® www.ibew.org October/November 2006 The Beat Goes On

here are moments that define the his- that the Convention accomplished this goal are mistaken. The delegates made the decisions, but now it us up to all of us to tory of an organization. The IBEW 37th act. Thinking it is somebody else’s responsibility will only International Convention in Cleveland guarantee failure. Each and every one of us must accept our own share of the responsibility to make the IBEW stronger in was that kind of event. a changing world. The Convention showed the IBEW at its finest— Our theme, “The Rhythm of the Past, Drumbeat of the good, strong trade union men and women coming Future,” was appropriate. The IBEW has a long and proud together to determine the course of their future. There history, and we must always be guided by and learn from the T was unity without unanimity. The debates were spir- struggles of previous generations of IBEW leaders and mem- ited, with a number of res- bers. They are the ones olutions going down and who gave us this union others winning approval. that has made such a dif- In the end, the bonds unit- ference in all our lives. It is ing all the delegates, and up to this generation to those they represent, were carry the Brotherhood for- made stronger not by pat- ward and to beat the sounding slogans and drums for progress, growth forced camaraderie, but and change. The delegates through mutual respect. in Cleveland, home of the Delegates showed that they Rock and Roll Hall of had the courage to con- Fame, started a rousing front the unpleasant reali- beat for the future. And ties of the present day and their unmistakable message forge the kind of bold is: The IBEW is ready to steps needed to bring the grow, and we will accept Brotherhood back to a nothing less than success. position of strength. It was Putting on an IBEW the kind of action worthy Convention is a huge task, of a great union like the and it takes the hard work EDWIN D. HILL JON F. WALTERS IBEW. of countless individuals to INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER We thank all members produce the materials and of the Brotherhood for the confidence create the setting in which delegates can do THE IBEW IS READY shown in us through your elected delegates “ the business of the Brotherhood. We would in giving us another term of office. As we like to recognize the outstanding effort of the said in Cleveland, this was not a vote for the TO GROW, AND WE WILL officers and staff of the Fourth District and of status quo; this was a vote for positive our host locals from Cleveland. We thank the change and action. And by having the ACCEPT NOTHING LESS many professionals whose services con- courage to confront our losses of the past tributed so much to the success of the Con- five years with honesty, the delegates have vention. And we thank the dedicated staff THAN SUCCESS. chosen the path of growth and optimism for ” and employees of the IBEW who stepped up the future. to the plate in such a tremendous fashion. We can never hope to overcome external challenges if we The next Convention will be held in 2011, and we are first don’t challenge ourselves. We will continue with the looking to have it in Vancouver, British Columbia. If we all renewed commitment to excellence that has marked the do our jobs, then the delegates to the next Convention will IBEW in recent years. More important, we must all be com- be celebrating five years of growth and accomplishment. mitted to doing the hard work it will take to get our reinvigo- Let’s do all in our power to make that happen. The beat rated organizing program off the ground. Those who thought goes on. 1 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS EDWIN D. HILL International President First District 900 Seventh St., N.W. PHILIP J. FLEMMING Washington, D.C. 20001 1450 Meyerside Drive, Suite 300 JON F. WALTERS Mississauga, Ontario, International Secretary-Treasurer Canada L5T 2N5 900 Seventh St., N.W. Second District Washington, D.C. 20001 FRANK J. CARROLL, JR. INTERNATIONAL 4 Armstrong Road, 2nd Floor EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Shelton, Connecticut 06484 Chairman IBEWJOURNAL ROBERT W. PIERSON Third District ® c/o IBEW Local 9 DONALD C. SIEGEL October/November 2006 Volume 105 Number 9 www.ibew.org High Point Plaza Office Ctr. 500 Cherrington Pkwy. 4415 W. Harrison St. #330 Suite 325 Hillside, Illinois 60162 Coraopolis, Pennsylvania 15108 First District Fourth District JOSEPH P. CALABRO PAUL J. WITTE c/o IBEW Local 1158 37th International 8260 North Creek Drive, 1149 Bloomfield Avenue Suite 140 Clifton, New Jersey 07012 Cincinnati, Ohio 45236 Second District Convention Coverage MYLES CALVEY Fifth District c/o IBEW Local 2222 JOSEPH S. DAVIS 1137 Washington Street, Suite 2 100 Concourse Parkway, Suite 300 Birmingham, AL 35244 Dorchester, Massachusetts 02124 2 37th Convention Reflects 22 Day Three Third District Sixth District SALVATORE J. CHILIA JOSEPH F. LOHMAN State of Our Union c/o IBEW Local 38 8174 Cass Avenue 28 Election of 1590 E. 23rd Street Darien, Illinois 60561 Spirit of Brotherhood, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Vice Presidents Seventh District Fourth District Change Evident from Start JONATHAN B. GARDNER JACKIE E. GOODWIN and International 320 Westway Place, Suite 531 c/o Local 136 to Finish Arlington, Texas 76018 Executive Council 845 Gadsden Highway Birmingham, AL 35235 Eighth District 4 Opening Day Fifth District TED C. JENSEN 36 Day Four STEPHEN SCHOEMEHL 2225 West Broadway, Suite H c/o IBEW Local 1 Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402 9 Keynote Speech 5850 Elizabeth Avenue Panoramic Photo of Ninth District 43 St. Louis, Missouri 63110 of International MICHAEL S. MOWREY 37th International Sixth District 2500 Venture Oaks Way, President Hill GREGORY LUCERO Suite 250 Convention c/o IBEW Local 66 Sacramento, California 4345 Allen Genoa Road 95833-4221 12 Acceptance Speech Pasadena, Texas 77504 Tenth District Day Five Seventh District of International 48 PATRICK LAVIN ROBERT P. KLEIN c/o IBEW Local 47 5726 Marlin Road, Suite 500 Secretary-Treasurer Action on All 600 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. Chattanooga, Tennessee 54 Diamond Bar, California 91765 37411-4043 Walters Amendments to the Eighth District Eleventh District RICK DOWLING LINDELL K. LEE Day Two IBEW Constitution c/o IBEW Local 213 6601 Winchester Avenue 16 4220 Norland Avenue Suite 150 and Resolutions Burnaby, BC V5G 3X2 Canada Kansas City, Missouri 64133 19 New Plan Targets Adopted by the the Unorganized IBEW JOURNAL HOW TO REACH US Convention Edwin D. Hill, EDITOR We welcome letters from C. James Spellane, DIRECTOR our readers. The writer should include his or her name, Carol M. Fisher, address and, if applicable, 58 Convention Committees SR. EDITORIAL ASSISTANT IBEW local union number and Malinda R. Brent, card number. Family members COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST should include the local union 62 District Photographs Len Shindel, number of the IBEW member COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST to whom the Journal is mailed. Please keep letters as brief as Jeannette Burchick, possible. The Journal reserves SECRETARY the right to select letters for ARCHIVES publication and edit all submis- Mike Nugent, sions for length. Pre-Convention Activities INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, IBEW Journal, 900 Seventh Street, N.W., 66 Pre-Convention 74 Electrical Industry Washington, D.C. 20001 or send by e-mail to: jour- Activities Expo 2006 [email protected] ©2006 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. 67 Political Conference 78 Rockin’ Block Party All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. on Union-made paper. IBEW Journal (ISSN: 0897-2826) Published monthly, except Janu- and Gala Celebration ary/February and October/November, which are combined issues, 70 Women’s Conference by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 900 Seventh Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. Subscriptions prices in the 81 Convention Pins United States and Canada, $4 per year in advance. Periodicals Minority Caucus postage paid at Washington, D.C., and at additional mailing offices. 72 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to IBEW Journal, 900 Sev- Behind the Scenes enth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. This Journal will not 82 be held responsible for views expressed by correspondents. Paid advertising is not accepted. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40011756 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to B&M Mailing Services Limited, 35 VanKirk Drive, Unit 15, Brampton, Ontario L7A1A5. E-mail: [email protected] IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006 37th Convention Reflects State of Our Union Spirit of Brotherhood, Change Evident In All Activities from Start to Finish

You could see it in the faces and hear it in the voices of delegates, officers, staff and guests. Descriptions like “the best IBEW Convention ever” were on the lips of many, including some of the most veteran leaders of the Broth- erhood. With its theme “Rhythm of the Past, Drumbeat of the Future,” the 37th Interna- tional Convention of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Cleveland, Ohio, held September 11-15, 2006, embodied the spirit of renewal and commitment to excellence that has per- ters put before the delegates an amend- Treasurer Walters’s case for an increase in vaded the IBEW over the past three years. ment to the IBEW Constitution to imple- the contribution rate to the Pension Bene- Delegates showed remarkable unity in ment $1.00 increases in the per capita tax fit Fund (PBF), agreeing with the argu- their support for putting the IBEW back on paid by local unions to the International ment that a financially sound PBF is an a path to growth and reversal of the mem- to be implemented in three phases, on important part of the Brotherhood’s bene- bership losses that have beset the union January 1 of 2007, 2009 and 2011. The fit network and a potential aid to organiz- and the entire labor movement since 2001. officers explained that the increase was ing. There was spirited debate on a host Enthusiasm was high, but there was not intended to put a burden on the mem- of amendments and resolutions, including more—a quiet and strong determination bers to reduce the gap between operating those on the issues of immigration, Con- underlying the proceedings that put the expenses and operating revenue, but to vention expenses, election of delegates to world on notice that the IBEW, like the devote increased resources to a strategy of other labor conventions, the referral sys- embattled but resilient industrial city that strong, sustainable membership growth tem in the construction industry and hosted the Convention, was emerging that would help bring about a new era of numerous others. A summary of the stronger and ready to move forward. stability and prosperity for the Brother- action on all issues brought before the The key issue before hood. Central to that growth, as outlined Convention begins on page 54. the Convention was by President Hill in a detailed presentation Numerous speakers from the world of growth. Inter- to the delegates on the second day’s after- labor sounded the call for action against a national Presi- noon, is an ambitious program to put social and political climate that has dent Edwin scores of organizers in the field to stimu- shipped good industrial jobs overseas, D. Hill and late growth in every major industry in eroded pension and health care coverage International which the IBEW has a presence. The and depressed real wages on Main Street Secretary- amendment passed with clear, over- while creating a boom for Wall Street. Sev- Treasurer whelming support on a voice vote. eral progressive business leaders spoke Jon F. Wal- Delegates also responded to Secretary- about the need for partnership and mutual

2 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006

ber 9 with music, a selection of great eth- nic food from the restaurants of Cleveland and fellowship at every turn. Visitors to the Electrical Industry Expo inside the center saw a representation of the industries in which IBEW members work, as well as affiliated companies and services that make up the scope of the modern IBEW. And in the evening, delegates rocked to a customized show called “IBEW Rocks” and a special performance by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend John Fogerty. The spirit of the Con- vention was captured by President Hill in his keynote address. “It comes down to respect as the key to building long term All other incum- one word—courage. corporate success and shared prosperity. bents were re- The courage that we are No speaker captured the imagination elected. being asked to display in the first decade of the delegates more than CNN anchor Many delegates got a head start on of the 21st century is only a portion of the Lou Dobbs, who received the first “Voice their work by attending one or more of courage that our founders showed in the of Working America” award presented by the three pre-convention conferences. The last decade of the 19th century … Broth- the IBEW. Strolling the length of the stage Women’s Conference and Political Confer- ers and sisters, we are going to work hard and speaking in a conversational style, ence held on Friday, September 8 were and get things done at this Convention. Dobbs delivered a powerful indictment of filled to capacity with participants eager to And then we are going to go forth from the political system in the United States discuss the issues of the day. So too was this great city of Cleveland and deliver a that has allowed the decay of the middle the meeting of the Electrical Workers forceful message to one and all... class, the loss of good jobs and the Minority Caucus on Saturday, September 9. “We are the IB of EW... and we are here decline of national security through lax It was not all work, however. The to WIN!” border enforcement and ill-advised mili- IBEW turned the mall outside the Cleve- The IBEW left Cleveland poised to win tary actions. land Convention Center into a big block a brighter day for working men and President Hill and Secretary-Treasurer party on a flawless afternoon on Septem- women. 1 Walters were re-elected by acclamation on the first day, validating both the bold, innovative leadership they have provided The Most Documented Convention in IBEW History to the Brotherhood as well as an aggres- The 37th IBEW International Convention is history, but it is still vividly on dis- sive plan for growth. International Execu- play in print and on the Internet. In addition to this issue of the IBEW Journal tive Council Chairman Robert W. Pierson which is being sent to all members, officers, staff and delegates will receive a of Local 9 in Chicago was also re-elected full transcript of the Convention proceedings, including the reports of the Law unanimously. and Resolutions Committees. District caucuses chose International The Convention was also covered extensively on the Web. The daily Vice Presidents and IEC members who newsletter summarizing Convention action was reproduced in full on the Web were then ratified by the full Convention site. In addition, each day was documented in brief streaming video clips done on the third day. Joe Davis was elected in a television news format. All of this is still on www.ibew.org, including tran- International Vice President from the Fifth scripts and video excerpts of key presentations. District. Jackie Goodwin won the vacant In addition, the IBEW’s newest Web site, Hour Power, features an exclusive Fourth District seat on the International behind-the-scenes look at how the Convention was planned, organized and pre- Executive Council, and Rick Dowling was sented. Visit www.ibewhourpower.com to see this report. 1 elected to the IEC from the Eighth District.

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 3 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006 OpeningOpening Day Day

Craig Showcasing a strong spirit Flemming sang the of proud trade unionism, Canadian national approximately 2,221 delegates anthem. plus guests, officers and staff assembled for the first day of the IBEW’s 37th International Convention on Monday, September 11, 2006, in the U.S. Navy Cleveland Convention Color Guard Center. IBEW Fourth District International Vice President Paul Witte opened the ses- sion presiding as temporary chairman and welcomed delegates on behalf of the Fourth District. “Brothers and sisters, I firmly believe that this Convention will be recorded as one of the most important weeks in the history of the IBEW,” Witte said. “We have important decisions to make, judgments that will leave a great Local 3 Sword impact on the lives of our members. We Bishop of Light Pipe all have an obligation to fully participate Richard and Drum in the business of this Convention and to Lennon Band make wise decisions as we chart the future of the IBEW.” Support Center of Cleveland, followed. and presentation of the Canadian flag. A riveting opening ceremony fol- Linda Crawford, an accomplished Acclaimed vocalist Craig Flemming, lowed and the Convention was under country singer and wife of Seventh nephew of Vice President Flemming, sang way. District International Representa- the Canadian national anthem. Five years to the day after Sept. 11 tive George Crawford, sang the “As we remember the events of five changed the world, the Sword of U.S. national anthem. years ago, we also pray for those who Light Pipe and Drum Band of IBEW First District International died that day,” said Bishop Richard G. Local 3, New York City, Vice President Philip J. Lennon of the Catholic Diocese of Cleve- marched into the Cleveland Flemming introduced the land, who presented the invocation. “We Convention Center playing Canadian Highlander pray for all of their loved ones who still a medley of military Militia Regiment Pipe carry the scars of that loss. We pray for hymns, providing an and Drum Band for a our countries, the United States and emotional opening to stirring performance Canada, that all people of good will the Convention. A presentation work to establish lasting peace on the Linda Crawford sang of the U.S. flag by the U.S. Navy the U.S. national face of this Earth.” Color Guard, Navy Operations anthem. Local 38 Business Manager and Inter-

4 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006

Canadian Highlander Militia Regiment Pipe and Drum Band

OOfficersfficers make a dramatic entrance.

IEC Chairman Robert Host Local 38 Business Vice President Witte Pierson Manager Sam Chilia welcomes delegates to Cleveland national Executive Council member Salva- The hall then quieted and darkened. The from the Fourth District. Business Manager tore J. “Sam” Chilia welcomed delegates to song “Lean on Me” played on the sound Richard Carder of Cumberland, Md., Local Cleveland and introduced Cleveland system, and on the stage, two figures— 307 presented a cherry wood gavel made Mayor Frank Jackson as a longtime cru- International President Edwin D. Hill and by Local 307 journeyman wireman Mark sader for working people. “I know that International Secretary-Treasurer Jon F. Abe. The second gavel, crafted by Thomas we have become a great city because of Walters—appeared in silhouette amidst Meissner of Cincinnati Local 212, was labor,” Jackson said, adding that labor has backlighting and rising stage fog. In dra- made from the wood of a ginkgo tree that helped “to infuse into this city a basic matic fashion, broadcast on more than 30 had to be removed for construction of a ethic of how to work, how to expect wide screen and plasma television moni- new church that was being wired by Local gains and how to do the things that we tors throughout the hall, they descended 212 members. The tree was found to date need to do to continue.” one story in an elevator and entered the from 1891, the same year the Brotherhood Next up was an energetic, beat-driven Convention to a hall of cheering dele- was founded. Local 212 Business Manager performance—in keeping with the Con- gates. Charles Seymour presented that gavel. vention’s theme of “Rhythm of the Past, Following a standing ovation, President Declaring the Convention in session, Drumbeat of the Future”—by a dance Hill was presented with two unique gavels President Hill welcomed those gathered troupe outfitted in industrial costumes. specially handcrafted by IBEW members (Continued on next page)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 5 rated World War II veteran and mem- Locals 3 and 1212, and the families they ber of IBEW Local 712, Beaver, Pa. left behind. Marchell noted that the Sword Opening Day President Hill paid tribute to the con- of Light Pipe and Drum Band played at tributions of all IBEW military veter- many 9/11 events, including every Local 3 MORNING SESSION ans, thanking those delegates who funeral service for members who died as served in Korea and Vietnam and in a result of that tragedy. “On behalf of (Continued from page 5) the Middle East. Local 3, World Trade Center pins were and paid tribute to IBEW members President Hill then recognized dele- handed out to everyone who entered the whose lives were tragically lost as a gate John E. Marchell, president of New Convention this morning,” Marchell said. result of the 9/11 attacks. York Local 3, who raised a point of “We present these pins as a thank-you for “It was five years ago today that we order regarding Resolution No. 2 from all the help and prayers that our mem- lost so many brave brothers and sisters the report of the Resolutions Committee bers’ families have received.” during the 9/11 attack on the World and proposed that the resolution be sent President Hill then introduced the Trade Center,” Hill said. “We remember back to the committee to add language IBEW International Vice Presidents: them with great sadness and with great stating that the IBEW urges all school Philip J. Flemming, First District; Frank J. pride.” districts in the United States to make the Carroll Jr., Second District; Donald C. President Hill introduced a video trib- Pledge of Allegiance a part of every Siegel, Third District; Paul J. Witte, ute that showed footage of the reaction school day. (See “Summary of Resolu- Fourth District; John F. Schantzen, Fifth of the 36th International Convention in tions Adopted at the 37th IBEW Interna- District; Joseph F. Lohman, Sixth District; San Francisco to the tragedy of Sept. 11, tional Convention” on page 54.) Jonathan B. Gardner, Seventh District; which concluded with the delegation President Hill noted that the Resolutions Ted C. Jensen, Eighth District; Michael S. joining in singing “God Bless America.” Committee would be advised of the Mowrey, Ninth District; Robert P. Klein, President Hill then asked that the request; and that additional language Tenth District; and Lindell K. Lee, Convention pick up that theme on the would be proposed urging Canadians to Eleventh District. President Hill next fifth anniversary of the attack by again purchase and display flags made in introduced the IBEW International Exec- singing “God Bless America.” Secretary- Canada. utive Council: Robert W. Pierson, chair- Treasurer Jon Walters then led the Con- Marchell also requested that the names man; Joseph P. Calabro, First District; vention in singing that stirring song. of IBEW members who perished as a Myles Calvey, Second District; Salvatore To lead the Convention in reciting the result of the Sept. 11 World Trade Center J. “Sam” Chilia, Third District; Lonnie Pledge of Allegiance, President Hill intro- attacks be placed in the record of the Plott, Fourth District; Stephen Schoe- duced a special guest who appeared via 37th IBEW Convention. He read the mehl, Fifth District; Gregory Lucero, video, Americo “Mitter” Montini, a deco- names of those members, from New York Sixth District; Patrick Lavin, Seventh Dis- trict; and Joseph Fashion, Eighth District. Sergeant-at-Arms Committee Chairman CONVE NTION SPEAKERS Ray Melville, Local 3, announced that he Ohio AFL-CIO President Sees had delivered the report of the Credentials Committee to the chairman of the Interna- Political Change on Horizon tional Executive Committee, Robert Pier- son. Chairman Pierson stated that a total Denouncing corporate America for “cutting and of 2,221 delegates and alternates were cre- running,” Ohio AFL-CIO President Bill Burga told dele- dentialed for the opening of the 37th Con- gates on Monday, Sept. 11, that the AFL-CIO’s “Take vention. Registered delegates totaled Back Ohio” campaign was already showing surprising 2,065, and registered alternates totaled strength. 156. He reported total “A” membership as He expressed confidence that IBEW locals would 331,697 and total “BA” membership as play a key role in electing Reps. Ted Strickland and 367,589 for a total membership of 699,286. Sherrod Brown, both friends of working families, and The credentialed delegates represented candidates for governor and the U.S. Senate, respec- 734 locals. The number of locals without tively. delegates was 185. Ohio’s catastrophic job losses have caused real IEC Secretary Pat Lavin then presented pain, which the Ohio AFL-CIO is addressing with a bal- the report of the Rules and Order Com- lot measure to increase the state’s minimum wage. mittee, spelling out the procedures of the But, says Burga, job creation efforts need to go fur- Convention, the electronic voting system ther. “I applaud IBEW for looking at environmental and the process for nomination and elec- Ohio AFL-CIO President Bill Burga technology and supporting the Apollo Project.” 1 tion of officers. Delegates voted to adopt the report of the committee.

6 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 Nomination and because we are going to work together recognized Mike Byrd, business manager Election of Officers to do whatever it takes to keep this of Denver Local 111, who placed Secre- Brotherhood strong and growing and on tary-Treasurer Walters’ name in nomina- The next order of business was elec- the move.” tion. tion of the International President, Inter- Reminding delegates that the Brother- “As someone who hails from the national Secretary-Treasurer and hood is “not about any one man or Eighth District, I have had the opportu- International Executive Council Chair- woman,” Hill said, “I have been fortunate nity to view firsthand the worth of man. In accordance with the Labor-Man- enough in this job to meet presidents and Brother Walters,” Byrd said. He described agement Relations Disclosure Act of CEOs and some of the most powerful Walters as a man “of honor, ability, wis- 1959, President Hill read the section of people in North America. They didn’t dom, leadership and compassion.” the law governing secret-ballot union want to meet Ed Hill; they wanted to Speaking about Secretary-Treasurer Wal- elections at conventions, and the U.S. meet the person who leads the IBEW, the ters’ long record of distinguished service, Department of Labor bulletin on adher- person who represents all of you. That’s Byrd praised Walters for his work to help ence to a union’s constitution and the kind of power that we have if we make the IBEW “a positive force in elec- bylaws. trical workers’ lives.” International Vice President There were no other nom- Robert Klein of the Tenth Dis- inations for the office, trict assumed the chair to con- and delegates unanimously duct elections of the three elected Secretary-Treasurer at-large international officers. Walters. Klein opened nominations for After receiving a standing the office of International ovation, Secretary-Treasurer President and recognized del- Walters thanked the delegates egate Frank E. Telesz Jr., busi- saying he was honored and ness manager of Local 712, humbled by his election. who placed President Hill’s “Who would have ever name in nomination. guessed that a farm kid from Telesz praised President eastern Idaho would be here Hill’s “vigorous leadership and today, addressing this historic fresh thinking” and spoke of 37th International Convention his courage and honesty “no matter how have the courage and the wisdom to use as International Secretary-Treasurer? My much it hurt.” Tough times require a it and to make this Brotherhood the best presence here today is a tribute to the “tough leader, one who can show us the it can be.” power that the IBEW has to provide way to a better future,” Telesz said of Hill gave special thanks to his broth- opportunity and change our lives.” President Hill. “He’s the kind of leader ers and sisters back home in Beaver, Pa. Temporary Chair Klein next opened that has stepped forward for the Brother- Local 712, his wife, Rosemary, and his nominations for the office of Interna- hood just when we need him the most.” children Michele, Toni and Edwin Jr. tional Executive Council Chairman. Telesz, who hails from President Hill’s Recognizing the teamwork that exem- Robert Joyce, business manager of home local, said, “Ed Hill has proven plifies the IBEW, Hill said that he was Downers Grove, Ill., Local 15, nominated beyond a doubt that he will do all in his one of the luckiest men alive because he incumbent Robert W. Pierson and out- power to make life better for the IBEW has had the best to lean on in his term as lined Pierson’s excellent record of ser- brothers and sisters.” International President, praising Jon Wal- vice. No other nominations were made With no other nominations for the ters, IBEW’s vice presidents and the for the office and the Convention cast a office, the Convention cast a unanimous International Executive Council. unanimous ballot for IEC Chairman Pier- ballot for President Hill and gave him a President Hill expressed the need for son. Presenting Pierson, Klein noted his standing ovation. members and leaders to constantly evalu- integrity, honesty and commitment to the “He is a man of courage, wisdom and ate what they are doing and to “make Brotherhood. “We are fortunate to have compassion,” Vice President Klein said in adjustments when necessary, even if him as chairman of the IEC.” presenting President Hill. “He is one with those adjustments represent a major Pierson thanked the delegates and a vision of the future for this great Broth- change in course.” Evoking the music of pledged continued support of the union’s erhood. We look to him for guidance and the opening ceremonies, President Hill emphasis on growth through organizing, advice. He is a man that we love and said, “Always know that you can lean on saying, “Like every generation of the respect from the bottom of our hearts.” me. I’m your union brother, Ed.” IBEW, we must leave the organization President Hill expressed his gratitude Temporary Chairman Klein then better than we found it.” The morning to delegates and said, “By re-electing me, declared nominations open for the office session then recessed to reconvene in the you did not vote for the status quo … of International Secretary-Treasurer and afternoon. 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 7 his message was undeniable then,” Presi- dent Hill said, “and it resonates even more deeply today in our present situa- tion.” Citing Harkin’s “passion and fire for Opening Day justice for working families in America,” Opening Day President Hill said, “The working people of Iowa and America are lucky to have a AFTERNOON SESSION champion of their values in the U.S. Sen- ate.” Sen. Harkin “has fired up delegates to numerous IBEW political conferences Following a video presentation, guest speaker AFL-CIO Presi- over the years,” Hill added. “He might as dent John J. Sweeney addressed the delegates. President Hill well be a member of the IBEW.” Receiving a standing ovation, Sen. introduced him as a leader who “has given a voice of hope in Harkin (See page 12.) warmly thanked the struggles of thousands of American workers. the IBEW and brought a message about reclaiming hope and power for the work- “I have witnessed John’s relentless drive to increase Ohio’s minimum wage” ing families of America. effort to keep our federation together, to benefit 400,000 workers, President Hill “We believe in giving hope to all and I’ve shared his pain when it frac- said. “As the eyes of the nation focus on Americans and not just the privileged tured,” President Hill said. “As we Ohio’s elections in November, we’re for- few,” Harkin said. “… It’s the kind of approach the November elections, unions tunate that Bill Burga, a member of the America we fight for. It’s the American on both sides of the AFL-CIO split are Democratic National Committee, is here Dream that organized labor and the working together to elect pro-labor IBEW have always fought for.” candidates. This is a testament to Noting the Bush administration’s John’s patience and perseverance.” anti-union, anti-worker policies, Sweeney (See page 13.) thanked Harkin said, “We can’t be distracted President Hill for his leadership, by Bush’s fear mongering. We need support and integrity. “The IBEW to talk about the real issues: good has a great history of providing jobs, workers’ rights, affordable leadership for our movement and health care, secure retirement. for the AFL-CIO,” Sweeney said. “So yes, the coming election is Sweeney spoke about the Bush about … taking back our country. administration’s failures and its anti- It’s about reclaiming the ideals and working family agenda, and he the values” that make us proud to noted labor’s power to bring about be Americans, Harkin said to rous- change. “Our families are getting ing cheers. clobbered by the agenda of the current to help marshal labor’s power on behalf Secretary-Treasurer Walters then leadership,” he said. “And it’s time for us of Ohio’s working families.” announced the names of members who to get angry, stay angry, stand together, Burga (see page 6) spoke of the AFL- served on the Law, Resolutions, Griev- fight together, vote together and take CIO’s “Take Back Ohio” campaign and ance and Appeals, International Presi- back America together. …The power we said, “IBEW is a key factor in whatever dent’s Report, International Secretary- bring to the fall elections is awesome. successes we have in the Ohio labor Treasurer’s Report, International Executive This year we’ll be mobilizing 12.5 million movement. Council’s Report, Finance, Credentials, members of union families in 30 targeted “Ohio has lost 200,000 jobs just since and Sergeant-at-Arms committees. states.” the Bush administration came to office,” President Hill capped off the first day Ohio AFL-CIO President Bill Burga Burga said. “Middle-class working people with his keynote address, which con- was introduced to the Convention by must take back control of our govern- veyed a strong message of optimism and President Hill, who praised his staunch ment.” courage. He praised delegates for five leadership on behalf of working people U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) years of progress. in Ohio. President Hill noted the Ohio was presented to the Convention by “We are a different Brotherhood from AFL-CIO’s successful petition campaign President Hill as a great friend to the the one that met in San Francisco in to secure passage of state legislation pro- IBEW and the labor movement, “the 2001,” President Hill said. “We have redis- viding a beneficial prescription drug pro- great champion of working people.” covered the spirit that was within our- gram. President Hill recalled Harkin’s speech selves. We have had the courage to “Under Bill Burga’s leadership, the at the IBEW’s 100th anniversary Conven- confront the truth.” Ohio AFL-CIO is now leading a major tion in St. Louis in 1991. “The power of (Continued on page 14)

