L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st,ws&ptc), ST. LOUIS, MO — Our local has had a busy spring and summer, continuing with our Riding Club eager to participate in the upcoming Midwest Solidarity Ride on July 28-29 in the scenic Lake of the Ozarks.

Our RENEW chapter had a successful St. Patrick's Day trivia night and is planning a fun float trip at the time of this writing.

We had a great spring fishing tournament, and our trap-and-skeet club enjoyed some nice weather to blast away. Our Shockers hockey team is spreading fraternity, solidarity and excitement on the ice. Our bowling team hosted the Midwest IBEW Bowling Tournament. We're knocking down strikes faster than refreshments.

Special acknowledgment goes to the local Electrical Workers Minority Caucus, which has members from the IBEW locals in the metro area. They answered the call for assistance April 8 when Greenwood Cemetery, established in 1874 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was looking for help with mowing, trimming trees and general care. Thirty members showed up with mowers, trimmers and bags and got busy beautifying. Greenwood Cemetery is the first commercial burial ground for local African Americans, and some 50,000 souls rest there, notably among them Harriet Robinson Scott, wife of Dred Scott, and Lucy Delaney, author, activist and Masonic member. To find out more, visit greenwoodstl.org.

As you can see, there's so much more to union life than paying dues, organizing and working political campaigns. We are family. We are community. We are the sum of our members. United we stand, and divided we beg.

Kyle Hunter, P.S.

L.U. 11 (i,rts,spa&em), LOS ANGELES, CA — Our local's organizing department actively participates in the "Berg's Going Union" campaign in Southern California. When we continually meet and bring Berg Electric workers into our ranks as members, these workers spread the union message to nonunion electricians, who then contact us or our sister locals to learn about membership. We are also growing our contractor base, already having organized six electrical contractors in the first quarter of the year. The organizers have been able to direct small projects to newly signatory contractors, and we have seen a steady growth in work hours with these contractors.

Some Local 11 staff and executive board members were present for President Joe Biden's first stop on his 2024 reelection campaign at the NABTU Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Biden highlighted his "blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America," stressed how proud he was to be the most pro-labor president in American history, and said, "Union workers are the best workers in the world" and "Unions built the middle class!"

We will be starting our inside wiremen negotiations with NECA and hope to bring to our members a contract they can get behind.

Robert Corona, P.S.

L.U. 15 (u), DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Please join our local in congratulating President Terry McGoldrick on his retirement after 38 years of service! Brother McGoldrick started with ComEd on March 25, 1985, as a meter reader in Rockford, Ill. He went to overhead line school in fall 1985 and completed his apprenticeship in late 1987, becoming a journeyman lineman, also in Rockford. He became a union steward in 1989 and chief steward in 1992. He was also the chairman for the Rockford unit meeting beginning in 1998.

Terry was hired as a business representative in March 2002 for commercial physical west region. He held that position until he was elected vice president of Local 15 in June 2007. Terry served in that role for 12 years until he was elected president/business manager/financial secretary in June 2019.

"I've been blessed to have a wonderful wife, whom I could not have done this job without, and family to support me for my entire career," Brother McGoldrick said. "I've worked with a lot of great people through the years and was able to pass some important legislation, with a tremendous group of people, to benefit the people of Illinois and membership of Local 15."

Local 15 wishes Brother McGoldrick a long and happy retirement.

John Richards, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 37 (o,u,c,ptc&rtb), FREDERICTON, NB — Jonathan Sherrard, vice president of our local, received an invitation to participate in the 11th Duke of Edinburgh's Commonwealth Study Conference, an experience of a lifetime. It was hosted in Canada on June 3-18, where Jon was given a fantastic opportunity to experience his own country and meet others from around the world with a common interest — emerging as leaders.

Over the two weeks, the conference brought together 300 guests from various parts of the world with diverse backgrounds in business, government, labor and the community sector. Attendees were exposed to new experiences and perspectives that encouraged them to build on their leadership skills. They received firsthand experience on critical issues and went through leadership challenges as they worked and traveled with their peers.

Local 37 was thrilled to have Brother Sherrard chosen for such a great opportunity. We hope you were able to soak it all in and got everything you had hoped for from the experience.

Since the first Commonwealth Study Conference in 1956, more than 8,000 young leaders have been through the global program with its national and regional affiliates.

