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July/August 2003 IBEW Journal L.U. 441 (as,i,o&rts), SANTA ANA, CAWe continue to have a lot of success with Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) in Orange County. At present, we have an agreement with the County of Orange that all work will be done under a PLA. We worked closely with the city of Santa Ana several years ago to help them pass a school bond, and they thanked us by signing a PLA for all that work. The bonds and the matching funds total almost one-half billion dollars that will be spent on schools in the city of Santa Ana alone. Recently we battled with the ABC and a few of the big nonunion contractors at the Rancho Santiago College meetings. Of the bunch, the ABC does the best job of presenting their lies and misrepresentations. These nonunion contractors who "care so much about their employees" seem to be most interested in doing everything to lower their wages by getting rid of prevailing wages and the like. However, our side did a pretty good job of explaining how successful jobs with PLAs have been and that PLAs dont stop nonunion contractors from working on these jobs. Our IBEW apprentices showed up at the hearings, along with journeymen and staff from other trades. It was a good fight and was wonderful to win. The college trustees voted to put $380 million of construction under the umbrella of a PLA with the Orange County Building Trades. Now, lets get those jobs started and get everybody back to work! Doug Mangione, P.S.
L.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa &u), POCATELLO, IDWe are hoping that the work picture will turn for us over the summer months. Warbonnet Electric has picked up a job at BYU-IN in Rexburg and Wheeler Electric will be busy with the Shelley Grade School. As we get into the full swing of summer, jobs on the eastern and western fronts should be developing. We are pleased to announce that Jim Weimer, the JATC training director, has the new computer lab operational at the Training Center. All members are encouraged to contact the JATC office to make arrangements to use the lab or take upcoming classes. We must remember that each of us is only a link in the framework of IBEW Local 449. We get stronger when we become part of the chain. At the next union meeting, become a driving force by encouraging another member to attend. Forge a better union relationship by adding to the chain. In this uncertain time, I would like to acknowledge our military forces. They have left their friends and families to fight for the freedoms of the people of Iraq and surrounding countries. My thoughts are for their safe return. Leola Thrall, R.S.
Local 459 (ees,em,so&u), JOHNSTOWN, PADid you know that we have been fortunate that the early workers of our industries saw the wisdom of getting us into the IBEW and forming our local? We are able to elect our own officers. We can attend meetings and address issues and propose ideas. We can have an impact on our future with our union with in regards to wages and benefits. Did you also know that like any other organization, lack of participation would cause us to lose what we have? If we do not help and support our union, we will be slaves of corporate America. Those that bad-mouth unions are the heroes of the Enron-type corporate management. Do yourself and your family a favor. Be a good union member. Be thankful we belong to the IBEW and Local 459. Always bear in mind, you can and will lose your union if you do nothing for it. Its not cornyUare the union. Work unionLive union. Joe Sanna, B.M./F.S.
Issues Heard
Negotiations and Hope for More Work
L.U. 551 (c,i&s), SANTA ROSA, CAWork remains slow as of this writing. We are currently in negotiations for a new contract. Its a tough session because of the present economy and skyrocketing health care costs. We can count on a significant amount of money for increased health care premiums. Despite all this, we remain hopeful that we will negotiate a fair contract. Our recent NECA-IBEW partnering session helped both sides understand why we must work better together. All indicators are pointing towards a busy summer. This will be welcome news for many of our members who have been unemployed for several months. We are working to increase our residential market by making much needed changes in our contract and our training program. We recently signed B.O.S. Electric from San Rafael, CA, and are looking at starting a high-end residential training program that will include Smart Homes and new interactive technology. We had our second annual Old Timers Night in Eureka on April 24, which was well attended and well received by the northern portion of our local. Many thanks to all IBEW locals that are providing work for our traveling members. Steven A. Benjamin, B.M./F.S.
L.U. 557 (I,rts,mt&spa), SAGINAW, MISome say the winter of 2003 is the worst they can remember. When the Great Lakes freeze and we dont get a break from the cold, jobs slow down and our out of work list grows. Our state has made unemployment compensation hard to get. By creating incentives to state workers to retire early, state offices were understaffed and closed. Telephone lines were so busy people spend days trying to get information about a claim. Many excuses have been heard, but this is just another battle in the state legislators attempt to limit labor in any way. Major funding cuts continue to be implemented. The people voted to fund the state with economy driven tax dollars, so when people cant buy because they have no money, there is no money coming from Lansing to fund relief and our schools. Recent meetings acknowledged the deaths of Bro. Flave Stimpson, a charter member with over 50 years of service, and Bro. Dale Yingling, with almost 50 years of membership. Our sincere condolences to their families and friends. John E. Clemes, P.S.
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Local 500, San Antonio, TX, was well represented at the Texas State Association
of Electrical Workers Conference held earlier this year. Pictured from left to
right; Don Schlough, Artie Kocian, Gary Faktor and Charles Hinders.
