The Electrical Worker February 2011

W W W . I B E W . O R G

BoMcCurry had spread concrete onconstruction sites for 15 yearswhenhewent searching for a three-monthjob to get him through thewinter. He

got hired atThomas Lighting’s fixturemanufac-turing plant inSparta, Tenn. Thatwas in 1988.

McCurry never left. There, he met hisfuture wife, Donna, joined Sparta Local 2143and a family of union workers and managersthat has been celebrated for its progressiverelationship and productivity, contributing to

the factory’s designation as one of the top 10manufacturing plants in North America in2009 by Industry Weekmagazine.

On Nov. 11, the McCurrys—who share 50years of seniority at the plant—were blind-sided when representatives of the plant’sowner, Netherlands-based PhilipsLuminaires, showed up at the factory toannounce that it would be shut down. Most ofthe work performed by 130 bargaining unitmembers and 170 others will be transferred to

a new plant under con-struction in Mexico.

Just two monthsago, Sparta’s work forcewas awarded the “LeanManufacturing Cup,” forefficiency, by Philips.Soon they will beginmaking fixtures that will

use energy-efficient LED bulbs. The line willmove to Mexico after it becomes productive.

“It was the way they pulled the plug onus,” says McCurry, 56, president of Local 2143,recalling several successful rounds of negotia-tions over the years to keep the doors open ona plant that has not seen a union-led workstoppage in 30 years. Distribution costs havebeen cut by 60 percent and defective parts by95 percent over the past four years.

This time, Philips’ big shots showed up,accompanied by securitymenwith earphonesand delivered the death warrant for one of onlytwomanufacturing plants left in a county whoseunemployment already nears 15 percent. Then,they quickly escaped out the back door.

The Philips announcementwas immedi-

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PLANT SHUTDOWN continued on page 2

Tennessee CommunityChallenges Plant Shutdown

Amultinational company, established in1891 in the Netherlands, Philips has 127 pro-duction sites in 29 countries with sales andservice outlets in approximately 100 coun-tries. The company has 115,924 employees.

Among a long line of consumer prod-ucts, Philips produces the popular Sonicareelectric toothbrush and AVENT appliancesfor baby feeding. The company purchasednaming rights to the Atlanta arena that ishome to the NHL’s Thrashers and the NBA’sHawks. Philips promotes a “green” imageon the Web. �

Philips At A Glance

Members of Sparta, Tenn., Local 2143 leada walk on Jan. 8 to protest the plannedshutdown of the Philips lighting fixture plant.They were joined by International PresidentEdwin D. Hill and community leaders.

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3 | New tools attract new work

Verizon ordered to maintain lines

4 | North of 49°

5 | Organizing Wire

Circuits

6 | Local Lines

14 | Retiree Local Lines

17 | In Memoriam

18 | Editorials

19 | Letters to the Editor

Who We Are

I N T H I S I S S U E

2 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1

Tennessee Community Challenges PlantShutdown

Continued from page 1

atelymetwith anunprecedenteddemonstration of unity and resistanceinSparta. Local 2143BusinessManager Jerry Pryor—supportedbyservicing staff, TenthDistrictInternational Representative BrentHall—joinedwith business, commu-nity andpolitical leaders inSparta tokeep the plant frommaking the alarm-ing list of 50,000U.S.manufacturingplants that have shutdownover thelast decade.

ARescue Attempt

A purchase proposal for the plantwas prepared by state and countyagencies, banks and the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce,supported by plantmanager DaveUhrik. Despite documenting theadvantages to Philips of continuing asupply of products fromSparta, thecompany turned down the offer.

The regional industrial board isnow considering appropriating$20,000 in travel and other expensesfor community leaders to continuetheir advocacy with congressionalleaders and Philips executives.Sparta officials estimate that the clo-sure would negatively impact 2,500total jobs, including the supply baseand affected community services.

On Jan. 8, International

President Edwin D. Hill joined Local2143members, political and busi-ness leaders at a rally to send themessage far and wide: “Keep thelights on in Sparta!”

A LoyalWorkForce

“Our goal is to stop this shutdown,”says IBEWManufacturing Depart-ment Director RandyMiddleton.“Here’s a foreign-based companythat has already receivedmore than$7million in U.S. federal stimulusgrants and contracts literally throwingaway loyal workers andmanagerswho have bent over backward to dothe right things in Sparta.”

Philips has announced thatsome of the production currentlyperformed in Sparta will be sent toPhilips’ Day-Brite plant in Tupelo,Miss., which employs more than300 members of Local 1028. By chal-lenging the Sparta shutdown, saysMiddleton, the IBEW is also stand-ing up to prevent Tupelo from beingthe next runaway shop.

In an editorial published in theNetherlands newspaper EindhovensDagblad, President Hill points to theprogress that has flowed from labor-management participation in Sparta,where workers’ compensation claimsfor injuries on the job have decreasedas both sides have committed tobuilding a safer, healthier workplace.

Plant Manager Uhrik and IBEWBusiness Manager Pryor were recog-nized in a January 2010 IndustryWeek story for their joint efforts toestablish a health risk assessmentand screening plan, employing anon-site nurse practitioner for earlydetection of serious employee med-ical problems. Pryor says his life wassaved by an early cancer screening.

Newly-elected Sparta Mayor JeffYoung—whosemother was one of

Thomas Lighting’s first workers whenthe plant opened in 1963 and spent46 years on the assembly line—hasbeen working with state and countyofficials to figure out ways to helpworkers who could lose their jobs.Young toured the plant and learnedthe production costs for fixtures.

A Fine Product Line

“I’ve been in business myself for 28years,” says Young. “I can’t for thelife of me figure out how—with thoselow production costs—it makes anysense to spend millions of dollars tomove this plant to Mexico.”

Weighing an average of 12pounds each, the Sparta plant’s fix-tures can be shipped to a majority ofcustomers within one day. Laborcosts are only 4 percent of total plantcosts. Plant sources say the move toMexico will cost an estimated $35million. One piece of equipmentalone will require six semi-trucksand months to transport.

Three years ago, White County’sindustrial board issued Philips a$5 million loan and local union lead-ership negotiated a new pay scalerevising incentives on work that isnow automated to help the companyfinance the installation of a newsteel stamping press.

International RepresentativeHall, a former president and currentboardmember of theTennesseeLabor-Management Foundation,remembers a roundtable discussionthat preceded IndustryWeek’s top-tenlisting of theSparta plant. “Theywere

mesmerized,” says Hall, who person-ally promoted the plant’s products.

Hall and local union leaderscontacted Tennessee Commissionerof Labor James Neeley when theyheard that Volkswagen, which wasbuilding a new plant in Chattanooga,planned to order lighting for the facil-ity from out-of-state sources. As aresult of the union’s lobbying,Volkswagen, which received signifi-cant tax breaks and other incentivesfrom the state, agreed to purchasefixtures from the Sparta plant.

“I work with a lot of good peo-ple who clock in on time every dayand do a good job,” says DwaynePendergraph, who works on theautomated strip line. “When theboss comes down and needs some-thing done, we do it.”

‘Something’sGot toGive’

This is Pendergraph’s second boutwith outsourcing to Mexico. He, hiswife and in-laws, members of SheetMetal Workers Local 483, worked atCarrier’s industrial heating and cool-ing products plant in Morrison,Tenn., which shut down in 2005.

“Mywhole family has alreadytaken a hard lick,” says Pendergraph.“A lot of people here at Philips willbe going through what we did. It’sfrustrating. We’re doing our damnd-est, but the carpet keeps gettingpulled out from under us.”

“Something has got to givesomewhere or, before too long,”McCurry says, “our senators andcongressmen will have to move theiroffices to Mexico or China.” �

Local 2143 President Bo McCurryand his wife, Donna, share 50 yearsat the Philips plant.

Philips plant shutdowns abroad have led to significant worker resist-ance. Workers in Turkey demonstrated against a plant closure in2008. Last February, a French court ruled that Philips’ closure of a

plant in Dreux, in the nation’s northwest, was illegal, ordering the companyto reopen the facility.

Philips had sentworkers at theDreuxplant a letter on aSaturday, notifyingthem that the plantwould be shutdown the followingMonday.The letterrestated the termsof the company’s final offer in negotiationswith their union—either accept severance payor transfer to a plant inHungary at a reduced salary.Philips demanded that theworkers be fluent inHungarian to transfer. �

Corporate Decisions Abroad

Local 2143member DwaynePendergraphgathers withco-workers at aJanuary rally.Pendergraphworked at aCarrier’s plant inMorrison, Tenn.,until it closed in2005, whenproductionshifted to Mexico.

IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill marched with Sparta Local2143 members on Jan. 8. Here are some excerpts from his remarks.

“ You—the managers, the line workers and the greater community ofSparta—are the ones who are responsible for this facility’s profitability,its success and its serving as a model of what American manufacturingshould be. And you have as strong a stake in this facility as the farawaydecision-makers of Philips.

When does America say enough? When do all of us—working people, man-agement, political leaders and small business—stop letting ourselves bedivided and start working together to change things? In Sparta the answeris clear—this community is standing in unity to say no. And if we keepfighting for these jobs and for this community, then maybe it will inspireothers to do the same. And—step by step—we can restore the broad pros-perity and pride that were the hallmarks of the American dream.”

Standing in Unity toSay ‘No’

T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1 3


RecoveryAgreementsAidOrganizing in York, Pa.

Steve Selby, membershipdevelopment coordinatorfor York, Pa., Local 229,checked out International

President Hill’s interview on recoveryagreements (The Electrical Worker,Dec. 2010) while visiting the IBEW’sFacebook page.

In the interview, President Hilldescribed how the new job classifi-cations of construction electricianand construction wireman have beendeveloped to help locals increasemarket share, making signatory con-tractors more competitive, andincreasing employment opportuni-ties for journeymen and apprentices.

After reading a few of theposted comments that accused theInternational union of underminingthe job security of journeyman wire-men by establishing new classifica-tions, Selby had to respond.

“Such negativity!” postedSelby, whowent on to talk about howLocal 229’s utilization of constructionelectricians and constructionwiremenhas helped to organize nonunionelectrical contractors, increasing thelocal’s share of small commercial jobsthatmembers—whoworkprimarilyon heavy industrial and power houseprojects—had rarely performed.

Selby and Business ManagerMatt Paules knew firsthand how dif-ficult it had been to sign nonunioncontractors in “top-down” cam-paigns before the introduction ofrecovery agreements.

Many contractors wereimpressed with the IBEW’s training,but all of their employees couldn’teasily fit into journeyman andapprentice classifications.

“We were turning potentialmembers away andmissing the pos-sibility of organizing contractorsbecause we simply did not have aclassification to fit the potentialmember or all of the potential mem-bers at a given contractor,” saysPaules. It was time for organizing toconform to themarketmodel in York.

Years ago, Paules, a formerorganizer, and his predecessor, JimDougherty, took a look in the mirrorand decided that new strategieswere needed to grow the union.

Dougherty knew that utilizingnew classifications was essential.Paules will always rememberDougherty’s response to skeptics.

He said, “When Henry Miller wasorganizing the union, he didn’t ask ifworkers were journeymen or appren-tices. As long as a guy had a bag ofwire nuts, they brought him in underthe IBEW flag.”

The local adopted thePennsylvania Initiative’s small worksagreement in 2006, which includedtheCE/CW classifications. In 2007,Paules traveled toMiami to joinorganizers from across the country tolaunch the Florida Initiative, returninghomewith some new tactics.

Local 229 held industry nights—recruitment fairs for nonunion elec-tricians and contractors—withdecent participation, but most of thelocal’s 22 CEs and CWs were broughtin over the last six months as thelocal has deepened its use of recov-ery agreements.

In 2008, the local signed ProElectric, a small nonunion contrac-tor. While most of the company’soriginal crew worked in alternativeclassifications, the company is now

primarily employing journeymen,apprentices and teledata techni-cians and winning bids on federaland state prevailing wage projects.

“Without the new classifica-tions,” says Paules, “we nevercould have signed Pro Electric inthe first place.”

Using new classifications, Local229 recently signedStewartstown

Electrical Service, a light commercialand residential service contractor,and another employer that special-izes in residential and solar jobs.

Selby joined the local sevenyears ago afterworking for the area’slargest nonunion contractor.

“We haven’t sold our journey-men jobs down the river, like someon Facebook accuse,” says Selby.

Every local union, he says, needs tofigure out how to make recoveryagreements work. “It’s about ourbread and butter,” he says.

Selby said workers in new clas-sifications are given 30 days of workwith a signatory contractor basedupon their test scores. Some haveproven to be unsuitable workers andwere terminated. But others haveexcelled and entered the local’sapprenticeship program.

Jeremy Shultz, a 25-year-oldjourneyman and a member of thelocal’s executive board, joinedSelby on Facebook defending theCE/CW program. Shultz says, “Iunderstand that a lot of localunions don’t have full employmentlike ours, but we landed jobsthrough integrating these guysthat we wouldn’t have gotten.

“The trash talking isn’t help-ful,” Shultz says. “We need to besmart about the future and keepcrew costs competitive.” �

A York, Pa., Local 229 composite crew installs solar panels at Kohl’sdepartment store in Hanover. Journeyman wiremen Shane Reese, left, andBob Cidor are joined by apprentices Klinton Kohler, Wes Copenhaver andChase Stewart and construction wireman Ron Hilbert.

Mass. AttorneyGen. toVerizon: FixYour Landlines

When dozens of Verizon’s landline customers in 99 small townsin Western Massachusetts had their fill of poor service, staticon the lines and dead dial tones, they contacted the state’sDepartment of Telecommunications and Cable.

Springfield Local 2324’s BusinessManager John Rowley Sr., representingworkers at Verizon, and his members had a decision to make. They knew bet-ter thanmost that the copper infrastructure was the culprit. The only optionswere to join hands with Verizon’s disgruntled customers or just watch and lis-ten from the sidelines at public hearings set up by state regulators.

“Ultimately I knew the only way to effectively deal with the situationwas to become a participant in the proceedings. If the members wanted tospeak out, they could not,” says Rowley. Workers at utility companies lackwhistleblower protections and could be disciplined for testifying about poorservice, so Rowley carried the ball for them.

“I believed that this was our chance for the union to show that we arenot just in our communities for ourselves,” says Rowley, who filed the formalpetition to intervene in the investigation.

As a direct result of Local 2324’s intervention, Verizon agreed to a settle-ment in late December withMassachusetts AttorneyGeneral Martha Coakleythat provides for significant improvement to its infrastructure and network inWesternMassachusetts. The settlement is pending approval of the DTC.

“Reliable telephone service is crucial to every household and businessin Massachusetts,” said Coakley. “Parts of Western Massachusetts, whichlack wireless service and access to other landline service providers, relysolely on Verizon’s landline service for access to emergency services and inorder to conduct business and daily communications.”

The settlement agreement, whichwill be presented at a publichearing,compels Verizon to immediately survey and complete all repair work in 33 wirecenters serving 65municipalities and to improve the condition of the network

in 34 additional wire centers within 15 months. Verizon will submit quarterlyreports on progress, which will be monitored by the Attorney General’s office.“Every wire center is getting a good going over,” says Rowley.

“Having the opportunity to work side by side with the AttorneyGeneral’s office on behalf of Western Massachusetts consumers has been atremendous experience,” says Rowley. “In the long run, it is the customersthat will benefit from everyone’s efforts.” Massachusetts residents, he says,are fortunate that the Attorney General’s department includes an Office ofRatepayer Advocacy.

After the announcement of the settlement agreement, says Rowley,even members who were skeptical about the local’s intervention are begin-ning to see the benefits of the victory for the customers.

Some of the western region’s towns have only 500 citizens.Withnearly 3,000 square miles in Local 2324’s jurisdiction, building public sup-port for private-sector unionism is challenging. The local’s intervention couldbe an example for other telecommunications and utility locals facing similarconsumer demographics and service issues.

“Find out who has regulatory authority in your area,” says Rowley. “Getthe customers involved. If theymake phone calls and send e-mails, things canhappen. Fifty e-mailsmean next to nothing. Five hundred start a fire,” he adds.

“This is an incredibly unique opportunity.When we take a stand andback up our words with action, we make a lot of friends,” says Rowley. At thesame time, he says, “I have tempered optimism that the union and the com-pany will continue to work together now and in the future.” However, hesays, success isn’t possible without the willingness to try.

Bob Erickson, International Representative, IBEW TelecommunicationsDepartment, says, “The efforts of John Rowley and Local 2324 demonstratethe powerful benefits of working with state officials to resolve issues thataffect not only our members, but the customers we serve.” �

An emerging coalition oflabor unions and electedofficials is mobilizingagainst the ruling

Conservative Party’s efforts to selloff Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.,the national nuclear agency, whichemploys more than 70,000Canadians.

PrimeMinisterStephenHarperwas able to sneaka series of contro-versial privatizationmeasures—including onewhichmandates thesale of AECL—into his government’sbudget bill, whichwaspassed last fall.

By incorporating themeasureinto an omnibus budget bill, Harpermade it difficult for oppositionMPs tovote against it without threatening thestability of the government. Under theparliamentary system, a vote againstthe government’s budget is viewed asa vote of no confidence, whichwouldset the stage for a new round of elec-tions. Bringing down the governmentwas not an appealing option formanycampaign-fatiguedMPs and voters,who have endured three nationalelections in less than six years.

“Harper manipulated the sys-tem by including this item in thebudget,” says First District VicePresident Phil Flemming. “He’s try-ing to sell off a key component ofCanada’s energy portfolio with mini-mal debate or public input.”

The concern is that privatizationwill put thousands of jobs and futureinvestment in nuclear technology inCanada at risk.

Rob Sheppard, president of theSociety of Energy Professionals, oneof the unions that represents AECLemployees, says in a statement that,“Canada has a wealth of nuclearexpertise and knowledge that isrenowned worldwide, and we feel itis imperative that this technologyand the thousands of good jobs itcreates must remain Canadian.”

First District InternationalRepresentative Peter Routliff, whotestified against the sale before a spe-cial Senate subcommittee last fall,questions whether a private investorwould have the expertise and fundsnecessary tomaintain AECL, in partic-ular the special CANDU reactors—aCanadian-invented pressurized water

reactor used in nuclear power plants.More than 70 Deep River,

Ontario, IBEW Local 742 memberswork for the nuclear agency’s ChalkRiver reactor—jobs which could beput at risk by privatization.

Hundreds of other IBEWmem-bers who work in the nuclear indus-try could also be affected by the sale.

Fredericton, New Brunswick,Local 37 Business Manager RossGalbraith represents workers at the

Point Lepreau Nuclear GeneratingStation, which, while owned by NBPower, uses an AECL-producedCANDU reactor.

“Our main concern is whethera private entity would maintain theresources needed to support thistechnology,” he says. “CANDU is aunique Canadian technology and wedon’t want to see it abandoned.”

The sale alsomet some opposi-tion in Ottawa.Sen. Pierette Ringuette

(NewBrunswick) teamed upwithother senators to oppose themeasurelast fall.

“The survival of AECL is crucialto Canadians; whether for its med-ical isotope production for millionsof Canadians, or its nuclear energyproduction, which supplies half ofOntario’s electricity,” she says ina statement.

Ringuette introduced a bill thatwould limit the government’s sale of

AECL to only 30 percent of theagency’s assets.

Routliff says the First District isleading a grassroots education effortto help keep the agency in the gov-ernment’s hands.