8 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 International President Edwin D. Hill’s Keynote Address

Brothers and sisters, thank you, and I do mean thank you, You see it in the grainy photographs up here, of the ten brave men who founded again, from the bottom of my heart. I thank you for the our union against incredible odds. That confidence that you have shown in me by honoring me rhythm beats through the history of the boom and the bust and the war and the with re-election as President of the greatest trade union in peace and the depression and prosperity the world, with no offense intended to our British and our and through every negotiation, every organizing campaign, every grievance, Australian friends. every community activity that we work Again, I thank my family. Without morning. Jon Walters has worked hard ourselves into, at every get-out-the-vote their support, I wouldn’t be here before throughout his career to make the IBEW drive. The heart and the soul and the you today. a stronger and more effective union. He’s courage of every man and woman who I want to express my gratitude to the in the thick of the fight again today, as he ever proudly carried an IBEW card—did Vice Presidents and to the IEC members always is on our behalf. And I thank him his or her part to leave a legacy for the and the staff of the IBEW. Without their for his support, his counsel and those future—is part of our rhythm. It has hard work and without their loyalty, we frank discussions that we have. I’m changed our lives and it is part of who we wouldn’t be able to accomplish the high proud to call Jon my friend and my are. goals we have set for ourselves. brother. Jon, thank you very much for all Few unions can match the long and We’re talking about the rhythm of the that you do. storied history of the IBEW. It’s a history past, but we can’t forget those who I thank my International Senior Execu- to be honored, respected and remem- helped us create it. We honor the mem- tive Assistant, Larry Neidig, who has bered. And the best way to honor and ory of the great International President worked closely with me for an awful long respect and remember is to make his- who was called home by God last year, time. He’s always in the office early in the tory, brothers and sisters, make history of a man who did so much to energize and morning doing the work of the Brother- our own, to create our own drumbeat for make organizing our No. 1 goal once hood. And believe me, he does more to the future. Brothers and sisters, this is again. And I owe a debt of gratitude, as keep us moving forward than you could our time, this is our task and this is our do we all, to the late International Presi- know. mission. The future of the IBEW starts dent Emeritus Jack Barry. Liz Shuler, my Executive Assistant. right here in Cleveland, Ohio, today. His wife, Kitty Barry, is here as our She’s another hard worker and as compe- It will take special guest and we’re glad that she tent as they come. She’s a true asset to courage, it will take could join us. this union, brothers and sisters. spirit and tenacity. Having had the honor to serve as And I thank you, all of the delegates, But together, we’ll International Secretary-Treasurer, I truly who represent hundreds of thousands of do it. We will beat appreciate the efforts of the men who our members. You’re on the front lines of the drums of change held that position before myself, and I the struggle for what is right and decent (Continued would like to thank three of them specif- in this society, the ability to earn a decent on next page) ically. Ralph Leigon, Secretary Emeritus, living from the sweat of one’s brow as International President could not be with us today. But as one of the most noble causes that Edwin D. Hill always, Ralph sends his very best exists on the face of the Earth. wishes. Jack Moore, my predecessor, Thank you for what you did so very much to improve the lives do every day to of our members. Jerry O’Connor is a advance these causes. true friend and a tremendous working We gather here in partner. Cleveland to honor the All of them worked tirelessly to Rhythm of the Past advance the cause of the IBEW and left and to begin—to behind a list of accomplishments that begin, brothers and would be the envy of any local union offi- sisters, the “Drum- cer. I thank them on behalf of this whole beat of the Future” Brotherhood. of the IBEW. And, of course, of course, the incum- The “Rhythm bent International Secretary-Treasurer, of the Past” is whom you so wisely re-elected this always with us.

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 9 International President Edwin D. Hill’s Keynote Address

(Continued from page 9) ing that we had to jump start ourselves And for those of us who thought that on the road to success. And the place these classifications represented a dilut- that will create the kind of future that that we found to do it was Florida. I ing of our standards, I can only say that we really want. think most of you know about that as we win more work, we’re putting You know, when I was working on this because of all the articles that we’ve more journeyman wiremen to work on speech this year, I was tempted to pick had in the Journal and I’ve talked about these very same projects. And now we up from September 2001 and talk about them in my speeches all over the coun- have a way of putting formerly nonunion all the things that have happened since try at all of our conferences and electricians to work right away, giving then that have led us to this place in progress meetings and we gave it spe- them an immediate stake in our Brother- time. Then I threw it away. This is not the cial attention on our Web site. hood. time to dwell on what all of us have lived Florida has been a full-court press This has not been a result just in through. Since 2001, we’ve lived through where we’re exploring and planning and Florida, you understand, but in virtually all of it. You were there. You know the taking action on gaining new members every jurisdiction where the construction score. for all the branches of our Brotherhood. wireman and the construction electrician Our members are not going to ask us It’s not just construction, brothers and classifications have been adopted by the how we did on a history test when we sisters, it’s all branches of this Brother- IBEW and their NECA signatory contrac- come back from this convention. They hood. We’ve invested the resources of tors. If anyone’s got a better alternative want to know what we’re going to do the International, organized our local to doing what we’re doing that actually now and what we’re going to do for unions, and gotten the rank and file works—there’s all kinds of ideas—then them in the future. That’s the beat that involved. please let us know. Come and see me. they want, brothers and sisters, and Florida was the place where we were It’s all about results, brothers and sis- that’s what we’re here to talk about and in danger of falling off the map. And if ters. If we don’t get the work, we have that’s what we’re here to do. we couldn’t compete or make our pres- no chance. So let’s talk about that. Every day ence known in one of the fastest-grow- By getting work using new tactics, new reports come across my desk. ing states in the United States, then our we open up opportunities all across the Areas that once had contentious rela- future everywhere was very bleak. And board. And thanks to our increased com- tionships with contractors are now prac- if you don’t believe me, NECA National petitiveness, the IBEW’s share of the ticing cooperation. Industries that once President Milner Irvin will be here huge Florida construction market is up— wouldn’t give our union journeyman tomorrow, and he’ll talk about the same now, this may sound small—it’s up to 14 wiremen a sniff of their construction thing. percent. But you have got to understand work now can’t praise us enough. We’ve been at it for about a year-and- it was below 10 percent. This is only the Nonunion contractors who once saw a-half now. We knew that if we just beginning, but it’s a great start after one the IBEW as an enemy are beginning to went in there with an old-fashioned year. use our members on key jobs. Corpo- organizing drive, we’d get our heads Florida is where we’ve made our first rate executives are talking to us and handed to us. Not only that, we would breakthrough in organizing satellite including us—us, brothers and sisters— squander your dues money. Instead, installers, a growing work force within in their plans for the future. Florida has been a laboratory for new the telecommunications branch that has The Code of Excellence, pioneered in ways of operating and organizing and been treated miserably by employers the Eighth District under the leadership taking on the challenges that we once and shut out of all the profits generated of Jon Walters, is being voluntarily thought were just too tough to handle. by their work in that growing industry. adopted in local after local in this Broth- Florida is the place where our small- We’re building on that initial success, erhood. works agreement was expanded, which and we’re taking the campaign to many Nonunion workers who once thought allowed our contractors, all of our con- other areas and many states. that the IBEW had no place for them are tractors, and our members to compete Florida is where we’re scouting out finding a home in our ranks. for residential and other work that we manufacturing plants to organize, includ- Business managers and their staffs have been shut out of for so very long. ing some companies where we are are using ever more creative tactics to Florida is the place where the new already representing people. We’re not reach out to nonunion contractors and construction wireman and construction giving up on manufacturing, not in the customers to get all of their work. electrician classifications have been least. We’re going to do what it takes to You know, it sounds so simple, but it used to good effect. These classifica- grow this sector as well. went against our grain for so many tions not only give us a place to slot Florida is where we most clearly years. This isn’t pie in the sky, brothers newly organized workers, but they also understand that we have plenty of tar- and sisters. This isn’t smoke and mir- help us to fight and win new jobs and a gets within companies we already have rors. This is real. We made it real by see- growing share of the market. a presence in, particularly in utility

10 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 “Even with all we’ve done, it’s not near enough. It’sIt’s beenbeen encouragingencouraging toto watch the success stories all across North America, but that’s only the first wave. Where does this leadlead us?us? That,That, brothersbrothers and sisters, is the big question.”

among linemen and power plant work- steady loss of our membership in all of I submit to you that we did not stem ers. We’re mounting a campaign to our branches. It’s time to stop the bleed- the losses by 8,000 members in this increase our membership substantially ing, brothers and sisters, and stop beat- past fiscal year by dumb luck or by a for- at Florida Power & Light. The full-court ing our heads against the wall and try tunate uptick in the economy. The plain press pioneered in Florida is not a one- something new. fact is that the hard work put in by many shot thing, brothers and sisters. We’ve Our plan, certainly contingent upon of you and countless others who are not begun early stages of that effort in Cen- the outcome of the rest of this conven- in this hall is paying off. It’s happening tral Pennsylvania and another area tion, is to establish organizing councils in because men and women, from veter- where we have lost much of our pres- defined geographical areas all across ans to rookies, are making it happen ence in all of our branches and we need this Brotherhood. We’re starting in every day they go to work. And never to get it back. places where we think we have the very forget this, brothers and sisters, change And if all goes as planned, there will best chance of winning and some suc- is taking place because we are the be more and more campaigns rising up cesses that we can build on from there. IBEW. across the continent. That approach is The first group of what I expect to And we have what it takes to face up not our only weapon. We needed to turn ultimately number 100 new organizers to reality. And we have what it takes to construction around as quickly as possi- has been hired. We’ve trained them. respond when duty calls. And we have ble so we could get it back and the They’ve been trained by the Interna- the quality that you can look up and growth of the market that we had lost. tional and will be assigned as needed in Google, if you will, and look up in your But the tactics that work in construc- the first councils put into place. More dictionary—courage, fortitude, nerve, tion won’t necessarily work and can’t are on the way. guts. We have it. That’s why you can necessarily be applied to all of our other The idea is not to supplant the local see the dawn of a new day. But we’re branches. Our other professional and organizing efforts or to let locals off the not there yet. Even with all we’ve done, industrial branches have different struc- hook for organizing. The idea is to pro- it’s not near enough. It’s been encourag- tures, different cultures and different vide the kind of genuine, solid support ing to watch the success stories all ways of operating and different ways of that’s been missing from our strategy, across North America, but that’s only doing business. support that will encourage rank-and-file the first wave. Where does this lead us? Over the past two decades, the Inter- participation, identify winnable targets, That, brothers and sisters, is the big national has conducted education pro- of which there are literally thousands— question. grams on the need to organize, and I hope to show you tomorrow—and It’s imperative to continue the good particularly in these branches. We’ve run go after them in a coherent and well- things we’re doing, the good things that several campaigns with some varying planned manner. This is what has been you’re doing every day on the job, every degrees of success and exhorted locals done and what is already in the works, day out in the field. There will be no to get involved. The results have been a brothers and sisters. (Continued on page 15)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 11 Acceptance Speech of International Secretary-Treasurer Jon F. Walters Brother and sister delegates, fellow officers, guests, and IBEW. Let’s give them an opportunity for a better quality of life. of course, my working partner, International President Hill, All of you know, the work of a union thank you so much for your vote of confidence. I am truly leader never stops. We are here to humbled and honored by your support and friendship. serve our members 24/7. I am so grate- ful for the sacrifices my family has made Many years ago in a land far away a privilege to work for you and with you. for our Brotherhood. I thank them for from here, I joined one of the greatest This week, we will make major deci- their support and encouragement. organizations the world has ever known. sions that will determine the future I would like to recognize a very spe- Who would have ever guessed that a kid direction of our union. It is an awesome cial brother, my mentor Gerald Geddes, from eastern Idaho would be here today, responsibility we all share. Keep in mind, the former business manager of my addressing this historic 37th International we cannot remain stagnant. Just like our home local. To call him a friend would be Convention as International Secretary- founders did 115 years ago, we face an understatement, but a mentor, yes. Treasurer? My presence here today is a many obstacles, but also have opportu- Brother Geddes kept me on the right tribute to the power that the IBEW has to nities. If we face those challenges with path as a journeyman and got me provide opportunity and to change lives. vision and courage, I have no doubt we started as an active IBEW member. He When I think about this Brotherhood will have continued success. took me to my first IBEW Eighth District and its history, one fact is apparent. We Changing times require changed think- progress meeting in 1965, where I are an organization of workers seeking ing, and I know that all of us have the heard the great International Secretary to make our world and our workplaces ability to adapt to new realities. On the Joe Keenan speak. I was in awe of the better, seeking a higher standard of liv- shop floor, the jobsite and in the union sweep and influence of the Brotherhood ing for all workers. In working on job- hall, the IBEW is blessed with some of I had joined. It’s hard to think that I have sites, in my local, Local 449 in Pocatello, the most dedicated workers in the union the honor of holding the same office as Idaho, and traveling to other local movement. Let’s go forward from this Brother Joe Keenan. unions, and attending other IBEW con- Convention and grow this Brotherhood. When I was first elected International ferences, progress meetings or IBEW We have the tools and the talent, all we Vice President in 1982, I relied on the conventions, my greatest joy has been need is the desire and the courage. There support and advice of two great leaders, working with IBEW brothers and sisters are thousands upon thousands of work- Jack Moore, now our International Sec- in solidarity to advance our union. It has ers who will benefit from the opportuni- retary Emeritus, and Jack McCann, for- been and continues to be an honor and ties presented by being members of the mer International Vice President of

CONVENTION SPEAKERS Sen. Harkin Assails GOP Fear-Mongering

Hope and reclamation were the themes of a Harkin said. “It’s the American dream that orga- powerful speech by one of labor’s biggest cham- nized labor and the IBEW have always fought pions in Washington, D.C. for.” Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) addressed dele- Harkin accused the Republicans of providing gates on Monday, Sept. 11, in his second appear- favors for the ultraconservatives and tax breaks ance before an IBEW Convention. His first for the rich. Meanwhile, health care premiums address in 1991 followed his announcement that for the rest of us have increased 70 percent, col- he would run for the Democratic presidential lege tuition is up by 57 percent and home heat- nomination. ing costs have increased 62 percent since 2001. Harkin took to the stage after a warm IBEW “Americans are working harder and longer welcome. An unapologetic progressive, he criti- and are more productive than they’ve ever been, cized President Bush for fear-mongering, an elec- and they’re getting nowhere,” Harkin said. tion-year tactic the Republicans have used since Harkin said he is pushing for working fami- 2002. “Did you hear?” Harkin asked. “Our nation lies—creating good jobs for Americans, a secure is under attack—at least until Election Day. retirement and decent health care for all. “We believe in giving hope to all Americans “This election is about reclaiming the ideals and not just the privileged few, and that’s what and values that made us proud to be American,” Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) makes us the kind of people we are today,” Harkin said. 1

12 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW Ninth District. Both of them pro- national Officers, is as dedicated as they helpful, no matter how grumpy the rest vided invaluable guidance, as well as come and always there to get things of us might get. friendship, and I thank each of you for all done. Jim Combs, Executive Assistant I also want to thank all of the assis- you have done for me and done for this to the Secretary-Treasurer, always helps tants, directors and staff and employees Brotherhood. keep the ship on a steady keel, as you of the I.O., including the district offices. When I took over as International expect from a Navy veteran. Nancy We can do all the planning we want, but Secretary-Treasurer in March 2005, the Cleary, Nancy thank you so much. She they are the ones who get it done. I job was made easier because of the out- especially want to thank the men and standing work of my predecessor, Jerry women on the Eighth District staff that O’Connor. Jerry left things in such good were so supportive and dedicated dur- shape that I was able to hit the ground ing my years as International Vice Presi- running. He’s another emeritus who dent. I couldn’t have asked for a finer deserves my thanks and thanks of the bunch. entire Brotherhood. Last, but not least—in fact most I can’t say enough about one of the important—I want to thank the brothers greatest leaders in IBEW history—Ed and sisters from the locals in the Eighth Hill. Ed has been my friend and col- District, both the delegates here today league for many years, but you have to and the members back home. They are work with him on a daily basis to under- the ones who gave me my first chance stand just how much he cares for this at a leadership position with the Interna- Brotherhood. How dedicated he is to tional, and you are very special to me. the well-being of each and every mem- We did some great work together and ber. He is tireless in his drive to make we are going to do more in the years to this union realize its full potential for come. greatness, and it is a great honor to Finally, let me state to all of you my serve with him. International Secretary-Treasurer commitment to respect the confidence Jon F. Walters There are some people who I work you have placed in me as your Secre- very closely with at the International serves as chief secretary to Ed and tary-Treasurer by moving this Brother- Office every day, who have helped me myself, keeps everything moving along hood forward to the very best of my tremendously and made my time in with patience and grace and is one spe- ability. Again, thank you from the bottom office a pleasure. Larry Neidig, the cial lady. Janice Boylan, another secre- of my heart, and God bless all of you Senior Executive Assistant to the Inter- tary in our office, is always cheerful and and the IBEW. 1

AFL-CIO President Sweeney: Take Back America

Tenacity in the face of challenge and persever- thousands of federal employees.” ance against labor’s foes were the themes struck Sweeney recalled that when Katrina smashed by AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney in his into the Gulf Coast, the federal government Monday afternoon address. failed those who were devastated. The party in “The entire AFL-CIO and all of our unions are power in Washington “never took their eyes off ready to take back America together on Election their agenda,” Sweeney said. Day,” he said. “And while the IBEW and the AFL-CIO were Sweeney noted the strong spirit of national responding with food, clothing, shelter—and a $1 unity that prevailed across the country immedi- billion rebuilding commitment from our Invest- ately after the Sept. 11 attacks. “Our new spirit ment Trust Corporation—they were responding of national unity was crushed by the people who to their corporate co-conspirators, suspending are running our country,” he added. prevailing wage standards … doling out more no- “While publicly praising the work of first bid contracts, importing nonunion contractors, responders and our unions,” Sweeney said, and all the while dragging their feet” on getting “our national leaders returned to their anti-work- relief to those most in need. ing family agenda, slashing taxes for the He challenged the delegates and members of wealthy, passing out no-bid labor agreements, the labor movement to exercise their power to trying to privatize Social Security and destroy turn the country around. 1 John Sweeney the collective bargaining rights of hundreds of AFL-CIO President

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 13 the challenges that we once thought Organizing goes hand in hand with were too tough,” said Hill. the need to mobilize politically, Hill said. Opening Day Discussing the Brotherhood’s plan “It will be up to us this year to make to hire up to 100 new organizers and some of the right-wing zealots pack their AFTERNOON SESSION set up new organizing councils, Hill bags, sneak out of town and go collect said, “The idea is not to supplant the reward that they have bought with (Continued from page 8) local organizing, but to identify winnable their votes,” Hill said. “We must take Hill asserted that the 2004 construc- targets—of which there are thousands— back our share of political power in tion business managers meeting in St. and go after them in a coherent, well- Canada and the United States.” Charles, Ill., the development of the Code planned manner.” Closing his keynote to resounding of Excellence and the “State of Our Yet, despite the best efforts of local applause, Hill said, “I see men and Union” message all played a part in gen- leaders, Hill said, the decline in the women of rare and extraordinary courage erating a stream of reports across his union’s membership has forced the union who have done and are going to do desk showing that the IBEW is restoring to dip into its financial reserves. great things together in the future its reputation on America’s work sites Explaining the proposed constitutional because we are the IBEW, and we will and organizing new members. He also amendment to increase the per capita tax give no less than our finest and best cited the IBEW’s comprehensive cam- three times over the next five years, Hill effort every day of our lives.” paign to rebuild the union’s presence in asked, “Will we, the union that has led After an announcement reminding the fast-growing Florida market. “Florida the way in organizing and excellence, delegates of the time and place of their has been the laboratory for a new way of lose our nerve now and risk losing district caucuses, the afternoon session operating and organizing and taking on emerging markets in the future?” was adjourned. 1

FACES FROM THE CONVENTION

14 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 International President out there, we’ve started Hour Power. We’re going to keep at it. We’re going And I hope you visit it. I hope you go and to keep at it until we get it right. This is Edwin D. Hill’s look at what we’re doing. Hour Power is one piece of business we’re going to do Keynote Address a separate Web site. It’s geared directly the old-fashioned way, through hard (Continued from page 11) to our membership. Hour Power isn’t a negotiating, hard bargaining. Partners dis- place to hear a sermon. You’re hearing agree sometimes, but we’ll never stop backsliding, not now, not after we’ve that now, I think. talking to our partners and never stop try- come this far. Most of us have been It’s about success stories. It’s about ing to work out our common ground and around long enough to remember the information, information about your trade, issues confronting our industry. The good experiences when this union was and even some fun stuff, even some will and the right spirit are there, and we wrought with complacency. It was the prizes and things. I had a guy come up will get this done. main factor behind our slide in the 1970s. We’ll not get discouraged if new pro- If we allow complacency to set in again, grams take time to develop as intended. brothers and sisters, it will destroy us. Some people are born as good organizers Complacency taught us some very hard and with the ability to organize. But great lessons. organizers take time to train, they take We’ve learned that good times some- time to mold and put through the test of times only mask the need for us to con- time of being on the front lines. And we’ll front some internal issues and some not just be giving them intensive courses internal factors that were eating away at and then cutting them loose. Our organiz- our very foundation. We found an accep- ers will receive organizing training, utiliz- tance of decline rather than a willingness ing online courses as needed. We’ll be to think differently and fight this decline there for them all the time. in new ways, ways that you can think of, We’re in this for the long haul, broth- more so than myself. We found the resis- ers and sisters, and I mean we’re in it for tance to organizing was still alive in all of the long haul. We are serious and will not our branches. In construction we saw just train International organizers, we’ll that too many locals wanted to run things bring in new educational programs which like they did in the old days, ignoring the are already in the pipeline to our locals. changes that had affected the industry In the past we focused on why we for decades. needed to organize. And I’ve often said In short, we found ourselves in the that we’ve trained our people so often on early 21st century with a union still why we need to organize, they ought to geared to the mid-20th century. I’m here have a doctorate degree in it. to say that complacency is not going to the other day and said he won 50 bucks Now is the time to focus on how to be permitted to take root in the IBEW on Hour Power. I said, “Geez, I didn’t organize and insist that it be done. And I again as long as I have anything to say know we gave that.” It’s a place for called on our Vice Presidents—and about it. members to catch some spirit, spirit of they’re with me, they’re right behind And believe me, when I tell you, I what’s happening in this Brotherhood of us—to insist that this get done. As I said, intend to have plenty to say. ours; and it will continue, we’ll expand it. organizing is a union-wide mission, and We’ll be pounding home the message I want to make it clear that while we we will give some locals all the tools, and that nothing less than a sustained com- recognize the need to do things differ- I mean more than just lip service. But mitment to excellence is acceptable. ently, we’re not going to undermine our they have to do their part. This I can guar- We’re going to continue to preach, values that we’ve had for years. In my antee: If we do things the right way and exhort, and do what it takes to build a keynote address in 2001, I talked about we have faith in ourselves, we will not positive attitude throughout this Brother- the need to stand up to our NECA part- only see results, brothers and sisters, we hood, not just the positive attitude on the ners on the issue of right to reject. will succeed. jobs, but a belief in ourselves, that we We’ve been negotiating and arguing Let there also be no doubt that we’re can do anything we so desire and do any- over this point for five years, and we still committed to growth in all the branches thing to succeed. don’t have an agreement. They haven’t of our Brotherhood. Our reach into all The message in the “State of Our gotten off their position and still want facets of the electrical industry has been Union” video that I distributed last year is “call by name,” which would cut the legs our strength. Our strength has grown our watchword. The message is being right out from under our referral system. from union density in all the electrical tailored for other branches, and it will be And I’m going to tell you, brothers and branches. While some unions have suf- distributed throughout our Brotherhood sisters, I’m not going to take this mem- fered tremendously when their core very soon. In order to keep the message bership down that road. (Continued on page 35)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 15 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006 Second Day

Reverend Andrew W. Jacob, Presbytery of the Western Reserve, The Rev. representing 54 congregations in northeast Ohio, delivered the Andrew Jacob gave the invocation to begin the Convention’s second day. Welcoming invocation.invocation. delegates to the “gem of the north coast,” Jacob said, of the IBEW, “… I did a little background reading. Turns out I know you. I know you because you are everywhere,” installing cable television, supplying electrical power to homes, bringing the evening news, etc. “We pray that these hands would produce things that lead to prosperity. We pray that these minds would never stop dreaming of new ways to make our world better and more just for all.” and managing editor of CNN’s “Lou Following the invocation, the Creden- President Hill introduced Edward C. Dobbs Tonight,” with loud applause after tials Committee gave an updated report, Sullivan, president of the Building and President Hill commended Dobbs for stating that 2,138 delegates representing Construction Trades Department, AFL- “opening the eyes of millions of Ameri- 763 local unions had registered. CIO, calling him a “friend of the IBEW cans to the plight of workers who have International Secretary-Treasurer Jon and a steady voice of reason and progress seen their dreams die so hard. …” The Walters reported on the results of the pre- in difficult times.” Sullivan praised the recipient of the IBEW’s first “Voice of vious evening’s caucus elections. IBEW, the Hour Power Web site, the Working America Award,” Dobbs fired up Delegates stood for a moment of union’s wind and solar energy initiatives delegates, assailing economic policies that silence to honor members who have and the Code of Excellence for putting have enriched corporate America and dev- passed away since the 36th International IBEW on the “cutting edge” and being astated working families. (See page 21.) Convention. The deceased include Inter- models for all construction unions Following his remarks, delegates lined up national President Emeritus John J. Barry; throughout the building trades. He behind microphones to ask questions and Vice Presidents Paul Loughran, Andy Ripp, reported on current developments in the comment on his presentation. When Leun- Norman Schwitalla, Tom Malone, Bernard BCTD. (See page 20.) drius Arties, St. Louis Local 1, asked “Buck” Williamson and International Delegates greeted Lou Dobbs, anchor Dobbs what must be done to keep social Executive Council member Herbert Fulton. issues from clouding the political thinking of Americans, Dobbs advised him to change the subject to “talk about the $5 trillion trade deficit, or the fact that 48 mil- lion people in this country don’t have health care. Talk about the fact that we can drop hundreds of billions of dollars into overseas adven- President Hill and Secretary- tures and nation build- Treasurer Walters ing, but we can’t spend present CNN’s a billion dollars to Lou Dobbs with secure our ports and the “Voice of borders.” Working America” award. After a video pre-

16 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006

President Hill outlines orga- nizing plans.

