FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1893

Printed in the USA International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Vol. 15 | No. 9 | September 2021

IBEW News Summer of Progress Big NLRB, DOL Wins for Labor 4 Lifting up Women Wisconsin Program Empowers Women in the Trades 5 Community Spirit Allies Join Fight for Fair Contract 6

In This Issue Editorials 2 Letters to the Editor 2 My IBEW Story 2 North of 49° 7 8 Politics & Jobs President Joe Biden toured the Cincinnati Circuits 9 IBEW-NECA Electrical Training Center in July to promote infrastructure and jobs. Transitions 11 Pictured, Local 212 Business Manager Rick Fischer, Biden, apprentice Courtney Organizing Wire 12 Groeschen and instructor Dan McCarthy. In Memoriam 12 Local Lines 14 Showing Up Where it Matters: Retirees 18 Grounded in History 19 Presidential Spotlight on IBEW Training Who We Are 20 Last Month to Enter resident Joe Biden took his pitch for a mas- A $1 trillion bipartisan bill passed the Capital sive investment in infrastructure and Ameri- Senate on Aug. 10, and the compromised measure THE IBEW’s can labor directly to the workers July 21, tour- ‘YOU GUYS was headed to the House when The Electrical Worker ing the IBEW-NECA Electrical Training Center ARE THE went to print. Biden and House Democrats pushed 2021 Pin Cincinnati to learn about what IBEW electricians do for an even larger investment in American jobs. every day on the job. BEST’ Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell PHOTO It was the first visit by a sitting president to an threatened to filibuster Biden’s initial proposal, which IBEW training center since President Barack Obama President Lonnie R. Stephenson. “But we can’t over- was nearly double the size of the revised plan and CONTEST toured Washington, D.C., Local 26’s facility in 2010. state how important it is that a sitting president included strict requirements that the improvements “The Build Back Better plan that President showed up at our training center, asked genuine be done by union workers. Deadline: Oct. 1 Biden is proposing will be a game-changer for union questions about the work that we do and used the “We’re still talking about a once-in-a-generation See page 6 for details tradesmen and tradeswomen,” said International word ‘union’ again and again. investment in America and Americans that is desper- “No president since Franklin Roosevelt has under- ately needed,” said Assistant to the International stood the importance of unions and the labor move- President for Government Affairs Austin Keyser. “But ment the way Joe Biden does. When he says unions built Republicans in the Senate have fought labor require- the middle class, he means it, and he has our backs and ments and the size of this bill every step of the way.” respects the work we do. That’s a breath of fresh air after Backed by the aggressively anti-union Associat- a lot of lip service to working people in the past.” ed Builders and Contractors organization, Republicans Biden’s infrastructure plan calls for more than a have worked to strip prevailing wage and union-stan- trillion dollars of spending on roads, bridges, rail, and dard training language from the bill on key projects, a revamp of the electrical grid, among many other urgent areas of investment. CINCINNATI TRAINING CENTER continued on page 3

WWW.IBEW.ORG 2 The Electrical Worker | September 2021 EDITORIALSFROM THE OFFICERS ❝LETTERSLETTERS ❞ Saying Goodbye to a TO THE EDITOREDITOR Labor Legend A History Lesson I enjoyed reading your article in the July 2021 issue of The Electrical Worker, “Grounded in ast month we laid to rest a great labor leader and an even greater man, History: Restoring Lady Liberty,” on Pg. 13. I have come to learn how some of the signifi- Brother Richard Trumka. cant damage occurred. As president of the AFL-CIO since 2009 and secretary-treasurer for 14 On July 30, 1916, German saboteurs blew up the munitions depot on Black Tom years before that, he led the American labor movement through difficult Island in nearby Jersey City, just about half a mile from the Statue of Liberty. That act of Ltimes and incredible victories, and his loss will be felt by the entire labor sabotage caused significant damage to the Statue of Liberty when shrapnel pierced the community. right arm and caused it to bend slightly. I first met Rich as a relatively new business manager at Rock Island, Ill., If you wish to see a good presentation on this event, I would suggest watching the Local 145 in the late 1990s. He came to town for a midterm election event, and I television show, “What History Forgot,” hosted by a Long Island high school teacher. remember his speech well. Rich was an impressive speaker who knew how to fire David Husing, Local 25 member up a crowd, a skill he’d learned as the youngest-ever president of the United Mine- Long Island, New York workers at just 33. Our paths started crossing more often when I started working for the Interna- Editor’s Note: The attack on New York Harbor’s Black Tom Island, named for a danger- Lonnie R. Stephenson tional Office in 2002. Every time I saw Rich, he made such an impression on me, as ous rock that was padded with landfill to protect shipping, caused nearly 2 million International President he did with so many others. He made a point of getting to know you, treating you pounds of small arms and artillery ammunition to go up in flames. The explosion was felt as an equal and a friend. as far away as Maryland and carried out by German spies to prevent U.S. shipments of Rich was close with former International President Ed Hill, and he showed his munitions to Allied powers early during World War I. trust in Ed and his love for the IBEW when he asked our own Liz Shuler to run on a ticket with him when he was elected AFL-CIO president in 2009. He and Liz made a great team, and I know she’ll work every day to carry his memory and We Want to Hear From You: Send your letters to [email protected] or Letters to the legacy with her as she steps into his very big shoes. Editor, The Electrical Worker, 900 Seventh Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. I’ll also never forget the friendship and support Rich gave me when I became international president in 2015. He was always full of advice and encouragement, and I looked forward to the “Thanksgiving,” or “Merry Christmas, buddy,” text messages every holiday. I’ll miss them, especially this Labor Day. Rich lived and breathed the labor movement, and he never lost sight of who he was there to protect. He served the folks he worked alongside in the coal mines of Pennsylvania as a young man, the tradesmen and tradeswomen who built and grew the middle class and the people who struggled week in and week out to put food on the table for their families. It was that grounding that allowed him to walk into the Oval Office or leadership offices on Capitol Hill and speak truth to power, and it was why those powerful people respected him whether they agreed on things or not. Wayne Yonce, Retired Journeyman Wireman Most importantly, Rich was a family man. He never forgot to ask about your family, and he loved his with everything Los Angeles Local 11 he had. Our thoughts are with his wife, Barbara, their son, Rich Jr. and grandchildren Richard and Taylor. The women and men of the IBEW offer our deepest sympathy and gratitude for sharing Brother Rich with us all these years.z “ Remembering Sacrifices this Labor Day

