The Electrical Worker March 2010

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

Two stories, one goal: job growth in aneconomic downturn. Whether it is usingnew technology or old-fashioned market-ing with a twist, the following articles areexamples of small steps taking us in theright direction. While comprehensive jobcreation must be part of a broad-basedeconomic recovery, our members can’twait. Here are examples of the things thatthe IBEW and employers are doing tosave, and create, jobs in tough times.

SunnySkies andGreenHorizons: Clean-EnergyLawsCreate IBEW Jobs

T heSan Diego area has not been exemptfrom the effects of the great recession of2009, with work onmany big construc-

tion projects slowing down or, in some cases,coming to a complete halt as financing dried up.

But despite a sluggish construction mar-ket, the alternative energy sector—particularlysolar photovoltaics—continues to be a vibrantand growing part of California’s economy andit is keeping members of Local 569 busy.

“Without all the solar work, our unem-ployment rate would be twice as a high,” saysLocal 569 Business Manager Allen Shur.

More than 10 percent of the 2,200-mem-ber local are busy installing and maintainingsolar panels on commercial projects. Solarpower has even allowed the local to crack thetraditionally nonunion residential market.

“One of our contractors didmore than 800homes alone,” Shur said.

The growth of solarpower has also translatedinto increased opportuni-ties for top-down organiz-ing, as new PV startupsseek out sources ofskilled electricians.

“A lot of the ownersof these new solar opera-

tions don’t have the same kind of anti-unionattitude that we sometimes encounter withother nonunion contractors,” Shur said.

He credits the local’s success in attract-ing new contractors to their green training pro-gram, which has been in operation for morethan a year. “We bring the owner to look at ourtraining facilities to see what our members arelearning. That’s a big ice-breaker right there.”

Bass Electric, a Bay Area-based signatorycontractor with contracts with San FranciscoLocal 6 and SanMateo Local 617, also reportsthat it is keeping busy with solar work. OwnerJeff Yee said between 30 and 40 percent of their

I N T H I S I S S U E

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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 Vol. 4 | No. 3 | March 2010

JOB OPPORTUNITIES continued on page 2

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FIGHTINGTHE RECESSION

The IBEW Pushes for JobOpportunities Amid Downturn

2 | Interstate group seeks jobs in Ohio, Pa.

3 | A new use for LEDs

4 | Diversity trainings target IBEW leaders

6 | North of 49°

7 | Circuits

8 | Local Lines

16 | In Memoriam

17 | Federal sector employee notice

18 | Editorials

19 | Letters to the Editor

Who We Are

20 | PBF annual report

IBEWmembers across the country are participating in new partnerships with industry leadersand policy makers to create good jobs in the electrical industry.

2 T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | M a r ch 2 0 1 0

The IBEWSeeks JobOpportunities

Continued from page 1

work is solar-related. Yee is now get-ting ready for his biggest PV projectyet—a 5megawatt solar array for thecity of San Francisco that is expectedto require more than 20,000 hours ofelectrical work.

While not uniform acrossCalifornia, many locals are findingthat renewable energy projects havekept their members working, evenwith the state’s unemployment ratetopping 12 percent.

The California Difference

Despite fiscal emergencies, drasticbudget cuts and a gridlocked legis-lature, the Golden State has man-aged to turn green energy from abuzzword into a vibrant new energysector that is creating good jobs andnew businesses, all while reducingthe state’s carbon footprint.

While casual observers maychalk up the state’s success to itssunny climate, those on the groundcredit California’s combination ofinnovative political leadership, ener-getic clean-energy entrepreneursand the skilled training andman-power provided by the IBEW formak-ing it the leader in alternative energy.

“California has fouled up plenty

of things,” John Bryson, former chair-man of Southern California Edison,told Atlanticmagazine’s RonaldBrownstein. “But on this set ofissues—the clean-energy issues, thekind of things that need to be done interms of the risk of climate change—I thinkCalifornia is getting it right.”

California got an early start inrenewable energy legislation. As farback as the 1970s, state leadersaggressively promoted energy effi-ciency, setting some of the higheststandards in the country, whilepushing utilities to invest in energy-saving devices and programs.

“Those decisions made morethan 20 years ago set us on a coursequite different from the rest of thecountry,” said Bernie Kotlier, direc-tor of green energy solutions for theCalifornia Labor ManagementCooperation Committee—a jointpartnership between the IBEW andunion contractors.

The energy crisis of the early2000s spurred further efforts toinvest in renewable resources,including an ambitious 2001 billthat required the state’s threeinvestor-owned utilities to generate20 percent of their electricity fromrenewable energy by 2010.

And in 2006, the state’s publicutilities commission approved theCalifornia Solar Initiative, whichauthorized the state to invest $3.2billion in solar power.

“It’s been a bipartisanapproach,” Kotlier said. “BothDemocratic and Republican admin-istrations have backed the efforts.”

And it has paid off. The averageCalifornian uses 40 percent less elec-tricity than the average American,which has saved consumersmorethan $50 billion in energy bills.

It has alsomade the state a thriv-ing center for solar power investmentwithmore than$3billion flowing intoCalifornia from2005 to 2008alone.

MakingSureGreen JobsAreGood Jobs

Having the third-largest solarmarketin theworld hasmeant thousandsofnew jobs forCalifornia’s electricians.But going after thisworkhas requiredstrong outreachby the IBEWandNECAcontractors to let potential commercialand governmental clients knowwhatunion electricians can offer.

“Our biggest selling pointremains our training,” said SantaRosa Local 551 MembershipDevelopment Representative JohnLloyd. Local 551 represents six coun-ties north of the Bay Area.

Oneof those counties,Sonoma,hasgonea longway in takingadvan-tageof a2008 law thatallowsmunici-palities to fund the installationofenergy-efficientupgrades to existingproperties. Local 551hasbeensuccess-ful in attracting small solar start-ups tosignwith the IBEWdue to its extensivework in the county.Sonoma’sseat isthe city ofSantaRosa,whichwasdes-ignatedasa“SolarAmericanCity”bytheDepartmentof Energy.

Lloyd sits on the board of direc-tors of a nonprofit organizationcalled Solar Sonoma County, whichpromotes PV installation.

There is great demand for com-panies that can perform energyaudits and help clients develop plansto save on their electric bills usingtechnologies likemotion detectorsand advanced lighting controls.

The IBEW has been training itsmembers in these technologies formore than a year and the awardingof a $5 million Labor Departmentgrant to the state LMCC in Januarywill mean thousands more memberswill receive training in the field.

“Our relationshipwith the IBEWandNECAhasbeen critical to openingupnewopportunities forus in thisarea,” saidShelleyKeltner, chief execu-tive of PacificData Electric, a statewideelectrical contractor.Shesays thatenergyefficiencyhasbecomeoneofher fastest growingareasofwork.

Training is only one part of theIBEW’s formula for building greenmarket share. The other ismarketing.

“We actively build our image,”Kotlier said. “We do outreach to allsorts of prospective customers.” Forexample, the LMCChas purchasedadvertising in specialized businesspublications and has invited organi-

zations that represent potential cus-tomers—frombusiness journalists toschool superintendents—to hold theirmeetings at the 144,000-square-footElectrical Training Institute in LosAngeles—Local 11 andNECA’s state-of-the-art training facility.

“My goal was to rebrand theunion and NECA,” said ThomasMartinez of the Los Angeles LMCC.“When I first started four years ago,people would wonder why a unionwas showing up at professionaltrade shows talking about alterna-tive energy. Now they know.”

Kotlier advises IBEW locals inother parts of the country looking tobreak into the renewable energyfield to work with signatory contrac-tors to promote the IBEW’s trainingprograms in the wider community.“The green sector is developing a lotfaster than many people wereexpecting,” Kotlier said. “Get yourmembers trained and let the worldknow what you are doing. It’s theexposure that allows public and pri-vate entities to understand ourexpertise and that leads to work forour members and contractors.” �

New InterstateWorkforceCouncilSeeksGreen Jobs inRustBelt

I BEW leaders in Ohio and Pennsylvania are the driving force behind thenation’s first interstate regional workforce investment board, chargedwith reigniting interest in their corner of the world.Warren, Ohio, Local 573 BusinessManagerMarkCatello, Youngstown,

Ohio, Local 64 BusinessManager James Burgham and Beaver, Pa., Local 712BusinessManager FrankTelesz Jr., are chartermembers of the OH-PennCompetitivenessCouncil, formed Jan 1.

The council covers the Youngstown metropolitan area, which extendsfrom the city of Warren in the north to Mercer County in Pennsylvania.

Made up of educators, local work force investment board directors andlocal business and labor leaders fromboth sides of the border, the council iscommitted to attracting new investment and good jobs back to region—a formercenter of the steel and auto industry that has been hit hard by the recession.

“We’ve lost 10,000 jobs due to the decline in the auto industry alone,”Catello said.

The group is partially funded by the Department of Labor, throughgrants used to encourage regional economic development.

Council memberSamGiannetti, who is also executive director of work forcedevelopment forWestCentral Job Partnership Inc., in NewCastle, Pa., attributesthe leading role of the IBEWon the council to the union’s commitment to train-ing, particularly its emphasis on green power.

“Alternative energy technology will be the cutting edge of developing anew economy and I know the IBEW places a lot of emphasis on clean-energytraining,” he said.

The group’s first course of action is tomarket the region to high-techman-ufacturers, with a focus on companies involved in the green technology sector.

“It’s vital that we diversify our economy if we want to bring good jobsback,” Catello said. �

“Our relationshipwith the IBEW andNECA has beencritical to opening upnew opportunitiesfor us in this area.”–ShelleyKeltner, chief executive ofPacificData Electric


In the near future, hooking upto the Internet may be as sim-ple as turning on the lights.

A newwireless data com-munication system, invented andpatented by a D.C.-based companyand licensed toMinnesota’s LVXSystem, uses visible light instead ofradio waves to transmit digital infor-mation, a development that couldrevolutionize online communications.

“We’re talking faster speedsand more secure connections, allwith reduced energy consumption,”said LVX Lab Chief Executive OfficerMike Muggli.

Muggli was at the IBEWInternational Office in Washington,D.C. late last year to show off thecompany’s new invention.

Before a gathered audience ofIBEW representatives and staff,Muggli pointed to a small boxwith aglowing green light. It sat next to acomputer, which was broadcastingthe latest updates fromCNN. Besidesan electrical cord, it had no wires.

The reddish glowof an energy-efficient LEDbulb illuminated theworkstation.Thanks to a special computerchip developedby LVXSystem, thebulbswere also transmitting the datasignals that kept the computer online.

The system is not only fasterthan regular broadband, LED lightscut down on energy usage by morethan 30 percent. And even when thelights are off, the bulbs still emit sig-nals to keep the computer con-nected to the network.

Light-based wireless is not onlyfaster, it is also more secure. “Unlikeradio waves, a light-based connec-

tion can’t go through walls or floors,making it impossible for strangers topiggyback on your connection,”Muggli said.

Muggli said he was particularlyeager to share the new inventionwith the IBEW, which he hopes canprovide the manpower to make sureit ends up installed in every officebuilding, government center andschool in the near future—a projectthat could potentially create tens ofthousands of jobs.

“This is a big project and weneed the training and skills theIBEW can provide to make it hap-pen,”Muggli said. “We’re talkingabout millions of buildings acrossthe United States which couldpotentially be wired for this system.”

The new technology is thebrainchild of St. Cloud, Minn., nativeand LVX System founder and chair-man, John Pederson.

Pederson, a veteran inventorwho developed the power-savingflashing LED lights used bymanypolice and emergency vehicles, firstpublicly tested out his new light-based wireless system at the localhigh school and police station inJanuary 2009, grabbing the attentionof Minnesota Local 292 BusinessAgent Dennis Kalthoff, who worksout of the local’s St. Cloud office.

“It seemed so incredible atfirst, I didn’t know what to make ofit,” Kalthoff said. He got in contactwith Pederson and Muggli, withwhom he attended high school.

“I quickly grasped how impor-tant this was going to be,” Kalthoffsaid. “And they wanted to work with

us, because they knew we hadskilled electricians and trainingfacilities, and that we would beready to move on this right away.”

The technology also opens upnew opportunities for wireless useoutside the office. LED streetlightscould easily be outfitted with thesystem, making the downtown ofany major city a giant Internet café.

Car headlights could also befitted with wireless chips, whichwould feed commuters importanttraffic and safety information—evenletting drivers know when they aregetting too close to a passing vehicle.

Kalthoff andTom Leonard fromLeSuer Local 343 talked up the inven-tionwith local contractors and friendlypolitical leaders and recently set up adisplay at Local 292’s training center.

Local 343, which holds thecontract to maintain theMayo Clinicin Rochester, will be setting up a sys-tem prototype at the clinic and otherlocal institutions sometime this year.

Muggli says he is looking topartner with business and govern-mental officials in the coming year topromote the system, hoping to see itbecome an integral part of any greenbuilding retrofit.

And members of the IBEW—both in construction and manufac-turing—are ready to provide thelabor to make it happen. “Light-based wireless has the capacity tohelp provide tens of thousands ofnew jobs in both construction andelectrical manufacturing,” said IBEWInternational President Edwin D. Hill.“And the IBEW will help make sureit’s done right the first time.” �

This prototype shows howa light-based wirelessInternet system works.

NewEnergy-Saving InventionUsesLight toConnect to Internet

www.ibew.orgFrom breaking news to video stories, ourupdated Web site has information notavailable anywhere else. Visit us toconnect with the IBEW on Facebook andto follow International President Edwin D.Hill on Twitter!

IBEW on theHuffington PostPresident Hill has a new blog championinggreen jobs and more. Read it atwww.huffingtonpost.com/edwin-d-hill.

YouTubeThe IBEW has its own channel on YouTube,devoted exclusively to videos about theunion and its members. Watch online atwww.youtube.com/user/theelectricalworker.

HourPowerRight now on www.IBEWHourPower.com,we’re taking you toVancouver, site of thisyear’s Winter Games.We go behind thescenes to show you

how the skill of IBEW electricians helpedbuild the state-of-the-art venues.

ElectricTVThe award-winning electricTV.net just gotbetter with a massive redesign to improvethe viewer experience. Take a video tourof the site with our very own DominicGiarratano.

IBEW MEDIA WORLD

In addition to your monthly issueof The Electrical Worker, checkout the wealth of IBEW-relatedinformation in cyberspace.

T h e E l e c t r i c a l Wo r k e r | M a r ch 2 0 1 0 3

St. Louis Local 1439BusinessManagerMichaelWalter didn’t expect tobecomean example of

diversity awarenesswhenhe launcheda volunteer fund-raising effort to helpunemployedmembers of his city’sinside construction Local 1. It justseemed like the right thing to do.

ThenWalter, whose local repre-sents utility workers, attended one ofthe first sessions of IBEW’s new diver-sity and inclusion training, AmplifyingMembership Participation=Strength(AMPS). There, participants consid-ered the full spectrum of differencesthat exist among the union’s baseincluding educational level, age, gen-der, race and branch and, yes, evenemployment status. “We’re all IBEWand branches need to work togetherfor the benefit of our entiremember-ship,”Walter says.

“The AMPS training is aboutproviding IBEW leaders and mem-bers with the education and knowl-edge that will enable us to accessthe many talents available within adiverse membership and create thenext generation of activists andleaders,” says IBEW Human ServicesDirector Carolyn Williams.

Working with IBEW EducationDirector JanSchwingshakl, Williamsand the 16-member IBEWCommitteeon Diversity and Inclusion, convenedby International President Edwin D.Hill in response to a unanimous reso-lution at the 37th IBEWConvention in

2006 in Cleveland, worked with out-side experts to design the program.

“For years, we’ve been talkingabout how our nations’ populationsare changing and how our leader-ship needs to lookmore like ourmembership,” says Schwingshakl.“Now it’s time to make it happen, orthe IBEW and organized labor will bethe dinosaurs we are always falselyaccused of being.”

The training fulfills the diversityand inclusion committee’s decisionto put education of leaders first asthe foundation for positive culturalchange in the Brotherhood. Unliketraining sessions of the past, AMPSavoids dryly presenting legal obliga-tions on civil rights or genderharassment, or simply encouragingmembers to get along better. “We’reall one, but we recognize that onesize doesn’t fit all,” says SusanWoods, a partner in Henderson-Woods, the program’s designer.

Russell Ponder, the now-retiredvice president of Chicago Local 134,who co-chaired the diversity andinclusion committee, has seen first-hand the benefits of increasing localleaders’ appreciation of the need fordiversity and inclusion.

Ponder recalls how threeAfrican-American Local 134 apprenticeshipinstructors approached their localabout the challenge of preparingminority applicants to pass entry tests.With the financial andmoral supportof their businessmanager and the

local contractor’s association, theinstructors developed 134 JumpStart,a highly-successful pre-apprenticeshipprogram, recognized across the city.(See “Chicago ResidentsGet JumpStart onApprenticeship Programs,”IBEW Journal,Spring 2008).

“That’s the kind of successeswe can have everywhere when localleaders understand the importanceof diversity and inclusion,” saysPonder, who also served as vicepresident of the Electrical WorkersMinority Caucus.

The International committeeunderstood that diversity training willtake time considering the turnover inbusinessmanagers and their busyschedules, says Ponder. “This is along process,” he says. “But it’s theonly way for IBEW to survive.”

“People are like icebergs,” saysa PowerPoint slide in the first of foursections emphasizing how individ-ual identities are a combination ofwhat’s visible and invisible, aboveand below the surface. Effectiveleaders need to know both ends ofthe iceberg. “Diversity is about thepeople. Inclusion is about the organ-ization,” says Woods, who creditsthe strength of the IBEW’s plan withthe organization’s inclusion of mem-bers from different backgrounds anddifferent levels of organizationalleadership experience on the plan-ning committee.

Tom Rutherford, political coor-dinator of Denver Local 68, who

attended AMPS in December on theinvitation of Business ManagerDennis Whalen, remembers beingassigned to a female journeyman inthe late 1980s and challenging thebigotry of a senior male journeymanwho questioned why women shouldbe in the trade. Even so, the trainingwas “eye-opening,” says Rutherford,especially the section on how

• Phillip Flemming, First DistrictInternational VP

• Robert Klein, Tenth DistrictInternational VP

• Jeff Lohman, Sixth DistrictInternational VP

• Michael Mowery, NinthDistrict International VP

• Pat Lavin, InternationalExecutive Council, BusinessManager, Diamond Bar, Calif.,Local 47

• Greg Lucero, InternationalExecutive Council, BusinessManager, Houston, Local 66

• Javier Casas, BusinessManager, El Paso, Texas,Local 583

• Clarence Larkin, BusinessManager, Laurel, Miss.,Local 1317

• Lorraine Tinsley, BusinessManager, Hartford, Conn.,Local 1040

• Victor Uno, Business Manager,Dublin, Calif., Local 595

• Diana Limon, ComplianceOfficer, Los Angeles Local 11

• Russell Ponder, formerAssistant Business Manager,Chicago Local 134

• Karen Stoshnof, AssistantBusiness Manager, Calgary,Alberta, Local 254

• Michael Yee, Treasurer,New York Local 3

• Carolyn Williams, Director,IBEW Human ServicesDepartment

• Jan Schwingshakl, Director,IBEW Education Department

Committee onDiversity& Full Inclusion


IBEW Human Services DirectorCarolyn Williams fields questionsfrom participants at a diversitytraining session.