Secretary-Secretary-Treasurer’sTreasurer’s Report Committee Chairman John O’Rourke and Secretary Daniel Boulet endorse the per capita increase.

sentation showing the progress being has “contractors much more excited and Committee to make its recommendation to made in building market share by the energized than I’ve ever seen them in the Convention. Chairman John O’Rourke, National Electrical Contractors Association years.” (See page 21.) business manager of San Francisco Local and the IBEW working through the The IBEW is making a tremendous dif- 6, announced that the committee National Labor-Management Cooperation ference in the lives of vets returning from endorsed the IBEW’s organizing mission Committee, President Hill introduced E. Iraq and Afghanistan by supporting the and the Brotherhood’s plan to hire up to Milner Irvin, III, NECA’s president. With Helmets to Hardhats program, said the 100 new organizers. To fund the initiative, massive changes facing the electrical next speaker, retired Marine Corps Maj. O’Rourke moved that the body approve industry, Irvin told delegates that he Gen. Matthew Caulfield, the program’s the committee’s recommendation of recently produced a video called “Moving executive director. Caulfield brought tears increases in per capita fees of $1.00 on Out of the Comfort Zone” to encourage to the eyes of delegates when he read an January 1, 2007; $1.00 on January 1, 2009; his fellow contractors to change the way e-mail from a veteran who is in the sec- and a further increase of $1.00 on January they manage. The video, said Irvin, was ond year of a four-year apprenticeship 1, 2011. After a second by committee Sec- “not an answer to President Hill’s ‘State of program. (See page 20.) retary Daniel Boulet, Ottawa, Ontario, our Union’ video, but a complement to it.” Prior to adjourning the morning ses- Local 2228, delegates voted unanimously Irvin encouraged delegates to learn from sion, President Hill called upon the Inter- to support the Secretary-Treasurer’s the IBEW/NECA Florida Initiative, which national Secretary-Treasurer’s Report Report. 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 17 effort to organize Exelon/PECO (Philadel- phia Electric Co.) and current plans to organize two nuclear plants. “Without the funds to support this organizing,” said Second Day Kuders, “we would be totally lost.” The Second Day per capita increase, he said, is not an additional burden, but “an investment in AFTERNOON SESSION the International, an investment in our futures and the futures of our children and our grandchildren.” Secretary-Treasurer Jon Walters opened the afternoon session Delegate Barry Stevens, Toronto Local with a detailed presentation on the financial status of the 353, said, “Having a low cap doesn’t nec- essarily interest me. I’ll pay whatever it IBEW since the 36th Convention. The $100,000 surplus that takes … to deliver to marginalized work- was forecast in San Francisco has turned into a $28 million ers more worker rights, fair wages and a hope for their future. … ” deficit in the operating budget due to several factors, including After further discussion from the floor, Sept. 11, stock market declines and the right-wing assault on delegates unanimously approved the Law Committee’s recommendation on per unions, he said. capita increases. Establishing the need for the per capita The next speaker was Inter- increases, Walters said, “The choice is national Secretary Emeritus Jack between the promise F. Moore, who President Hill of a future growth described as a legend. Explain- and the certainty of ing how he followed Moore continued decline.” into the International Secretary’s The “initial $15 mil- position, Hill said, “Any one of lion investment will us who doesn’t have someone still result in a 2007 to lean on has a real problem, operating deficit of and I had Jack Moore.” Hill approximately $11.2 recounted how, when Moore million. However, in came to Washington for the just one short year, funeral of President Emeritus the additional in- Barry, he asked his predecessor come from the pro- Clockwise from what he missed about being an posed increase in above: Secretary- International Officer of the revenue and the Treasurer Walters; IBEW. “I miss being able to additional member- Law Committee pick up the phone and get Chairman Mike ship will allow the something done to help some- Fitzgerald, left, and Brotherhood to oper- Secretary John body,” said Moore. ate in the black and Marchell present a “If I have ever been shown begin to replenish committee recom- real leadership, I have seen it at our investment re- mendation; and this Convention,” Moore said. serves.” President Hill wel- “There is no question that you comes Secretary In a detailed pre- Emeritus Jack Moore. have the best team, in my sentation, President opinion, that’s come down the Hill offered a series of PowerPoint slides tion recommending a change in the pike during my period of time.” explaining how IBEW organizing coun- IBEW Constitution to incorporate the per Calling on delegates to be politically cils will be structured. capita increases discussed earlier. Fitzger- active, Moore said, “We need to use both President Hill called Law Committee ald moved to accept the changes; COPE money and our own sweat and Chairman Mike Fitzgerald, Chicago Local Marchell seconded. President Hill called blood in political races this year and in 134, and Secretary John Marchell, New for discussion by delegates who had the presidential race of 2008, if we’re York Local 3, to the stage. After thanking lined up at the microphones. going to build a better future.” (See side- his committee of 11 delegates, who rep- Delegate Frank Kuders of newly- bar to the right). resented all IVP Districts, Fitzgerald asked formed Philadelphia Local 614 outlined The Convention adjourned at 3:55 Marchell to read the committee’s resolu- his bargaining unit’s successful 16-year p.m. 1

18 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW PLAN TARGETS THE UNORGANIZED IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill unveiled an this map.” These include nonunion companies in the cable TV, ambitious organizing program that encompasses six industrial satellite and wireless telephone industries. sectors represented by the union in North America. Coming Also shown on maps were unorganized utility employers down from the podium to talk among the delegates, Hill out- (mostly rural electric cooperatives), railroad maintenance lined the plan using a visual presentation projected on big employers, repair and equipment companies and manufactur- screens around the hall. ing targets that produce wire, cable, lighting and signs. The linchpin of the plan, he explained, is the development Pointing to a map showing amalgamated and defunct of multi-industry organizing councils based in specific regions, locals, Hill said the IBEW has lost 572 locals since 1984 and the employment of a corps of skilled organizers. “This because of a lack of resources and desire to organize. gives us the opportunity to pull together all the local unions in “Because we lost those local unions, we’ve lost whole com- a particular area to work in this type of council,” he said. munities that thought about the trade union movement,” Hill Demonstrating the vast potential for organizing within the said. “If you’re not around, they don’t think about you. We IBEW’s industrial sectors—utilities, telecommunications, need to get them back.” broadcasting, government, manufacturing and railroads— Hill The organizing program will be funded by the International displayed several maps that pinpointed specific targets. and directed by the Membership Development Department, “We have thousands and thousands of potential targets,” headed by Buddy Satterfield, special assistant to the Interna- he said. “There are 5,000 nonunion telecom targets alone on tional President. 1

IBEW Secretary Emeritus Jack F. Moore: Spirit of Brotherhood Alive and Well “It warms the heart of an old warrior to cal races this year and in the presidential race of 2008, if we’re going to build a better future,” he said. stand here before you and receive the “George W. Bush and the Republican leadership in Con- enthusiastic and fraternal welcome you gress are the worst I’ve ever seen,” Moore said. “I lived just gave me,” IBEW International Secre- through the Nixon years and the Reagan years and thought I had seen it all. But every day these characters find new ways tary Emeritus Jack F. Moore told Conven- to stick it to the working men and tion delegates on Tuesday, Sept. 12. “The women of this country spirit of brotherhood is alive and well here and drag America down in the eyes of in Cleveland.” the world. Moore congratulated delegates on re-electing IBEW Presi- “It has got to dent Ed Hill and International Secretary-Treasurer Jon Walters. stop, and the “There’s no question you have the best team that’s come November elec- down the pike during my time,” Moore said. tions are the Paying tribute to past IBEW leaders, Moore also remem- place where we bered his former teammate, the late International President must take the first Emeritus J. J. Barry, who died last year. “Jack’s accomplish- shot at making it ments are part of the rhythm of the IBEW’s past, and I’m sure stop. … I hope all of if he were here now, he’d tell us to … concentrate on building you are as mad as I am up the drumbeat of the future,” Moore said. and will work hard to elect “It falls to every one of you to seize every opportunity to people who share our val- move the Brotherhood forward, make it grow, and adapt to the ues and will make our voices changes in all the industries we represent,” he said. “Each of heard in the halls of power.” 1 us has to have the courage to do our part.” IBEW Secretary Moore urged delegates to be politically active. “We need to Emeritus Jack use both COPE money and our own sweat and blood in politi- F. Moore

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 19 CONVENTION SPEAKERS Marine Corps Major General: Helmets to Hardhats Helps Returning Vets

The IBEW is making a tremendous difference in Caufield contrasted the program with the lack the lives of vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan of job placement assistance of the federal govern- by supporting the Helmets to Hardhats program, ment. “This group of veterans is the first group to Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Matthew Caufield told have a higher unemployment rate—18.7 percent— Convention delegates Tuesday, Sept. 12. than any other generation. The VA’s response was “What you are saying with this program is, ‘we ‘Let’s do a survey.’ But the unionized work force is do care … we want you … we value you and your really doing something about it.” service to the nation … and we will give you He read an e-mail from one veteran who is in access to the best opportunity we have, the finest the second year of a four-year apprenticeship pro- training and jobs with good pay and good bene- gram. “Before I heard about Helmets to Hardhats, fits,” said Gen. Caufield, director of the three-year- I had no hope,” Caufield read. “I have a wife and a old program that matches veteraans with jobs in 10-year-old daughter and had to take government the trades. assistance, instead of standing up like a man. Now He called Helmets to Hardhats the most effec- I have a good job, good benefits. I owe everything tive veterans’ employment program in the history I have to the Helmets to Hardhats program.” of the United States. It is a cooperative effort of Caufield also pointed out that, with Helmets to the building trades, eight industry associations and Hardhats conducting regular events with gover- Marine Corps Maj. 82,000 contractors. He thanked local IBEW lead- nors across the country, the general public is hear- Gen. Matthew Caufield ers for considering the returning vets for their ing about the IBEW and other unions in ways that apprenticeship programs. “This is the best pool of they had not previously. workers you will find,” he said. “You get young “They’re finding out that the IBEW is ahead of people who are eager to learn—drug-free, strong the pack,” he said. “Maybe someday the rest of and able.” the country will catch up with you.” 1

Edward C. Sullivan: Promoting Union Building Trades

IBEW is unquestionably the drumbeat of the The IBEW Code of Excellence program pro- future in the construction industry and beyond, motes a positive perception of union workers, Sul- AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Presi- livan noted, and “it provides a model for all dent Edward C. Sullivan told Convention delegates construction unions.” Additionally, a newly devel- on Tuesday, Sept. 12. oped national multi-craft, drug-free workplace pro- Sullivan praised IBEW President Hill for his gram also enhances union labor. leadership during challenging times for the labor “Our fight to preserve Davis-Bacon protec- movement and the AFL-CIO. Hill “has been a unit- tions is always a priority,” Sullivan said. “In the ing force in the building trades,” Sullivan said, rec- wake of Hurricane Katrina, President Bush took ognizing the IBEW’s role in many successful away critical wage protections from struggling initiatives. Gulf state workers. We fought back hard until it The IBEW/Building Trades relationship with the was restored.” Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership The building trades and the IBEW are “work- “draws attention to the fact that many union ing together in the Gulf states on a work force members hunt and fish and enjoy the great out- development project to help address our indus- doors,” Sullivan said. “This fact is often forgotten try’s critical need for skilled workers,” Sullivan at election time by our adversaries who want to noted. “We partnered with the AFL-CIO Housing divide us on hot-button issues.” and Building Investment Trust on initiative to help Building Trades President With the “IBEW Hour Power Web site, the rebuild the New Orleans area.” Edward Sullivan IBEW is leading the way on many fronts,” Sulli- “We have worked tirelessly” for pension van said. “From training centers in Puerto Rico, reform, Sullivan said. He cited recent legislation to solar energy and wind power projects, to signed into law that will help protect the retire- satellite technology, the IBEW is on the cutting ment security of more than 9.7 million workers edge.” participating in multi-employer plans. 1

20 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 Lou Dobbs Fires Up Convention

Proclaiming pride in being called a “protection- After the conclusion of Dobbs’ Tuesday, Sept. ist” and a “populist” by corporate America, TV 12 address, President Hill encouraged delegates to anchor Lou Dobbs, the first recipient of IBEW’s take the microphone. Leundrius Arties, St. Louis Voice of Working America Award, fired up the Local 1, asked Dobbs how to keep social issues Cleveland Convention Center, turning his speech from clouding the political thinking of Americans. into a town meeting that put IBEW delegates on Dobbs suggested talking about the $5 trillion their feet cheering and lined up at microphones. trade deficit, or the fact that 48 million people in After his welcome by President Edwin D. Hill, this country don’t have health care. “Talk about who praised Dobbs for “opening the eyes of mil- the fact that we can drop hundreds of billions of lions of Americans,” Dobbs, the anchor and manag- dollars into overseas adventures and nation build- ing editor of CNN’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” ripped ing, but we can’t spend a billion dollars to secure into a critique of the U.S. political, corporate and our ports and borders.” media elites. Mike Verbout, Tucson, Ariz., Local 570, asked Our Constitution begins with the words, “We, Dobbs what he would think about providing tax the people,” said Dobbs, “not we the elitists, we breaks to companies that would bring manufactur- the corporatists, we the free-trade-at-any-price. … ing back to the United States. Democracy is fundamentally about us, the people.” “How about this—a company that off-shores The United States has contributed nearly 80 American production, exports American jobs, and percent of the total wealth created around the then exports back those goods and services to world over the course of the last 30 years, he this country, how about we tax the bloody hell out TV anchor Lou Dobbs added. Yet, during that same period, real earnings of them?” he said. have been stagnant, and manufacturing wages Saying that he was tired of people simply “dis- have actually declined. “Now [we are called pro- cussing the socio-political economic situation,” tectionists] for suggesting that it is unfair, that it is Dobbs drew thundering applause when he madness to destroy an industrial base … that was shouted, “No. Raise some hell. Give a damn. And the world’s envy,” said Dobbs. don’t be embarrassed to be a little passionate…If Expressing anger at President Bush’s con- we’re honest with one another and demand the tention that immigrants are taking jobs that Ameri- truth, you and I will have a great deal to be proud cans don’t want, Dobbs said, “This president can’t of and we’ll assure our children a bright future.” finish a sentence. Americans don’t want jobs that A full text of Dobbs’ remarks is available at pay slave wages.” www.ibew.org. 1

NECA President: Flexibility Helping to Grow Union

National Electrical Contractors Association tor since 1949, talked about his experience with President E. Milner Irvin has tried the new way of the new classifications. doing business under the IBEW’s Florida Initiative, “The key to the success of the Florida Initiative and he’s a believer. is that it provides contractors with the flexibility we “We are working in sectors of the market that need to meet the customers’ demands, without we haven’t been in for years,” Irvin told IBEW slashing the wages and benefits of ‘A’ members,” Convention delegates on Tuesday, Sept. 12. “We he said. “The construction wireman classification are working for customers that haven’t talked to provides a way to build a composite work force us for years. And we are organizing and keeping that matches the skills and costs to the job so that competent workers from the nonunion for the first we can get the work from the nonunion.” time in years.” By many measurements, the Florida Initiative The new construction wireman and con- is working. The number of journeyman wiremen struction electrician classifications are responsi- employed is up. The number of IBEW workers of ble in part for helping create and preserve jobs all classifications in Florida is up. for hundreds of IBEW members, while bringing “IBEW contractors are more excited and ener- hundreds of lower skilled workers into the gized than I have seen them in years,” Irvin said. IBEW ranks. “And the best part is, we are just getting started. Irvin, who also serves as president of Riverside We are building the market and our market share, NECA President E. Milner Irvin Electric Co. in Miami, an IBEW signatory contrac- and there is plenty of room to grow.” 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 21 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CO NVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006 Third Day

President Hill opened the third day of the Convention by thanking the local unions of the Fourth District for host- ing the prior evening’s hospi- tality event. He then introduced Rev. Mylion Waite, associate pastor of Cleveland’s Antioch Baptist Church, to deliver Members of the the invocation. Sergeant-at-ArmsSergeant-at-Arms Committee confer “Today we’re concerned about the over a vote. battles that stand before us: working to keep unions alive, working to make sure The committee reported on costs for that we have health care, that people are the 37th International Convention. Trans- paid a livable wage,” said Rev. Waite. portation and delegate expenses total “God, we can’t do this alone. We can’t $4.3 million. The combination of pay- rise high while others remain low.” ments to delegates and the costs of rents Following the invocation, President and other services are expected to total Hill called the Finance Committee to the between $13 and $15 million. The com- stage. Chairperson John Briegel, Calgary, mittee report was approved by the dele- Alberta, Local 254, gates. introduced the com- The International President’s Report mittee’s secretary, Committee was called to the stage. Chair- Allen Shur, San man John Dougherty, Philadelphia Local Diego Local 569, 98, recognized the committee’s secretary, and its members. Ron Jones, Medford, Ore., Local 659. Jones introduced the committee’s mem- The Rev. Mylion Waite delivers a stirring bers. invocation. The President’s Report, said Dougherty, Introducing the next Convention “clearly shows that we have met all of our speaker, International Secretary-Treasurer challenges head on, and have devised Emeritus Jerry J. O’Connor, President Hill new strategies and tactics to help us suc- said, “In every leadership post he’s held, ceed and excel in the future.” Jerry’s served admirably with great skill Dougherty moved the committee’s and dedication.” Hill praised O’Connor’s recommendation to adopt the President’s work on the Project Millennium real Report. Jones seconded. The estate initiative, Multi-Regional Health Convention unanimously Care Plan, the ERTS Reciprocity System adopted the report. and Sav-Rx prescription drug plan.

22 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 NVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006

International Chairman John President’s Chalovich, left, Report Committee and Secretary Chairman Joseph Casey John DoughertyDougherty,, present the IIECEC left,left, andand Report. Secretary Ron Jones.

The Finance Committee report by Chairman John Briegel, left, and Secretary Allen Shur was approved by delegates. President Hill greets “There’s nothing Jerry O’Connor wouldn’t industrial branches. President Hill greets Secretary-Treasurer do to help out a union brother or union President Hill called Emeritus O’Connor.O’Connor. sister,” said Hill. the International Exec- O’Connor praised the leadership of utive Council Report President Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Committee to the stage, Walters for keeping the IBEW “vital and led by Chairman John potent,” before he launched into an Chalovich, Pittsburgh impassioned plea for members to engage Local 5, and Secretary in November’s elections (see page XX). Joseph Casey, Dover, “George W. Bush has two years left. He N.H., Local 490. Chal- can do more damage in two years than ovich said, “We wish to you can possibly imagine,” said O’Con- commend the IEC on nor, asking delegates to stop the right its diligent discharge of wing “in their tracks.” its duties on behalf of After thanking O’Connor for his the membership of the remarks, President Hill gave a brief IBEW.” The committee’s report was rati- the IBEW Constitution regarding delegate update on the IBEW’s plans to establish fied by delegates. expenses to Conventions. The proposed a group to conduct first contract negoti- The Law Committee was recalled to change was to increase the expense ations and assist local unions once a the podium. Chairman Fitzgerald moved, allowance for delegates to a flat payment workplace is organized in manufactur- and Secretary Marchell seconded a of $2,000, which would also cover trans- ing, utilities and the professional and motion to amend Article II, Section 9, of (Continued on next page)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 23 come from an island where transportation costs are escalat- Third Day ing,” Clarke said, adding that the constitutional change would MORNING SESSION reduce the ability of far-flung Canadian and U.S. locals to (Continued from page 23) “afford to attend these privi- portation costs. Currently, IBEW provides leged meetings every five a $1,000 payment for expenses and reim- years.” burses delegates for transportation costs A motion from the floor to at 90 cents a mile, “one way, by the amend the committee’s recom- shortest route.” mendation to increase delegate The proposed amendment, submitted expenses to $4,000 was ruled by President Hill and Secretary-Treasurer out of order because it was not Walters, was based on a finding that submitted in timely fashion. expenses incurred for sleeping and living Gerald Yuh, Honolulu Local expenses at conventions generally 1186, spoke in favor of the exceeds the cost of transportation. committee’s motion, despite the The committee’s proposal sparked a fact that the amendment would vigorous debate. Carol De Albero, New “impact the Hawaii delegation York Local 3, spoke in favor of the com- much stronger than many oth- mittee’s motion, agreeing that the change ers.” would make it more affordable for After the question was called smaller locals to attend future Conven- for from the floor, the Law Committee’s amendment to the IBEW Constitution tions and allow them the same represen- recommendation on delegate expenses regarding the selection of delegates to tation enjoyed by larger locals. was defeated on a voice vote. The cur- other labor conventions. Since, in the Robert Clarke, St. John’s, Newfound- rent language stands. past, there was no uniform method to land, Local 1615, opposed the motion. “I The committee then presented an select such delegates, the recommenda-

Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Jerry O’Connor: ‘Stop Them in Their Tracks’ in November

Thanking delegates for electing a lead- replace them permanently and people would say, ‘He’s ership team that is “second to none in doing his job.’” Bill Clinton, said O’Connor, will go down as one of IBEW history,” Secretary-Treasurer our greatest presidents. But he made “one terrible, ter- Emeritus Jerry O’Connor delivered a rible unforgivable mistake: NAFTA.” stirring call for labor to reject the right- George W. Bush has “continued and reinforced Reagan’s hurt,” said O’Connor. He is doing it all under wing Congress in November. the radar, by “starving the institutions that were cre- Expressing his disgust at a Chicago Tribune Labor ated to help workers.” Day editorial suggesting that unions are insignificant “Now, brothers and sisters, he’s got two years left. because density has dropped to 12 percent, O’Connor He can do more damage in those two years than you said, “We are not insignificant. We are vital and potent can possibly imagine,” said O’Connor, as delegates and we will grow.” nodded in agreement. “Are we going to elect these With characteristic wit, O’Connor conducted a his- right-wing nuts so that they can hurt us more than Rea- tory lesson of IBEW’s experience with presidential gan, or are we going to elect a Congress that will stop administrations back to Richard M. Nixon. “We told them in their tracks?” you so,” said O’Connor, recounting warnings that After reciting a quote from legendary railroad labor Nixon was anti-labor and would “start the ball leader Eugene Debs, O’Connor drew a standing ova- Secretary- rolling downhill.” tion by asking delegates to make a promise to “annihi- TTreasurerreasurer Emeritus Ronald Reagan proved that “you can fire late these bastards and then organize their Jerry O’Connor countless people. He proved that you could pallbearers.” 1

24 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 have found the flexibility to allow the International Presi- dent to submit names when desired, while still preserving the right of districts to nomi- nate delegates when they so desire,” said Farrelly. After an inconclusive voice vote, President Hill called for a showing of hands. He told delegates that the Law Committee’s recommendation would not bar nominations from the floor. The showing of hands was 1,225 in favor and 646 against the Law Committee’s motion. Before the Law Commit- tee was dismissed by President Hill, delegates approved four additional tion provided for the International Presi- Local 111, rose in favor of the motion. constitutional changes regarding trustee- dent to nominate them, subject to Delegate Phil Farrelly, San Francisco Local ships, traveling cards, the collection of approval by Convention delegates. 6, opposed the change. “The Law Com- assessments and the reporting of injuries, Delegate Dwayne Lawlor, Denver mittee has reported previous conventions illnesses and fatalities. 1

CONVENTION SPEAKERS UFCW Chief Vows Solidarity Health Care Fight Critical, Hansen Says

