IBEWCURRENTS

High Voltage Recognition

High Voltage is a one-hour History Channel documentary that tells the story of the skilled and courageous workers who for more than a century have risked their lives to erect and maintain the power lines that electrify the United States and Canada. The IBEW served as a resource for the making of the documentary, which will be aired in mid-February. Check your local listings. The program traces the creation of the IBEW and the contributions of pioneers like first President Henry Miller, who did so much to protect and develop the Brotherhood. James Dushaw, Director of the IBEW Utility Depart- ment, was interviewed on tape about the IBEW Utility Department IBEW, the tools and techniques developed to World War II; and a four-hour special on the Director Jim Dushaw (right) is deal with electric current. history of American prisons, The Big House. interviewed by Director/ The program is produced by Robert Kirk, High Voltage is part of a new series of 13 Producer Robert Kirk for High an Emmy Award-winning producer and direc- programs about dangerous occupations that Voltage, a History Channel presentation about electrical tor who is president of Digital Ranch in Sher- Digital Ranch is producing for the History line workers. man Oaks, California. Mr. Kirk’s credits include Channel. Other professions include iron work- the A&E two-hour specials Weapons at War; ers on high steel, oil well fire fighters, hazmat The Berlin Airlift: First Battle of the Cold War; teams, bomb squads, animal trainers and heli- Sink the Bismarck; Robots; Great Escapes of copter rescue teams. 1

LABOR CULTURE, Electrical Manufacturing Members LABOR HERITAGE Sign Contract with Farraz Shamut, Inc. The soul of the labor move- ment often finds its expression In the IBEW Manufacturing Branch, Massa- credited the IBEW Second District and Interna- in music and art. The Labor chusetts Local 1386 has successfully negotiated tional Representative John L. Faria for their Heritage Foundation, a non- a new three-year contract for 180 skilled mem- assistance during contract negotiations in the bers employed by Farraz Shamut, Inc., a high- midst of the acquisition. He said, “International profit organization dedicated to tech international firm that manufactures Representative Faria’s professional guidance, strengthening unions through industrial fuses (including circuit and semicon- along with his unwavering but reasonable posi- culture, produces a catalogue ductor fuses) for a world market. The company tion, [helped us] negotiate an exceptionally fair containing hard to find music, is located in Newburyport, Massachusetts. contract in these times of corporate hard lines.” books, art and videos telling Farraz Shamut was formed following the “Despite the fact that negotiations were acquisition of Gould Shawmut, Inc. by a com- with a new company,” he said, “Faria’s firm the story of labor. pany based in France, the Carbone Lorraine stance brought substantial wage increases and For a free copy, contact the Group. The new structure was finalized on improved pension and health care benefits.” Labor Heritage Foundation at August 31, 1999, and Local 1386 members rati- The business manager also commended the 1925 K Street, N.W., #400, fied the contract on September 1, 1999. dedicated hard work of the entire Local 1386 Local 1386 Business Manager Paul Hickey Negotiating Committee. 1 Washington, DC 20006; (202) 842-7810; fax (202) 842-7838.1

