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November 2004 IBEW Journal
L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FLThe need to make political changes on a national and regional level is alive and well here at Local 915. Voter registration drives, screening of candidates and supporting candidates all the way down to local school board races have been done as well as absentee voting. Volunteers are abundant and eager to assist candidates who have the interest of the American worker at heart! Recently we had 14 of our best journeyman wiremen wire the John Kerry headquarters. This job was done ahead of schedule, no problems and under budgeta typical union job in our jurisdiction. Others have been phone banking, attending rallies and walks, talking to neighbors and friends, installing and building signs. If theres ever been an urgency to do something for your family, country and union it is here and now! Our standard of living and the future of our families welfare has been exported to other countries around the world for the sake of a few points on Wall St. Our society is rapidly becoming a feudalistic, two-class systemthe rich and the poor, with no middle ground. Your vote is critically important. Remember how close the last election was? Bob Kaiser, P.S. L.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY, MDCongratulations to three longtime members on their June 2004 retirement: Bill Lowe, Kenny Vickers and Norman Hoffman. Bro. Lowe started at Vienna power plant as a laborer in 1968. In 1969, he transferred to Indian River power plant and moved to auxiliary operator before returning to Vienna later that year. From 1973-97 he held several posts and in 1998 was awarded lead operator. Bro.Vickers began as a laborer at Delmarva Powers Vienna power plant, later sold to NRG. Kenny advanced through the ranks and in 1970 became a machinist 2nd class. In 1975 he advanced to 1st class machinist and remained in that position until his retirement. Bro. Hoffman began as a laborer at Vienna power plant in 1971 and held several posts there. In 1980 he transferred to Indian River power plant as an auxiliary operator. In 1981, he became a control room operator and in 1984 a fuel equipment operator. He progressed to power plant machinist in 1996. In 1998 he transferred back to Vienna and in 2000 accepted a stock keeper/machinist position. Please vote responsibly in November. Your job, your benefits and your future depend on the outcome of the election. E.D. Sparks, F.S. L.U. 1439 (u), ST. LOUIS, MOWe just recovered from a storm that swept through on the Fourth of July weekend and left 225,000 without power. Local 1439 members turned out for the Labor Day parade to show our union solidarity and pride in quality craftsmanship. At press time we were looking forward to the annual Linemans Rodeo in Kansas City, MO. This is a great event for the whole family. Amerens acquisition of Illinois Power is nearly complete. We look forward to working with our extended family there. Amerens acquisition of Ciloco, CIPS and now Ilinois Power gives Local 1439 the opportunity to strengthen our bonds and demonstrate solidarity as we join forces with locals representing our comrades in arms in Locals 51, 309, 649 and 702. We should strive for these goals each day; there can be no victory without unity. Our union officers work diligently to create a cohesive bond with other locals and also to reach out to those without union representation. Its our duty to help others organize. Everyone benefits because strong unions build a strong economy and country. We mourn members who recently passed away: Daniel Walkenhorst, Marvin Marquart, Lionel G. Miller, Harry V. Page, Raymond Bradley, Charles L. Fanger, Curtis G. Matlock and Clifton Segasture. Ken Carroll, P.S. Dedicated to Good Representation
L.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,t&rts), BALTIMORE, MDOur local union was honored by Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hills concern over the future of the Hubble Space Telescopewhich our members builtand the work performed in support of Hubble by our members who work for ManTech Inc. at NASAs Goddard Space Center in Maryland. Years ago IBEW members at Goddard were represented by former Local 1423 and subsequently chose to be amalgamated into Local 1501 as Unit 1501-2. It was a good fit, as the relationship has benefited all concerned. Local 1501 employer AmTote, originally American Totalisator, began manufacturing Tote equipment for racetracks in 1946. Revolutionary at that time, it employed technology that was a forerunner for our present-day computers. Bus. Mgr./Pres. Dion F. Guthrie, first employed by Western Electric, later came to American Totalisator Company in 1959, where he worked in the field. This background has come in good stead at Goddard. Vice Pres/Unit Chmn. Mike Kurtz states, "Dion has provided good service to the members[he grasps] the complexities of the work performed in support of our nations space program." To our strong mix of dedicated unionists we welcome the addition of 168 employees of AT&T to our local as Unit 1501-3. Our local is dedicated to maintaining our reputation for excellent representation, stability and growth. Thomas J. Rostkowski, P.S. L.U. 1505 (em), WALTHAM, MAOn Sept. 2, Bus. Mgr. George Noel led a delegation of Local 1505 members to southern New Hampshire to participate in a huge door-to-door union mobilization effort to inform fellow union members about Pres. Bushs anti-working-families agenda. Bus. Mgr. Noel and Local 1505 members reported to the AFT Local 1044 hall in Nashua, NH. There they were paired up with other union members, some from as far away as upstate New York. They received a briefing, materials and maps. Over the course of the evening, participants met with union members young and old, working and retired. At almost all households, mobilization participants were well received and residents were glad to receive information about the election. When asked, union residents listed the following among their top concerns: the economy, exportation of jobs, Social Security, retirement benefits and health care. Approximately 700 Local 1505 members live in New Hampshire and commute to various Raytheon work sites. These and thousands of other trade union members in the area could make the difference in November. Walkers said it was rewarding to knock at the door of a union household, see the door swing open and receive a smile and warm welcome. Betty Lapointe, P.S. |