A Change to Win Federation leader promised together, and we will prevail,” he said. that his union, the million-member United Food Hansen pointed to a UFCW survey showing and Commercial Workers, would stand shoulder that 8 out of 10 union and nonunion workers to shoulder with the IBEW in the fight for working under 30 “believed they would be better off in a families, particularly in politics and the campaign union. There is a greater need for unions today to guarantee health care benefits for everyone. than at any time in the past 60 years,” he said. “If we look at the condition of workers today, As the only labor member of the Citizen’s we see real fear about health care—fear that they Health Care Working Group, Hansen has a unique could lose health care, or fear because of the ris- view of the health care crisis, having collected ing costs of health care,” said UFCW President information from over 16 months of public hear- Joseph T. Hansen in his address to IBEW Conven- ings. “The public is demanding reform,” he said. tion delegates. “With more than 46 million Ameri- “The U.S. health care system only works for the cans without health care, it’s time for a change, wealthy. It doesn’t work for most Americans.” and the labor movement can lead that change.” Hansen said the UFCW survey showed over- Hansen insisted that the split in the labor whelming support for this statement: “We can’t movement that occurred last year, with the UFCW just rely on our market system to reinforce health joining an exodus of unions out of the AFL-CIO, care. We need to change the system.” would not prevent unions from working together, The change should start with the leadership in Joseph T. Hansen particularly in politics. The UFCW is part of the the House and Senate “because they have UFCW President new federation, Change to Win. betrayed us,” Hansen said. “For most Americans, “Unions may have our differences, but we there are no red states or blue states. There is remain united in our goals. We are still one only a state of concern about the problems they movement. We will confront our challenges face today.” 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 25 labor movement,” said Hansen, who focused on the dire state of the U.S. health care system. “In working America, there are no red states or blue states,” Third Day said Hansen. “There is only a state of Third Day concern about the well-being of our fam- ilies and the future for our children.” (See AFTERNOON SESSION page 25.) President Hill opened the floor for nominations and the election of District After delegates returned from the lunch recess, President Hill Vice Presidents and IEC members. (See introduced Dan Hesse, chairman and CEO of Embarq, a new page 28.) Delegates to several other con- ventions were nominated and elected. telecommunications firm which emerged from Sprint Nextel. Mike MacDonald, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Speaking of the turbulent changes in the telecommunications Local 1928 and Ron Stecy, Winnipeg, industry, Hill said, “Almost without exception, employers have Manitoba, Local 2085, were elected to rep- resent IBEW on the Canadian Labour seized these opportunities and [changes] to weaken our union Council and at its next convention. density.” Hesse, however, is one of those corporate leaders “who Mario Ciardelli, Columbus, Ohio, Local 683, and Michael Byrd, Denver Local 111, reach out to the unions in the midst of change.” were elected to attend the AFL-CIO Con- Hesse summarized the vention. growing joint programs Jack Heyer, Green Bay, Wis., between Embarq, the CWA Local 158, was elected to attend and IBEW. “We’re at a fork the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades in the road,” he said. “We Department Convention. can fight each other as we IBEW will be represented by have in the past, or choose Jim Couch, Pascagoula, Miss., the fork that joins forces Local 733, and Gerald Yuh, Hon- and uses our collective olulu Local 1186, at the AFL-CIO energies fighting the enemy Metal Trades Department Conven- instead.” ( See page 27.) tion. Vincent McElroen, New John O’Rourke, San Francisco York Local 3, rose on a Local 6 and Michael Monahan, point of personal privilege Boston Local 103 will attend the following Hesse’s remarks. Building and Construction Trades He asked delegates to join Department Convention as IBEW him in saluting the contri- delegates. butions of the Van Arsdale Brian Heins, Coralville, Iowa, family to Local 3 and the IBEW. Thomas Fossil Generating Station in Romeoville, Local 1634 will attend the Union Label Van Arsdale, Local 3 business manager, Ill. He asked delegates to keep William Convention. has served as an officer and official of Wells and John Petrusek in their prayers. “The IBEW and the building trades are his local for over 50 years and as IBEW Introducing the Convention’s next proud of our affiliation with the Theodore International Treasurer. His father, Harry speaker, Joe Hansen, president of the Roosevelt Conservation Partnership,” said Van Arsdale, Jr., who served Local 3 from United Food and Commercial Workers, an President Hill, introducing the next 1932 to 1968, was a legendary IBEW affiliate of the Change to Win Coalition, speaker, TRCP’s vice president of partner leader who was elected as business man- President Hill said, “Despite differences and affiliated programs and corporate ager, IEC member and International among our labor organizations, we have relations, Fred Myers. Treasurer. He was the subject of the far more that unites us than divides Myers thanked the IBEW for being one book “Labor’s Champion,” by Gene us…We are finding ways to work of the sponsors of “Life in the Open” on Ruffini. Harry Van Arsdale, Sr. was an together.” Hill said, “Joe Hansen has not the Outdoor Life Network. Following active member of Local 3. flinched in the face of rampant corporate Myers’ remarks (see page 27), a drawing Delegate Nick Citta, Downers Grove, reorganizations and momentous changes was held for a deer rifle and shotgun to Ill., Local 15, rose to inform the body that in the demographic base of his union.” benefit TRCP. Charles Wait, Phoenix Local two members of his local were involved “I believe we are on the brink of one 266, won the shotgun. Bill Koehler, Joliet, in an explosion and fire at the Will County of the greatest periods of growth in the Ill., Local 176, won the deer rifle. 1

26 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 Conservation Partnership Takes Center Stage

Convention delegates got a Delegates saw a video pre- close look at the Theodore sentation on the TRCP’s mis- Roosevelt Conservation Part- sion and its relationships with nership, a leading umbrella the IBEW and the Building organization of 9 million mem- Trades. bers whose mission is to pro- Myers announced an tect the natural habitat of upcoming TRCP all-union televi- wildlife, conserve natural sion show, “Escape to the resources and guarantee Wild,” also on OLN, which will sports enthusiasts a place to feature union members hunting hunt and fish. and fishing in the great out- TRCP Vice President Fred doors. Two IBEW members will Myers Jr., thanked the IBEW star, one on a big game hunt in and the Building Trades for Delegates Charles Wait, left, and Bill Koehler, right, won Africa and another caribou hunt- support of the TRCP and for TRCP rifle raffle. ing in Alaska, Myers said. sponsorship of the TRCP’s popular television program, “Life Following Myers’ address, a drawing was held for a deer in the Open,” shown on the Outdoor Life Network. rifle and a shotgun. Phoenix Local 266 delegate Charles Wait “We also thank the IBEW for working tirelessly to get the won the shotgun and Joliet, Ill., Local 176 delegate Bill TRCP message out to its members,” Myers said. Koehler won the deer rifle. 1

CONVENTION SPEAKERS Embarq Chairman: Joint Programs Boost Competitiveness

Dan Hesse, chairman and CEO of Embarq our employees like never before,” Hesse said. Corp., a new telecommunications venture, deliv- The company and the unions agreed to form a ered an upbeat Convention presentation, cele- joint committee comprising senior officers of brating the positive impact of joint programs with both unions, Embarq’s customer relations team the IBEW on the firm’s bottom line. and vice presidents responsible for network and Embarq, which separated from Sprint Nextel customer service. All participants are trained by in 2006, employs approximately 3,200 IBEW the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. employees and an equal number from Communi- The company has deployed powerful laptop cations Workers of America. The vast majority computers to help technicians improve their per- are technicians. Embarq provides service to formance. Productivity studies have reduced more than 7 million access lines across 18 driving time, improving customer service. states, from Washington to Florida. Expected Employees have submitted hundreds of new annual revenues are $6 billion. product ideas. Embarq rewards technicians for “The future of the IBEW and the future of referring customers to sales staff; the program is Embarq are intertwined,” said Hesse, who initi- generating 2,500 referral sales each month. ated meetings with the IBEW and CWA when Embarq, IBEW and CWA agreed to apply an the venture formed. incentive program, previously reserved for While working to provide unprecedented inte- exempt employees, to bargaining unit members. gration between landline and wireless products, Every employee, up to the CEO, is paid on the Dan Hesse, Chairman and CEO Hesse acknowledged that cable competitors same company operating metrics. “We believe Embarq Corp. have grown significantly, with a 23 percent that all our people need to understand our key increase in their overall number of employees annual enterprise-wide financial and operating from 1998 to 2003. Only 13 percent of cable’s objectives,” he said. total technician population is union-represented, “We’re at a fork in the road,” Hesse said. said Hesse, with even fewer in wireless. “We “We can fight each other as we have in the past, share a common problem,” he noted. or we can choose the fork that joins forces and “Our new culture, with a focus on competi- uses our collective energies fighting the enemy tiveness, feistiness and innovation, is engaging instead,” he concluded. 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 27 Third Day Convention RatifiesCaucus Choices for IVPs and IEC Members AFTERNOON SESSION The Convention formally ratified on Wednes- then officially ratifies the action of the caucuses. day the election of International Vice Presidents After the nominations, with the Convention’s and International Executive Committee members approval, International Secretary-Treasurer Wal- chosen Monday night in their district caucuses. ters casts a unanimous ballot for all 11 of the Under the IBEW Constitution, candidates for International Vice Presidents, the eight members these offices are selected in these meetings by of the International Executive Council and the secret ballot on the basis of one local, one vote. delegates to the various labor conventions. The successful candidates are formally placed in The following are excerpts from the nominat- nomination before the full Convention; the candi- ing speeches and the acceptance remarks of the dates accept the nomination and the Convention winning candidates.

FIRST DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

John Briegel, Local 254, Cal- Vice President Phillip Flem- gary, Alberta: I have never ming: I won’t let you down, witnessed a more positive and you all know we have lots change than under Phil’s lead- of work to do. Because of ership and even more than that hard work and dedication that, I have never witnessed [of local unions in the First such a desire from any person District] we have increased to make positive change to our membership in the last the IBEW in Canada more few years, and I know that than Phil Flemming. will continue to happen.

Nominator Vice President John Briegel, Local 254 Phillip Flemming

SECOND DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Peter Carroll, Local 488, Vice President Frank J. Car- Bridgeport, Connecticut: roll, Jr.: I thank the delegates Frank is someone who will do of the Second District for this what is best for the IBEW and wonderful, wonderful honor as his brother (in more ways you’ve given me again. I will than one) I have every confi- do everything in my power to dence in him. It is with the make all of you proud. God unanimous support of the bless the greatest labor orga- Second District delegates and nization in the world, the with great pride that I place IBEW. the name of Frank J. Carroll, Jr. in nomination.

Nominator Vice President Peter Carroll, Local 488 Frank J. Carroll, Jr.

28 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 Choices for IVPs and IEC Members

THIRD DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Mel Fishburn, Local 743, Vice President Donald C. Reading, Pennsylvania: I Siegel: Four-and-a-half years present to you a man who ago President Hill recom- understands and knows first- mended to the IEC my hand the struggles and hard- appointment as Vice Presi- ships that face each of us and dent to succeed Larry Rossa, who works tirelessly to lead and the IEC confirmed that us and guide us through recommendation. For that I these tough times. I ask that am deeply appreciative. It you offer your unanimous was an honor then, and at the concurrence in support of the time it was the biggest honor Third District Caucus selection of my life. That honor was of our Vice President, Donald trumped by the unanimous C. Siegel. support of the Third District Nominator Vice President Mel Fishburn, Local 743 Donald C. Siegel delegates to this Convention.

FOURTH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Frank Cloud, Local 648, Vice President Paul J. Witte: Hamilton, Ohio: Vice Presi- The first Convention I attended dent Witte’s dedication, expe- was 1966. I can tell you that rience and leadership have this is as fine a Convention as I contributed significantly to the have attended. In November, I improvement, innovations and will have 40 years serving the outlook so characteristic of Brotherhood. I think I’ve tried local union leadership in the to add something to this orga- district. It is with great pride nization every day. Thank you and the unanimous support of so much for the confidence the delegates that I place the you have bestowed upon me. name of Paul J. Witte in nomi- nation for Vice President.

Nominator Vice President Frank Cloud, Local 648 Paul J. Witte

FIFTH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Don Clark, Local 1211, Gulf- Vice President Joseph S. port, Mississippi: Joe Davis Davis: I am in full support of believes in the Fifth District, President Hill and Secretary- and he will lead us in a direc- Treasurer Walters and their tion that will grow the IBEW programs. I proudly support and the Fifth District. I love their leadership and the direc- the IBEW and I love the Fifth tion they’re carrying this great District, so it does my heart union…I will work and I will good to place into nomination do my very best to make a my brother and the next Vice good Vice President for the President of the Fifth District, Fifth District. Joe S. Davis.

Nominator Vice President Don Clark, Local 1211 Joseph S. Davis

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 29 Third Day Convention Ratifies Caucus Choice s for International Vice Presidents AFTERNOON SESSION

SIXTH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Tom O’Donnell, Local 481, Vice President Joseph F. Indianapolis, Indiana: It’s an Lohman: The events of this honor for me to stand here week have made me as proud today to nominate my past as I’ve ever been in my life, business manager and my not a personal pride, but one good friend in nomination to in our great organization. continue to serve as Vice However, I take greater pride President of the Sixth District. in being part of a much larger team, all of you and every member of the IBEW. There is no burden that we can’t carry or obstacle that we can’t overcome.

Nominator Vice President Tom O’Donnell, Local 481 Joseph F. Lohman

SEVENTH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Randy Albin, Local 2286, Jonathan B. Gardner: I’m Beaumont, Texas: Brother reminded of a comment by Gardner is an educator, a plan- Teddy Roosevelt, who is one ner, a strategist, a leader and of only two Republicans I’ve a tireless fighter for the work- ever quoted. But what he said ing people. He’s one of the is, “We are face to face with most dedicated and effective our destiny and we must union leaders that I’ve ever meet it with a high, resolute known. I take great honor in courage, for ours is a life of nominating this great interna- action, of strenuous duty. Let tional union brother, Jonathan us run the risk of wearing out Gardner. rather than rusting out.”

Nominator Jonathan B. Gardner Randy Albin, Local 2286

EIGHTH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Bob Bodell, Local 449, Vice President Ted C. Jensen: Pocatello, Idaho: Ted has I have already expressed per- worked tirelessly for the sonal thanks to family, staff Brotherhood for the last 36 and my district, so may I sim- years. His ability to listen ply say we live in an exciting without prejudice and draw time and stand at the cross- conclusions from his con- roads of the labor movement. stituency has elevated the In this room is strength to lift, moral and economic condition character to change, wisdom of our rank-and-file member- to lead and the hands to ship. work. Let’s laugh at our mis- takes and missteps. Let’s focus on what we can do to leave a better Brotherhood Nominator Vice President Bob Bodell, Local 449 Ted C. Jensen than we found it.

30 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 s for InternationalInternational ViceVice PresidentsPresidents

NINTH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Hank Lewis, Local 639, San Vice President Michael S. Luis Obispo, California: It’s Mowrey: I am so humbled my honor to nominate for Vice and honored to be a part of President from the Ninth Dis- the labor movement and the trict a man whose past is Ninth District. And if you were crowded with honor, whose in the caucus of the Ninth Dis- progressive leadership has trict, you know what unity we forged a united and growing have; and I’m sure we have a Ninth District and who’s truly bright future for the IBEW. among the best and brightest in our great union. The unani- mous choice of the Ninth Dis- trict is Michael S. Mowrey.

Nominator Vice President Hank Lewis, Local 639 Michael S. Mowrey

TENTH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Dale McCoy, Local 386, Vice President Robert P. Texarkana, Arkansas: Presi- Klein: We’ve struggled some dent Hill, Secretary-Treasurer in the Tenth District recently, Walters, officers, delegates and I know that we have and guests of this great Con- many challenges ahead of us vention, it is with great pride and hurdles to get over. But and honor that I place into we’re a district—perhaps nomination for the office of small in size, but we’ve got Tenth District Vice President big hearts and we’ve got my friend and a proven leader, great determination. And I Brother Robert P. Klein. know that through it all, we’ll be successful and together, we will overcome the chal- lenges. God bless you. Nominator Vice President Dale McCoy, Local 386 Robert P. Klein

ELEVENTH DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENT

Mike Datillo, Local 1455, St. Vice President Lindell K. Louis, Missouri: It is an Lee: I want to thank the honor and privilege for me to Eleventh District delegates for place in nomination the name their encouragement and con- of a second-generation mem- fidence over the past year and ber who has served the for their confidence in select- Brotherhood for 37 years, our ing me to serve our district for friend and brother, Lindell K. the next five years. This is a Lee, the unanimous choice of great honor for me. I am the Eleventh District. excited and optimistic about the future. 1

Nominator Vice President Mike Datillo, Local 1455 Lindell K. Lee

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 31 Third Day Convention Ratifies Caucus Choice s for International Executive Council Members AFTERNOON SESSION

FIRST DISTRICT IEC MEMBER

John Maraia, Local 363, IEC Member Joseph P. Cal- New City, New York: It is an abro: Brothers and sisters of honor for me to rise at this the First District IEC, I commit 37th Convention of the IBEW to you selfless dedication, and to put the name of Joseph I thank you for giving me the Calabro, business manager of honor to serve you for the Local 1158, Clifton, New Jer- next five years. I promise I sey, in nomination for the First will give you my all. District of the International Executive Council.

Nominator IEC Member John Maraia, Local 363 Joseph P. Calabro

SECOND DISTRICT IEC MEMBER

Bob Morrison, Local 2222, IEC Member Myles J. Boston, Massachusetts: Calvey: President Kennedy Myles Calvey’s willingness to once said, “To whom much is take on the most difficult given, much is expected.” I issues and work tirelessly understand the responsibility until they are resolved benefit of this leadership position and the Second District and all of every one of you has a right the Brotherhood. to expect much from me. I accept the nomination for the IEC for the Second District.

Nominator IEC Member Bob Morrison, Local 2222 Myles J. Calvey

THIRD DISTRICT IEC MEMBER

Dave Moran, Local 306, IEC Member Salvatore J. Akron, Ohio: I know, as well “Sam” Chilia: I want to make as many of you know, how a promise to all of the locals committed Sam is to our from the Third IEC District and great union. It is with great every other delegate in this pride that I place by unani- hall today and your member- mous consent the name of ship. I promise to continue to my brother, my friend, Salva- work with the IBEW team of tore J. Chilia. International Officers to grow this great organization.

Nominator IEC Member Dave Moran, Local 306 Salvatore J. “Sam” Chilia

32 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 e s for International Executive Council Members

FOURTH DISTRICT IEC MEMBER

Larry Farmer, Local 558, IEC Member Jackie E. Sheffield, Alabama: I come Goodwin: When the storm before you to place in nomina- comes and the wind blows, tion a true trade unionist and a the redwoods stand tall man with a mission. This man because they stand together. is a friend of mine and I con- Brothers and sisters, I believe, sider this a great honor and just like the redwood, we can privilege to place in nomina- stand tall and overcome any tion the name of Jackie Good- challenge when we stand win, business manager of together. God bless all the Local 136, Birmingham, delegates and the IBEW. Alabama.

Nominator IEC Member Larry Farmer, Local 558 Jackie E. Goodwin

FIFTH DISTRICT IEC MEMBER

Steve Licari, Local 1, St. I E C Member Stephen Louis, Missouri: Steve Schoe- Schoemehl: It is with tremen- mehl is a 37-year member of dous respect that I stand the IBEW who is a hard-work- before you today as your Fifth ing, honest, dedicated person District representative to the prepared to help lead this great IEC. To the delegates in the Brotherhood into the future. It 154 local unions in the 10 is an honor to place into nomi- states in the district, I want to nation your Fifth District Inter- say thank you for your support, national Executive Council for this honor and the opportu- representative. nity to serve. I will work as hard as I possibly can to fulfill my responsibilities to this office. Nominator IEC Member Steve Licari, Local 1, St. Louis Stephen Schoemehl

SIXTH DISTRICT IEC MEMBER

John Easton, Jr., Local 716, IEC Member Gregory A. Houston, Texas: It gives me Lucero: I want to thank every- great pleasure to nominate body for all they’ve done to Brother Greg Lucero for the get me where I am now. Sixth District IEC. He has Without my staff and the always helped me and my members of Local 66, I defi- membership and he’s a great nitely wouldn’t be able to do asset for the International any of this. They’ve taken the Executive Council. Please join pressure off of me and helped me in supporting Brother me immensely. Thank you all Lucero for the Sixth District very much. IEC.

Nominator IEC Member John Easton, Jr., Local 716 Gregory A. Lucero

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 33 Third Day Convention Ratifies Caucus Choices AFTERNOON SESSION For International Executive Council Members

SEVENTH DISTRICT IEC MEMBER

John O’Rourke, Local 6, San IEC Member Patrick Lavin: Francisco, California: Pat It’s through God’s grace that I Lavin has worked tirelessly find myself extremely and with expertise and dedication profoundly grateful for this for the betterment of this opportunity; and as IBEW Brotherhood. I am proud and journeyman lineman, Card. deeply honored to call him a No. D368190, I proudly friend and brother. It is with a accept this nomination as the great deal of pride that I place IBEW Seventh District Inter- into nomination the name of national Executive Council Pat Lavin for International member. Executive Council member for the Seventh District.

Nominator John O’Rourke, IEC Member Local 6, San Francisco Patrick Lavin

EIGHTH DISTRICT IEC MEMBER

Mike MacDonald, Local IEC Member Rick Dowling: I 1928, Halifax, Nova Scotia: am proud and honored to Rick Dowling is business man- accept this nomination. ager of Local 213, Vancouver, Thanks to the Canadian dele- British Colombia, a very diver- gation who has given me their sified local with more than support. I will give my best 4,000 members, ranging from effort to represent all of our construction, utilities, manu- membership, Canadian and facturing and more. With his American, at the IEC commit- vast experience and his char- tee level. 1 acter as a solid and compas- sionate trade unionist, I am certain he will be a strong voice for Canada and a valued Nominator IEC Member Mike MacDonald, Local 1928 member of the International Rick Dowling Executive Council. Delegates To Other Conventions

AFL-CIO CONVENTION DELEGATES (2) BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES DEPARTMENT Mario Ciardelli, Local 683, Columbus, Ohio CONVENTION DELEGATES (2) John O’Rourke, Michael Byrd, Local 111, Denver, Colorado Local 6, San Francisco, California Michael Monahan, Local 103, Boston, Massachusetts MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DELEGATE (1) UNION LABEL CONVENTION DELEGATE (1) Jack Heyer, Local 158, Green Bay, Wisconsin Brian Heins, Local 1634, Coralville, Iowa

METAL TRADES DEPARTMENT CANADIAN LABOUR CONGRESS CONVENTION DELEGATES (2) CONVENTION DELEGATES (2) Jim Couch, Local 733, Pascagoula, Mississippi Mike MacDonald, Local 1928, Halifax, Nova Scotia Gerald Yuh, Local 1186, Honolulu, Hawaii Ron Stecy, Local 2085, Winnipeg, Manitoba

34 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 International President That’s been bad for all those institutions ments of our economy controlled by like unions, particularly because we’re overseas masters? Edwin D. Hill’s about people first. There’s also a lot of talk about immi- Keynote Address The world is a better place for corpo- gration these days. The subject gets (Continued from page 15) rate executives and investment bankers, twisted. It’s twisted because they want but it is not nearly so welcoming for you to be afraid. All of us are descen- industry was on a downslide, we’ve man- working families. Let’s all understand dants of immigrants. So none of us aged to stay on our feet. Shaky some- where the rule of the elites has taken us. should have a problem with the legal times, but we’re still standing. They’ve put America up for sale. They immigration because that’s how our Our Brotherhood got started in the put a selling price on it. They’re selling it ancestors got their opportunity at a better utility and the construction branches, but off piece by piece. You remember the life and that’s how most of us got our we’ve branched out early into telecom- yelling and the screaming when we opportunity. But where enforcement is munications and manufacturing, railroads, learned that management of some of the nonexistent on the border, then, brothers government and added broadcasting as ports, American ports, was being sold to and sisters, we should have a problem. the technology changes. Our diversity a company in Dubai. They had to call it When we see desperate people from gives us a foothold in areas of fast- off, go backwards. poor countries risking their lives to come emerging technology. It gives us contacts But what about the other smaller here to form a pool of exploited labor, and potential organizing targets where deals that don’t get that kind of attention? then we can’t as a trade union be silent. any facet of our trade is practiced. Our Ever hear of National Grid? It’s not a com- The same economic powers that are density in every one of our core indus- pany that runs a football fantasy league. selling off our country are now clamoring tries is just not good enough. We can do National Grid is a British-owned utility for guest-worker programs and other better; and believe me, with your help, company with other such partial owners measures to pit illegal immigrants against we will. as a Saudi investment company. The native born, worker against worker. It’s an In the IBEW, we have always taken Saudi investment company owns less old game that’s been played many times. pride in the fact that we’re responsible than 5 percent, so they don’t have to It’s been played over and over again. And for our own future. We refuse to use divulge their ownership. National Grid has shame on us if we fall for it. external forces as an excuse. But there’s bought six different companies in New We have a resolution on immigration. no doubt that we’re not isolated from the England and New York, including Niagara We’ll talk about solutions later this week. world as we see it today. The decisions Mohawk, an IBEW-represented utility. But, in the big picture, the only solution is made by those with political power make They’re trying to buy Keyspan in New to change the balance of power in Wash- our lives easier or tougher, depending on York, also represented by the IBEW. If ington, D.C., and get rid of the turkey in who holds the reins. they’re successful, they’ll be the third the White House. We can’t deny that we’ve been living largest utility in the United States with 8 As long as our votes count in this in a changing political and social environ- million customers. And that’s not all. democracy, we can fight for sane policies ment. We don’t try to. Perhaps our gen- Eon, a German company, and Scottish and demand a government that works for eration forgot what it took to win the kind Power, have also been players in the everybody, not just the highest bidders. of lifestyle and the compensation that we American utility market. So that means Our ability to organize goes hand in hand all took for granted. Over time, well- that our chunk of membership now gets with the need to mobilize. We need to financed, right-wing elements patiently their paychecks by overseas owners. mobilize our members to join in orga- took apart our New Deal, our Great Soci- Where does it stop? Take a look at the nized labor’s campaigns to reach out to ety in the United States, and began the national debt. The debt is financed by the unrepresented workers who share our first stages of erosion of Canada’s social sale of government-backed securities. So economic interests. For too long, we’ve system. It isn’t paranoia. It’s been docu- many Americans hold government let the right wing divide us from our mented over and over again in recent bonds. Some of you in the room probably nonunion counterparts, and even many of years. do. But so do foreign nations, $2.4 trillion our own members, through manipulation What they’ve also succeeded in doing worth of bonds in 2005. As of September of social issues. is eroding the sense of community that 2005, Japan held more than $680 billion Now, I’m not going to get into the many North Americans once felt. I com- worth of U.S. Treasury securities; China, social issues, but I have some very plain about this throughout the country as $252 billion; the United Kingdom, $182 strong feelings about them. It’s time for I go around and meet with our local billion; Caribbean Banking Centers, $103 that nonsense to stop. If there’s ever a unions. We have forgotten what it takes billion; our good friends in OPEC, $55 bil- need for working men and women in to belong to all the social clubs that we lion. Now, this is all according to the U.S. North America to identify with each other belonged to when we were growing up, Treasury Department. on working issues as a working class, what it was when the union hall and the George Bush and his party talk about this is it. The attacks on our very way of labor council were the central point of national security. You know, where in the life have gone beyond all sense of reason focus for all working people in the area. heck is the security in having large seg- (Continued on page 86)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 35 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CO NVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006 Fourth Day

President Hill introduced Rabbi Steve Segar of Cleve- land’s Kol HaLev Reconstruc- tionist Jewish Congregation to deliver the invocation. “May we all strive ever more intensely to be representatives of [a] biblical idea, one that is shared by both the Western religious tradition and the modern labor movement,” said Rabbi Segar. “The idea is called solidarity in a political context, while the religious traditions use the expression from the book of Genesis that all people are created in the divine image, to put years of conflict behind us.” American flags, to purchase only flags he said. Either way, “the implication is Morris outlined his company’s ambi- made by American workers in the United clear. We rise together or we fall together.” tious, multi-billion dollar plans to build States.” President Hill asked delegates to clean and efficient power plants that con- President Hill had referred the resolu- observe a moment of silence for former vert domestic coal to gas and described tion back to the Resolutions Committee Texas Governor Ann Richards, who died joint efforts with IBEW to consolidate 33 on the Convention’s opening day. Sept. 13, the previous day, at age 73 from separate labor contracts. (See page 42.) Secretary Arcuri presented delegates throat cancer. Following Morris’ remarks, President with a substitute resolution that also put Michael Morris, president of American Hill called the Resolutions Committee to the IBEW on record urging the govern- Electric Power, was introduced by Presi- the stage. Chairman Marvin Kropke, Los ment of Canada to purchase flags made dent Hill, who said, “Our relationship with Angeles Local 11, introduced the commit- by Canadian workers. The substitute AEP was not always the best, yet Michael tee, beginning with Secretary Mary Jo motion also includes language to support Morris reached out to the Brotherhood Arcuri, Syracuse, N.Y., Local 2213. encouraging the Pledge of Allegiance in and in word and deed immediately started A lengthy discussion focused on Reso- schools, stating, “Instilling patriotism in lution No. 2, our children [in both countries] cannot which called for begin at too early of an age or be overly the IBEW to “go emphasized.” on record as urg- Delegate Kenny Maas, Waterloo, ing the federal Iowa, Local 288, said that for the past government, several years his local, along with the and all others building trades and the Blackhawk who purchase Union Council, have installed U.S. flags and display at each major highway entering Water- loo. “As an ex-Marine and a proud Secretary- 35-year member of the IBEW, I whole- Treasurer heartedly concur with the resolution,” Walters gave a presentation on Maas said. PBF funding. “As a Canadian, I am always moved

36 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 NVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006

President Hill and Secretary Treasurer Walters with Mathias Klein of Klein Tools

Rabbi Steve Segar spoke of solidarity in his invocation.

