Greetings Brother’s & Sister’s,

Although it’s only been two months since you elected me as your business manager, it’s been packed full of meetings, apprentice class visits, trainings and the normal day to day events and issues. I am truly inspired by all the responses by members to get involved. So many of our apprentices stepping up to assist me in becoming their class representatives to bring attention to issues, concerns and great ideas they want to address. As I said at the union meeting, “the future of #159 is bright.”

I also want to thank all the members interested in participating in the #159 Advisory Board. All members are welcome to participate, active, retired, and all classifications. Issues we will be addressing over the coming months will include: need for space, increasing front desk security, setting up by-law committee, marketing strategies, enhancing skill opportunities for members, class offerings, #159 policies and procedures, the upcoming 2020 elections, setting up contract negotiations forums for members to voice their ideas, and any other matters our members feel are important. Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 3rd – Union office 4 p.m. Please contact me if you are planning on attending. Refreshments will be available.

Fall classes have started at the training center. We will be working very hard with our education committee to get more classes going for our JWs and CW/CEs.

Local #159 is only going to grow the numbers at our union meetings if members feel those meetings are informative, civil and a valuable investment of their time. Members should always feel welcomed and safe. Differing opinions need to be heard in a respectful and procedural manner. Every officer and long- time member attending these meetings needs to be an example for our new and younger members, demonstrating the importance, purpose and tone of these meetings. Members need to participate in the decision-making process. Motions made and passed at these meetings directly affect every member of this union. This is your money being spent. You need to be present and aware of all actions taken at these meetings and not depend on coworkers giving you a report on the jobsite the next day.

As promised at the last union meeting, our Market Recovery Addendum to the Inside Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding/Appendix A&B are on our website.

Our office has been doing research within the 6th District by contacting several IBEW Locals asking them their membership numbers, agents and office staff employed. Even though we have seen growth in our local, especially through our apprenticeships and CW/CE numbers, we have not kept pace with an efficient number of staff to serve our members.

Positions will be open, and interviews will be done for the following full-time positions:

Business Agent – Assist the business office with contract, by-law, and IBEW Constitution compliance and enforcement. Represent #159 at Building Trades, City Council meetings, school boards, County Board meetings, visit job sites, meet with contractors, assist with grievances, assist with referrals, internal organizing and general office operations. Must be very knowledgeable and versed on current CBAs, by-laws, constitution, DOL and NLRB policies, and rulings as they affect union organizations.

SPARKIE SENTINEL IBEW LOCAL 159 OCTOBER 2019

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT By Sue Blue

WELCOME NEW IBEW LOCAL 159 MEMBERS

WILLIAM BRUNSELL JESSICA KEASTER RAYMOND DROESSLER ROBERT BIRD MASON SIMMONS JEFFREY MISTELE EDWARD GERKE PAUL LANE BENJAMIN COULTER NATHAN RINDLE MATTHEW ANDERSON

* SOLIDARITY * BROTHERHOOD * EMPOWER * SPARKY * PROUD *

This individual must be willing to work long hours, evenings and some weekends; must have good communication skills, both written and verbal; must be energetic, driven and dedicated to promoting the needs of #159 members. Must be creative, have initiative and the ability to deal with difficult situations. Must be a problem solver and able to work with a diverse population within our communities and Local union. Must have current driver’s license and reliable vehicle. Any other duties and responsibilities deemed necessary by the business manager. This will be a 46 hour/foreman salaried position.

Organizer – Full-time - This organizer position will deal primarily with external organizing, be responsible and accountable to the 6th District and IO for complying with established organizing procedures and expectations. Organize and participate in job fairs, school career days and various other initiatives to promote and market the recruitment of new members within our jurisdiction. This position will also be responsible for organizing non-union contractors and promoting the value of becoming a signatory 159 contractor. This position will require a lot of travel, long hours and participation in statewide IBEW blitzes. This individual must be creative, a problem solver, comfortable representing #159 throughout our jurisdiction and at times in very unwelcoming environments. Must have excellent communication skills and able to navigate various computer software programs. Must have current driver’s license and reliable vehicle. Any other duties and responsibilities deemed necessary by the business manager. This will be a 46 hour/foreman salaried position.