Scot Hale, B.M.

L.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY — Our local's members and their families showed their union pride while enjoying the 2023 Syracuse and Utica St. Patrick's Day parades.

We would like to thank everyone for coming out and celebrating this annual event!

Jeff Cassano, P.S.

L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Business Manager Colin Lavin has been working hard on midterm bargaining issues at Southern California Edison, including troubleman, mail service supervisor, substation maintenance electrician, power systems control tech, transformer specialist, meter tech 5 and 6, ICE/EIC tech and foreman, support specialist, dispatcher operations center specialist, test tech, heavy transport/material handlers, dispatch operation center-operator trainer, transportation service-department garage, outage coordinators, program writers, system operator/sub operator, and substation cable splicer.

In other developments, we have the following updates:

• Southern California Edison: Three saddleback discharge cases are under submission to arbitrator Nancy Hutt; a decision is due in early June.
• City of Anaheim: General contract professional management and customer service part-time negotiations continue.

Local 47's Stewards & Safety Conference on March 25 and the Local 47 Family Picnic on May 6 were both hugely successful.

We're sad to report the deaths of Eric Alfaro, Nicholas Bressman, Sammy Chow, Larry Cournoyer, Hunter Fisk, Daniel Garcia, Richard Garcia, Jason Harris, Manny Murillo, Phillip Paden, Ruben Salazar Jr., Charlie Silvernale (retired), Cooper Sparks and Zan Young (retired). Our condolences and prayers are with their loved ones.

Business Manager Lavin presented Assistant Business Manager Rod Peterson with his 50-year service pin. Congratulations, Brother Rod!

Work safe and buy union!

Mitch Smith, P.S.

L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,ptc,rtb,t,u&uow), SPRINGFIELD, IL — With the guidance of an instructor from the Sixth District, our local completed new steward training for 16 of our members in April. Not only are union stewards key communicators for the local, but they also help enforce our contracts and make sure their co-workers know their rights. We appreciate our members who stepped up and attended this training: Daren Burse, Andrew Camerer, Troy Colwell, Alicia Fisher, Ryan Haddix, Shelby Hoffman, Brad Jefford, Lucas Lenkaitis, Patrick Mann, Cresencio Sanchez, Abby Schneider, Dave Sturgill, Shaun Thompson, John Tracy, Josiah Yaden and John Yeruski.

Illinois had some turbulent weather during spring, and our members are the first to respond when there's a power emergency. Local 51 would like to thank all members for the long hours and keeping safety a priority. Enjoy your summer and your families, brothers and sisters. Be safe.

Karlene Knisley, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 77 (lctt,mt,o,t&u), SEATTLE, WA — In September 2022, our local lost Brother Steve Button. Steve lost his life in a tragic incident while he tried to protect others. Steve was an incredible friend to many, the father of two sons and a Local 77 brother. Steve started working at Grays Harbor Public Utility District in 2007, and he worked in the system dispatch department at the time of his death.

Steve's union brothers and sisters from the Grays Harbor PUD organized a fundraiser for his family in December 2022. This was a time to remember Steve, share stories, and give hugs and comfort to his loved ones and one another. The event was a huge success.

Seeing so many come together within our community, including co-workers, family and Local 77 members who did whatever was needed to make this fundraiser a success, was incredible. Other IBEW locals reached out to help sponsor the event, as well. Members of the IBEW, including brothers and sisters who hadn't had the chance to meet Steve, wanted to show their support for his loved ones left behind. These are the human qualities that define words like solidarity, unity, brotherhood, sisterhood and family. It brings a feeling of comfort, the security of knowing you are not alone.

Helen Berglund, V.P.

L.U. 103 (cs,i&ptc), BOSTON, MA — On Sat., April 8, our local held its annual sports night. Apprentices and journeymen faced off against each other in basketball and ice hockey games while others cheered on favorite players and enjoyed a day of fun, food and entertainment at Warrior Ice Arena, the practice home of the Boston Bruins. Although the apprentices defeated the journeymen in basketball, they couldn't sweep the day, ending with a loss to the journeymen in hockey. After the games, families took to the ice to show off their skills on skates. A great time was had by all who attended, and we're looking forward to the rematches next year.