Los Angeles Local 11 BusinessManagerMarvin Kropke addressesa pre-apprenticeship class.

Diversity and Inclusion ProgramBuildsUnion’sStrength

Los Angeles Local 11’s SammyJackson, top, started in a pre-apprenticeship program.

Below, a health fair sponsoredby East Windsor, N.J., Local 827and Verizon.


diverse generations in the unionview themselves, each other and theorganization’s role in their worklives and futures.

Kathy Jordan, who became thefirst female journeyman in Local 68in 1980, joined Rutherford.Remembering how sisters in thetrade would hide their pregnanciesto keep from unemployment, Jordanstill sees room for improvement atthe jobsite. “The training’s been along time coming,” she says.

Jordan and Rutherford enjoyedrole-playing exercises where partici-pants are presented with potentialconflicts betweenmembers and areasked to devise solutions. “It’s ele-vated our awareness,” saysRutherford. “We’ll still makemistakes[dealing with each other], but, whenwe do, we can step back and say,‘we’ve goofed.’” The IBEWMediaDepartment has produced a series ofvideos—using professional actors—toenhance the role-playing sections.

The 37th IBEWConvention’s res-olution on diversity and inclusionproceeds from the reality that, whilewomen and people of color have“joined unions in far greater num-bers than other workers in the past25 years, this growth would havebeen even greater if the labormove-ment had adequately addressedissues important to them… .”

The resolution is a testament tothe consistent advocacy of theElectrical WorkersMinorityCaucus,founded in 1974 at the 30th IBEWConvention in KansasCity. (See“Building IBEW’s Diversity andStrength,” IBEW Journal, June 2006).From its inception through 1991’sCentennial Convention—when thegroup’smeetingwas officially listed inthe convention brochure for the firsttime—and beyond, EWMChas been

pressing formorementoring andadvancement ofminoritymembersinto leadership.

The resolution continues,“Managing diversity is not only aneconomic and business imperative,but is a political, social, and moralimperative as well.” The measureempowers the InternationalPresident to study policies and pro-cedures related to recruitment, hir-ing, access to education, careerpaths, mentoring and leadership torealize diversity as “a core structuralelement to achieve inclusion and fullparticipation for all members atevery level of the IBEW… .”

After the Cleveland convention,Hill met with leaders of the EWMC toflesh out implementation of the res-olution. A newly-formed diversityand inclusion committee met for 18months, during which a curriculumfor diversity training was developed.In April 2009, International officersand executive assistants attended apilot session in Las Vegas, followedby several other sessions with busi-ness managers and district staffs.

In a video introduction for AMPStraining, International PresidentEdwin D. Hill says, “With AMPS, likeCOMET and the Brotherhood’s Codeof Excellence, the IBEW is providingan example to the building tradesand other organizations in taking ontough challenges.”

In a troubled economy, saysHill, there will be those who want to“go slow” on ushering in a moreinclusive union culture.

“Aswith our other programs,weneed to have the courage to dobothwhat is right andwhat canmakeusstronger. Amore confident, forward-looking unionwill be better positionedto advocate for ourmemberswhoarefacing tough times,” saysHill. �

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Los Angeles Local 11 has sought to promote more diversity in the trades.

Here are a few examples of locals that honor the union’sdiversity and build stronger links with surrounding com-munities. We will be reporting on others in future issuesof The Electrical Worker and www.ibew.org.

Verizon LocalsBargain for FamilyBenefits

As chairman of a Verizon-IBEW advisory council on trainingand family benefits, Business AgentClyde Dickinson, EastWindsor, N.J., Local 827, had a problem. Verizon agreed tocontinue funding the program begun in the 1990s. But, ifthemoneywere used to subsidize daycare formembers’children—at current costs—there would be no funds leftover to support the needs ofmembers who have no chil-dren at home. A good thing could end up being divisive.

So Dickinson, a co-worker, and a fellow advisorycouncil member from Philadelphia Local 1944 joined withtheir employer to brainstorm a solution that consideredthe diverse needs of the telecommunications work force.

Somemembers are scheduled to work on dayswhen their children are out of school. Others are scram-bling to care for aging parents. Members of the “sand-wich generation” often have both responsibilities. Sothe locals bargained for all workers to qualify for fundsproviding up to 120 hours annually to cover child care ornursing care for aging dependents.

The joint program givesworkers access to a databasethat rates the quality of child care and elder care vendors.Current benefits also include a free-of-charge online home-work assistance service for students, giving some relief toparentswho have already put in a long day atwork.

Debra Naugle, the union’s liaison to the family pro-gram, says funds for training in new technologies andcareers and the family support provided by the joint pro-gram are more needed than ever before. “At one time,Ma Bell provided cradle to grave benefits. Things havechanged,” she says.

LosAngeles Community/Faith-BasedConstruction Initiative

WhenMayor Anthony Villaraigosa was campaigning foroffice, the one-time labor organizer traveled to minoritycommunities and promised to do something about highunemployment. “We finally had someone in office thatdidn’t see organized labor as a ‘special interest,’ but asa valuable resource to improving our city,” says Local 11Treasurer Eric Brown.

Brown and other labor leaders met with themayor’s representatives and religious and civic leadersof minority communities, engaging in frank discussions

about how to bring increasing numbers of African-American and Hispanic residents into the trades.

“Villaraigosa said he wanted to make the [construc-tion] crane the official bird of Los Angeles and he devel-oped a progressive building agenda,” says Brown.Project labor agreements on work for the Los AngelesUnified School District, the airport and the port carriedlocal hire requirements. But special efforts needed to belaunched to prepare many applicants to pass necessarytests to succeed in the trades.

The Los Angeles branch of the Electrical WorkersMinority Caucus set up Saturday study sessions at Local11’s training facility. Some Local 11 activists traveled tolocal churches for weekly mentoring sessions.

“Residents got to see the intensity of our training.You could see it their eyes,” says Brown, that many werethinking, “We want to be a part of this.”

The constructionmarket has slowed, but local hirerequirements are still in place and Local 11 is continuing toprepare a diverse group of workers to enter the trades.“Some of our newmemberswill be stars,” says Brown.Many have already succeeded despite being placed inschoolswith oversized classes and facing street violence intheir communities. “They are deserving people who havethe foundation to succeed and just need a little help.”

Portland, Ore., Local RestoresAfrican-American Landmark

Donna Hammond, president of the Portland, Ore., chap-ter of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus, cherishesher memories of celebrations at the Billy Webb ElksLodge, the most renowned landmark of the city’sAfrican-American community.

“The Gathering,” an annual event at the building—which opened in the 1920s as the “Colored YWCA” amidstopposition bywhite residents—reminded her of home-comings that she attended with her parents in their nativeArkansas, bringing together residents who hadmovedaway but wanted to stay close to their roots. But, like oth-ers in the community, Hammond feared that, withoutmajor restoration, the building that also hosted USO serv-ices for black soldiers inWorldWar II could be lost.

Working with a local signatory minority contractor,Local 48 sent a journeyman and two apprentices toapply their skills to upgrading the Elks Lodge’s electricalsystem as part of a $1 million restoration project.

“Our work tremendously enhanced Local 48’s repu-tation and contacts in the African-American community,”says Hammond, who teaches cultural competency train-ing courses in her municipality. �

Local Initiatives EnhanceDiversity, Community

The Future isDiversePercent Minority* in U.S., by Age Group, 1980-2030*Includes those who are not non-Hispanic white.

Source: Population Reference Bureau analysis of U.S. Census data



The great recession of 2009may have led to a slow-down in the normally busyoil sands region in north-

ern Alberta, but in 2010 Canada’sbiggest job market is hotter thanever—and it’s putting thousands ofbuilding trades members to work.

“Ayear ago,wehad a three–month bumpwhenwehad to send allthe travelers home,” said EdmontonLocal 424BusinessAgentWadeAshton. “Wehadahard timemakingsure all ourmemberswereworking.” Itis a sentimentnot usually expressedinAlberta, which has one of the tight-est labourmarkets inCanada, thanksto the oil and gas industry.

Record low oil prices last yearput many projects in the oil sands—the second-largest reserve of petro-leum in the world—on hold, but therecent jump in energy prices andpositive signs that the recessionmay be winding down have giventhe area an economic jumpstart.

Leading the way is Royal DutchShell’s new $27 billion oil upgradefacility, located just outside Edmon-ton, which will process tar-heavy oilfrom Fort McMurray for refineries inthe United States. The heavy crudeoil from the region is mined, notpumped, and requires a great dealof refining before it is useable.

The project, Scotford Upgrader 2,is the biggest construction project inCanada, employing more than 8,000workers, including more than 2,700IBEWmembers.

“It’s the busiest work site inCanada right now,” said Local 424Business Manager Tim Brower of theFort McMurray site, more than 400kilometers (or about 200 miles)north of the provincial capital.“We’re at full employment.”

IBEWmembers from through-out Canada are being recruited tocome to Edmonton, with contractorseven offering a $100-a-day stipendfor out-of-town workers.

It isn’t easy work, particularly asthe frigid Alberta winter blows acrossthe prairies, with temperatures drop-ping as low asminus 26 degreesCelsius (or minus 17 Fahrenheit).

But IBEWmembers are glad tobe on the job again.

“We are going to need evenmore electricians on this projectbefore it is completed,” Brower said.

Themassive project, which is tobe built in four phases, is expectedto take upwards of 15 years to com-plete. The first phase is expected tobe completed by September.

The upgrader will have a totalprocessing capacity of 400,000 bar-rels a day.

Other oil sands projects in theworks include an $8 billion minebeing built by Imperial Oil an hournorth of Fort McMurray. The job willrequire thousands of skilled work-

ers, and Local 424 is gearing up.“We’re going have to fight hard

for the job,” Ashton said. Unlike thestrongly union Edmonton area, Local424 and its contractors face increas-ingly cutthroat competition in FortMcMurray from both nonunion con-tractors and the Christian Labour

Association of Canada, an employeeassociation that many in the labourmovement have criticized for signingsweetheart deals with employers.

“We’ll be very busy until theend of the summer and then we’regetting ready for the next big proj-ect,” Ashton said. �

NewOilSandsRefinery Project Fuels Alberta’sEconomicRecovery

LesSyndicats desmétiers de la construction au Canada revendiquent un débat équilibré sur l’avenirdes sables bitumineux

CanadianBuildingTradesCalls for BalancedDebate onOilSands’ Future

Devant la critique des environnementalistes, les Syndicats des métiers dela construction demandent aux responsables et aux représentants élus des’engager dans un débat honnête sur l’avenir de la région des sables bitu-mineux en Alberta. Ils commanditent une campagne publicitaire dont lemessage précise qu’ils sont en faveur de trouver un juste équilibre entre lanécessité de bons emplois et d’un approvisionnement énergétiqueéconomique et les préoccupations concernant la réduction des émissions degaz à effet de serre et la lutte contre la pollution.

Dansunedéclaration auHill Times, unhebdomadaire national canadientrès influent qui couvre les actualités sur la politique, lesSyndicats desmétiersde la construction ont affirméqu’ « il est important de tenir undébat au sujet dessables bitumineuxmais il faudra qu’il soit honnête et ouvert…car nous avonsbesoin des sables bitumineux. Ils assurent la fiabilité d’un approvisionnementénergétique nécessaire ainsi qu’une ressource économique significative ».

La région des sables bitumineux représente la deuxième plus impor-tante réserve de pétrole au monde et au cours de la dernière décennie, cetteindustrie est passée au statut de centrale purement économique au Canada.Toutefois, le procédé d’exploitation du pétrole étant de forte intensité et pol-luant, il a exercé ses ravages sur l’environnement, ce qui a entraîné unemauvaise presse et une augmentation des demandes de fermetures desprojets par les groupes environnementaux, notamment Greenpeace.

« Bien qu’ils soient préoccupés par le réchauffement climatique et la qual-ité de l’air, plusieursmembres desmétiers de la construction estiment que lessables bitumineux sont injustement ciblés hors de proportion pour ce qui est de

leur impact réel sur l’environnement. » déclare Robert Blakely, Directeur,Affaires canadiennes, du Département desmétiers de la construction, FAT-COI.

«Certains écologistes sont beaucoup trop alarmistes. Nous devons nousassurer que le débat sera basé sur des faits réels et non sur la peur. » ajoute-t-il.

Les publicités desmétiers de la construction indiquent que l’industrie dessables bitumineux a fait beaucoup de progrès sur le plan environnemental. Despercées dans le domaine de la nouvelle technologie ont permis de réduire d’en-viron 30% les émissions de gaz dans les sables bitumineux, depuis 1990.Moins de 5%des émissions de gaz à effet de serre proviennent de la région.

Les Syndicats des métiers de la construction de l’Alberta (BuildingTrades of Alberta) déclaraient sur leur site Web : « Chaque famille souhaiteléguer un environnement plus sain à ses enfants. Nous sommes confiantsque l’amélioration des procédés et la technologie continuera de réduire lesimpacts environnementaux liés au développement des sables bitumineux. »Les dirigeants des Syndicats des métiers de la construction sont égalementd’avis que les groupes tels que Greenpeace ignorent l’importance des sablesbitumineux pour l’économie canadienne. Plus de 200,000 emplois à traversle Canada y sont liés, d’où l’importance du développement de l’exploitationdes sables bitumineux pour la prospérité économique future du Canada.

« Cette région est vitale pour des dizaines de milliers de travailleursdont le gagne-pain dépend du développement des sables bitumineux. Ledébat portant sur l’environnement ne devra reposer que sur des faits con-crets. Trop d’emplois sont en jeu. » conclut Phil Flemming, Vice-présidentinternational pour le Premier district de la FIOE. �

In the face of environmental criticism, the Canadian building trades is call-ing on policy makers and elected officials to engage in a fair debate aboutthe future of the oil sands region in Alberta. It is sponsoring an ad campaignin favor of balancing the need for good jobs and an inexpensive energy sup-ply with concerns about reducing carbon emissions and fighting pollution.

In an ad that ran in the Hill Times, Canada’s leading political weekly,the Canadian building trades, said: “Debate about the oil sands is impor-tant, but it must be a reasonable debate … we need the oil sands. It is asecure supply of a required energy and significant economic resources.”

The oil sands region represents the second-largest reserve of petroleum intheworld, and in recent years it has become the economicpowerhouse ofCanada. But the process of extracting oil from the sand is intensive and dirtyand it takes its toll on the environment, leading to bad press and increased callsfrom environmental groups likeGreenpeace for a shutdown of projects there.

While sharing concerns about global warming and air quality,many build-ing tradesmembers feel that the oil sands are being unfairly targeted out of pro-portion to its actual impact on the environment, says Robert Blakely, director ofCanadian affairs for the Building andConstructionTradesDepartment, AFL-CIO.

“There is toomuch alarmism by some in the environmental community,”he said. “We need to make sure the debate is grounded in reality, not fear.”

The building trades’ ads point to the progressmade on the environmentalfront by the oil sands industry. Carbon emissions in the oil sands are down bynearly 30 percent since 1990 thanks to new technological advances, and lessthan 5 percent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the region.

“We and our families want our children to inherit a healthy environ-ment,” the Building Trades of Alberta said in a statement on its Web site.“We believe that improved processes and technology will continue to reducethe environmental impacts of oil sands development.”

Building trades leaders also say that groups like Greenpeace ignore theimportance of the oil sands to Canada’s economy. More than 200,000 jobsfrom across the country are linked to the oil sands, making development inthe region key to Canada’s future.

“For the tens of thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on theoil sands, the region is too vital for the environmental debate to be based onanything but hard facts,” said IBEW First District Vice President Phil Flemming.“There are toomany jobs at stake.” �

North of 49° | Au nord du 49° parallèle

Circuits

Filling theHoles inIBEW’sHistory

Few souvenirs from an IBEW conven-tion are more cherished thanpanoramic photos of delegates tothe International gathering. Imagesof rank and file members and theirleaders—so varied in dress anddemeanor—are awindow into theunion’s changing numbers anddemo-graphics.Whether perched on aunionhall’swalls or rolled up in a chest in afamily’s attic, the pictures—going backto 1891—hold the value andmeaningof the ages in laborhistory.

At the International Office’sarchives, original convention photosare stored in a climate-controlledroom, guarded from deteriorationthat results from fluctuating temper-atures, light or infestation. Only digi-tally-scanned prints are available forpublic exhibit.

While few unions have workedharder to honor its history than theIBEW, most historical preserves con-tain holes that need to be filled.

Retired InternationalRepresentativeMike Nugent, whomanaged the archives until last year,worked tirelessly to gathermemora-bilia to fill some of those holes. LastDecember on a visit to Dayton, Ohio,Local 82, Nugent found twomissingpanoramicphotos of the SeventeenthInternational Convention, held inMontreal in 1923, and the Eighteenthconvention, held in Seattle in 1925.

Local 82 agreed to donate theoriginal photos to the archivesunder the condition that the localreceive digitally-scanned copiesback. The originals were sent toDodge Color in Silver Spring, Md.,where they were removed from theirframes. Dodge fixed the frayededges of the photos that were rolledup and damaged before framing andcompleted the digital imaging.

Despite Nugent’s broad out-reach efforts to build the union’s col-lection, photos of the SixthInternational Convention, held inPittsburgh in 1899, and the SeventhInternational Convention, held inSt. Louis in 1901, are still missing.

Curtis Bateman, the IBEW col-lections manager who replacedNugent, says, “I hope members canhelp us look around for these miss-ing photos, so that we don’t have togo another 100 years before we findthese images of some of the dedi-cated men who set the IBEW on thepath of growth.” Their accomplish-ments are documented in TheElectrical Worker, says Bateman.

TheNovember 1899 issue of thenewspaper, for instance, includesmin-utes of that year’s convention and aprogress report since the lastmeetinginDetroit in 1897. “Ourmembership atthe close of the last conventionwas1,800.Todaywehave 3,200. Instead of48 locals in good standing,wehave[today] 74,” states the ElectricalWorker. The paper reported$7,000 inthe union’s treasury.