appy Labor Day, brothers and sisters! As we approach the end of summer and the start of the school year, we must stop and remember why Labor Day exists at all: It was set aside to honor you, the working person, and everyone who came before Hyou who worked for a living and gave blood, sweat and tears to build the prosperity our two countries enjoy today. Recognition didn’t come easy, and often the dignity and respect working peo- ple deserve are still in short supply. In both the U.S. and Canada, belonging to a union in the early days of the labor movement could have landed you in jail or worse. Today, we stand on the shoulders of those early union heroes who faced beatings, arrests and even death for standing up for the rights of the working classes, and Labor Day is a small way to remember everything they gave for us and the courage they showed in the face of incredible adversity. Kenneth W. Cooper Things like the five-day workweek, health and safety standards, paid time off International Secretary-Treasurer and secure retirements only exist because of the sacrifices of those who paved the way for us. Please remember that as you celebrate this important day and give some thought to those labor pioneers and to those who still fight for fair working conditions and honest pay today. We owe them all so much. We recently lost someone who stood up and fought for workers’ rights. AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka was not just a friend; he was a tireless advocate for working people and dedicated leader of the labor movement in the U.S. Brother Trumka grew up in a mining family in western Pennsylvania, not far from my childhood home in Ohio. No matter how far he rose or how many presidents courted his support, Rich never forgot where he came from. On the day he died, he was still a mineworker from Nemacolin, Pa., first — those people were who he fought for every day of his working life. I’ll miss his leadership and his friendship. And finally, this month marks the 20th anniversary of a day that changed so many lives around the world, but especially in the New York area. In addition to countless family members, friends and loved ones, the IBEW lost 21 brothers from New York Locals 3 and 1212 during the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. As America and the world remembers the nearly 3,000 people brutally killed that day, let us keep the families and friends of those 21 in our hearts. We will never forget them. Thank you for everything you do for working families, and enjoy a well-earned holiday. z Share your story at ibew.org/MyIBEWStory The Electrical Worker | September 2021 3

Continued from page 1 Showing Up Where it Matters: Presidential Spotlight on IBEW Training

including a nationwide network of half a million electric vehicle charging stations. “If every IBEW guy quit and every single “That’s the nature of compromise,” Keyser said. “A 50-50 Senate means that guy on Wall Street who’s a trader quit, we don’t get everything we hoped for, but this bill is still going to mean millions of the traders wouldn’t affect much. But IBEW jobs for decades.” “What is certain,” Stephenson said, you guys, the country would come to a “is that President Biden and our friends in the Congress are fighting like hell to make screeching halt.” sure the final bill delivers on its promise to – President Joe Biden invest in the infrastructure and the work- ing people that will boost the American economy for decades to come. And just as important, they’re listening to us at every olutionizing U.S. transportation. step and putting American workers first.” He doubled down on that in May From the very start of his infrastruc- when he toured a Ford factory in Dear- ture campaign, Biden has lifted up unions born, Mich. “We’re going to put Americans and union members, and Cincinnati was to work modernizing our roads, our high- no different. ways, our ports, our airports, rails, and It was also an opportunity for him to transit systems,” he said. “That includes sing the praises of the IBEW specifically, putting IBEW members to work installing as he has done publicly many times. 500,000 charging stations along our “IBEW is the best,” Biden said, chat- roads and highways, our homes and our ting quietly with an apprentice and apartments. The IBEW is ready to do it, instructor. “I once said at one of your inter- and they can.” national conventions that if every IBEW Biden has hosted Stephenson and guy quit and every single guy on Wall other union leaders at the White House Street who’s a trader quit, the traders multiple times, including a full afternoon wouldn’t affect much. But you guys, the in the Oval Office in February that his country would come to a screeching halt. “ guests said was the most productive On a trip to Pittsburgh to announce meeting they’d had there in years on the American Jobs Plan in March, it was behalf of working people. Local 29 lineman Mike Fiore who intro- He also convened the first-ever White duced the president — and charmed him House Task Force on Worker Organizing by admitting to being on pins and needles. and Empowerment, a panel of Cabinet “Mike asked me back there, “Do you members and top staff chaired by Vice ever get nervous?” Biden said. “What I say President Kamala Harris. It has 180 days to to you, Mike: You did a heck of a job. But I’d report back on ways that departments and get nervous if I had to get up in the middle agencies throughout the federal govern- of the night, climb up a telephone pole, ment can encourage the growth of unions replace — in the middle of a storm — a con- and collective bargaining. Above: Biden listens as fifth-year One research mission sent Harris nection that knocked out everybody’s elec- Local 212 apprentice Stephen and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh — panel tricity, and put a transformer in. Randolph explains fire alarm training “That’s what would make me ner- co-chair and a card-carrying member of with instructor Jerry Mahoney. vous. So what you did was really good. I the Laborers — to Pittsburgh Local 5 in couldn’t do what you do, pal. I couldn’t do June, where they met with organizers from Right: Instructor Robert Guthrie what you do.” eight unions, including the IBEW. shows off part of the center’s motor control training apparatus. In April, addressing a joint session Walsh has visited numerous IBEW of Congress, Biden made sure the nation locals on his own since being confirmed in knew that “Electrical workers — IBEW March. And in June, Energy Secretary Jen- members” would be installing the nifer Granholm toured an IBEW worksite in charging network for electric vehicles, rev- Nevada and talked with members of Las Vegas Local 357. “This administration isn’t just show- Courtney Groeschen, also a fifth-year ing up, it’s taking the time to listen,” Key- apprentice, said everything went blank in ser said. “After every one of these visits, her head as Biden arrived at her motor we hear about how it’s not just a photo op; control station. “I was amazed,” she said. it’s a genuine opportunity for our nation’s “I mean, here’s the president of the United top leaders to listen to what it’s like for the States talking to me about what I do for a people tasked with building the projects living and he’s actually interested. Business Manager Rick Fischer said really a regular guy,” Fischer said. “One they’re talking about. This level of engage- “It was surprising. He didn’t ask me hosting the president was a five-day whirl- thing I told him along the way was how ment with the labor movement and with what it was like to be a woman in the con- wind of activity, after the White House important NECA is as our partner in the union workers is totally unprecedented.” struction industry. He just treated me like called to make the request on a Friday. training center and being able to afford That was the impression that Biden everyone else, which was refreshing.” Soon the local and JATC were crawling with the apprenticeship program. I explained left with members of Cincinnati Local 212 Groeschen said the timing of the Secret Service, and Fischer spent the that contractors pay 1.8% of their gross after his JATC tour. Build Back Better plan fills her with hope, whole day the Saturday before the event wages to keep it running.” “He was genuinely interested in coming as she’s about to top out of her coordinating with security. Biden was curious at every station, what we were learning,” said Stephen apprenticeship. “This is a ton of work he’s But it was all worth it when he was full of questions and praise for students and Randolph, a fifth-year apprentice who talking about, and the IBEW is in a perfect able to say, “Mr. President, it’s an honor instructors. And he was in no hurry to leave. explained fire alarm training to the presi- position to benefit from it. It could keep us to welcome you to our JATC.” “I was walking him out and he kept dent. “We overheard him talking about in full employment for decades.” The men chatted as they walked stopping and turning to talk about some- the length of our apprenticeships in an C-SPAN had full footage of the tour, through about 200 feet of rooms and hall- thing. All these Secret Service guys were Vice President Kamala Harris visited off-mic conversation saying ‘Five years? highlighted by Biden’s conversations ways to get to the first stop on the ear- tapping their wrists, like ‘hey, we’ve got to Dover, N.H., Local 490 in April, one of That’s why you guys are the f***ing best.’ with apprentices. To view, visit ly-evening tour. go,’” Fischer said with a laugh. “The whole several trips to IBEW training centers I felt like he really respects what we do.” bit.ly/Biden212Visit. “He was very, very easy to talk to, experience, start to finish, was great.” z since taking office.