Prior to this year's Construction and Maintenance Conference in Washington, D.C., Local 103's delegation attended the celebration for International President Emeritus Lonnie Stephenson's retirement at the Washington Hilton. Capping off our trip to D.C., we had the opportunity to tour the White House. It was truly an amazing experience.

Jimmy Fleming, P.S.

L.U. 117 (em,i&rts), ELGIN, IL — 2022 was a busy year. Our local would like to thank the more than 40 journeymen, apprentices and retirees who volunteered their time and skills to complete three single-family homes and one duplex for Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County. Your dedication to craft, community and your local are greatly appreciated.

Craig Trongeau, R.S.

L.U. 125 (lctt,o,t,u&ptc), PORTLAND, OR — Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for a local union position. Whether successful in the election or not, it is important to acknowledge the willingness to serve our membership. We appreciate everyone who participated in this cycle of elections to ensure their voice is counted toward determining our leaders for the next three years. Thank you to our tellers and election judge Brother Scott Spiering.

On behalf of our membership, staff and officers, congratulations to Business Manager Alice Phillips of Local 483 on her retirement. Sister Phillips' leadership has been so important as we navigated a variety of challenges while continuing to meet our IBEW standards. Best of luck to Sister Phillips for a fun-filled, healthy retirement.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2023 Session 1 shop steward training. We appreciate the engagement of our participants as they expanded their knowledge to be successful in their duties as stewards. Also, without the efforts of Local 125 staff, it would be impossible to host these types of events.

Hope to see you at our summer events!

Marcy Grail, A.B.M.

L.U. 131 (i,rtb,rts,se&spa), KALAMAZOO, MI — The work outlook is steady in Kalamazoo. Several projects are keeping the book clear; travelers are working in the jurisdiction. Thank you to everyone who has helped us fill the calls.

The local members helped the Douglas Community Center. Several apprentices and journeymen came out. Local 131's annual picnic is July 29 at River Oak Park in Galesburg, Mich. Call the hall (269-382-1762) for details.

We recently lost several retirees: Roger Clark, William Doornhaag, Brian Giepel, Doyle Northrup and Donald Owsiany. All will be missed.

The fifth-year class of apprentices graduated June 5. Please welcome the following new journeymen: Matthew Aeed, Alex Applebey, Christopher Beadle, Fidencio Carrizales, Adam Colvia, Patrick Compas, Vincente Costanzo, Joseph Jurhs, Benjamin Karr, Jonathon Krcatovich, Kevin Kuhlman, Shaun Larimer, Nicholas Leitch, Neil Miller, Kyler Munro, Adam Poling, Jonah Ransler and Spencer Sears.

Morris A. Applebey, B.M.

L.U. 141 (ees,i,o&u), WHEELING, WV — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Our work picture remains good, with 38 on Book 1. Many projects are scheduled for this year at the coal-fired powerhouse in our jurisdiction, and several union contractors are bidding a substantial project adjacent to the Covestro plant north of New Martinsville.

As of this writing, Local 141 is gearing up for nominations of officers at our next monthly union meeting. When this article is published, we will have many new and familiar faces holding offices within our local union.

The Local 141 JATC will soon be turning out a new class of journeymen wiremen and has been busy with interviews for a fresh class of apprentices to begin in fall 2023. Our JATC instructors also put in extra hours throughout the spring with journeyman upgrade classes, including a new program to certify our members in the installation of EV charging stations.

Local 141 is saddened to report on the passing of Paul Hammond. Brother Hammond was a Vietnam War veteran who retired with 34 years of service to the IBEW. He will be greatly missed.

Kurt "Bug" Reed, P.S.

L.U. 213 (as,c,catv,ees,em,I,ptc&u), VANCOUVER, BC — Our local is proud to report that electrical apprentices Wakenniosta Cooper and Abigail Franson placed second and fourth, respectively, at the Skills Canada BC Provincials on April 19. Their dedication paid off, with both practicing at the EJTC Training Centre after work twice weekly since February.

"The EJTC and IBEW 213 have been really great to me during my apprenticeship," said Cooper. "I'm glad I went the union way. I know I'll not have to worry about being paid less than colleagues. We have a big team to fight for us and our rights."

Franson echoed the sentiment: "The EJTC has been amazing to me. … There's nothing like opportunities and being able to connect with the people around me who carry similar goals. Probably none of my success would have happened without IBEW 213 and my fellow members who have my back."