If you have copies of the miss-ing photos or know where they canbe located, please contact Batemanat the International Office(202-728-7691), or e-mail him [email protected]. �

Health Care RiskAssessmentsSave Costsand Lives in Tennessee

With health insurance costs continuingto rise andWashington gridlocked onhow to reform the system, local unionsand employers continue to share akeen interest in containing costswhilepromoting a healthywork force.

InSparta, Tenn., a health screen-ing partnership between Local 2143and Philips Luminaires’ lighting fix-ture plant is not just trimming costs,

but saving the lives of unionmem-bers, including Local 2143 BusinessManager Jerry Pryor’s. The dramaticsuccess of thewellness program ispart of a record of achievement thatmade it one of IndustryWeekmaga-zine’s top 10 plants in 2009.

Pryor signed up for acolonoscopy two years ago at a com-pany-sponsored health fair. “They saythe test isn’t necessary until age 50. Iwas 48, but I signed up anyway,” saysPryor. The screening showed amassin his colon that doctors said couldhave taken his life within two years.

Pryor is not alone. Since theself-insured employer, located aboutan hour-and-a-half east of Nashville,began offering voluntary risk assess-ments and blood analysis free to allworkers six years ago, dozens havebeen diagnosed with serious condi-tions that were successfully treated.

Lisa Norris, Philips Sparta’shuman resource manager, toldIndustry Week that 5 percent of work-ers accounted for 50 percent of theplant’s health care costs, but “thosesick workers changed from year toyear.” The only way to get ahead ofthose costs, she said, was throughextensive screening to detect dis-ease, coupled with educational pro-grams to address diabetes, smoking,obesity and other conditions.

Ninety percent of Philips’ workforce participates in risk assessments.One hundredworkerswere diagnosedwith serious health conditions in thefirst year of the program. Only ninewere similarly diagnosed last year.

Once a week a nurse is avail-able in the plant and mental healthspecialists are on site two days aweek. “Not too many people [in the140 member bargaining unit] are onsick leave anymore,” says Pryor.

The productivity of Philips’ workforce—despite a tough national econ-omy—mirrors its progress on health

care savings. Bargaining unitmem-bers, whomanufacture fluorescentlighting for schools and public build-ings and specialty lights for airportsand swimming pools, were working10 hours a day, six days a weekuntilthe beginning of February. The lastlarge producer of fluorescent lightingin the U.S., Philips and Local 2143have stayed in competition withman-ufacturers in China and other nationsby involving workers in improvingtechniques and practices.

TenthDistrict International Rep-resentative Brent Hall—who helpednegotiate the last two contracts atPhilips—says that the company has“softened the impact of the eco-nomic downturn in Sparta,” by work-ing with the union and electricalcontractors to aggressively marketthe plant’s products as “made inTennessee/made in the USA.” �

PlansBeing Finalizedfor Online College forWorking Families

Since its early days as the GeorgeMeany Center for Labor Studies, theNational Labor College has been animportant part of the lives andcareers of thousands of trade union-ists, including many IBEWmembersand leaders.

Today, this unique institution,like its partner—theAFL-CIO—is onceagain adapting tomajor changes inthemakeup of the labormovementand society.

Next fall, the college, based inSilver Spring, Md., will launch a newonline learning curriculum that willcombine liberal arts with technicaltraining and cover new subjects likesecurity studies, criminal justiceand construction management.

“We listened to our membersto determine what kinds of coursesand degrees people require to

advance their careers,” Thomas J.Kriger, the college’s provost, toldHuman Resources Online. Theonline program is dubbed theCollege for Working Families.

The developing programwill beenriched by the experience of PaulaPeinovich—whowas appointedinterim president of the college afterthe retirement of PresidentWilliamScheuerman in January. Peinovichwas formerly provost and president ofWaldenUniversity, a distance-learn-ing graduate school. Before that, shewas vice president of academicaffairsfor Excelsior University, an onlineinstitution that has trained IBEWmembers in the nuclear industry.

With added financial pressureson working families, the online cur-riculum provides a way for stu-dents—including the AFL-CIO’s 11.5million members and their fami-lies—to pursue educational creditswithout having to attend the one-week in-residence sessions requiredunder the current curriculum.

Technical support for theonline university will be provided bythe Princeton Review Inc. and itssubsidiary, Penn Foster EducationGroup Inc.

Kirk Brungard, executive assis-tant to AFL-CIO Secretary-TreasurerLiz Shuler and former IBEW Directorof Construction Organizing, is help-ing to establish the new program.“With partners like Penn Foster andThe Princeton Review,” saysBrungard, “the new distance learn-ing program fulfills the originalvision of NLC founders by makingavailable quality, affordable andaccredited higher education to mil-lions of rank-and-file union mem-bers and their families.”

Tuition for the College forWorking Families, requirements forentry into the program and courseofferings are being finalized. �



This panoramic photo of IBEW’s 17th Biennial Convention, held in Montreal in 1923, was obtained for the union’s archives from Dayton, Ohio, Local 82 last December.

Local Lines


‘Adopt-a-Family’ ProgramL.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws),ST. LOUIS,MO—InDecember 2009, Local 1 initi-ated anAdopt-a-Family program tohelp someof themanymembers strugglingwith unemploymentduringthese hard times.The goalwas to givemembersunemployed for a long period the opportunity to pro-vide their families a happyholiday season.Thepro-gramallowedmembers to “adopt” other families,request that their family be “adopted,” or simplymakecontributions for those in need.Special considerationwent to thosewith a disability or on the out-of-work listfor an extended time. Families in need received fundsto purchase gifts for their children, gift cards for thechildren’s use and funds for other necessities.

Overall, more than 170 families were assistedby Local 1, in addition to numerous families helpedby other individual members on their own. The sup-port and generosity were overwhelming, and a truetestament to Local 1 members. The local thanks allwho contributed.

We mourn the following members’ deaths:Jeffrey Martchink, Ralph Spitz, Wayne Atchisson,Robert Voss, William Harding Jr., Stanley Dampier,Harold Ragan Sr., Evelyn Parker, Robert Fleming,Andrew Gerber Sr., Aloysius Lipinski, Roy Weaver,Jimmie Lancaster, Lester Cordes, Clarence Daskoski,Eugene Landwehr, Richard Dickinson, DarrellLachance, Edna Earley and David Shanks.

Matt Gober, P.S.

EmbracingGreenTechnologyL.U. 11 (i,rts&spa) LOSANGELES, CA—Congratulationsto Local 11members at Steiny andCompany Inc. fortheir skills and expertise at installing sustainableenergy technology on the rooftop of the company’sBaldwin Parkwarehouse. [See photo, below.] Thesolar panels will provide power and lighting for yearsto come.We salute the company’s efforts to offset itscarbon footprint and are hopeful this example willconvince other businesses to do the same.

We are proud to report that U.S. Secretary ofLaborHildaSolis visited the Electrical TrainingInstitute alongwith other high-rankingObama admin-istration cabinetmembers as part of the president’splan to putAmerica back towork. Solis touredmorethan 50 classrooms and state-of-the art labswhilespeakingwith students and posing for photos.

Solis praised the Local 11 leadership for takingan active role in promoting green jobs. She acknowl-edged the ETI as the premiere training facility for greencareers in the UnitedStates andmarveled at thenearly 500,000 kilowatt photovoltaicarray installed byLocal 11members. Solis was joined on the tour byMarla Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer ofthe LosAngelesCounty Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.

Bob Oedy, P.S.

TremendousGenerosityL.U. 15 (u), DOWNERSGROVE, IL—Local 15 sends good

wishes to Bus. Reps. RonWelte andDaveMullen. Bro.Welte retired after 37 yearsof service. Bro.Mullenwasappointed InternationalRepresentative assigned tothe IBEWUtility DepartmentinWashington, D.C. Local 15will miss their extensiveexperience.

Thanks to our mem-bers, we exceeded the col-lection goal for the UnitedWay 2009-2010 campaign.Together, the union andmanagement contributedmore than $2,530,000!

In our nuclear sta-tions, we reached agree-ment with ComEd on TravelAgreements for 2010 andare working on other pack-ages. Somemembers

helped with an outage at Three Mile Island NuclearGenerating Station in Pennsylvania and were wel-comed by Local 777.

Local 15 is installing smartmeters under an AMIpilot program; the goal is to install 131,000meters inthe next fewmonths. TheSystemsServices GroupAgreement with ComEdwas overwhelminglyapproved by affectedmembers by a vote of 70-1.

We reached an agreement with Exelon on a newclerical aptitude entry test—Support AdministrationSelectionSystem—replacing the EEI test. This willcover new hires with ComEd, Exelon and BSC.

In our fossil stations, the Midwest Generationemployees heard fromCEO Ron Litzinger the harshreality that the stations’ futures depend on how cli-mate control legislation turns out—a reminder thatelections are important! In June, our benefits pack-age with MWGen expires, so we will provide “changeforms” for members’ input.

Douglas Vedas, P.S./B.R.

Tribute to aUnionBrotherL.U. 19 (u), AURORA, IL—We are deeply saddened toreport that Gary Cichy, a Nicor Gas field employeeand a member of the IBEW for more than 30 years,was fatally injured at a work site on Nov. 23, 2009.

Gary began his career at Nicor in 1979 andworked as a distribution technician out of theNaperville reporting center. Outside of work, Garywas an avid fisherman and very talented in creat-ing unique, true-to-life wood carvings depictingaquatic nature.

Gary is survived by his wife, Janice, and theirsons, Matt and Brian. Gary is deeply missed by hismany friends and co-workers.

Chris Harris, B.R.

‘National BroadbandPlan’L.U. 21 (catv,govt&t), DOWNERSGROVE, IL—TheAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009was signed into law by Pres. Obama on Feb.17, 2009.Over the last year, the Federal CommunicationsCommission has been working with the NationalTelecommunications and Information Administrationto perform the FCC’s role under the Recovery Act. Partof the Act requires that a National Broadband Plan becompleted by Feb. 17, 2010. The Act also funds initia-tives that are planned to speed up deployment inunserved, underserved and rural areas, providingimportant public benefits while also increasing jobs.Stay tuned.

At thiswriting,member education continues onhealth care reformand the fight for passage of theEmployee FreeChoiceAct. Helping to pass laws toimprove jobs, the economyand the everyday lives of allworking familieswill continue to be apriority in 2010.

We highly encourage all members needingwork boots to take advantage of a 27 percent dis-count on 100 percent American made, union-madework boots atwww.TheUnionBootPro.Com. Usediscount code Be0021mD. Buy American. Buyunion. Save money!

Local 21 continues to expand our means ofcommunicating with our membership. Follow usnow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/IBEWLU21.

Thomas Hopper, P.S.

Political InvolvementL.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY—Local 43 has along tradition of political involvement in our jurisdic-tion and this past year was no exception. Because ofterm limits the incumbentmayor of Syracuse had tovacate his seat in 2010. This caused a battle for theopen position. Both the Democratic and Republicanparties started early with hotly contested primaries.Our local stood behind Stephanie Miner, union laborattorney and city councilwoman.

Bus. Mgr. Bill Towsley asked Bro. Al Marzulloto act as our political coordinator. With door to doorcanvassing, literature drops, phone banks,fundraising and human billboards, Al had themembers deeply involved. Miner won her primaryand then won the general election over herRepublican opponent by a large margin.

Wealso had threemembers run for publicoffice.Bro. JimCorbett—forOnondagaCounty Legislature,Bro. JeffCurrie—forCortlandCounty Legislature andBro. Bill Kuhn—for councilor, TownOf Elbridge. BothCorbett andCurriewon election.Many thanks to allthosewhohelped on ElectionDay, including politicalcoordinatorMarzullo, JATCinstructorDaveNichols andmany journeymenandapprentices.

Jim Corbett, P.S.

NewYear’s ResolutionL.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,rtb,t&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL—As wewelcome the new year ahead and a new decade, letus not forget the importance of community and thesacrifice of those who have given their time to makelife better for union members and society in gen-eral. Being a member of the largest electrical unionin the world means more than just paying dues.

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.

LosAngeles Local 11members installed a rooftop solar array at aSteiny and Company Inc. warehouse. From left, back rowstanding,are: CaseyBritt,Mark Jacqmin, DionMau, Roy Cheaney; front row,DaveMojica,Wayne Tesoriero, JohnGarduno and Jose Peregrina.



Every one of us should understand the importanceof community building and each of us should find away to do our part.

Our current work load has slowed somewhatwith nine journeyman linemen on Book 1 and 67 onBook 2. We are hopeful that as spring arrives ourwork outlook will improve.

As of this writing, negotiations continue withAmerican Line Builders (NECA), Henkels & McCoy,Asplundh (power & LCTT), Nelson Tree and WrightTree Services, Corn Belt Energy and FrontierCommunications.

We have reached agreements with the L.E.Meyers Shop and WICS-TV.

Remember to work safe; give eight hours’ workfor eight hours’ pay; and attend your unionmeetings.

Dan Pridemore, Pres.

TrapShootDayL.U. 57 (lctt,mo,o,t&u), SALT LAKE CITY, UT—The localheld its annual Trap Shoot at the Lee Kay ShootingCenter in West Valley, UT, on Nov. 21, 2009. Thirteenteams participated. Tom Baker won “High Gun” andDave Vega, Drue Palmer, Bill Walker, Wade Palmerand Jeremy Price won theMen’s Division. DaniellePalmer won “High Gun” in the Lady’s Division whilePorter Baker and Jesse Sainsbury tied in the JuniorDivision. This event continues to grow, as it is a greattime for family and fellow employees to spend a daytogether. A special thanks to Mass Electric, Sturgeonand Black andMcDonald for all the great prizes.

The Shelley, Idaho, Unit of Rocky MountainPower held its 4th Annual Christmas Food Drive.This drive continues to grow and in 2009 helpedfeed 1,500 families in the region. We thank all mem-bers for assisting those less fortunate in thesetough economic times.

The Populus/Terminal Transmission/Substationproject is winding down and ahead of schedule. Theworkoutlookshould improve this spring as the

weather improves and impending transmissionprojects get out to bid.

Be safe. Stay strong. Stand together.

Scott Long, P.S.

World-ClassTraining FacilityL.U. 77 (lctt,mt,o,t&u), SEATTLE, WA—After a long,hard battle, on Nov. 13, 2009, the purchase andtransfer of the National Utility Training andEducation Center, located at 2800 Horn RapidsRoad, Richland, WA, to IBEW Local 77 was finalized.

The prior NUTEC Inc. board of directors wasunable to develop the NUTEC site and training facili-ties, mainly due to lack of corporate/business mem-bership funding. Instead of the site reverting backto desert, with a total loss of a training site, Local 77saw an opportunity to continue the vision of estab-lishing a much-needed center.

Thus Local 77made anoffer to purchase the 70-acre facility from the oldNUTECboard in January 2009.The transfer required Local 77 to engagewith theU.S.Department of Education, theU.S. Department ofEnergy (former owner of Hanford training site), theState ofWashington, andBentonCounty. The processbeganbya vote of themembership in 2006.

After months of hard work by Bus. Mgr. DonGuillot and the local’s property attorney, CindyThomas, Local 77 will partner with the IBEW UtilityTraining Trust, HAMMERTraining Facility, electricalutilities, and line construction contractors to have aworld-class, inclusive utility industry training facility.

Pat Darling, P.S.

‘All-MembersMeeting’ in JuneL.U. 125 (lctt,o,t&u), PORTLAND, OR—On June 12,2010, Local 125 is hosting an All-MembersMeeting atthe EmbassySuites Hotel located near the entranceto Portland International Airport. With ourmulti-statejurisdiction, we have individual unitmeetings tomake attendance convenient for ourmembers. Weare going to hold thismeeting and capture the truespirit of our brotherhood, provide a “state-of-the-

union” address, and share strategy for dealing withupcoming challenges. IBEWNinth District Int. VicePres. Michael S. Mowrey and International ExecutiveCouncil member Pat Lavin are scheduled to join us.

We’ll also use this opportunity to provide train-ing for our shop stewards, unit chairmen, and unitrecorders on June 11. These unit leaders will have anopportunity to attend our unit chairman/recorder,shop steward, or advanced shop steward classes.

There will be a buffet dinner for members anda guest on the evening of June 11. Lodging will beprovided for those selected to attend training.Additional details will be posted on the local’s Websitewww.ibew125.com and shared at unit meet-ings in the coming weeks. For more information orto RSVP, please call the Local 125 business office at(503) 262-9125.

Marcy Putman, P.S.

PresidentVisits JurisdictionL.U. 129 (i,mt&spa), LORAIN,OH—Wehad the greatpleasure of a visit by Pres. Obama to our jurisdictionon Jan. 22 for a townhallmeeting and a tour of someofour local businesses. He spoke of somevery positivethings thatwill influence our area and state greatly.

Work in our local remains slow. We do expectsome projects to start this spring including a $100million Cleveland Clinic project and a Wal-Mart proj-ect. Additionaly, we have received grant money fortraining our members to build wind turbines. Also,as a reminder to our members—there is a sign-upsheet at the hall for the fire alarm test.

Dennis Pedings, P.S.

StimulusPackageBenefitL.U. 145 (em,i,o,rts,spa&u), ROCK ISLAND, IL—Local145 wishes to acknowledge retirees Ron Peters andLarry Hoffman for their continued endeavors to pro-mote a positive union image through communityservice. Again last year, they led the efforts of severalunion brothers and sisters, including retirees, tobring power to theSymphony of Lights holiday dis-play in Clinton, IA. Atmore than amile long, the dis-play includes over half amillion individual lights andis known regionally as “the” holiday destination.

Despite the economicdownturn facing the coun-try last year, Local 145was able to keepmost of ourjourneymenworking. Locally, we continue to benefitfrom theObama administration’s stimulus packagethrough several government contracts in theQuadCities. The construction of a flagship biodegradableplastics plant for ADMCompany also keptmanymem-bers on the job late into the year.

2010 promises to bring more work to the area.Making national headlines, the Thomson Prison willbe converted to a super maximum security facility tohouse detainees from Guantanamo Bay. Also,Western Illinois University has begun efforts to

expand campus facilities in Moline. The annual out-age at our Cordova nuclear facility will also providejobs for electricians in early 2010.

Steve Long, P.S.

2009ProjectsSuccessfulL.U. 153 (em,i,rtb,rts,se,spa&st), SOUTHBEND, IN—As2009wrappedupso too did two large projects thathelped Local 153 get through this economicslowdown.

InSeptember 2008, at the American ElectricPowerD.C. CookNuclear Plant in Bridgman,MI, therewas amechanical failure in Unit 1. One of the turbinesthrew a blade causing somedamage and aminor fire.The damagewas labeled a catastrophic incident byAEP. The IBEWwas instrumental in turning thisaround. For 15months Local 153members put in longhours, seven days aweek. The entire project resultedinmore than 180,000 hours through the 15months.The repair jobwas finished up on schedule and theunit was returned to the power grid onDec. 23, 2009.