2 IBEW JOURNAL, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2000 Gore Tops Finally, OSHA IBEW Poll Proposes Rule The ballots are in from the IBEW On Ergonomics 2000 Presidential Preference Poll, and the winner is Vice President Albert Gore. The IBEW and other unions will be The Tennessee Democrat was the working in Congress in the next session choice of 37 percent of those who to make good on President Clinton’s mailed in the ballots that were contained long-awaited proposal for a workplace in the November 1999 issue of the IBEW ergonomics standard to curb repetitive Journal sent to members in the United stress and other job injuries. States. Former New Jersey Senator Bill Union job safety experts have pushed Jon Hughes, Business Manager, for such a standard for nine years, since Bradley (D) was second with 29 percent Local 477 (left), House Minority President Bush committed the federal of votes cast. Texas Governor George W. Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MO), Bush (R) trailed with 16 percent, and Joe Baca, and Stan Stosel, Business Occupational Safety and Health Adminis- Arizona Senator John McCain (R) gar- Representative, Local 47, after pre- tration (OSHA) to devise a comprehen- nered 9 percent. No other candidate senting Baca with a $5,000 contribu- sive rule. The final form of the standard tion from the IBEW. exceeded the 3 percent mark. has been sidetracked by an extraordinary Vice President Gore led by significant attack by employers, big business groups margins in most Southern and Western Special Election and anti-union members of Congress. states, including California. The voting Typical is the opposition of the was closer in Midwestern states, but Teamwork Pays Off National Arborists Association, Gore also finished ahead of Senator In a special election, held on Novem- which lobbied against an Bradley there. Bradley gained his highest ber 16, 1999, California State Representa- ergonomics standard by levels of support from IBEW members in tive Joe Baca (D), aided by IBEW Local in effect calling IBEW the Eastern United States. 47, Diamond Bar, and Local 477, San members and other line “We believe that this poll was Bernadino, won the 42nd Congressional clearance tree trimmers extremely important in giving our mem- seat that had been held by the late “malingerers” who are only bers the opportunity to make their voices George Brown (D). after “a six-month vacation.” heard,” said IBEW International President Baca, a longtime labor supporter, was IBEW President J. J. Barry said the J. J. Barry. “If we are to succeed in elect- endorsed by Locals 47 and 477 because IBEW and other AFL-CIO unions will be ing a President and other officials in of his 97 percent voting record in sup- continuing the legislative effort because, November who will be sympathetic to port of labor issues. “Joe has been a “only with a strong final standard and the the cause of working people, it will take solid friend to workingmen and -women. force of law can we have a cooperative a strong grass roots effort. That can only In fact his nickname is ‘Workin’ Joe effort to identify and redesign hazardous happen if our members have a say in the Baca,” said Local 47 Business Represen- jobs before crippling injuries to even process. Based on the results our Inter- tative Stan Stosel. “Local 47 endorsed Joe more workers.” An estimated six million national Officers have decided to concur in his run for state senator back in 1997. more workers have suffered serious in the action of the AFL-CIO’s Conven- Some politicians get elected and then injuries during the nine years the tion last October in supporting the can- forget about those who supported them. ergonomics standard has been stalled didacy of Vice President Gore.” Not Joe. His door was always open and and, Barry said, “It is extremely short- IBEW International Secretary-Trea- he worked on our issues in Sacramento. sighted of employers not to recognize the surer Edwin D. Hill said, “We continue to I’m sure he’ll do the same in Washing- waste in lost productivity and workers’ respect the views of our individual mem- ton.” compensation and other health care costs bers. Above all, we urge all IBEW mem- Business Manager Jon Hughes, Local because of those six million cases.” bers and their families in the United 477, said, “Special elections always have As proposed by the Clinton Adminis- States to register and vote this November. low voter turnout. Labor helped Joe win tration, the new standard covers such This is simply too important an election this seat because we energized union musculoskeletel disorders as back pain, for working people to sit on the side- members and got them to the polls.” tendinitis, carpal tunnel and repetitive lines.” He urged every member to review As a state senator, Baca was a mem- stress syndrome. The standard would the voter registration deadlines and pri- ber of the State Senate Utilities and Com- apply to manufacturing and other man- mary election dates published on the merce Committee, where his influence ual handling jobs, but the AFL-CIO said inside back cover of this issue. The gen- and support helped the IBEW with many Congress would be urged to expand the eral election will be held November 7, issues related to the state’s electric utility coverage to include the construction, 2000. Be there! 1 deregulation process. 1 maritime and agricultural industries. 1 (Continued on next page)

IBEW JOURNAL, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2000 3 IBEWCURRENTS continued

Sparkling New Center Trains for the Future The IBEW’s determination to see members get the training necessary for the new century was on display in a 1999 joint labor-management dedication ceremony for an all-new facility in Medway, Ohio, where linemen from nine states have been trained for 40 years.