Education Coordinator – Part-time Position – This position will start as a part-time position with the possibility of transitioning into a full-time position. This individual will be responsible for requesting CEUs for classes run thru the union office, making sure CEUs are applied to member’s credentials, coordinating classes and instructors for all classes run thru the union office, making sure all books and materials are available and provided by the start of class for both students and instructor, prepare signup sheets for classes and take care of all class registrations and notifications. This individual will work closely to coordinate efforts with the education committee, instructors, apprenticeship office and the union office. This position will be based on a 40 hour per month, salaried position at foreman wages only. Hours will be added based on job demands and additional duties. The JATT will reimburse #159 for the majority of the cost for this position.

Office Staff/Clerical – Our current office staff, Ammu and Lamarra will help select a new support staff position. They are currently addressing the needs of the office and what type of additional support will be needed to help them serve our members and agents.

Any interested members should send me an email (blue@ibew159.org) with the position they are applying for and a short resume by October 4th end of business day. I will send you a confirmation that your application was received. An interviewing panel will be comprised of #159 members who will make the selections. If you are interested on being on the interviewing panel, spots are open for a state worker and a CW/CE. Interviews will take place at the union office, after work hours in the second week of October.

Notices will be emailed out to members when there are issues directly affecting their communities. All members living in Dane County should have received information regarding a new retirement initiative VEBA, for retiring County employees, which include our members. You can help by contacting your county board member in support. If you didn’t get that information, or would like additional information, let me know.

Notices are also being sent to all our members living in Sun Prairie regarding the new High School and Stadium to voice your support of using union contractors on that project. Our contractors are facing fierce competition when bidding these types of projects and recently some have come up on the short end of the bidding process, losing millions of dollars in projects to Faith, Universal Power and others. These are not only lost bids for our contractors, but lost work for our members. Speak up for your jobs.

Coming into office there have been some unresolved inherited issues we continue to spend a great deal of time and effort to investigate and resolve; issues with the Suchoman Scholarship Fund; a $62,000 computer upgrade and 3-year servicing contract signed the end of March. I have asked two other companies to look over this purchase agreement and service contract and provide a bid. We are also looking into the transfer of over $39,000 from an old vacation account back into our general fund and then paid to the apprenticeship office in November of 2018. This was never mentioned or discussed with members or voted on at any union meeting, so we are trying to find supporting documents for this expenditure. We are also working on resolving a grievance from back in June.

When all the information is compiled, I will bring you up to date with what actions will be taken to resolve these matters.

“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. “ -- Vince Lombardi

If we want to be heard, we have to be seen. We are stronger together. Show up!

Referral Agent, Pat Fahey

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

Things are busy here. Calls are steady. Big jobs about to break are: Chemistry Building on campus - 129 million, Verona Public Works - 15 million, and Madison Public Market Development - 14 million, a few on this week’s Dodge report.

You may have noticed an option in referral that has raised some questions: “Medium Call”, this has been added to help the work force. Medium calls are 1-3 month calls. It’s out there to help you. Not all Medium length calls will be designated as such, but if you see a medium call then you know its longer than a short call but shorter than 3 months. Hope this helps.

Remember: Sit a fraction less. Endure a fraction more. Make peace with whatever pain ails you.

In Brotherhood,

Pat Fahey Office: (608)255-2989 ~ Cell: (608)334-6224 Email: pfahey@ibew159.org

Organizers Reports,

Casey Healy Brothers and Sisters,

If you are on a jobsite that has non-union electrical or low voltage technicians working, give me a call. It’s a great opportunity for yourself and the local to engage in conversation with these workers about the benefits of being an IBEW Local 159 member. We also have brochures that you can place on their carts or hand one to the person.

Organizing is the local’s tool to gain market share. Market share is the percentage of work performed by the local compared to the non-union. Organizing workers, especially key journeymen and foremen, takes work away from the open shops and makes it difficult for them to bid future work. We need to embrace and encourage each other to be organizers by promoting the values of the IBEW to the unrepresented workers and open shops. When we stand united and work toward a common goal that’s solidarity.

Local 159 has been having open calls. Now is the time to speak with your friends, relatives, and neighbors about the benefits of working for the union. If they are interested in joining the IBEW Local 159, or have any question have them contact me at chealy@ibew159.org Lets work together organizing electrical workers.

With the starting of a new school year I would like to sincerely thank all instructors for their time and dedication in educating our members. THANK YOU.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

United we Stand - Divided we Fall,

Casey Healy Office: (608)255-2989 ~ Cell: (608)515-3552

Email: chealy@ibew159.org

Damon Glenn

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It’s been busy over here at Local 159 over the past month working hard for our members and I don’t see things slowing down. August 26 -29, I attended the IBEW 2019 Membership Development Conference in Chicago, IL. It was a great conference to attend and network. Two topics from the conference really grabbed my attention.