“This puts thousands of goodjobs and the nuclear energy industryin Canada at risk, so it’s vital thatevery IBEWmember lets their MPknow how they feel,” says VicePresident Flemming. �


North of 49° | Au nord du 49° parallèle

First District Protests Privatization ofCanada’sNuclear Agency

Les sections locales du Premier Districtprotestent contre la privatisationde laSociété nucléaire canadienne

Une nouvelle coalition aété formée par des syn-dicats de métiers et desdéputés élus afin de se

mobiliser contre les tentatives duParti Conservateur de vendre Énergieatomique du Canada limitée (ÉACL),la société canadienne d’énergienucléaire qui emploie plus de70,000 canadiens.

Le Premier Ministre StephenHarper a réussi à faufiler une sériede dispositions controversées sur laprivatisation—notamment celleprévoyant la vente d’ÉACL—dans leprojet de loi budgétaire de son gou-vernement passé l’automne dernier.

En incorporant la dispositiondansunprojet de loi omnibus, Harpera rendu la tâche plus difficile auxdéputés de l’opposition, sachantqu’en votant contre cet item, la sta-bilité du gouvernementpourrait êtremenacée.Selon le régimeparlemen-taire canadien, un vote contre le projetde loi budgétaire est considéré commeun vote de non confiance, préparantainsi la voie à de nouvelles élections.Renverser le gouvernement nereprésentait pasune option désirablepourplusieurs députés, épuisésparles campagnes et pour les électeursqui ont dû supporter trois électionsnationales enmoins de six ans.

« En incluant cette dispositiondans le budget, Harper a réussi àmanipuler le régime. Il essaie devendre un élément clé du porte-feuille énergétique du Canada sansqu’il y ait le moindre débat ou con-sultation publique » déclare PhilFlemming, Vice-président interna-tional pour le Premier District.

Notre plus grande inquiétudec’est que les enjeux entourant la pri-vatisation auront un lien direct surdes milliers d’emplois de même quesur les futurs investissements dansla technologie nucléaire au Canada.

Ron Sheppard, président de laSociety of Energy Professionals, undes syndicats représentant les em-ployés de ÉACL déclarait ce qui suitdans un communiqué : « Le Canadaest renomméà l’échelle internationalepour son expertise et son savoirdans le domaine de l’industrie nu-cléaire et nous estimons qu’il estimpératif de conserver cette tech-nologie et les milliers d’emploisqu’elle permet de créer au Canada ».

L’automne dernier, le confrèrePeter Routliff, représentant interna-tional pour le Premier District, a té-moigné devant le sous-comité séna-torial spécial contre la vente de ÉACL,questionnant les probabilités qu’uninvestisseur privé puisse avoir l’ex-

pertise et les fonds nécessaires pourmaintenir ÉACL, plus spécialementles réacteurs de puissance CANDU,des réacteurs modérés à eau lourdemis au point au Canada et utiliséspour les centrales nucléaires.

La privatisation pourrait aussientraîner la perte d’emplois de plusde 70 membres de la Section locale742—FIOE de Deep River, en Ontario,travaillant à la centrale nucléaire deChalk River.

Des centaines d’autres mem-bres de la FIOE oeuvrant dans le do-maine de l’industrie nucléaire pour-raient également être affectés par lavente d’ÉACL.

Le confrère Ross Galbraith,Gérant d’affaires de la S.L. 37 deFrédéricton, au Nouveau-Brunswickqui représente les travailleurs de laCentrale nucléaire de Point-Lepreau,se dit très préoccupé par la situationcar bien que la centrale appartienneet soit exploitée par Énergie NB , ellecomprend un réacteur de puissanceCANDU conçu par ÉACL.

« Est-ce qu’une entité privéeaura les ressources nécessairespour développer une telle technolo-gie? C’est ce qui nous inquiète leplus car la conception et la technolo-gie de pointe des réacteurs CANDUest unique au Canada et nous ne

voudrions pas qu’on laisse tomberce programme » dit-il.

Le sujet de la vente d’ÉACLaaussi amené une réaction négative àOttawa l’automne dernier alors que lasénatrice libérale Pierrette Ringuettedu Nouveau-Brunswick, ralliée àd’autres sénateurs, exprimait sonopposition à cette disposition.

« La survie d’Énergie Atomiquedu Canada Limitée est cruciale pourlesCanadiens, tant pour la produc-tion d’isotopesmédicauxnécessairesà desmillions deCanadiens que pourla production d’énergie nucléaire quifournit plus de lamoitié de l’électric-ité de l’Ontario » a-t-elle déclaré.

Madame Ringuette a présentéun projet de loi qui limiterait la vented’ÉACL par le gouvernement à seule-ment 30% des actifs de la société.

« Le bureau du Premier Districtmène une campagne d’éducationpopulaire afin de maintenir la so-ciété au sein du gouvernement » ditle représentant Routliff.

« Des milliers d’emplois ré-munérateurs et toute l’industrie del’énergie nucléaire au Canada pour-raient être enpéril. Il est doncprimor-dial que chaquemembre de la FIOEs’adresse à sondéputé afin de lui fairepart de sespréoccupations » conclutle Vice-Président Phil Flemming. �



SavvyOnline CampaignYieldsVictory for N.Y.Can PlantWorkers

A unique campaign to boostmember-ship in NewYorkmay be a harbingerof future efforts to strengthen work-ers’ voices on the job, where laptopscan be as important as leaflets.

Nonunion workers at Anheuser-Busch InBevMetal Container Corp. inNewburgh, whomake cans forBudweiser beer and other brands,were worried about their futures afterthe companywas sold in 2008 to aBelgian group. Employees reachedout to NewCity Local 363 last spring

for support—but the fear of captive-audiencemeetings, harassment andother actions by the employer leftmany at the plant wary of how topress forward withoutmanagementsidelining their efforts.

So organizers got crafty and setup a special blog strictly for the 164employees to debate, strategize, airconcerns and ultimately cometogether for victory, all while avoid-ing many of the union-busting tac-tics so common in most campaigns.

Lead organizer Sam Fratto saidthe anonymous nature of the site—where workers did not have to usetheir real names—ensured that

employees could express their viewsand ask questions without the threatof reprisals frommanagement.

“This was basically like havinga 24-hour-a-day union and cam-paign meeting,” said Fratto, whoserves as the local’s senior assistantbusiness manager. “It got the work-ers involved and allowed people toweigh in with questions and con-cerns before or after their shifts. Itshowed that they didn’t have to beafraid to speak their minds.”

Rick Lewis, a 20-year veteran ofthe plant, said the blog “made theimpossible possible.”

Fratto said, “Theywere afraid totalk among themselves on the floor.They’d tried organizing the plant a fewyears backwith a different union, andthe bosses retaliated—they even firedsome folks. But this timewith theblog, nobody’s jobswere in jeopardybecausemanagement couldn’t singleoutwhowas for or against the union.

“It also becameapparent to usthat the companyknewabout the blogandwasmonitoring it daily—butwedidn’t have anything to hide, so thatdidn’tmatter,” he said. “Whatmat-teredwas that people felt comfortablecoming forwardwith their ideas abouthow to build a betterworkplace.”

The company set up its ownversion of a site—but it lacked two-way communication, only pluggedthe company’s talking points andfell flat with the work force, Frattosaid. And despite management’sefforts to hone in on pro-union work-ers, captive-audience meetingscouldn’t refute what the workerswere reading on Fratto’s blog.

“They can’t top this,” Fratto said.“The company tried to get people tospill info about the campaign, but theworkers just stayed silent. And sincenobody’swearingT-shirts or handingout stickers or fliers, who could theyput the pressure on? Nobody.”

Fratto started the blog last Junewith a straightforward post titled“Fellow Can Plant Workers: FollowUs Here.”

“In these tough economic times,it is very stressful for everymiddle-class family when it comes to worry-ing about work or what will happen atwork,” he wrote. “It is less stressfulwhen you work under a written con-tract. This election will be successfulbecause it is being handled by the

workers themselves—as a group.Check back here frequently forupdates, information and the truth.”

A word-of-mouth buzz aboutthe blog grew, and Fratto’s flagshippost generated more than 200 com-ments, most of them positive.

“Thank you for creating this,”wrote one commenter. “I believe itis what we need to balance outwhat we are told during the workdayby management.”

Another wrote, “This site isgreat. We need a safe place awayfrom work to share our thoughts.”

The next few months usheredin a fluid campaign, a successfulelection last August—where morethan 75 percent of the work forcesigned cards—and what Fratto callsa productive round of negotiationsin December, where negotiatorsraised issues regarding disciplinaryprocedures, overtime, scheduling,medical leave and other policies.

Employee Joe DeStefano, 49,has been at the plant since it openedin 1988. He said there’s been a sig-

nificant change in staff/companyrelations that he hopes will carrythrough to a collective bargainingagreement and beyond.

“Management has been treat-ing us respectfully and things aregoing pretty smoothly right now,”DeStefano said. “People are workingtogether better than before the cam-paign. The common goal right nowseems to be more focus on doingthings right and making our plantthe best that it can be.

“We want to show the company,and the country, that we are unique,dedicated, focused, skilled and will-ing to make our plant an example toall—to show that the IBEWworkers atNewburgh are willing to strive forperfection and achieve excellence inall that we do,” he said.

Local 363 officials said they areimpressed with the tenacity andcamaraderie of the newmembers.

“They understand the powerassociated with having a written con-tract to work under,” said BusinessManager/Financial Secretary JohnMaraia. “The workers knew they hadto take steps of their own to protectthemselves. We are glad they hadthe courage to take those steps andwe welcome them into the IBEW.”

Fratto invites the entire IBEWmembership to visit this blog and“offer encouragement to thesebrave members.”

Send your ownmessage of soli-darity to the workers while theynegotiate their first contract by visit-ingwww.canplant.blogspot.comand posting a comment. �

OrganizingWire

Circuits

Vermont IBEW to PlantOpponents:Don’t Distort the Facts

Leaders from the 1,200-member Montpelier, Vt., Local 300 recently hosted apress conference to demand politicians and environmentalists stick to thefacts on Vermont Yankee’s safety. The local represents 160 employees of thenuclear plant, as well as approximately 50 electricians working for subcon-tractors on site.

The event came on the heels of a Vermont Department of Health reportthat found no significant adverse health effects to the public as a result ofVermont Yankee’s operation. Montpelier Local 300 President George Clain,Business Manager Jeffrey Wimette and several workers—both union andnonunion—shared their stories. Vermont Yankee’s operating license expiresin 2012 and must get a green light from the state legislature to be renewed.

“When deciding the fate of one of Vermont’s most vital employers, wecannot rely on inaccurate information and political spin,” Wimette said. “Ourmembers are on the ground every day and know what is really going on atVermont Yankee and that it is indeed a safe place to work.”

According to the report, health outcomes in communities surroundingthe plant do not differ substantially from other regions. What’s more, the can-cer rates in Vermont Yankee’s emergency preparedness zone are lower than inthe county as a whole, the state and the country. Fish, soil, water, milk andsediment samples exhibited no radioactivity outside historical range.

“I’ve worked at Vermont Yankee for almost nine years—the last three asa reactor operator—and simply wouldn’t be there if the place were unsafe,”said Vermonter Michelle Joy. “The DOH report is no surprise to those of us onthe inside who use our industry-leading training to keep the plant runningsmoothly and reliably.”

Leading up to its May 2010 refueling outage, Vermont Yankee produced5.3 million megawatt hours of electricity around the clock for 532 consecutivedays—the second longest run in the plant’s history. Designated one of thebest places to work by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the facilityreceived the Department of Labor’s Green Mountain Voluntary ProtectionProgram STAR award for its exemplary safety record.

“As well-intentioned as they may be, some in the public eye have castVermont Yankee as a threat to the public’s safety,” Wimette said. “A thought-ful look at the facts says otherwise.” �

New City, NY., Local 363 set up a blog to help workers at the Anheuser-Busch InBevMetal Container Corp. organize their workplace.

“This wasbasically likehaving a 24-hour-a-day union andcampaignmeeting.”– Sam Fratto, lead organizer

Local Lines


JATCGraduation CeremonyL.U. 6 (c,i,st&u), SAN FRANCISCO, CA—The SanFrancisco Joint Apprenticeship and TrainingCommittee conducted completion ceremonies forthe Inside Wiremen and Sound and Communicationclasses of 2009 and 2010.

The graduating apprentices celebrated theirachievement well. Congratulations to the graduates:

Inside wiremen 2009—Leno Bellomo, RichardAlmer, Justin Bonner, Ceferino Alvarez, Kevin Boyle,Klifford Breuker, Marcello Brignardello, NicolasBurroughs, Akim Carson, James Calgaro, PeterCerimeli, Gaetano D’Amato, Michael Doherty,Robert Hansen, Michael Doyle, Qui Ly, DanielGarcia, JimmyMa, Scot Kingshill, JonathanMartinez, Troy McCabe, Anthony Nunsiale, MichaelMcDermott, Patrick Schroff, James Moylan, StephenSweeney, Laura Pagan, Saul Urquilla, Ian Phelps,Christopher Wilson, Robert Schueszler, LawrenceToboni, Israel Tzaig and Sean Walsh.

Inside wiremen 2010—Martin Bac, Paul Arnold,Donald Bernal, Erik Byberg, Cyrus Blue, Yong BangCai, JohnCarlin, MatthewConnolly, EugeneCooper,Jeff Cooksey, Gavin Klippel, Henri Elkaim, BarryMcDevitt, AnthonyGuerrero, Jesus Nevarez, Sai XiongKuang, Daniel O’Connor, James Lagomarsino,Benjamin O’Leary, Chris Lane, Raul Pena, MichaelLauster, LuzMaria Rodriguez, Phillip Lera, EdwardSherron, Andrew Logue, DwayneWilson, NathanLotspeich, KevinWong, Bryan Oliver, JosephWright,NathanSmith, Ernie Tam, JonathanThorsen, LevTourubaroff, KeithWhooley andWesleyWong.

Sound & Communication 2010—Juan Johnson,Jason Miller, Askia Muhammed and PavelSerdyuchencko.

Phil A. Farrelly, Pres.

LaborMuseumVolunteersL.U. 8 (as,em,i,mar,mt,rts,s&spa), TOLEDO, OH—More than 150 Local 8 members participated in apicket at Willard/Kelsey on Nov. 11, 2010. Within justa few hours, one of the owners and the chief finan-cial officer met with us and discussed area standardwages for work performed on their projects. Theyagreed to work with us on projects that are sched-uled in 2011. A big thank-you goes to all Local 8members who participated in the picket. It was animpressive demonstration.

ManyLocal 8membershavebeenvolunteering atthe LaborMuseum inMonroe, MI, over the past year.Thank you to all thosemembers who have donatedtheir time and talent to such a wonderful cause.

The Hockey Fundraiser held Saturday, Nov. 27,2010, was a huge success—and a great way to cele-brate another Buckeye win! The prize money winnerswere: for $1,000—Dan Crook; $600—Lee Arnott; and$400—Charlie Condon and Chip Hammer.

As we all know, work remains slow in ourjurisdiction, but please remain positive as the newyear ahead should bring a better outlook and manymore opportunities.

Terry “Shorty” Short, P.S.

CommunityServiceL.U. 12 (i,o&se), PUEBLO, CO—Local 12, in Puebloand southern Colorado, is proud to representunion electricians to the broader community bylending a helping hand to the Salvation Army andthe United Way. Through the volunteer efforts ofmembers in our area and the United Way ElectricalUpgrade Program, families with electrical needsare being helped. “This program is a great way toreach out to the community and lend a helpinghand” said Albert Herrera, Local 12 organizer.There is also a drive to help remodel the existingSalvation Army; kitchen, bathroom and showerfacilities are having electrical upgrades. Thanks toall those who are giving of their time.

Clif Thompson, A.B.A.

Fantasy of LightsVolunteersL.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN—Brotherhood and the spiritof Christmaswere certainly alive andwell whendozens of caringmembers contributed hundreds ofvolunteer hours tomake the 17th annual Ritzy’sFantasy of Lights possible. Fantasy of Lights is the pre-mier fund-raising event for the EasterSealsRehabilitationCenter.More than $2million has beenraised since the showbegan. This has providedmorethan 60,000 hours of physical therapy for handi-capped children and needy adults in the Evansvillearea. Thousands of dollars can be spent to advertisethe skills, abilities and attitudes of the IBEW, butnothing demonstrates themmore effectively than thecommitment to our community. Thanks go out to allthe volunteers. Special thanks tomembers NickVaught, Ben Ipockand JoshQuinn for their willingnessto supervise setup and nightlymaintenance needs.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

Scholarship ApplicationsL.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC—In this new year, we are working hard to gainemployment opportunities for our members andhope the economy will continue to turn around.

It is also time to look into the Local 26 scholar-ship for anymembers whose children are eligible toapply. The scholarship award is $2,500 per year forup to four years of college. Visit the Local 26Web sitewww.ibewlocal26.org for specific information andto download an application form. Applicationsmayalso be obtained from the union hall. Please call(301) 459-2900 to request that one bemailed to you.The deadline to submit applications is March 31.

The following members passed away since ourlast article: Louis M. Slye, Oscar R. Sweet and RogerE. Harris.

Best wishes to recent retirees: Lambert J.Barclay, Michael R. Fowler, Ronald J. Ferguson,RaymondW. Jones Jr., Jerry L. Price, Ronald L. Warrick,Timothy J. Waters, James F. Burke, Walker T. Clark,Philip C. Comploier, Roger E. Golden, Larry A. Hedrick,Leo E. Howell, Mark J. Milam, Donnie Parson, GregoryP. Pritchett andGary A. Steppler-Krieg.

Charles E. Graham, B.M.

AnnualGolf BenefitL.U. 34 (em,i,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL—We at Local 34 wish everyone a happynew year. First, a bit of news from lastfall. Local 34 held its annual golf out-ing in September 2010 at LaurelGreens Golf Course in Knoxville, IL.The turnout was outstanding asusual and we raised $5,777.71 for BigBrothers, Big Sisters.

Oct. 22 was our annual awardsbanquet at the Itoo Hall in Peoria, IL.The banquet is always a great eventfor members young and old to remi-nisce and meet new people. Local 34congratulates all our members whoreceived an award pin.

Finally, back to the new year.The work in Local 34 is showing signs of life as ofthis writing, despite approximately 20 percent ofthe membership on the books.

2011 seems to have a better work outlookwithsignatory contractors being awarded several big jobsincluding the Bass Pro Shop and Kroger remodels.

Remember to be safe and God bless.

Greg Wroblewski, P.S.

Holiday Lighting ProjectL.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH—Bus. Mgr. Gil Steelethanks the 120members of Local 38 who descendedupon downtown Cleveland to light all four quadrantsof PublicSquare in a single day. Even though it was abrutal Cleveland weather day, that did not stop thesteadfast members and their families from installingthousands of holiday lights and decorations in theallotted time period—and having a fun time doing it.It is quite a display that everyone can be proud of.Thank you to all the volunteers.

Zenith Electric was awarded the $45 millionelectrical contract for the newMedical Mart andConvention Center. At this writing, the project wasscheduled to begin soon on some disconnect andmake-safe work; separating the electrical systemsbetween Public Hall and the old Convention Center;and installing the new switchgear.

2011 is shaping up to be a much better yearwith some of the big projects that are coming ourway such as the new Eaton Building, ClevelandClinic Data Center, East Bank Flats project, FairviewHospital job and the Cleveland Casino.

Dennis Meaney, A.B.M.

