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November 2004 IBEW Journal

Bro. Mitchell Mourned


Local 649 honors the
memory of Bro.
Clarence L. Mitchell,
recently deceased.

L.U. 649 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), ALTON, ILOur union mourns the passing of Bro. Clarence L. Mitchell. Les worked as a journeyman wireman, served on the JATC, and will be remembered for his contribution to the welfare of our wiremen.

Pension contributions were a controversial issue in the 1970s. At that time, a retiree could expect a pension of well under $150 per month. Some local members felt they could do better by handling their own money.

Then-business manager Bill Parker asked then-president John Adney to appoint a committee to look for a better pension plan. Few will remember the appointment of Robert Whitlock, Gordon Admire and Les Mitchell to this task.

These brothers compiled the information they collected after contacting attorneys and fund trustees. The membership accepted the committees presentation and joined Local 702s defined contribution fund. The good work of that committee has enabled many of our present retirees to enjoy a six-figure retirement account. Our younger brothers and sisters may look forward to a seven-figure retirement fund in the future thanks to the efforts of the committee.

Rest in peace, Bro. Mitchell, for you are remembered by all.

Robert E. Travis, P.S.

Welcome, EWEB

L.U. 659 (c,catv,em,i,lctt,o,st&u), MEDFORD, OREWEB members voted to ratify a two-year agreement. Welcome to all our new EWEB members.

There are lots of standing calls for tree trimmers. Arbor Tree will be going to NLRB for a decision on an election.

Congratulations to the Pacific Power & Light Albany, OR, team for winning the NW Linemans Rodeo on July 24. At press time, the following brothers were getting ready to head out Sept. 11 for the National Rodeo in Kansas: Brian Baughman, Gary Herndon and Brent Taggert.

Thanks to all members who helped make the locals annual summer picnic a great success. It was lots of fun.

A major objective for members: Be informed and VOTE in the all-important November election.

Kathy Joy, R.S.

Bro Bell Mourned

L.U. 665 (i,rts&spa), LANSING, MINow that summer is drawing to an end, we look back on things that have been accomplished. As we go into the fall of an important election year, show your support for labor by voting for Kerry/Edwards. Please encourage friends and family to vote. If you know of someone who needs assistance getting to the polls, contact the union hall.

We extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Harold Bell, who passed away June 24. Harold was an IBEW member since April 1970.

Jeremy Hidalgo, P.S.

Work Promising


Local 681 brothers volunteer their labor at a new
Camp Fire Girls camp in Wichita, TX.

L.U. 681 (i,o&spa), WICHITA FALLS, TXHere it is another presidential election year. I used to think my vote had no meaningafter all it was only one vote. But if you put all those "one" votes together it will add up. We need to change the personnel in the White House. Dont think your vote doesnt count. COPE forms are available at the union hall to sign up for payroll deductions. For a small amount of money per hour, you can help the union and have your voice heard in shaping our great nation. Your can also receive a list of labor-endorsed candidates. Go VOTE!

Our local work situation is promising. Several projects are on the horizon and we took in several apprentices this year. So the future of the local looks good.

Local 681 journeyman wiremen and apprentices are volunteering for local charities. In the accompanying photo are local members who volunteered their labor at a new Camp Fire Girls camp in Wichita Falls.

Remember this is a brotherhoodtreat each other with respect.

Billy Neely, P.S.

Labor Day Tribute

L.U. 697 (i), GARY AND HAMMOND, INNovember will reveal what labor really thinks about the right to vote. It is our duty to protect our system of self-government by exercising that right as a free people in a thoughtful and responsible manner.

On Labor Day, we marched again in the Lowell Labor Day parade to the sound of bagpipes. As a boy, Labor Day meant summers end and a new school year. Now I realize the celebration is much more that that. It is a tribute to the sacrifice and commitment of those who came before. It honors those who fought to bring us the eight-hour work day, the 40-hour work week, a living wage, overtime pay, health care, safe working environments and child labor laws. Earlier generations fought in the halls of Congress, the state legislatures and in the streets of this great land to establish what we now consider our birthrights as workers.

Know this however: Each of those birthrights is presently being attacked within the political system that we as voters govern. God help us to know what is right and to demonstrate the strength of character to stand against those who do wrong. Please vote.

David A. Soderquist, P.S.