First, was the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) attack on workers’ rights, especially Union Workers. The NLRB is knocking down workers’ rights and opening doors for management to abuse power without any ramification. Some of their recent decisions make it even harder for Organizing in public places for Unions and in some cases, it allows Management to discriminate against Unions. Totally blew me away that an agency that was established to protect the worker, is trending to become an agency that exploits and degrades the worker. That’s why it’s very important to vote and know what’s going on with issues that affect our industry.

Second topic that really caught my attention was a workshop titled “Innovative Strategies Recapturing Residential Market”. It was good to see that other jurisdictions within the IBEW are doing a great job recapturing the residential sector (mainly mixed used buildings). I believe some of the tactics and strategies these other jurisdictions are using can work here in our jurisdiction. I’ve heard every reason from our local members why we cannot get back into residential market. I would like to pursue many of these new tactics and get our foot back into the Residential Market.

As an Organizer I wear different hats. It’s not just about organizing non-union Labor workers into the union, it’s important to organize and develop within, but also contractors bid work. It’s important for Organizers to build relationships with local government agencies and school boards so they know and understand the value of union workers and how having livable wages will increase the quality of life in all of our communities. As an Organizer,

Local 159 Books:

INSIDE Book I – 36 Book II – 25 Book III - 0

RESIDENTIAL Book 1 – 1 Book 2 – 0

VDV Book I – 5 Book II – 0

one of my duties is to educate our members on the IBEW Constitution, Local Bylaws, and CBA (contract). A knowledgeable Union is a Strong Union! With That I leave you with this:

Inside Agreement, Section 3.25: When workmen are sent outside the jurisdiction of Local Union#159, all transportation, board, and lodging, shall be paid by the Employer. When required to do jobbing work, the Employer shall furnish transportation to carry necessary tools, equipment, and materials to perform such jobbing work. If an employer wishes a man to transfer from one job site to another job site, through the course of a normal workday, the employer will furnish all necessary transportation. In no case shall an employee use his vehicle for jobbing or transporting material.

“With all their faults, trade-unions have done more for humanity than any other organization of men that ever existed. They have done more for decency, for honesty, for education, for the betterment of the race, for the developing of character in man, than any other association of men.”

CLARENCE DARROW, The Railroad Trainman, Nov. 1909

In Solidarity, Damon Glenn Office:(608)255-2989 ~ Cell:(608)338-9075 Email: dglenn@ibew159.org

Our September Luncheon was held at the 5th Quarter in Verona. Lowest turnout, 20 members. Let's get the word out to other members and encourage them to come. Those present were: Bill Holler, Lee Lemens, Dave Ruhnke, Don Small, Ron Dommershausen, Ron Disch, Marvin Millville, Rich Gorst, John Zwettler, Mike Stassi, Bob Call, Tim May, Ken Hillebrand, Casey Healy, Ed Kroth Terry Stamm, Bill Kracke, Tom Corcoran, and Jim Virnig.

The door prizes winners were: Bill Holler, Ron Disch, Dave Ruhnke, Marvin Milleville, Rich Gorst, Casey Healy, Ed Kroth and Jim Virnig.

Our next luncheon on October 14th will be at Babe's Bar & Grill on Schroeder Rd in Madison, across from Vitense Golf. Hope to see you there!

Fraternally,

Jim Virnig IBEW 159 Retiree

RETIREES LUNCHEON

STRAIGHT FROM THE OVAL OFFICE :

Hello Brothers & Sisters,

Fantasy In Lights Setup starts October 28th thru November 9th, 2019. The lighting ceremony will be at 6pm Friday, November 9th, 2019. I had a few members mention that they would help out if they didn’t have to miss work, so we are planning on working Saturday, November 2nd from 8am until 2:30pm. We will supply coffee, doughnuts, and pizza for lunch. CALL THE HALL TO SIGN UP FOR FIL VOLUNTEERING ON SATURDAY NOV 2nd!

There has been some discussion about how our meetings are run, so I’m going to address this by starting with the chapter that brought about the discussion in the 1st place. Robert’s Rules of Order, 11th edition, Chapter 6, sec 17.