Fourth District International Vice President and Wally Sickles, Third District International Paul J. Witte delivered a message from Interna- Executive Council member, stressed the new tional President J. J. Barry saluting the new facility’s improved flexibility. Witte said the training center for ALBAT, the American Line new center would make it possible to “diver- Builders Joint Apprenticeship and Training Pro- sify the types of training offered to meet the gram. It was founded in 1958 by IBEW and challenge of the electrical industry of the NECA and has graduated more than 3,000 jour- future.” ALBAT Chairman Philip Wagner and neyman linemen serving Kentucky, West Vir- Training Director Fred Pelletier also spoke at Trainees learn the lineman’s ginia, Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, the open house-barbecue, as did Rick Heck- craft on the ALBAT training Ohio, Michigan and Washington, D.C. linger of NJATC. NECA officers Don Gardner grounds. At the dedication and open house, Witte and William Triplett also attended. 1

DELTA BLUES Screen Actors Guild Awards If you happen to be flying on Delta Air Lines anytime soon, give a thumbs up to the flight The Sixth Annual Screen Actors presented to an established performer Guild Awards, which is the only annual for fostering the highest ideals of the attendants. They are trying to form a union in national network television awards acting profession. Veteran actor Sidney the face of strong management opposition. show to acknowledge specifically the Poitier will be the 36th Screen Actors Of all the major airlines, Delta has been work of union members, can be seen Guild Life Achievement recipient. live on TNT, Sunday, March 12, 2000. The SAG Awards are also unique in the least hospitable to unions with only the Lauded by critics for its style, simplicity the size of its voting body. Two ran- pilots having succeeded in organizing. The and genuine warmth, a Screen Actors domly selected panels of 2,100 SAG Delta flight attendant work force of 20,000 is Guild Award has become one of the members from across the United States entertainment industry’s most prized select the nominees for television and by far the largest unorganized such group in honors. SAG will present thirteen motion pictures. The final ballot is the United States. The Association of Flight awards for acting in film and television then sent to the entire 97,000 active Attendants (AFA), an AFL-CIO affiliate with as well as the Guild’s Life Achievement members of the Guild, who select the Award. The awards focus on both indi- final recipients. 46,000 members at 25 airlines, asks IBEW vidual performances as well as the The Screen Actors Guild is affiliated members dealing with Delta attendants to work of the entire ensemble of a drama with the AFL-CIO through the Associ- encourage them to sign representation cards series and comedy series, and the cast ated Actors and Artistes of America. of a motion picture. For further information check out and stand fast in their quest for a union. 1 The Life Achievement Award is the SAG web site: sagawards.org. 1

4 IBEW JOURNAL, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2000 IBEW Files New CBS CONTRACT Petitions in BGE Organizing GOES TO MEMBERS IBEW has filed petitions for a union election in four units of BGE, keep- ing faith with workers whose previous efforts to get a union contract have been narrowly thwarted by a $50 million campaign against them by a California union-busting firm.

IBEW Special Projects Director Gary Heald an active Volunteer Organizing Committee at said the new petitions cover four clearly defined BGE. Most recently, those workers collected groups, not the 3,500-member unit in the Octo- thousands of customer signatures against a pro- After marathon negotiating ber 1998 election that produced a narrow, 120- posed BGE service cutback and staged a highly sessions, the IBEW and vote margin for no union. The petitions were successful rally at the state Capitol in Annapolis. CBS reached agreement filed October 14, after the mandatory one-year The 1998 election was a re-run ordered by on a four-year contract on wait imposed by the NLRB. The four units the NLRB because of the illegal activities of the include the utility operations group, physical Burke Group, the union-busting consultant November 21, 1999. On employees in fossil production and those in fos- hired by BGE. Most recently, Heald said, Burke December 29, 1999, the sil engineering and the technical employees in has begun spreading its poison at BGE Home, IBEW announced that the electric transmission and distribution. a separate entity created by restructuring. No The strong support for IBEW displayed in petitions have been filed at BGE Home, Heald contract had been ratified that narrow 1998 result has been sustained by said. 1 with an 80 percent “yes” vote by the members. The pact covers some 3,500 full-time and daily

