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January/February 2003 IBEW Journal Unfair Telecom Layoffs The rationale for the downsizing, according to SBC/Ameritech, is based on bad laws and regulations the company says allows competitors to lease its network at below-cost prices. Realistically, profits are still substantial, just not quite large enough for the corporate bigwigs running the corporation. Local 21 members, angered they are being used as pawns in a war with regulators, warn of a pending service quality meltdown throughout the jurisdiction. On a more positive note, Local 21 was again successful utilizing our Neutrality and Card-Check Agreement at Ameritech. On Oct. 29, 2002, after verification of a majority of signed cards, the American Arbitration Association certified Local 21 as the exclusive bargaining representative for over 160 engineering assistants in Illinois. Tom Hopper, P.S. Participation Essential If you were not among the thousand or so in attendance, here is some of what you missed: a moonwalk for the young at heart, obstacle course, rock climb, slam dunk and arts and crafts. Many came to enjoy the pit beef/ham, with a cold beer and, of course, snowballs, a Baltimore area tradition. A sandy beach was the perfect backdrop for the main event. Attendees got to dunk officers for a good cause, and Bus. Mgr. Jim Kauffman, Mike McHale, Pete Demchuk and Roger "Ratman" Lash were all victims. The proceeds from the dunk went to the COPE fund. This event would not have been possible if not for the many volunteers, and we thank all who helped. These events give us a special opportunity to learn more about our local union by finding out more about our brothers and sisters. Your participation is paramount for the success of these events and our local. Michael Lange, P.S.
L.U. 25 (catv,i,o&rts), LONG ISLAND, NYLocal 25s newly elected officers were sworn in at the July union meeting. Congratulations to Bus. Mgr. Robert Dow, Pres. James Plant, Vice Pres. Kenneth Andorfer, Rec. Sec. Kevin Harvey, Fin. Sec. Andrew Bub and Treas. Donald Scott. The Executive Board members are Willard Christy, John Collins, Jr., Brian Kearney, James Malley, John R. Martin and William Starke. The five members of our Examining Board are Kevin Casey, Robert Christensen, John Guadagno, Daniel McCavanagh and Michael OGrady. Bus. Mgr. Dow has appointed his business staff. They are Employment Mgr. Eugene Everett, Organizers Andrew Bub, Paul Heinzel and James Wisdom, Bus. Rep. John Elliffe (Pump and Tank, Sign, Maintenance and Residential Units), Bus. Rep. Eugene Parrington (Suffolk County), Bus. Rep. George Psillos (Nassau County) and Bus. Rep. Gregory Walsh (Nassau/Suffolk Counties). Thanks to everyone who ran for office. On Oct. 16, 2002, Local 25 hosted its annual "Electrical Trade Show." It was a huge success, raising funds for our COPE Committee. Rich Kammarada, P.S. Adjusting Health Financing Like many other local unions throughout the United States, the skyrocketing medical inflation, combined with soaring prescription drug costs, have forced our Health and Welfare trustees to address the fund deficits. Following the trustees action to adjust some benefit levels, additional revenue was needed. Local 26 appreciates the tough decision our members made in November 2002 to divert monies into our Health and Welfare contribution rate. We are urging members to obtain their Washington, DC, Journeymans license. There has been an increase in electrical inspectors checking for licenses on job sites, and some projects have been temporarily disrupted when no one on the job possessed a license. Electricians looking for employment in Washington, DC, sometimes find it quicker with a DC license. We are also seeing more contractor requests for journeymen with DC licenses. Local 26 is saddened to report that Bro. Ernest Ford and retired Bro. William G. Easter recently passed away. Congratulations to recently retired members Robert Haspel and Joseph L. Miller. Howard L. Ritchie, Jr., B.M.
L.U. 35 (i), HARTFORD, CTOn Oct. 30, 2002, family and friends gathered at the union hall to honor Bro. Robert J. Bonadies, who lost his life in a skydiving accident while saving the life of his skydiving student. Local 35 presented the IBEW Life Saving Award and the Local 35 Life Saving Award to the Bonadies family for Bobs heroic act on May 6, 2002. Bro. Bonadies was president of Connecticut Parachutists, Inc, and had been skydiving for more than 20 years. Skydiving was an activity Bob truly enjoyed, and he had over 2,000 registered jumps. He was also a man deeply committed to his family. Bob was a 27-year Local 35 member, and will be missed by his fellow brothers and sisters. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. "Wishing You Blue Skies Forever." John Sardo, Pres. |