1. Motion to Table – This motion is often improperly used in the attempt to “kill” a motion. The object of this motion is to enable the assembly, in order to attend to more urgent business, to lay aside the pending question in such a way that its consideration may and should be resumed at the will of the assembly as easily as if it were a new question, and in preference to new questions competing with it for consideration. It is to the interest of the assembly that this object should be attained instantly by a majority vote, and therefore this motion must either apply to, or take precedence of, every debatable motion whatever its rank.

There is a great temptation to make an improper use of them, and lay questions on the table for the purpose of instantly suppressing them by a majority vote, instead of using the proper question, “I call the previous question” the legitimate motion to bring the assembly to an immediate vote.

2. Motion to Postpone Indefinitely – This is the proper motion used in the attempt to “kill” a pending motion. This is often used as a means of parliamentary strategy and allows opponents of motion to test their strength without an actual vote being taken.

In Solidarity,

Tom Lemens IBEW Local 159 President

IBEW Hall Open Late: Open until 7pm on Wednesday, November 6th, 2019.

Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 28th, 2019 IBEW Local 159 Hall Closed.

OCTOBER SAVE THE DATES

Additional SAVE THE DATES

IBEW Stewards Training: Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 from 4pm to 8pm at Local 159 Hall. Call the Hall to sign up.

IBEW Hall Open Late: Open until 7pm on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019.

Trades Women Build Nations Conference October 4-6, 2019 in Minneapolis, MN

Renew Committee Meeting: Thursday, October 10th, 2019 @ 4:30pm @ Madison Labor Temple, Room 212.

Monthly Membership Meeting: Thursday, October 10th, 2019 @ 5:30pm @ Madison Labor Temple.

Renew Conference October 16-19, 2019 in St. Louis, MO

Women’s Group: Thursday, October 24th, 2019 @ 3:30pm @ IBEW Local 159 Hall.

EWMC Committee: Thursday, October 24th, 2019 @ 5pm @ IBEW Local 159 Hall.

Retirement & Investments Seminar: Thursday, October 24th, 2019 @ IBEW Local 159 Hall presented by Park Bank. Contact the IBEW Local 159 Hall to sign up! 608-255-2989

Executive Board Meeting: Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 @ 4:30pm @ IBEW Local 159 Hall.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN@: Thursday, October 31st, 2019!

Members in Good Standing, I'm not sure if it's the excitement induced by the distant calling of the crunching leaves of fall or the respite we find knowing that summer is breathing its last humid breath upon our scorched necks, but our activity has been up and August has been one of our busiest months of the year. RENEW made a couple of changes to the way we do things and, in an effort, to add a bit more formality to our meetings, we request that all attendees bring their current dues receipt for review. Most likely, if you're at RENEW you'll be staying for the general membership meeting, so we hope this isn't an unwarranted request. In keeping with our pledge to take additional servings of union cake, this month and for the following 5 we will be starting our meetings with a viewing of a slice of “An Historical Overview of Labor Unions in the United States” produced by the Wisconsin Labor History Society. In the past month our members found themselves at some great events. Brothers Josh Stern, Barrett Locatelli, myself, Shaun Daniels, Josh Webber, and Shaun "Pappa" Daniels Jr. ended up running (or in my case, walking) a 10-mile course filled with 28 obstacles with names like "Electroshock Therapy" and "Arctic Enema" at the grueling 2019 Tough Mudder. The previous weekend brought Sister Kitri Bussey and Brothers Dave Boetcher, Mike Grassy, Mike "Iron Mike" Krone, Mitch Johnson, myself, Josh Stern, and Josh Webber to that mystical strip of road along S. Stoughton Road betwixt Cottage Grove Rd. and Milwaukee St. for our recurring event, Highway Cleanup. Much fun was had and along with the regular trash we picked up, we found no less than 6 interesting items including debit cards, ID's, adult candies, and more. Brother Josh Stern found himself relieved of his volunteer Head Electrician duties as the Pursuit of Happiness music festival came to a close for this year. LU 159 approved a motion to be a contributing sponsor of this event and we had an information booth set up at the 7 sessions that happened throughout this summer. Thanks to brothers Mitch Johnson, Josh Webber, myself, and Mike Grassy for helping spread the good union word alongside brother Stern at our booth. Special thanks to brother Casey Healy for supplying us with all the necessary informative wares. In closing, we invite you to RENEW's first Labor History Night where we will be screening Director Boots Riley’s debut film, “Sorry to Bother You”. A blunt, comedic, and sometimes absurd examination of organized labor’s continued struggle against those who seek to corporatize the planet and take our humanity. Rated R for pervasive language, some strong sexual content, graphic nudity, and drug use. Friday, October 11th from 5-10PM at Communication, 2645 Milwaukee St. in Madison. Brothers Josh Stern and Mitch Johnson, our Recording Secretary and Co-chair, respectively, and I look forward to seeing you at our meetings, every second Thursday of the month at the Labor Temple in room 212 at 4:30. Don't forget, while our focus is on the next generation, we welcome any and all generations at our meetings. P.S. RENEW is looking for people interested in attending a workshop to develop or hone their leadership skills. For more information, email renew@ibew159.org In Solidarity, Pablo Baxter Chair, RENEW 159