HolidaySocial GatheringL.U. 42 (catv,em,govt,lctt&o), HARTFORD, CT—OnDec. 9, 2010, Local 42 held their “ChristmasSmoker” event. Congratulations to the followingmembers who received pin awards for their years ofservice with Local 42:

For 60 years of service—LeonardWhite; for 55years—George Brede; 50 years—Charles Nichols,

Trade Classifications(as) Alarm & Signal (ei) Electrical Inspection (lctt) Line Clearance Tree Trimming (mps) Motion Picture Studios (rr) Railroad (spa) Sound & Public Address

(ars) Atomic Research Service (em) Electrical Manufacturing (lpt) Lightning ProtectionTechnicians

(nst) Nuclear Service Technicians (rtb) Radio-Television Broadcasting (st) Sound Technicians

(bo) Bridge Operators (es) Electric Signs (o) Outside (rtm) Radio-TelevisionManufacturing

(t) Telephone

(cs) Cable Splicers (et) Electronic Technicians (mt) Maintenance (p) Powerhouse (u) Utility

(catv) Cable Television (fm) Fixture Manufacturing (mo) Maintenance & Operation (pet) Professional, Engineers &Technicians

(rts) Radio-Television Service (uow) Utility Office Workers

(c Communications (govt) Governmentmow) Manufacturing Office Workers

(so) Service Occupations (ws) Warehouse and Supply

(cr) Cranemen (i) Inside (ptc) Professional, Technical &Clerical

(s) Shopmen

(ees) Electrical Equipment Service (it) Instrument Technicians (mar) Marine (se) Sign Erector

Efforts are made to make this list as inclusive as possible, but the various job categories of IBEW members are too numerous to comprehensively list all.

Among the 120 Local 38 members and officers whovolunteered to light Cleveland Public Square are, fromleft: Steve Ruitto, Executive Board member Mike Shingaryand Tarrah Kempffer.



Aubrey Pharmer, Gus VonMatt; 45 years—WilliamBernier, Thomas Bosely, Roland Jackson, AlvinMcCartney, James Neuland, Burt Smith; 40 years—James Bowen, Russell Moffitt, Gregory Palakewitz,Paul Retting, Gary Roberts, Leonard Roberts, LouisSchilb, Donald Schultz, FrankSkut, Thomas Ulinskas;35 years—ThomasSchweitzer; 30 years—MarshallEagan, Louis Faraci; 25 years—Gilles Belanger,Stanley Lada, Gene Parenteau, Dennis Prue, GeraldShaw; 20 years—ThomasCapodagli, MichaelCardoze, Michael Gneiting, WilliamO’Donald, JosephSamatoski, ChristopherShane; 15 years—EdwardAvery, Stephen Belanger, Robert Bolton, JamesBrellis, Keith Burns, Craig Clinton, Sean Hallinan,James Henderson, Steve Ouellet, Robert Pelletier,Israel Rivera; and 10 years—Christopher Barker,Joshua Benson, Dennis Coughlin, Robert Currie,Mark Dlubac, MatthewHand, Donnie Langley, JayMartz, JohnMcLellan, MarioMendes, Ernesto Perez,Joseph Rivera, Manuel Rodrigues, Robert Rutkowski,DarrenShinkle, Robert Stella and David Stewart.

Jacquelyn Moffitt, Mbr. Services

OrganizingNewMembersL.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st)SEATTLE, WA—Local 46 has had numerous success-ful organizing drives this year! We welcome our newmembers from KCTS (a PBS station) as well as on-board technicians who maintain and repair Talgotrainsets in our region.

At this writing, 27 clerical and technicalemployees from KCTS have worked toward a newcontract for eight months with only a few issues left.

As of press time, Talgo on-board technicians’negotiations have just begun and members areready to roll up their sleeves and secure a muchawaited contract. Their patience paid off, as theywaited a full year before the National LaborRelations Board granted an election. Despite thelong wait, as the NLRB and the National MediationBoard determined jurisdiction, they voted to certifyLocal 46 as their bargaining agent.

National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration employees were also organizedthrough the Federal Labor Relations Act. This unitwill be moving to Newport, OR, so will be repre-sented by Local 932 out of Coos Bay.

Meanwhile, area school district administra-tors use current budget crunches to justify no wageincreases for IBEWmaintenance staff. Unfortunatelythe union and the district administrators differ onhow to adequately address such budget concerns.Wasteful spending could be addressed beforedepriving members of fair wages. Union teachersface these challenges as well, alongside our IBEWmaintenance members.

Angela Marshall, Rep.

World-Class Intel ExpansionL.U. 48 (c,em,i,rtb,rts&st), PORTLAND, OR—Intel Corp.announced plans to invest $6 billion to $8 billion inOregon, Arizona and NewMexico. Construction willsoon begin to upgrade the Hillsboro, OR, facility.According toMike Rogoway at The Oregonian, Intelalso plans to build a new chipmanufacturing facilityfor processor research andmanufacturing withcapacity for significant expansion.

The Oregonian also reported that the projectswill create 6,000 to 8,000 construction jobs as wellas 800 to 1,000 long-term factory jobs. The bulk of

those jobs will be in Oregon where Intel’s wagesand benefits average $120,000 a year.

“It is an investment in Oregon; it is an invest-ment in the citizens of this state,” said then-OregonGov. Ted Kulongoski, in the last months of his finalterm. “Thank you all very much for believing in us.”It is the belief in union workers that challengesIBEWmembers to perform at a world-class level.

INTEL is bucking the business trend of movingU.S. production offshore by making an investmenthere. To honor that commitment, we need to con-sider Intel our business partner and strive for con-tinued success in a highly competitive businesssector. This is a challenge we gladly face.

Robert Blair, P.S.

Investing inOur FutureL.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO—It is time to remind our-selves that we sometimesmake our own future. Arecent Labor Tribune article was a re-post of a 2004writing by JohnGray entitled, “A Day in the Life of JoeMiddle-Class Republican.” You can hear ThomHartmann’s version of it by putting that title into yourfavorite search engine online, and enjoy the rant!

Our future really is influenced by what we dotoday and what we choose to purchase today. Local68 provides an appropriate message with “Made inUSA” toys for the children at our annual Christmasparty. What could be better than stimulating theAmerican economy while encouraging family?

Don’t forget your two-cent’s worth. Pleasedonate toCOPE each time you pay your dues. Twocents per hourworked is notmuch out of your pocket,but it adds up tomaking a huge investment in ourfuture by helping to electworker-friendly people, andby helping to passworker-friendly legislation.

We extend deepest sympathy to the familiesof our recently deceased brothers:

Robert J. Tyler, Phillip Vessa, Enrique Estudillo,Donald Spitler, Robert G. Ingram, Robert G. Shinall,Charles D. Terry and Hubert Harrison.

Ed Knox, Pres.

2010Graduating ClassL.U. 76 (c,i,rts&st), TACOMA, WA—On Aug. 27, theSouthwest Washington JATCheld a dinner for the2010 graduating class.

Local 76 welcomes our new inside construc-tion journeymen: Jared Anderson, John Bryson, KyleCarlson, Josiah Carossino, Norman Cook II, JohnEisenbacher, Doug Fletcher, Javier Gandara, RicardoGarces, IsaacGreen, Kevin Johnson, GuillermoGonzalez-Herrera, Chad Lanstrom, Dwayne Lee,Jeff Linger, Josh Marquez, Torey Mielke, MarkMitchell, Bryan Nyman, Sasha Owens, Greg Owens,Darrell Paimateer, Dean Pitsch III, Rustam Popkov,

Jeff Reinmuth, Marie Schlotterer, Lindsay Sturn,Steve Thompson, Omar Trujillo Ortiz, DanVailencour, John Vasak Jr., JeremyWilliams andRalph Wright. Welcome also to our new residentialjourneymen: Max Ladenburg, Pavel Lutsyuk,MarkMcGunagle, Spencer O’Galleher and JordanShumate. And our new low voltage journeymen:Brad Baker, Jennifer Cowlishaw, Austin Elliff, BryanGamble, John Herin and Casey Peterson.

We congratulate these new journeymen andwish them long and successful careers. We alsowish to recognize Torey Mielke as winner of the2010 western states apprentice competition.

MacMcClellan, P.S.

EarlyWinterWorkPictureL.U. 80 (i&o), NORFOLK, VA—Work through the earlywinter has continued to be good, with near fullemployment for our members.

A large project in the western part of our juris-diction looks to continue to grow through thespring, as do several smaller projects throughoutthe jurisdiction. You must be registered in ERTS inorder to work through Local 80 if you are traveling.

Local 80made a generous donation to theMarine Corps Toys for Tots during the holiday season.Approximately 75 toys were donated to Toys for Totsthrough Bayside Harley Davidson in Portsmouth, VA.

Dennis Floyd, P.S.

Green EnergyStridesL.U. 82 (em,i,mt&rtb), DAYTON, OH—With feweropportunities in this struggling economy, Dayton isstriving to be the leader in the green energy field.

Among the few contractors in Local 82 workingwith renewable resources, Kastle Solar and Windstands out. Kastle Solar and Wind is the greenenergy division of Kastle Electric, family owned andoperated for 85 years.

As a two-year old venture, KSW is makinggreat strides. KSW recently completed a commercialproject consisting of a 528 panel, 1.19 kw solar pho-tovoltaic array; it also has six 7,000 watt invertersand one single three-phase ACoutput. This projectwas for the Main Field Distribution Center of theDayton Daily News in Kettering, OH. The project took5½ weeks of manpower to complete. Members whoworked on this project were: Tony Granato, JasonHardin and Sean Roberts, all journeyman wiremenwho are NABCEP trained, and one apprentice.

The company worked with Schott Solar PV Inc.All materials are American made; all panels arealso American made, coming out of a companybased in Albuquerque, NM. KSW also has severalother projects in the works—a 264 panel, 60 kwarray that will supply its personal shop; and twoelementary schools in Adams County, OH.

KastleSolar andWind and Local 82 are doinggreat things in the green energy field. Local 82 alsohas five trainers for solar classes: Sean Roberts, PhilCarter, DickBrooks, NickComstockand Jason Zimmer.We also have approximately 60 trained installers.

Clare Rairden, P.S.

Service to CountryL.U. 90 (i), NEW HAVEN, CT—Winter is here and weare awaiting some needed projects to begin.

Local 90 held its annual Christmas children’sparty last December with more than 200 in atten-dance to celebrate the holiday with Santa and enjoyentertainment for the families. Thanks to ourChristmas committee for all their hard work to makethis event a success.

The retirees had their annual Christmas lunch-eon, alsowell attended by our retirees and theirspouses. They always put out a good spread and havea lot of laughs.

At our December union meeting we welcomedhome two members from their duties in the armedforces. Brendan Toth had served in the U.S. Armysince 1977 and was part of Iraqi Freedom. Hereceived numerous commendations and held the

rank of command sergeant major. Heretired from the Army in December.

John Coggshall also served inthe U.S. Army for the past seven yearswith two tours in Afghanistan underhis belt. He has earned the rank ofsergeant, and soon will earn the rankof husband. He got engaged when hegot off the airplane in Connecticut.The entire membership thanks bothof these brothers for their bravery andservice protecting our great nation.

Sean Daly, Pres.Local 76 graduating class of 2010 gathers for a celebration.

Local 80 Asst. Bus. Mgr. Dennis Floyd, Bus.Mgr. Matt Yonka, and Ray Perry, vicepresident and general manager of BaysideHarley-Davidson, note success of the MarineCorps Toys for Tots drive.

Local 82 members working with Kastle Solarand Wind installed solar photovoltaic arrayat the Dayton Daily News Distribution Center.

Local Lines


Annual Pin NightL.U. 96 (i), WORCESTER, MA—Local 96 held itsannual pin night, awarding years of service andhonoring the following retirees: Gary Leavenworth,Norbert Perduta, John Alatalo, Robert Briggs,Kenneth Desaultels, Rodney Dwelly, RichardLanney, Raymond Looney, Samuel McQuiod, WayneGentile, David Wyman, David Wright, WilliamMacFarlane and Richard Roy. Congratulations,brothers, and enjoy retirement.

The kids’ Christmas party was a jolly timeagain this year. Families enjoyed magical live enter-tainment, face painting and a gift from Santa for allthe children. The local thanks everyone who helpedmake the day special for the children. Among thosewho helped were: Jennifer Blake, Dana Mrozinski,Bus. Mgr. Leo Miller, Pres. Robert Fields, GeorgeCarpenter and David A. delaGorgendiere.

The votes have been tallied andMassachusettsmade it through another election and remains ablue state. Although we lost some seats in theHouse and Senate, we stood strong. Thanks to allmembers for voting.

For more information visit us online atwww.ibewlocal96.org.

Luke E. Carpenter, Treas./P.S.

ApprenticeBootCampGraduatesL.U. 104 (lctt,o&u), BOSTON, MA—Congratulationsto all of the apprentices from Local 104 who gradu-ated our boot camp #21 in October 2010.

The Northeastern Apprenticeship and Trainingcommittee and Local 104 put all of their apprenticesthrough a six-weekend-long boot camp to teachapprentices how to climb, pole setting, framing,knot tying and rigging. The apprentices do all of thistraining at our membership development trainingcenter in Barrington, NH. They are given 40 hours ofpractical hands-on training to learn how to climb.After they pass their climbing test, they become a

certified safe climber with N.E.A.T. They also get allof their safety classes during this time: CPR, FirstAid, Pole Top/Bucket Rescue and OSHA T&D 10-hourclass. So when the graduates are called to go towork, all of their certifications are up to date.

In the accompanying photo, among those pos-ing on the pole are Local 104 boot camp #21 gradu-ates: Richard Forsythe, Caleb Bragg, StephenCenedella, Kristopher Dimercurio, Jasper Dustin,DerekMohn, Kyle Tyrrell, Michael Collins and MarcHooke. Congratulations to all the graduates.

Chris Blair, P.S.

Training Center ExpansionL.U. 106 (catv,govt,i&spa), JAMESTOWN, NY—Local106 members are proud to announce we have com-pleted our $1.5 million building expansion projectin Jamestown, NY. The project came in one monthahead of schedule and under budget. The buildingincludes a newmeeting hall, conference room, fiveclassrooms and a high bay area.

With the addition of a new solar array andgreen building technology, we received the “Awardfor Innovative Energy Initiatives” presented at the2010 Chautauqua County Energy Conference by GregEdwards, our county executive.

On another note, we put a call out to our retireesto help trackdown our local history and to fill in someof the blanks as they go through our archived pic-tures. In recent years, ourmembers have brought inpictures to archive and some of the photos are fromthe early 1900s.We need tomake surewe knowwherewe come from sowe canmove our local for-ward. The retiree group thatmeets at our local everymonth has really come together to get it done! Thanksagain to all our retirees forwhat they’ve done in thepast tomove our local forward into the future.

Dave Painter, P.S.

LongtimeOrganizer RetiresL.U. 112 (c,i&st), KENNEWICK, WA—Bob Vandecar,Local 112’s original organizer, retired effective July 1,2010. Bob has served as organizer since 1988. Heserved for four business managers during his timeas organizer. Bob’s many accomplishments, to listjust a few, include: organizing the Ash GroveCement Plant in Durkee, Oregon; organizing theDemil workers at the U.S. Army incinerator site inHermiston, Oregon; helping many non-signatorycontractors become signatory; and, of course,organizing countless non-represented electricalworkers. Bob was one of the first organizers in thelate 1980s when the IBEW reaffirmed its commit-

ment to organizing. Good luck in retirement to Boband his wife, Elaine. You will be missed, Bob.

Recently, Local 112 has made an effort toincrease attendance at union meetings. At ourNovember 2010 meeting, we had a noticeableincrease in attendance due to the efforts of J.J. Elginand T.J. Carter, who texted many of our apprenticesand reminded them of the meeting. We hope thetread of increased attendance will continue. Thankyou, J.J. and T.J.

At this writing, we have 45-50 on Book 1 with afew calls coming in. We have only been able to putout a few from Book 2 and do not expect any change

until spring.

Joe Legard, Organizer

‘Jobs for Alabama’CampaignL.U. 136 (ees,em,i,rtb&u),BIRMINGHAM, AL—We havebeen fortunate to have workduring the last couple of years,working traveling brothers andsisters as well. Thanks to themfor their help.

Our “Jobs for Alabama”campaign is ongoing to protestour city and state projects that

allow contractors to work illegals on their jobs.We also have an ongoing multi-local organiz-

ing campaign with a major non-signatory southeast-ern electrical contractor. We have been working withthe other locals involved to show this contractorthat we can man his projects with skilled IBEWmembers and keep them profitable. We havealready proved this on one project utilizing a small-works ratio. Organizing this contractor would openup many job opportunities across the districts.

The local welcomes two new contractors. AC&EElectric is doing some work atMercedes Benz; andthanks to ourmembers, we’re getting some workpreviously done by non-signatories. We also wel-comeMcWilliams Electric, a minority owned contrac-tor that hopes to pick up someCity of Birminghamwork that requiresminority participation.

The key to getting and keeping this work is forus to go out and be professionals—go to work everyday, be on time, work steady and be safe.

Bobby Hamner, P.S.

EnergyCenter UpdateL.U. 146 (ei,i&rts), DECATUR, IL—Our first-yearapprentices recently completed a four-weekSaturday“boot camp.” This is new to Local 146 andwas

greatly needed. Thanks to Training Dir. Jason Drakeand to Jason Brummitt for bringing this training.

The Illinois House approved the TenaskaTaylorville Energy Center in December 2010, but thelegislation stalled in the Senate and at press timewas scheduled to be brought back up in January ofthis year. We hope to be able to report good news inthe future. This is another prime example of theimportance of electing labor-friendly candidateswhen we go to the polls and vote.

The Future Gen project has apparently beenmoved to Meridosa, IL. Although this is in anotherlocal, it is still good news that the project is stillbeing considered. There is nothing further on theSecure Energy project.

We extend deepest sympathy to the family of52-year member Gene Winterbaurer, who passedaway. Gene was a greatly involved member, whowas always willing to help out in any way he could.He will be truly missed.

Rich Underwood, P.S.

Service Pins&Chili Cook-OffL.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL—At our recentChristmas unionmeeting service pins were given outtomembers with 50, 55 and 60 years of service. Thefollowingmembers received 50 year pins: RogerAnkley, Robert Boettle, TomCurley, Ted Dell, Ed Hood,Bill Kirk, Art RasmussenSr. and John Rottman. RudyPeshman and Harry Preuss received 55 year pins andKen Breitung andTedGalvani received 60 year pins.Combined that is 630 years of service among 12men!Quite an accomplishment andmany thanks to eachof you for all of your years of service.

Scholarship applications are available at theHall. There are also 2008Code Books on sale for therock-bottomprice of $20 a piece until they are gone.First come first serve so you’d better hustle! The JATC isstill offering update classes on a variety of subjects.

The 4th annual Local 150SPARKSChili Cook-offwill be held Feb. 20, 2011, at A.J.’s Horsin’ AroundBar.The address is 114 EastWashingtonStreet in RoundLake Park, Illlinois. Start time is 1 p.m. and the dona-tion is $10 or $5 if you bring a pot of chili! This event isa lot of fun.

See you at the meeting.

Wendy J. Cordts, P.S.

GreenBayLightDisplayL.U. 158 (i,it,mar,mt&spa), GREENBAY, WI—Work in Local 158 has beenpretty steady for the last eightmonths or so, as of press time. Wehad quite a fewmembers as well astravelers working at the shipyard inMarinette, WI, for an extendedperiod. That mostly came to an end,with a few left there. We are waitingfor the government to okay the build-ing of more Littoral Combat Ships(LCS), which should create morework in the future. At the time of thiswriting, the two nuclear plants(Kewaunee and Point Beach) were

ramping up for scheduled outages. Commercialwork has been slow.

The local alongwith partnerTru-Pro once againsponsored theGreen BayBotanical Gardens holidaygarden of lights display.We sponsor a huge 7-foot tall

Local 106 retirees assist with the archived photo project: TomEckberg (left), Bob Samuelson, Jim Clement, Gene Ross, DougStock, Larry Ross, Bruce Boardman and Bill Pihl.