In the fall of 2006, construction began on thenewSt. Joseph Regional Medical Center inMishawaka, IN. The 633,000 square-foot hospitalopened its doors on Dec. 14, 2009. The project wasbuilt by all union construction workers. Over 3.5mil-lion hours were worked bymembers of the St. JosephValley Building &Construction Trades over the courseof the $365million project. On Dec. 5, 2009, the hos-pital hosted an open house for the contractors andtrades workers. TheSt. Joseph Valley Building &Construction Trades was happy to present the hospi-tal charitable foundation with a small token of itsgratitude in the form of a check for $10,000.

Troy D. Warner, B.R.

CommunityService RecognizedL.U. 163 (ees&i), WILKES-BARRE, PA—Local 163grieves the passing of Bros. Carl Olshefski and pasttraining director Michael J. Shannon.

Apprentices and journeymenparticipated incommunity service this summerat the FerrwoodMusicCampnearHazleton, PA.The volunteers donated theirtime to upgrade and repair sections of the campbuild-ings; thework included switching circuits, exit signsand energy efficient lighting.TheGreaterHazletonAreaCanDoCommunity Foundation presented Local 163JATCwith a resolution recognizing the efforts.

Attending Local 51’s staff Christmas luncheonare, from left: Local 51 memberMikeBradshaw, Bus. Mgr. Jim Bates and TomPeterson, retired business representative.

Winning Team at the Local 57 Trap Shoot, from left: Dave Vega, Wade Palmer, Bill Walker,Jeremy Price and Drue Palmer.

Attending the NUTEC signing are, from left:Local 77 Pres. Rick Johnson, Bus. Mgr. DonGuillot and Bus. Rep. John Trumble.

Local 163’s October 2009 dinner dance for retirees and guests is well-attended.

IBEW Local 153 Bus.Mgr.MichaelCompton presents a$10,000 check toNancyHellyar of St.JosephMedical Chari-table Foundation onbehalf of the St. JosephValley Building Trades.

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A dinner dance was held in October 2010 forretirees and their guests. Local 163 Bus. Mgr. MichaelKwashnik hosted the evening’s festivities along withExecutive Boardmembers and officers to honor themany years of service and dedication by our retirees.

The annual children’s Christmas party lastDecember was a big success due to the hard workof Bro. Eric Grohowski and all his elves.

John T. Nadolny, P.S./Training Dir.

MembershipDevelopment EffortL.U. 177 (bo,ees,i,mo,o&pet), JACKSONVILLE, FL—Retiredmember Bro. Bill Gehm celebrated his 34thyear in the red suit at our annual children’sChristmasparty last year. Santa gave out gifts to approximately250 kids that day as they enjoyed games and refresh-ments. Both the children’s party and the retirees’Christmas partywere big successes, thanks to thehelp ofmany volunteers.

Work in the Jacksonville area remains dismalat best. The Membership Development VolunteerCommittee (MDVC) remains energized and is stillmonitoring the progress of the new county court-house being built nonunion. The new $430 millionGreenland Energy Center was awarded to H.B.Zachary and will be built nonunion as well, thanksto the Jacksonville Electric Authority. The MDVCplans to monitor the project and the use of undocu-mented workers on it.

Alan Jones, Pres.

HonoringOurMembersL.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WA—The Retireeand Service Pin Dinner was held in December 2009at the Cotton Tree Inn in Mt. Vernon, WA. Thanks toall who helped and attended, it was a great after-noon of fun, food, games and prizes.

Among the many service pin recipients were:for 50 years’ service—Andrew Desrosier, Robert E.Johnson, Wallace S. Mason, Dorrell B. Quinton,Bing G. White, Reider R. Hammer; for 55 years—WilliamM. Rockwell; for 60 years—Wayne J.Deming; and for 65 years—Stanley S. Schneller.

Congratulations to recently retired brothers:Kent Barnes, George Brattain, Ronald Davison,Ronald Evans, Richard Jubie, John Hovey, GaryLakey, John Palm, Dennis Patterson, Michael Potter,Gary Smith, Melvin Taylor and Tommy D. Tomlinson.Thanks to all members for your continued service.

The IBEW is a better place because of you. We wishyou all a happy retirement.

The LMCChosted foreman classes at theEverett union hall in December with an overwhelm-ing response. The Electrical Project SupervisionProgram consists of three integrated levels. It’sopen to all members and contractors. Please con-tact the Everett hall for more information.

Rob De Velder, P.S.

Holiday FoodDriveL.U. 197 (em&i), BLOOMINGTON, IL—We celebrateda happy holiday season. Our apprentices did a finejob collecting canned food for the needy during the2009 holidays.

We held our annual Christmas party, andeveryone had a good time. Service pins wereawarded to: Dave Cooprider (10 years of service),Scott Taylor (10 years), Shawn Dehaven (15 years),Russell Roberts (35 years), Dave Ashenbremer (40years) and Elmer Alsene (retiree). Congratulations,brothers, and thanks for your commitment to theIBEW and our local. Door prizes were awarded andgood food and drink were served.

As we move forward into 2010 we wish ourmembers good luck in the year ahead. This isanother contract year so we must be diligent inattending journeyman classes to continue to honeour skills.

This is also an election year for many localand state candidates. If anyone wants to help, walk-ing precincts or getting involved with candidateswho are friends of labor, please call the hall.

We wish Sean Tibbs, who is serving inAfghanistan, a safe and speedy tour.

Remember: take pride in the union, getinvolved, and stay involved.

Mike Raikes, P.S.

NewUnionHall/JATC FacilityL.U. 229 (em&i),YORK, PA—Local 229officers areproudto announce that onDec. 21, 2009, the local settled ona new union hall/JATC training facility. The new facilitywill be located at 555WillowSprings Lane in EastManchester Township, only 2miles off the Emigsville,PA, exit off Interstate 83. The building ismore than18,000 square feet and is situated on 6.13 acres.

The officers and JATC committee are workingwith architects and contractors to get the necessaryrenovations underway as quickly as possible; wehope to have the facility ready by late spring.

The primary motivation for the purchase ofthis facility was the need for more space for ourapprenticeship training program. We now have thefacility to give all Local 229 apprentices the opportu-nity to learn with every piece of electrical equip-ment necessary for them to “top out” as the besttrained electrical workers in the industry!

We have much work ahead of us and we willneed members’ participation to accomplish it.

Mark Tomes, P.S.

RetireesDonate toWorthyCauseL.U. 257 (em,i,rtb,rts,spa&t), JEFFERSON CITY, MO—Local 257 retirees met on Dec. 8, 2009, for aChristmas meal provided by the local. This year, inlieu of a gift exchange, the retirees decided to con-tribute to a worthy cause.

Retirees donated $800 to a Local 257mem-ber’s family to assist with their son’s needs. Local257 journeyman wireman Brian Kaiser’s 2-year oldson, Brayden, was born with a kidney disorder andhas needed a kidney transplant. There has been atwo-year wait for the transplant and the family hasspent countless hours in doctors’ offices, hospitalsand dialysis clinics. We commend the Local 257retirees for helping Bro. Kaiser’s family. The Kaisersthank everyone for the prayers and contributions.

Last November, CenturyLink (created by themerger of CenturyTel and Embarq) employees nego-tiated a new three-year contract. The negotiationcommittee consisted of Local 257 Bus. Mgr. DonBruemmer, Chandra Sullivan, Dale Adams and Greg

Phillippe. The telephone business is constantlychanging, which made negotiations for this contractvery hard. The union will monitor CentruryLink’sprogress over the next three years.

Our condolences go out to the families ofdeceasedmembers Jeff Boehm, ReedCreath,WendellGilbert, NormanHart, Orville Lenger, Harold RackersandWillie Schulte.

Support your local—help keep ourunions strong.

Ryan Buschjost, P.S.

Airport Control Tower ProjectL.U. 291 (i,o,rtb&,rts), BOISE, ID—Work remainsslow here in southwest Idaho with more than 260book 1 hands still out of work. Local 291 extends abig thank-you to sister IBEW Local 449 and BobBodell for providing work for many of our membersover in the eastern side of the state. Ongoing workat Sorento Lactalis, the Boise State UniversityScience Building, and Middleton High School con-tinues to provide some work for our members. LeaElectric’s Tony Keen and many Local 291 handsrecently finished up the new Boise Airport/FAA con-trol tower. At 290 feet, the tower is the tallest struc-ture in the state of Idaho.

Our condolences go to the family of IreneMcMillin, who passed away Nov. 21, 2009. She wasan IBEWmember for 55 years and was Local 291office manager for 37 years. She is missed by all.

Congratulations to Bro. Lonny Wearin on thebirth of a new son. We thank Randy and MelanieCope for their efforts putting on our 2009 Christmasparty. Great job.

Ron Ely, P.S.

Hope forSpringUpturnL.U. 309 (i,lctt,mo,mt,o,rts,spa&u), COLLINSVILLE,IL—The economic downturn that has hit too manylocals unfortunately has now touched ours. TheInside branch is currently suffering unemploymentsince the completion of our two largest projects,Suncoke at U.S. Steel and Abengoa Ethanol Plant inGranite City. The Outside has slowed down a little,but we hope for a brighter spring.

2010 looks to be a busy year as numerouslabor agreements are set to expire. We are alwayslooking for members who have not served on nego-tiating committees to step up and help out withnew, fresh ideas.

Our “Fifty-Year Dinner” was again held atSunset Hills Country Club. As always it was well-attended. Special congratulations to Carl W. Chesserand Robert L. Hartman Jr., our 70-year honorees.

Scott Tweedy, A.B.M.

Santa Claus (retired member Bill Gehm)hands out gifts at Local 177’s children’sChristmas party in 2009.

Several Local 191 retiring members gather forcelebration: front, center, Ron Davison; backrow, from left, Mike Potter, Dennis Pattersonand George Brattain.

Service pins areawarded at Local 197holiday party. Fromleft are: Bus. Mgr.Lance Reece, Pres.Rich Veitengruber,and award recipientsElmer Alsene, DaveCooprider, ShawnDehaven, Scott Taylor,Russell Roberts andDave Ashenbremer.

Local 257 Retirees Club Pres. Jerry Rehagen(left), Heather Kaiser and Brian Kaiserwith son Brayden.

Local 291 members completed work on anew Boise Airport/ FAA control tower.



HolidayPartyL.U. 351 (c,cs,i,it,lctt,mt,o,se,spa&t), FOLSOM, NJ—Our annual children’s Christmas party was held onDec.13, 2009. Again, it was a wonderful celebrationfor the kids. Thanks to all the committee memberswhomade it a huge success. They are: Duke Collins,Kathy D’Alonzo, Dan Cosner, John Biondi, Bill Hosey,Jim Bresch, Joe Trumbetti, Chuck Dellavecchia, T.J.Wolfe, Ed Reiser, Dennis Kleiner, Ray Listman andSean Newlin.

Daniel Cosner, P.S.

Care Packages for theTroopsL.U. 369 (em,es,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), LOUISVILLE,KY—The Local 369 office staff collects $1 for every T-shirt, hat, etc. they sell throughout the year—thenduring the holidays they locate charities and needymembers to assist.

For 2009, the staff spearheaded a project toprepare care packages for military personnel sta-tioned overseas who are deployed from this state.With the help ofwww.anysoldier.com they foundseveral troops from this area to send the packages.

Joanne Caple, Ronda Goodin, Kay Profitt andDebbie Roby shopped for items requested by thesoldiers. Word of this undertaking spread and theretirees decided to help. Tommie Humphreys,through his connections with Dare-to-Care,acquired 150 cases of snacks, toiletries, etc.

Tommie recruited other retiree buddies withtrucks and they delivered four skids of boxes. Severalbusiness agents unloaded thismassive shipmentand the race was on to package everything for ship-ping to the soldiers for Christmas. We contacted thepost office, which brought in extra help to handleapproximately 200 care packages for the troops.

Thanks to office staff, business agents,retirees and a few kind citizens, the packages wereshipped out in time. Most of all we thank thetroops, who risk their lives to keep this country safe.We salute the troops and their families. Godspeed.

John E. Morrison Jr., P.S.

Promoting the IBEWL.U. 379 (i,o&rtb), CHARLOTTE, NC—On Aug. 1, 1926,our brothers signed the local union charter applica-tion at the historic Hotel Charlotte. On the same datein 2009, officers andmembers kicked off a newcross promotion with the Hotel Charlotte Restaurant.

Located onSouthSharon Amity Road, this sta-ple restaurant of the QueenCity for the past 30 yearsis owned bySteve Black. It has hostedmany diningcelebrities, most recently Federal Reserve Chmn. BenBernanke, namedTimemagazine’s 2009 Person ofthe Year. This establishment is adorned bymanyitems from the Hotel Charlotte dating from the1920s—including the original mahogany bar andsolid cherry valet doors. Local 379 historic pieces con-tinue to be added along with other IBEW items,including the Brotherhood’s decals on the front door!

We have established the Local 379/IBEW dis-count, extended to all members of our Brotherhood!A paid-up union dues receipt is all you need to showyour server to receive the discount. Since the begin-ning of this cross promotion, Local 379 has heldnumerous gatherings at the Hotel Charlotte, and theupcoming charter party will be held there in August.When visiting Charlotte, NC, stop by and bring yourlocal’s wares for display in the restaurant!

Guy B. DePasquale, Historian

LEEDDesign-Build ProjectL.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO,ID—Balanced Rock Electric, a signatory contractor inTwin Falls, Idaho, participated in a design-buildproject for the College of Southern Idaho to buildthe Health Science and Human Services Building.This innovative and energy efficient 72,270 square-foot building has space for health care technicianprograms, classrooms, lecture halls, computerrooms, simulator rooms, a dental lab, X-ray rooms,numerous offices and support spaces.

This building sets a new level of expectationfor design, one that is high-performance from theuser’s perspective, as well as from an energy effi-cient perspective. Occupancy sensors control thelighting, HVAC, and general-use receptacles.Daylight sensors control lighting levels to allow nat-ural sunlight to be utilized. When natural light is notsufficient, lighting levels automatically adjust toassure that lighting levels never fall below 36 foot-candles. The lighting in the common areas and lec-ture halls is computer controlled for day and nightand different scenes.

Energy savings on the lighting alone is figuredat 164,000 kilowatt hours annually, a saving of 50percent. This building is a LEED (Leadership inEnergy & Environmental Design) project and scored48 points, well into “gold” level.

Twelve journeyman wiremen and sevenapprentices from Local 449 worked on this Code ofExcellence project.

Robert J. Bodell, B.M.

LinemenBrightenHolidaysL.U. 457 (u), MERIDEN, CT—In December 2009, line-men from Local 457 brightened the holidays forpatients at Connecticut Hospice in Branford by string-ing lights on the trees on the property after receivinga request for assistance with decorating the groundsfor the holidays. [See photo, below.] The IBEWmem-bers volunteered to give up aSaturdaymorning towork outside in the freezing cold tomake a differencein the lives of others. Their generosity is an exampleof what the holiday season is truly about.

Rich Sank, B.M./F.S.

Service AwardHonoreesL.U. 545 (i), ST. JOSEPH, MO—At this writing, workremains slow. The Lost CreekWind Farm has helpedto ease a slow winter for us. New projects in thisarea are finally starting to bid.

Local 545 held our annual retirees meeting onDec. 3, 2009. At that meeting we awarded severalservice pins to our retirees with 50 or more years ofservice. Receiving 50-year pins were: Martin Lajoie,Henry Ruhnke and Roy Wood. Awarded 55-year pinswere: Aubrey Anderson, Frank Roth III and RogerSchultz Sr. Awarded 60-year pins were: RobertGilmore and Carl Schweder. Martin Logan Sr.received his 70-year pin. We are very fortunate tohave so many healthy retirees in our local.

We are saddened by the passing of Bro. Gary“Gar” Keene, who passed away in August 2009 atage 60. Our prayers are with his family.

Greg Logan, B.M./F.S.

Local 351 Christmas party committee members gather.

“The Founders” of the IBEW cross promotionare, from left: Local 379 Bus.Mgr. Bob Krebs;Steve Black, owner of Hotel Charlotte Restau-rant; and Local 379 Historian GuyDePasquale.

Local 449 membersworked on a LEEDdesign-build project forthe College of SouthernIdaho.

Local 457 linemen volunteers who installed holiday lights at the Connecticut Hospice inBranford are, from left: T. Kinne, W. Quattlebaum, B. Hawkins, E. Mosca, J. Tucker,B. Mehrtens, J. Bullis, M. Hartley, F. Curcio, R. Rizzitello and C. Richards.

Local 545 retired memberMartin Logan Sr.(third from left) receives his 70-year servicepin. Joining him are family membersfollowing in the IBEW tradition: grandsonBlain (15-year member), and sons Greg(28-year member), Martin Jr. (47-yearmember) and John (40-year member).

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2010 Election CycleL.U. 551 (c,i&st), SANTA ROSA, CA—We have a brandnew year and decade ahead of us to make positivechanges. We are in an election cycle with seats tofill, fromCity Council all the way up to the governor’sseat. We will install a brand new phone bank systemat our union hall. It’s going to be real busy here.With the great bunch of union volunteers who areglad to take action and get involved, it’s going to begood times with strong grass-roots activity. I have agreat feeling that ourmembers will help elect candi-dates who are friends of labor in 2010.

We had a tough winter withmany of ourmem-bers out of work. Bus. Mgr. JackBuckhorn estab-lished a Benevolent Fund in 2004. It has helpedsome of our distressedmembers. Recently with thesefunds the Executive Board ordered the issue ofSafeway grocery cards to all of our out-of-workmem-bers for several past wintermonths.

As of press time, we’re hoping to get calls insoon for our Humboldt Power Plant job. The job hit asnag as the generators’ weight caused concern thatthe roadways would fail in transport. So, at this writ-ing, the generators are sitting in a holding facilityuntil repairs or improvements happen to the roads.

Denise D. Soza, P.S.

Graduation CelebrationL.U. 553 (i,mt,o&ws), RALEIGH, NC—IBEW Local 553recently held a graduation celebration for five stu-dents who completed their journeyman inside wire-man apprenticeship.

JohnMartin, EricCousins, Stephen Baker, JamesPoplin andAlton Lynch all met the required classroomcriteria to complete their apprenticeship. Their dedi-cation to the program, the local union and the organ-ized electrical industry is evident by their success.

The celebration included a southern-style pigroast barbecue dinner prepared by local IBEW/NECAcontractors. Door prizes were donated by Local 553,

the Raleigh Durham Electrical JATC, and areaIBEW/NECA contractors.