Workers rally hire technical employees against BGE of CBS network opera- cutbacks at the state tions, television stations Capitol in and radio operations in Annapolis. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. A major breakthrough occurred when the parties The Fighting Newmans agreed to a provision that allows expanded training Don’t mess with anybody named Newman in Augusta, Georgia. and work opportunities in In 1999, 12-year old Christopher Newman, son of Noah Newman, Jr., a member of IBEW Local 1579 in Augusta and grandson of Noah New- new technology, a high man, Sr., a retired IBEW member, won the National Silver Gloves 60- priority for the IBEW. The pound title in Lenexa, Kansas. Christopher placed third in the same proposal also provides a competition in 1998, but went the extra mile to make himself a cham- set wage increase per pion in 1999. Christopher is not the only member of his family with boxing expe- year, benefit opportunities rience. His dad, Noah Jr., was a national boxing champion at age 16 for daily hires, increased and later boxed on Team USA. He is very proud that his son has severance for long term already achieved a championship at age 12. Noah Sr. was the first in employees and other National Silver Gloves the family to learn boxing through the Augusta Police Athletic League Champion Christopher program and was in the corner when both his son and grandson won changes. 1 Newman national titles. 1 (Continued on next page)

IBEW JOURNAL, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2000 5 IBEWCURRENTS A Boost for continued Old St. Pat’s

St. Patrick’s Cathedral on New York’s Fifth Avenue is a well-known landmark, perhaps the most famous Catholic Church in North America. Yet, fewer A Match Made in Heaven people know that the original St. Patrick’s in lower Manhattan is a historic In September 1999, members of IBEW Local 1466, Columbus, landmark in its own right in the city’s oldest section, with special significance Ohio, made life safer and brighter for more than 9,000 little to New York’s huge Irish community. girls and their families. They did so by fixing wiring and electri- The five-building complex, built in 1809, consists of the church, a school (the old- cal problems at Camp Ken-Jockety, a Girl Scout camp that pro- est Catholic school in the U.S.), a youth vides overnight and day camping for Brownies and Girl Scouts center, rectory and chancellary. from throughout central Ohio. For over a year, members of IBEW Local 3, New York, have gathered once a When Local 1466 President and Busi- ing across rooftops. The camp director week after work to donate their time and ness Manager Dick Taylor became aware simply did not have the funds for skills to keep Old St. Patrick’s a safe, of the problems, he and other local repairs. well-lighted place of worship. Work members visited the camp and found 40- There was hope. The United Way’s began in October 1998, picking up in year old wiring attached to trees and lay- annual Community Care Day was earnest in April 1999. The workers are approaching, when thousands of volun- concentrating on the church first. They teers work on selected projects. Brother will bathe the outside with 20 fixtures of Taylor made the camp Local 1466’s pro- architectural lighting delivering 6,800 ject. It was a match made in heaven. watts. Inside, the members are installing Brother Taylor, project manager Ray state-of-the-art lamps and fixtures. After Byrd, and seven other members spent 30 work on the church is done, the crew hours prior to Community Day preparing will move on to the other buildings. the site. On the day itself, 23 Local 1466 Most of the volunteers belong to the members, using materials provided by Catholic Council of Local 3, but organiz- their employer, American Electric Power, ers of the project are proud of the fact spent the day setting poles, stringing that members of all creeds have helped wire, installing and reworking weather in the endeavor. 1 heads and meter boxes, and water proofing camp buildings. One of the volunteers, Barry “Bubba” Hickle, summed up the group’s feeling when he said, “It’s really nice to have the opportunity to volunteer your special training and skills… It’s a great feeling to know we made the camp safe and haz- ard free for a lot of little girls.” In addition to Brothers Taylor, Byrd and Hickle, the Local 1466 volunteers were: Larry Adkins, Keith Ater, David Christian, Terry Clark, Steve Engle, Steve Green, Larry Grimm, Rick Harden, Dave Harper, Mike Millington, Butch Minnbar, Local 3 members (left to right) Jim Hull, John Morris, Frank Persiani, Robert Ed DePuy, Bob Molfetta, Joe Jamison, John Kissane, John Connerly, Brian Foley, Local 1466 members working to make Ropp, Tom Schafer, Duke Sowards, the electrical system safe at Girl Jim Livingston, Ed Foley, John Sharp and Ronald Valentine, Doug Warren, Rick Scout Camp Ken-Jockety in Ohio. Eddie Zega pose in front of Old St. Watterman and Dave Wylie. 1 Patrick’s Church in New York.

