20th Annual Manufacturing Conference Rallies to
the Theme of "TAKING RESPONSIBILITY"
May 28, 2002
The IBEWs Director of Manufacturing, Bob Stander, called the 20th
annual IBEW Manufacturing Conference to order May 8, 2002 in Lexington,
Kentucky. In attendance at the three-day conference were more than
300 delegates from across North America representing over 400 employers
and 58% of IBEWs manufacturing membership.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by 4th District International
Vice President Paul Witte, Tex Cosby, Business Manager, Local Union
1627 and Larry Franklin, Business Manager, Local Union 2220. In
welcoming the delegates to the 4th District and Lexington,
Kentucky, each speaker shared some of the history of the area, points
of interest and local lore and humor.
 International
President Hill addressed the challenges confronting the manufacturing
branch of the Brotherhood and the importance of the Manufacturing
Conference to the Brotherhood, its local unions and the membership.
President Hill pointed out that manufacturing conferences "have
made a difference a very positive difference in countless lives
over the past two decades." He went on to say that industrial
organizing must, and will, become a common priority at all levels
within the IBEW, and a key part of that will be local involvement.
Brother Hill urged the delegates "to remain focused on the
changing nature of manufacturing," and that manufacturing jobs
"are demanding positions that require higher levels of skill
and education than the stereotypical factory jobs of the past."
He encouraged the use of the Enhanced Training Opportunity Program
(ETOP) to provide the members with "the gift of education and
training that will help them stay working in productive employment
and meet the needs of todays industry." (Those interested
in ETOP training should contact Robert Stander, Director of Manufacturing,
at 202-728-6149.)
International Secretary-Treasure Jerry OConnor addressed the conference
on a broad range of political and economic issues. He reported on
the affects of NAFTA and said, "The Economic Policy Institute
estimates that about 3 million U. S. jobs have been wiped out since
enactment of NAFTA." Brother OConnor went on to say, "Our
heritage is not to stop and bemoan our fate but to see what can
be done by us, on our own and right now. We will protect the jobs
we have through our collective bargaining contracts and expand the
numbers of workers who have protection of the union contract. That
means we have to organize and we have to continue to emphasize training
so that the IBEW members continue to be the smartest, most productive
on earth."
After noting the IBEWs political activity and COPE, and that "in
recent years, attendees at the Manufacturing Conference have given
some of the highest amounts to COPE collected at any IBEW meetings,"
over $4,200 was presented to Brother OConnor by the delegates.
In his open remarks, Director Stander took time to celebrate the
20th Annual Manufacturing Conference by reflecting on
more than 30 topics covered at past conferences, and noting that
many of the topics are issues we continue to address today. He stressed
however that because we dealt with issues openly and timely:
We have built a stronger network
of communication
We have opened our minds to new
ideas
We have found that we are not alone
We have found strength to cope
with change
And most importantly, we are better
prepared to serve our membership
Brother Stander outlined the conference and discussed this years
theme "Taking Responsibility" stating, "Responsibility
is a privilege that must not be taken lightly. Those who have entrusted
us with the stewardship of their work lives deserve the best possible
representation, and we intend to deliver beyond our members expectations."
Dr. Elaine Bernard, Executive Director Harvard Trade Union Program-Harvard
University delivered the keynote address. She gave a stimulating
presentation centered on the value of unions in the workplace, and
the importance of organizing the unorganized. Her remarks were motivating
and served as a reminder that we must not lose the values and principles
for which we stand.
Delegates participated in a two-day workshop identifying and prioritizing
issues important to them and their membership. By working through
small focus groups delegates were asked to examine issues affecting
how they represent the membership as well as issues impacting the
membership and their employment security. Each focus group was given
an opportunity to report the outcome of their deliberation to the
full conference delegation.
After identifying issues, the focus groups were asked to reflect
upon their experiences and to share how they, their locals and their
membership addressed key issues. The focus groups were also charged
with presenting pitfalls and best practices associated with issues
discussed. Final reports were presented by each focus group to the
full conference delegation with open dialog between delegates.
Delegates enthusiastically participated in the workshop activity
and encouraged its use at future conferences.
International Representative Carl Cantrell delivered a presentation
entitled "Letting The Internet Work For You." He
gave an overview of Internet fundamentals. Brother Cantrell discussed
the use of the Internet, its structure, basic terminology and a
description and example of search engines. His presentation identified
how the Internet can serve to promote the IBEW, communicate with
the membership, conduct research, obtain general information and
aid us in our organizing efforts. Local unions with web pages were
encouraged to communicate with the International office to ensure
their web sites are identified and publicized.
The conference concluded with a spirited delegation renewed in
determination to meet the challenges of change, the demands of representing
the membership and the call of "TAKING RESPONSIBILITY."
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