The graduates, their families, JATCCommitteemembers, other Local 553 apprentices, supportiveNECA contractors and IBEWmembers all joined inthe celebration fun.

Ronald L. Cockman, B.M.

Prospective NewCompaniesL.U. 557 (i,mt,rts&spa), SAGINAW, MI—The prospectof new companies entering the Saginaw area is abright light at the end of a long winter tunnel. Somesolar cell companies have shown an interest in pos-sibly calling Saginaw their new home to manufac-ture components geared toward America’s newfocus on green energy.

No doubt that the recent work at the HemlockSemiconductor facility has shown new companiesthat this area can still support some substantialeconomic growth. Couple this new work with addi-tional pending expansion due in Hemlock, andthings can start to look a bit more optimistic than inprevious months. It is no secret that much of thestate of Michigan has struggled with a major down-turn. Optimismmust prevail in order to weather thedifficult winter. Frozen temperatures may chill us fornow, but let’s try to stay warm in the long run.

Our local was saddened by the sudden deathon Nov. 23, 2009, of Bro. Scott MacArthur. He was54 and suffered a fatal heart attack. Bro. Scott was aremarkable union member and did wonderfulthings for the IBEW and its members in his time onEarth. He is truly missed.

Evan Alardyce, P.S.

Celebrations aSuccessL.U. 569 (i,mar,mt,rts&spa),SAN DIEGO, CA—Our annual SanDiego holidayparty was heldDec. 9, 2009.The IBEW hallwas filled tocapacity withmembers andtheir families. Wewere also joinedby numerous

elected representatives. Office manager DanaMorgan again provided the children with delicious

homemade cookies, and the kids hadfun customizing them with frostingand sprinkles. Santa also deliveredgifts and took pictures with the chil-dren. All had a great time.

Also, on Dec. 16 our annual holi-day party was held at our new ImperialCounty Office and Training Center facil-ity for the first time. A big thanks toIBEW Local 47, which not only donatedthe use of their impressive grill onwheels, but also assisted in preparinga tasty carne asada dinner for ourmembers and guests. Santa handedout gifts to the delight of the children.California AssemblymemberManuelPerez was on hand to give his vision ofbringing jobs to the Imperial Valley.

Thanks to the local staff for making both holiday par-ties a success.

Nicholas J. Segura Jr., P.S.

SteadyWorkPictureL.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), ALBU-QUERQUE, NM—The local’s 2009 family Christmasparty was a huge success. Each year the partiesseem bigger and better and last year was no excep-tion. The kids took pictures with Santa and we hada face painter and other activities. Thank you to thecommittee members who put this great eventtogether—your time and effort are appreciated.

On Jan. 9, the membership for the secondtime in three months voted down our latest contractproposal by a margin of 12 votes. At the last meetingas of press time, there were 305 people who signedin but only 240 voted. I guess we’ll have to wait andsee what happens next.

As of this writing, work has been steady with afew calls coming in here and there.

Local 611 extends condolences to families ofthe following who passed away: Donald E. Leahy,Nicholas M. Veroche, James A. Wiley Jr. and Manual“Ted” Cordova.

Darrell J. Blair, P.S.

RedSeal JourneymanStatusL.U. 625 (ees,em,i,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NOVASCOTIA,CANADA—The new location for our local’s annualChristmas dinner and dancewas a hit last year and allwho attended enjoyed themeal and live band. Atten-dancewas up to about 180 people.Word ofmouthshould put that number over 200 next December.

At the end of 2009, seven more members gottheir Red Seal Journeyman status. This brings 2009numbers up to 35! Congratulations to Bros. JoeMcCarthy, Chad Richardson, David Joyce, Art Billard,John Shorter, Scott Coulter, Jamie Gilby and Adam

Corporon. Job well-done.Congratulations and best of luck to Ross

MacKenzie on his retirement from the local in January.It is with a heavy heart that I note the passing of

retired Bro. Ambrose RichardCole, 86, on Jan. 4, 2010.Ambrosewas the father of two other Local 625mem-bers, retiredmember LennyCole and activememberRogerCole. Our condolences go out to all the family.

2009was a very slow year for NovaScotia aswell you all know. All indications are for a better 2010with several good-sized projects in Halifax and onehospital in Truro coming soon. At this writing, wehave 450 journeymen and apprentices on the books.

Tom Griffiths, Pres.

Looking toSpringL.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OH—Our Annual WhiteCastle/Christmas Light installation and breakfastevent was Nov. 14, 2009. [See photo, below.] Thecrew was: Mario Ciardelli, Dennis Nicodemus, RickDeime, Joe Biser, Carmella Biser, Dan George, SkipTeaford, Bill Davies, Steve Smith, Gary Grcic, MargieRichards and Committee Chair Ed Moore. Thanks toRoberts Electric for use of the bucket truck.

The retirees luncheon on Dec. 5, 2009, waswell-attended and everyone enjoyed the occasion.Local 683 officers appreciated the invitation to attendand enjoyed the get-together and the great food.

At the Dec. 10 unionmeeting/Christmas party,many prizes were given away including: money, bluejackets and OSU hockey tickets, a rifle, a shotgunand a year of paid dues to some luckymembers. RodSumner received the Volunteer of the Year Award.

We extend condolences to the family of RobertL. Griffin, who passed away Nov. 19, 2009.

We hope this spring our IBEWmembership willsee an increase in employment to get all membersback to work. We also thank the locals that are help-ing our travelingmembers with job opportunities.

Rick Deime, V.P./P.S.

697 ‘LEEDS’ TheWayL.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se) GARY AND HAMMOND, IN—IBEW Local 697, NECA’s Northern Indiana Chapterand the Lake County JATCbroke ground for a newTraining and Administration Center located inMerrillville, IN, onSept. 29, 2009. [See photo, pg. 13.]

The facility combines the Local 697 businessoffice, apprenticeship training center, benefit trustfunds office and credit union. This 40,000 square-foot structure will be the first privately owned LEED

Local 553 congratulates recent JATC apprentice graduates,from left: JohnMartin, Eric Cousins, Stephen Baker, JamesPoplin and Alton Lynch.

Joshua Miranda (left)visits with Santa at theLocal 569 Imperial Countyholiday party.

IBEWmembers attend the Local 611 familyChristmas party.

Local 683crewmembersgather forthe AnnualWhiteCastle/ChristmasLightinstallation.

Generators needed for a Local 551 HumboldtPower Plant job await transport.



certified building in Lake County. It is on track forLEED “silver” level certification, and has potentialto make “gold” level.

Local 697 is committed to new technology andtraining in alternative energy for photovoltaicandwindenergy. The project qualified for a $75,000matchinggrant from theState of Indiana for a 21.5 KWphoto-voltaic systemsupplying “green” power to the site.Local 697member and LEEDaccredited professionalTracyHall helped spearhead aspects of the project.Infrastructure for a futurewind turbine is also planned.

The facility features glass walls showcasingmain switchgear and low voltagemainframes, withvideo screensmonitoring building performance. TheJATCsection includes an open-air, third-floor class-roomwith the photovoltaic arraysmanufactured byIBEWmembers at the Sharp factory in Tennessee andinstalled andmaintained by training center students.LEDswill be used in all exterior fixtures. Completionis scheduled for fall 2010. Progress of the project canbe accessed through a link from ourWeb sitewww.ibew697.org to a real timeWebcam onsite.

Our new home will serve as another proudsymbol of our great Brotherhood, and partnershipfor generations to come.

Raymond E. Kasmark, B.M.

Career ofServiceL.U. 723 (em,govt,rtb,rts&t), FORT WAYNE, IN—Local723 sent our good friend Executive Board memberand steward Jon Burkhead on his next adventure ofretirement.

Jon served selflessly as a steward formore than20 years at United Telephone, Sprint, Embarq, andlater at CenturyLink. Local 723 would like to recognizeJon as a valuedmember and friend. Wewish himgood luck and happy adventures in his retirement.

Michelle Barbour, Exec. Board

NationalGasRodeoTeamL.U. 753 (u), SPRINGFIELD, MO—The Gas HouseGorillas team of City Utilities of Springfield, MO,swept four out of five events, while tying for firstplace in the remaining event at the National GasRodeo held Sept. 25, 2009. Teams from across theUnited States attended the event, hosted byMidwest Energy Association. The team won eventsthat comprised cutting a 6-inch pipe by hand with awheel cutter; running a gas service; building ameter set; hand digging a vault with shovels; and arelay composed of numerous job-related tasks.

Making it to the rodeo, let alonewinning it, wasin question shortly before the event. The original teamof IBEWLocal 753membersDanaUnderwood andAdam Joyhadbeenpracticing forweekswith coachSteveHolt (who is onhonorarywithdrawal fromLocal753). Underwood and Joyhad established the timesneeded towin the competition andwere gearing up tocompetewhen Joy sustained an injury forcing Joy towithdrawandHolt to replace him.This proven ability towork together speakswell for the relationship betweenLocal 753 andCityUtilities ofSpringfield,MO.

Dick Wilson, P.S.

Wind FarmProjectsL.U. 773 (as,em,i,mo&o),WINDSOR, ONTARIO,CANADA—Ourworkpicture will improve in 2010, withmanpower on fourmajorwind farmprojects. BlackandMcDonaldwill finish up at the HarrowWind Farm,andwill start soon on Port Alma phase 2; Henkels &McCoy Inc. and KLine are busy at the RaleighWindEnergy location.MotorCity Electric andMidSouthContractors are working at theComberWind Farm site.

Other projects include a $90million UniversityofWindsor engineering building, St. Clair Collegeupgrades, and a new Leamington, Ontario,municipalbuilding. The government’s EconomicAction Plan dol-lars will start to put some IBEWpeople to workdue tothe funding of somemajorwater treatment projects.

It’s a bargaining year for the constructiontrades in the Province of Ontario and when you readthis, hopefully the IBEW will have reached, or beclose to, an agreement.

Local 773 is honoured to behosting the 47thAnnual OPC-CCOHockeyTournament inApril at theWFCUCentre sports arena.Wehope all the teamshavea great tournament and enjoy themselves inWindsor.

David Spencer, P.S.

Solidarity& FellowshipL.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL—Local 915 hosted itsannual Christmas party in December 2009. Theevent was chaired by Roberto Rosa and with thehelp of so many volunteers, it was a smashing suc-cess. To have so many brothers and sisters bringtheir families and gather together in solidarity andfellowship was inspiring. It was a tough year for somany of our members and to be able to put thataside to share in the Christmas spirit is truly a gift.Attendees ranged from retirees and members withmore than 50 years in the Brotherhood, to newapprentices with only a fewmonths of service.

The children enjoyed fun activities, and somany door prizes were given away it was hard not towin something. The big prizes were two flat-screenTVs and a special hand-made fishing rod. The dinnerwas of Cuban fare and we had delicious desserts.

Our sincere thanks go to Roberto and his wife,Diana, and to all the volunteers who helped makethis an event to remember.

Theresa King, P.S.

Office Building InvestmentL.U. 965 (em,govt,ptc&u), MADISON, WI—Local 965made a bold investment in its future on Dec. 4,2009, when it signed an agreement to purchase anoffice building located at 701 Watson Avenue,Madison, WI, after approval was granted by therank-and-file as well as the International Office.

Key elements in the decision tomake the pur-chasewere the favorable real estatemarket, low return

on the local’s current investments and abeneficialsavings over the current cost of renting office space.

The purchase is a single-story commercial officebuilding, approximately 7,400 square feet, with a par-tially exposed lower level. Building features include aglass atrium entrance, vaulted ceiling, first-floor bankvault and awalk-out deck. There are 24 onsite parkingstalls alongwith ample street parking in this indus-trial neighborhood. The buildingwill provide officespace for the businessmanager, assistant businessmanagers and office administrator, aswell asmeetingrooms for the Executive Board and chief stewards.

The intent is to occupy the building by the endofMarch 2010. As of this writing, plans are in placefor someminor work needed on the building to beaccomplished bymember volunteers during FebruaryandMarch.

Kurt Roberts, P.S.

‘A Better Tomorrow’L.U. 1015 (em&i),WESLACO,TX—Local 1015membersattended their firstCode of Excellence class onNov. 21,2009. Bus.Mgr.SergioA.Salinaswas the instructor.

“Because of the excellent training andmaterial Ireceived at theSeventh District Train theTrainer class,we received positive feedback from the 21memberswho participated,” Bus.Mgr. Salinas said. He notesthat theCOEwill not only benefit existing signatorycontractors, “but also prospective new contractors inthe RioGrandeValley.”

Among the 21 participantswere 13 first-yearapprentices. Bro.WilliamBalsells, one of the first-yearapprentices attending, received an outstanding evalu-

IBEW Local 697, NECA’S Northern Indiana Chapter and Lake County JATC break ground for newTraining and Administration Center.

Local 753 Gas Rodeo teammembers displaytrophy. From left are: Local 753 Bus. Mgr.Bradley Stokes; rodeo teammembers DanaUnderwood and Steve Holt; and IBEWEleventh District Int. Rep. Jim Lynch.

Local 915 members and their families enjoy 2009 Christmas party.

Local 1015 participants attend a Code of Excellence class. From left, front row, are: Hector Banda,Lupe Hernandez, Jesse Sanchez, RamonMartinez, Genaro Alvarez, Carlos Ingles, Aaron Buchner;middle row, Roberto Lara, Juan Benitez, Emmanuel Yanez, DoroteoMarez,Mike Sauceda, AaronBazan, Bus.Mgr. Sergio A. Salinas (instructor); back row, Jonathan E. Robles,Miguel Sanchez,WilliamBalsells, George Cepeda and RubenGarza. (Ray Duran snapped the photo.)

Local Lines


ation report fromhis employer, L&O Electric. L&Osupervisor EricParrot stated, “Apprentice Balsells is ahardworkerwith great potential as he begins hiscareer as a union electrician.”We are grateful to oursignatory contractorswho recognize the hardworkLocal 1015 and the RGV/JATCare doing to recruit andtrain the bestworkers in the RioGrandeValley.

Special thanks to the Seventh District officeand local unions on the Texas Gulf Coast for theircontinued support for Local 1015.

Ray Duran, P.S.

ASuccessful YearL.U. 1049 (lctt,o,u&uow), LONG ISLAND, NY—2009was another successful year for Local 1049. With thesale of former IBEW 1381’s building, we enhancedour General Fund and created a larger, strongervoice for our members. Bus. Mgr. Robert Shand hasallocated some of the monies to improve the flow ofinformation for more effective communications withthe membership. Future improvements will includea newmedia center and a memorial garden, wheremembers can reflect on the contributions of pastmembers, as well as contemplate their own role inbuilding the union for present and future members.

We ended 2009 by negotiating a new contractfor our Line Clearance Tree Trimmembers. The three-year agreement includes general wage increases andan employer-funded increase to theMedical Fund.We also successfully expanded our jurisdiction toinclude Tree Trimming along the Long Island Railroad.

2010 will be challenging as well. The LongIsland Power Authority will put the MaintenanceServices Agreement out for bid and National Grid isactively seeking buyers for its Generation and HomeEnergy Services Divisions. We will also negotiatenew contracts for our members who work forNational Grid Home Energy Services, WasteRecycling Solutions, and National Grid.

Remember to stay informed: attend the generalmeetings, visit ourWeb sitewww.ibew1049.org,and sign up to receive the “HotWire.”

Thomas J. Dowling, R.S.

UnionWorkersMobilizeL.U. 1245 (catv,em,govt,lctt,o,pet,t&u), VACAVILLE,CA—More than 400 retired and working membersset up the first picket line in the local’s 62 years ofrepresenting workers at NV Energy. The informa-tional picket, at the company’s Reno headquarters,

protested the company’s announced intention ofeliminating contractual protections for retirementmedical benefits during negotiations for a new con-tract. The picket action was followed by a candlelightrally with speeches by clergymembers and otherunions. Although the company and union agreed toa temporary extension of the contract beyond itsDec. 31, 2009, expiration date, NV Energy has shownno inclination to change its position on retirementmedical benefits. The union increased pressure onthe company over the Christmas 2009 holiday sea-son by placing full-page ads in all the major newspa-pers in northern Nevada. In the ad, headlined “NVEnergy: Honor Your Promise to Workers,” leaders ofNevada’s faith community called on company execu-tives to “keep their word.”

The local is gearing up for bargaining over theclerical agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric, whichexpires at the end of 2010. The bargaining commit-tee met to strategize for mobilizing members, andthe union plans joint educational meetings withcompany negotiators to study issues underlying thenegotiations. Members can submit bargaining pro-posals this spring at unit meetings.

The local’smobilization against privatization attheCity of Redding helped force the city council tobackoff of a sweeping plan to outsource IBEW jobs tothe private sector. The union engaged in awide-rang-ing campaign against the privatization plan, includingradio talk shows, paid radio ads, a city hall rally, testi-mony before city officials, etc. The local remains onhigh alert in Redding, where some city leaders are stillpursuing an outsourcing agenda andwhere two pro-posed ballotmeasureswould target retiree benefits.

Eric Wolfe, P.S.

TrainingSuccessL.U. 1253 (i), AUGUSTA, ME—Congratulations to RickBroad, Pat Dauphinee and Harry Lyons for their suc-cess on the EPRI certification exam taken on Dec.12, 2009, following the JATC sponsored instrumen-tation course.

Twelve Local 1253members had the opportu-nity in December to participate in comprehensivewind turbine tower training sponsored by signatorycontractor Larkin Enterprises Inc. andMaine’s NorthStar Alliance. Training consisted of composite andsafety training, both in the classroom and hands-on.This included tower rescue, thanks to access pro-vided by FirstWind. Participants included: JustinAlberico, Tim Bickford, Pat Cameron, Larry Drake,Chris Dunlop, Tim Dyer, Pete Fish, Steve Foster, Tom

Graham, ChrisMoore, Pete Poulin andSteve Tracey.Recent retirees include Greg True, Everett

Scott, Dave Weed and TomSmith. We thank each fortheir many years of dedicated service to the localunion and the industry.

William Gifford, P.S.

Election ofOfficersL.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY,MD—OnNov. 12, 2009, offi-cers were elected for a three-year term. Local 1307officers are: Bus. Mgr./Pres. David Adkins, Vice Pres.Lindley Hudson, Rec. Sec. Debbie Fidderman, Fin.Sec. Michele Horner, Treas. AndyGenga; and E-BoardmembersMarkDerrickson, ChuckHarris, VaughnHorner, JackSturgis, GinnyWilliams, Heather Adkins,Billy Swift, BobWeyant and Eddie Sparks.

We thank outgoing E-Board members for theirservice to the local: Clarence Fletcher, Curt Hudson,Dawn Furlough, Jane Daisey and Richard Adkins.

