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Bro. Gene Bush, a 50-year member, works for CILCO in the transformer shop and was initiated in December 1953. Bro. Arvid "Swede" Nelson, a 55-year member and an engineer for WEEK TV in Peoria, was initiated in June 1947. Bro. Bob Swadener, a 55-year member, is also an engineer at WEEK-TV In Peoria. He was initiated in June 1947. Local 51 is very proud to call them members and wishes them many more years of membership in the IBEW.

The work picture struggle goes on in Illinois, with all facets of our membership up against downsizing. Take-away proposals are every companys answer. One company even had the gall to put out a Q&A letter on the issues to our members, who know what a take-away proposal is. With solidarity we shall prevail.

The work picture for our construction members is not good at this time. Line (distribution and transmission) is down. Tree trimming is down slightly with telephone at about a dead stop.

Dominic F. Rivara, B.M.

50-year Pins

Local 53 graduates are, standing left to right, Training Dir. Don Jamison, Joe Coddington, Jason Richardson, Steve Burkhart, Instructor Jim Lynch, Craig Rice, Allen Christopher and Eric Williams. Seated left to right are Richard Mortiz, Matt Kavanaugh, Chris Servi and Stacy Warner.

L.U. 53 (lctt,o,rts&u), KANSAS CITY, MOWe congratulate George Bates, James Burris, George Green, John Hilderbrand and Ivy Perry on their 50-year pins and certificates and thank them for their dedicated service to this great Brotherhood.

We are currently working on an organizing campaign at the City of Butler, MO, and also trying to organize the warehouseman at West Central Electric Coop.

The members at KMBC TV Channel 9 ratified a new three-year agreement on April 8, 2003, and the SE-MA-NO Electric Coop members ratified a new five-year agreement. We are still requesting that you turn off KQTV Channel 2 in St. Joseph, MO, as we still have no contract and members are working under an implemented agreement.

The Missouri Valley Apprenticeship honored the recent graduates from Local 53 with the presentation in February of an engraved watch at dinner at the Ameristar Casino.

We extend our support and gratitude to the brothers and sisters of this an all IBEW locals who have been or will be called for active military duty. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Duane Pearce, P.S.

Project Labor Agreement Signed

Hamot Medical Center (Contractor, Church & Murdock Electric, Inc.) has just completed phase one of this $24 million expansion. Pictured left to right are: Local 56, Bros. Mike Seaton, Tom Cox, John Walker, Kirt Johnson, Keith Brocious, Shane Murdock, Doug Alfieri, Ron Nucerino, John Stewart, Bill Andrae, Rick Wolf, George Manson Jr. and Bill Sutton.

L.U.56 (ees, em&i), ERIE, PABusiness Manager Kirk E. Groenendaal led the negotiations with the owners of the old Kohler Brewery building, resulting in a project labor agreement. The multi-million dollar renovation is expected to begin as soon as state monies are released. Negotiations are also under way for a PLA for the new Erie Convention Center. Once again, release of state money will determine the start date. We hope that the Presque Isle Downs horse racing track to break ground this summer. Owners of the 134-acre site are completing the final permit process and plan to start moving dirt soon. All in all, expectations are running high for a great construction year for our members.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the traveling brothers and sisters who assisted us with the Marrionville prison project. The prison is in its final completion stage at this time. Last years closing of International Papers Erie plant was a devastating blow to the building trades in our area, but, with these new projects in the works, things are looking up. In these struggling economic times, work can only get better.

Rick Wolf, P.S.

Work Picture Picks Up

Local 70 members children did such arts and crafts as bead necklaces, bracelets and key chains at the annual picnic.

L.U. 70 (lctt&o), WASHINGTON, D.C.As of this writing the work situation has picked up and we are truly grateful. We would like to welcome Bro. Bryan Stage of Local 71 as the Fourth District outside organizing coordinator and Organizer. We are in high spirits to report that our Educational and Apprenticeship Training Programs are in progress. For more information, please call your union hall.

Our annual picnic at Mayo Beach was a success, with an abundance of tasty food and plenty to drink. The weather threatened, but there were hours of fair skies. More than 300 members and their families were in attendance. Perfect Parties by Terry had a lot of arts and crafts for children and adults to enjoy together all day long. If you or your family have not participated in your union picnic, please do so next year. It is always worth showing up for. Local Union 70 IBEW knows how to throw a picnic.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Bros. Jerome (Jerry) Barton and Thomas J. Tomlin, who passed away.

Jerome J. Deinlein, Sr., P.S.

Transmission Work

L.U. 77 (lctt,mt,o,t&u), SEATTLE, WAConstruction is starting to pick up. Current transmission jobs are in place for Grand Coulee to Spokane (82 miles) and Ellensburg to Hanford (62 miles). Please call our construction office before you come at (206) 323-0585.

Our unit conference was April 1112 in Kennewick, WA. We were honored to have many retirees in attendance, including one member with 61 years of service! Our Web site (http://www.ibew77.com) has pictures and memorable contributions by these members!

Mustang Line Contractors have signed a signatory letter with IBEW Local 77. This has been a work in progress for some time with a positive outcome.

Political action continues to be a top priority. Labor in Washington state took a beating in the last session. On the national scene, many will be affected by the decisions of a few regarding our overtime. Please help by being involvedjoin your PAC! The dividends are worthwhile.

Sylvia Hanson, P.S.

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