The officers try on the hats given them by AustralianAustralian union leaderleader PeterPeter Tighe.Tighe.

by the pride and passion with which my reminded delegates that 32 Canadian mended nonconcurrence with Resolution American brothers and sisters pledge troops have been killed in combat No. 6, concerning the IBEW’s coverage allegiance to your flag,” said Paddy against the Taliban in Afghanistan. of medical costs for active and retired Vlanich, Toronto Local 636. Vlanich sup- The substitute resolution passed unan- International Representatives and Officers ported the substitute resolution and imously. The committee’s recommenda- in Canada. urged Canadian delegates to support a tions on Resolution No. 3 (Boy Scouts), Leslie Aylward, Red Rock, Ontario, grassroots campaign for a Canadian Resolution No. 4 (Broadband) and Reso- Local 2041, the initiator of the resolution, pledge of allegiance drawn from lan- lution No. 5 (Buy American and Cana- spoke in opposition to the Resolutions guage in the Canadian Bill of Rights. R.A. dian) were ratified by delegates. Committee’s recommendation, contend- Taylor, Ottawa, Ontario, Local 2228, The Resolutions Committee recom- (Continued on next page)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 37 national secretary of the Communica- tions, Electrical and Plumbing Union of Fourth Day Australia. “We have much in common with our Australian brothers and sisters, MORNING SESSION not the least of which is that they too are fighting politics of the government bent (Continued from page 37) on rolling back the rights of working ing that IBEW’s policies are inequitable men and women,” said Hill, welcoming since the “IBEW pays health care costs to Tighe to the stage. the tune of approximately $17,000 per Tighe recalled the support that his year for U.S. International Representa- union received from the Brotherhood tives and $4,700 per year for Canadian when Texas Utilities, an IBEW employer, International Representatives.” moved into the Australian energy market Paddy Vlanich, Toronto Local 636, seven years ago. He called for more supported the Resolutions Committee cooperation between unions globally, recommendation. Vlanich maintained that including IBEW and Amicus, the British U.S. and Canadian International Repre- electrical workers union. (See page 47.) sentatives should be responsible for pay- Before leaving the stage, Tighe presented ing, in detail, the urgency to support the ing taxes to maintain their nation’s health President Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Law Committee’s recommendation to care systems, without reimbursement Walters with Australian Outback hats and increase PBF contributions by 70 cents from IBEW. “We need to focus our fight rain cloaks, the kind used by the coun- per month on January 1, 2007, $1 per on ensuring that all of the citizens of try’s cattlemen. month on January 1, 2008, and $1 per both our great nations have reasonable The preservation of PBF benefits was month on January 1, 2010. access to the best medical care available, next on the Convention’s agenda, as The Law Committee returned to the not on avoiding the cost of attaining that President Hill called Secretary-Treasurer podium to propose PBF contribution goal,” he said. Walters to the podium. “Much of the dis- improvements. Taking the microphone in Delegates supported the committee’s cussion [at the Convention] has centered favor of the committee’s recommenda- rejection of the resolution. The commit- on taking bold action to preserve the tion, J.E. McElligott, Chicago Local 134 tee’s recommendation on Resolution No. future of the IBEW,” said Walters. “Pro- said, “As the oldest son of a retired elec- 8 (Construction Jobs Board) was affirmed viding needed revenues to better finance trician who’s now celebrating his ninth without debate. the PBF is yet another example of such month of his 16th year on pension with President Hill introduced Peter Tighe, courageous action,” he added, explain- my mother … I hope some day to join Delegates Speak Out: Participants take their turn at the mike to voice opinions.

38 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 Delegates approved an amendment that sets long-standing policy on the eli- gibility of apprentices to hold local union office. The amendment would prohibit any apprentice from holding local union office, except a member who was previ- ously eligible if he entered an apprentice- ship program to upgrade his skills. One delegate spoke in favor of the change, comparing giving apprentices the opportunity to hold office with pro- moting a first grader to school principal. “The apprentice needs education and experience, and if he thinks he has all that, he’s dangerous,” said Local 3 dele- gate Elliott Hecht. An amendment clarifying the duties of the president of railroad local unions was approved. Delegates agreed with the pro- posal to change, which was submitted by Wilmington, Del., Local 2270. The new him in the ranks [of the retired]; and I the current numbering system. But dele- amendment says the president “shall hope he’s still collecting his checks when gates in a voice vote agreed with a dele- cooperate with the business manager of I get there.” Delegates unamimously rati- gate who spoke out against it. the L.U., if the L.U. has one, and shall not fied the Law Committee’s proposal. “The Constitution has a certain impor- work in conflict with him. Where the L.U. Changing the IBEW Constitution’s tant historicity that I feel like we need to has no business manager, the duties nor- numbering of amendments from Roman maintain,” said Everett, Wash., Local 191 mally performed by the business man- to Arabic numerals was rejected by dele- member Joe Peters. “I feel like our mem- ager shall be performed by the president, gates. Submitted by six locals from Mon- bership for decades has been able to uti- who is then both president/business tana, Wyoming, Idaho and Colorado, the lize the Roman numeral system and still manager (except where the Local Union Law Committee concurred, agreeing that have been able to get through the Consti- is affiliated with a Railroad System Coun- it would eliminate confusion caused by tution and use it properly.” cil or has a General Chairman.)” 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 39 or committee member, or from atten- dance at union meetings, for a period of five years, which action had been reviewed and approved by the Interna- Fourth Day tional President and the IEC. Fourth Day Robert Hines, Local 58’s assistant busi- ness manager, spoke in opposition to the AFTERNOON SESSION member’s plea, supporting the finding of the Grievance and Appeals Committee Opening the afternoon session, President Hill thanked delegates that disciplinary action against the mem- ber was warranted. Delegates upheld the who contributed $5,518.73 for Cleveland’s homeless. Karen committee’s decision. Stoshnof, Calgary, Alberta, Local 254, had made an appeal for Case No. 2 was an appeal filed by a member of Everett, Wash., Local 191, the contributions prior to lunch break, asking her fellow dele- who was fined $665 for going to work gates who will leave Cleveland with fond memories to “leave for a signatory contractor without a refer- ral from his local. Convention delegates something behind that’s meaningful.” upheld the fine. Introducing Ken Georgetti, president stage, led by Chairwoman Robbi Sparks, Cases No. 3, 4 and 5 were filed by of the Canadian Labour Congress, Presi- Atlanta Local 2127, and Secretary Mike members of Atlanta Local 613, who were dent Hill pointed to the doubling of the Monahan, Boston Local 103. Sparks fined $6,000 each, all but $1,000 of Canadian federation’s membership during introduced and thanked all committee which was suspended, for participating Georgetti’s 13-year tenure as an example members and praised CIR Director of in an unsanctioned work stoppage at a of Georgetti’s “passionate commitment to Appeals, International Representative General Motors plant. Delegates upheld economic and social justice for working Ricky Oakland for his administrative the fines. people and their communities.” help. Case No. 6 was filed by a former busi- Delegates loudly applauded Geor- Case No. 1 was filed by a member of ness manager of Hartford, Conn., Local getti, who has spearheaded worldwide Detroit Local 58, who was charged under 35, who was removed from office after campaigns against global sweatshop the IBEW Constitution with wronging being sentenced to prison for driving manufacturers and the use of child and another union member and engaging in while intoxicated in a union-owned vehi- forced labor, when he called for a new acts that interfere with the union’s legal cle and striking a car. It was the mem- level of organizing and political action or contractual obligations. The appellant ber’s second conviction for driving while by North America’s trade unions. (See appeared in person to ask the Conven- intoxicated. The Convention upheld the page 42.) tion to set aside his removal from the Brotherhood’s action. President Hill then called the Griev- local’s executive board and his suspen- Introducing Mathias Klein III, the CEO ance and Appeals Committee to the sion from serving as an officer, delegate of Klein Tools, President Hill said, “Since

At left, Resolutions Committee Chairman Marvin Kropke and Secretary Mary Jo Arcuri.

At right, Grievance and Appeals Committee Chairman Robbi Sparks, right, and Secretary Michael Monahan.

40 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 the beginning of this Brotherhood, ‘a pair a reputation for of Kleins has been the tool of the trade.” being union men He praised the company, founded by the or union women,” CEO’s namesake in 1857, as a “testament said Michael Wood, to good management and the skill of Cincinnati, Ohio, American manufacturing workers and the Local 212, arguing trades that they supply.” in favor of the res- Klein said that Mathias Klein and olution. After sev- Henry Miller, the founder of the IBEW, eral other speakers met in 1891 at the Brotherhood’s first echoed Wood’s Convention. “Both the IBEW and Klein sentiments, the have a legacy of leaders who have been combined resolu- courageous, determined, unafraid and tion passed unani- bold,” he said. (See page 47.) mously. The Resolutions Committee returned Resolution No. to the podium following Mathias Klein’s 12 (Support of the remarks. Davis-Bacon Act) Delegates approved the committee’s was amended on a motion by Dion inclusion and full participation for all recommendation on Resolution No. 9 Guthrie, Baltimore Local 1501, including members at every level of the IBEW.” (Construction Local Union Call by Name) municipal governments among govern- “Organizing is, indeed, the lifeblood and Resolution No. 10 (Construction mental bodies that should honor prevail- of labor, yet many of the arteries that Local Union Recall). ing wages. The resolution won would allow women and people of color The committee combined Resolutions unanimous support from delegates. a path to opportunity and success have No. 11 and 34, which “encourages and Resolutions No. 14 and 15 (Diversity been clogged by years of indifference or supports the International President” in and Full Inclusion) were combined. The prejudice,” said Alfred Fortier, Vacaville, negotiating a “proper cause” clause resolution calls for the International Pres- Calif., Local 1245 speaking in favor of the amending current labor agreement lan- ident to devise a strategic diversity plan resolution. The resolution passed with guage that gives contractors the right to for the IBEW membership and to work unanimous support. reject members from employment for any with the Human Services Department to Resolutions No. 16 (Girl Guides of reason. “study, among other things, policies and Canada/Girl Scouts of America), No. 17 “I’ve talked with members who procedures related to recruitment, hiring, (Hour Power), No. 18 (Minimum Wage) decline to serve as stewards or on local access to education, career paths, men- were all approved by delegates without union committees because they were toring and leadership to realize diversity debate, after which the Convention afraid they would be rejected if they had as a core structural element to achieve adjourned for the day. 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 41 CONVENTION SPEAKERS Georgetti: Organize, and Get Organized

Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Georgetti said. “They thought about workplace Labour Congress, praised the IBEW’s rededication issues … and more workers voted in large num- to organizing and offered some words of advice in bers for the party that responded properly to the legislative and political arenas, based on suc- those issues.” cesses by unionists in Canada. Examples of Canadian unionists’ legislative “In Canada over the last five or six years, our successes include a section of the criminal code political activism has scored some victories that holds CEOs and company managers crimi- because we’ve been acting for a change as a nally liable when there’s negligence in the death or movement,” Georgetti told IBEW Convention del- injury of a worker. “You wouldn’t believe how egates. “We win by organizing, but also by being quickly the attitude of management in Canada has organized.” changed,” he said. The skills and know-how that make us so suc- Georgetti also cited protections for workers’ cessful at the bargaining table and in organizing wages and benefits if a company declares bank- campaigns must be knitted into political activism ruptcy, and political finance reform that prohibits during elections and between election campaigns, rich corporations from bankrolling candidates. he said. “We didn’t achieve those legislative victories The CLC has run a worker and public education by being nice or by begging or because the politi- campaign, called the “Better Choice Campaign,” cians loved us,” he said. “We achieved those vic- Ken Georgetti, to focus on such issues as health care, the cost of tories the way unions have always achieved Canadian Labour Congress prescription drugs, pensions and bankruptcy laws, results—by being organized, by being focused, president child care and training opportunities for working consistent, steadfast and pressuring governments families. on behalf of working families. And we did it as a In the targeted districts where the labor move- movement … as a large, solid, united move- ment’s information was distributed, “workers ment.” 1 looked at the party’s position on workers’ issues,”

AEP’s Morris Touts Coal-to-Gas Technology, Cooperation

Michael Morris, president of Ameri- great lessons, and that’s to think before can Electric Power, saluted the work of you speak.” The master contract is in the IBEW members and promoted the need final stage of development. for new energy generation, based upon Serving 5 million customers over 11 coal gasification, in his address to Con- states, from the border of Texas to the vention delegates. border of Canada, AEP is spearheading Underscoring AEP’s improved relation- efforts to develop a 550-mile transmission ship with IBEW, Morris said, “Without our line from West Virginia to New Jersey that product, without what you do, the econ- will be built under a project labor agree- omy of this country can’t exist. Without ment. AEP is planning several facilities you and us working together, we cannot that would convert domestic coal to gas, worship, we cannot educate, we cannot producing cleaner, more efficient power. learn, we cannot communicate.” “We need to build these [clean coal IBEW had pushed Morris’ predeces- plants] and you need to help make sure sor for a master contract to consolidate that happens in a political sense as well 33 separate contracts at AEP. “It made as in a physical sense because you will Michael Morris, American Electric Power so much sense,” said Morris. “[AEP build those power plants,” Morris said to president management] has learned one of life’s loud applause. 1

42 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 To order a copy of this photograph, call, e-mail or write: Mark Segal Photography 711 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 Tel. 312-491-8775 • Fax 312-491-8934 th International [email protected] 37CLEVELAND, OHIO • SEPTEMBER 11-15, 2006 • RHYTHM OF THE PAST, DRUMBEAT OF THE FUTURE Klein Tools Chairman Honors Common Goals

Ever since the very beginning of the Brother- While Mathias Klein worked as a blacksmith hood, “a pair of Kleins” has been the tool of the and locksmith in Chicago in the 1850s, a line- trade, said President Hill, as he introduced Klein man working for the Mississippi Valley Tele- Tools Chairman Mathias Klein III, who told the graph Co., who was laying lines to Chicago, history of his family’s involvement in the electri- walked into Klein’s shop with a pair of pliers, cal trade. broken on one side. On the spot, the craftsman Klein expressed honor and pride to represent fashioned a new piece by hand. The lineman the six generations of family members that was so pleased with the craftsmanship that two have been manufacturing hand tools since weeks later, he asked if Klein could make 1857. “Klein Tools and the IBEW have a long, another half to match. Klein Tools was born. rich history of friendship and common goals,” In 1891, Mathias Klein and Henry Miller, the he said. founder of the IBEW, met at the Brotherhood’s While most family-owned tool companies in first Convention. “Both the IBEW and Klein the United States ceased operation years ago, have a legacy of leaders who have been coura- swallowed up by larger firms or driven under by geous, determined, unafraid and bold,” said global competition, Klein has survived, employing Klein. 1,000 workers producing quality tools for wire- “Unlike our competitors,” said Klein, “our men and linemen in several U.S. plants. Klein products are made in America by American Klein Tools Chairman, credits the company’s survival to his great-great- workers, just like the IBEW—quality labor build- Mathias Klein III grandfather, who left Germany in 1848, looking ing and maintaining America’s infrastructure. In to merge “Old World craftsmanship with New this world of outsourcing to foreign countries to World opportunity.” Those two qualities served save a few dollars, that is something we can be the electrical trade from the beginning. proud of.” 1

Australian Unionist Stresses Common Ground

Australia may be on the other side of Iowa) and CNN’s Lou Dobbs earlier in the world, but the issues of concern to the week could have been delivered to its trade unionists are very much the an Australian audience. same as those in the United States, said “People start to worry about the Peter Tighe, general secretary of the issues of morality, stem cell research Communications, Electrical and Plumb- and abortion; and while they’re impor- ing Union (CEPU), Australia’s leading tant and should be discussed, they’re electrical union. not the main agenda,” Tighe said. “The Australia has been wracked by manu- main agenda for us is the quality of life facturing losses due to the influx of low- for working Australians and their fami- cost Asian goods, and labor unions are lies and I would suggest that’s the getting squeezed by greedy employers major issue for you and your families.” while cynical political parties are taking He urged the continued association advantage of wedge issues to manipu- between his union and the IBEW that late voters. started five years ago, which has helped “Global capital has no loyalty,” Tighe his union with their challenges at home. told IBEW Convention delegates. “It’s On behalf of his delegation, he pre- about how many bucks you can make sented President Edwin D. Hill and Sec- Peter Tighe leads Australia’s and how you can [exploit] workers, and retary-Treasurer John F. Walters with electrical workers union. unfortunately, it’s something that we Australian Outback hats and rain cloaks, have to live with.” the kind used by the country’s cattle- Tighe said the messages delivered to men. 1 the Convention by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 47 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006 Fifth Day

The Convention’s final day began with delegates applaud- ing a video presentation of the week’s highlights. President Hill introduced Rev. Dr. Lau- rinda M. Hafner of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ to deliver the invocation. Dr. Hafner is a well-respected Cleveland leader whose congregation has developed a strong peace and justice mission. be discussed by the body. To expedite the process, he moved that only one “Creator God, help us to build a new speaker in favor of a resolution be recog- world out of the ashes of the old,” said nized from the chair in those cases where Hafner. “A world where all workers are there was no opposition to the resolution valued; one where those who clean from the floor. The body supported the houses are also able to buy houses to motion. live in; a world where those who grow Brad Stokes, Springfield, Mo., Local food can also afford to eat their fill. It 753, rose on a point of personal privilege will be a world where all workers every- to announce the prior day’s death of Rus- where share in the abundance that you The Rev. Laurinda sell V. Strunk, his local’s former business Hafner delivered a have given us.” manager who served as chairman of the message of peace. Delegate J.G. Cross, International Secretary-Treasurer’s Com- Spencer, N.C., Local 312, mittee at the 35th International Conven- order, proposed that the minutes to the took the microphone tion in Philadelphia. President Hill prior day’s proceedings reflect unani- and noted that 25 reso- asked delegates for a moment of mous consent for the substitute resolu- lutions still remained to silence. tion on diversity and inclusion to show Vice President Paul G.E. Kelder, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., its importance and weight. President Hill Witte introduced a news Local 320, noted, on a personal point of noted the request. clip of the Convention’s order, that his business manager, Frank “We have a good friend, who could positive economic not be here with us, but he sent us a impact. Maher, had served 41 years as his local’s business manager and videotaped greeting, and I think you will saluted Maher’s service to recognize him,” said President Hill, intro- the Brotherhood. ducing former President Bill Clinton. Delegate Dan Ru- Describing his friendship with IBEW berry, Chicago, Local leaders and members including IBEW 134, on a point of Political/Legislative Director Rick Diegel

48 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006

Former President Bill Clinton sent a video address.

High-tech back- stage help allowed smooth Convention operations.

PresidentPresident Hill holds a saxo-saxo- phone signed by President Clinton. going back to days before his presidency, As Clinton’s video presentation closed, drawing for the instruments, a book auto- Clinton told delegates, “I’m pleased to a tenor saxophone engraved with his sig- graphed by President Clinton and a dinner note that the IBEW leads the way among nature was brought on stage along with with the former president. Dennis Sander- all unions in the number of members an electric guitar signed by John Fogerty son, Los Angeles Local 11, won the book. who have run for and hold public office.” and an acoustic guitar signed by Little Steve Williams, Daytona Beach, Fla., Local You should be proud of these activists, Feat, both donated by the performers, 756, drew the dinner. The guitar signed by he said, “but equally proud of the rank who entertained members and their fami- Little Feat was awarded to Michelle Laurie, and file, who are leaders in their schools, lies during the Convention. Vancouver, British Columbia, Local 258. D. their churches and their communities.” Over $22,170 was raised in a COPE (Continued on next page)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 49 Jerry Lee, Nashville, Tenn., Local 38’s Sam Local 429, who serves as presi- FFifthifth Day Chilia said the dent of the Tennessee State Convention re-energized AFL-CIO Labor Council, spoke MORNING SESSION Cleveland. in favor of the resolution, emphasizing the need to over- (Continued from page 49) come the damage to the J. Repasky, Anchorage, Alaska., Local national AFL-CIO by the disaf- 1547, won the guitar signed by John filiation of the Change to Win Fogerty. Holding aloft the saxophone, unions. The national AFL-CIO Director Diegel said, “This is one of a lost 40 percent of its revenue kind,” calling out winner Chris Frentzel, and much of its staff, he told Albuquerque, N.M., Local 611. delegates, adding, “If we don’t Laurence Cohen, IBEW general coun- get [staff and support from state sel, was introduced by President Hill who federations and area and central said, “I can truly say that there is no finer labor councils] right this year, I practitioner of labor law today than our shudder to think what the next general counsel and his talented team of omy. Following the viewing, Fourth Dis- two years will bring.” attorneys.” Hill reminded the delegates trict Vice President Paul Witte read the Brian D’Arcy, Los Angeles, Local 18, that Cohen’s 40-year IBEW career has names of the Fourth District Convention spoke against the resolution. “While my included many victories before the Committee, receiving a standing ovation local is 100 percent affiliated with both National Labor Relations Board and four by delegates. the labor councils and the state AFL-CIO, cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Resolutions Committee returned I think that we have said many times at Describing the damage suffered by to the podium. Resolution No. 19 (March this Convention that all politics are local. workers due to the anti-union bent of of Dimes) was ratified. A spirited debate If our per capita is paid to the state asso- governing Republicans, Cohen asked del- kicked off after the committee moved ciations by our International Union, the egates to consider the grave conse- support for Resolution No. 20 (National state associations will be less responsive quences flowing from President Bush’s Affiliation Fee Program/Full Participation to the local affiliates.” The resolution was appointment of 255 judges to the federal with the AFL-CIO). The resolution called approved after a division of the house, courts. When Bush leaves office, said for the IBEW International Office to pay moved by Al Shur, San Diego Local 569. Cohen, he will have appointed almost per capita fees to all state AFL-CIO feder- Delegates supported the Resolutions half of the sitting federal judges. (See ations in the United States on behalf of Committee’s nonconcurrence with Reso- page 51.) local unions. The 100 percent participa- lution No. 21 (National Health Insurance A news segment from WKYC, Cleve- tion rate would entitle IBEW to 15 per- Act) and approved the committee’s rec- land’s NBC affiliate, was displayed on cent discount that would then reduce the ommendation to concur with Resolutions monitors, touting the positive impact of local unions’ mandatory reimbursement No. 22 (National Safety Council), No. 23 IBEW’s presence on the host city’s econ- to the International Office for the fees. (NEAP/NEBF Suspension rules), a substi-

