L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Our local invites all those who support the labor movement to the weekly brotherhood nights after work on Wednesdays at Taylor's 2 Steakhouse in Oakland City, Ind. This is a great time and place for everyone to catch up with one another in a relaxed setting.

The annual Turkey Testicle Festival was in April. This outpouring of generosity was once again successful in raising several thousand dollars for members in need. Many thanks to all who made this event possible and to everyone who came to support this worthwhile cause.

The hall recently signed an agreement with Sargent Electric for an incentivized pay scale on its battery storage project at the AES Indiana facility in Petersburg. Based on their current schedule, journeymen and apprentices can each receive up to $300 in additional compensation per week.

After several weeks of fruitless negotiations, Business Manager Ryan McRoberts was forced to go to the Council on Industrial Relations to fight for a fair and equitable contract for the membership. Details of the results will be available on our website (ibewlocal16.com) and at union meetings.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City. After the tragedy of the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, many industries across Maryland were forced to temporarily close. Local 24 signatory contractor Mona Electric Group got to work wiring temporary trailers for the salvage and recovery efforts at the site.

As of this writing, the channel to the Port of Baltimore has been reopened, and port-related businesses are getting back to work. It will be years before the bridge over the Patapsco River is rebuilt, and current estimates put the earliest completion date in fall 2028. We'd like to recognize all of our union brothers and sisters, especially those in the International Longshoremen's Association, for their work to help reopen Baltimore for business.

In other news, bills signed into law in Maryland this legislative session included the Critical Infrastructure Streamlining Act of 2024 (SB0474). This makes it easier for customers with large backup generation requirements to build in our state.

Additionally, Gov. Wes Moore signed the Brighter Tomorrow Act (SB0783) and the Working for Accessible Renewable Maryland Thermal Heat (WARMTH) Act (HB0397). These newly enacted laws include strong labor language on solar and network geothermal projects.

Live Better/Work Union.

Mike McHale, B.M.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — On June 1, the 78th annual JATC graduation ceremony was held. Congratulations to all the graduates!

Local 26 is also proud to announce the four winners of this year's Local 26 Scholarship Award:

1. Mariah Bispo, daughter of Brother Michael Bispo, graduated from Martinsburg High School and will be pursuing a major in exercise physiology and a minor in dance.
2. Penelope Blaydes, daughter of John Blaydes, graduated from Northside High School and plans on majoring in environmental science.
3. Natalie Bozman, daughter of Brother Jeffrey Bozman, graduated from Huntingtown High School and will be majoring in accounting.
4. Elizabeth Walsh, daughter of Brother Dennis Walsh, graduated from River Hill High School and will be pursuing a major in psychology.

Best wishes to the following retirees: Randy Boucher, Theodore Dingle Jr., Robert Hawthorne, Gales Higbie, Gregory Jividen, Timothy Johnson, Harold Lethbridge, Ron Meyer, William Poss, Edward Rhoades, John Roberts Jr., Kenneth Robertson, Kenneth Shiflett, Leonard Sowards, Fonzie Taylor, Candi Whetstine, Daryl Whitt, Timothy Williamson, David Wilmot, Kenneth Woodside and Andrew Yansen.

The following members have passed away since our last article: William Blinkhorn Jr., Rick Bosarge, Christopher Broadnax, George Brown, Daniel Calvert, Charles Connor, Riley Gaines Jr., Steven Gerardi, William Noel, David Ross and Arthur Sharp.

Joseph F. Dabbs, B.M.

L.U. 34 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL — 2024 has been a busy year for our local, and our work outlook remains strong with a 95% market share. Between our Peoria and Quincy apprenticeships, we graduated 40 apprentices and are projected to welcome 62 new incoming apprentices across our three classifications.

Local 34 would like to congratulate our Peoria Rivermen hockey team for winning the President's Cup. As a proud sponsor, we were honored to have the trophy brought to the hall by the team for a photo op.

Our recently formed and chartered RENEW committee is gaining momentum and planning its first event, a bags tournament June 29.

Planning also continues for the celebration of our 125th year, to take place Oct. 11. The Milwaukee Tool Shed Band is scheduled to perform, and our 125th anniversary committee has designed some memorabilia to commemorate the event, including a book and a challenge coin. Happy anniversary, brothers and sisters, and I hope to see you all there!