Local 1307 congratulates four members whoretired last year: Hubert “Pie” Phillips, WilliamMoore, Linda Hardesty and Donna Sterling.

Bro. Phillips began work at Delmarva Power asa meter reader in 1974. He took a utility service posi-tion in 1994, later transferred to Centreville District,and retired Feb. 1, 2009.

Bro. Moore started at Delmarva Power as ameter reader in 1972, advanced to engineering field-man and retired June 1, 2009.

Sister Hardesty worked at Delmarva Powersince 1972. She retired as a clerical associate inFleet Services and the Substation Department onJune 1, 2009

SisterSterling started at Delmarva Power in1966.Shemost recently worked as a protective equip-ment tester inSalisbury and retired on Feb. 1, 2009.

Best wishes to all for a happy retirement.

E.D. Sparks, P.S.

HawaiianTelcomUpdateL.U. 1357 (t), HONOLULU, HI—Hawaiian Telcom filedfor Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on Dec. 1, 2008, in anattempt to reorganize and reduce its debt. On Nov.13, 2009, bankruptcy judge Lloyd King ruled to con-firm Hawaiian Telcom’s proposed Plan ofReorganization, withoutmodification. The confirmed“Reorganization Plan” will reduce the debt from $1.5billion to $300million and will assume the collectivebargaining agreement, as well as the funding of thepension plan. This will make the company amorevibrant competitor as it emerges out of Chapter 11.Local 1357 Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Scot Long stated,“We’ve always supported the business plan. Thelonger we are in Chapter 11, no one benefits.”

By the time you receive this, Local 1357 willhave elected local union and unit officers for the2010-2013 term of office, as well as delegates to the38th IBEW International Convention. We wishGodspeed to our staff and elected officials, and wewelcome the chance to continue to build strongleaders and a strong work force for Local 1357. Withcontract negotiations and state elections coming upsoon, 2010 will be a busy year for us, and we lookforward to working with Hawaiian Telcom and IT&E.

Karenann Wedge, P.S.

A ‘Living Local’L.U. 1439 (u),ST. LOUIS,MO—Weat Local 1439 are apart ofwhat I like to call a “Living Local.”Ourmember-ship isworking to assist, support and encourage thosein other localswho are laid off, while being friend andfamily to our own localmembers.Generosity is a beau-tiful blessing for both the giver and recipient.

We are still looking for experienced relay tech-nicians. These are good jobs with great pay andbenefits. We seek to increase our membership withqualified craftsmen. Even in this market, we havetrouble filling these positions. If you know a quali-fied relay technician, please pass this message on.

We also strive to be a leader in safety. The BlueHat safety program is being implemented on Entergy-Arkansas andAlliant properties due to its success in1439’s jurisdiction on theAmeren,Missouri, property.Increased partnershipswith the employers foster abetter relationshipwith the employees andmembers.

Wehave excellent leadership inSt. Louis andthroughout Local 1439.Without the skill anddedica-tion of the rankand file, our local could not thrive.Weare proud of the Local 1439members.They are gener-ous, people of character and committed tomaking theIBEWbetter, one good job, one gooddeed, at a time.

Please remember all those bravely serving ourcountry to protect these inalienable rights.

Ken Carroll, P.S.Michael Walter, B.M.

Officers ElectedL.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,rts&t), BALTIMORE,MD—Ourlocal held its election of officers inDecember 2009.

Local 1501 officers elected to guide the localfor the next three years are: Bus. Mgr./Pres. Dion F.Guthrie, Vice Pres. Fred Richards, Treas. GeorgeFulton, Fin. Sec. Jamie Ripley and Rec. Sec. ThomasRostkowski. Elected to the Executive Board: WilliamIasielo—Western Central District; Jeffrey Dunn—Northern District; Robert Denhardt—Mid-EasternDistrict; and Anthony Behrens—Southern District.

Local 1501-2 officers are: Chm. Fred Richards,

Local 1245 line workers from nearly 20 employers gather at Weakley Hall in late 2009 for atwo-day safety summit, convened by Bus. Mgr. Tom Dalzell in the wake of three jobsitefatalities during the year. During a general discussion, Local 1245 Safety Committee memberand SMUD electrician Art Torres, standing at right, offers his perspective to the group.

Augusta,ME, Local 1253members ShaneJordan and Steve Krapf terminate controltransformers for signatory contractorNorthlineUtilities at StetsonMountain wind farm.



Vice Chmn. Jason Strawhorn, Recorder RobertTaminelli; and Executive Committee members NeilBecker, Delaney Burkart, Bob Denhardt, WalterPlesniak and John Phillips.

Our thanks to Election Committee members—Earl Brown Jr., Kathy Doyle, George Noble and JohnZebraski—for their time and hard work.

Bus. Mgr./Pres. Guthrie states that the officersand stewards of the local will continue to do theutmost in protecting the jobs and working condi-tions of our members. He also stated he is proud tohave won by such an overwhelming majority (3 to 1)and has just successfully stood for his 14th straightelection covering more than 40 years.

Thomas Rostkowski, R.S.

UnionSolidarityL.U. 1523 (u), WICHITA, KS—I know it’s early but wego back to the negotiation table in one year, and ayear can go by quickly. Get out your contract bookand read it; it is your lifeline to your job benefits.Back when our local was started, a lot of time wasspent putting our first contract together. So startthinking about it for the good of the union. Withoutyour input there would be no union. Without yoursolidarity, there would be no union. We the mem-bers are the union. With the economic slowdown,things are tight. So far we have weathered thestorm. We all have things that we would like to havein the contract for the better of the union. The ear-lier we begin, the better we will come out next year.

The IBEWmembers with the electrical depart-ment of the City of Coffeyville, KS, ratified their newcontract unanimously, with a slight wage increaseon their “wage only” third-year opener. The city washit hard with the flood of 2007 and is still recovering.

Congratulations toAmyPointer, a newapprenticemeter person. Good luck on your new venture, Amy.

Candy C. Cruz-Dodd, P.S.

AwardsPresentedL.U. 1547 (c,em,i,o,t&u), ANCHORAGE, AK—Bus. Mgr.Larry Bell recently presented an inscribed gold panto Bill Pedersen, a longtime IBEW power linemanwho retired after 33 years of service. Bro. Pedersenwas employed by Chugach Electric for many years.

Congratulations also to Local 1547 retired elec-trician Karl Schroeder, who recently received hisIBEW 50-year pin. Unit 102 Executive Board memberTomMinder presented that award.

Melinda Taylor, P.S.

‘ActionsCanSolve Problems’L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA,GA—IBEWhas thebest elec-tricians a contractor could everwant.We learn a varietyof skillswithin the electrical industry andwepassthose skills to our apprentices. If only being the best inwhatwedowould count for 100percent of the grade.

Our IBEWmembers are well-trained—that isnot a problem. The problem is sometimes coming inlate, leaving early, not showing up at all and com-plaining about working outside. Electrical work iseverywhere and we don’t have bankers’ hours.

If we all showed up to work on time, did ourjobs and went home at the end of the day, thatwould help strengthen union contractors, increaseour market share and benefit our membership.

In the nonunion world, the electricians are nottrained to do quality electrical work. However, theyare good at working every day and not complainingabout where they work. In the Augusta area, theyhave the largest market share.

We can help solve our problems by simplydoing what we are supposed to do. There are veryfew in the IBEW that this applies too, but one badapple can spoil the whole bunch.

Until next time, God bless.

Will Salters, A.B.M.

NewProjectsScheduledL.U. 1701 (catv,ees,i,o&u), OWENSBORO, KY—Pres.Kenny Woodward and Bus. Mgr. Gary Osborneawarded service pins at our December 2009monthly meeting. Awards ranged from 20-year to60-year pins. We also recognized members whoretired in 2009: Ernie Casey, Charlie Daugherty,Harold Hancock, Joe McBride, Chuck Payne, GordonPayne, Gerald Ralph, Ron Rummage, Darryl Self,Richard Thomson and Ron Townsend.

The Owensboro Mercy Health Systems’ newhospital project was awarded to Downs Electricfrom Nashville, TN. Our own Beltline Electric willsupply local manpower to Downs for this project.

The Owensboro Downtown Development proj-ect is underway; a new hotel and attached sportsarena will be built; and the Owensboro PublicWorks building renovations are upcoming. Twounion general contractors were low bidders. Wehave commitments from local leaders that all theseprojects will be done with our local labor work force.

Membership Development Coordinator andJATCSec. Larry Boswell reports that renovationshave begun on our new training center located at224 Ewing Road in Owensboro. To volunteer sometime for the cause, contact the hall.

Bro. Boswell also reports that 2010ContinuingEducation class schedules weremailed out to all.Reminder: Youmust have six hours of continuingeducation each year to keep your Kentucky state elec-trical license valid. Contact the hall for registration.

In sadness we report the passing of retiredBro. Bob Renfrow. May he rest in peace.

Tim Blandford, R.S.

FundsRaised for FoodBankL.U. 1739 (i&o), BARRIE, ONTARIO, CANADA—IBEWLocals 1739 and 1687,Sudbury, presented a donationofmore than $1,300 raised by fellow IBEWelectriciansfor the community of Callander, Ontario, Food Bank.The donationwas presented during aChristmas partyheld at Lulu’s Bar. [See photo, above.]

Tradesmenworking at the newNorth BayHospital organized the event to help those less fortu-nate. This was the second year in which union electri-cianswere able to assist the local community ofCallander. A big thank-you goes out to everyonewhoattended the event and contributed to the fund-raiser.

Frank Kastle, P.S.

Tennessee Election YearL.U. 1749 (u), NEW JOHNSONVILLE, TN—Bro. GeorgePotter, a 40-year IBEWmember, Executive Boardchair, and steward at Tennessee Valley Authority’sCumberland Fossil Plant, received a plaque for hisservice to the TVA Veterans Chapter. George previ-ously served as a chapter officer and will be missed.Congratulations to George on his retirement.

Bro. Steve Hughes, a 30-year member, alsoretired from TVA. He passed the IBEW torch on to hisson Brandon Hughes, also a TVA employee andLocal 1749 member. Congratulations, Steve.

Remember to register and vote this year. 2010is a very important election year for working folks inTennessee. We need to capture three House seatsor the opposition will redistrict the state, whichcould cause us to lose three very important friends

in Congress and set the party of the working classback 20 years.

Tennessee primary elections areAug. 5. Threefriends of labor are candidates in the primary race forgovernor: JimKyle, KimMcMillan andMikeMcWherter.ForU.S.Congress, as of press time, candidatesinclude: for the 8thCongressional District—stateSen.RoyHerron; and for the 7thDistrict—Greg Rabidoux,lawprofessor atAustin PeayStateUniversity. At thiswriting, wedon’t have an announced candidate forretiring Rep. BartGordon’s 6thDistrict seat. I will postupdates as available. For voter registration informa-tion, visit the Local 1749Websitewww.IBEW1749.organd clickon “political links.”

Mark J. DeJuliis, P.S./E-Board

Generosity ofMembershipL.U. 2325 (t), WORCESTER, MA—Bus. Mgr. DaveKeating thanks all Local 2325 members who partici-pated in or donated to the 2009 Toys for Tots cam-paign. The generosity of our membership during the2009 holiday season surpassed all our previousefforts. Local 2325 raised more than $5,000 anddonated some 600 toys to the program. Thank youto the U.S. Marine Corps for its ongoing work withthis wonderful program.

We also thank our COPE Committee for theirhard work during the 2009 municipal elections andthe Massachusetts special election for U.S. Senate.

A highlight of our COPE efforts was the elec-tion of Local 2325 member Dave Cormier to the CityCouncil in Leominster. The election of union mem-bers to political office is the only way to ensureunwavering political support for the labor move-ment. The best way to get our members elected isby supporting the IBEW’s COPE efforts.

Political actionmust be part of a greater overallstrategy if we have any hopes of holding on to whatwe have earned and securing greater gains in thefuture. Get involved in your local and remember thatour union is only as strong as our weakestmember.

Paul Mark, P.S.Local 1547 Bus. Mgr. Larry Bell (right)presents plaque to power lineman BillPedersen, who recently retired.

Local 1701 members Bill Dixon (left) andRichard Thomson receive 35-year service pinsat the December 2009monthly meeting.

Local 1739member FrankKastle (center) and Local1687 StewardMike House(second from left) presentIBEW contribution of$1,300-plus to theCallander, Ontario,Food Bank.

Local 1749 Bro. Steve Hughes (seated), a30-yearmember, retired from TVA. Extendingcongratulations are, from left, Steve’s sonBrandon (left), also a TVA employee and Local1749member; wife Sharron; and son Derrick.

Local 2325 Executive Board member DanManning (left) and COPE Chmn. Paul Mark(right) are joined for a photo by formerMassachusetts governorMike Dukakis (secondfrom left) and U.S. Rep. Mike Capuano.

In Memoriam

1 Clarkson, W. L. 5/23/20091 DiMaggio, J. 10/28/20091 Gerber, A. J. 12/6/20091 Kornhardt, L. E. 9/6/20091 Ragan, H. L. 11/25/20091 Reinheimer, J. C. 11/5/20091 Stuckel, M. M. 10/8/20091 Walker, B. 10/26/20092 Ihler, V. W. 11/7/20092 Politte, J. W. 12/6/20093 Crespo, F. 11/20/20093 Cundari, F. 11/28/20093 Dabrowski, J. 10/11/20093 Darby, J. L. 11/25/20093 De Albero, C. 1/27/20093 Fletcher, M. A. 10/25/20093 Graziano, W. J. 11/7/20093 Jean, R. T. 12/3/20093 Kamin, I. 10/17/20093 Kelly, T. P. 11/24/20093 Lee, E. M. 11/1/20093 Lockhart, W. J. 11/20/20093 Loweth, C. H. 8/30/20093 Lyons, J. M. 11/3/20093 McEntee, E. P. 11/28/20093 Meola, J. A. 11/9/20093 Palazzolo, S. 6/22/20073 Prato, S. C. 11/16/20093 Schwartz, S. M. 10/27/20093 Siracusano, S. 10/21/20093 Tine, G. 10/24/20093 Ubieta, L. 11/15/20093 Vecchio, A. 11/7/20093 Wengler, J. A. 12/25/20095 Blauzdis, G. J. 10/25/20095 Carpenter, E. F. 12/16/20095 Hursen, E. J. 8/13/20095 Mitchell, M. K. 7/24/20095 Williams, K. E. 10/24/20096 Bernard, P. 11/14/20096 Casey, D. E. 10/7/20076 Petterson, C. M. 11/10/20098 Barkhimer, K. E. 10/18/20098 Cuprys, J. M. 10/12/20099 Griffith, J. T. 11/20/20099 Renk, R. R. 11/27/200911 Cornell, M. S. 12/15/200911 Halley, R. E. 12/8/200911 Herrera, E. A. 11/10/200911 Krutch, R. 11/4/200911 Roane, H. K. 4/9/200711 Smith, W. F. 10/29/200911 Walters, J. D. 11/1/200916 Harris, D. C. 12/12/200917 Degenhardt, C. E. 10/13/200917 Keefer, W. J. 11/15/200917 Slomczenski, V. 12/18/200918 Harris, R. E. 10/13/200918 Mathis, D. L. 11/6/200918 Moisan, R. W. 12/2/200918 Vrooman, J. A. 11/23/200920 Chennault, K. L. 10/25/200920 Noska, S. R. 12/21/200920 Robertson, J. H. 11/25/200920 Wood, W. C. 9/21/200922 Hansen, F. A. 11/16/200924 Branham, P. S. 11/23/200924 Fowble, P. I. 11/15/200924 Hadel, H. L. 11/3/200924 Hare, J. E. 11/1/200924 Ross, J. G. 10/28/200924 Tavenner, P. K. 11/3/2009

25 Anderson, J. V. 12/23/200925 Koeppen, J. 11/7/200925 Parrett, W. V. 11/18/200726 Kline, E. P. 9/25/200929 McGowan, N. C. 11/14/200934 Harvey, R. L. 8/22/200934 Molitor, R. E. 12/15/200738 Engelman, F. S. 12/16/200938 Fahl, C. M. 11/10/200938 Hayman, W. D. 12/17/200941 Bernhard, P. 11/7/200941 Davis, T. M. 11/2/200941 Heitmann, B. J. 11/6/200944 McKinnis, F. 10/13/200946 Fisk, E. S. 11/13/200946 Huffman, J. W. 12/4/200946 Nelson, W. L. 12/12/200946 Scillo, T. 11/30/200946 Slagle, E. E. 10/23/200948 Johnson, E. L. 9/18/200948 Ziegler, J. G. 11/22/200951 Boyd, J. H. 11/23/200956 Gulya, D. G. 11/22/200957 Bingham, W. G. 12/3/200957 Crane, V. H. 12/6/200957 Rhea, F. A. 11/2/200958 Bars, J. S. 12/29/200958 Czaja, J. W. 12/4/200958 Garvock, M. W. 8/15/200958 Judycki, H. W. 11/15/200958 Katz, M. L. 12/23/200958 Mitchelson, R. L. 12/13/200958 Ziroll, H. E. 9/21/200968 Goddard, D. C. 7/29/200768 Oaks, P. A. 11/13/200968 Wilkinson, R. 5/11/200770 Catalano, E. F. 12/9/200971 Rhodes, S. R. 10/11/200972 Hennesey, E. H. 7/17/200976 Dawes, D. S. 7/19/200976 Kirchmeier, H. A. 1/30/200877 Campbell, F. L. 8/25/200977 Hitchcock, G. C. 12/2/200977 Hopkins, D. L. 12/14/200977 Kipper, J. N. 11/24/200977 Kottre, J. 10/30/200977 Martin, W. W. 7/24/200977 May, E. F. 11/24/200877 McAlpine, G. A. 12/26/200977 McCloud, A. 11/27/200977 Merlowicz, M. B. 8/15/200980 Hanks, J. V. 11/6/200980 Hickman, R. L. 11/18/200986 Meyers, R. W. 12/30/200886 Swagler, P. 11/24/200990 Kamercia, M. M. 1/10/200790 Martin, J. G. 11/13/200996 Sheperd, R. H. 12/12/200997 Manni, C. 12/1/200997 McGrath, J. T. 9/9/200998 Ford, R. E. 11/23/200998 Greenwalt, M. H. 11/30/200998 Hagopian, A. 12/9/200998 Maurone, S. 11/18/200998 Rees, F. D. 9/28/200999 Canis, C. A. 3/5/2009100 Zapoli, R. W. 11/20/2009102 Brudny, J. J. 11/1/2009102 Conicelli, D. R. 6/12/2009103 Connolly, J. J. 7/30/2009103 Coutu, H. J. 9/30/2009103 Keenan, D. F. 11/25/2009