50 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 tute resolution combining Nos. 24, 26, 27 these devices are ticking time bombs in favor of the resolution, stating, “This res- and 28 (NEBF Plan Improvements), Reso- service across this great country and olution would help to ease the burden to lution No. 25 (NEBF Annual Statements) Canada,” he said. our brothers and sisters, as well as to and Resolution No. 29 (NECA Policy). Several resolutions (Nos. 33, 36 and many travelers that travel throughout our Delegates via voice vote approved the 41) generated extended floor debate and country to secure work.” Delegates voted Resolution Committee’s recommendation were decided as reported below. to amend Resolution 33 to make lobby- of concurrence with Resolutions No. 30 Proposed Resolution No. 33 (Reci- ing for reciprocity voluntary on the part (NJATC “Success in the Workplace” DVD procity for Electrical Licensing) called for of local unions. The committee’s recom- Series); No. 32 (Political Check-Off); No. the IBEW to lobby local, state and federal mendation of concurrence was then 35 (Opposition to “Right-to-Work” Legis- legislators to enact laws that would allow approved, as amended, via an initial lation); No. 37 (Safety Involving Work for electrical license reciprocity so that voice vote and subsequently by a stand- Around Porcelain Cut-Out Failures); No. traveling members will not be subjected ing vote. 38 (Sexual Harassment); No. 40 (Univer- to redundant testing. Resolution No. 36 (Safety in the Per- sal Health Care, SAV-RX Program and Delegate Gerald H. Yuh, business formance of Electrical Work) proposes National Health Care Plan); No. 42 (Vari- manager of Honolulu Local 1186, spoke that the NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical ety Club); and No. 43 (Rededication to in support of amending the resolution to Safety in the Workplace—relating to de- Organizing). allow for voluntary participation. Dele- energizing circuits prior to beginning Prior to Convention ratification of Res- gate Gregory B. Graif, president of Le work—be included in Inside Jurisdiction olution No. 37 on porcelain cut-out fail- Sueur, Minn., Local 343, opposed the res- Category I safety language. The commit- ures, delegate James G. “Red” Simpson, olution, stating, “I feel it puts us at an tee recommended nonconcurrence business manager of Lawrence, Mass., advantage to have all states encourage because the language would mandate Local 326, spoke to support the resolu- tough licensing laws, but to stand on compliance. tion. He relayed that a Local 326 lineman their own.” Delegate Mike Bearden, president of was seriously injured because of such a Mike Shoemaker, financial secretary of Nashville, Tenn., Local 429, spoke against cut-out failure. “Sisters and brothers, Washington, D.C., Local 26, spoke in (Continued on next page)

CONVENTION SPEAKERS Cohen: Vote to Protect Your Rights, Advance Labor

An anti-labor Labor Department, a National appointees, issuing major decisions that expand Labor Relations Board lined up against workers employers’ rights at the expense of workers’ and six years of a hostile presidential administra- rights. The National Labor Relations Act—passed tion have placed workers’ rights in severe jeop- to enable workers to organize and bargain collec- ardy, said IBEW General Counsel Larry Cohen in tively—has become a hindrance. The Depart- a sobering address. ment of Labor has altered the rules to impose In the courts and regulatory sphere, the anti- huge new reporting burdens on unions. And the union bent of the governing Republicans has the Occupational Safety and Health Administration capacity to do long-term damage to the rights of has shifted focus from enforcement to “consul- workers, Cohen said. tation” with employers, with increased injury and “The bottom line is that George Bush’s use of fatality rates in the mining industry a direct and the appointment process, in the federal govern- alarming result. ment and the courts, has put the legal rights of But anyone concerned about this unrelenting American workers under siege,” Cohen said. assault on rights of workers has a powerful In his almost six years in office, President weapon to fight back: the vote. “I implore you to Bush has appointed 255 judges to the federal do whatever you must at the local level to make courts, and he has two years to appoint more. It sure that your members are registered and they is possible, Cohen said, that when Bush leaves vote,” Cohen said. “It is vitally important to con- Larry Cohen office, he will have appointed almost half of the vince them to cast their votes based on the eco- IBEW General Counsel sitting federal judges. nomic issues that directly affect their rights as “As we all know, he recently put two new jus- workers and union members—and not on some tices on the U.S. Supreme Court, and we are of the emotional social issues that have no unlikely to get their votes in labor cases that impact on their daily lives but which are so skill- come before the high court,” Cohen said. fully and cynically used against the labor move- The NLRB is stacked with Republican ment by the Republican Party.” 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 51 Secretary-Treasurer Walters with dele- Delegate Victor K. gate Michelle Laurie, Uno, business manager who won a guitar Fifth Day of Dublin, Calif., Local autographed by Little FFeat.eat. 595, spoke in favor of MORNING SESSION the resolution. “We [on the West Coast] are (Continued from page 51) affected by immigration the committee’s recommendation of non- policies tremendously. concurrence, stating, “We need to have But I would like to say the language of Resolution 36 in our con- that we’re very proud of tracts to hold our contractors accountable our members who are for the safety of our brothers and sisters.” immigrants from many David Adamson, business manager of different countries … Austin, Texas, Local 520, spoke in sup- first generation immi- port of the committee’s recommendation grants, as well as our of nonconcurrence. “The current lan- members who come guage in our Pattern Agreement Guides, from second- and third- Article X, is currently sufficient to allow generation IBEW families. …The policy … to place lawbreakers ahead of the mil- each local union’s safety committee the proposed presents a positive and pro- lions trying legally to reach this country. ability to implement more stringent safety gressive view for the IBEW.” … The remainder of the resolution is rules such as NFPA 70E,” he said. The Gerald W. Harlow, business manager completely acceptable.” Delegates passed Convention rejected the committee’s rec- of Charlottesville, Va., Local 1181, spoke the amendment striking the language. ommendation of noncurrence and then in favor of amending the resolution to Romero Garcia Ramos, president of voted to pass the resolution. strike the following language in the Washington, D.C., Local 26, spoke in sup- Several delegates presented view- “Resolved” section: “give undocumented port of the resolution as amended. “I points regarding proposed Resolution workers the opportunity to pursue citi- stand before you today the son of an No. 41, IBEW Policy on Immigration in zenship with emphasis on reunification immigrant, a legal immigrant,” he said. the United States. of families.” Harlow said, “It is unethical “My father came to this country in 1917,

52 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 where he joined the U.S. Army. … that he has a family … all over this coun- Chilia also thanked delegates for their Although he was proud of his Mexican try that supports him and is behind him generous contributions to a collection heritage, he was prouder to be an Ameri- and his family,” Peters said. taken up at the Convention to help the can. … If he could witness what is hap- Delegate Robert A. Farroll, business homeless. Noting that $5,400 was raised, pening on our southern borders today, he manager of Pensacola, Fla., Local 1055, Chilia said the funds raised will go to a would be appalled. The Bush administra- spoke on a point of personal privilege. Cleveland agency that provides shelter tion’s blind-eye policy to illegal immigra- Saying he will lend support and coopera- and food for people in need. tion for the sake of cheap labor can no tion to newly-elected Fifth District Inter- President Hill announced that longer be tolerated.” The Convention rati- national Vice President Joseph S. Davis, $290,000 was raised for COPE at the Con- fied Resolution 41 as amended. Farroll thanked outgoing Vice President vention’s political booth. Taken up next was proposed Resolu- John Schantzen for his leadership. “John As the Convention drew to a close, tion No. 44 on U.S. and Canadian Pension has helped guide our Fifth District in a President Hill announced that “right Equality and Fairness. Daniel Boulet, busi- positive direction of solidarity and fellow- now we’re planning to go to Vancouver, ness manager of Ottawa, Ontario, Local ship,” Farroll said. British Columbia in Canada for our 38th 2228, spoke in support of the Resolutions Third District IEC mem- International Convention in 2011. Committee’s recommendation of noncon- ber Salvatore J. “Sam” “There’s still a lot of details to currence. “It makes no sense to subject a Chilia, business work out and things may retiree’s standard of living to the economic manager of Cleve- change but that’s the plan,” policies of a different country. In fact, had land Local 38, he said. this resolution passed at the previous Con- “We’ve done great vention, the retirees today would be things together here over worse off, not better. … Accepting this the past two weeks,” Presi- resolution today could create a dangerous dent Hill said in closing precedent for the next Convention should remarks. “We’ve worked the Canadian dollar strengthen further.” hard in the business of the No delegate requested to speak in opposi- Brotherhood. We’ve been tion to the committee’s recommendation, entertained and had a lot of fun. and the Convention approved the commit- “We’ve done something else,” tee’s recommendation of nonconcurrence. President Hill said. “We’ve made IBEW Delegates concluded action on the history. We could have shied away from report of the Resolutions Committee and the tough questions and dodged all the President Hill thanked the committee for challenges before us, but together we its good work. showed courage and made decisions Delegate Robert F. “Tiger” Hammond, that are going to set this Brotherhood on business manager of New Orleans Local a course for success and growth and 130, rose to thank International Officers, strength. staff and local unions for their generous “We can’t leave that courage and spirit contributions—from clothes to water, to here in Cleveland,” President Hill contin- food and tools—to aid Gulf Coast region ued. “We’ve got to take it back home and members hit by Hurricane Katrina. inspire the brothers and sisters to follow IBEW officers and members “stepped and get ready to do the hard work it will up big time” to support the IBEW Hurri- take to build a better life for working cane Katrina Relief Fund, Hammond said. men and women in North America and “Thanks to this great IBEW, you guys rose to thank President Hill and all Inter- our other territories. And if we do that, came to the forefront. Y’all were great, national Officers for bringing the 37th brothers and sisters, then history will and we thank you from the whole Gulf IBEW Convention to Cleveland. mark us as the generation that turned Coast region.” “It has meant so much for us in the things around in the IBEW. Delegate Joe E. Peters, president of way of a boost to the economy, as you “We should all remember this: What Everett, Wash., Local 191, rose on a point saw previously on the Channel 3 report we do for ourselves dies with us, but of privilege to announce that a Local 191 … but I can’t tell you what it’s done for what we do for others and for this Broth- delegate, Travis Patterson, had learned the citizens of Cleveland,” Chilia said. erhood will live on forever. Let’s go out just days before the Convention that his “The Clevelanders I’ve seen come alive and carve some immortality for our great eight-year-old son Turner has cancer. with respect of you being here and just union,” President Hill concluded at Con- Peters invited delegates to donate local their energy—you have re-energized so vention’s end. union pins as a gift for the hospitalized many people in this town. I want to say The 37th International Convention child. “We would like to show Turner thank you again.” then adjourned sine die. 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 53 SummarySummary Of Of ConventionConvention ActionAction On All Amendments to the IBEW Constitution and Resolutions at 37th International Convention

tions. The resolution gives the Interna- reported that those in favor of the motion Action on tional President the authority to hire and counted 1,225 to those against, 646. The set the compensation for those organizing amendment carried. Law Committee positions. Several members rose in opposition to A spirited debate arose after the pro- the proposal to amend Article II, Section Report posal was offered to revise Article II, Sec- 9, which would change the reimburse- tion 13 and Article III, Section 3, on the ment system for travel and expenses to Delegates to the 37th IBEW Convention subject of the nomination of delegates to the Convention from a mileage-based sys- began their review of the Report of the Law other conventions including the AFL-CIO, tem to a flat sum of $2,000, with the Committee on Tuesday, September 12, the Building and Construction Trades option that local unions cover additional 2006. Action on the Law Committee Report Department, Metal Trades Department, the expenses. The amendment was rejected. continued on Wednesday, September 13 Union Label and Service Trades Depart- An amendment to Article IV, Section and was concluded Thursday, September ment, the Maritime Trades Department 3(i) and Article VIII, Section 7, on 14. The Law Committee Report was pre- and the Canadian Labour Congress con- trusteeships passed with little discussion. sented by Chairman Michael Fitzgerald of ventions. This proposal ensures that the IBEW will Chicago Local 134 and Secretary John In this proposal, submitted by Interna- not incur financial obligations or liability Marchell of New York Local 3. tional President Edwin D. Hill and Secre- of a local union when the International tary-Treasurer Jon F. Walters, the officers President or the International Executive Delegates signaled their strong support sought to correct what has been an incon- Council exercises its authority to protect for an aggressive growth strategy for the sistent practice of nominating delegates in and advance the interests of local union union with an overwhelming voice vote in the past. members by imposing a trusteeship on a favor of per capita tax increases to pro- The committee concurred and recom- local union. vide resources for the program. mended that the Constitution be amended An amendment to change Article III, Delegates approved an amendment to to give the International President the Section 2, relating to U.S. and Canadian the IBEW Constitution, Article IX, which power to nominate delegates to the con- pension equity, was submitted by Cham- sets a $1.00 monthly per capita increase for ventions, with the International Conven- paign-Urbana, Ill., Local 601; Kapuskasing, each member, starting on January 1, 2007. tion continuing to elect the delegates. Ontatrio, Local 1149; Oshawa, Ontario, A second $1.00 increase will take effect on A voice vote seemed to indicate that Local 1590; and St. John’s, Newfoundland, January 1, 2009, and the last $1.00 increase the amendment was rejected. Acting on a Local 1620. Committee Chairman Michael will take effect on January 1, 2011. request from the floor, President Hill Fitzgerald said the committee referred that Also on Tuesday, the delegates called for a count of standing delegates. amendment to the Resolutions Committee approved an amendment to Article III, The chairman of the sergeant-at-arms for action. The committee report statement Section 11 (s) relating to organizer posi- delivered a tally to President Hill, who said because the proposal requested a

54 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 change in practice regarding the payment contributions to protect the fund’s sol- Section 14, would prohibit any appren- of pension benefits for International Offi- vency and provide enhanced benefits. tice from holding local union office, cers, Representatives, and Assistants of the The ratified PBF amendment, revising except a member who was previously eli- IBEW to Canadian retirees, the submission Articles IX and XI, raises contributions gible if he entered an apprenticeship pro- should be treated as a resolution. by $.70 per month on January 1, 2007; gram to upgrade his skills. The amendment proposing to revise $1.00 per month on January 1, 2008; and An amendment clarifying the duties of Article XXIII, Section 10, regarding trav- $1.00 per month on January 1, 2010. the president of railroad local unions was eling cards, drew several comments from Currently, a member who retires with approved. Delegates agreed with the pro- delegates. The article, submitted by Presi- 20 years of service contributes $2,712 over posal to change Article XVII, Section 1 dent Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Walters, the course of his or her career, resulting in (j), which was submitted by Wilmington, would allow members to return to their a present benefit of $79 per month at Del., Local 2270. The new amendment home local even though they had traveled retirement. The new measure raises total says the president “shall cooperate with to another local and changed their classifi- contributions for a 20-year member to the business manager of the L.U., if the cation. This resolution requires the home $2,995 and provides a payout of $90. L.U. has one, and shall not work in con- local to change the members’ classification The Law Committee Report stated, flict with him. Where the L.U. has no busi- back to the classification held prior to “Although the increased contributions will ness manager, the duties normally transferring from their home local union. not offset the costs of the benefit improve- performed by the business manager shall The committee recommended concur- ment, the Committee believes the combina- be performed by the president, who is rence, and the motion was approved. tion of investment earnings and increased then both president/business manager An amendment to change the portion IBEW “A” membership through the orga- (except where the Local Union is affiliated of the Constitution related to local union nizing efforts will continue to keep the PBF with a Railroad System Council or has a assessments, Article XXV, Section 1, was healthy and make up for any shortfalls.” General Chairman).” adopted by voice vote. A few delegates The resolution gives the International Delegates approved with little discus- spoke in favor of the change, which Executive Council, as PBF fiduciaries, the sion an amendment concerning the would revise the current wording to say, discretion to modify future death benefit appeals of members who have been “If a member, or officer or representative payments only for “A” members enrolled found guilty of misconduct, offenses or of a L.U., is assessed and fails to pay the in the plan after a specified date, if it penalties in violation of Article XXV, Sec- assessment, a lawsuit may be filed to col- becomes apparent that the PBF’s financial tion 12, by the local union trial board. lect the unpaid assessment.” The reason health is jeopardized by a sudden influx The committee statement said the current for the amendment, the Law Committee of new participants who are older than language had led to a misunderstanding reported with its concurrence, is that some expected. by some members that any complaint may state laws now provide that a local union Article IX of the IBEW Constitution be appealed. lawsuit to recover an assessment is not was reorganized under the resolution to Interpretations of the IBEW Constitu- allowed unless the union’s constitution provide for a separate listing of per capita tion for more than 50 years have con- expressly provides for the authority to file taxes paid to the IBEW’s general fund and cluded that only issues arising from local a lawsuit to collect an unpaid assessment. payments by “A” members into the PBF. union trial board actions may be The amendment passed. After the report, several delegates rose appealed. Issues such as a member’s Another amendment sought to revise in favor. No delegates opposed the rights under a collective bargaining agree- Article XV, Section 15, of the IBEW Con- change, which was, in accordance with ment or questions arising out of a mem- stitution, regarding local union reporting the IBEW Constitution, open to discussion ber’s employment status with a local of injury, illness and fatality. The resolu- and voting only by “A” members. union cannot be appealed under this sec- tion requires locals to file reports to the Delegates rejected a proposal to tion. Members may still file complaints International Office providing details of change the Constitution’s numbering of with their International Vice President. accidents that involve members. Because amendments from Roman to Arabic An amendment to Article XXVI, Sec- the IBEW participates in legislative and numerals. Submitted by six locals from tion 7, concerning railroad electrical regulatory activities involving safety and Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Colorado, workers emphasizes the railroad jurisdic- health in workplaces where IBEW mem- the Law Committee concurred, agreeing tion of the IBEW in clear and strong bers are employed, such accident data is that it would eliminate confusion caused terms. The change, which was approved essential to those efforts. The amendment by the current numbering system. But the by the delegates, names wiremen, techni- was adopted. Convention in a voice vote overwhelm- cians, fixture men, armature winders, On Thursday, September 14, after view- ingly voted down the change. meter men, electrical inspectors, switch- ing a presentation by Secretary-Treasurer Delegates approved an amendment board operators, generator, motor and Walters and hearing a Law Committee res- that affirms long-standing policy on the substation attendants, electric crane opera- olution, delegates unanimously supported ineligibility of apprentices holding local tors, cable splicers, signal men and signal increasing Pension Benefit Fund (PBF) union office. The amendment, Article XV, (Continued on next page)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 55 committee’s recommendation of concur- regardless of whether they are from Summary of rence on the combined resolution. Canada or the United States, receive the Resolution No. 2 recognizes the same level of benefits and are treated with Convention Action American and Canadian flags as unique equality and fairness. Therefore, the com- symbols of our two great countries and of mittee recommended nonconcurrence and (Continued from page 55) our basic freedoms. It puts the IBEW on the delegates agreed. maintainers, power, telephone linemen record as urging the U.S. and Canadian Resolution No. 8 relates to the IBEW and repairmen, ground men, electrical rail governments and all others who purchase Construction Jobs Board and proposes grinders, rail bonders, electrical bridge and display American or Canadian flags to that Convention delegates go on record as operators, battery men, radio and telecom- purchase only flags made by workers in recommitting support for it. It calls for all munications workers, inside and outside the respective countries. It advocates legis- local unions with construction jurisdiction electrical maintenance workers, and all lation to encourage school systems to to post and update the Jobs Board on the other electrical workers employed by rail- begin the day with a pledge of allegiance first and third Monday of each month to road companies as railroad electrical to the flag, and to indemnify schools from include the number of referral applicants workers. litigation. Delegates approved the commit- on the out-of-work lists for each classifica- The jurisdiction of railroad workers, tee’s recommendation of concurrence. tion of members, and post all current and according to the amendment, would Resolution No. 3 puts the IBEW on upcoming job information. Delegates include all electrical and communications record in support of the Boy Scouts of approved the committee’s recommenda- work on the property and rights-of-way America and Canada. In view of the Boy tion of concurrence. owned and operated by the railroad com- Scouts’ positive contributions to youth, the Resolution No. 9 puts the Convention panies. The amendment will help facilitate committee recommended concurrence on record in support of the IBEW’s time- a strong working relationship with the and delegates approved. tested standard exclusive referral system IBEW railroad branch and locals in the Resolution No. 4 puts the IBEW on and discourages call-by-name except inside and outside branches. record as supporting deployment of uni- under circumstances deemed acceptable versal, high-speed broadband connec- by the International President and/or tions, which will require a tremendous negotiated by his office with the National Delegate Action work force of trained IBEW members. The Electrical Contractors Association. The resolution calls for access to high-speed committee noted that call-by-name is con- On Resolutions Internet service for all homes, schools and trary to the principles of the IBEW and is businesses. Delegates approved the com- detrimental to the membership and the Delegates began their work Thursday, Sep- mittee’s recommendation of concurrence. entire Brotherhood. The committee rec- tember 14, 2006, on the Report of the Reso- Resolution No. 5 in its original form ommended concurrence. Delegates lutions Committee, presented by Chairman urged the 37th IBEW Convention to go on approved the resolution. Marvin P. Kropke, Los Angeles Local 11, record in support of the “Buy American” Resolution No. 10 relates to construc- and Secretary Mary Jo Arcuri, Syracuse, campaign. To make the resolution all- tion local union recall and proposes that N.Y., Local 2213. The Convention com- inclusive, the committee offered a substi- the Convention go on record in support of pleted actions on the resolutions on Friday, tute resolution [Buy American & Canadian] the International President in negotiating September 15. In order of consideration, proposing that the Convention go on with NECA “optional verbatim language” the disposition of the resolutions consid- record for the continued support of the relative to recall language and the elimina- ered was as follows. campaign and work hard to educate the tion of furloughs. The committee agreed membership on the importance of sup- that it is in the best interest of the mem- Resolution Nos. 1 and 31 deal with porting American and Canadian union- bership, as well as contractors, to have renewable energy sources and were com- made products. Delegates approved the standardization of Category 1 Recall Lan- bined by the committee. The combined substitute resolution. guage and discourages local union negoti- resolution puts the IBEW on record in Resolution No. 6 pertains to the reim- ation of recall language until such time as support of alternative energy sources and bursement for health care benefits for the IBEW and NECA come to a formal nuclear energy. It proclaims that IBEW Canadian international officers and staff. agreement addressing this issue. Delegates members will be on the forefront of these While the committee agreed with the con- rejected the committee’s recommendation evolving technologies and will take a cept that all officers and representatives of concurrence. major role in the production, installation should be treated with equality and fair- Resolution Nos. 11 and 34 pertain to and maintenance of the new alternative ness, it found this resolution confusing as construction local unions’ “right to reject” energy supplies and distribution networks. to what particular issue(s) the submitting and were combined by the committee. The resolution also expresses support for local unions were attempting to address. These resolutions address abuses that steps to expand the safety and utilization In researching this matter, the committee have occurred under the current Category of nuclear power. Delegates approved the found that all officers and representatives, 1 Language, which gives a contractor the

56 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 right to reject a member without a reason the Web site. It urges all locals to add through the passage of legislation. How- or justification. The committee stated that IBEWhourpower.com as a link to their ever, in researching HR 676, the commit- a contractor should provide justification Web site, and to order Hour Power mate- tee concluded that the total ramification of for rejection anytime the contractor rials for display at the union hall and dis- HR 676 must be understood before it can refuses employment to an IBEW member, tribution on the jobsite. The committee be endorsed by the IBEW. The committee especially if the member has never notes that the recently introduced Hour recommended nonconcurrence. The dele- worked for that contractor. The committee Power Web site has made outstanding gates approved the committee’s recom- statement encourages and supports Presi- progress in improving communications mendation of nonconcurrence. dent Hill in his efforts to negotiate revised among construction branch members and Resolution No. 22 puts the Conven- Category 1 Language that eliminates this recommends expanding it to all IBEW tion on record as recommending to all injustice. The committee supported con- branches. Delegates approved the com- local unions that they affiliate and partici- currence, and delegates agreed. mittee’s recommendation of concurrence. pate in the affairs of the Labor Division of Resolution Nos. 12 and 13, which Resolution No. 18 supports an the National Safety Council. Delegates pertain to support of the Davis-Bacon Act, increase in the minimum wage and calls approved the committee’s recommenda- were combined by the committee. The for the IBEW to continue its work at the tion to concur. combined resolutions support the IBEW’s state and local levels to enact new mini- Resolution No. 23 addresses the continued fight to oppose repeal of the mum wage and living wage measures, NEAP and NEBF suspension rule. It deals Davis-Bacon Act or any state or local level and to continue working for legislation to with the suspension of a NEBF recipient’s prevailing-wage statutes. The committee raise the federal minimum wage. The res- benefit when actively organizing on behalf urged the continued fight for the Davis- olution was adopted. of an IBEW local union. The committee Bacon Act, even in the face of a national Resolution No. 19 puts the IBEW on statement agrees with the intent of the res- disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, and record in support of efforts of the March olution and requests the IBEW NEBF recommended concurrence with the com- of Dimes. Delegates approved the com- trustees to do everything within their bined and amended resolutions. Delegates mittee’s recommendation to concur. power to negotiate an amendment to the agreed. Resolution No. 20 regards full partici- suspension of benefits clause. Delegates Resolution Nos. 14 and 15 address pation with the AFL-CIO’s National Affilia- approved the committee’s recommenda- the importance of diversity and full inclu- tion Fee Program (NAFP), and full tion of concurrence. sion within the IBEW. The committee affiliation of all IBEW local unions with Resolution Nos. 24, 26, 27 and 28 combined the resolutions and proposed a the state AFL-CIO federations. The resolu- dealing with NEBF were combined by the substitute resolution that covers the tion calls for IBEW participation in NAFP, committee. The substitute resolution essence of both. The substitute resolution whereby the I.O. pays the per capita to all requests that International officers open calls for the IBEW’s reaffirmation of its state federations in the United States on discussions with NECA to implement by commitment to full participation, inclusion behalf of its local unions to affiliate at the all means legally and actuarially sound an and equality for all members through goal 100 percent level, and in turn, receives a increase in the NEBF contribution rate to 5 setting, education and outreach programs. 15 percent discount on the payment. It percent effective Jan. 1, 2007, or as soon It calls for the IBEW to devise a strategic calls for the I.O. to charge its local unions thereafter as practical. Additionally, the diversity plan to achieve full participation the sum of the full per capita payment to resolution calls for the NEBF to pursue a for all members at every level of the the respective state federation, and refund cost analysis to determine the feasibility of IBEW; and to achieve greater visibility for the 15 percent savings with an end-of-the- increasing the current defined pension African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Pacific year payment to all IBEW local unions in benefit; and that the NEBF pursue a cost Americans, Native Americans, women and the United States. It further calls for the analysis to determine the feasibility of pro- other underrepresented groups. Delegates IBEW to work with the AFL-CIO National viding a monetary payout to participants’ approved the committee’s recommenda- Building and Construction Trades Depart- children and/or estate in the event the tion of concurrence with the substitute ment to develop a similar national pay- participant dies without a surviving resolution. ment program for full affiliation for local spouse. The resolution further calls for Resolution No. 16 puts the conven- unions. Delegates approved the commit- cost analyses to determine the feasibility tion on record in support of the Girl tee’s recommendation to concur. of providing a benefit increase to current Guides of Canada and the Girl Scouts of Resolution No. 21 calls for delegates NEBF retirees, adding an “Early Retire- the United States of America. The resolu- of the Convention to go on record in sup- ment Option at age 60.” and reducing tion was approved. port of proposed legislation HR 676, the early retirement penalties. Finally, the res- Resolution No. 17 pertains to the U.S. National Health Insurance Act. The olution puts the 37th Convention on IBEW Hour Power Web site and puts the committee agreed with the basic intent of record commending International Presi- Convention on record urging members to the resolution and that the health care dent Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Jon Wal- ensure the continued success of issue is one that cannot be resolved at the ters for their efforts in securing a better, IBEWhourpower.com by participating on bargaining table and must be addressed (Continued on page 84)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 57 Convention Committees Prior to the opening of an IBEW Convention, cient conducting of business. Below are the dele- several committees meet to review important mat- gates who gave of their time to serve on committees ters and prepare the reports necessary to the effi- for the 37th International Convention.