Zach Helms, P.S.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — Organizers Tom Petrasek and Kevin Wilson, along with Business Manager Dan Gallagher and President Michael Muzic, once again taught COMET class to inside and VDV apprentices. COMET education is imperative on the importance of organizing, market share growth, and fulfilling the first object of the IBEW Constitution.

Work outlook for the inside and VDV branches continues to be strong. At the time of this writing, several projects are underway, including three large projects at Cleveland Clinic; Sherwin-Williams' new global headquarters; Sherwin-Williams' R&D center in Brecksville, Ohio; Rock & Roll Hall of Fame expansion; Progressive Field; Cleveland Police headquarters; Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland; and Fidelity Hotel. All of these projects are working under project labor agreements.

Dan Gallagher, B.M.

L.U. 40 (em,i&mps), HOLLYWOOD, CA — Our local celebrated its 100th anniversary May 4 at Warner Bros. Studios, featuring facades from movies and television and props such as the Batmobile and the iconic "Friends" couch.

Business Manager Stephan Davis and guest speakers celebrated the union's history. Davis praised the journey from humble beginnings, "where a handful of determined individuals dared to dream of a better future, to the present, where our union stands stronger than ever, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary."

Notable speakers included International President Kenneth W. Cooper and International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble, who applauded the union's Hollywood contributions. President Cooper emphasized the union's role in building Hollywood: "What you've done for the last century here in Hollywood is truly amazing."

Noble referenced the current contract negotiations between Local 40 and the studios. "Hollywood is making big profits, and workers deserve a piece of that success," Noble said. He added, "Our movement is going to grow bigger and stronger than ever, and the IBEW is leading the way."

The event honored retired Business Manager Tim Dixon for his service, and he spoke about the union's founding: "While it's almost impossible for us to comprehend what the founding 12 members [of Local 40] went through to form this union, I don't think there's any way that they could imagine that Local 40 would survive 100 years ago, let alone what we've achieved in that time."

The event honored the resilience, progress and solidarity of Local 40. But it also looked to the next generation of members, as Business Manager Davis urged a renewed commitment "to building a future worthy of the sacrifices made by those who came before us, and to fight for a world where every worker is treated with dignity and respect."

Congratulations to Local 40 on 100 years!

Stephan Davis, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — Our local's Limited Energy unit began negotiations in January. Unfortunately, negotiations did not gone well, with NECA's Puget Sound chapter being unwilling to discuss basic quality-of-life improvements, such as paid holidays and safety equipment, with our team.

With record-breaking turnout, our unit voted to go on strike, which started April 11. Hundreds of our members were out daily on the picket line.

It has been amazing to witness the dedication of our members. They were out on the line at 3 a.m. in the rain, no matter whether they were sick or hurting. Our support members came in at 4 a.m. every morning to make sure that they have breakfast and lunch out on the line.

We would like to thank all the locals that shared their support, whether it be financially to our strike fund or with a photo and comment on our social media. Your support empowers us to continue in our fight.

While our siblings from Local 46 and other trades in the area have shown great support, we have also seen apathy and disregard from our own local family. Too many actively disregarded the picket and crossed lines. Ask yourself what solidarity means to you. Are you proud as you walk past your family as they stand on the street fighting to improve their lives and yours? We hope you choose to be a better union sibling. We are all stronger when we stand together — don't let them divide us!

We managed to reach a record contract and end the strike.

One day longer — one day stronger!

Megan Kirby, P.S.

L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa,t&ptc), KANSAS CITY, MO — Brothers and sisters, as many of you know, there's much happening in Kansas City in 2024, with more work to come!

On the Missouri side, Building 3 of Meta is ongoing and is expected to staff up this summer. The South Loop Project, a four-block park cap over Interstate 670, is just a few million dollars shy of its fundraising campaign, but the difference should be easily obtained. They are expecting two of the four blocks to be completed before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On the Kansas side, the Panasonic battery plant is still in its first phase and continues to staff up. On May 29, Gov. Laura Kelly signed into a law a bill passed unanimously by the Kansas Legislature that greatly improved worker's compensation in the state. One of the measures of the bill increased the maximum compensation available for injured workers or their dependents and tied it to cost of living, with automatic increases to compensation levels to make sure it doesn't fall behind in the future. Before the signing, Kansas was ranked 50th in workers' compensation.