WWW.IBEW.ORG 4 The Electrical Worker | September 2021 Pro-Worker Majority Restored at NLRB in a Summer of Progress for Labor

he balance of power at the tion, the GOP-led Senate refused to fill National Labor Relations Board Democratic vacancies. swung from union-busters to National Labor Relations Act of 1935 One seat was left open, then two, union lawyers in the span of an after member Lauren McFerran’s term Tafternoon in late July when the U.S. Sen- expired in December 2019. For nine ate confirmed President Joe Biden’s two months, workers didn’t have a single game-changing nominees. It is declared to be the advocate on a board that was established All 50 Democrats and a handful of nearly a century ago to guard their rights. Republicans voted to seat Gwynne Wilcox policy of the United States … McFerran, who wrote blistering dis- and David Prouty, bringing an end to four sents that exposed twisted logic and vast bleak years for wronged workers seeking encouraging the practice holes in the majority’s decisions, finally justice from the NLRB. and procedure of won a second term when then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell relented collective bargaining and in August 2020. Biden promoted her to Board chair by protecting the exercise on Inauguration Day, but she remained the lone Democrat until Wilcox was sworn by workers of full in Aug. 4. Prouty had to wait for Republi- can William Emanuel’s term to expire freedom of association, Aug. 27. Wilcox, a partner at a New York law self-organization, firm representing unions, and Prouty, who hails from SEIU’s large mid-Atlantic chap- and designation of ter, have had long careers fighting for workers. representatives of their “Ms. Wilcox’s experience as a field New NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox attorney for the NLRB, as a lawyer repre- own choosing, for the senting workers before the Board, and defending health care workers and pro- purpose of negotiating tecting their rights makes clear that she’s got the right qualifications and values for the terms and the job,” Murray said on the Senate floor. conditions of their The president of SEIU 32BJ, where Prouty has represented textile and service employment or other workers, as well as baseball players, said Biden hit a home run with his choice. mutual aid or protection. “Our union couldn’t be prouder,” Kyle Bragg said. “As much as it saddens us that he will no longer work with us day to day, we are excited to see how his righ- New NLRB member David Prouty teous advocacy for workers will help build was quickly displaced by Peter Robb, a hostile Board that routinely sided with back up the NLRB as a robust defender of The confirmations restore a 3-2 pit to champion labor, reminding Ameri- union-busting Trump nominee who cut his management. the rights of workers.” pro-worker majority on the Board, capping cans again and again that unions built the teeth helping President Ronald Reagan fire Under their watch, employers won Senators Susan Collins of Maine and a landmark July for federal nominees who middle class. the nation’s air traffic controllers in 1981. license to search workers’ cars and per- Lisa Murkowski of Alaska crossed party embody Biden’s promise to be the “most His nominees, especially for jobs Robb’s career came full circle when sonal items, eject union organizers from lines to vote for both nominees; Republi- pro-union” president ever. that hold sway over workers, have lived a letter arrived in his inbox moments after public spaces, more easily withdraw can Dan Sullivan of Alaska joined them to On Day 1 Biden signed the first in a and breathed those values. In June, he Biden took the oath of office Jan. 20. union recognition, thwart protests and confirm Prouty. stack of executive orders benefiting work- chose a former union organizer, Jennifer Resign by 5 p.m. or be fired, he was told. disregard the plight of workers at subcon- Abruzzo, who was confirmed as gen- ers and boldly fired the NLRB’s aggres- Sung, to serve on the Ninth Circuit Court of He refused. tractors and franchises, among other eral counsel a week earlier, quickly sur- sively anti-union general counsel. Two Appeals. Her confirmation is pending. Lawsuits followed, arguing that expanded powers. rounded herself with like-minded depu- weeks later, he nominated a card-carry- Currently, Sung is a judge on the Biden acted illegally because Robb had Senator Patty Murray, chair of the ties. They include Jessica Rutter of the ing Boston tradesman to head the U.S. Oregon Employment Relations Board. A 10 months left in his term. Ruling on one Health, Education, Labor and Pension American Federation of Teachers, and Labor Department. colleague said she’s the perfect choice: of the cases in July, a New Jersey federal Committee, decried the wreckage in urg- Peter Sung Ohr, who served as acting gen- Now, Secretary Marty Walsh and “She has represented working people. judge disagreed based on language in ing her colleagues to confirm Wilcox and eral counsel between Robb’s firing and other new leaders and staff at agencies Not many people on the bench have the National Labor Relations Act. Prouty on July 28. Abruzzo’s arrival. under the DOL umbrella are steering the done that.” Robb wielded enormous control “While Democratic nominees to the “It’s a whole new day at the NLRB,” institutions back to their roots, reaffirming over NLRB cases, backed by an equally NLRB were blocked and anti-worker nomi- Stephenson said. “We’re not going to win their statutory duty to protect workers nees were jammed through, we saw every battle, but at least we know we’ve from employer abuses. AT THE NLRB, Prouty and Wilcox, decades of worker protections reversed,” got a fair shot from a Board and staff who “President Biden is booting the fox- the first Black woman to serve on the Murray said. respect what it says right there in Article 1 es from the hen houses as fast as he can, Board, aren’t the only recent newcomers. “This has had a devastating impact of the National Labor Relations Act — that and he’s arming his new hires with stron- In a tie vote broken by Vice President on workers across the country, who are it is their duty to encourage, not under- ger policy and enforcement tools than Kamala Harris, the Senate confirmed a not only struggling through a pandemic, mine, the growth of unions and collective we’ve seen in generations,” International third union-side attorney, Jennifer Abruz- but who have also seen their rights to bargaining.” President Lonnie R. Stephenson said. zo, as general counsel July 21. strike, organize, and bargain collectively, Toward that goal, it was also a busy “He is literally rebuilding the feder- Abruzzo most recently worked for undermined and constrained in ruling summer for the first-ever White House al infrastructure that workers and unions the Communications Workers of America after ruling.” Task Force on Worker Organizing and depend on. When he talks about ‘build- but spent 22 earlier years with the NLRB, Empowerment. ing back better,’ he doesn’t just mean rising from a field attorney in Miami to Biden created the Cabinet-level pan- roads and tunnels and technology. He deputy general counsel during President THE FIVE-SEAT Board is el in April, giving members six months to means us.” Obama’s second term. meant to be split 3-2, tilted toward the recommend ways that the federal govern- She even had a fleeting stint as act- party in power in the White House. But More than any other president, New NLRB General Counsel ment at large can promote the values set ing general counsel in November 2017 but for two years during the last administra- Biden has used the White House bully pul- Jennifer Abruzzo forth in the Act. The Electrical Worker | September 2021 5 Wisconsin Sisters Come Together to Build Solidarity