Law Committee members, seated from left, are Sweeny, Ranghelli, Secretary Marchell, Chairman Fitzgerald, Datillo, and MacDonald. Back row from left, are Koerschner, D’Arcy, McAlister, Riley, Seay, Bell and Byrd.

Law Committee

Name L.U. City/State Name L.U. City/State Michael Fitzgerald, Chairman 134 Chicago, Ill. Michael P. MacDonald 1928 Halifax, Nova Scotia John E. Marchell, Secretary 3 New York, N.Y. N. Dan McAlister 295 Little Rock, Ariz. Joel D. Bell 769 Phoenix, Ariz. Ralph F. Ranghelli, Jr. 1049 Long Island, N.Y. Michael A. Byrd, Sr. 111 Denver, Colo. William W. Riley 349 Miami, Fla. Brian D’Arcy 18 Los Angeles, Calif. Gary Seay 816 Paducah, Ky. Michael A. Datillo 1455 St. Louis, Mo. Rita L. Sweeny 2313 Braintree, Mass. Robert E. Koerschner 219 Iron Mountain, Mich.

Resolutions Committee members, seated from left, are Guillot, Maraia, Secretary Arcuri, Chairman Kropke, Graham and Farmer. Back row from left, are Granberg, Plumbo, Prizmich, Chamberlain, Laurie, Eaton and McCoy.

Resolutions Committee

Name L.U. City/State Name L.U. City/State Marvin P. Kropke, Chairman 11 Los Angeles, Calif. Don C. Guillot 77 Seattle, Wash. Mary Jo Arcuri, Secretary 2213 Syracuse, N.Y. A. Michelle Laurie 258 Vancouver, British Columbia Laurence D. Chamberlain 681 Wichita Falls, Texas John Maraia 363 New City, N.Y. Tiler F. Eaton 104 Boston, Mass. Dale McCoy 386 Texarkana, Ariz. James L. Farmer 558 Sheffield, Ala. Joseph V. Plumbo 23 St. Paul, Minn. Charles E. Graham 26 Washington, D.C. Jim Prizmich 708 Denver, Colo. Gerald A. Granberg 347 Des Moines, Iowa

58 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 Grievance and Appeals Committee members, seated from left, are Couch, Chairman Sparks, Secretary Monahan and Sickles. Back row from left, are Nees, Hager, Kastner, Stroup, Yuh, McNamara, Carl, Unikas and Shaffer.

Grievance and Appeals Committee

Name L.U. City/State Name L.U. City/State Robbi J. Sparks, Chairman 2127 Atlanta, Ga. Pat A. Nees 1638 Colstrip, Mont. Michael P. Monahan, Secretary 103 Boston, Mass. Paul J. Shaffer 474 Memphis, Tenn. Ryle J. Carl 1116 Tuscon, Ariz. Wally Sickles 71 Columbus, Ohio James W. Couch 733 Pascagoula, Miss. Edward W. Stroup, III 1289 Lakewood, N.J. Mark D. Hager 714 Minot, N.D. John K. Unikas 420 Waterbury, Conn. Ronald E. Kastner 21 Downers Grove, Ill. Gerald H. Yuh 1186 Honolulu, Hawaii Bruce G. McNamara 1687 Sudbury, Ontario

International President’s Report Committee members, seated from left, are Webster, Chairman Dougherty, Secretary Jones, Dreisel and Joyce. Back row from left, are Heinz, McLaughlin, Thornhill, Lavin, Fulmer, Bodell, Bruemmer and Leach. International President’s Report Committee

Name L.U. City/State Name L.U. City/State John Dougherty, Chairman 98 Philadelphia, Pa. Robert Joyce 15 Downers Grove, Ill. Ronald W. Jones, Secretary 659 Medford, Ore. Lloyd Lavin 226 Topeka, Kan. Bob Bodell 449 Pocatello, Idaho Thomas Leach 126 Philadelphia, Pa. Donald Bruemmer 257 Jefferson City, Mo. Michael McLaughlin 2126 Fredericton, New Brunswick Gail Dreisel 1386 Newburyport, Mass. Harrison Thornhill 824 Tampa, Fla. Scott Fulmer 772 Columbia, S.C. Lloyd Webster 45 Hollywood, Calif. Glen Heinz 1352 Louisville, Ky.

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 59 Convention Committees International Secretary-Treasurer’s Report Committee members, seated from left, are Logan, Marshall, Secretary Boulet, Chairman O’Rourke, Pace and Farmer. Back row from left, are Salazar, McCombs, Stecy, Langley, Pusateri, International Secretary-Treasurer’s Report Committee Guthrie and Addy.

Name L.U. City/State Name L.U. City/State John O’Rourke, Chairman 6 San Francisco, Calif. Charles Marshall, Jr. 948 Flint, Mich. Daniel Boulet, Secretary 2228 Ottawa, Ontario Richard McCombs 261 Groton, Conn. Danny E. Addy 83 Binghamton, N.Y. Mike Pace 1077 Bogalusa, La. Roger Farmer 934 Kingsport, Tenn. Peter Pusateri 1269 San Francisco, Calif. Dion Guthrie 1501 Baltimore, Md. Felipe Salazar 960 El Paso, Texas Lawrence K. Langley 768 Kalispell, Mont. Ronald Stecy 2085 Winnipeg, Manitoba Gregory Logan 545 St. Joseph, Mo.

International Executive Council Report Committee members, seated from left, are Perry, Wagnon, Emery, Secretary Casey, Chairman Chalovich, Hudson and Gant. Back row from left, are Jones, Hammel, Bell, Rivara, Sabol International Executive Council’s Report Committee and Kuehl.

Name L.U. City/State Name L.U. City/State John Chalovich, Chairman 5 Pittsburgh, Pa. James Jones 898 San Angelo, Texas Joseph Casey, Secretary 490 Dover, N.H. Mark Kuehl 804 Kitchener, Ontario Larry Bell 1547 Anchorage, Alaska Michael Perry 1499 Chelsea, Mass. Robert Emery 429 Nashville, Tenn. Dominic F. Rivara 51 Springfield, Ill. Edward Gant 351 Folsom, N.J. Fred Sabol 986 Norwalk, Ohio Daniel Hammel 704 Dubuque, Iowa Alan Wagnon 391 Gadsden, Ala. Scott Hudson 532 Billings, Mont.

Finance Committee Members Finance Committee members, seated from left, are Pirrello, Secretary Shur, Chairman Briegel, Lira and Cockcroft. Back row from left, are Murdoch, Miller, Johnson, Duffey, May, Grunwald, Burge and Guertin.

Finance Committee

60 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 Sergeant- At-Arms Committee members. Standing front row from left, President Hill, Chairman Melville, and Secretary- Treasurer Walters.

Sergeant-at-Arms Committee

Name L.U. City/State Name L.U. City/State Raymond Melville, Chairman 3 New York, N.Y. Harvey Humphrey 415 Cheyenne, Wyo. Donald Adams 505 Mobile, Ala. Arthur G. James 769 Phoenix, Ariz. Randall Albin 2286 Beaumont, Texas David Jones 357 Las Vegas, Nev. Guilherme Alexandre 1203 Pawtucket, R.I. Don Kaczka 1919 Pittsburgh, Pa. James Avery 1340 Newport News,Va. Bob Kasper 31 Duluth, Minn. Michael Baker 814 Sedalia, Mo. Kevin Kearns 2011 Calgary, Alberta Lou Baram 102 Paterson, N.J. Victor Keller 1856 Havre, Mont. Marc Bernsen 291 Boise, Idaho Thomas G. Koehler 160 Minneapolis, Minn. Jack Buckhorn 551 Santa Rose, Calif. Geary Larson 1007 Edmonton, Alberta James Burgham 64 Youngstown, Ohio Hank Lewis 639 San Luis Obispo, Calif. Wally Chudo 2034 Winnipeg, Manitoba Michael Long 1613 Kansas City, Mo. George Clain 300 Montpelier, Vt. Ronald Lundien 95 Joplin, Mo. Patrick M. Clary 995 Baton Rouge, La. James Lynch 53 Kansas City, Mo. David Clay 2295 Los Angeles, Calif. Gregory Masie 612 Wheatland, Wyo. Stephen Claypatch 292 Minneapolis, Minn. Austin McCann 3 New York, N.Y. Cordell Cole 625 Halifax, Nova Scotia William McGowan 2323 Cranston, R.I. James Davis 271 Wichita, Kan. Michael Meals 617 San Mateo, Calif. Robert Emery 429 Nashville, Tenn. Robert Neely 1902 Charlotte, N.C. Michael Everett 34 Peoria, Ill. Carl Neutzling 688 Mansfield, Ohio Larry Franklin 2220 Lexington, Ohio James Pendergrass 283 Boise, Idaho Scott Fulmer 772 Columbia, S.C. Cindy Pereira 1523 Wichita, Kan. David Gainforth 2228 Ottawa, Ontario Glen Petznick 1525 Omaha, Neb. Robert F. Hammond 130 New Orleans, La. Randall Pierce 2337 Fairfield, Texas Mark Hansen 3 New York, N.Y. Richard Raymond 486 Worcester, Mass. Jay Harris 1537 Winston-Salem, N.C. Shane Roberts 1926 Philadelphia, Pa. J. Bobby Hayes 1193 Atlanta, Ga. George Rocha 1548 San Marcos, Texas Donald Hoak 459 Johnstown, Pa. Jeff Rosentreter 1749 New Johnsonville, Tenn. Philip Horrell 1096 Blairsville, Pa. Ricardo Sanchez 589 Jamaica, N.Y. John Sardo 35 Hartford, Conn. Name L.U. City/State John Schepens 988 Sidney, Mont. John Briegel, Chairman 254 Calgary, Alberta Diana Schmidt 1060 Sheboygan, Wis. Allen Shur, Secretary 569 San Diego, Calif. Robert Shelton 444 Ponca City, Okla. Clinton Burge 265 Lincoln, Neb. Daniel Sherman 2150 Milwaukee, Wis. Donald Cockcroft 776 Charleston, S.C. Antero Silva 1274 Warwick, R.I. Dennis Duffey 8 Toledo, Ohio Randy J. Stainbrook 1250 Rapid City, S.D. Mike Grunwald 76 Tacoma, Wash. Barry D. Stevens 353 Toronto, Ontario Vince Guertin 949 Burnsville, Minn. A. C. Stillman 340 Sacramento, Calif. Roger Johnson 208 Norwalk, Conn. Frank Telesz 712 Beaver, Pa. Paul E. Lira 304 Topeka, Kan. Larry Tscherne 245 Toledo, Ohio Albert May 605 Jackson, Miss. Edwin Warren 2144 Rumford, Maine Todd Miller 354 Salt Lake City, Utah James Weldon 728 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Brian Murdoch 435 Winnipeg, Manitoba Jackson Wells 50 Richmond, Va. Robin Pirrello 1637 Erie, Pa. Michael Yarbrough 302 Martinez, Calif.

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 61 DistrictDistrict PhotographsPhotographs

All district photos may be ordered through www.ibew.org.

1st District—Canada

2nd District—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

62 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 3rd District—Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania

4th District—Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia

5th District—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 63 District Photographs

6th District—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin

7th District—Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

8th District—Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming

64 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 9th District—Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Pacific Islands

10th District—Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

11th District—Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 65 Pre-ConventionPre-Convention Conferences on serious issues, a display of union pride and light- hearted social gatherings marked the days before the Convention. AActivitiesctivities The actual business of an IBEW Convention is only part of the scene at these massive gatherings. Delegates and guests also meet in conference to discuss important issues affecting working people and take time to renew the bonds of solidarity by simply getting to know each other better. The many facets of the IBEW were on display in Cleveland from September 8-10. The following pages show the IBEW in all its range, depth and diversity in the days leading up to the opening gavel of the Convention. 1 Electrical Workers Minority Caucus

Political Conference Expo

Women’s Conference Block Party

66 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FRIDAY, SEPT. 8, 2006 Political Conference Inspires, Motivates Convention Delegates Delegates to the 37th Interna- tional Convention came to Cleveland ready to play their part in a tumultuous national political scene on the brink of what could be a watershed change in Congress and state houses across America. IBEW speakers and political candidates stoked the excite- At right, U.S. ment of nearly 500 of the Rep. Linda Sanchez, a Los IBEW’s most faithful political Angeles Local activists two months before 11 member, pushes a vote Election Day at the 2006 to raise the minimum IBEW Political Conference. wage. Below, “November 2006 is about putting President Hill urged union America and our labor movement onto members to the road of recovery from the sick poli- mobilize for tics of greed that have deformed and the election. defiled the world’s most powerful nation,” IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill told the audience. “If you 50 years—hasn’t been raised are angry and ready to work like there’s in 10 years. no tomorrow, you’re in the right place.” President Hill urged the One of America’s most hotly contested audience to recruit members electoral battlegrounds is Ohio. Con- who may have lost sight of gressman and U.S. Senate candidate Sher- the value of political action. rod Brown energized the delegates as he Secretary-Treasurer Jon Wal- discussed the fundamental philosophical ters said IBEW members differences between himself and incum- polled recently gave a dis- bent Sen. Mike DeWine. mal 29 percent approval rat- “Last year the CEO of ExxonMobil ing to President Bush. made $17,000 an hour but the minimum “The fact is that our wage earner in Ohio struggling to fill up members represent the a tank of gas made $11,000 a year,” political heart of this nation—men and darity,” Walters said. “But that dream is Brown said. The federal minimum women who have worked their way into under siege today, with downward pres- wage—now at $5.15 an hour and at its the American dream, using the tools of sure on real wages and benefits, from lowest inflation-adjusted earning level in our trade and the strength of their soli- (Continued on next page)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 67 SecondSecond from left, Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Jerry O’Connor

Jennifer Retired Brunner member Mary seeks Jane Lambert the Ohio secretary of state seat.

defunct Ottawa, of IBEW Local 441 in Santa Ana, noted Ohio, Local 1654, that Ohio has lost 200,000 manufacturing Political Conference spoke on behalf of jobs in the last five years, making it the (Continued from page 67) the group of 250 state with the most job loss in the coun- health care to pensions. By and large, retirees who lost their health insurance try. She was also critical of the Republi- that downward pressure is coming from after the L.G. Philips picture tube plant can leadership’s attempt to tie the recent the top—political leaders beholden to declared bankruptcy following a joint ven- bill to raise the minimum wage to one rich corporate benefactors who have ture with another company. When they eliminating estate taxes for the richest their own vision of the petitioned their two senators, DeWine and Americans. American dream, George Voinovich, both Republicans, for “Workers should not have to wait for where the middle assistance, they were given the runaround Paris Hilton to get a tax break to get a class is not impor- and ultimately, no assistance. raise,” said Sanchez, who is likely to eas- tant.” Ohio secretary of state candidate Jen- ily win election to her third term this fall. Mary Jane Lam- nifer Brunner said the current man in that Third District Vice President Don bert, retired IBEW job, Ken Blackwell, used his office and Siegel introduced IBEW member Charles member of now- title to campaign illegally for President Dertinger, who is running for Congress in Bush. He is under federal investigation the 15th District of Pennsylvania. for that. She urged Cuyahoga County res- Dertinger is opposing a staunch Republi- idents to vote by absentee ballot to can conservative in the district which has ensure a verifiable paper record of their voted Democratic in the last three presi- vote, as opposed to using Diebold elec- dential elections. tronic voting machines, whose results “Go get ‘em Charlie,” shouted a con- have been inconsistent and impossible ference participant, as Dertinger—a to verify. member of New York Local 3—rose to Brown seeks to capture a Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), speak. “We’ve heard a lot of bad news U.S. Senate who is a member today, but I have some good news for seat in Ohio.

68 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW National Political Coordinator Roger Clyde

Local 3 member Cincinnati Local CCharlesharles 212 member Bill DertingerDertinger Cunningham is isis runningrunning mayor of Secretary-Treasurer for Congress. Jon Walters Lawrenceburg, Ind.

International U.S. Rep. Sherrod Secretary Brown, left, greets Emeritus IBEW Political JacJackk Moore Director RicRickk Diegel.

Rifle Association; 37 percent have some union experi- ence. “We’re focusing on citizens who are now being ignored by the Republican and Democratic parties, she said. Also addressing the political confer- ence were Bill Cun- ningham, a retired Cincinnati, Ohio, IBEW Local 212 business manager who serves as you,” said Dertinger, explaining how, munity-based organizing effort, described mayor of Lawrenceburg, Ind.; Larry Clark, with the support of organized labor, he the success of the group’s recruitment former business manager of Louisville, waged a successful write-in campaign to and asked for support from IBEW locals. Ky., IBEW Local 369, the Democratic get on the ballot in November. His story Polling of the target population shows leader of the Kentucky House of Repre- was featured in the September 2006 issue that 70 percent consider themselves mod- sentatives; Congressman Tim Ryan (D- of the Journal. erate or conservative; 75 percent lack col- Ohio) and Bob Powers, senior director of Irasema Garza, national political direc- lege degrees; one-third are born-again legislative programs at the Nuclear tor of Working America, AFL-CIO’s com- Christians; one-third support the National Energy Institute. 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 69 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FRIDAY, SEPT. 8, 2006 Women’sWomen’s Conference Conference IBEW Women’s Conference Showcases Strong Union Spirit

IBEW’s women International Representatives President Hill answered questions The IBEW Women’s Confer- dent Hill said. “Together from the audience. we can create a new ence showcased a spirit of future by standing shoulder to shoulder to solidarity and sisterhood by face the challenges the more than 200 delegates ahead and build a stronger union.” and guests who attended. Secretary-Treasurer Walters said women In his address to the delegates, Presi- can achieve great goals dent Hill recognized the contributions of in the IBEW. “Women strong women union members and urged have a place everywhere in the IBEW,” opened the conference floor to dele- them to continue to organize, lead within Walters said. “I believe there’s power to gates for a question-and-answer session their local unions and participate in polit- spare in this room. We need you to with President Hill. ical action. move this union forward. We need you Topics discussed in the session “Stand tall, stand together with courage to help us expand our ranks.” included mentoring for women at the and commitment IBEW Human Services Department local level, organizing, combating out- to move for- Director Carolyn Williams invited 14 sourcing and encouraging more women ward,” Presi- women who serve as IBEW Interna- to enter the trades. tional Representatives, as well as Execu- “The IBEW is going to grow,” Presi- tive Assistant to the International dent Hill concluded, “and we need you President Liz Shuler, to to put on the straps and help us get the stage for special recognition. Royetta done what needs to be done.” Sanford, former Human Services Guest speaker Elise Bryant, National Department director was recognized Labor College faculty member, paid trib- as “one of the giants.” ute to “all the sisters who broke into the Shuler noted that President Hill trade and blazed a path.” has appointed “more women and IBEW Education Director Jan Jan Schwingshakl minorities for staff positions than any Schwingshakl made an instructive pre- gave a talk on other International President.” She then sentation on conflict resolution. interpersonalinterpersonal communications.

70 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FRIDAY, SEPT. 8, 2006

Secretary-Treasurer Walters said women belong in all facets of the IBEW.

IIBEWBEW IInternationalnternational Human Assistant to Services the President Director Liz Shuler Carolyn Williams

Connie Elise Bryant, Schultz, National journalist Labor and College author

IIBEWBEW International Representative Carmella Cruse

IBEW International Representative “It is so important this year that women Florida. “Sisters are leading the way,” Sherilyn Wright, Political/Legislative step up for the 2006 elections,” Schultz Cruse said. “It’s going to take every last Affairs Department, spoke about the crit- said, adding that she has seen “more one of us to stand up together, shoulder ical importance of 2006 midterm elec- women organizing in Ohio this year to shoulder,” in the fight to organize. tions and introduced the next guest than ever before.” “Sisters are doing it for ourselves and speaker, Pulitzer Prize winner Connie “Women have stood up and stepped for others who are struggling for good Schultz, author and columnist for the up,” Shultz said. union jobs,” Cruse said. Cleveland Plain Dealer. Schultz is the The final speaker was IBEW Interna- In closing remarks, Williams told the wife of Ohio Senate candidate Sherrod tional Representative Carmella Cruse of the delegates, “We all walk in the shoes of Brown. Membership Development Department. those who went before and we are lay- Schultz praised what activist women Cruse spoke of recent success in the ing the footprints for those who will fol- and organized labor have accomplished. IBEW’s ongoing organizing campaign in low.” 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 71 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SATURDAY, SEPT. 9, 2006 Minority Caucus Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Confronts Issues of Changing Work Force

The meeting of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus combined healthy servings of inspiration, advice, honors for fighters of the past and dialogue to recruit the leaders of the future. Fourth District Vice President Paul Witte welcomed the EWMC to Cleveland, drawing applause when he said, “Each of us is unique. Each of us possesses talent. We must pool that talent and make it work for us.” Carolyn Williams, IBEW Director of Human Services, recounted how she first became involved in the caucus in 1996 and come to know “its vital role as one of the most inclusive organizations in the Los Angeles labor movement today.” after describing the current situation fac- Local 11 ing working families, he said, “Brothers President Hill described how—out of Diana all the meetings that he attends—the and sisters, this is not about the color of Limon EWMC always guarantees enthusiasm one’s skin. It’s not a black and white, and spirit. “Let no one doubt that the brown and yellow issue. It’s about the IBEW does not have the time or the haves and the have-nots.” patience for anyone who clings to the EWMC President Robbi Sparks intro- old ways of doing business, especially duced one of the founders of the EWMC, when those ways are not just useless but Gus Miller of Portland, Ore., Local 48, to downright harmful to any of our people a standing ovation. Miller was a pioneer and to our goals of progress and excel- for equal rights in the Brotherhood. lence. We are not going to The meeting turned into a classroom— “I have been an organizer in the Puget tolerate that,” said President with rich student participation—when Sound region for many years,” said Local Hill to loud applause. Ninth District International Representatives 191 member Darrell Chapman, Everett, Secretary-Treasurer Jon Keith Edwards, Juanita Luiz and Brian Wash. “We have much experience orga- Walters drew cheers when, Ahakuelo led a workshop that challenged nizing women and people of color. But attendees to understand the nature of most of them spoke English. We have to Detroit Local 17 diversity in the IBEW. They noted that dif- Vice President get multi-lingual training now if we are Lamar Williams ferent generations have varying atti- going to organize in the future.” tudes toward labor and social In a panel addressing cultural differ- issues, and how approaches to ences, John Easton Jr., business manager organizing must take these of Houston, Texas, Local 716, described viewpoints into account. his childhood in public housing in a

72 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 San Francisco IBEW equal Local 6 member rights pioneer, Chantel Childs Portland, Ore., Local 48 mem- ber Gus Miller

Secretary- Treasurer Walters

Local 134 member Lionel Kelley

Russ Ponder, EWMC President Robbi Sparks and President Hill

Houston Local 716 Business Manager John Easton JrJr..