Hello Fellow Brothers and Sisters, We have a new meeting time for the EWMC Committee! The EWMC Meetings are now held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 5pm. So, the next meeting will be held Thursday, October 24th at 5pm at the IBEW Local 159 Hall. We hope to see you there!

In Solidarity,

Shaun Daniels EWMC President

If you are 35 or younger, there is a RENEW committee which meets before the meeting at the Labor Temple in Room 201 A&B. The RENEW committee is about developing friendships, doing well for the community, and building brotherhood among IBEW members.

* MONTHLY DUES (effective 1/1/2019) *

$19.00 Dues goes to IBEW Pension

$19.00 Dues goes to IBEW General Fund

$ 1.75 Dues goes to Local 159 Dues

$39.75 Total

1st Quarter (Jan/Feb/Mar) Pay by December 31st

2nd Quarter (Apr/May/June) Pay by

March 31st 3rd Quarter (July/Aug/Sept) Pay by

June 30th 4th Quarter (Oct/Nov/Dec) Pay by

September 30th

Death benefits are assessed for any active or retired member who passes away. Active members pay $1.00 for each death benefit. This is also a benefit for all #159 active and retired members. We are currently on death benefit #257. If you currently have your union dues set up on bill pay with your bank, make sure you are sending $39.75 each month. Remember to check on death benefits. We accept checks, cash (in person), debit/credit cards (in person or by phone during business hours) and money orders.

DUES NOT PAID IN A TIMELY MANNER MAY

CAUSE THE LOSS OF SOME OR ALL BENEFITS.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY DUES TIMELY. IBEW #159 IS NOT REQUIRED TO

SEND OUT BILLING STATEMENTS

IBEW LOCAL 159 4903 COMMERCE COURT MCFARLAND WI 53558

608-255-2989 www.ibew159.org

Follow us on Instagram at ibewlocal159 or like us on Facebook

CampBUILD I’d like to thank Local 159 and LMCC for supporting CampBuild. For those of you who did not hear about it, this was the first year for CampBuild. Modelled on CampHero, it was a collaboration between MATC and the Girl Scouts, meant to introduce girls to the skilled trades.

It was a two weeklong event, with girls from kindergarten to high school participating. Sessions ranged from a half day for the youngest to a week for the oldest. Electrical was done on one day of each session.

Special thanks to Demian Bandera, Carol Grundahl, Mandy Held, Rebecca Schave, Lisa Goodman, Ed Kroth, Tim May, Casey Healy, Ammu Kuricheti, Lamarra Everson, and Roger Handler. Next year we hope for more members to be involved.

Respectfully, Eileen Stuntebeck

IBEW Local Union 159 4903 Commerce Court McFarland, WI 53558

Find breaking news & information at the Local 159 Facebook page: facebook.com/IBEWLocal159

CONTACTS: Local 159 Office (608) 255-2989, office@ibew159.org Apprenticeship Office (608) 221-3321, wijatc.org Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) (608) 266-2112, dsps.wi.gov WEEBF, Health Insurance & Benefits (608) 276-9111, weebf.org or Wisconsin Electrical Employees Benefits Fund (WEEBF) (800) 422-2128

MONTHLY MEETINGS: Office open late, First Wednesday of every month, until 7:00pm Retirement Luncheon: Second Monday of every month at 11:30am, location varies. Union Meeting: Second Thursday of every month, Madison Labor Temple, 5:30pm Renew Meeting: Second Thursday of every month, Madison Labor Temple at 4:30pm Executive Meeting: Fourth Monday of every month, Union Hall at 4:30pm