Do they have any advice for those thinking of starting a career in the electrical industry? "Just go for it," replied Cooper. Franson said, "My only advice would be to stay humble and never assume or sweat the small stuff."

Jim Lofty, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 237 (i), NIAGARA FALLS, NY — Our local wrapped up another Western New York winter with our annual dinner dance Feb. 18. Numerous members were awarded their service pins for varying years, while those who recently retired were given their retiree watches. We would like to congratulate all of you and extend special recognition to brothers Randy Alcorn, George Mills, Craig Polley, Robert Shaw and Dave Wilcox for their well-deserved retirement.

Summer is finally here, and work in our area is showing no signs of slowing down. General Motors is investing $154 million in its Lockport Components plant. The large investment will see a new production area responsible for creating stator modules for electric vehicles.

Several jobs, such as New York Power Authority, Lockport Memorial Hospital, local school districts and various solar fields, are ongoing, wrapping up or just starting. There are also several potential projects that could add to this workload. Covanta Environmental Solutions has an expansion project planned for its waste transfer station in the town of Niagara at Quarry Road. Niagara County Community College is adding a 15,000-square-foot law enforcement academy with a total projected cost of $4.54 million that is slated to open in 2024.

This is shaping up to be another busy summer for Local 237, and we welcome any help we can get from our traveling brothers and sisters.

Have a safe summer and stay cool.

Brandon Lum, P.S.

L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH — From all of us at our local, we hope you're enjoying your summer and managing to spend some quality time with your family and loved ones.

At one of our recent meetings, member Haldon Miller, who is the owner and driver of a Local 245-sponsored sprint car, brought his car to be viewed by the membership. We wish Haldon a successful season! If you're interested in attending a race, the season kicks off this spring in Attica, Fremont and Wayne.

We also hope for a great turnout at our family night at the Toledo Mud Hens baseball game Aug. 20. Let's close out the summer in downtown Toledo by cheering on your Mud Hens.

As of this writing, negotiations with Bryan Municipal Utilities are ongoing. Also, an arbitration hearing date has been scheduled for the Rossford Fire and Rescue Department regarding mandatory shifts. Last, a panel of arbitrators has been selected to serve as a permanent panel between Energy Harbor and Local 245.

We hope everyone has a safe summer and can't wait to see you at the next meeting!

Brian Gendaszek, P.S.

L.U. 313 (i&spa), WILMINGTON, DE — As summer kicks into gear, another election cycle has come and gone from the time this was written in early May. Now, the Delaware tradition of burying the hatchet instead of aiming it at a rival should be shown.

Work will need to be done to keep us together and to get busy on the inevitable range of topics that were talked about during the campaigns. We can only hope that the priorities of making our union better and improving the lives of our families will drive solid discourse and future actions.

When nominations closed, a full host of members were interested in determining who our decision makers will be. How can we channel the energy into building blocks for progress? Maybe members can find ways to interject themselves directly into the process by talking with their executive board members, voicing concerns in a proactive manner or offering to help in their own areas of interest. Finding a realistic step in a positive direction, and offering a little time to pursue it, might be an option. Or, when situations arise, think and discuss solutions to move it forward or quietly help resolve it. Identifying problems is child's play. Improving on them is the good fight.

Input from the membership is vital, and most of it should be welcomed. This promotes activism, without which the union is weakened.

Whoever attends to the business of the local has the task of making members feel heard and responded to. Without addressing this need, our brothers and sisters will become disconnected and pull back, instead of pulling together.

Thanks to all who show an interest and stay plugged in. We need everyone to do their part. Attending local functions; running a good job; or just being a dependable person for your shop, union or brother/sister is a good place to start in keeping Local 313 strong!

Bruce W. Esper, P.S.

L.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NV — The Electrical JATC of Southern Nevada is pleased to announce that the 2023 graduation ceremony was held May 20 at the union hall.

Training Director Madison Burnett and Assistant Training Directors Julie Ann Peeples and Matthew Apfel had the honor of presenting this year's 49 inside wiremen and 12 installer technician graduates.

A dinner sponsored by the Southern Nevada IBEW/NECA Labor Management Cooperation Committee followed the ceremony later that evening at the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas.