Their field research included a June ll across Wisconsin, IBEW wom- IBEW sisters visit to Pittsburgh Local 5 by the chair and en are coming together in across Wisconsin co-chair — Harris and Walsh — who held a important ways, from recruit- are coming roundtable discussion with organizers ment and retention to leader- together to from eight unions, including the IBEW. shipA and visibility, and ultimately making support the IBEW stronger for it. tradeswomen in numerous ways, AT THE DOL, Walsh finally wel- “I’m just thrilled to see all of these amazing women gathering their boots including by comed his deputy labor secretary in joining with the together,” said Green Bay Local 158 mid-July after a drawn-out Senate debate. statewide retired journeyman wireman Marsha Julie Su, previously California’s labor com- women’s group, Nebel. “The trades have come a long way missioner, was confirmed 50-47 along empowHER. party lines. for women in the years I’ve been in, but certainly not far enough.” The sisters of Local 158 have recently joined forces with empowHER, a statewide organization that aims to create positive change for women in Wisconsin’s construc- tion industry by normalizing women as tradespeople and helping to recruit and retain more sisters to what can be a lucra- tive and rewarding career. Nebel, who still serves on the apprenticeship committee, is heading up the Green Bay chapter. In addition to Local 158, other IBEW locals teaming up with empowHER include Madison Local 159 and Milwau- Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su kee Local 494. was confirmed in July. “I think you could safely say that IBEW women are contributing significant- “Julie Su is a fierce leader who will ly in helping to take empowHER to the ensure the (DOL) can deliver on its mis- next level and help build a true statewide sion and improve the lives of working peo- network,” said Local 159 Business Agent ple across the nation,” AFL-CIO Acting Lisa Goodman. President and Secretary-Treasurer and In addition to working with empow- Portland, Ore., Local 125 member Liz Shul- HER, Goodman has been active in Local er, said in a celebratory tweet. 159’s women’s group and the Tradeswom- Su’s former boss, California Gov. en of South Central Wisconsin, the latter of which has become an empowHER chapter and Council, which pledged $20,000 per year Gavin Newsom, called her “a tireless an official subcommittee of the area Building Trades Council. Since the groups had simi- to support its multi-year strategic plan. fighter for working Americans and a voice lar aims and partners, Goodman said, they decided to join together instead of “reinvent- That plan includes a timeline for doubling for the voiceless.” ing the wheel.” women’s participation rate in the state New senior staff at the DOL also “This is a story of women in southern Wisconsin who are trying to make a differ- from less than 3% to 6% by 2028 and dou- includes a veteran official and former act- ence,” Goodman said. “Each group began on the ground in their metro area, and it bling the number of women apprentices ing secretary, Ed Hugler, who was brought makes sense to work together and collaborate.” by 2024. They’re also working on getting back from retirement to accelerate hiring, Goodman says that IBEW women and their trades sisters have been meeting infor- women into all levels of leadership throughout the construction industry. especially in the enforcement ranks. mally for years, sometimes just for drinks and conversation after work. The tradition “Our business manager, Sue Blue, is the first woman elected to that position in a But there’s a long way to go, as waxed and waned over time, as often happens, so having the structure and resources of construction local in the Sixth District. Having her in charge means our women’s voices Walsh testified at a Senate budget hear- a group like empowHER helps formalize those opportunities while still allowing for a are always heard,” Goodman said. ing in July. sense of camaraderie and support. EmpowHER’s strategic plan also includes a focus on mentoring and retention as “The Department of Labor is down The TWSCW had planned a Women in Construction Open House for March 14 of last well as recruitment and cultural competency training, among other initiatives. There’s about 3,000 employees from where it was year, but the coronavirus forced them to cancel. They quickly shifted to Zoom calls though even talk of doing community baby showers to specifically target mothers. four years ago,” he told an Appropriations and were able to keep the meetings going. “Tradeswomen groups like these benefit the IBEW — and all the building trades — subcommittee. “If we don’t have the staff “We adapted well to Zooming,” Goodman said. “Those monthly meetings definitely because we’re able to pool our knowledge and experiences to find solutions,” Goodman and we don’t have the employees to pro- helped us all get better acquainted and build our relationships. We even discussed plans said. “These organizations provide a key voice — one that’s still not heard enough — on tect the workers, then we can’t be on the for different projects we hoped to do post-COVID.” behalf of an underrepresented sector of the workforce. In a broad, big-picture sense, it job sites, we can’t be checking wage-and- Now that the TWSCW has formally joined with empoweHER under its statewide helps the industry continue to evolve.” hour, we can’t be making sure people are umbrella, the chapter is now known as empowHER SC Wisconsin. And the new Green Bay Something that these groups are discovering is that, while recruiting is clearly working in safe conditions.” area chapter is now NEW empowHER, in northeast Wisconsin. important, it’s only part of the puzzle. Laying out his budget requests, he While IBEW sisters are certainly taking charge, they’re quick to point out that the “Recruiting, it turns out, is not the hard part. Women like this work and will choose urged senators to help him build on the effort is by and for all tradeswomen. it,” Robinson said. “In fact, Milwaukee Magazine featured one of our female members in administration’s American Rescue Plan “Part of the beauty of groups like empowHER is that the entire spectrum of women its August edition. The beauty of this woman’s story is that she always wanted to be an and the American Jobs Plan. in the trades is welcome to the table,” said Local 494 instructor Michele Robinson, who electrician, it’s not something she just fell into after doing something else. While this “As a former construction worker, I also sits on the organization’s board. “I’m a journeyman wireman with 494 and was very path is nothing new for our male counterparts, I think her story is the future of women in know how a good job can change your much interested in meeting other tradeswomen and knew that I would have to actively the trades, especially as we reach a younger generation and have visible female role life,” Walsh said. seek out those opportunities, as they do not always present themselves on the jobsite.” models for them to look to.” “The department’s fiscal year 2022 Robinson noted that the Plumbers have a website that can track an interested per- As any tradeswoman or ally can attest, much work remains, but by combining forces budget proposes investments in workers son from the time they click on a link to the time they become an apprentice. like these groups in Wisconsin are doing, progress is being made. And as more women’s and in our country’s future: a future of “This is truly valuable data for what works and what doesn’t for recruitment efforts voices are elevated, the trades will only become stronger. opportunity and shared prosperity, a and just understanding all the demographics about who is interested in your trade,” “The conversation around women in the trades is not driven enough by the women future of robust job growth and a thriving Robinson said. “Without this sharing of information, people could trudge along to the in the trades,” Robinson said. “People on the outside looking in only see the beginning middle class, a future where workers same conclusions individually. But what works about empowHER is that we’re leading narrative of the unicorn woman in a field of reluctant men. And while that is valid, it’s the nationwide get the skills and training that the way in looking at all trades as a cohesive community where we have similar wrinkles low-hanging fruit that will never, ever dig deep enough or do justice enough or give leads to jobs that pay a fair wage without to work out.” enough credit to the amazing women and supportive men I work with constantly and risking their health or safety.” z The all-volunteer empowHER is getting a boost from the Wisconsin Building Trades their otherwise untold stories.” z