Local 136 organizers discuss picket rules with University ofAlabama at Birmingham police officers.Local 104’s boot camp #21 graduates pose on

pole. Standing below, from left, are instructorsScott Shuttlesworth, journeyman lineman fromLocal 104; Kevin Place, apprenticeshipcoordinator, Local 104; Jack Skilton , assistantdirector forN.E.A.T.; and Britton Page, fourth-step apprentice, Local 104.



by 7-footwide caterpillar with 20,000 LED lights. Totallight displays comprisemore than 250,000 LED lights.This is a great holiday and community endeavor.

Donald C. Allen, B.M.

‘ProjectGrandma’ CharityL.U. 164 (c,em,i,o&t), JERSEY CITY, NJ—ProjectGrandma, Local 164’s signature charity, was heldlast year on Saturday, Oct. 23, and was again ahuge success.

Project Grandma originated 12 years ago, con-ceived by Bro. John Nordyk. The project’s goal is tohelp eliminate the disease of breast cancer and giveevery woman a chance to live to the age of being agrandmother. The charity donates to numerous insti-tutions, including Gilda’s Club and HackensackHospital, and helps patients and their families.

John “Nordy” Nordyk and former co-chairmanBarry Hammond ran the fundraiser for years, and todate more than $600,000 has been raised to com-bat this disease. Nordy suffered a stroke inNovember 2004, but he remains involved andattends the event every year. Our beloved Bro. BarryHammond died of cancer in December 2009. Wemiss him terribly, but his spirit lives on.

This year’s theme was a “Roaring 20s” casinonight. Featured were musical entertainment by thequartet La Vie en Rose; poker and craps tables; 65tricky tray prizes; a 50-inch TV door prize; and a rafflefor a two-night stay at the NYCMarriott Marquis inTimes Square and tickets for the play “Jersey Boys.”

Kudos to new chairwoman Theresa Rolaf andher outstanding committee for a great job. John“Nordy” Nordyk beamed with pride throughout theevening, and I’m sure Barry Hammond smiled as hewatched the festivities from above.

John DeBouter, Pres.

Children’s ChristmasPartyL.U. 176 (es,i,rts&spa), JOLIET, IL—Approximately900 members and their families attended thegreatly successful Local 176 children’s Christmasparty on Dec. 4, 2010.

We thank the Christmas party committee:Kathy and Bill Kibler, Billie VanDuyne, Paul andJanice Parkhill, Matt and Dana Kenney, and Lori andJohnWarren. Thanks also to: Ray “Santa” Sugg; sec-retaries Bobbi Johnston, Micki Dralle and SharonJameson; and the whole Kibler family for all they did.

Andmany thanks to our wonderful “elves”—Will and Ashley Kibler, Billie VanDuyne, BobbiJohnston, Sophia Sullivan, Nathan Lee, CydneyMalone, Melissa and Ryan Buss, Alexis Perona,Taylor Boxman, Brie Hurley, MaryKate Haffey, LauraHaffey, Alex Rambo, AnnahMarquardt, MorganBasso, Natalie Sugg, Mariah Frost, Matt and Dana

Kenney, Christina Parkhill, Nicole Parkhill, Nate Lee,Anton and Greg Vershay, Jess Kudia, Kevin Snikeris,Kevin Kucera, Brian Olson, Mike Neubauer, DougWilliams, George Concaildi, Damian Barroso, ChrisTerdic, Michael Cialone, Brett Martino, JacqualineKerr, Todd Schott, Justin Grace, Jim Ryan, Candy andSteve Magruder, Rita and BobMarquardt, Lucilleand Ray Noel, Bernice and Ed Voss, Ron and DonnaBlazekovich, Mickey Bersano, Doug and SharonWard, Doug and Pat Wolcott, Jeff Farrar, Chuck“Moose”McBroom, Jacob Smith, Mike and RoxanneGuadagno; Dennis, Deena, Nicole and Vinny Lovato;and Tom, T.J. and Samantha Daufenbach.

My apologies if I missed anyone by name.Everyone’s help in making it a great party wasmuch appreciated.

Mark Ferry, R.S.

YourVoteMattersL.U. 180 (c,i&st), VALLEJO, CA—Think your votedoesn’t matter? Think again!

In 2007, Vallejo’s current mayor, Osby Davis,garnered merely two more votes than then-coun-cilman Gary Cloutier. During the recent generalelection, among the 228,064 votes cast inCongressional District 11, IBEW-endorsed candi-date, incumbent Jerry McNerney, edged outRepublican David Harmer by a mere 2,568 votes—just nine-tenths of 1 percent!

The bid for California’s office of attorney generalwas even tighter. IBEW-endorsed candidate KamalaHarris beatStevenCooley by a razor-thinmargin. Ofthe 9,921,423 votes cast for that office statewide, Ms.Harris won by only 75,033 votes—just eight-tenths of1 percent! Closer to home, Local 180-endorsed candi-date for NapaCounty supervisor, incumbent DianeDillon, beat her opponent by amere 247 votes.

If unionmembers had fallen for the lie thattheir votes don’t matter, we’d be searching for futurecandidates willing to give labor the time of day. Seehow critical your vote really is? It’s high time that wegive the notion, “My vote doesn’t matter,” the burialit deserves. Let’s all get with the program, continueto get our brothers and sisters registered andmobi-lized, and keep getting out labor’s vote!

Kevin Coleman, B.A.

Cable/Fiber-OpticWorkL.U. 196 (govt,mt,o,t&u), ROCKFORD, IL—Our newmembership development representative, Greg Doss,has been busywith efforts to organize the nonunioncable/fiber-opticworkers in our jurisdiction. Our out-side electrical workwill be slower than usual in theyear ahead; however, it appears therewill be a lot offiber projects thatwill help employ ourmembers.

Unfortunately, we cannot focus solely on thenonunion workers in our area, as we continue to facejurisdictional problems with other crafts who seek toput what I consider unqualified workers on the job.We need new solutions to this old problem. Get cre-ative and get busy. When something works, spreadthe word to other locals having the same problem.

Eric Patrick, B.M.

Picnic&PinsL.U. 212 (i), CINCINNATI, OH—Local 212’s annual pic-nic was held in August last year. All had a good time,despite themidday rain storm. Catching upwith old

friends and good conversation were highlights of theday. Service pins were available to all members whohave increments of five years of IBEW service. Thesepins are handed out each year at the picnic, so if youhave one due just come on out to this year’s picnic.

We were honored to recognize the followingmembers for their 50-plus years of service: 50-yearmembers—Robert Blanchet, John Brennan, FrankButler, Cecil Dickey, Richard Gilb, Robert Hayes,Carl Long Jr., James McCracken, Bernard Murphy,Alfred Niederhelman, Charles Phiester, RobertRuehl, Raymond Schoster, Michael Scola, AnthonyWartman and Robert Zehner; 55-year members—Thomas DeWald, Paul Gerke, Stanley Johnson,Raymond Kathman, Fredric Kaufman and GeorgeLaker; and 65-year member—Jack Keller.

On behalf of the Local 212 membership, Ithank you all for your years of service.

Randy Rothert, B.A.

High Points of Difficult YearL.U. 222 (o), ORLANDO, FL—Wemade it through 2010.Last year brought with it plenty of hardships andstruggles. The local and itsmembers were able tosqueeze a few high points out of the last quarterthough. One was completion of a large, hard dead-line job—30miles of re-conductor in 45 days.Working seven-dayweeks from daylight until dark,themembership finished the job on timewith no losttime accidents. Secondwas one of our contractorssecured the transmission work for one of the largestutilities in the state; that project continues into 2011.

We also completed a transmission and distri-bution job in the Keys, on properties that have con-tracted nonunion for years. The local has heardnothing but high praise for the brothers and sisterswho helped complete these very difficult jobs.

One other high note of 2010: While laid offfrom work, Bro. J.J. Zlotowski put his talents as amaster carpenter to work for the local. J.J. built anoutstanding podium for our newmeeting hall.

We wish everyone a good new year ahead.

Bill Hitt, V.P.

LEEDGold CertificationL.U. 234 (i&mt), CASTROVILLE, CA—Our local is proudthat despite these difficult economic times, ourmem-bers realize how important it is to supportmedicalresearch for aiding childrenwith diabetes. Ourmem-bership’s heartfelt, hard-earned, generous gift to theJuvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the AnnualKidsWalk continues to reflect that our values arewellplaced by esteeming children and their families.

Local 234 has earned LEED Gold Certificationfor our existing building in Castroville. This honorwas bestowed upon us by the U.S. Green BuildingCouncil (USGBC) on Nov. 10, 2010. We are verypleased that our union hall and training center haveachieved this notable certification. During the LEEDcertification process, Local 234 also became aMonterey County Certified Green Business.

Stephen Slovacek, P.S.

Graduating Class of 2010L.U. 252 (ees,i,rts&spa), ANN ARBOR, MI—The NJATCand Local 252 congratulate the graduating class of2010. [Photo, at bottom.] The graduates are: DavidAntkowiak, Jeffrey Avedisian, James Betz, MatthewBrodie, Timothy Buss, Ryan Carter, JonathanDonoho, Thomas Fanslow Jr., Shelly Griffis, AndrewHallenbeck, Eric Hovatter, Stephen Ladd, ScottMiller, RalphMitchell, Keith Nowak, Jayson Ouillette,Patrick Parkinson, Duane Penhallegon, VincentPulsinelli, Jeffrey Smaga, Brian Smith, Joesph Steller,Donald Tippie, Dennis Watson, MatthewWood,

AdamWszola, Matthew Zellman andAndrew Zuzelski. The Reuben C. Roseaward for academic achievement waspresented to Jayson Ouillette. Wewish the very best to all graduates,on the road and at home.

Jayson Ouillette, P.S.

Brother LeFranceMournedL.U. 294 (ees,em,i,rts,spa&u), HIB-BING, MN—Members of IBEW Local294 mourn the passing of Bro. CoryLaFrance on Sept. 24, 2010. He was a

IBEW Local 234 achieved LEED GoldCertification, awarded by the U.S. GreenBuilding Council, for its union hall andtraining center.

Local 252 congratulates the graduating class of 2010.

IBEW Local 158 and Tru-Pro sponsored acaterpillar display at the Green Bay, WI,Botanical Gardens holiday light display.

Local 222 Bus. Mgr. Mike Bell (left) and Bro. J.J. Zlotowskisit at the new podium constructed by a union member.

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member of Local 294 for 33 years. Cory was born inFort Frances, Ontario, on Nov. 23, 1955, and lived inInternational Falls, MN, most of his life. As a unionelectrician, Cory worked for several locals through-out the U.S. He traveled all over the country andworked in states including Connecticut, New York,Louisiana, California, Minnesota and various otherplaces. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years,Michelle, and a son, Jeremy. He will be sadlymissed by us all.

Daniel Arvola, P.S.

Celebrating LaborL.U. 304 (lctt,o&u), TOPEKA, KS—Union membersand their families joined together on Sept. 6, 2010,in the city of Hoisington, KS, to celebrate Labor Day.IBEW Local 304 had participants from as far asLawrence, KS, walk in the parade. A potluck picnicwas enjoyed by all who took time to remember whothis day is truly for. We hope next Labor Day will beeven better. Thanks to all of you who spread ourmessage of unity and commitment to our communi-ties by participating. Pres. Dave Schneider and Asst.Bus. Mgr. Gene Sicard supported the members byparticipating in the parade.

The 9th Annual Labor Day Parade was held inTopeka, KS. This is organized by numerous labororganizations and has grown since 2001. Theparade starts with several floats, tractors, companyvehicles and antique cars motoring through down-town Topeka and ends at the Capitol grounds with arally featuring speakers thanking workers for theirhard work and dedication.

Paul Lira, B.M.

Solar Classes& JobsL.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OH—Pictured is a three-phasesolar power project installed at the University ofAkron by Bros. Mark Douglas Jr. and Greg Bowers ofSpeelman Electric. While our region is not knownfor a sunny climate, according to the NationalWeather Bureau these systems are viable and“green.” The solar industry, closely aligned with theglass industry in Toledo, through its R&D hasimproved photovoltaic cell output and reliability.

Kudos to the Executive and COPE Committeesfor scoring another “touchdown” at the Annual PigRoast! Bros. Lenny and Marty Klein prepared the pigto perfection. Past president George Peters carved(while tasting), and honorary Sister Carole“Snowbird” Jackson handled the dining setups andraffle tickets. Friends and tool-buddies enjoyed thefeast and competed in several contests.

The economic engine is starting to turn again;hopefully we’ll see somemore employment as theweather turns colder here. NFPA-70E requires at

least one crewmember be current with their CPRwhen working on any equipment energized atgreater than 50 volts. Check your wallet card and ifyou are out-of-date, get to class and get current;CPR training has a two-year life.

We mourn the loss of retired Bros. DonSchofield (class of 1954) and JackMarsillo, whoreceived his 50-year pin in 2009.

Bob Sallaz, P.S.

San JoseHoliday LightsL.U. 332 (c,ees,i&st), SAN JOSE,CA—Local 332deco-rated the bigChristmas tree at “TheChristmas in thePark” event in downtownSan Jose. Every year in thePlaza deCesarChavezPark, community groups andother sponsors set updisplays anddecorate trees. Iteven “snows” in the parkseveral times anight. It is agreat time for all!Many thanks for their help toWendellWeber and theCommunityServiceCommittee:Sal

Ventura, Earl Talbott, BarryLindsay, KarenThomas, JimRegister, CraigOrtet, NeroMunoz, J.J. Zamora,Wendell andThomasWeber,Miguel andKiaraCervantis, FrankandKyleMann,AnthonyGarcia, DaveBarclay,ToryBlair, Paul Zele, andRichandCiaraAyers.

Local 332 held its Annual“Old-Timers” Dinner in October2010. Int. Rep. Gregory A.Teeple attended and praisedthe “old-timers” and their con-tributions in helping buildLocal 332. Among service pin

recipients were: 60-year members—past presidentRichard Mercer, Edward Lawton, SamMardia; 55-year members—Al Fingold, Roger Lefebve, WalterParle, Harold Sink; and 50-year members—pastbusiness manager Bruce Baxter, Richard Cerniglia,Lawrence Hildebrandt, Kenneth Parker, Rodney

Plett, Robert Salta, Gerald Simmons and LarryWayne. Many 45-, 40- and 35-year pins werehanded out as well. Congratulations to all.

Thanks to Bus. Mgr. Bob Tragni, businessagents and office staff who make this event a bigsuccess every year.

Gerald Pfeiffer, Pres.

Seminar on RetirementL.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA—In earlyDecember 2010, we hosted a “Get Ready to RetireSeminar,” attended by some 100 members. We con-duct this seminar approximately every two yearsand it is a great aid to the members when they getready to apply for pension benefits.

We scheduled speakers from all of our pensionplans, and from the Social Security Administration,to give presentations and answer our questionsabout retirement.

Special thanks to IBEW Int. Rep. Michael B.“Mike” Meals and Bro. Michael Reed from NEBF forattending our event and helping members betterunderstand the International and NationalElectrical Benefit Fund pension plans.

One attendee at our retiree seminar was long-timemember Bro. Dwight Evans (former businessmanager of then-Local 442, Redding, CA). When Local442 amalgamated into Local 340, we kept that officeopen and Bro. Evans agreed to stay on and continuetomanage the north area for us and serve themem-bers living there. His hard work and dedication to theIBEW definitely earned him a long, healthy retirementand wewish him and his family the best.

The work picture for our area has not changedand is still real slow.

Wemourn the passing of retired Bro. Carl L.Huckstep and activemember Bro. Matthew J. Martin.

A.C. Steelman, B.M.

‘Bowling forHunger’ DriveL.U. 352 (u), LANSING, MI—IBEWLocal 352—which representsemployees at Board of Water andLight and at the Duke EnergyCentral Utility Complex plant—is having a bowling for hungerdrive on Friday, Feb. 25, atHoliday Lanes from 5 p.m. to 9p.m. Bus. Mgr. Ron Byrnes said

the local’s goal is to have an event to bring themembership together and help the less fortunatein the Lansing community. We also hope to strikeit big with a great turnout both in terms of partici-pation and donations for the local food bank.Byrnes said Local 352 plans to make this anannual event.

Local 352 elected officers are: Bus. Mgr.Ronald J. Byrnes, Pres. Tracy K. Tolbert, Vice Pres.Shane Wandle, Rec. Sec. Stacy Class, Treas. KateWeldon and Fin. Sec. Lisa Faber-Ryan. ExecutiveBoard members are: Keith Jenks, Kurtis McHenry,Eddie Rodriguez, Guy Schlicker, Michael J. Stanley,Dan Thelen and Joan Waterbury. Appointed asassistant business manager: James Dravenstatt-Moceri. Delegates to the IBEW Convention: Ronald J.Byrnes and Eddie Rodriguez. Congratulations andthank you to everyone.

Tracy K. Tolbert, Pres./P.S.

Spirit of BrotherhoodL.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD,IL—The recent holiday season was a bit brighter forthe Inside and VDV classifications due to the factthat we have a better work outlook in our area thanin recent past years. We have slowed seasonally,however 2011 is shaping up to be halfway decentwith regard to work.

Local 364’s annual children’s Christmas partyin December was a success. The highlight of theparty is an opportunity for members to bring theirchildren and grandchildren to our union hall to visitwith Santa and receive a Christmas gift from him.Santa was again portrayed by Bro. Ty Hillman, whoplays the part flawlessly.

Members of Local 364 who were lucky enoughto work throughout the past year selflessly gavethousands of dollars of donations so that members

less fortunate could have adecent holiday meal and gro-ceries for the holiday season.The spirit of brotherhood isalive and well.

Thanks to members whohelped wire the annual holi-day festival of lights and wholit up Rockford’s holiday iceskating rink with Christmaslights. The rink was con-structed by area union build-ing tradesmen volunteers.

Charles Laskonis,B.A./Organizer

A Local 304 contingent gathers for the city of Hoisington, KS,Labor Day parade, organized by Local 304 member Travis Davisand Asst. Bus. Mgr. Gene Sicard.

Local 306 members installed rooftop solararray at the University of Akron.

Local 332 members lighted and decorated alarge tree at a downtown San Jose Christmasin the Park event.

Attending the Local 340 retiree seminar are, from left: MichaelReed, NEBF; IBEW Ninth District Int. Rep. Michael Meals; Local340 Bus. Mgr. A.C. Steelman; Tom Goode, trust financialadvisor; and Local 340 Asst. Bus. Mgr. Dwight Evans.

Local 364 members volunteer to light the holiday ice skatingrink: from left, Bros. Tim Tammen, Bob Wilson and DanSchlittler, Sister Paula Creton and Bro. Bill Herlugson. Notpictured: volunteer Bros. Fernando Perez and Shane Grobe.



JATCGraduation CelebrationL.U. 380 (ei,es,i&it), NORRISTOWN, PA—Local 380JATCheld its 2010 apprentice graduation banquet atthe Crown Plaza in King of Prussia, PA.

We celebrated the accomplishments of thisgroup, who just five years ago entered the electricalfield with little or no electrical background. The firstlesson the new apprentices learned was that theyhad signed up for more than just a job. They hadsigned up for a true apprenticeship. They wouldwork on the job 40 hours a week learning the craftfrom highly skilled journeymen; attend school twoevenings a week and maintain the required gradeaverage; attend some Saturday classes such asCPR/First Aid and Comet; and perform communityservice projects. Through all this, they made it withthe support of their families and the dedicated JATCstaff and instructors.

The 2010StephenMalinowski LeadershipAwardwent toMichael J. Rudinski. An award for perfect atten-dance in the fifth yearwent toDaniel P.McGuire.Awards for perfect attendance in all five years ofapprenticeshipwent toMichael B. Hand, KevinM.Mason and JoshS.Shoffstall. Overall achievementawardswent toMichael J. Rudinski for third place;KevinM.Mason for secondplace; and for first place,the JamesW.Mayall Awardwent toMichael B. Hand.