The negotiations team has been working hard for a couple of months and is nearing an end. The new contract, pending approval from the membership, starts Aug. 26.

Bo Moreno, B.M.

L.U. 134 (c,catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — The Midwest Coalition of Labor was established in 2018 by five building trades unions in Chicago. The MCL mission is to provide top-tier benefits at the lowest possible costs. Adding value to union membership without increasing costs enhances loyalty and enriches member experience. Today, the MCL proudly represents more than 300,000 members from 400 locals in 14 states. In March 2024, the new MCL handbook was released, with substantial upgrades to current benefits and some new offers as well. The free $10,000 life insurance policy that all active Local 134 members would receive has been upgraded to $15,000.

Also, $5,000 in free accidental death and dismemberment coverage is available to all active union members, with the option to purchase additional coverage. A variety of new programs include discounted hearing aids (made in America), discounted hotels, a conceal and carry insurance program, tax preparation, and free roadside assistance.

Most members have opted to enroll and purchase up to $365,000 in additional life insurance with no medical exam and no questions asked. Please take the time to review the MCL handbook to see the benefits available to all Local 134 members. More information is available at coalitionoflabor.org/union/ibew-local-134.

Brothers and sisters, please stay tuned as this administration moves closer to galvanizing our commitment to expand access to affordable primary care. Soon we will be integrating with the Premise Health Wellness Center in Northbrook, Ill.

Donald Finn, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — On April 29, 1914, at 8:10 p.m., our local became a reality for 15 dedicated charter members whose foresight and commitment to the cause of labor solidified and enabled our success over the last 110 years. Local 150's current members owe much of the benefits and prosperity we have today to the pioneering efforts of our founding brothers. The roll call of our great labor leaders is as follows: W. Browne, W. Dalton, A. Flood, R. Greensled, C. Hawker, H. Homer, J. Hoover, H. Huber, E. Jones, F. Lener, J. Miller, F. Miller, T. Mitchell, E. Swan and O. Swan.

Our history is one of great accomplishment, brotherhood and union solidarity. As current members, let us continue this path, ensuring our future to be even brighter than our past. God bless the IBEW and Local 150!

Brothers and sisters, look out for our new apprentices in the field. Include, encourage and promote the Brotherhood, participation in our events and safety on all jobsites!

Mark your calendars: Aug. 17 is our annual golf outing, and Aug. 24-25 is the IBEW softball tournament in Champaign, Ill. Call the hall (847-680-1504) to sign up for these events.

Solidarity forever!

Aaron M. Rendon, R.S.

L.U. 164 (c,em,i,o&t), JERSEY CITY, NJ — At our May general meeting, we acknowledged and celebrated the accomplishments of the inside electrical class of 2024. These young electricians completed their related instruction requirements and are close to completing their apprenticeship. Soon, they will all be moving into the next exciting phase of their career as journeyman wiremen.

Special acknowledgment and congratulations are in order for apprentice Marcel Miller, who achieved the highest GPA for the 2023-2024 semester with 97.35%. Marcel also received the Local 164 "Top Dog" award for achieving the highest average over his five-year apprenticeship with 96.18%.

Business Manager Dan Gumble; President Tom Sullivan; and the members, officers and staff of Local 164 and the JATC congratulate the apprentices and wish them a safe, healthy and prosperous career as Local 164 journeymen. We know you will represent the IBEW and Local 164 with pride.

Warren Becker, V.P./P.S.

L.U. 258 (ees,em,lctt,o&u), VANCOUVER, BC — BC Hydro has announced its first call for power in 15 years. The purpose of the call is to ensure clean, renewable and affordable electricity for people in British Columbia and to create jobs as the province's economy grows.

The corporation is looking to work with First Nations and local independent power producers to procure 3,000 gigawatt-hours per year, enough to increase BC Hydro's current power supply by 5% and power more than 250,000 homes or 1 million electric vehicles per year. Projects arising from this call are estimated to create as many as 1,500 jobs per year.

Local 258 has launched a campaign to advocate for the funding of projects that benefit local communities, use local contractors and employ unionized workers.