WWW.IBEW.ORG 6 The Electrical Worker | September 2021

Line Crew Feels the Love in RICHLAND t’s been a summer-long shot of morale for 30 Seattle Local 77 line workers in Richland, Wash., where the community has embraced their battle for fair wages. Crying pandemic poverty, city officials have dragged out bargaining since late 2020, despite an infusion of federal relief funds. In June the state’s second lowest-paid linemen began knocking on Idoors, kicking off a bold campaign inspired by their nearby IBEW brothers, the “Ellensburg 6” (featured in July’s Electrical Worker). Townspeople jumped on board, requesting hundreds of yard signs, offering support and gratitude on social media, rallying in July (pictured), and direct- ing fiery comments to an obstinate City Council, demanding leaders do right by workers who risk their lives every day. Residents understand that if their expert full-time lineworkers give up and leave, out-of-town contractors will take over. “No matter how dangerous our job is or what we give up in our personal lives, our No. 1 job is to serve this community,” journeyman Sam Somes said in a public appeal. “We’re asking our friends,

family and community to stand with us.” To show your support, look for “#IStandWithTheRichlandLineCrew” on social media. z Credit: Rally photos by Libby Marlow for Local 77

Last Month The 2021 IBEW Photo Contest is here, and with it a chance to show Enter Now your union sisters and brothers what being a member of the greatest union in the world means to you. So, grab your cameras and smartphones and get to it! We want to see your best shots of 2021. See below for rules and details, and as always, contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Photo Contest Rules: 1. The contest is open to active or retired IBEW members only. The person submitting the photo must be the person who took the photograph. Members may enter up to five photos each.

2. International officers and staff are not eligible.

3. Photos MUST be submitted as digital files of at least 300 dpi, measuring 1,200 by 1,800 pixels at minimum, in color or black and white. Larger files of at least 2,200 pixels are encouraged.

4. All submissions become property of the IBEW Media Department.

5. Photo entries must have an IBEW theme of some sort, with IBEW members at work, engaged in a union-related activity or featuring subjects conveying images of the electrical industry or the union. THE IBEW’s Enter Today! 6. If members are featured in the photo, they should be identified. If large groups are pictured, the Deadline: Oct. 1 name of the group or the purpose of the gathering (e.g., a safety committee, a linemen’s rodeo, a union meeting) can be submitted in place of individual names. 1st Place: $200 2021 7. Photos previously published in IBEW publications or on the website are not eligible for submission. 2nd Place: $150 8. Entries MUST be submitted electronically via the Photo Contest link on IBEW.org. Please contact PHOTO 3rd Place: $100 the Media Department at [email protected] or 202-728-6102 with additional questions. Honorable 9. Up to 15 finalists will be selected and posted onIBEW.org for final judging by the public. The CONTEST Mention: $50 winners will be featured in a future issue of the Electrical Worker.