Scott R. Sheldon, P.S.

NewSolar Array InstalledL.U. 388 (em,i,rts&spa), STEVENS POINT, WI—Local388’s union hall has a new solar array that wasrecently installed and it is something to be proudof. The system is a 2.1 kilowatt system utilizingSharp solar panels and Sunny Boy inverters.

The local thanksmemberswho volunteered toinstall the new system: John Klosinski, Julie Brazeau,

LarryWendorf, Jason Kay, JoshuaMaiers and KevinKluck. They did an outstanding job on the installation.

The racks are custom built using a local com-pany, keeping the money local. Not only is the localoffsetting its electric bill, but this qualified as aninstall for those seeking to get their NABCEP (NorthAmerican Board of Certified Energy Practitioners)qualifications. The local also gets curious individu-als stopping by the office seeking information aboutthe solar array system and inquiring who installed itfor us. It’s a win-win for the local.

Local 388 mourns the sudden death of DavidGlascock. David was age 42 and leaves behind twosons. I had the privilege to work alongside Davewhen he first started in the trade. He was a goodunion man and would not hesitate to tell you to“Buy American.” He will be missed and leaves avoid within the local.

Guy LePage, P.S.

NewUnionHallL.U. 428 (govt,i,rts&spa), BAKERSFIELD, CA—After 109years, Local 428 is finally going to have our own unionhall. The groundbreaking ceremonywas held Nov. 18,2010. Attendingwere: Bus.Mgr. Danny Kane, Bus.Agent/Pres. Jim Elrod Jr., our union officers, the trustcommittee, the apprentice coordinator, instructorsand the general contractor.

Local 428 started in July 1903; meetings wereheld on Sundays in the back of a boarding house. In1906 a meeting place was rented for $4 per monthin the labor council hall. In 1949, Local 428 loanedthe carpenters $20,000 to build their union hall;then in 1950, Local 428 started renting office spacein the carpenters’ union hall.

At the same new location, an apprenticebuilding and training facility is being built alongwith a trust office. The existing apprentice facilitywas purchased in 1967; the trust is presently rent-ing its own facility.

Hopefully the new facilities will be ready forbusiness sometime in 2012.

Ivan Beavan Jr., P.S.

Solar Panels InstalledL.U. 490 (i&mt), DOVER, NH—IBEW Local 490 isproud to announce that the graduating class of ’08has installed enough photovoltaic panels to supplyall of the electrical needs for the newTraining Center.

On average our output exceeds the inputneeded, using two arrays of 27 panels with 9,450total watts peak output feeding twoSunny Boy 5-kilo-watt invertors. On a sunny day our daily output is 32kilowatts, and on average it is 900 kilowattsmonthly.

Kudos to the installers: Brain Dean,Scott Huot,JasonStrong, Instructor JimCasey andSteve Reynolds.

We thank our hardworking class of ’08 forshowing that IBEW Local 490 is dedicated to provid-ing clean, green energy for NewHampshire.

Jaye P. Yanovitch Jr., P.S.

Projects atMilitaryBasesL.U. 508 (i,it&o), SAVANNAH,GA—“You cannot contributeanything to the ideal condi-tion of mind and heart knownas Brotherhood, howevermuch you preach, posture oragree, unless you live it.”

~Faith Baldwin

Savannah Local 508 hasbeen blessed to have theworkwe have in our jurisdiction because of themilitarybases. The project at theTacticalMaintenance Facilityat FortStewart, GA, consists of 12 buildings that arelike huge Jiffy Lubes. IBEWmembers haveworkedwith D&N ElectricCompany on this project. The jobpeaked at 260 journeymen and apprentice electri-cians from locals all across the U.S.A.

At the time of this writing, we were workingapproximately 200 journeymen and apprenticesfrom IBEW locals. D&N also has the Fifth BrigadeHeadquarters job, which has employed approxi-mately 60 journeymen and apprentices. Inglett &Stubbs electrical contracting company of Atlantahas the Fifth Brigade cafeteria job and employed

some 15 journey-men and appren-tices.

We thankevery local forsending theirmembers to helpstaff these jobs.In Savannah weare seeing broth-erhood and liv-

ing this “ideal condition of mindand heart.” Thank you, brothers.

Judith U. Sheahan, R.S.

Dinner DanceBanquetL.U. 530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA,ONTARIO, CANADA—Local 530’sslo-pitch team competed Sept. 17and 18 last year in Barrie, Ontario.We were happy to bring home the“B” division championship andthank Local 1739 for hosting thetourney and showing our mem-

bers a great time and a great city.On Friday, Nov. 19, 2010, our local celebrated

our 69th Annual Dinner Dance Banquet. This iswhere members receive their years-of-service pins.Two members achieved 45 years of service.Congratulations to all who attended and all whoearned their pins.

We thank Locals 804, Kitchener; 2038, Regina;and 402, Thunder Bay, for employing our membersaway from home.

Local 530 mourns the recent passing of JackMavity and Cy Fugere.

Al Byers, P.S.

Annual Picnic 2010L.U. 570 (i,mo,spa&u), TUCSON, AZ—In the midst ofthe economic downturn, Local 570 managed to haveanother fun-filled annual picnic. We had a lot ofsupport from the members in helping with setup,grilling and cleanup. The apprentices again werehanded a loss on both attempts on the tug-of-warchallenge they offered the journeymen. Bus. Mgr.Mike Verbout handed out service pins representingmore than 425 years of combined IBEW service.Thanks to the members and their families for mak-ing this a great event.

Scott Toot, Organizer

‘PositiveOutlook’L.U. 606 (em,es,i,rtb,spa&u), ORLANDO, FL—SeveralLocal 606 “old-timers” recently got together for a cook-out. [Photo, pg. 12.] They enjoyed seeing each other,reminiscing and sharing stories from the “old days.”

Our new Bus. Mgr. Bob Carr reports a positiveoutlook for the work picture in 2011.

With deepest regret we report the passing ofLocal 388 installed a new photovoltaic solararray at the union hall. Local 428 holds a groundbreaking ceremony for a new union hall.

Local 490 graduates and instructor install solar panels:Brain Dean (left), Scott Huot, Jason Strong, Instructor JimCasey and Steve Reynolds.

Local 570 presents service awards. From left are: John Sullivan(50 yearmember), Lloyd Talbot (50 years), Gerald Stratton(60 years), John Chavez (60 years), Ronald Kunzler (50 years),Daniel Allyn (50 years), Bus. Mgr. Mike Verbout and DaleGumm (55 years). Not pictured: John McGuire (50 years).

Local 380 congratulatesJATC graduates: frontrow, Joseph A. Landis,Michael J. Ciach Jr., JoshS. Shoffstall, DanM.Connor, Vincent C.Coleman Jr., Barron VonWeniger, Kevin M.Mason; back row,Michael J. Rudinski,Robert J. Barnett III,Deric A. Covelens,Robert A. Reyes, DanielP. McGuire andMichaelB. Hand.

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Bros. James K. Bieber and Jerry Sego. Our sinceresympathy goes to their families.

Janet D. Skipper, P.S.

ExtremeMakeover:Osprey EditionL.U. 636 (as,catv,em,spa&u), TORONTO, ONTARIO,CANADA—When the residents of an osprey nest(perched atop the lights some 60 feet above thelargest soccer pitches in Waterloo) migrated souththis winter, they were unaware that a new homewould await them in the spring. More familiar withbuilding transformer banks than habitats forwildlife, members BrianMartin and Randy Kirkwood(Waterloo North Hydro) were happy to assist munici-pal staff in a joint relocation project to help keep thisfamily of majestic birds in the community.

The workwas delicate and challenging—a truetest of the skills and talents of these aerial artists.The crew began by carefully removing the nest andwas successful in doing so without disruption to theoriginal structure—certainly no easy taskwhen deal-ing with such a large structuremade of only sticksand sod. Using a fabricated platform designed andcrafted especially for this purpose, the nest was thenmounted and fastened securely into place. Finally, asa group of wide-eyed children looked on, the polesupporting the aerie was gently set into place on aquiet hillside at a local park. Quite amemory forthem; and quite an experience for all those who didtheir part in preservation for this once-endangeredspecies—thanks formaking a difference.

Paddy Vlanich, P.S.

‘Great Fellowship’L.U. 648 (em,i,spa&u), HAMILTON, OH—Local 648wishes everyone a happy new year in 2011—and wehope for full employment for all our fellow IBEWbrothers and sisters. The Kids Christmas Party and

the RetireesChristmas Partywere huge suc-cesses last year.Both were wellattended and every-one enjoyed thegreat fellowshipduring the holidays.

Local 648mourns the loss ofseveral brotherslast year: HenryGeorge, RayRetherford, Alan

Fields, Jack Eggleton, Joe Wright, Wally Hair, MelvinBlevens and Sterling Welling. May God bless thesebrothers and their families and friends.

Jeff McGuffey, P.S.

Solar Array atUnionHallL.U. 654 (i), CHESTER, PA—The solar array at the hallwas completed andwe have seen our electricbill dropby almost 50 percent in the first couplemonths of use.Bro. SteveMcNally worked hard to acquire the grantmoney to fund this project andwith somehelp fromstate Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-District 160; Chester andDelawareCounties), wewere able to accomplish that.The arrangement of the inverters and touch screenvisible at the entrance to the hall provides prospectivecontractors and customers a firsthand lookat a pro-fessional solar installation. Undoubtedly, knowledgein the solar field is a key component to continued suc-cess in the electrical sector. It has enabled us to turnaround the Kohl’s rooftop solar array project atGranite Run and it will allow us to capture a greaterportion of work in a growing field.

While we lost a few political friends in therecent elections, we still maintain relationships withmanywho greatly appreciate our involvement andsupport. A special thanks to themembers, especiallythe apprentices, for all of their help on Election Day.

I wish everyone well in the coming year.

Jim Russell, Pres.

Centennial ChristmasDanceL.U. 666 (i,mt&o), RICHMOND, VA—Our CentennialChristmas Dance was held Dec. 18, 2010, at the AccaTemple. It was a huge success. Thanks to our DanceCommittee and the Centennial Committee for theirhard work. These events are crucial for our solidarity.

The apprenticeship office offers several classesfor education, including the codeupdateCEU require-

ments for journeymenwhoneed torenew their state journeyman cardwiththeState of Virginia. The classes areofferedmonthly at the JATCoffice inAshland, VA.Call the JATCor check theWebsitewww.rjatc.org.

Thanks to all members whosupport our food bank. If anymemberwould like help stretching their foodbudget, please call the union office.The process is quick and discreet.

Congratulations to our recentlyretired members: Joseph W.Ashworth, David W. Barnes, James C.Bowker, Lawrence R. Blank, Eddie F.Gutshall, Robert L. Haggerty andGene C. Peaco.

The union offers condolences to the familiesof departed Bros. Charles G. Nicholas and James M.Jones Jr. We appreciate their service to our brother-hood and they will be missed.

Kendra Logan, P.S.

Lighting ControlsTrainingL.U. 684 (c,i,rts&st), MODESTO, CA—The work pic-ture in Local 684 is still slow at this time. We hopeall the newly elected officials in our state will workon getting some jobs for our members in 2011.

Our training center iscurrently doing the CaliforniaAdvanced Lighting ControlsTraining Program (CALCTP) forour members. This coursegives members the certificateneeded to work on jobs thatare being created with thenew energy-saving technologyin lighting.

A new class of first-yearapprentices was recentlystarted and we welcomeMark

Allen, Christopher Allerton, Tyler Ash, CraigMoorehead, Chad Warren, Daniel Westfall and JuanVazquez to the IBEW.

Richard Venema, Rep.

Holiday FoodDriveL.U. 688 (em,i,t&u), MANSFIELD, OH—The annualMake-A-Difference food drive was held Oct. 22 and23, 2010, to help stock six food banks located inRichlandCounty for the holidays. IBEW Local 688members generously contributed $120 for the annualevent. Andy Biglin andWillie Thompson bought non-perishable food itemswith themoney collected andDan Lloyd delivered the food to the drop-off location.

Stacey Lloyd, wife of Dan Lloyd, designed theholiday float. [Photo, above.] All of the volunteers putthe float together at the parade site. The float wastowed in the annual Mansfield holiday parade onNov. 20. Thank you to all who gave their time to par-ticipate in the parade. Among the volunteers pic-tured are: Gary Baumberger; Carl Neutzling; DanLloyd’s wife and son; Ed Reiter, AFL-CIO; Kit Forbushwith her husband, son and niece; Mike Gressler withhis girlfriend and her daughter; and Jerry Conradand his daughter. Dan Lloyd snapped the photo.

Congratulations to Bob Neault, the proudfather of a new baby!

Local 688 wishes Bro. Paul Knackstedt well onhis retirement.

Dan Lloyd, P.S.

BroadbandBuildOutL.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 FRANK-FORT, IL—We were successful in electing state Gov.Pat Quinn in the November 2010 election. We thankall of our members who helped with phone bank-ing, walking door to door, and contributing to COPE.Gov. Quinn is a friend to labor and we certainly aregrateful he was elected.

Several Local 606 members enjoy a get-together: from left, Doug Dagley,George Wynn, Tom Phillip Sr., Terry Thompson, Ernie Tipton, Hank Pasard,Butch Cox, Richard Hutchinson, Bobby Noojin, TomMalone, Larry Duplisse,Don Ernest, Butch Rizer, Larry Grassman and Jim Sullivan.

Local 636members BrianMartin and RandyKirkwood (Waterloo North Hydro) feather thecontrols as they help establish a new home forsome feathered friends in their community.

IBEW Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hill (center) presents Local 666 officerswith 100th anniversary plaque at December centennialcelebration. From left are: Local 666 Pres. Harry F. Zahn IV, Bus.Mgr. James H. Underwood, Int. Pres. Hill, Fourth District Int. Rep.James B. Kauffman, and Local 666 Vice Pres. James A. Bell Jr.

Local 684 Bus. Mgr. Billy Powell (left) accepts100th anniversary charter plaque presentedby Int. Vice Pres. Michael S. Mowrey.

Local 688 members, family and friends volunteered towork on holiday float.

Several Local702memberswho are militaryveterans attendthe November2010 unionmeeting.



Bids packages are currently being sent out forbroadband build out in southern Illinois. This workwill include 742 miles of buried fiber, about threeyears of work, and prevailing wage package.

At this writing, we have 21 journeyman wire-men on the out-of-work book one list and 511 on ourout-of-work book two list.

We hope everyone had wonderful and safeholidays.

Marsha Steele, P.S.

JATCCodeUpdate ClassesL.U. 716 (em,i,lctt,rts&spa), HOUSTON, TX—Happy2011! All the children who attended the Local 716Children’s 2010 Christmas Party had a great cele-bration, along with the adults present that evening.The union hall looked great. Thanks to all the volun-teers who gave their time to help with these parties.

In Houston the work situation has slowed, butwith spring and summer approaching we look forseveral new projects to start.

Local 716 is hosting State Licensing CodeUpdate Classes put on by the Houston JATC. CheckourWeb sitewww.ibew716.net and under eventsclick on the calendar for dates and time. The AetnaWellness Screening will also be held on those dates.

Local 716 is also getting prepared for the 2011St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Houston.Come out and enjoy the festivities.

Local 716’s Centennial Celebration will be heldin March 2012 and we are planning a great celebra-tion. If you have any ideas or suggestions, pleasecontact Pres. David Alley at (713) 869-8900 Ext. 249.

We encourage all members to register to voteand to exercise that right, along with donating tothe PAC Fund.

We wish all a safe and prosperous 2011.

John E. Easton Jr., B.M./F.S.

Children’s ChristmasPartyL.U. 756 (es&i), DAYTONA BEACH, FL—Local 756 heldits annual kids Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 4,2010. More than 40 children and grandchildren ofmembers attended. The children were happily sur-prised when “Santa” arrived greeting them withholiday cheer and presents. Bro. Buddy Hart andhis wife, Kathy, again played “Mr. and Mrs. Claus.”

Office manager Candice Hampton did a fabu-

lous job coordinating details for the party—includ-ing decorating the room, ordering food and makingsure a present was under the tree for each child.Thanks to all who labored and those who attendedfor making this another successful Christmas party.

At this December writing, our work here inDaytona is still slow. There is a potential for futurework at the Space Center in the coming year. Thework at the Cape will depend on whether politiciansproperly fund the space industry. The growing trendis for so-called “privatization,” which is code forunion busting and lower wages. I hope that’s notthe case. May our country and our Brotherhood beblessed with a prosperous new year.

Dan Hunt, P.S.

‘A GreatHonor’L.U. 760 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), KNOXVILLE, TN—IBEWLocal 760 was honored with a Resolution ofRecognition by the Knoxville City Council for our 85years of community service, training, representationand charitable involvements. The City of Knoxvilleand our city council leaders presented the resolu-tion to recognize Local 760 at the council meetingon Dec. 28, 2010.

This recognition is a great honor for us. Ourmembers, their families and friends were invited toattend for the city council presentation.

George A. Bove, B.M./F.S.

Spread theNews:OrganizeL.U. 776 (i,o,rts&spa),CHARLESTON, SC—The2010midterm election isover. Wemust work towardthe next one by alwayshelping the working fami-lies in our neighborhoods,nomatter if they are affili-ated with a union or not.The “Objects” listed in ourIBEWConstitution are veryclear: to organize all, to pro-mote reasonablemethodsof work, to cultivate friend-ships, to help each otherwhen down, to secureemployment, to reduce the

hours of daily labor, to strive for better pay, to seek ahigher standard of living and security for the individ-ual, and to elevate themoral, intellectual and socialconditions of all.

As we begin a new year, this is the perfectseason for all of those great objects. People aremore open to hearing our union message when weexhibit a spirit of community. So, don’t be discour-aged by seasonal election results; spread the unionnews and organize. Local 776 extends best wishesto all for 2011.

Chuck Moore, B.M.

Full Agenda for 2011L.U. 1116 (em,lctt&u), TUCSON, AZ—Our local has afull menu on the table this year, from officer elec-tions in June to contract committee members get-ting started on contracts. As always, medicalbenefit language and wages will be a hot topic.

Bro. Jace Eckenrod stepped up tomanage anewly formedMembership DevelopmentCommittee,made up of local stewards, to organize nonmembers.

We welcome newmembers: Jerome Heitzman,Sarita Morales, Jennifer Schlotterbeck, MichaelO’Brien and Corby Robinson.

Our Tucson-based customer call center hasgone to 24-hour staffing to better serve customersafter hours and weekends, rather than using an off-site answering service. This was a joint union and

management effort to keep thiswork in-house.

We will have 17 union jour-neymen turning out in theirrespective areas at TucsonElectric Power this year; at thiswriting I do not have a count forTrico Electric journeymen. Ourlocal is proud of all our membersand we believe we have some ofthe best craft workers. Skilled,safe and union!

R. Cavaletto, P.S.

Welcome toNewMembersL.U. 1466 (u), COLUMBUS, OH—Greetings to all for the new year.

We wrapped up contractnegotiations for our newly organ-

ized lab technicians at American Electric Power’sDolan Lab facility in Columbus. This is the first groupwithin Dolan Lab that we have organized.

Concerning wage increases, we were success-ful in getting the company to agree to take theseemployees off of a JPR (job performance review)based system and place them into a “stepincrease” type of wage structure. In addition, theseemployees will now have a real “voice” in the work-place. Welcome aboard, brothers and sisters!

In other news, System Council has enteredinto our yearly wage negotiations with AEP. Pleasetry to attend your monthly union meetings forupdates on how these negotiations are going, asthings change from week to week.

Please remember to stay safe out there, andwatch out for your brothers and sisters. We’re all inthis together.