EWMC officers Victorictor Uno,Uno, Russ Ponder and Harry Sorrell

President Hill

poor white neighborhood in Ohio, sepa- rarely do exit interviews when appren- ongoing problems in recovering from rated by railroad tracks from the neigh- tices leave us,” says Greenhill. Leaders Hurricane Katrina and expressed their boring black community. “No matter need to learn how to make the environ- gratitude for the IBEW’s support. what color we were, we were all poor,” ment more inviting for newly-organized Sparks presented Resolution No. 14, says Easton. members, he said. which was put before delegates at the Larrry Greenhill Sr., vice president of Jane Templin of Los Angeles Local 11 Convention, providing for a strategic Washington, D.C., Local 26 and one of praised the leadership of her local, under goal-setting and outreach program at all the first minority training directors in Business Manager Marvin Kropke, for levels of the union to hire, train and IBEW, outlined the need for members to sponsoring an active EWMC chapter. mentor and promote minorities to leader- incorporate the goals of promotion, Among the many high points of the ship positions in the union. A substitute recruitment and retention, as seen meeting was moving testimony from resolution was ultimately passed by the through the eyes of new members. “We Louisiana members who detailed their Convention. (See page 57.) 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 73 IBEW 36th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION EXPO FRIDAY, SEPT. 8-SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006 IBEW Products, Services Featured at Expo’06Expo’06

President Edwin D. Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Jon Walters opened the 2006 Electrical Industry Exposition before a crowd of delegates and guests eager to visit over 110 exhibits of American and Canadian-made products and services. “The range of vendors here shows the breadth of the industries the IBEW represents in the U.S. and Canada,” President Hill said as he welcomed the citizens of Cleveland and thanked them for hosting the 37th International Convention. Behind President Hill was I-bew, the union’s robot, and the President Hill and Vice President Walters open the Expo with a Klein Tools Indy racer, driven by Dario Franchitti, fourth place ribbon-cutting. winner in the 2005 Indy Car series. From 100 percent union-grown, union-roasted coffee to high- quality lineman’s tools, worker-oriented investment plans and IBEW hats and T-shirts, the Expo offered something for everyone. One booth featured a table full of safety-related literature from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. At the South- ern Company booth, Michael Walker, vice president of Tallassee, Ala., Local 904, a fleet technician, explained the scope of IBEW work at the utility. Visitors were invited to play “Who Wants To Be a Union-aire?” a computer interactive quiz on the history of the IBEW produced by the IBEW Research Department. A popular booth offering peo- ple the chance to have their picture superimposed on a special edition cover of the IBEW Journal was brought back again this Convention. 1

74 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW 36th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION EXPO FRIDAY, SEPT. 8-SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

(Continued on next page)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 75 IBEW 36th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION EXPO FRIDAY, SEPT. 8-SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

Expo ’06 (Continued from page 75)

76 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW 36th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION EXPO FRIDAY, SEPT. 8-SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 77 IBEW 36th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION BLOCK PARTY & GALA SATURDAY, SEPT. 9, 2006 BlockParty Camaraderie Reigns at Block Party, Gala The IBEW Block Party took over a breezy lakeside lawn for a concert in a setting that gave delegates a chance to relax outside and enjoy the offerings of a variety of local food vendors. Pianist and songwriter Bruce Hornsby, eclectic band Lit- tle Feat and country music singer Rebecca Lynn Howard took turns entertaining a crowd of approximately 2,500 people. The IBEW, at President Ed Hill’s direction, arranged for the Saturday afternoon block party to be catered by local restaurants so that the delegates and guests could get the real taste of Cleveland and so that the economic benefit would be spread to a greater variety of small businesses. The restaurants that catered the event brought a wide range of local samplings, including hot dogs, pizza, pierogies, Chi- nese egg rolls, hummus, ribs and ice cream. “This is the third Convention I’ve been to and it’s the best,” said Waukegan, Ill., Local 150 President P. Edward Moore, surveying the scene of families enjoying the day. “You just can’t beat the camaraderie of this.” Saturday night’s gala featured John Fogerty, legendary leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The show opened with a variety of singers and dancers representing different eras and included a performance by International President Edwin D. Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Jon Walters, who sang a bluegrass number in overalls. 1

78 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW 36th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION BLOCK PARTY & GALA SATURDAY, SEPT. 9, 2006

(Continued on next page)

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 79 IBEW 36th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION BLOCK PARTY & GALA SATURDAY, SEPT. 9, 2006

Block Party (Continued from page 79)

John Fogerty

80 CLEVELAND A Pin Collector’s Dream IBEW Convention greetings don’t just end with handshakes, bear hugs, dinner plans or promises to keep in touch. Rounding out Convention rit- ual, delegates reach into their pockets for the prized pin, that unique symbol of one’s home local, lore or geography. From the doorman at part souvenirs, with one or the Renaissance Hotel more separate pins that fit with his vest popping inside or on the main pin. with IBEW ornaments, to At the center of Gulfport, the guests clustered Miss., Local 1211’s pin, behind the delegations on modeled after the Gulf the Convention floor, pins Coast, was a red hurricane bestowed a week of hon- which spins to commemo- orary Brotherhood status rate the destruction and on their bearers. rebuilding after Katrina. On the opening day of the Conven- Nashville, Tenn., Local 429’s “Music tion, the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 City” pin featured a guitar. San Jose, attacks, New York Local 3 members Calif., Local 332, home to the Grateful solemnly presented delegates entering Dead, answered Nashville with a pin car- the Convention Hall with 9/11 memorial rying the band’s logo and the words, pins. Twenty-one IBEW members died as “Grateful to be Union.” Fame pin featured figures of rock and a result of the attack. Delegates scrambled to pick up a Harley- roll giants like Elvis, Bruce Springsteen “We present these pins as a and Aretha Franklin and thank-you for all the help and IBEW leaders President Hill, prayers that our members’ fam- Secretary-Treasurer Walters ilies have received,” Local 3 and Ninth District Vice Presi- President John Marchell said to dent Mike Mowrey. Portland, Convention delegates on the Ore., Local 48 displayed a first day of the Convention. rose with Mt. Hood in the The most sought-after pins background. at this Convention were two- “United Forever, Divided Never” was inscribed in the center of Orlando, Fla., Local 606’s pin, above a green alligator. Regina, Saskatchewan, Local 2067’s pin proudly displayed the nation’s trademark maple leaf. Watertown, N.Y., Local Davidson pin with a 910’s “Snow Town U.S.A.” pin portrayed moveable front wheel a snowman holding pliers next to a from Rapid City, S.D., windmill, a symbol of the region’s Maple Local 1250, a symbol Ridge Wind Farm, the largest east of the of the annual Sturgis Mississippi. The Alaskan bears of Anchor- motorcycle rally. Los age Local 1547 were holdover favorites Angeles Local 11’s from the last IBEW Convention in San Rock and Roll Hall of Francisco. 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 81 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006 Behind the Scenes

The IBEW International Con- vention is a massive event that succeeds only because of years of meticulous planning and work by hundreds of individu- als. Pictured on these pages are some of the staff, officers and employees who worked behind the scenes so that delegates, alternates and guests could fully participate in Conven- tion activities. The IBEW thanks the many companies ees from IBEW Cleveland Local 1377. and union workers who served the Broth- Teamster drivers employed by Road- erhood in Cleveland—from driving the way Express picked up around 75 pallets buses that carried delegates around town of material, including IBEW-mono- (Dallas Teamsters Local 657) to setting up grammed clothing, computers and regis- the world-class communications system tration materials at the International that wowed them at the Convention. Office and transported them to Cleveland Freeman Co. and its subsidiary AVW- before the start of the Convention. TELAV Audio Visual Solutions of Dallas, Members of Cleveland IBEW Local 38 Texas, provided audio and video services, employed by the convention center and stage design, stage management and pro- by Doan/Pyramid Electric spent months duction coordination. AVW’s Bob Walker, prior to the Convention upgrading the Dominick Esposito and Christie Akin coor- 1920s-era building’s telecommunication dinated workers from locals of the Inter- system, laying 13 miles of data lines and national Association of Theatrical Stage cables, said Jim Kilbane, an IBEW fore- Employees (IATSE), and the Actors’ Equity man at the convention center, who coor- Association as well as broadcast employ- dinated much of that work. Cleveland Convention Center Commissioner James Glending and Sales and Marketing Direc- tor Susie Claytor provided painstaking east Ohio Council of the International support to IBEW’s officers and staff. Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners United Association of Plumbers and installed the temporary walls for offices Pipefitters Local 55 provided water ser- of IBEW officers and staff. vice to delegates who gathered in the Delegates and equipment were pro- park adjacent to the convention center tected by Tenable Protective Services and for entertainment. Members of the North- by off-duty members of the Cleveland

82 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW 37th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEPT. 11-SEPT. 15, 2006

Police Department, represented by the delegates. Executive Caterers, whose between the convention center, hotels Fraternal Order of Police. workers are represented by UNITE HERE and other venues. Halle Becker of Comet Productions Local 10, kept delegates and staff well- The IBEW Convention literally filled employed members of the Screen Actor’s fed during long Convention proceedings the hotels of Cleveland, where delegates Guild, IATSE, IBEW Local 38 and the and work hours. CMAC, employing mem- were greeted and served by members of American Federation of Musicians to pro- bers of the Amalgamated Transit Union, the service employees union Locals 1, 10 vide Broadway-quality entertainment for safely and efficiently shuttled delegates and 18. 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 83 approved committee’s recommendation of IBEW exert every effort to cause the pas- Summary of concurrence. sage of legislation to create universal Resolution No. 33 proposes that health coverage; and to support fair share Convention Action IBEW International Officers lobby local, legislation at the state level. The resolution (Continued from page 57) state and federal legislators to enact laws further proposes that the leadership of that would allow for electrical license reci- each local fully consider joining the Sav-Rx stronger pension for the members of the procity so that traveling members will not Program and merging local health plans IBEW. Delegates approved the commit- be subjected to redundant testing. The into the IBEW National Health Plan. The tees’ recommendation of concurrence committee concurred. Delegates amended committee concurred. Delegates approved with the substitute resolution. the resolution to make lobbying for reci- the committee’s recommendation. Resolution No. 25 proposes that procity voluntary on the part of local Resolution No. 41 proposes that IBEW NEBF develop Internet access to partici- unions—the committee’s recommendation adopt a policy on immigration based upon pants and local unions to review employ- of concurrence was then approved, as the following principles: securing the ees’ credited years of service. The amended. nation’s borders; giving undocumented committee concurred, explaining that Resolution No. 34 was combined workers the opportunity to pursue citizen- NEBF is currently working to make the with Resolution No. 11, as noted above. ship; increasing enforcement of laws to information available online to partici- Resolution No. 35 proposes that the punish those who exploit undocumented pants. However, information will be avail- IBEW go on record and campaign against workers; establishing labor protections, able only to individual participants due to any person or organization that supports including wage floor provisions, when confidentiality requirements. The commit- or promotes “right-to-work” legislation. expanding visas to fill labor shortages and tee recommended concurrence. Delegates The committee concurred. Delegates rejecting guest worker programs. The com- approved committee’s recommendation of approved the committee’s recommenda- mittee concurred. Delegates passed an concurrence. tion of concurrence. amendment striking bullet-point #2: “Give Resolution No. 29 proposes that the Resolution No. 36 proposes that undocumented workers the opportunity to Convention go on record supporting the NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in pursue citizenship with emphasis on reuni- continuation of productive labor manage- the Workplace (relating to de-energizing fication of families.” Delegates then ratified ment relationships with NECA and thank- circuits prior to beginning work) be the committee’s recommendation of con- ing the organization for its adoption of a included in Inside Jurisdiction Category 1 currence, as amended. 1988 policy barring membership to safety language. The committee recom- Resolution No. 42 proposes that nonunion contractors. The committee con- mended nonconcurrence because the lan- IBEW locals strengthen their partnership curred. Delegates approved the commit- guage would mandate compliance. with the Variety Club. Delegates approved tee’s recommendation of concurrence. Delegates rejected the committee’s recom- the committee’s recommendation of con- Resolution No. 30 proposes that all mendation of nonconcurrence and then currence. delegates to the Convention support the voted to pass the resolution. Resolution No. 43 proposes that the NJATC’s “Success in the Workplace” DVD Resolution No. 37 proposes that IBEW reaffirm its commitment to organiz- series. The resolution further suggests that IBEW take affirmative steps to notify ing the unorganized. The committee con- all local unions with construction jurisdic- members of the dangers of working with curred. Delegates approved the tion shall be strongly urged to purchase high voltage porcelain cut-outs that are committee’s recommendation of concur- the DVD series and ensure that it is subject to undetectable cracks. The resolu- rence. widely shown. The committee concurred. tion further proposes that IBEW work Resolution No. 44 proposes that Delegates approved the committee’s rec- with contractors and governmental agen- retired Canadian officers and representa- ommendation of concurrence. cies to set up programs to replace faulty tives receive their pension in U.S. dollars, Resolution No. 31 [Support of Nuclear cut-outs. The committee concurred. Dele- contending that contributions to their pen- Energy] and Resolution No. 1 [Alternative gates approved the committee’s recom- sions are made in U.S. dollars. The com- Energy Sources] were combined and mendation of concurrence. mittee stated that the issue was raised at adopted, as noted above. Resolution No. 38 reaffirms the com- the 2001 Convention and was referred by Resolution No. 32 proposes that mitment made at the 35th and 36th Con- delegate action to a committee comprised IBEW local unions be encouraged to ventions opposing sexual harassment. The of representatives from both Canada and develop political fund-raising efforts for resolution proposed that the processing of the United States The committee’s deci- the national political fund; that IBEW local complaints on sexual harassment include sion was not to change the basis of cur- unions commit to raise at least $10 per investigations, findings, recommendations rent retiree payments to Canadian staff. member per year to the fund; that IBEW and protection from reprisals for the The Resolutions Committee stated that the local unions that have not negotiated a complainant. The committee concurred. contention that Canadian pension plans payroll deduction, or a political check-off Delegates approved the committee’s rec- are funded in U.S. dollars is erroneous with their employers do so immediately. ommendation of concurrence. and recommended nonconcurrence. Dele- The committee concurred. Delegates Resolution No. 40 proposes that the gates rejected the resolution. 1

84 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 IBEW® FOUNDERS’ SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED ONLY TO IBEW® MEMBERS

he IBEW® Founders’ Scholarships honor the dedicated wiremen and linemen Twho, on November 28, 1891, organized the International Brotherhood of Electri- cal Workers®. Each year the officers of the IBEW® are pleased to offer its working members scholarships on a competitive basis. It is hoped that the awards will not only contribute to the personal development of our members but also steward the electrical industry that our founders envisioned. This award is for $200 per semester credit hour at any accredited college or uni- versity toward an associate’s, bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in an approved field. The maximum distribution is $24,000 over a period not to exceed eight years.

RULES FOR ENTRY Eligibility Checklist Selection of Winners Founders’ Scholarship competition is an adult program, to be used solely by IBEW® members. It is NOT Awards will be based on academic achievement and potential, character, leadership, social awareness and for the children of members. career goals. 1. Applicants must have been in continuous good standing and have paid dues without an Honorary Withdrawal The independent Founders’ Scholarship Selection Committee will be composed of academic, professional for the four years preceding May 1 of the scholarship year, or be charter members of a local union. and community representatives. They will examine the complete record of each scholarship applicant to 2. Each applicant must be recommended in writing by the local union business manager. If there is no office choose the winners. All applicants will be notified, and the scholarship winners will be featured in the IBEW® of business manager, then the recommendation must come from the local union president, system council Journal. chairman or general chairman. 3. At least two additional letters of recommendation must be sent by individuals who are familiar with the Responsibility of Each Founders’ Scholar applicant’s achievements and abilities. Scholarship winners must begin their studies in their next term or, at the latest, in January of the follow- 4. Copies of all academic transcripts from high school, college, apprenticeship, or other educational and devel- ing year. Each term’s earned grades must be sent to the Founders’ Scholarship Administrator, together with opmental programs must be submitted. a Founders’ Scholarship Progress Sheet. After the first calendar year in the program, and by each August 1 5. A complete personal résumé is required. The résumé should outline education and work history, any special thereafter, the annual Founders’ Scholar paper is due. It must be at least 1,000 words on a labor-related honors or awards, military service, plus involvement in union, local, civic, community and religious affairs. topic, covering any aspect affecting the current labor movement or labor history. Scholarships are not 6. Applicants are required to submit a 250-500 word essay. The title and topic must be: “How the Founders’ transferable and are forfeited if the student withdraws or fails to meet the requirements for graduation Scholarships will benefit the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers® and the electrical industry.” from the college. If a serious life situation arises to prevent continuation of studies, the scholarship winner The essay must be typewritten and double-spaced. may request that the scholarship be held in abeyance for a maximum of one academic year. 7. Applicants must submit a test score from the SAT I or the ACT. NO OTHER TESTING SERVICES ARE ACCEPTABLE. Archived scores or new test registration may be obtained by contacting: SAT (609)771-7600, Free Act of the IBEW® www.collegeboard.org, SAT Program, Box 6201, Princeton, NJ 08541-6201; or ACT Records (319)337-1313, The creation of this scholarship program is a free act of the International Brotherhood of Electrical www.act.org, ACT Records, P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, IA 52243-0168. To send scores directly to the IBEW® Workers®. The IBEW® retains its right to alter, suspend, cancel or halt the IBEW® Founders’ Scholarship Pro- Founders’ Scholarship, the code numbers are 0485 for SAT and 0697 for ACT. It is strongly suggested that gram at any time and without giving any reason, provided that scholarship winners already in college under any new test taken should be the SAT I. the program will continue to receive the stipends until graduation or the receipt of $24,000 for undergraduate 8. Materials need not be sent at the same time but must be postmarked prior to May 1 of the scholarship year. study under their IBEW® Founders’ Scholarships—whichever comes first.

APPLICATION FORM

Did you complete high school or the GED? □ Yes □ No Name: ______(Send transcripts or other evidence to the Scholarship Committee.) (Please print or type) Did you have the opportunity to take apprenticeship or skill improvement training? Address: ______□ Yes □ No (Send transcripts of your courses to the Scholarship Committee.) Do you have any education certificates, awards, or professional licenses? Zip/Postal: ______Home Telephone #: (_____ ) ______□ Yes □ No (Send evidence to the Scholarship Committee.) SS/SIN #:______Birthdate: ______Have you taken any college courses? □ Yes □ No (Send transcripts of all college courses to the Scholarship Committee.) Member of Local #:______Card #: ______(On IBEW Journal Address Label or Dues Receipt) Name used on class records: ______

Initiated into IBEW®: ______(Month/Year) When did you take the SAT or the ACT?: ______(Month/Year) Most recent employer: ______(To submit new test scores, it is strongly suggested that you take the SAT I. We will use your highest score; therefore, it may be in your best interest to retake the test.) Job Classification:______Work Telephone #: ( ____ )______My signature is evidence that I understand and agree to all the rules governing the scholarship as listed on this application. I wish to study for a ______degree in ______(Signature) (NOTE: Field of study must contribute to the development and improvement of the electrical industry as determined by the Founders’ Scholarship Administrator.) ______(Date) List your first and second choices for college: Mail application materials postmarked prior to May 1 to: 1. ______IBEW® Founders’ Scholarship Committee 900 Seventh Street, N.W. 2.IBEW ______JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 Washington, D.C. 20001 85 International President Republican president; and we’re damn You know, five years is a long time, sore from the body blows that we’ve and none of us knows what the future Edwin D. Hill’s taken. It’s time to stop being the right holds. And at the end of September 10th, Keynote Address wing’s punching bag. We must take back the first day of our 2001 Convention, we (Continued from page 35) our share of the political power in Canada left a hall much the same as this one, on and the United States. a high note. Everybody was happy. Every- and all sense of bounds of decency. It’s all part of why unions remain vital body was elated. We were having a good Our enemies have not been content to society. If we bring more members time, only to have the world come crash- with trading away our jobs, reducing our into our ranks and then we expose more ing down around our heads the very next ranks and rolling back government. workers to union principles, that makes morning. They’ve gone after our health care. us stronger at the bargaining table and in We can plan as much as we like, but They’ve gone after our pensions and the political arena. That makes us the the only certainty is that we will need to even our ability to organize to try to stand envy—the envy, of non-union workers adjust and correct our course and react to up for ourselves is under attack. and a beacon for them to follow. And that the new challenges over the next five We’re talking about the basic union helps us get stronger and so on as the years. If we are to keep moving forward rights, the union right of freedom of asso- ball rolls forward. in that time, we need to ensure that we ciation. The National Labor Relations The wealthy and the powerful will have the resources to do it. We know Board is all but rendered meaningless always—always, brothers and sisters— that the only sustainable long-term strat- anymore. It’s undermined the principle of hold more cards than we do. But just like egy in our Brotherhood is growth, growth the eight-hour day, and they’re trying to they did in the 1940s and 1950s, they in membership, growth in membership in bar anyone who gives any kind of a direc- can be persuaded to give us a chance. every branch. We also know that even tion, like a foreman, from being part of a Now, you’ve heard me talk about cor- the best intentions mean nothing without union. porate power in my speeches, in my Jour- the resources to back them up; and that No matter how weak their political nal articles and elsewhere. And I firmly is one of the issues that must be system and their political position may believe that they have too much of every- addressed responsibly at this Convention. become—and it’s crumbling fast, by the thing, too much of everything in today’s This week, the Law Committee will way—as long as they have the power, global economy. But let’s remember that report out a constitutional amendment to they will use it to smack us. those who have the power to make our increase the per capita three times over So it will be up to us this year to lives miserable also have the power to the next five years, once in 2007, once in change the right-wing zealots, get them make it better, if they would just stop 2009 and again in 2011. This was pro- to pack their bags, sneak out of town and fighting us and realize that we have a posed by Secretary-Treasurer Walters go collect the damn jobs that they bought stake in this game as well as they do. and myself. with their votes. Throughout the Brotherhood’s history, We did not do this in haste but only I say to them, you have done irrepara- including the recent past, IBEW leaders, after careful consideration; and we ask ble harm to working men and women in including myself, have met with corpo- you to make your decision in the same this country. So go on home. rate executives and talked sense, talked way that we made ours, after careful con- If you were at the political conference down-to-earth sense. We’ve tried to sideration of what the future may bring. on Friday, you heard me quote Harry Tru- show them how much more practical it is Consider this. We all know that a dues man. Here’s another quote from “Give to their bottom line just to work with us. increase is painful, but think about the ‘Em Hell Harry”that he delivered on the We’ve endeavored to show them in prac- consequences of maintaining the status campaign trail in 1948 before a union tical terms that our skills and our commit- quo. Without the investment in our pro- audience. President Truman said—and ment to our communities and our grams, our growth will be stunted. With- we hope to have a little video of that later commitment to excellence can help out growth, our ability to represent and on—“If you get an administration and a them. protect our current members and their Congress unfriendly to labor, you have Now, some have listened. We have families is jeopardized. much to fear and you’d better look out.” representatives of the corporate world You’ll see in your Officers’ Report in He went on to say that the Republican here to speak at this convention, and I your binders that our operating income is Congress at the time got a Republican hope you will welcome them with the not sufficient to match our operating president as well and then, I quote, typical IBEW class and dignity. We need expenses. Our own membership num- “Labor can expect a steady barrage of more enlightened business leaders like bers tell the story. body blows. And if you stay home like those who will be here this week, and Our fiscal year runs from July 1 of a you did in 1946, then you deserve to get we need to convince more to take a simi- given year to June 30th of the next. In every damn blow you got.” lar path one way or another. the IBEW fiscal year of 2002—we ended As usual, Harry got it right back in I’ve talked about some ambitious June 2002, our membership lost a total 1948; but 58 years later, we’re living plans this afternoon, and this is only the of 22,127 members. That’s a hit for just under a Republican Congress and a beginning. one year.

86 IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 For fiscal year 2003, we lost an addi- week. Think about the enthusiasm and that there’s no work or that a plant’s tional 15,384. In the fiscal year 2004, the respect that they have already shutting down or that the company is 11,095. And in fiscal year 2005, 11,202. shown for the IBEW and how proud cutting back. It means facing the anger And in the fiscal year that concluded on they are to be part of something this or dealing with the anguish of a member June 30th, 2006, we found that our grand. who has just had his third child or one losses had been reduced to 3,922. Think about how many of our other who has fallen short of qualifying for his We made sound investments over the young members in your home locals pension and his benefits or one who has years that give us a good, solid economic feel the same way. What about the to tell his smart kid that there’s no foundation. But if we continue to dip into young brothers and sisters? What are money for college. our reserves, then we will be living dan- we going to do to make sure that they It takes courage, brothers and sis- gerously close to the edge and unable to inherit a strong union, a union with the ters, to deal with situations like this; but implement our ambitious plans that are same formidable tool of improving the we do it because the IBEW is the best necessary for our future and necessary lives of working men and women that vehicle—the best vehicle that we have for our survival. we inherited? to change things. The IBEW is what Consider too that other unions, includ- What happens here, brothers and sis- gave us all a fighting chance at a good ing the CWA, Sheet Metal Workers, the ters, matters. What we do here makes a life in North America and a chance to do Plumbers and Pipefitters, AFSCME and difference. The decisions that we make what we love. the unions of Change to Win, have all together here in Cleveland matter to the The IBEW gives us hope that will committed additional resources in some work of the International Office and to help those members get the last years manner through recently enacted dues all of our district offices as well as our of the pension or another job or work in increases. local unions. What we do here matters another shop to support their kids or to Will we, the IBEW, the union that has in the daily responsibilities of our local pay for an education. As long as we led the way in organizing and excellence, unions, the local unions that you repre- have this Brotherhood and as long as lose our nerve? We can’t lose our nerve sent. And most important, it has an we have our solidarity, we have hope, now. We will risk emerging markets in impact on jobsites, the job floors, in the we have opportunity and strength to the future if we do. Other unions would belly of a ship, on a video shoot, in a rail change things for the better. And we do love, just love, to get their hands on yard, on a utility pole, in a garage or any- it because we feel the same sense of some of the kind of work and jobs that where elsewhere that IBEW members sacred obligation, an obligation to the we’re going after. work. memory of those who went before us And what should be your response? What the IBEW does matters to and those who will come after us. Do we have the courage, brothers and entire industries, to entire governments They’re counting on us, brothers and sisters, to do what is necessary to keep and all throughout the whole labor sisters. this Brotherhood on the right path or will movement. So don’t think that this And as I stand before this great we take the easy way and a more con- week is inconsequential to you. It’s all group of union activists, I see men and servative course? Each of us must connected like a big circuit, and the tools women who have already done so answer that question for him or herself are held by those of you in this room in much for their union brothers and sis- this week. attendance at this Convention. ters. I see people who feel the rhythm There it is, brothers and sisters. It You are here because you decided to of the past and; by your presence, you comes down to one word: courage. The play a leadership role in your local union want to be part of the drumbeat of the courage that we’ve been asked to dis- as an officer or a committed member. future. play in the first decade of the 21st cen- When each of you, each of us and you, I see men and women of rare and tury is only a portion, a small portion of all of us, chose the path of activism, we extraordinary courage who have done the courage that our founders showed were signing on to do some heavy lifting and are going to do—get great things in the last period of the 19th century. and some heavy responsibility. Being a done together because we’re not just a We have the benefit from all that dedicated union leader means that you union, brothers and sisters. We are the was built by Henry Miller and J.T. Kelly have to go to the mat with management IBEW. And we will give no less than our and the many others who came after and negotiate the terms and conditions finest and best every day of our lives. them. We heard the voices and we saw under which your members work. It Brothers and sisters, we’re going to the faces of some of the veterans in this means pointing out the realities that no work hard and get things done at this morning’s videos. We will honor and one wants to hear, not your boss, not Convention; and then we’re going to hear more as we go on during the week. your executive board, not your union come home and go forth from this great We owe them all a thanks for their con- members. city of Cleveland and deliver a forceful tributions to this Brotherhood. It means that we’re being at work message to one and to all. We are of the But let me ask you to focus on the while others are eating dinner, watching IBEW, and we’re here and we’re going young members whom you also saw in television or down the corner having a to win. Let’s rock. the video and you’ll hear more from this beer. It means having to break the news Thank you. God bless you all. 1

IBEW JOURNAL, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 87 To all those who purchased the IBEW’s own cookbook, “Taste of the IBEW,” and/or the denim chef’s apron, we extend warmest thanks. Your purchases helped make the 37th International Convention in Cleveland one of the most successful in the Brotherhood’s history. If you missed getting either of these collector items, they are still in stock. They make great holi- day gifts. Thanks again, and here’s a look back at our ad campaign featuring several IBEW department direc- tors. 1

IBEW APRON & COOKBOOK ORDER FORM Name ______

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Phone ______E-mail ______IBEW Aprons Qty: ______Total: ______Make Checks Payable To: (Price: $30.00 Each) IBEW 37th International Convention Fund IBEW Cookbooks Qty: ______Total: ______(Price: $25.00 Each) ALL PROCEEDS Go to the Grand Total:______37th International Convention Fund All Orders include: Taxes, Shipping & Handling Mail To: IBEW Fourth District • 8260 Northcreek Drive, Suite 140 • Cincinnati, OH 45236 Plasma TV Sweepstakes

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Phone: Email: Union: Local #: Mail this form by January 1, 2007 to: TRCP, Escape to the Wild Plasma TV Sweepstakes 555 11th St. NW 6th Floor Washington, DC 20004 Printed in the U.S.A.