The Electrical Worker | September 2021 7

NORTH OF 49° AU NORD DU 49° PARALLÈLE NORTHNORTH OFOF 49°49° | AU NORD DU 49° PARALLÈLE

N.L. Sisters Use Women’s Committee to Bond Over Service to Others

nnMarie Candow and Laura Kie- people what the IBEW is all about.” Paron, an international representative in ley enjoy performing community Kieley is in the process of working charge of diversity and inclusion for the service in their hometown of with others to form a NextGen Committee IBEW in Canada. St. John’s, Newfoundland. But at Local 2330. NextGen is an initiative for “I didn’t really feel part of the union untilA the last three years, they didn’t think members under 35 that helps identify and for whatever reasons,” Candow said. “I’m about doing so with their local unions. foster the IBEW’s future leaders. trying this woman’s committee so that is That changed when they were intro- Even though they live in the same hopefully not the case for other women duced to the Women’s Committee — Cand- city, Candow and Kieley had never met and fellow clerical workers. We’re bridging ow with her local union and Kieley at the until 2019, when they took part in a proj- that gap and trying to make it more inter- international level. The two are now lead- ect that provided feminine hygiene prod- esting for others to be part of.’’ ers in promoting the IBEW along Atlantic ucts to women in need. First District International Vice Presi- Canada’s coast and recently helped raise This year, the two joined forces with dent Thomas Reid saluted all the women nearly $2,000 for Stella’s Circle, a Local 1620 member Frances Rideout to for their service. St. John’s nonprofit that aids at-risk adults take part in a run to raise money for Stel- “Seeing members who might have facing barriers to entering the workforce. la’s Circle that raised $1,935. The run was been overlooked in the past use their tal- “I had little or no involvement, and to held individually due to the COVID-19 pan- ents to make the IBEW stronger in Canada be honest, interest in the union until the demic. Kieley enjoys running but Candow is one of the most satisfying parts of my AnnMarie Candow, left, and Laura Kieley made the IBEW more visible in their women’s committee came about,” said and Rideout are hikers and chose to walk. position,” Reid said. “These women exem- hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, after getting involved with the Candow, who is a clerical employee of New- Kieley and Candow said they plify that and I’m looking forward to them Women’s Committee. foundland Power and a 31-year member of receive substantial support from Cheryl doing more of this work in the future.” z St. John’s Local 1620. “When that hap- pened, it felt to me like, ‘Oh, this union real- ly does care and wants to move forward.’” The women’s committee came out of a resolution passed at the 2016 Interna- Des consœurs de T.-N.-L. se servent du tional Convention calling for the IBEW to identify, support and mentor women in the workplace. The International Women’s Comité destiné aux femmes pour s’unir Committee was formed not long after and encourages each local union to form a committee among its membership. tout en aidant les gens dans le besoin Local 1620 did just that in February 2018. Candow now admits she was skepti- cal it would amount to much. But she said nnMarie Candow et Laura Kie- milieu de travail. Le Comité international de secrétaire-archiviste au sein de la sec- qui avait pour but de lever des fonds it quickly became clear that Business ley aiment effectuer des tra- destiné aux femmes a été formé peu de tion locale 2330. pour Stella’s Circle, elles ont amassé Manager Don Murphy took it seriously and vaux communautaires à temps après et encourage chaque section En 2018, elle a participé à la Confé- 1 935 $. La course a eu lieu virtuellement wanted it to succeed. Saint-Jean de Terre-Neuve, locale à faire de même. rence internationale destinée aux femmes en raison de la pandémie de la COIVD-19. Now, she’s regularly looking for leurA ville natale. Jusqu’aux trois der- En février 2018, la section locale qui a eu lieu à Saint Paul au Minnesota. Mme Kieley aime la course, par contre ways to not only support her sisters at nières années, elles n’avaient pas à 1620 l’a précisément fait. Mme Can- « Cette conférence m’a ouvert les Mme Candow et Mme Rideout sont des Local 1620 but also important causes l’idée de faire la même chose au sein de dow a avoué avec un certain scepti- yeux, » a-t-elle dit. « J’avais une idée pré- randonneuses et elles ont plutôt choisi around St. John’s. Stella’s Circle was a leur section locale. cisme que la formation du comité n’ap- conçue que nos discussions porteraient de marcher. good choice because it “focuses on people Une fois avoir été introduites au portera pas grand-chose. Elle a vite sur la haine envers les hommes, mais ce Mme Kieley et Mme Candow ont dit who might fall through the cracks of soci- comité destiné aux femmes, cette idée a réalisé que le gérant d’affaires Don n’était pas du tout comme ça. Il s’agissait avoir été appuyées de manière impor- ety, particularly women,” Candow said. changé, Mme Candow, au sein de sa sec- Murphy prenait le comité au sérieux et plutôt d’apporter de l’aide aux femmes tante par Cheryl Paron, une représentante The nonprofit assists individuals dealing tion locale et Mme Kieley à l’international. il souhaitait sa réussite. dans l’industrie et par le fait même d’as- internationale en charge de la diversité et with mental-health issues, substance Elles sont maintenant des leaders dans la Aujourd’hui, non seulement qu’elle surer que la FIOE soit plus forte. de l’inclusion au sein de la FIOE Canada. abuse, homelessness, illiteracy and re-en- promotion de la FIOE sur la côte Atlantique cherche régulièrement des moyens pour « Par la suite, j’ai donc décidé que je « Je ne sentais pas que je faisais tering society after serving time in prison. du Canada. Elles ont récemment amassé aider ses consœurs au sein de la section voulais avoir plus d’occasions de partici- vraiment partie du syndicat pour toute rai- She found an ally in Kieley, a Red Seal 2 000 $ pour l’organisme à but non lucra- locale 1620, mais aussi pour des causes per à ces conférences afin de démontrer son, » dit Mme Candow. « Je fais partie du electrician and a member of St. John’s Local tif Stella’s Circle situé à St. John’s qui vient qui lui tient à cœur dans la ville de Saint aux gens les bienfaits de la FIOE. » comité destiné aux femmes en espérant 2330, which does not yet have a women’s en aide aux adultes qui ont de la difficulté John’s. Stella’s Circle est un choix judi- Mme Kieley est en train de travailler que cela ne soit pas le cas pour d’autres committee. Kieley didn’t see herself as an à s’intégrer au marché du travail. cieux « parce que L’OBNL est axé sur les avec d’autres personnes pour former un femmes et employées de bureau. Nous activist, even though she served as Local « Je ne m’étais pas vraiment impli- personnes qui risquent d’être abandon- comité NextGen au sein de la section tentons de combler le fossé pour le rendre 2330’s recording secretary at one point. quée, et pour être honnête, je n’avais nées par le système, particulièrement les locale 2330. NextGen est un comité pour plus intéressant et encourager les autres In 2018, she was able to attend the aucun intérêt pour le syndicalisme jusqu’à femmes, » déclare Mme Candow. L’OBNL les membres de 35 ans et moins qui vise à à y participer. » International Women’s Conference in la création du comité destiné aux aide les individus qui ont des problèmes identifier et à former les prochains chefs Le vice-président international du pre- St. Paul, Minn. femmes, » dit Mme Candow, une avec la santé mentale, la consommation, de file de la FIOE. mier district Tom Reid tient à féliciter toutes “That’s kind of where my mind was employée de bureau pour Newfoundland l’itinérance, l’analphabétisme et la réin- Même si elles habitent dans la les femmes pour leurs dévouements. changed,” Kieley said. “I thought it was Power et membre de la section locale sertion sociale après avoir purgé une même ville, Mme Candow et Mme Kieley « Le fait de voir des membres qui going to be something where everyone 1620. « Quand ceci s’est produit, je me peine de prison. ne s’étaient jamais rencontrées auraient pu été négligés dans le passé, talked about hating men but it wasn’t like suis dit “ce syndicat s’en soucie vraiment Elle a trouvé une alliée en Mme Kie- jusqu’en 2019 où elles ont participé à utiliser leurs talents afin de rendre la FIOE that at all. It was all about supporting et veut aller de l’avant”. » ley, une électricienne désignée Sceau un projet qui fournissait des produits plus forte au Canada est parmi les expé- women in the trades and making sure the La résolution pour créer le comité rouge et membre de la section locale 2330 d’hygiène féminine pour les femmes riences les plus satisfaisantes de mon IBEW was stronger. destiné aux femmes a été passée au de Saint John’s qui n’a pas encore créé de dans le besoin. poste, » déclare M. Reid. « Ces femmes “After that, I decided I wanted to have Congrès international de 2016 pour comité destiné aux femmes. Mme Kieley Cette année, elles ont uni leurs en sont l’exemple parfait, et j’attends more of those opportunities, to go to these demander à la FIOE d’identifier, d’ap- ne se considérait pas comme une mili- forces avec Frances Rideout de la section avec impatience leur participation dans conferences, to learn how we can show puyer et d’encadrer les femmes dans le tante, même si elle avait occupé le poste locale 1620 pour participer à une course l’avenir. » z