James T. Jette, P.S.At the Local 756 children’s Christmas party, Lilliana and NicholasJohnston visit with “Santa” and “Mrs. Claus.”

Local 760 Pres. Lonnie Hunley (left) accepts Knoxville City CouncilResolution of Recognition awarded to the local. Presenting theplaque is Knoxville, TN, ViceMayorBobBecker (right).

www.ibew.orgFrom breaking news to videostories, our updatedWeb sitehas information not availableanywhere else. Visit us toconnect with the IBEWonFacebook and to followInternational President Edwin D.Hill on Twitter!

IBEW on theHuffington PostPresident Hill blogs onwhat itwill take to grow the IBEW inthese tough times. Read atwww.huffingtonpost.com/edwin-d-hill.

YouTubeCommunity activists from acrossthe Gulf Coast fight to save theAvondale Shipyard.Watch onlineat the IBEW’s YouTube channel atwww.youtube.com/user/TheElectricalWorker?feature=mhum.

HourPowerTeamwork is as vital to an IBEWlineman as a harness or a helmet.See how a teamfromSt. LouisLocal 1439embodied thatspirit during theInternationalLineman’s Rodeo.www. IBEWHourPower.com

ElectricTVFast, sleek, new and green ...electric cars are the wave of thefuture. On Electric TV, wediscuss how installing chargerscan increase returns forbusiness and building ownersalike. electricTV.net

IBEWMEDIAWORLD

Inaddition to yourmonthly issueof The Electrical Worker, checkout the wealth of IBEW-relatedinformation in cyberspace.


Hopes for Year AheadRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 1, ST. LOUIS, MO—Local 1retirees ended 2010 with high hopes that the yearahead will be a better one for our Brotherhood. Wehope the economy and employment improve, and wepray for the happiness of all our brothers and sisters.

Our last regular meeting of 2010, held Nov. 16,was informative and enjoyed by all. Local 1 Bus.Mgr. Stephen Schoemehl, IECmember, gave a com-prehensive picture of our local’s current and futureprospects. His words were encouraging. Lunch wasserved and several attendees celebrated birthdays.We urge more retirees to attend club meetings; oth-erwise they miss a good thing!

The annual Christmas party held Dec. 8, 2010,was a great time. The food, decorations and goodspirits were heartwarming. The ladies auxiliary iscommended for their hard work and dedication,which make this affair such a success. Funds wereraised for the relief committee—and in the spirit ofthe season, all raffle winners donated their cashprizes to the needy of Local 1.

Club meetings for 2011 are: March 16, May 18,July 20, September 21 (luncheon), and Nov. 16. Starttime is 10:30 a.m. Please mark your calendar.

Don Appelbaum, P.S.

SpecialOlympicsGolfOutingRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY, CENTRALFLORIDA CHAPTER—The Central Florida Chapter ofthe Local 3 Retirees Club helped sponsor and par-ticipated in the Flagler County Special Olympics 1stAnnual Golf Outing at the Palm Harbor Golf Club inPalm Coast, FL, on Oct. 16, 2010.

In addition to sponsoring the 14th hole for theevent, the chapter also fielded a team in the four-ballscramble competition and placed fifth in the event.

Joseph P. Golan, P.S.

Trip to Educational CenterRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY, NORTHNEW JERSEYCHAPTER—Our chapter was togetheragain Aug. 23-26, 2010, to enjoy the EducationalCenter at Cutchogue, NY. We had 65 people attend-ing. Those who could not attend were missed.

On Tuesday, the ladies set a delicious table offavorite appetizers. On Wednesday, our gatheringenjoyed delicious sausage and peppers, spaetzle,lasagna and more. Thank you all. Isn’t this a goodpicture (photo above) of us taken by our photogra-pher, Abe Fichtenbaum, at the Educational Center?

At this writing we were looking forward to ourDec. 8, 2010, Hanukkah and Christmas luncheon.Be well till next time for more fun.

Anthony LaBate, P.S.

2nd Annual HolidayPartyRETIREESCLUB OF L.U. 3, NEWYORK, NY, SOUTH-WEST FLORIDAGULF COASTCHAPTER—On Dec. 9,2010, the place to be for the SWFLGulf Coast ChapterRetirees was the 2nd Annual Christmas Party. It washeld at Benedetto’s Steakhouse in Punta Gorda, FL,and 40members and spouses attended. Althoughthe temperature outside was unseasonably cool forFlorida, there were plenty of warm and friendly spir-its all around. It was a great night and everyone hada wonderful time. Even “Mrs. Santa Claus”made asurprise appearance with gifts for the ladies.

Our chapter meetings are well attended in anatmosphere of camaraderie and brotherhood. Themonthly meetings include reports from the Pensiondirector that contain the current state of Local 3;

updates on political developments; and lively ques-tions and answers about the union movement.

A second golf outing and a Ladies Night arebeing planned for the spring.

The chaptermeets on the secondMonday ofeachmonth, at 11 a.m., atTheGoldenCorralRestaurant at 4690Colonial Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL. AllIBEWandLocal3membersare invited toattend.Formore information,callChapterChmn.GeorgeDonderoat(239)593-6297ore-mail:[email protected].

George Dondero, P.S./Chmn.

Planning Events for 2011RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY,WESTCHESTER/PUTNAMCHAPTER—With the arrivalof 2011, officers and committees are planning clubevents for the year: the 34th Pensioners ReunionLuncheon on Feb. 18; a New York City outing, anovernight trip to Mystic, CT, and a visit to the NewLondon submarine base in May; the family picnic inJune; and fishing in July.

Our 2010 Christmas/Hanukah Luncheon atthe Travelers Rest in Ossining, NY, was a completesuccess. Attending were 127 members, spouses andguests, who enjoyed celebrating the holiday seasontogether with friends.

Our membership is growing, with 300-plusmembers and new retirees signing in at every meet-ing. Our chapter has 20 “Golden” members, whoare age 80 or older.

We mourn the loss of members Frank Carusoand William Harrington. They will be missed.

Our chapter joins in the support of our work-ing brothers and sisters in this economic downturnand we hope working conditions improve in 2011.We also support our military service men andwomen and wish them success. Happy, healthy newyear to all members and chapters.

Edward A. Rubow, P.S.

Great Retiree ParticipationRETIREESCLUB OF L.U. 11, LOS ANGELES, CA—TheLocal 11 Retirees Club held its annual holiday lunch-eon at Taix’s Restaurant. Several great gifts were raf-fled off and everyone enjoyed a deliciousmeal andthe company of good friends. During the luncheonRetirees Club Pres. Marty Cohen announced thatboardmember Dolores Gomez would miss the eventdue to illness. She is recovering just fine. Dolores’appendix almost burst on the way to the event, butshemade it to the hospital in time. Thank you toeveryone for your well-wishes. We are glad somanymembers could join us.

At our recent meeting, all board members andofficers were reelected for two years.

We applaud participation by retirees on organ-izing committees and at city council meetings andpublic hearings. Your participation is vital to the pas-sage of proposed projects and project labor agree-ments. Several huge jobs are in the works, such astheWilshire Grand high-rise (reportedly the tallest ontheWest Coast) and the NBC/Universal expansion.Your advocacy helps!

We invite all Local 11 retired members to joinour club. We meet the second Wednesday of everymonth at the Commerce location.

Bob Oedy, P.S.

News From theGreat LakesRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 38, CLEVELAND, OH—As Ireflect on all the things we are thankful for here inAmerica, I pray that our economy will turn aroundsoon and get everyone back to work.

At this early December writing, we were look-ing forward to our 2010 Christmas Party. We alwayshave a great turnout for this annual event. Everyoneenjoys the scrumptious dinner and the friendly fel-lowship. We appreciate the many retirees andspouses who work hard to put on this grand event.

Our club Pres. Harry Finkler does a great job at

Retirees

Local 1 Pres. Tom George (right) and RetireesClub Pres. Dick Weller (left) attend annualChristmas party.

Local 3, Central Florida Chapter, RetireesClub members make up a golf team at theOct. 16, 2010, event are, from left: JosephGolan, Trustee John Greco and Vice Chmn.Harvey Lydecker.

Local 3, NorthNew JerseyChapter,Retirees Clubgathers at theEducationalCenter inCutchogue, NY.Photographer:Abe Fichten-baum (secondrow, left).

Local 3, SWFL Chapter, Retirees Clubmembers and spouses surround the new SWFL Chapter poster at the Christmas party in Punta Gorda, FL.

Retired Local 11member RolfHunn attends apublic hearingfor San GabrielUnified SchoolDistrict projectlaboragreement.



ourmonthlymeetings andhis volunteers do awonder-ful jobwith our lunches, clambakes, picnics and trips.

The 2010 monthly meetings were enjoyable.At one meeting, a speaker presented slides on con-struction in Central Asia. At another, our guestspeaker was from the U.S. Coast Guard. And atanother, we enjoyed a reverse raffle.

Recent trips included Michigan and Wheeling,WV. I heard that somemonetary gain was experi-enced by those who attended.

Wishing you all a happy new year ahead. Godbless America and God bless our troops.

Arthur Lesjak, P.S.

2010Holiday LuncheonRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 58, DETROIT,MI—As2011closed, itwas a timeof reflection for all at Local 58. Ourluncheons last yearwere always attendedbymemberswhohavebeen themainstay of our organization.

Attending ourChristmas luncheonwere some160members and guests. Themeeting hall was a“WinterWonderland”withChristmas tree and decora-tions. Attendees enjoyed a fine dinnerwith bever-ages, a commemoration and a time for renewingacquaintances.What a great time to talk to those old-timerswho helped build this local. Donation basketsaccepted contributions from thosewhowished to con-tribute. Of course, our hearts would not let us forgetthosewho departed this year.May they rest in peace!

Pres. John Ahern chaired the event and dis-tributed 17 prizes in the 50/50 raffle. That wasaccompanied by drawings for the centerpieces or abottle of wine.

The Retirees Association still needs memberswho are willing to be a part of the Board ofDirectors. Any of the members and their spousesare invited to attend our meetings held at 10 a.m.on the second Wednesday of each month at our hallin the Bill Rushford Room. Become a part of whatyou all created and have a say in where we aregoing. Happy new year to all and God bless.

Frank A. Maisano, P.S.

110th Anniversary CelebratedRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 99, PROVIDENCE, RI—InNovember 2010 we celebrated our local’s 110thanniversary, at the Providence Convention Center. Itwas a gala affair and well attended, with manyguest speakers.

Although we currently face hard economictimes, our forefathers experienced very hard work-ing conditions: 12-hour days, low pay, and no safetyprotections. They realized if they wanted a betterlife for their families they needed to join the IBEW.They also realized that forming a local union wouldbe a hard-fought battle due to the anti-union senti-ment that dominated the area.

In January 1900, the IBEW issued a charter toLocal 99 in Providence, RI. We thank those ninemem-bers who had the courage, vision and determinationto form this great local thatwe enjoy today: Bros. S.E.Sanborn, D.A.Murphy, R.A. Ripley, R.A. Joyce, A.P.Barry, George F. Jenks, H.H.Mello, A.W.Seavey and J.W. Bristow. Thankyou, brothers, for paving theway forus.We enjoy decentwages andworking conditions,and a better life for our families because of you.

Raymond J. Germershausen, P.S.

Service AwardsPresentedRETIREESCLUB OF L.U. 130, NEWORLEANS, LA—WethankDurel “Duke” Legendre, our new secretary, fortaking over the bus trips to the Gulf Coast. The ladiesin the club have assisted Bro. Legendre bymakingphone calls and collecting money for the trips.

The RetireesClub’s annual Christmas party heldin the Alexander roomonDec. 14, 2010, was a greatsuccesswith 103members, spouses and guestsattending. Everyone enjoyed celebrating the holidayseason,music, dancing and socializingwith friends.

We wish to recognize our former secretaryHarry “Buddy” Carver for a wonderful recovery. Hewas missed by all while he was out recuperating.

Local 130 Bus. Mgr. Clay J. Leon III presentedBro. Lawrence Bouterie his 65-year service award,Bro. Edward Caire his 70-year award, and Bro. LouisE. Foret his 55-year award.

We mourn the passing of: Bros. John E.Bacques Jr., Frank I. Bauer Jr., Ralph L. Fox, LionelGerstner, Edwin J. Gunn Jr., Arnold E. Letman,George A. Miller Jr., Lloyd J. Sauvinet and GeorgeWashington. May they rest in peace!

Until our next meeting, God bless America.

George Clesi, Pres.

Great ChristmasPartyRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 134, CHICAGO, IL—Wow, whata great Christmas party the Local 134 Retirees Clubenjoyed at the American Heritage Center. It wascatered by Harrington, serving the best corned beefin Chicago. The delicious dinner also offered roastchicken, potatoes and cabbage; and for dessert,home-made pies.

More than 110 guests attended the party.There were 45 door prizes: 20 $25 gift certificates;two Local 134 jackets; one Local 134 sweater; fiveLocal 134 belt watches; one $100 special gift certifi-cate, drawn by the lucky winner from tickets col-lected from attendees at all the 2010 meetings; and16 poinsettia plants. All the delicious surplus foodwas donated to a local homeless shelter.

Come to the club meetings—and remember,there are no strangers at Local 134, only friends youhaven’t yet met!

We welcome all Local 134 Retirees. Noon to1 p.m. is “greet & meet” time at Retirees Club meet-ings held the second Wednesday of each month.The regular meeting continues until 2:30 p.m. at theunion hall, 600 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago.

Louis Rodriguez, P.S.

2010 Club ActivitiesRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 150,WAUKEGAN, IL—Wehad a good 2010and look forward to 2011 being a goodyear also. In June 2010we had ourclub elections. Electedwere: Pres. RayHolst, Vice Pres. Tom Love, Sec. DianeHolst, Treas. TomCurley, and E-Boardmembers RayHolst, Tom Love, GeneCrovetti and JimHolst.

In May we saw “The Producers”at the Racine theatre. Another tripwas to Rockford, where we visitedJapanese gardens, had lunch andwent to Midway Village—all very

interesting. We also spent a day at the Racine Zoo.In August wemade our annual trip to White

Pines State Park. We had a lunch, saw a play (alwaysfunny), enjoyed a dinner, time around a campfire, anovernight in a nice log cabin and a “lumberjack”breakfast. As always, it was a good time.

In December we went to the Fireside theatreand saw “The Child,” a unique look at the birth ofChrist from Joseph’s point of view.

As we do each year, we planned and presidedover the Union Children’s Christmas Party. We hopemore members will join us for this wonderful eventnext year. We thank Rich and Pam Lahey, who did agreat job as “Mr. and Mrs. Claus.”

Diane Holst, Sec.

HolidaySeasonDonationsRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 164, JERSEYCITY,NJ—The Local 164 Retirees Associationproudly held our annual holiday party onDec. 15, 2010, with a great luncheon andentertainment. We had donations for buy-ing toys and presents for those in greatneed during the holiday season. Recentlywe donated to the Wounded WarriorsProject. We also conducted our thirdannual Coats For Kids & Adults program,collecting 400 gently used winter coats forat-risk, homeless or sheltered people.

A Poconos, PA, casino/resort trip isplanned for springtime. We will also havegolf outings and fishing trips that keep ourretirees busy and together.

Ourmonthly luncheonmeetings offerseminars, stories and camaraderie. Weinvite all Local 164 retirees to bemembersof this vibrant association.

Please go to Web sitewww.LU164Retirees.squarepins.org for events, pictures and news.

David Judovin, P.S.

‘Gifts to Give’ DonationsRETIREESCLUB OF L.U. 223, BROCKTON, MA—OnDec. 8, 2010, the Fireside Restaurant in Middleborowas the location of our informal businessmeetingand Christmas luncheon for 30members andguests. After an exchange of gifts and a wine raffle,Mary Ann Bouldry thanked attendees for their gener-ous donation of more than 600 pairs of sox andunderwear for needy children served by Gifts to Givein New Bedford. At the previousmeeting inSeptember, members donated $50 to the BournePublic Library’s Knitters club. The Knitters createdmore than 100 pairs of mittens and hats which,along with the donated clothing, were delivered toGifts to Give. Jim Stevens, founder of the nonprofitorganization, extended profuse thanks to IBEW 223for their support and contributions throughout 2010.

It was noted that Bro. Harry Howland, who isrecuperating at home after a hospital stay, wouldappreciate hearing from the membership. A card ornote may be sent to him at 55 Prospect St., WestBridgewater, MA 02379. A moment of silence wasobserved for recently deceased Bro. Arthur Blais.

Burt Bouldry, Pres.

Local 130 Bus.Mgr. Clay J. Leon III (second from left) presentsservice awards to three retirees. From left are: Bros. Louis E.Foret, Bus.Mgr. Leon, Edward Caire and Lawrence Bouterie.

The Local 150 Retirees Club thanks Rich andPam Lahey, who played “Mr. and Mrs.Santa” at the children’s Christmas party.

TheMcCormack family represents two generations ofLocal 164members, from left: retiree ChrisMcCormack,age 96, and his sons Jim and BobMcCormack.

Gifts to Give founder Jim Stevens (left)accepts Christmas donation of clothing forneedy children, presented by Local 223Retirees Club Pres. Burt Bouldry.

Retirees


36th Annual LuncheonRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 236, ALBANY, NY—TheRetirees Club held its 36th annual luncheon in 2010at the Italian Club in Albany, NY, where many of ourretirees, their spouses, and invited guests had awonderful meal.

Many of the widows of our departedmemberswere our guests. This was the largest luncheonwehave had so far. Everyone enjoyed seeing old friendsand reminiscing about our working days at the trade.

Wewere pleased to have several special guestspresent, including Local 236 officers and retired for-mer Int. Vice Pres. Donald Funk, who served previ-ously as businessmanager of former Local 166.

Jim Porter, P.S.

Annual Holiday FestivitiesRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 291, BOISE, ID—The annualChristmas party with gift exchange was held inGarden City, Idaho, at the JATCBuilding.

There were 47 in attendance with a visit by ourInt. Rep. Ben Antunes, who presented holiday greet-ings from the International Office. Club Pres. JoeSirani offered a Christmas prayer, preceding themeal, to remember the “Reason for the Season.”The main entrées were furnished by the RetireesClub and prepared by Dennis and Mary BethAnderson—delicious turkey and pulled pork. Therest of the meal was potluck and provided by themembers. It was all awesome. There was so muchfood, and a lot of hungry members to enjoy it.

A gift exchange was held after the luncheonand we played “Chance and Greed,” where some-one had the opportunity to pick an unopened gift ortake from another person. Not too much greed wenton. Everyone seemed happy with what they picked.

We hope all had a happy holiday season.Our meetings are the second Thursday of

every month. All are welcome!

Joe Sirani, Pres.

Club Attendance IncreasesRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 306, AKRON, OH—Monthlyclub attendance increased during 2010 along withthe ranks of newly retired brothers. We wish a longand healthy retirement to recent retiree Bro. MattPramik. We believe he might have been our first 50-year member still working!

Our senior golfers tore up the links at localcourses for the past sevenmonths and had a great

time. Retirees attended every socialevent at our local and provided somegreat entertainment. Why is it theolder we get, themore we remember?Old friends and good food producedmany smiles around here.

Topics of discussion at ourmeetings are many and varied. Newpills for old ailments, the latest inartificial joints, the economy, what’shappening in the trade, our familiesand, occasionally, politics. At arecent meeting, several wonderedhowmany families have producedthree or more generations of wire-men in our local. The namesCampbell, Dies, Douglas, Fraley,

Goodspeed, Hornacek, Shafer,Stanec, Sweitzer, Thomas, Thompson, Trettel andYoung came to mind. By our count, that is 20 fami-lies in 115 years of IBEW affiliation in Akron.