Business Manager/Financial Secretary Cody Gatzke commented: "The IBEW is prepared to answer BC Hydro's call for power by providing the skilled workforce that independent power producers, power line contractors and BC Hydro require to construct and maintain the power system. We are proud to offer the only power line technician apprenticeship program in British Columbia. The IBEW stands behind the utilization of B.C.-based contractors and union workers, ensuring that economic and reconciliation opportunities benefit local communities."

Emily Organ, P.S.

L.U. 302 (i,rts&spa), MARTINEZ, CA — At the beginning of May, we had our annual golf tournament. The weather was interesting — it poured — the only day it rained the entire month. Once again, we would like to thank one of our retirees, Brother Steve Sloper, who was a great help in putting the tournament together. We would also like to congratulate the winning team: Matt MacDade, Keith Sanford, Reva Sanford and Niutao Tuimavave. In spite of the rain, they were able to post a score of 14 under.

This June, we celebrated the graduation of our inside apprentices. Local 302 congratulates the following members and their families and wishes them well in their future careers: Jonathan Belden, Alysia Blakeman, Christopher Broadnax, Canada Bryant, Phon Chanthanasak, Henry Cruz, Joseph Cruz, Brandon Dennison-Borja, Mikayla Ducey, Daniel Echeverria, Shane Giracca, Joseph Jensen, Thurston Johnson, Justin Kennard, Miles Mangoba, Jared Martinez, Dylan McCall, Andrew Mendoza, Mitchell Mikkelson, Caitlin Rich, Mauricio Sanchez, Dominic Sparacino, Jason Sullivan II and Jonathan Tejeda. The local is proud to welcome them as new journeyman inside wiremen.

Tom Hansen, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OH — A recent collaborative effort among several northern Ohio IBEW locals, Thompson Electric and NECA resulted in Horvath Electric joining our ranks. Joining the IBEW expanded Horvath Electric's access to skilled labor and qualified personnel. This partnership can also enhance job security, ensure fair wages and benefits for workers, and provide opportunities for professional development and training.

By welcoming Horvath Electric, the IBEW can expand its membership base and influence within the electrical contracting sector. It strengthens the union's bargaining power, increases solidarity among workers, and promotes the values of fairness, safety and professionalism in the industry.

Overall, this collaborative effort is a positive step towards fostering a strong and dynamic electrical industry that benefits both employees and employers.

I would like to welcome Nick Twitchell, the former owner of Horvath Electric, and the following new Local 306 members: Mark Abshire, Tristan Ange, Dale Clark, Jack Cruz, Christopher Foreman, Andrew Henderson, Matthew Jenne, Ian Lashua, Christopher Lyons, Antonio Pamias, Brandon Rice, James Scheel, Daniel Stopperich, Dominic Szuhay and Douglas Verbic.

In other news, I am pleased to inform you that both the residential and commercial contract negotiations have been successfully ratified. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the residential and commercial graduates of 2024.

As we continue to grow and strengthen our union, let us remember the importance of solidarity and support for one another. Together we can achieve great things!

Chuck Zittle, A.B.M.

L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — In the first half of the year, our local had the privilege to participate in many local community events. We hosted quite a few industry nights to help expand our membership and reach many more local hands. The local hosted trade shows in a few cities, including Yuba City, Chico, Citrus Heights and Elk Grove. We participated in Sacramento's Country in the Park. We reached our local high school in Elk Grove with our Taking It to the Streets event.

The local has also helped provide opportunities for growth for our members, such as COMET classes. We recently started a series of classes that we are excited to roll out for members who missed out during their apprenticeships due to COVID-19. We have had huge turnout for our new member orientation, an informational onboarding class for those new and returning to the union.

We are proud of the many strides Local 340 has taken. We hope the remainder of the year brings as much potential as we have seen thus far.

Robert D. Ward, B.M.

L.U. 354 (i,lpt,mt,rts,spa,t&mo), SALT LAKE CITY, UT — The fight for worker's rights in "right to work" states often feels like an uphill battle, and it's difficult to know which issue to address when there are so many.

This is why Local 354 decided to put our focus on one specific goal, and thus began its Paid Holidays Campaign with Red Shirt Wednesdays. Every Wednesday, members of Local 354 wore their red shirts to their respective jobsites with these words printed on the back and sleeves: "Short Weeks Not Short Checks/Paid Holidays For All." The message seems to have been received, as an agreement was reached on the first offer. This is a sharp contrast to last year's bargaining process, which went to mediation. "What this shows us is that solidarity works," said Local 354 President Cody Lindsey.