WWW.IBEW.ORG 8 The Electrical Worker | September 2021

THETHE FRONTFRONT LINE:LINE: POLITICSPOLITICS && JOBSJOBS

Kansas Passes making his state the first in the nation to save money for consumers ... that we pass an electrification policy with support don’t leave behind those who have pow- ‘Move Over’ Law to from organized labor. The Colorado Blue- ered our state’s prosperity for genera- Protect Utility Workers Green Alliance-backed legislation will tions,” Polis said. help Coloradans upgrade to energy effi- The law includes $8 million to Every utility worker has one: the near miss, cient electric appliances, furnaces and implement the transition plan and $7 mil- the close call with a distracted driver, the water heaters that will also keep their bills lion for a newly created fund for a coal driver who veers at the last second to avoid a low and the air clean. The state’s Blue- transition worker assistance program. The utility truck. The encounters that leave a Green Alliance is a coalition of more than funding, which Polis called a “an import- cloud of dust and tire smoke and hearts 20 labor and environmental organizations ant down payment on helping people get beating a thousand miles an hour up in a committed to creating clean energy jobs the jobs of the future,” will go to assis- swaying bucket are particularly memorable. and preserving a healthy climate. tance programs for workers. Any remain- Or maybe it is the worker themselves, ing money would then go towards sup- eyes on the leaking gas main or up at a line- porting family and other household man, going about their job when a passing “This bill could members of coal transition workers. The vehicle whizzes by a little too closely. potentially help plan also creates a pilot program to test Sometimes, though, they don’t coal transition work support programs. make the escape and lives are lost and all the IBEW Denver Local 111 Business Manager families broken. Rich Meisinger says the transition will Every state in the nation requires locals in the help members employed at coal plants by drivers to move over when emergency With its new law, Kansas joins dozens of other states in requiring motorists to giving them a pathway to a new job, or to vehicles — police of all kinds, ambulances move over to protect line crews working on the sides of roadways. state.” retirement, depending on the member. and fire engines — are on the side of the “Jobs in power plants are typically road, and more than half have the same – Denver Local 111 Business Manager cradle-to-grave jobs. Most of our members Rich Meisinger protection for utility vehicles responding “It was his efforts that got us a hear- installing on their trucks or the GoPro take these jobs and work at the plants to outages, emergencies or just plain ing and his efforts that won us support,” cameras many linemen love to mount on their entire careers. The only skills the doing maintenance. Galvin said. top of their hard hats. The bill aims to save money by worker has are skills that benefit the pow- Until this year, Kansas wasn’t one of SB 167 passed the Senate unani- “The law provides some measure of directing utilities to create incentives for er plant,” Meisinger said. “Since legisla- them. Now, thanks to the hard work of mously in February. added safety as is. If we need to go back households and businesses to upgrade to tion is forcing the closure of the plants, former Topeka Local 304 organizer and The bill drew some concerns when it and add more teeth, I am happy to think energy-efficient electric appliances that the government should help those political lead David Galvin, who was headed to the House. The state’s peace that we have a few more friends looking reduce their bills. This increased efficien- impacted workers. We won’t have a just appointed Seventh District Lead Organiz- officers and some municipalities pointed out for the safety of the worker out there cy will reduce indoor air pollution while transition if we don’t pay for it.” er effective July 15, and a bipartisan coali- out that, as written, the bill gave utility vehi- than maybe we’re used to. And I hope also creating family-sustaining jobs. Polis also signed the Increasing Access tion of state political leaders, Kansas cles the same status as emergency vehicles they would be open to hearing us out,” “The transition to pollution-free to High-Quality Credentials bill, which pro- utility workers will be that much safer that carry red and blue flashers and they Galvin said. z buildings is a once-in-a-generation job vides financial incentives for participating when they are hard at work. wanted to avoid any confusion, no matter creation opportunity for our members,” school districts and charter schools to how unlikely it was that a cherry picker said Local 68 Business Manager Jeremy encourage high school students to enroll in “We just wanted would ever try to imitate a fire engine. Colorado Leads Way in Ross. “As businesses and industry take and complete programs like internships, A quick rewrite with House Transpor- Labor-Backed Energy advantage of new rebates and incentives residencies and pre-apprenticeships. legislation that tation Committee Chair Republican Rep. to upgrade to modern and clean electric “This bill could potentially help all Richard Proehl ensuring utility truck flash- Legislation systems, they create demand for local, the IBEW locals in the state,” Meisinger would help ers kept to shades of amber and red, and qualified electrical workers.” said. “The money from HB 1290 can go to the bill was ready for a vote. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recently signed On June 30, Polis visited Pueblo the creation of new training centers where workers, the The April 8 vote in the Senate was, legislation, some of it at Pueblo Local 12, Local 12 to sign House Bill 1290, which we can do training for various certifica- again, unanimous, but in the House, three that sets the stage for future labor-backed calls for $15 million for the Office of Just tions, including those needed for electric guys in the field, out of 122 voted no. Galvin said the three no energy policy. Transition. The office supports coal work- vehicle charging stations.” z union and not.” votes are no on pretty much everything. “We have long maintained that labor ers and the communities dependent on “I can’t even figure out why they can and should be a partner in tackling the those jobs as the state pivots toward other climate crisis,” said International Presi- – Local 304 Organizer David Galvin would, but they do,” Galvin said. “But forms of energy, some of which are in the A Fan in the White House dent Lonnie R. Stephenson. “Legislation look, most of the Republicans were with Pueblo area. has Railroad Workers For years, Galvin and the leadership us and our members. Even though we may like what’s been passed in Colorado is a “The Office of Just Transition is to of Topeka Local 304, including Business not always agree with those guys, the strong example of what that can look like.” make sure that as we transition away from Hopeful for the Future Manager John Garretson, had been trying Republicans deserve the credit.” Polis signed SB21-246 on June 22, coal to cheaper forms of energy, and we to get a move over law in Kansas, but with- About a month later, the bill was sent A handful of hope-inducing railroad mea- out much luck, Galvin said. He had high to Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat whose chief sures and policies have emerged in Wash- hopes for 2020, but then the pandemic of staff, Will Lawrence, is a member of ington the past few months, making IBEW shortened the legislative session and the Local 304 and the local’s former lawyer. members in the union’s Railroad branch bill’s sponsor lost his election. Not only did Kelly sign the bill in cautiously optimistic that they could halt “It had come up in the past and nev- May, she worked with Garretson and Gal- the devastating trend of railroad worker er got traction. Then COVID, then our part- vin to plan an event that would bring some layoffs across all crafts in recent years. ner lost,” Galvin said. “We just wanted needed attention to the new law. “Having Joe Biden, a longtime cham- legislation that would help workers, the On Aug. 12, surrounded by a flotilla pion of Amtrak and rail workers, in the guys in the field, union and not.” of cable, bucket and gas trucks and, in White House has really buoyed our Rail- Happily, Galvin found a new partner in Galvin’s words, “a monster contingent of road members,” said International Presi- Ethan Corson, a newly elected state senator our utility folks,” Kelly ceremonially signed dent Lonnie R. Stephenson. When he was from Topeka who had just come over from the bill again. in Congress, Biden famously commuted the staff of the state Democratic Party. “She has always been a friend of almost daily via Amtrak between Washing- “Together, we wrote the bill,” Galvin working families and unions in particu- ton and his family’s home in Delaware. said. lar,” Galvin said. “It was nice to get us all Biden’s Build Back Better infrastruc- But, unlike Corson, most state elect- together at the local and bring a few local ture plan includes tens of billions for ed officials in Kansas are Republicans. TV stations to get the word out.” Amtrak, freight rail and regional rail sys- They outnumber Democrats more than For now, enforcement will be limited tems, money that would mean new jobs, two-to-one in the House and close to to when a sheriff, trooper or local officer is overtime and stability for workers who three-to-one in the Senate. nearby or, sadly, after an incident. There is have increasingly felt the pinch from dra- Galvin needed to find some friends. always the possibility that the law will be Colorado’s new energy legislation aims to create good-paying jobs in the matic cost-cutting in the industry. The first was Sen. Mike Petersen, amended to allow the use of the near energy sector while also meeting climate goals, and does so with the backing In recent years, railroad workers by chair of the Transportation Committee. ubiquitous dash cams most utilities are of the IBEW and other labor unions. the thousands, across all crafts, have The Electrical Worker | September 2021 9