We mourn the loss of retired Bros. DonaldSchofield (class of 1954) and JackMarsillo, whoreceived his 50-year pin in 2009.

Wishing you all a safe, healthy new year!

Bob Sallaz, P.S.

Gratitude&ReflectionRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 353, TORONTO, ONTARIO,CANADA—2010 was a difficult but successful year.The unexpected loss of executive board memberFrans DeJong definitely made us all reflect and bethankful for all we have.

Our club enjoysmonthly luncheonmeetingsand looks forward to trips to our sister Locals 105, 303and 804. In 2010, the following events helped keep usbusy: our stay and dinner/theatre trip in Niagara Falls,theStoney Lake boat cruise, theWalters Family din-

ner/theatre, and the day atWoodbine/Casino. Alsolast year, celebrating our club’s 25th anniversarywithour sister Locals 105, 120,586, 894 and 1739 providedus great pride and pleasure. Helping to raisemorethan $700 in creature-comfort items sent to our over-seas troops forChristmaswas another delight.

Some 600 attended our Christmas Dinner/Dance held Dec. 4. A highlight was the presentationof service pins. Receiving pins were: six 65-yearmembers, 24 60-year members, eight 55-year mem-bers and 46 50-year members. Thus far, a total of437 living Local 353 members have achieved 50 ormore years of service. Bro. Frederic Cooling, age 101,was among those who received a 60-year pin.

Robert Rynyk, Pres.

Join the CamaraderieRETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 415, CHEYENNE, WY—As webegin 2011 with a newly elected Republican major-ity in the House and a smaller Democraticmajorityin the Senate, we hope Congress and our presidentcan come together for the good of the people. It iswrong that 5 percent of the wealthy have 95 percentof the wealth. This country became great because ofa working middle class, and there are those whowould do away with a middle class. We must holdour politicians to higher standards. Stay informed,stay active and let’s stand up for working people.

With so fewmembers in our Retirees Club, weare not a very active group, but those of us who doget together enjoy the camaraderie. We invite moreretirees to join us.

Our condolences go to the Kennedy family onthe passing of Bro. Darrel Kennedy.

We also extend sympathy to Jim and JeannineAnderson, whose house was burned down. TheRetirees Club is working on a plan to help theAndersons this spring. Check at the hall and see ifyou can chip in.

I continue to work on assembling a picturediary of the history of our local and its members.[See photo, below.] Send me anything you think Ican use. I will copy it and return your original to you.

John J. Occhipinti, P.S.

Club’s30th AnniversaryRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 611, ALBUQUERQUE, NM—TheRetireesClubwas 30 years old in December 2010. Inkeepingwith the holiday season and to celebrate theclub’s 30th year, older retiredmembers (thosewhowere unable to get out during the year because ofhealth problems) participated in a small buffet in

DecemberThose six retirees, their guests and desig-nated drivers attended, participated in a gift exchangeand received a special gift from the RetireesClub.

Also in December was the annual Local 611family Christmas party. “Santa” (played by retireeJenaro “Junior” Pedroncelli) handed out stockingsfull of goodies for the children. Turkeys and trim-mings were cooked by Local 611 members. Icounted at least 12 retirees and their wives present,and I met two retirees from other locals who nowlive in the Albuquerque area. The party was wellattended, especially by children.

Our condolences go to the families of retiredbrothers who passed away since our last article:Raymond Montes, Walter D. Gentry, Buford B.Staggs, Merle O. Clark, Gordon K. Dawson, WilliamD. Ohr and Gilbert G. Mascarenas.

Remember the spirit of brotherhood. Givethose in poor health a call, a card or visit. We wisheveryone a happy, healthy 2011.

Tracy Hall, Pres.

VolunteersGetOut theVoteRETIREESCLUBOF L.U. 915, TAMPA, FL—Just before the2010midterm election, theWestCentral FloridaFederation of Labor held a get-out-the-vote walk. Ourmeeting hall was used as a staging area. Some of usretireeswent down to help out. Thatmorning IBEWInt. Pres. Edwin D. Hill paid us a visit. Most of us hadthe honor ofmeeting and talking to Pres. Hill.

Our club still meets on the first Monday ofevery month. Lunch is provided and we have a shortbusiness meeting. Attendance usually runsbetween 15 and 20 people. We welcome any of ourretired members to attend. Also on the thirdMonday of each month, we have lunch at Luptonson Busch Blvd. Come out and enjoy visiting some ofthe brothers you worked with over the years.

Dennis Field, P.S.

Attending the Local 236 Retirees Club’s 36th annualluncheon are, from left: Local 236 Bus. Mgr. Don Rahm,retired former Int. Vice Pres. Donald Funk, Retirees ClubPres. Phil Clemens, Sec. Jim Porter and Treas. Mike Ray.Ken Hinckley snapped the photo.

Local 291 Retirees Club members enjoy a festive 2010 Christmas party.A vintage photo shows Local 415’s graduating “Class of 1962-1965.” From left: Frank Kading,Bob Mayhew, Jack Waechter, Darrell Kennedy, Tom Bates, Richard Vosler and John Occhipinti.

Local 915 retired Bros. BobMcDonald (left) andBuddyWade register get-out-the-votewalkers.

In Memoriam

1 Mueller, R. H. 11/4/20101 Paar, B. F. 11/2/20101 Provenzano, V. 8/12/20101 Sherrick, E. D. 11/12/20101 Weller, J. F. 10/26/20102 Weber, R. 10/19/20103 Barbuto, B. 4/22/20093 Borrell, F. C. 6/4/20103 Costantino, A. D. 11/24/20093 Deangelis, F. 10/29/20103 Fox,W. P. 11/16/20103 Fuhlbrugge, E. H. 6/10/20103 Glovinsky, C. R. 10/24/20103 Koelling, S. P. 10/23/20103 Lay, P. P. 10/25/20103 Lemieszewski,W. 10/16/20103 Linguiti, A. E. 11/8/20103 Perin, D. G. 11/1/20103 Polo, G. 9/26/20103 Sharkey,W. F. 3/5/20053 Statler, D.W. 11/4/20103 Toulantis, T. 11/3/20105 Branchen, J. 9/23/20105 Branthoover, J. M. 9/14/20105 Martin,W. C. 7/27/20105 Volzer, E. A. 10/6/20106 Li,W. K. 11/6/20106 Mullen, K. H. 7/28/20107 Fish, F. E. 7/30/201011 Binnall, D. R. 10/18/201011 Courtney, B. L. 10/18/201011 Culp, M. T. 11/3/201011 Diaz, C. A. 9/26/201011 Melchert, R. C. 8/20/201011 Patterson, F. 10/24/201011 Seberger, O. P. 11/2/201011 Tanner, T. S. 7/4/201012 Bennett, R.W. 10/26/201012 Ramsey, R. D. 11/7/201017 Dale, J. S. 10/21/201017 Lyttle, A. B. 6/30/201017 Patton, J. J. 8/21/201017 Plachetzki, C. F. 10/6/201018 Campbell, R. D. 9/21/201018 Figge, C. H. 6/13/201018 Oglesby, J. 9/19/201018 Orosel, J. R. 11/4/201019 Fojtl, F. E. 8/31/201020 Butler, D. L. 10/28/201020 Crowder, B. L. 10/23/201020 Hatch, L. G. 9/29/201020 Kelley, C. L. 10/24/201020 Peters, R. J. 9/26/201020 Rogers, J. F. 11/6/201020 Wallace, D. C. 10/21/201024 Harris, M. F. 10/16/201025 Jewell, A. L. 9/17/201025 O'Toole, R. A. 10/19/201025 Walker, R.W. 12/26/200934 Armstrong, D. L. 10/29/201034 Bessler, F. E. 9/18/201034 Lovekamp, D. 11/10/201035 Lyman, E. A. 10/27/201038 Christman, A. F. 11/20/201038 Dress, R. L. 9/14/201038 Schmidt, S. E. 9/8/201041 Vogel, H. J. 9/30/201042 Seaman, R. E. 10/22/201045 Avery, L. H. 8/4/201046 Clifton, R. L. 10/11/201046 Mayovsky, G. J. 9/27/201046 Smyth, I. D. 10/19/201047 Miller, J. R. 11/13/201058 Engel,W. F. 10/24/201058 Henrikson, D. K. 10/31/201058 Keppen, R. M. 11/9/201058 Knight, K. L. 9/17/201058 Marks, M. A. 4/30/201058 Rose, L. 7/22/200858 Stuard, F. L. 10/13/201064 Jurek, T. 9/1/2010

64 Schulz, J. G. 10/6/201066 Jozwiak, S. J. 2/2/200766 Roper, D. J. 7/6/201066 Sledge, E. H. 10/26/201066 Wright, P. O. 10/19/201068 Porth, F. M. 12/10/200371 Lemasters, E. P. 10/10/201071 McMahan, E. B. 9/20/201073 Bucholz, H. 7/31/201073 Rhodes, E. E. 11/9/201076 Bjorke, C. I. 11/1/201076 Fouts, L. J. 10/24/201076 Heidal, O. J. 5/15/200976 Mansfield, Y. B. 9/27/201076 Mucha, R. J. 11/16/201076 Pebler, E.W. 10/30/201076 Seabloom, R.W. 11/6/201077 Grager,W. H. 11/9/201077 Pollock,W. C. 8/8/201082 Bieller, R. S. 11/12/201084 Bland, G. L. 10/30/201090 DeCaprio, A. J. 11/6/201098 Britsch, C. A. 10/28/201098 Helhowski,W. J. 11/14/201099 Gianfrancesco, R.T.10/30/2010100 Perez, B. A. 8/27/2010102 Colucci, J. 10/19/2010102 Schmidt, H. M. 10/13/2010102 Turgeon, P. 10/20/2010103 Gomez, F. 11/17/2010103 O'Donnell, R. F. 11/11/2010104 Thompson, P. B. 7/23/2010105 Taylor, K. R. 10/16/2010106 Smith, C. K. 10/2/2010112 Davis, J. L. 8/14/2010112 Derrick, N. J. 9/19/2010112 Sanders, S. E. 11/26/2010113 Bollinger, H. L. 11/3/2010115 Hannaford, D. L. 11/6/2010120 Gregory, A. F. 9/29/2010124 Gladman, L.W. 11/4/2010124 Tutorino, J. A. 10/23/2010125 Beasley, R. T. 4/17/2010125 Handy, J. A. 10/26/2010125 Hulsey, H. L. 6/27/2007125 Mattison, V.W. 11/11/2010125 Meisner,W. 6/11/2010129 Rebman, E. A. 11/5/2010130 Bauer, F. I. 10/25/2010130 Miller, G. A. 10/15/2010130 Sanchez, T. A. 9/17/2010130 Sauvinet, L. J. 10/25/2010134 Beck, C. C. 10/26/2010134 Damato, L.W. 10/24/2010134 Dziawura, S. 10/2/2010134 Enberg,W. R. 10/19/2010134 Frankowski, E. A. 9/22/2010134 Larmon, T. E. 10/25/2010134 Matson, B. H. 7/12/2010134 Naumann, R. E. 10/25/2010134 Parsons, R. H. 10/20/2010134 Schulewitz, E. 11/16/2010134 Tuszynski, C. 10/24/2010134 Van Outrive, F. 10/16/2010134 Walsh, R. P. 7/22/2010141 Scheid, R. E. 10/6/2010146 Winterbauer, E. L. 10/17/2010159 Bos, K. D. 10/7/2010160 Dickerson, P. E. 5/18/2010160 Fuqua, G. D. 10/23/2010164 Giovannis, D. 10/23/2010164 Keegan, J. T. 11/15/2010164 Lipski, J. 10/19/2010164 Stanton,W. 10/16/2010175 Vandergriff, F. 10/28/2010175 Woody, R. F. 6/27/2010180 Herrmann, H. T. 10/27/2010212 Gangloff, D. F. 7/4/2010212 Siegel, D. S. 11/10/2010213 Banner, F. T. 9/25/2010213 Corrioni, E. 10/12/2010

213 Lewer, S. V. 9/16/2010213 Loverin, G. R. 8/31/2010213 Winning, P. J. 10/23/2010223 Wyman, B. K. 1/31/2010230 Hadfield,W. A. 5/1/2010234 Munoz, G. M. 11/14/2010234 Ortega, R. R. 6/1/2008242 Culliton, R. J. 11/14/2010252 Sodt,W. L. 10/29/2010257 Bax, J. J. 10/8/2010269 Drejerwski, M. J. 9/10/2010270 Cox,W. F. 11/2/2010275 Newton, G. A. 11/5/2010278 Rogers, J. R. 10/13/2010278 Smith, G. R. 1/13/2010280 Deems, G. C. 11/6/2010292 Germundson, R. J. 9/4/2010292 Prieve, J. E. 10/5/2010302 Hoye,W. P. 10/3/2010304 Everhart, R. H. 11/5/2010306 Abraham, G. C. 4/27/2010312 Coulter, P. P. 6/5/2010313 Patterson, F. R. 11/2/2010317 Thompson, A. L. 10/13/2010325 Watson, R. L. 6/15/2010326 O'Rourke, J. J. 10/5/2010326 White, P. J. 3/30/2008332 Downs, L. E. 10/4/2010332 Garvin, S. 2/6/2010332 Greene, R. C. 9/3/2010332 Ingram, R. S. 10/25/2010340 Moul, L. F. 9/18/2010342 Elliott, J. V. 11/11/2010343 Decker, S. H. 9/10/2010347 Mitchell, C. E. 11/14/2010347 Reeves, J. D. 10/9/2010349 Broda, M. 9/19/2010349 Flynt, L. 10/21/2009351 Shipley, J. A. 10/22/2010353 Barber, G. A. 11/5/2010353 Boyce, J. B. 11/13/2010353 Van Halteren, A. 10/3/2010354 Cook, L. E. 10/5/2010354 Page, J. K. 11/16/2010354 Williamson, C. C. 9/8/2010357 Hornyak, L. J. 11/13/2010357 Schumacher, C. K. 8/15/2010363 Champeau, R. R. 10/9/2010363 Munday, P. P. 10/8/2010364 Gitchel, L. L. 10/8/2010369 Fair, R. G. 9/14/2010400 Kaari, L. 7/1/2010413 Miller, T. L. 10/31/2010424 Somers, T. P. 7/17/2010429 Brown, B. A. 10/23/2010429 Milloway, G. T. 9/27/2010441 Pyle, R. G. 10/13/2010443 Bush, A. O. 11/6/2010459 McKenzie, H. B. 10/8/2010465 Tinkey, G. 9/30/2010481 Hayden, M. 10/17/2010481 Poe, R. D. 10/24/2010483 Langberg, C. A. 9/30/2010483 Wright, G.W. 10/1/2010488 Brown, H. D. 8/4/2010488 Graether, R.W. 3/29/2010494 Borchardt, L. L. 8/17/2010494 Hoida, J. F. 10/26/2010494 Kaminski, E. M. 10/18/2010494 Miller, T. 10/19/2010494 Woida, R. F. 9/3/2010499 Mason, R. M. 9/21/2010502 Mersereau, H. M. 10/19/2010520 Smith, D. R. 6/14/2010527 Smith, M. S. 10/5/2010529 Harrison, R.W. 9/17/2010545 Gilmore, R. C. 11/4/2010545 Loehr, D. E. 10/23/2010549 Bandy, B. J. 7/6/2008551 Parker, N. D. 11/5/2010558 Hamilton, R. C. 10/28/2010

569 Berkley, J. E. 10/19/2010569 Getz, M. R. 8/19/2010570 Fields, J. N. 9/1/2010570 Kitchen, K. S. 10/6/2010570 Vinson, G. 11/5/2010574 Stemen, P. R. 10/29/2010584 Buckley, R. L. 11/16/2010584 Connaughton, B. B. 11/15/2010586 Turner, R. K. 10/12/2010589 Minerault, F. M. 3/30/2010595 Bird, F. J. 12/12/2009602 Simpson, R. R. 11/8/2010611 Howard, H. D. 9/16/2010611 Ohr,W. D. 11/4/2010613 Adkins, K. C. 10/18/2010613 Sturdevant, D. L. 10/20/2010613 Wigley, L. A. 11/7/2010640 Haworth, D. L. 11/2/2010640 Myrick,W. 11/1/2010640 Simmons, L. F. 10/8/2010640 Tapija, D. D. 10/14/2010648 Blevens, M. R. 11/13/2010659 Holmes,W. L. 10/22/2010659 Maynard, S. R. 10/24/2010661 Culley,W. A. 9/27/2010661 Engel, E. J. 10/18/2010666 Nicholas, C. G. 11/28/2010666 Renaud, J. C. 9/30/2010668 Smith, J. G. 10/4/2010673 Allds, N. D. 6/19/2010673 Thomas, C. M. 10/17/2010683 Grosvenor, D. B. 10/24/2010683 Marshall, E. 10/28/2010688 Garrison, T. R. 11/17/2010697 Moelhman, R. G. 11/14/2010701 Marshinski, E. S. 7/7/2010712 Anderson, J. R. 11/10/2010714 Hennessey, D. F. 9/9/2010714 Keller, G. S. 10/21/2010716 Waldron, R. A. 10/30/2010728 Heald,W. S. 10/2/2010728 Pyatte, A. J. 10/15/2010728 Simmons, R. J. 10/25/2010731 Johnson, P. A. 9/29/2010743 Orth, J. R. 5/29/2010756 Fusco, F. 11/10/2010756 McCafferty, J. L. 11/3/2010760 Wallace, A. T. 10/10/2010766 Melius, E. L. 10/6/2010768 McBride, T. D. 11/7/2010776 Jordan, J. P. 6/13/2010776 Ledet, D. L. 8/26/2010804 Jones, E. 8/22/2010812 Hiller, B. A. 10/2/2010814 Brookshier, R. U. 10/25/2010814 Mansfield, T. E. 8/20/2010816 Austin, C. F. 10/19/2010816 Sumner, C. L. 10/29/2010824 Schugel, J. A. 3/31/2010841 Keasler, T. M. 10/16/2010852 Archer, L. E. 10/23/2010852 Carruth, B. F. 10/23/2010861 Latour, F. 10/25/2010890 Gasch,W. H. 8/21/2010903 Crews, O. R. 8/22/2010903 Dickens, J. R. 10/14/2010915 Acosta, J. 11/11/2010915 Balog, S. J. 11/8/2010915 Freeman, D. E. 9/10/2010915 Pessillo, P. M. 11/15/2010934 Williams, C. D. 8/1/2010948 Mallory, O. R. 8/5/2010948 Winkler, J. K. 11/10/2010952 Kerwin, J. 10/27/2010993 Beech, R. R. 10/18/2008993 Hutchison, B. A. 9/20/2010995 Russell, W. E. 9/6/20101000 Porter, L. R. 10/13/20101116 Barton, T. L. 9/13/20101116 Bramhall,W. G. 9/24/20101141 Pipher, J. E. 10/21/2010