Alissa Skinner, P.S.

L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD, IL — The summer has just seemed to fly by for our local. We have had a fantastic year of work, with projects that keep coming as well as some major ones wrapping up.

Our Facebook project in Dekalb has roughly 350 IBEW members on site with work continuing into 2025. Expectations remain high that the remaining two buildings will be built, but as of this writing, no confirmation has been given. This project continues to set the gold standard for construction, with all deadlines having been met or beaten. Many thanks to all our traveling sisters and brothers who have helped us staff our work through these unprecedented busy times.

Our project with Yukon Cold Storage is moving along nicely, with roughly 70 IBEW members on site and a price tag of $1.2 billion for the overall project size, 1.3 million square feet.

We have multiple school projects either completed or wrapping up as the school year returns at the end of August.

Last, the Hard Rock Casino Rockford project looks to be completed and will open around Labor Day. This historic project is 30 years in the making and has finally come to fruition. Many long hours and hard work have gotten this project across the finish line, and Rockford couldn't be prouder.

Brad F. Williams, P.S.

L.U. 488 (i&mt), BRIDGEPORT, CT — For more than 100 years, St. Vincent's Medical Center has been treating the health care needs of the Bridgeport community. Originally known as St. Vincent's Hospital, it was incorporated in 1903 and opened in 1905. In 1976, the old hospital moved to the new St. Vincent's Medical Center, a 440,000-square-foot building almost twice the size of the old one. The name was changed to reflect the organization's expansion and offering of comprehensive services.

Local 488 members have worked with St. Vincent's Medical Center on many expansion projects over the years, and we are proud to continue the center's expansion by renovating its third floor. The third floor, once known as the executive wing, will be converted into six state-of-the-art operating rooms, a new doctors' lounge and locker rooms. The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, consisting of 35 patient beds adjacent to the operating rooms, will also be renovated. The total renovation by Elite Electrical Contractors LLC will be just under 30,000 square feet when it is completed in fall 2025.

Jerome White, R.S.

L.U. 494 (em,i,mt,rts,spa,t&govt), MILWAUKEE, WI — In May, our local collaborated with NECA and hosted an electrical job fair at the Brookfield Conference Center. More than 160 potential members of all skill levels attended the fair. Attendees were interviewed by 21 local contractors, and some were offered employment on the spot.

The fair was staffed by Local 494 members and representatives, organizers from the surrounding locals, and the Sixth District. Attendees enjoyed how informative and helpful the event was for networking and career development. Just one week after the job fair, we signed up 10 new members, with more potential members getting hired every day. All told, it was a great success.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees for their invaluable contribution to making this job fair a remarkable achievement. Your support and participation have set a high bar for upcoming electrical job fairs. We look forward to your continued involvement in our future endeavors.

Robert "Bob" Weber, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 654 (i), CHESTER, PA — Our local extends a huge congratulations to our graduating apprenticeship class. Seventeen men who started their journey in September 2019 completed five years of training May 1. These new journeymen are James Antolino, Anthony Argain, Brandon Ciminera, Corey Curtin, Ean Diehl, Joseph Heck, Gabriel Kikut, Greg Kosmidis, Kevin Kuddar, Jason Kyriakos, Mac McClenahan, Daniel McKenna, Jeffrey Metzger, Donato Much, Evan Sides, Nick Van Horn and Al Watkins.

A celebration was held at the Philadelphia Union soccer stadium in Chester. This was a great time and perfect spot to celebrate, with the stadium having been built by Local 654 electricians. Our local wishes these new journeymen the best of luck and health in their future careers.

Christopher J. Schieler, P.S.

L.U. 702 (as,c,catv,cs,em,es,et,govt,i,it,lctt,mo,mt,o,p,pet,ptc,rtb,rts,se, spa,st,t,u,uow&ws), WEST FRANKFORT, IL — We had a great turnout for the HerrinFesta Parade in Herrin, Ill., on May 25. Thank you to all of our members and their families who came out and enjoyed the day.

Work for the inside branch of Local 702 continues to ramp up. Solar work is in full swing, with five utility scale solar projects being built by Local 702 members.

Jamie Hatfield, A.B.M.