103 Missett, J. R. 12/2/2009103 O’Brien, K. 12/10/2009103 O’Connell, J. E. 11/30/2009103 Umano, R. F. 11/3/2009104 Burns, T. J. 1/17/2007104 Dunlavey, P. E. 7/26/2009104 Young, J. E. 5/6/2009105 Bryce, P. 12/25/2009106 Lindfors, H. L. 11/20/2009110 Stolarczyk, T. W. 10/3/2009111 Doyle, C. H. 11/13/2009111 Jamison, D. W. 11/30/2009113 Carmack, W. R. 9/6/2009113 Jarrett, R. D. 11/27/2008115 Law, J. 1/12/2010115 Ratz, G. 12/14/2009115 Smyth, J. R. 1/5/2010120 Wetzel, H. 2/9/2007124 Cobb, R. W. 10/31/2009124 England, J. E. 11/11/2009124 Hunt, C. E. 11/15/2009124 Joyce, J. J. 11/22/2009124 Lamm, B. 11/25/2009125 Beery, L. D. 9/4/2009125 Madaris, R. D. 12/17/2009125 Strecker, R. N. 12/28/2009125 West, S. H. 11/20/2009125 Wright, H. W. 12/4/2009126 Miller, G. R. 11/28/2009126 Parada, W. J. 12/2/2009129 Meilander, R. N. 11/25/2009129 Tracy, S. R. 11/3/2009130 McCraine, E. J. 11/12/2009134 Andersen, R. A. 11/18/2009134 Budzinski, J. B. 11/28/2007134 Curtin, G. J. 10/23/2009134 Dembiczak, B. 2/18/2009134 Dillon, T. J. 11/14/2009134 Fein, H. 11/12/2009134 Felton, J. 11/18/2009134 Fey, J. B. 8/10/2009134 Goldsmith, B. L. 12/6/2009134 Grant, C. J. 12/29/2007134 Gustafson, R. W. 10/5/2009134 Hanrahan, T. D. 12/9/2009134 Heggie, R. J. 12/11/2009134 Husko, W. 11/14/2009134 Hyerczyk, R. S. 12/20/2009134 Kalas, W. G. 9/25/2007134 Kenney, E. W. 11/6/2009134 McKay, E. A. 11/25/2009134 Moss, J. H. 12/3/2009134 Palango, P. F. 11/10/2009134 Pietrowski, A. 12/11/2008134 Pries, R. L. 12/21/2009134 Ramsden, W. F. 10/12/2009134 Sospizio, A. 11/21/2009134 Swaback, K. H. 11/24/2009134 Tasca, B. A. 11/3/2009134 Zygmuntowicz, E. J. 2/29/2008136 Burst, T. E. 11/25/2009141 Gump, A. E. 10/24/2009141 Williams, V. W. 11/27/2009143 Granahan, E. W. 11/19/2009143 Stone, H. M. 11/5/2009145 Countryman, H. M. 4/22/2009145 Jahn, R. S. 11/12/2009146 Aughenbaugh, J. L. 9/26/2009146 Parsons, R. C. 10/29/2009150 Kohler, C. 3/6/2009160 Merrill, B. C. 11/13/2009164 Hammond, B. M. 12/20/2009

164 Kopetsky, J. L. 11/3/2009164 Robertson, T. F. 11/30/2009164 Shuff, W. D. 10/13/2009175 Cash, J. W. 12/3/2009175 McElroy, R. D. 11/17/2009176 Sage, R. L. 12/31/2009177 Belshaw, T. T. 10/21/2009177 Crews, T. R. 10/29/2008177 Horne, J. 11/30/2007191 Labossiere, J. 11/1/2009194 Fontana, T. J. 11/30/2009194 Leach, R. E. 10/4/2009212 Oldham, J. T. 12/12/2009212 Satzger, S. 11/11/2009212 Schamer, J. M. 12/17/2009213 Gunn, W. M. 10/28/2009213 McLachlan, A. 10/11/2009213 Steiner, J. 10/30/2009226 Sexton, R. R. 10/26/2009233 Houle, P. L. 12/9/2009233 Warnstrom, R. K. 11/28/2009236 Lega, G. C. 9/25/2009242 Karasek, F. C. 1/5/2010242 Saethre, L. W. 11/20/2009246 Kelley, G. M. 10/10/2009252 Carpenter, J. B. 9/4/2009257 Rackers, H. L. 11/9/2009258 Daniel, M. J. 5/27/2009265 Patrick, G. L. 11/3/2009265 Sommerfeld, P. C. 9/8/2009270 Dixon, W. G. 12/11/2009275 Alfieri, R. 12/7/2009275 Holmes, C. D. 11/7/2009278 O’Gorman, T. D. 9/24/2009280 Howard, J. N. 9/3/2009291 McMillin, I. 11/21/2009292 Carlson, B. D. 10/7/2009292 Iversen, J. M. 12/10/2009292 Olson, V. O. 12/5/2009294 Finch, S. 11/27/2009295 Vance, H. C. 4/20/2009304 Givens, D. K. 9/22/2009305 Fick, D. D. 11/5/2009305 Welklin, R. J. 11/29/2009309 Hose, A. F. 11/22/2009309 Schaefer, P. F. 8/2/2009317 Mills, R. 10/17/2009317 St. Clair, A. T. 10/22/2009319 Lovell, J. E. 9/30/2009332 Lehnert, R. C. 12/2/2009340 Bowers, S. M. 11/11/2009340 Mock, W. D. 12/14/2009340 Schoenhoff, W. P. 9/23/2009340 Stone, A. P. 8/28/2008343 Regnier, R. L. 9/30/2009347 Bellis, T. A. 12/1/2009349 Bastanzi, J. 1/20/2008349 Hoadley, H. L. 11/23/2009351 Birch, G. P. 12/31/2009351 Hosey, J. J. 10/12/2009351 Murphy, J. S. 12/2/2009353 Kirkpatrick, R. 12/20/2009353 Lyttle, J. E. 12/4/2009353 Norton, J. M. 12/29/2009354 Romero, A. G. 8/16/2009357 Helbert, F. R. 12/21/2009357 Mugg, C. R. 11/26/2009357 Wren, D. I. 12/7/2009363 Bow, J. E. 11/2/2009363 Dempsey, J. F. 10/27/2009363 Mahoney, J. V. 11/26/2009363 Ochs, J. P. 9/7/2007

364 Stevens, J. H. 11/7/2009369 Akin, G. W. 11/4/2009369 Alexander, J. R. 12/4/2009369 Eckart, G. H. 5/4/2009369 King, J. N. 11/26/2009369 Rose, B. N. 11/25/2009379 Dew, W. F. 12/14/2009379 Sprouse, D. B. 11/30/2009387 France, G. A. 10/9/2009388 Zakrzewski, S. J. 11/14/2009400 Thompson, J. W. 8/8/2009405 Keister, B. C. 12/6/2009424 Shostak, A. J. 9/18/2009428 Chidgey, J. P. 12/17/2009428 Doll, F. R. 3/2/2009428 Hall, J. L. 9/17/2009428 Julian, C. I. 12/3/2009429 Peden, W. E. 10/20/2009441 Hoagland, H. R. 11/5/2009445 Tramel, C. C. 9/9/2009465 Schoenwald, J. 11/4/2009466 Legg, M. L. 12/19/2009474 Coleman, G. W. 8/9/2006474 Stevens, R. R. 11/28/2009479 Breaux, L. R. 6/18/2009479 Brookshire, B. 12/6/2009479 Garza, H. 11/10/2009479 Marsh, C. 9/26/2009479 Stein, E. F. 11/24/2009480 Owens, P. 11/22/2009481 Crabtree, R. E. 12/8/2009490 Beaudoin, R. R. 1/1/2010494 Corcoran, T. F. 12/6/2009494 Grunwaldt, C. 11/20/2009494 Knudson, M. A. 10/2/2007494 Lauer, D. H. 11/21/2009499 Baldwin, F. N. 11/15/2009499 Bond, C. J. 9/1/2009499 Grasso, A. M. 11/28/2009499 Kaiser, D. J. 11/15/2009518 Billingsley, L. W. 12/10/2009531 Frageman, H. G. 10/26/2009532 Nelson, F. E. 11/25/2009549 Mathis, J. D. 11/1/2009553 Yeattes, L. W. 2/8/2009557 Macarthur, S. H. 11/23/2009557 Pfau, L. A. 9/14/2009558 Barkley, S. W. 12/19/2009558 Beadle, J. D. 12/1/2009558 Chiriaco, J. L. 11/26/2009558 Thrasher, B. L. 11/22/2009558 Tittle, R. L. 11/19/2009558 Wallace, E. O. 12/13/2009558 Yell, C. E. 11/3/2009567 Ray, R. A. 11/23/2009568 Page, G. V. 6/5/2009568 Williamson, W. 11/25/2009569 Berg, V. I. 10/18/2009569 Davis, R. N. 11/22/2009569 Shaeffer, R. 10/21/2009569 Smith, A. J. 12/23/2009569 Steer, W. D. 11/10/2009573 Keyser, W. G. 11/26/2009584 Bertalot, C. W. 11/19/2009584 Downing, J. C. 12/9/2009584 Schwarz, J. R. 12/15/2009584 Smith, R. R. 12/11/2009586 Day, J. H. 11/19/2009595 Almason, V. E. 11/20/2009595 Crouse, R. R. 7/31/2009595 Everitt, R. E. 8/23/2009595 Funk, J. R. 8/21/2007

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 in January2010




595 Harder, I. M. 11/1/2009596 Stewart, E. B. 12/4/2009601 Roderick, B. L. 1/14/2007602 Cook, A. E. 11/15/2009602 Hutchens, C. W. 12/11/2009602 Lehnen, W. E. 11/19/2006602 Townsend, J. L. 10/8/2009607 Buggy, E. J. 10/28/2009611 Holguin, R. C. 11/28/2009611 Petersen, M. J. 10/26/2009613 Grizzell, M. L. 10/10/2009613 Segraves, G. M. 9/10/2009639 Branham, B. G. 12/8/2009640 Cox, H. M. 12/13/2009640 Potteet, W. H. 10/24/2009649 Molloy, J. J. 9/12/2009659 Harbick, F. L. 11/29/2009665 Karkau, H. S. 10/17/2009665 Smith, W. D. 11/8/2009666 Neal, P. M. 12/9/2009666 Saunders, M. J. 11/9/2009666 Snoddy, H. M. 12/21/2009681 Tucker, G. L. 11/21/2009682 Griffin, J. D. 11/16/2009683 Griffin, R. L. 11/19/2009683 Spires, G. A. 12/3/2009697 Collins, W. L. 12/29/2009697 Czerwinski, L. A. 12/13/2009697 Musgrave, R. E. 12/10/2009701 Sickels, K. B. 10/19/2009701 Ward, J. O. 10/21/2009702 Eutsler, F. H. 12/21/2009702 Langin, D. W. 11/14/2009702 Stephens, E. E. 9/19/2009712 Miller, H. F. 11/9/2009716 Davis, J. R. 12/22/2009716 Turney, G. L. 12/26/2009723 Engles, N. F. 10/1/2009725 Bailey, B. G. 10/27/2009725 Cracraft, R. D. 9/29/2009743 Aungst, R. M. 12/2/2009743 McGovern, W. G. 11/14/2009760 Hobson, K. L. 10/14/2009

765 Wallace, D. L. 10/30/2009768 Chase, M. P. 9/9/2009768 Desch, M. A. 7/27/2009769 Housley, J. F. 8/4/2009769 Lee, J. 8/13/2009776 Rogers, J. L. 10/27/2009776 Segars, J. M. 9/23/2009794 Schaefer, C. L. 12/12/2009861 Johnson, A. H. 10/25/2009873 Wickham, R. 11/19/2009910 Baughn, T. R. 11/4/2009910 Jesmer, R. J. 12/3/2009915 Atkins, W. L. 12/9/2009915 Salatino, V. S. 12/1/2009948 Wise, T. J. 12/3/2009949 Skaarer, C. E. 9/8/2009965 Haynes, R. F. 11/4/2009970 Brenaman, E. H. 11/14/2009972 Haga, H. R. 11/14/2009972 Prunty, L. R. 10/11/2009995 Carmouche, T. J. 11/2/2009995 Decoteau, B. R. 8/29/2009995 Geringer, R. 11/21/2009995 Rawlins, F. N. 10/18/2009995 Sobers, J. S. 10/20/20091002 Miller, W. W. 8/10/20091053 Howell, R. 11/29/20091070 Holm, W. S. 11/28/20091147 Brost, L. R. 11/8/20091205 Carlson, C. E. 12/17/20071220 Matisiak, S. J. 9/21/20071245 Brant, K. L. 11/21/20091245 Yates, R. 11/16/20091464 Klamm, E. A. 12/1/20091474 Long, J. H. 5/5/20071531 Woodard, J. D. 11/28/20091547 Connolly, R. J. 3/7/20081547 Davis, J. C. 9/17/20091579 McCoy, W. T. 11/8/20091613 Binnie, V. M. 5/3/20091687 Schmidt, H. 11/1/20091701 Renfrow, R. E. 11/3/2009I.O. (18) Medina, A. A. 10/16/2009

I.O. (134) Kunhart, E. F. 12/5/2009I.O. (143) Daugherty, D. W. 10/29/2009I.O. (852) Cockrell, W. T. 11/16/2009I.O. (876) Lavertu, J. 11/2/2009Pens. (629) Meredith, J. 11/10/2009Pens. (760) Bradley, J. H. 10/27/2009Pens. (840) Roemer, E. J. 11/14/2009Pens. (840) Sanford, D. C. 11/25/2009Pens. (1251) Grant, C. W. 12/7/2009Pens. (1788) Crough, M. 11/30/2009Pens. (I.O.) Argostino, F. F. 12/5/2009Pens. (I.O.) Barber, L. T. 12/18/2009Pens. (I.O.) Buckley, J. P. 12/1/2009Pens. (I.O.) Chandler, W. T. 4/20/2009Pens. (I.O.) Deskin, J. L. 11/12/2009Pens. (I.O.) Dwyer, J. F. 1/8/2008Pens. (I.O.) Ewing, S. C. 9/29/2009Pens. (I.O.) Fugger, R. J. 11/25/2009Pens. (I.O.) Hedman, D. E. 11/18/2009Pens. (I.O.) Hess, A. P. 11/7/2009Pens. (I.O.) Hodges, D. J. 4/12/2007Pens. (I.O.) Holmsten, R. E. 12/23/2009Pens. (I.O.) Hundere, E. G. 10/23/2009Pens. (I.O.) Hyland, J. T. 12/1/2009Pens. (I.O.) Jerkins, M. A. 11/28/2009Pens. (I.O.) Johnson, G. A. 10/29/2009Pens. (I.O.) Kachelhofer, H. J. 11/20/2009Pens. (I.O.) Kallhoff, A. 11/5/2009Pens. (I.O.) Koonce, B. D. 11/27/2009Pens. (I.O.) Koreny, C. A. 10/26/2009Pens. (I.O.) Kurylo, E. F. 11/6/2009Pens. (I.O.) Learning, A. 7/12/2009Pens. (I.O.) Lewis, N. 7/7/2009Pens. (I.O.) Lovness, W. R. 11/23/2009Pens. (I.O.) Marcin, J. H. 6/27/2009Pens. (I.O.) Miriani, C. A. 4/17/2009Pens. (I.O.) Murphy, J. J. 3/12/2009Pens. (I.O.) Nearing, B. E. 12/4/2009Pens. (I.O.) Sporrer, R. L. 12/7/2009Pens. (I.O.) Wall, W. D. 11/5/2009Pens. (I.O.) Wihlborg, J. H. 11/27/2009Pens. (I.O.) Wilson, J. A. 11/27/2009

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

ATTENTIONFederal Sector IBEW Union Members

Under the requirements of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA) as revised, yourunion is advising you of your rights as a federal sector union member of theInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. These rights are as follows:

Bill of Rights As a local union member, you have:

• Equal rights to participate in union activities• Freedom of speech and assembly• A voice in setting rates of dues, fees and assessments• Protection of the right to sue• Safeguards against improper discipline

Collective Bargaining Agreements Union members (and other employees affected by theagreement) have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements.

Constitutions, Bylaws and Reports Unions are required to file an initial informationreport (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws and an annual financial report(Form LM-2, 3, 4) with the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OMLS). Unions mustmake these documents available to members and permit members to examine therecords necessary to verify the financial reports for just cause. The documents are publicinformation and copies of reports are available from OLMS and on the Internet atwww.union-reports.dol.gov.

Officer Elections Local union members have the right to:

• Nominate candidates for office.• Run for office.• Cast a secret ballot.• Protest the conduct of an election.

Officer Removal Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for theremoval of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct.

Trusteeships The local union may not be placed in trusteeship by its parent body exceptfor those reasons specified in the standard of conduct regulations.

Protection for Exercising CSRA Rights The local uni9on or any of its officials may not fine,expel or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any CSRA right.

Prohibition Against Violence No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to inter-fere with a local union member in the exercise of his or her CSRA rights.

Local Union Officer Responsibilities

Financial Safeguards Local union officers have a duty to manage the funds and propertyof the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with theunion’s constitution and bylaws. The union must provide accounting and financial controlsnecessary to assure fiscal integrity.

Prohibition of Conflicts of Interest A local union officer or employee may not (1) have anymonetary or personal interest or (2) engage in any business or financial transaction thatwould conflict with his or her fiduciary obligation to the union.

Bonding Local union officers or employees who handle union funds of property must bebonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual finan-cial receipts that exceed $5,000.

LaborOrganization ReportsUnion officersmust file an annual information report (Form LM-1)and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2, 3, 4) with OLMS. They must retain the recordsnecessary to verify the reports for at least five years.

Officer Elections The local union must:

• Hold elections of officers of the local union by secret ballot at least every three years.

• Conduct regular elections in accordance with the IBEW Constitution and bylaws and pre-serve all records for one year.

• Mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election.

• Comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material.

• Ensure that local union funds or resources are not used to promote any candidate(nor that employer funds or resources be used).

• Permit candidates to have election observers.

Restrictions on Holding Office A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as aunion officer, employee or other representative of a union for up to 13 years.

Loans A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in totalexceeds $2,000 at any time. Although this is part of the regulation under the CSRA, theIBEW or its local unions do not loan union funds to officers or members.

Federal employees should contact their local union for further information. �


HOWTO REACH US

We welcome letters from our readers.The writer should include his or hername, address and, if applicable, IBEW local union number and cardnumber. Family members should include the local union number of theIBEW member to whom The Electrical Worker is mailed. Please keepletters as brief as possible. The Electrical Worker reserves the right toselect letters for publication and edit all submissions for length.