This year's award for outstanding apprentice wireman went to Luis C. Astorga. Installer tech outstanding apprentice was Michael J. Lucius. The Clyde Green Sr. Memorial Award (highest GPA for minority student) was won by Astorga and Damian J. Diaz. Perfect attendance awards were presented to Astorga, Gabriel A. Billie, Wade A. De Cesare, Thomas A. Hamilton, Jeffrey S. Maxwell, Ricardo O. Sepulveda, Jessi A. Trujillo and Ralph S. Williams.

Julie-Ann Peeples, P.S.

L.U. 443 (i,mo,o&lctt), MONTGOMERY, AL — Our local hosted a new contractor business class by Pro Union Consulting. This class is for members who are interested in becoming signatory contractors. A total of 17 prospective new contractors, including 11 Local 443 members, took the class. The Alabama Construction Industry Craft Training Board provided a task grant to the Montgomery Electrical JATC, which paid for more than 80% of the total cost of the class. Local 443 and the Montgomery Electrical JATC paid the remaining cost of the class, including breakfast, lunch and snacks for the participants.

Local 443 opened the class to members of other locals. Local 1316 sent two members, and Locals 177, 676, 917, and 1531 each sent one participant. There was no charge for the participants, but they each signed a noncompete agreement that stipulates that if they go into business, they would sign letters of assent in each jurisdiction where they do the work. Three of the class participants have recently started their own businesses, and nine others expressed serious interest in going into business within the next 12 months.

Brandon Cardwell, B.M.

L.U. 453 (govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), SPRINGFIELD, MO — Our local teamed up with Local 753 to help Shady Dell Early Childhood Center. Members donated supplies, and the locals approved $50 per classroom plus paying for outstanding lunchroom balances for families.

Work has remained strong in our jurisdiction, and we appreciate the help of our traveling brothers and sisters in manning our work. By the time you read this, we should have newly elected officers for the local; thank you to everyone willing to serve.

Regular meetings are the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Please try to attend!

Troy Schindler, P.S.

L.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — In spring, the local had many opportunities for membership participation. Whether it was going over the constitution, bylaws and inside agreement with 3-1 apprentices; holding a steward class; or going over the referral system and how the books work with apprentices about to top out, members had a chance to have open discussions about various topics and jobsite issues they face.

Another membership engagement opportunity was the local town hall meetings. Business Manager Jeff Wheeler led each of these discussions, covering topics chosen by the membership. From the recent changes in wages to updates about our health and welfare to the upcoming work and apprenticeship numbers and the impact they will have on the local, no topic was left off the table.

Finally, in March, the local hosted a night of dinner, dancing and solidarity for all members at the Local 481 gala: a night to come together as a local, enjoy seeing old friends and meet new ones. It is always well attended. Thank you to those who attended, and see you next year!

Blake Andrews, Bus. Rep./Treas.

L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL — Nothing brings people together like food. That holds true just weeks after our local had its second bowling outing before the Steak Stag event. The Steak Stag is a members-only event that brings a yearly gathering of apprentices, journeymen and retirees. It's also a tradition for the first-year class to cook the steaks that are served to everyone. Bob Withers, the first-year instructor and former apprenticeship director, led the first-year apprentices into one of the best events to showcase the brotherhood of the local.

This event is a great chance for apprentices of all years to talk to the current retirees about what makes a local strong and what keeps one together.

All and all, it was a great event, and the steaks were delicious. Henkel sausages were served right after for anyone who wanted a second helping. We hope to continue this yearly tradition and the turnout it receives. Pictures of our event are on the Local 601 RENEW Facebook page.

Luther Baker, P.S.

L.U. 613 (em,i,o,rts&spa), ATLANTA, GA — On April 29, our local held its fourth annual bass fishing tournament, which took place at Lake Allatoona and allowed us the opportunity to get together and enjoy fellowship off the jobsite.

This year we had 17 boats, each with two-person teams. The day started with registration and biscuits. We then took our drinks and snacks and put our boats in the water. The national anthem was played, and fireworks signified the start of the tournament.

After each boat spent the allotted time on the water, it was time to come in and get weighed. As each boat's catch was weighed, everyone enjoyed a cookout of hamburgers and hot dogs. We all ate and swapped fishing stories of the big one that got away that day and the biggest fish we ever caught.