6 IBEW JOURNAL, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2000 and communications depart- educational and training con- ment for the Public Service sultant to the U.S. Department TRANSITIONS Company of New Mexico in of Education, the U.S. Depart- Albuquerque. It was during ment of Labor, the U.S. recognized RETIRED on the Skill Im- this time that Brother Edwards Agency for International Aexpert in the provement Com- became committed to provid- Development, and various area of apprentice- mittee and as an ing quality training for work- universities and centers ship, employment instructor in both ers. He developed training around the world. He is a testing and techno- the inside and out- materials and taught appren- member of the National Skill logical changes in side apprenticeship tices in the areas of line, Standards Board and a techni- jobs in the electri- programs. equipment and power. cal advisor for the American cal and electronic Before joining In 1968, Brother Edwards National Standards Institute, industries, Research the IBEW, Brother was appointed an Interna- the National Electric Code, the and Technical Ser- Edwards served as tional Representative by then Vocational Clubs of America vices Department an engineering International President Gor- and others. He has received Director Kenneth Kenneth designer at Nor- don Freeman to assist in numerous awards for his work R. Edwards an- thrup Aircraft, Inc., developing standardized train- and has been a guest lecturer nounced his retire- R. Edwards Hawthorn, Califor- ing and assessments in the at Michigan State University, ment, effective January 1, nia, in the Missile Division, electric utility industry. He Notre Dame University and 2000. He has been part of the revising drawings of modifica- later became director of Skill the University of Texas-LBJ Brotherhood for over 40 tions made to missiles and Improvement Training and Institute. In addition to being years, beginning with his initi- chase aircraft, calibrating then the Technical Services an advisor and reviewer, ation into Local 611, Albu- flight instruments and assist- Department before his Brother Edwards has pub- querque, New Mexico, in ing in establishing downrange appointment in 1994 as direc- lished many papers and arti- August 1959. communication systems. tor of the newly created cles of his own. Brother Edwards served After a brief stint as an Research and Technical Ser- Brother Edwards looks for- his local as recording secre- instructor in the Albuquerque vices Department. ward to spending time with tary, on the Executive Board Public Schools and Technical Brother Edwards has a his family and further pursu- and as chairman of the Vocational Institute, Brother bachelor of arts degree in ing his interests in electronics Apprenticeship Committee, Edwards worked in the relay psychology and has been an and technology. 1

nternational APPOINTMENT secretary, vice pres- sissippi Electrical Workers ment’s Safety and Health Com- IPresident J. J. ident, recording Association. mittee. Barry announced secretary, on the Brother Fisher was Brother Fisher has attended the appointment Executive Board, as appointed an International Shelby State College and the of Douglas A. COPE chair and on Representative in February State Technical Institute in Fisher to the posi- various committees. 1992, and was assigned to the Memphis, Tennessee; the tion of director of He was a delegate International Office in the State University in Nashville the Research and to the 32nd, 33rd, Research and Technical Ser- and the University of Technical Services and 34th IBEW vices Department and then to Arkansas in Little Rock. He Department at the Conventions and the Construction and Mainte- has a bachelor’s degree in International Office, has served as vice nance Department. Labor Studies from the effective January 1, Douglas A. president of the In labor-related activities George Meany Center, Anti- 2000. Brother Fisher Tennessee AFL- outside the IBEW, he serves och University, and a master’s succeeds Kenneth Fisher CIO, been on the on the boards of directors of degree in Labor and Policy R. Edwards, who has retired. Memphis AFL-CIO Executive the National Maintenance Studies from Empire State Brother Fisher has been a Board, the Community Service Agreements Policy Committee College in New York. member of Local 474, Mem- Committee, AFL-CIO, the and the Service Equipment The IBEW extends its best phis, Tennessee, since June Memphis Building and Con- Institute. He has also served as wishes to Brother Fisher as he 1968, where he served as struction Trades Council and a member of the Building and assumes the duties of his new business manager/financial the Tennessee, Arkansas, Mis- Construction Trades Depart- position 1

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