the state Senate. Fenger is the second IBEW member to head the Illinois Department of Labor.

"Mike Fenger has a reputation as a tireless advocate for his fellow members of Local 364 and I have no doubt that he will serve the workers of Illinois with the same tenacious commitment to fairness and integrity," said IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill.

Chicago Local 134 President Edward Buettner has been selected as labor liaison to Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Rockford Local 364 member Jeff Polsean was appointed as regional administrator for the Department of Community Services Division of Community Operations. And Decatur Local 146 organizer James Underwood is the state Department of Corrections human resources director.

Fenger, who had been acting labor director since February, resigned his post as Local 364 business manager to take the job. One of his top priorities is to increase enforcement of the states prevailing wage laws.

"If anybody has a legitimate prevailing wage complaint, its going to get taken care of," said Local 364 Business Manager Tom Eschen. "And hes going to make sure the departments do their jobs. Hes holding investigators responsible for their actions."

Fenger, who has been busy meeting with labor groups across the state, said there is excitement that long ignored workers rights issues will again matter to the governing administration. "Im going through all the laws and looking at enforcement," Fenger said, adding that 30 laws fall under his area of responsibility. "Im going to make sure that all 30 laws are enforced."

Under the previous administration, enforcement of prevailing wage laws was lax and penalties to discourage repeat offenders were rare. "Mikes going to lean in favor of the working people," Eschen said. "Theyre going to get fair representation."

Fenger will also help push for a proposed increase in the state minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.50 over the next year and a half.

Fenger joined the IBEW in 1976, completing his journeyman wireman apprenticeship in 1980. He served the local as an elected member of the Executive Board and taught in the apprenticeship program. In 1986, he was elected business manager, a post he held until February.

Fenger follows in the footsteps of Local 34 member Don Johnson, who headed the Illinois Labor Department from 1971 to 1973 in the Dan Walker administration.

The relatively close election last fall that Blagojevich won serves as another example of the importance of each vote, Fenger points out when he speaks to groups.

"I tell them your vote can make a difference," Fenger said. "Now you have a voice as a citizen, because youve elected a man who wants to work for the people of the state."

IBEWCURRENTS

June 2003 IBEW Journal