1186 Nagata, T. 3/19/20091200 Warner, E. E. 7/9/20101220 Klinke, A.W. 9/15/20101245 Desautels, H. 10/24/20101250 Ronfeldt, L. L. 7/25/20101316 Bowen, M. H. 7/15/20101319 Barsnica, L.W. 10/30/20101319 Speer, K. N. 10/4/20101393 Allen,W. J. 10/12/20101426 Carlson, V. R. 9/20/20101426 Wenner, B. L. 10/18/20101547 Carlow, I. N. 11/12/20101547 Harrigan, C. J. 10/20/20101547 Scholes,W. R. 11/5/20101547 Van Buskirk, A. T. 6/22/20091701 Newcom, A. R. 9/29/20101753 Norris, J. R. 8/5/20102085 Shuttleworth, R. R.10/24/20102166 Lagace, S. 10/1/20102286 Kellebrew, C.W. 5/24/20102286 Mott, J.W. 9/18/20102330 Parsons, D. S. 8/19/20102362 Harmon, L.W. 10/12/2010I.O. (3) Pugliese, J. M. 10/22/2010I.O. (134) Cashman, P. F. 11/10/2010I.O. (134) Price, R. 11/4/2010I.O. (424) Smith, J. 10/18/2010I.O. (543) Millette, R. A. 10/10/2010I.O. (852) Smith, J. B. 6/3/2010I.O. (1245) Dykstra, J. M. 11/3/2010I.O. (2113) Cranford, R.W. 10/23/2010Pens. (88) Clemmons, E. A. 4/8/2010Pens. (637) Miles, R. C. 11/3/2010Pens. (I.O.) Andersen, D. C. 11/1/2010Pens. (I.O.) Ashby, E. E. 10/22/2010Pens. (I.O.) Baker, D.W. 10/20/2010Pens. (I.O.) Billings, N. F. 5/29/2010Pens. (I.O.) Bonura, G. S. 9/16/2010Pens. (I.O.) Bosiak, K. 10/15/2010Pens. (I.O.) Buntain, J. M. 10/11/2010Pens. (I.O.) Castel,W. A. 10/3/2010Pens. (I.O.) Cromby, D. J. 4/26/2010Pens. (I.O.) Dailey, B. J. 10/21/2010Pens. (I.O.) Garner, C. P. 10/8/2010Pens. (I.O.) Green, C. A. 9/30/2010Pens. (I.O.) Hannafin, E.W. 11/19/2010Pens. (I.O.) Hanson,W. B. 8/29/2010Pens. (I.O.) Hartman, E. A. 8/22/2010Pens. (I.O.) Hayden, C. R. 12/26/2009Pens. (I.O.) Herring, M. D. 11/4/2010Pens. (I.O.) Hilfiger, E. C. 10/22/2010Pens. (I.O.) Holtman, H. B. 10/1/2010Pens. (I.O.) Horowitz, S. 10/10/2010Pens. (I.O.) Ikenberry, E. E. 6/27/2010Pens. (I.O.) Jackson, T. S. 9/29/2010Pens. (I.O.) Jackson, H. C. 9/5/2010Pens. (I.O.) Johnson, S. L. 7/22/2010Pens. (I.O.) Johnson, J. S. 11/7/2010Pens. (I.O.) Kazar, E. J. 11/3/2010Pens. (I.O.) Kick, R. R. 9/30/2010Pens. (I.O.) Klotz, A. J. 9/11/2010Pens. (I.O.) Kucharski, E. J. 11/2/2010Pens. (I.O.) Laidler, J. 8/25/2009Pens. (I.O.) O'Hara, P. J. 9/2/2010Pens. (I.O.) Oilar, M. L. 11/12/2010Pens. (I.O.) Pfluger, E. C. 8/25/2010Pens. (I.O.) Pouk, J. A. 8/21/2009Pens. (I.O.) Predl, R. J. 7/12/2010Pens. (I.O.) Robbins, D. C. 10/23/2010Pens. (I.O.) Scheinrock, H. M. 9/23/2010Pens. (I.O.) Schroeder, F. T. 11/9/2010Pens. (I.O.) Skretny, E. 11/10/2010Pens. (I.O.) Thiel, D. T. 9/20/2010Pens. (I.O.) Wells, G. F. 6/8/2010Pens. (I.O.) Wilson, L. 9/12/2010Pens. (I.O.) Wolf,W. R. 11/2/2010Pens. (I.O.) Zebley, T. E. 11/16/2010

Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death

Members forWhomPBFDeathClaimswereApproved inDecember2010




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I was inspired by the spirit of members of Sparta, Tenn., Local2143 as I joined them and community leaders on Jan. 8 on awalk to protest the planned shutdown of the Philips lighting

fixture plant and outsourcing the work to Mexico.It wasn’t hard to see why their plant has been celebrated as one

of the 10 best manufacturing plants in North America. These are menand women who take pride in making quality consumer products.

Our members in Sparta are working with an extraordinarymanager, Dave Uhrik, who—immediately after the shutdown wasannounced—put a plan together to purchase the plant in hopes toconvince Netherlands-based corporate giant Philips to continueordering fixtures made in Tennessee.

Philips refused, an act that can only be characterized as corporatebetrayal at its very worst.

Here’s a foreign-based company that has received more than $7 million in U.S. federal stimulusmoney shutting down a profitable, productive plant and spending millions more to move to Mexico. Ifthis plant shuts down, no manufacturing plant in the U.S. or Canada is safe.

I say, “if the plant shuts down” because members of Local 2143, the plant management and theircommunity are not rolling over or running scared in the face of the company’s brutal announcement.They are fighting to keep it open.

Brothers and sisters, I am determined to see that themen andwomen of Sparta are not left to strug-gle alone. I ammobilizing our International union’s staff and resources to help spread the story of Philips’betrayal to all who share our desire for economic justice, not justwithin North America, but across the globe.

Can the IBEW and our allies keep the Sparta plant from joining the list of 50,000 others in the U.S.that have already shut their doors? We don’t know, but the line has been drawn.

The fight to rebuild and sustain a manufacturing sector in the U.S.—to restore the broad prosperityand pride that were the hallmarks of the American Dream—starts in places just like Sparta. Let’s keepthe lights on. �

I n t e r n a t i o n a l B r o t h e r h o o d o f E l e c t r i c a l W o r k e r s

The Electrical Worker was the name of the first officialpublication of the National Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers in 1893 (the NBEW became the IBEW in 1899 withthe expansion of the union into Canada). The name andformat of the publication have changed over the years.This newspaper is the official publication of the IBEW andseeks to capture the courage and spirit that motivated thefounders of the Brotherhood and continue to inspire theunion’s members today. The masthead of this newspaperis an adaptation of that of the first edition in 1893.

D espite coming to power last month in part by attacking theDemocrats’ weak record on job growth and denouncingPresident Obama’s “job-killing” policies, one of the GOP’s

first acts as the majority party in the U.S. House of Representativeshas been to kill good jobs in the economic sector hardest hit by therecession: construction.

House Republicans passed a rules package lastmonth that treatsthe HighwayTrust Fund as part of general revenue, tearing down thefirewall that prevents the fund frombeing spent on unrelated projects.The trust finances state highway and transit projects through the federalgas tax—a tax exclusively earmarked for investing in our highway, bridgeand rail systems. And since its creation in 1956, the fund has put tens ofthousands of construction tradesmen andwomen towork.

But the GOP’s move puts future job growth at risk. By treatingthe fund as general spending, Congress can easily withhold monies for future transportation projects,making it appear they are doing something about the deficit.

And subjecting highway funds to the uncertainty of the normal congressional appropriation processmakes it nearly impossible for state and local officials to plan long-term projects, placing thousands ofgood jobs at risk.

The rule change is opposed by a broad coalition of business, local government and labor organiza-tions—from theChamber of Commerce and the Building andConstruction Trades, AFL-CIO to the AmericanAssociation of State Highway and Transportation Officials—which recently wrote Speaker John Boehnerasking him to reverse the GOP’s decision.

A vibrant construction sector is key to our economic recovery, and America can’t afford to see it sac-rificed in the name of short-sighted partisan politics.

Some lawmakers have taken a courageous stand against this rule change, but we need to hearmore voices from both sides of aisle. Good jobs and a strong infrastructure should be a bipartisan issue.With unemployment in construction running more than 20 percent, Congress’ priority should be gettingmore Americans back to work, not engaging in bureaucraticmaneuvers that eliminate needed jobs. �

F R O M T H E O F F I C E R S

EXECUTIVEOFFICERS

Edwin D. HillInternational President

Lindell K. LeeInternationalSecretary-Treasurer

INTERNATIONALEXECUTIVECOUNCIL

ChairmanRobert W. Pierson

First DistrictJoseph P. Calabro

Second DistrictMyles J. Calvey

Third DistrictJohn R. Clarke

Fourth DistrictWilliam W. Riley

Fifth DistrictStephen Schoemehl

Sixth DistrictGregory A. Lucero

Seventh DistrictPatrick Lavin

Eighth DistrictJohn F. Briegel

INTERNATIONALVICEPRESIDENTS

First DistrictPhillip J. Flemming

Second DistrictFrank J. Carroll

Third DistrictDonald C. Siegel

Fourth DistrictSalvatore J. Chilia

Fifth DistrictJoe S. Davis

Sixth DistrictLonnie R. Stephenson

Seventh DistrictJonathan B. Gardner

Eighth DistrictTed C. Jensen

Ninth DistrictMichael S. Mowrey

Tenth DistrictRobert P. Klein

Eleventh DistrictCurtis E. Henke

THEELECTRICALWORKER

EditorEdwin D. Hill

C. James Spellane

MarkBrueggenjohann

Malinda Brent

Len Shindel

Carol Fisher

Alex Hogan

Lucas Oswalt

James H. Jones

Len Turner

Tim Prendergast

Curtis D. Bateman

John Sellman

Lindell K. LeeInternational Secretary-Treasurer

Congress: Don’t Kill GoodConstruction Jobs

Edwin D. HillInternational President

Inspiration in Tennessee



J im Drennen may be in his50s—but when it comes to hislove of music, he talks withthe speed and intensity of a

teenage MTV fan.“I’m almost always thinking

about music in one way or another,”said Drennan, a Jonesboro, Ark.,Local 1516 retired journeyman insidewireman. “Many nights a week I’mup till three or so down in the base-ment,” where he stashes his 7,000pieces of vinyl, countless CDs, cas-settes and four-track tapes.

Drennen’s individual passiongoes public every Saturday at 9 p.m.,when he helms the DJ booth atArkansas State University’s radiostation to serve up an energetic andeclecticmix of tunes on his show“Blues Where You Least Expect It.”

But listeners anticipating stan-dard odes to popular guitar slingerslike Stevie Ray Vaughn or John LeeHooker will be in for a surprise.

“This isn’t your daddy’s bluesshow,” Drennen said. “You’re liableto hear Andy Griffith singing ‘HowLong Blues’ from 1959 to [heavymetal band] Megadeth coveringMuddyWaters’ ‘I Ain’t Superstitious.’

“But then again, that’s whereyou would least expect to find theblues,” he said.

Drennen has hosted 200 half-hour shows since 2008, allanchored by his encyclopedic knowl-edge of multiple styles. And eachbroadcast has a clever, coherenttheme—regardless of how off-the-wall the playlist may look on paper.

There’s the “Movie Blues”show that aired last February. In thatepisode, Drennen spun tracks fromdiverse film stars like Woody Allen(an accomplished jazz clarinetist)and Bette Midler, who offers acomedic take on Screamin’ JayHawkins’ “I Put A Spell On You.”

Then there’s the show wherehe spliced together original versionsof bedrock standards by legends likeRobert Johnson and B.B. King withupdated interpretations by ’70srockers Led Zeppelin and Cream, fea-turing Eric Clapton.

Now in its third season,“Blues” is enjoying continued spon-

sorship by Local 1516. To show hisappreciation for underwriting hisfirst year on public radio, the fatherof five dedicated an August 2009program to the local and the broaderlabor movement.

For the entirety of the 30-minutebroadcast, Drennen takes listenerson an audio tour of the IBEW’s his-tory, interspersing tales about HenryMiller and the founders’ ambitiousdreamwith songs about working peo-ple’s struggles.

“Let’s find outwhyHenry hadthe blues, andwhat he did about it,”Drennen tells the audience early inthe set before launching into solidlabor anthems like “Talking Union,”“WhichSide Are YouOn?” and “IDon’tWantYourMillions,Mister.”

He thanks the Brotherhood andtells listeners, “[The IBEW’s] supportis the foundation on which I standtoday. If it were not for their support,I would not be here.”

And not just in the radio booth.In 2007, Drennen was diagnosedwith congestive heart failure and

required surgery to install a pace-maker in his chest. “Without theunion-provided insurance,” he said,“I’d probably be dead today. I owemy allegiance to my own local andthe International.”

Though the diagnosis forcedDrennen into an early retirement, heappreciates the time he has todevote to the show.

“I miss working with the broth-ers and sisters—I miss the cama-raderie,” he said. “I got to travelquite a bit, and have friends from allover. But I’m still doing something Ilove, and that’s important.”

He’s also building somethingof a following.

“[Jim’s] got some fans amongsomemembers here,” said Local1516 Business Manager KirkDouglas. “And his show on HenryMiller was interesting. I think it waseducational for many of our brothersand sisters who are still learningabout Henry Miller’s life. We’reproud to sponsor his show.”

Drennen’s next steps involve get-ting aWebsite up anddevelopingmerchandise to promote the broad-cast. He said hewould love to getnational syndication at somepoint,but he recognizes the “outside-of- the-mainstream”aspect of his program.

“It’s more of an educationalshow,” he said, “so what betterplace than the college radio station?”

Tune in to “Blues Where YouLeast Expect It” online at 9 p.m.Saturdays atwww.kasu.org. �

Lettersto the Editor

If you have a story to tell about your IBEW experience, please send it [email protected].

WhoWeAre

Winning the Perception BattleI just received and watched President Hill’s DVD on CW/CE workers helping theIBEW recover work we have lost. I have been a member of the IBEW for almost25 years, and at various times have been involved with organizing. I evencame in through an organizing campaign I led. We won the election, but thecontractor never signed an agreement. While I can see a benefit to this tactic inthe short-term, in the long run the nonunion sector will just cut their cost(wages) to get below our labor cost.

Our biggest problem is the public’s view of unions. The corporations andthe business sector have tarred us with the brush of being lazy and greedyne’er-do-wells. I just read a letter online blaming UNIONS for rising health carecosts, the high prices of automobiles, the reason our schools are in bad shape,and have in the past seen us blamed for just about anything bad you can thinkof. We need to show the benefits of being union, by running a national mediacampaign, extolling how unions can help make lives better. If we do this right,the public should see that unions aren’t the protectors of lazy bums and peoplelooking for the easy way out.

By arranging for insurance for ourmembers, we actually help keep healthcare costs down. It’s the people without insurance (nonunion) that drive uphealth care costs, because someone has to pay for them, and it’s usually doneby charging those with insurancemore. They don’t seem to see that the foreigncar companies (mainly nonunion) charge just asmuch for their cars. Why blamea working man formaking $25 an hour ($50,000 a year), when the CEOs anduppermanagement get millions? When I salted a contractor a few years back, Ihad a discussion with a co-worker about wages and unions. I told him that theemployer wouldn’t be paying us asmuch as he was (about half of scale) if itwasn’t for the threat of the higher union wages. He disagreed, and said hethought the contractor was a nice guy who wanted to see his people prosper.

We need to clean up our image and make belonging to a unionrespectable once again.

Robert NewportLocal 481 member, Indianapolis, Ind.

Ark. RetireeSpinsBlues-InspiredTunes for College Radio

Retired Jonesboro, Ark., Local 1516 journeyman Jim Drennen spins recordsat his local college radio station.

“This isn’t your daddy’sblues show. You’re liableto hearAndyGriffithsinging ‘HowLongBlues’from1959 to [heavymetal band]MegadethcoveringMuddyWaters’‘I Ain’t Superstitious.’”

– Jim Drennen, Local 1516 retiree

DEADLINES

Entry form and video on aDVD of presentation must besubmitted online or postmarkedby the following dates:

February 15, 20117th District (AZ, KS, NM, OK, TX)9th District (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR,

WA, Pacific Islands)

March 31, 20112nd District (CT, ME, MA, NH,

VT, RI)4th District (DC, KY, MD, OH,

VA, WV)5th District (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS,

Panama, Puerto Rico,Virgin Islands)

8th District (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)10th District (AR, NC, SC, TN)

April 29, 20111st District (Canada)3rd District (DE, NJ, NY, PA)6th District (IL, IN, MI, MN, WI)11th District (IA, MO, NE, ND, SD)

• All participantsmust be IBEWmembers in good standing.In the case of a band or group act, at least one personmust be an IBEWmember in good standing.

• All acts should submit a video of their performance tothe International Office (see details on entry form below)where a team of judgeswill determine the top qualifyingacts for each IBEW Vice Presidential district.

• The next round of competition will take place at theannual district progress meetings. Each qualifying videowill be viewed and judged by participants at the con-testant’s district progress meeting.

• The winning act from each district will be housed at the38th International Convention in Vancouver, BritishColumbia, where they will compete live at the conven-tion picnic on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.

• The top three finishers will compete live in a final roundof competition, where a winner will be declared.

Entries, including videos, can be submitted online or bymail.Complete contest rules and entry instructions are printedbelow and on the IBEWWebsite,www.ibew.org/talent.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

CONTEST ENTRY FORM

IBEW Has Talent and it’s time to show it off! To enter, fill out this form completely,sign and date the Agreement and Release portion, and submit it with a video on aDVD of your performance to our website at www.ibew.org/talent.* Performance insubmitted video on a DVD must be no longer than five minutes in length. Thank youfor participating and good luck!

First Name ____________________________________________________________

Last Name ____________________________________________________________

Local Union Number ____________________________________________________

Card Number __________________________________________________________(On IBEW Membership Card or Dues Receipt)

PhoneNumber ________________________________________________________

Email Address __________________________________________________________

Performance Description ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

* Please note that entries may alsobe mailed to the following address:

IBEW Has Talent ContestATTN: Jim Spellane900 Seventh Street, NWWashington, DC 20001

WWW.IBEW.ORG/TALENT

AGREEMENTAND RELEASE

(Print Name)(hereinafter “Contestant”), and the International Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers (hereinafter “IBEW”), agree as followswith respect to con-testant’s participation in the IBEW Has Talent (hereinafter “IHT”) contest at the IBEW’s 38thConvention in Vancouver,BritishColumbia,Canada,on September 19–23, 2011.

Signature (required for entry)

Date

1. This contest is open to active or retired IBEWmembers only. Theperson submitting theentrymust be involved in theperformance.

2. All submissions must be suitable for family viewing and notcontain objectionable material. The IBEW reserves the rightto disallow or disqualify any act for any reason.

3. Contestant agrees to enter the IHT contest and to submit tothe IBEW International Office a video on a DVD of his/herperformance, for consideration by the judges established forthe IHT contest. Contestant further states that no performerin the video is a fulltime professional entertainer.

4. Judges at the International Office shall review all entriessubmitted by contestants in the IHT competition. Based ontheir review of the entries, the judges shall determine theacts to be submitted to each of the IBEW’s 11 districts forjudging at the district level.

5. The parties agree that the IHT competition does not carrywith it a monetary prize or any other financial payment.Each district shall determine its winning act. Each member

of the 11 individual district winning acts shall be providedwith a hotel room in Vancouver for Friday, Saturday, Sunday,and Monday nights. Each act will be provided with no morethan three rooms per night.

6. During the day on Saturday, September 17, 2011, the 11district winners will compete. The judges shall select 3 ofthe 11 district winners as finalists, and the finalists shallthen compete later on the same day.

7. Contestant agrees that he/she is not an employee of the IBEWInternational Office, and that he/she is not entitled to any ben-efit of any kind beyond those specified in this agreement.

8. All submissions become the property of the IBEW.Participation in this event indicates approval to use anyimage or video of the performance in future IBEW publica-tions, presentations, and websites.

9. In consideration for being allowed to participate in the IHT con-test, contestant hereby releases the IBEW from any obligation,duty, or commitment other than those set forth in this agreement.

The skills of IBEW members on the job are wellknown across North America. But what other talentslie beneath the surface of the 725,000 men andwomen who make up our union?

We want to find out. And that’s why we are holdingthe first ever IBEW HasTalent contest to coincidewith the year of our 38th International Convention.

The Electrical Worker February 2011

Documents

Transcript of The Electrical Worker February 2011