Then it was time for the awards and prizes: In first place, Greg Jenkins and Philip Pruneda; second place, Josh Bail and Jeff Higgins; third place, Conrad Sanders and Kenny Mullins; and the "Big Fish" prize went to Jenkins and Pruneda.

It was a great day at the lake and even better spending time with our brothers and sisters. If you have a boat and like to fish, come and join us next year.

Ron Nyberg, P.S.

L.U. 659 (c,catv,em,i,lctt,o,st,t&u), MEDFORD, OR — At the time of this writing, we are preparing for negotiations with some of our larger units. With rising inflation felt by all of our members, we are hopeful that we will make significant gains when it comes to wages and benefit packages.

Local 659 feels optimistic with the trends of large increases. This year alone, Lane Electric will be receiving a 9.5% wage increase, Springfield Utility Board 9.2%, Consumers Power Inc. 8.5%, Eugene Water & Electric Board 7.86%, Central Lincoln PUD 6.48% and Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative 6%.

Our work is not done yet. Contracts set to expire are with outside construction units and outside line construction and power line clearance tree trimming, both of which are multi-employer contracts. Inside construction and telecommunications units are also multi-employer contracts. Our largest utility contract (with PacifiCorp) is also set to expire, along with Central Lincoln PUD, multiple municipality units and our multi-employer flagging agreements.

Along with all of these negotiations, we are going to have fun! Our Local 659 picnic is coming up June 24 at Richardson Park Campground (25950 Park Rd., Junction City). Save the date! If you are in the area, stop by for some family fun! The Pacific Northwest Lineman Rodeo will be held July 22 in Gresham, Ore., which is another fun family event to attend!

James Davidson, A.B.M.

L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL — With the short Florida winter behind us, the work outlook in the Tampa area has strengthened. Business Manager Randall King is pleased to report that Local 915 is at full employment with a number of large projects on the horizon. Our local JATC has been running at capacity for almost two years.

April was a busy month. Local 915 was well represented at the Union Sportsmen's Alliance 12th annual Central Florida Sporting Clays Shoot and at the Hillsborough County Spring Fling. Twenty lucky members each won a pair of tickets to a Tampa Bay Lightning game against the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of an ongoing partnership between Local 915 and the Lightning.

At the April 14 general membership meeting, Local 915 held its annual pin presentation, recognizing the many years of service of our members. Business Manager King and President Jonathan Fielder presented Brother Clyde Tucker with the Jim Phillips Brother of the Year award in recognition of his outstanding service to Local 915 and being an shining example for us all.

Brian Nathan, P.S.

L.U. 1347 (ees,em,u&ptc), CINCINNATI, OH — This year our local launched Politics, Activism and Livelihood, or PAL, training, with classes before each regular union meeting and with our pro-union partners. Local 1347 reached out to the owner of Blackout Tees and explained the program and the overwhelming response we received in return. Blackout Tees then gave Local 1347 members two days, on company time, to take the course. Blackout Tees doesn't just employ Local 1347 workers, but it also has IBEW standards and values and always has the IBEW's back. We appreciate this and want to acknowledge it to members and the company (blackouttees.com).

Andrew Kirk, B.M.

L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — I often encourage local members to be positive toward other IBEW members on social media. Trashing your brothers and sisters while hiding behind your computer is not good practice. Talking to them one on one would be much better.

I know many do not think about this, but when you post issues about your job on social media, the customer sees this information and can form a negative opinion of us. This could ultimately lead to losing future work, and therefore losing IBEW jobs.

I recently had a situation in Local 1579 where I had to make a visit to the customer to discuss. If not for our longstanding relationship, I feel that they would have considered a nonunion workforce in the future. Although what was posted on social media was true, it was also IBEW drama that the customer did not need to see.

Remember, if you are in a private group on social media, this negative information will still get out as people share and screenshot information all the time.

In closing, I would like to report on our work situation. Local 1579 will have many new projects in the future. Our largest project is the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility, which will keep us busy for the next few years. There are also many projects that are being targeted. These projects will be bid on by union contractors to the benefit of us all.

As we arrive at the midpoint of 2023, let us continue to remember the B in IBEW. Treat each other with respect, help each other when in need, and guide each other in a positive way.

Until next time, be safe!

Will Salters, B.M./F.S.