Send letters to:Letters to the Editor, The Electrical Worker, 900 Seventh Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20001Or send by e-mail to: [email protected]

©2010 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. on Union-made paper.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Electrical Worker,900 Seventh Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20001.

The Electrical Worker will not be held responsible for viewsexpressed by correspondents.

Paid advertising is not accepted.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40011756.Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:P.O. Box 503RPOWest Beaver CreekRichmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6

I t’s more than fitting that President Barack Obama chose Local26’s apprenticeship training center outside of Washington, D.C.,to deliver the exciting news on Feb. 16 that he was approving bil-

lions of dollars in federal loan guarantees to build two new nuclearreactors in Georgia, the first to be built in the U.S. in three decades.

Since the late 1980s, more than 300 members of Atlanta Local84 have operated two reactors at the Plant Vogtle nuclear facilityadjacent to a site that was cleared last year for the new ones. Thediligence, responsibility, productivity and respect for safety of theexisting work force provide a strong template for the newmemberswho will be hired to bring the reactors online. But this news sweepsin a much broader spectrum of the work force.

The IBEW joined other building and construction trades picket-ing the site after a nonunion contractor was awarded the preparation

work. Because of our activism, the trades are on the cusp of signing a project labor agreement with theSouthern Company that will put thousands of union construction workers to work building the reactorsonce they are approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

As you can see from the front page story of this issue, the IBEW is involved in all phases of thepush toward a greener energy future, and we believe that nuclear power is a crucial part of the mix.Nuclear has its critics who are already saying that massive cost overruns will lead to default on loans, orthat safety and operational problems could put us in greater peril.

These critics don’t know the IBEW. They don’t know the exemplary performance of thousands ofmembers in nuclear plants and construction sites across the nation. They will soon. Brothers and sis-ters, we have brought huge construction projects in on time and under budget in every corner of ourcontinent. Our charge is to match that pursuit of excellence in all aspects of the Georgia project.

Ourunionhas takendecisive stepswith ourpartners in industry and academia to establish newnucleartraining programs to replace thousandsof ourmost skilledworkerswhoare nearing retirement. Our successat PlantVogtlewill bemeasuredby the yardsticks of a swift learning curve and abold, timely and safe startup.

Getting people back to work will be done not in one fell swoop but in many smaller actions. Theloan guarantees are an important step forward for both a sensible energy policy and jobs. �

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.

W hen Congress passed President Obama’s $787 billionstimulus package last year to help revive the economy, agrand total of three congressional Republicans—out of a

total of 218—voted for it.The GOP denounced the bill as irresponsible big government

spending. But as an article in the Washington Times (a conservativepaper, by the way) recently pointed out, this didn’t stop many ofthose same lawmakers from seeking out Recovery Act money for theirown districts.

The article points to a letter fromMissouri Sen. ChristopherBond—a vociferous critic of the Recovery Act—to Agriculture SecretaryTom Vilsack requesting stimulus funds for a project that he saidwould “create jobs and ultimately spur economic opportunities.”

Bond’s colleague in the House, Rep. Joe Wilson—best known forhis “You lie!” outburst during Obama’s first address to Congress—also had no problem petitioning thefederal government for stimulus money for his South Carolina district, despite his public opposition tothe stimulus plan.

All told, more than 90 Republican lawmakers—all opponents of Obama’s bill—stealthily tried tosteer federal stimulus monies to their own districts.

And manymore made sure to boast to their constituents about all the stimulus funds and newjobs they brought home—all thanks to legislation they denounced in the halls of Congress.

Genuine political differences are one thing; sheer hypocrisy is something else.Most economists agree that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act helped save the econ-

omy from sliding into a new Great Depression. The three best known economic research firms all esti-mate that the bill added nearly 2 million jobs and saved millions more.

While the stimulus bill helped to prevent total disaster, we all knowmore must be done.NowCongress is debating a new jobs bill. Is theGOPserious about joining together in a genuine bipar-

tisanmanner to do what it takes to create jobs? Or will it continue to play political theater for the beltwaycrowd and their own extreme right-wing base? Fifteenmillion unemployed Americans will be watching. �

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 DistrictRick Dowling

INTERNATIONALVICEPRESIDENTS

First DistrictPhillip J. Flemming

Second DistrictFrank J. Carroll

Third DistrictDonald C. Siegel

Fourth DistrictSalvatore J. Chilia

Fifth DistrictJoe S. Davis

Sixth DistrictJoseph F. Lohman

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

Lindell K. LeeInternational Secretary-Treasurer

Double-Talkon the Recovery Act

Edwin D. HillInternational President

IBEWat Fulcrum of Nuclear Revival



Lettersto the Editor

WhoWeAre

Local 351 memberCapt. Steve Gattocaptures his divingpartner at a submarinethat sunk off the NewJersey coast in 1920.

HelpingHandsI was excited to have the opportunity to help construct andwire aChristian school inChinandega, Nicaragua, for twoweeks, alongwith 29 other volunteers. Itwashardwork, but fun.We ran PVCconduit for switches, lights, fans and receptacles. Itwas chal-lenging becausewedidmost of the electrical work in the blockand concrete structurethat had alreadybeen completed.Theydid notwant any conduit or boxes exposed, sowehad to do a lot of saw cutting and chippingwith pickaxes andhammers. All of theboxes and conduits thatwere in thewallsweremortared in place once installed. Afterwe installed several conduits in the floor, wepoured anew concrete floor in the school.All of the concrete andmortarweusedwasmadeon site,mixed andpouredbyhand.

Donald C. Schroeder, IIILocal 236 third-year apprentice, Albany, N.Y.

Honoring theHeroesI want to acknowledge and thankall of the tradesmen at the ElmRoadGeneratingStation (OakCreekpower plant), Bechtel ConstructionCo. and the IBEW for their gener-ous support of the Homes forOurTroops project in the town of Eagle and for themanycare packages they send to our local soldiers serving overseas in Iraq andAfghanistan.

In these hard economic times, I amproud ofmyunion brothers alongwith thesupport of their employers for giving back to the community. They knowhow fortunatethey are to have a job and their generosity towardworthy causeswhen the “hard hat”is passed is a shining example of what sharing and being thankful is all about.

Let us never forget that themen and women who answered the call when ourcountry came under attackmake it possible for all of us to live and work in freedom.

Patrick E. CainLocal 494 member, Milwaukee, Wisc.

Why itMattersI have been troubled by the news of Hershey Chocolates moving its productionfrom Hershey, Pa., to Mexico. My wife and I have totally banned purchasing anyproduct that is made by the Hershey Chocolate Co. No more Hershey bars withalmonds (my favorite), no Reece’s Cups or Reece’s Pieces (a family favorite), noHershey’s chocolate syrup.

Having been a union member and employee for 30 years of Toledo Edison, Ihave watched as my local’s membership has dwindled to a fraction of its past size.And I have had to endure the cuts in benefits and compensation my local has hadto accept in contract negotiations with the company the past 20 years.

Consider a simple can of mushrooms. The steel for the can, the canmanufac-turer and the processing plant that cans themushrooms all consume large amountsof electricity. My union brothers operate the power plants supplying this electricityandmy union brothers maintain the distribution lines supplying this electricity. Asimple mushroom helps to maintain my union benefits and compensation.

Give consideration to these basic thoughts when utilizing your purchasingpower. Does my purchase:1. Enhance the life of an American worker?2. Contribute to America’s national security?3. Provide for the development of local and sustainable products?4. Protect the benefits and compensation of my union brotherhood?

Steven C. DunawayLocal 245 member, Toledo, Ohio

Third-year apprentice Donald C. Schroeder, III, kneeling, helped wire aNicaraguan school.

Last year was deadly for NewJersey fishermen, with 11losing their lives at sea.

Butwhenavessel goesdown in theocean, findingoutwhathappened isnearly impossible, leavingfamilymemberswithoutanexplana-tionandshipownerswithout theevi-dence theyneed tobackup theirinsurance claims.

TheU.S.CoastGuard has a lim-ited capacity for underwater investiga-tions.Sowhenquestions arose overthe cause of theMarch 2009sinkingof the scallop trawler LadyMary offCapeMay in southernNew Jersey, theyturned to an eight-manvolunteer deepseadiving team—a team that includedFolsom,N.J., Local 351memberCapt.SteveGatto—to reconstructwhathap-pened in the pre-dawnhours beforetheNorthCarolina-basedboat van-ishedbeneath thewaves.

“It’s hard to investigate an acci-dent when you can’t get to the evi-dence,” he said.

Forty-eight-year-oldGatto ledthree trips to photograph and video-tape thewreck, which lays 210 feetbelow the surface. Gatto and his teamdiscovered that therewas extensivedamage on the left-side stern, indicat-ing that it was likely a larger vesselhad struck the ship. “It seems like itwas a hit-and-run,” he said.

The evidence, presentedbefore aMarineBoard of Investigations, couldendupnot only clearing the namesofthe seven-member crew (only one sur-vived), but help the boat’s owner—who lost two sons, a brother and a

nephew in the tragedy—recoup someof his substantial financial losses.

APassion for theSea

An inside wireman since 1988, divinghas been Gatto’s passion since hefirst saw Jacques Cousteau’s televi-sion series as a child. “I knew it wassomething I wanted to do,” he said.

Growing up an hour from theNew Jersey coast, Gatto took up div-ing soon after graduating highschool. Initially it was just a hobby,exploring historic shipwrecks off theEast Coast, including a World War II-era German submarine and the SSAndrea Doria, a famous Italianocean liner that sunk off the coast ofMassachusetts in 1956.

The Thomas Hebert, a 94-foottugboat that mysteriously sank in1993, turned the avocation into seri-ous business for Gatto.

He had once worked for the towcompany that owned the Hebert andhe was concerned that the ship’screw—five of whom died in the acci-dent—was being unfairly scape-goated for the accident.

“I called up the owner andoffered my services,” Gatto said.After locating the wreck, Gatto andhis partner Tom Packer quickly foundevidence that the sinking was likelythe result of an encounter with athird vessel.

“The Hebert was towing a 344-foot barge, and based on how thewreck was positioned, I’m confidentthat a submarine hit the tow cable

and pulled the tug down backwardsinto the water,” Gatto said.

The crewwas eventually exoner-ated based on the evidence presentedbyGatto andPacker, but the culpritstill remains amystery. “Itwasneverpinneddownwhatdid it,” he said.

Gatto’s renown has grown tothe point that he is now consideredone of the leading shipwreck investi-gators in the mid-Atlantic—and hedoes it all in his free time.

“We do this on our own nickeland dime,” he said. “I’m gratefulto have a job that gives me someflexibility.”

He has appeared on the HistoryChannel’s “Deep Sea Detectives”program and is writing a book on thesinking of the Thomas Hebert. “I canguarantee it will be a great read,”wrote veteran Titanic researcherDavid Bright on his blog.

Making the Investigation

Finding the wreck itself is often themost difficult and time-consumingtask. Fishing vessels are required tobroadcast their locationeveryhalf-hourusing an electronicmarker, but a shipcan travel miles in that time period.

When they reach the wreck,their first job is the grimmest—recovering the bodies of the victims.“Fishing is a family affair, and oftena sea tragedy can take multiple fam-ily members at once, so we want tohelp the family with some kind ofclosure,” Gatto said.

Then the crew carefully photo-graphs andvideotapes thewreck. “It’slike anyother crime scene,” he said.“Youdon’twant to disturb the evi-dence until everything is recorded.”

To find out more about Gatto’sbookgo towww.tugboatdown.com. �

DeepSea LuresNew JerseyMember

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


IBEW® FOUNDERS’ SCHOLARSHIPAWARDED ONLY TO IBEW MEMBERS

The IBEW Founders’ Scholarship honors the dedicated wiremen and lineman who, on November 28, 1891, organizedthe International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Each year the officers of the IBEW are pleased to offer its workingmembers scholarships on a competitive basis. It is hoped that the awards will not only contribute to the personaldevelopment of our members but also steward the electrical industry that our founders envisioned.

This award is for $200 per semester credit hour at any accredited college or university toward an associate’s,bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in an approved field. The maximum distribution is $24,000 per person over aperiod not to exceed eight years.

RULES FOR ENTRY

Eligibility Checklist

Founders’ Scholarship competition is an adult program, to be used solely by IBEW members. It is NOT for the childrenof members.

1. Applicants must have been in continuous good standing and have paid dues without an Honorary Withdrawal forfour years preceding May 1 of the scholarship year, or be charter members of a local union.

2. Each applicant must be recommended in writing by the local union business manager. If there is no businessmanager, then the recommendation must come from the local union president, system council chairman orgeneral chairman.

3. At least two additional letters of recommendation must be sent by individuals who are familiar with the appli-cant’s achievements and abilities.

4. Copies of all academic transcripts from high school, college, apprenticeship or other educational and develop-mental programs must be submitted.

5. A complete personal résumé is required. The résumé should outline education and work history, any specialhonors or awards, military service, involvement in union, local, civic, community or religious affairs.

6. Applicants are required to submit a 250-500 word essay. The title and topic must be: “How the Founders’ Scholarshipwill benefit the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the electrical industry.” The essay must betyped and double-spaced.

7. Applicants must submit a test score from the SAT I or the ACT. NO OTHER TESTING SERVICES ARE ACCEPTABLE.Archived scores or new test registration may be obtained by contacting: SAT (www.collegeboard.org) or ACT(www.act.org.) To send scores directly to the IBEW Founders’ Scholarship, the code numbers are 0485 for SATand 0697 for ACT. It is strongly suggested that any new test taken should be the SAT I.

8. Materials need not be sent at the same time but must be postmarked prior to May 1 of the scholarship year.

Selection of Winners

Awards will be based on academic achievement and potential, character, leadership, social awareness and career goals.

The independent Founders’ Scholarship Selection Committee will be composed of academic, professional andcommunity representatives. They will examine the complete record of each scholarship applicant to choose thewinners. All applicants will be notified, and the scholarship winners will be featured in the Electrical Worker.

Responsibility of Each Founders’ Scholar

Scholarship winners must begin their studies in their next term or, at the latest, in January of the following year.Each term’s earned grades must be sent to the Founders’ Scholarship Administrator, together with a Founders’Scholarship Progress Sheet. After the first calendar year in the program, and by each August 1 thereafter, theannual Founders’ Scholar paper is due. It must be at least 1,000 words on a labor-related topic, covering anyaspect affecting the current labor movement or labor history. Scholarships are not transferable and are forfeited ifthe student withdraws or fails to meet the requirements for graduation from the school. If a serious life situationarises to prevent continuation of studies, the scholarship winner may request that the scholarship be held inabeyance for a maximum of one academic year.

APPLICATION

Name ________________________________________ Telephone # (____)__________________________Please print or type

Address __________________________________________________________________________________

City/State _________________________________________________ Zip/Postal ____________________

SS/SIN #_______________________ Birthdate _____________ Member of local # ______________________

Card # _________________________________________ Initiated into IBEW ________________________On IBEW Membership Card or Dues Receipt Month/Year

Most recent employer ____________________________________________________________________

Job classification __________________________________ Work telephone # (____)____________________

I wish to study for a ___________________________ degree in __________________________________Note: Field of study must contribute to the development and improvement of the electrical industry as determined by the Founders’ Scholarship Administrator.

List your first and second choices for school:1_________________________________________ 2 __________________________________________

Did you complete high school or the GED? Yes � No �Send transcripts or other evidence to the Scholarship Committee.

Did you have the opportunity to take apprenticeship or skill improvement training? Yes � No �Send transcripts or your courses to the Scholarship Committee.

Do you have any education certificates or professional licenses? Yes � No �Send evidence to the Scholarship Committee.

Have you taken any college courses? Yes � No �Send transcripts of all college courses to the Scholarship Committee.

Name used on class records ______________________________________________________________

When did you take the SAT I or the ACT? (Month/Year) ____________________________________________To submit new test scores, it is strongly suggested that you take the SAT I.We will use your highest score; therefore, it is in your best interest to retake the test.

The creation of this scholarship program is a free act of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The IBEW retains its right to alter, suspend,cancel or halt the IBEW Founders’ Scholarship Program at any time and without giving any reason, provided that each scholarship winner already inschool under the program will continue to receive the stipends until graduation or the receipt of $24,000 for undergraduate study under his/her IBEWFounders’ Scholarship—whichever comes first.

My signature is evidence that I understand and agree to all the rules governing the scholarship as listed on this application.

___________________________________________ __________________________________________Signature Date

Mail application materials postmarked prior to May 1 to:IBEW FOUNDERS’ SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE900 Seventh Street, NW Form 172WASHINGTON, DC 20001 Revised 01/10

This is a summary of the annual report for the INTERNA-TIONAL BROTHERHOODOF ELECTRICALWORKERS’ PENSIONBENEFIT FUND, (Employer Identification No. 52-0951104,Plan No. 001) for the period July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.The annual report has been filed with the EmployeeBenefits Security Administration, as required under theEmployee Retirement IncomeSecurity Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial StatementBenefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefitsare provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenseswere $122,303,373. These expenses included $10,774,649in administrative expenses and $111,528,724 in benefitspaid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 450,143persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan atthe end of the plan year, although not all of these personshad yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of theplan, was $1,390,780,853 as of June 30, 2009 comparedto $1,817,650,443 as of July 1, 2008. During the plan year

the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of$426,869,590. This decrease includes unrealized appreci-ation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is,the difference between the value of the plan’s assets atthe end of the year and the value of the assets at thebeginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired duringthe year. The plan had total income of $-304,566,217,including employee contributions of $53,101,097, losses of$165,277,460 from the sale of assets and earnings frominvestments of $-189,257,460.

Your Rights to Additional InformationYou have the right to receive a copy of the full annualreport, or any part thereof, on request. The items listedbelow are included in that report:

1. An accountant’s report;2. Assets held for investment; and3. Information regarding any commonor collective trust,

pooled separate accounts,master trusts or 103-12 invest-ment entities inwhich the planparticipates.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any partthereof, write or call the office of the Plan Administrator

LINDELL K. LEEInternational Secretary-Treasurer900 7th Street, NWWashington, DC20001

You also have the right to receive from the plan adminis-trator, on request and at no charge, a statement of theassets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes,or a statement of income and expenses of the plan andaccompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of thefull annual report from the plan administrator, these twostatements and accompanying notes will be included aspart of that report. These portions of the report are fur-nished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine theannual report at the main office of the plan:

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ PensionBenefit Fund900 7th Street, NWWashington, DC20001

and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.,or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Laborupon payment of copying costs. Requests to theDepartment should be addressed to: U.S. Department ofLabor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, PublicDisclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. �

Summary Annual Report forInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ Pension Benefit Fund

The Electrical Worker March 2010

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