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May 2003 IBEW Journal
L.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY, MDLocal 1307 was saddened by the sudden passing in February of Bro. Robert Hill, better known as "Cannon," who was a regular at our monthly meetings and will be missed. He was 51. Conectiv Power delivery hired Bro. Hill in 1975 as a groundman in the Stations Dept. He progressed through the apprenticeship program and became a journeyman in 1982 and a substation tech in 1985. He transferred to Meter Tester Third Class in 2002 and remained in that position until his death. On a very different note, Bro. Robert Biddle retired from Choptank Electrical Co-Op on April 7, 2003. He began his career with Choptank in 1973, and we would like to wish him a long and happy retirement. Best wishes to Bro. Chris Carter, who was called to active duty on E. D. Sparks, F.S.
L.U. 1347 (ees,em&u), CINCINNATI, OHCongratulations to Bro. Charles H. Labara, who recently received his 55-year service pin and certificate. We thank him for his longtime service to the IBEW. Kenzie Baker, Asst. B.M. L.U. 1439 (u), ST. LOUIS, MOSt. Louis continues to perform well in spite of the current economic struggle. The voluntary retirement program has created many vacancies that dont look like theyll be filled any time soon, particularly bad timing with a possible strike looming in the future. Contract negotiations will be starting soon and it looks to be a difficult task before us. This is a good time to remember why we should be proud of our union heritage and accomplishments which brought us this far, a heritage and pride that should be borne out in our daily performance. Many have lost hope in corporate managements ability to be trusted witness their appalling prejudice against the common good. It is at times like these that the dire need for the unions stabilizing presence is crystal clear and why representation is paramount. Having said this, it is up to union membership to set the standard for striving for the common good. Leo Beishir, B.M./F.S.
L.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet&rts), BALTIMORE, MDIn the aftermath of the Columbia disaster, Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) cautions against a rush to judgment and calls for a thorough investigation. As the senior Democrat on the Senate committee that funds the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Mikulski is well known by our members employed at ManTech Aerospace Technology Application Center at the Goddard Space Flight Center, NASAs Greenbelt, MD, location. Pres./Bus. Mgr. Dion Guthrie remarked that Senator Mikulski has attended our locals meetings and visited our members on the job. She was impressed with their dedication and our members were impressed by her. The senator has said that space exploration is not risk-free. With astronauts willing to put their lives on the line, Congress must provide funding and emphasize safety, reliability and shuttle durability. Alternatives such as the development of a new space shuttle must be considered. Thomas J. Rostkowski, P.S. L.U. 1505 (em), WALTHAM, MABus. Mgr. George Noel and Asst. Bus. Mgr. David Johnson attended the AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council Legislative Conference February 3-4 in Washington D.C. It is no secret that American manufacturing is in crisis due to flawed trade policies. The armed forces of our country are becoming increasingly dependent on products made overseas. Our defense industry also depends on components made offshore. This dependency became apparent during the lock-out of dockworkers on the West Coast last year. Can we afford to be held hostage like this while our country is at war with terrorists and rogue countries plot our demise? We must have fair trade. We must have tax laws that eliminate the incentive to move factories offshore and enact laws that encourage manufacturers to create jobs here in America. Above all, we must strengthen the manufacturing base for national defense and homeland security by reforming procurement, enhancing "Buy American" requirements and limiting "offsets" that drain critical technology and jobs! Betty Lepointe, P.S.
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