CIRCUITSCIRCUITS

Ohio Local Lights Up “The grounds are absolutely incredi- With Help from VEEP, ble. It’s one of the nicest areas for teach- Baseball’s Historic ing children that we’re all on the same Wisconsin Local Handshake team in life,” Mike Shuba said. “My dad Provides an Opportunity always said that he didn’t care if Jackie for Military Veterans The “handshake for the century” has a was technicolor, he was on our team.” Local 64 members also installed LED new statue in Youngstown, Ohio, and Local Courtney Tillman envisioned a life of travel lights to highlight the names of those who 64 members helped make it happen. while growing up in northeastern Ohio, provided funding or in-kind donations. When baseball legend Jackie Robin- especially when she found how much she “It’s definitely something we want- son hit a home run in his debut minor enjoyed studying foreign languages. She ed to be involved in,” Burgham said. “It’s league game with the Montreal Royals in also saw an older sister dealing with col- going to be there for a long time and we 1946, he prompted what ESPN called “a lege debt, so after graduation, she decid- wanted do our part.” simple act of decency” — a handshake from ed to enlist in the Navy. When Santon first heard of the his white teammate George “Shotgun” Shu- Twenty-two years later, in 2019, then- project, he brought it to the Labor Man- ba. While that might not sound like much Chief Petty Officer Tillman was nearing agement Cooperative Committee and today, it was nothing short of historic 75 retirement and looking to begin life as a years ago. The next year, Robinson broke they agreed to help fund it through a Credit: Creative Commons / Flickr user Joe Biden civilian along with her husband, Christian, grant as well as with donated materials the color barrier by becoming major league and their three children. She wanted to do President Joe Biden is a noted railroad enthusiast. The IBEW’s Railroad branch and labor. All told, the LMCC gave around baseball’s first Black player. In this pre-Civil something with her hands and performed members hope that some of his recently announced plans will help end $50,000 to the effort, which cost around Rights era, interracial handshakes simply electrical work aboard ships for years. corporate policies that have eliminated thousands of jobs across the industry. $400,000 total. didn’t happen — until George Shuba made Tillman found several organizations “The LMCC likes to do things like been furloughed following most major rail Affairs Director Danielle Eckert. “Right it happen when he reached out his hand to designed to help veterans make the tran- this. We’re kind of proud of that,” Santon systems’ implementation of something now, the railroads have all the data,” she congratulate his teammate and Robinson sition to civilian life but one stood out: the said. “Plus, we didn’t want the work to be called “precision railroad scheduling.” said, “so when we say PSR is horrible for accepted it, both of them smiling. Veterans Electrical Entry Program, com- nonunion. Not for something PSR, explained Railroad Director Al Russo, workers’ safety, it’s mostly anecdotal. monly called VEEP, designed by the Elec- like this.” is a radical efficiency scheme that threat- “We know we’ve had IBEW members trical Training ALLIANCE with substantial The statue’s unveiling, ens rail workers’ safety by drastically get hurt in the wake of PSR while other support from Milwaukee Tool. That proved which was originally scheduled slashing jobs, consolidating rail services, unions have endured deaths,” Eckert especially true during the COVID-19 pan- for April but got postponed due and deferring facility and equipment said. “Once the GAO collects actual data, demic, when VEEP continued to support to the coronavirus, was part of maintenance, all with one accounting goal we can refer to it over and over again to her while she seldom left the ship she was the Youngstown State Universi- in mind: to increase profits by dramatical- help our case.” assigned to, Tillman said. ty’s Festival of the Arts and now ly reducing the money a railroad spends Russo added that IBEW members “They walked me through step by sits in Wean Park in the city’s on operations. also can help call attention to PSR’s prob- step,” said Tillman, one of 49 veterans downtown area. “Look, no one supports precision lems by emailing their observations to nationwide who have completed the pro- “It was a nice ceremony,” and efficiency more than the IBEW,” Russo [email protected]. “It’s more import- gram in its three years of existence. “They said Santon, who attended on said. “But while the railroads are raking in ant than ever that every single rail member were great. They were always there when I the rainy Saturday. “It was quite record profits, our rail members are really does his or her part to let leaders at the had issues or a question about training.” reflective.” hurting — the ones who have lost their local, system council and international lev- Once accepted, VEEP participants Santon grew up in the jobs plus those left behind who are els know what’s going on in their workplac- take part in a seven-week pre-apprentice- same town as the Shubas. He expected to do more work for the same es,” he said. “With fewer and fewer of our ship program that helps them determine if remembers when George pay while staying as safe as possible.” members out there right now, we need they are a good fit for the electrical indus- played, but realized that the Last November, a majority of voters everyone to really step up and do their part try. Tillman, who settled in Beloit, Wis., younger generations may not elected not just “Amtrak Joe” Biden but also to help us stay informed.” following her discharge, was honored in a and he didn’t want that part worker-friendly majorities in both Houses of Over the last decade, the number ceremony in late June along with two other of his neighbor’s legacy lost Congress, and rail is just one of the IBEW-re- of large U.S. railroads in the Class I cate- veterans — Raymond “Jay” Droessler and to history. lated industries where the union’s get-out- gory has dwindled dramatically due to a Jackson Wildes — who also successfully “I remember Mike telling the-vote efforts are paying off. rapid series of mergers and acquisi- completed the program and now are

Credit: Mike Shuba me that his dad took all his In May, House Transportation and tions. This gradual reduction in competi- apprentices at Madison, Wis., Local 159. mementos from his years of Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter tion has made it easier for these Class I’s Youngstown, Ohio, Local 64 members lit up a The ceremony drew local media playing and put them in two DeFazio of Oregon and Railroads, Pipe- to behave like monopolies when it new statue commemorating the historic attention, with reports by two Madison Maytag washing machine box- lines, and Hazardous Materials Subcom- comes to pricing and service. In handshake between baseball players Jackie television stations. Sixth District Vice es. All except for one — the pho- mittee Chairman Donald Payne of New response, President Biden included rail- Robinson and George Shuba. President David J. Ruhmkorff attended to of the handshake. That one Jersey formally asked the federal Govern- roads in an executive order encouraging and was joined by Joshua Johnson, the he kept framed on the wall.” Santon said. ment Accountability Office to study how competition in a range of transportation “It was a huge moment at the time,” director of the Wisconsin Bureau of “That’s the kind of person George was.” PSR is affecting, among other things, rail industries. Specifically, he called on the said Local 64 Business Manager Jim Apprenticeship Standards. For Santon and many others in workers and the safety and long-term federal government’s Surface Transpor- Burgham. “With everything going on in “We had our first VEEP candidate Youngstown, Shuba’s gesture that day management of the nation’s railroads. tation Board to consider rulemaking that the country right now, that handshake still come in two years ago and he really set the embodies some of the best of their town. “Longer trains, unhappy shippers, promotes competition and reduces carries a lot of meaning.” bar high,” Local 159 Business Manager “Everyone else did not do it. He and a workforce pushed to do more with delays in passenger rail service. That game took place in New Jersey, Sue Blue said in reference to Droessler, a stood up because that’s the way he was less is not a model to chase after — unless On the legislative front, Stephenson, but it’s Shuba’s hometown of retired Army major. “He’s been a really raised in the city of Youngstown,” said you’re on Wall Street,” DeFazio said. “But Eckert and Russo have been working closely Youngstown that commissioned the sev- good example of how this can be a suc- Mayor Jamael Tito Brown. we can’t let hedge fund managers write with the Biden administration and members en-foot-tall bronze statue, unveiled on cessful program for a local union and an The statue, which was cast in Brook- the rules of railroading. This study … will of Congress to help ensure that any infra- July 17, to commemorate the moment that individual making that transition from the lyn in the same place as the Iwo Jima help us find ways to address the impacts structure bills put forward include provisions changed baseball forever. And Local 64 military to private life. We are happy to memorial, is the eighth one of Robinson [of] this railroad management strategy.” that help IBEW members and anyone else members, working for signatory contrac- offer this opportunity and for the three and the only piece to feature another per- Using PSR, railroads “are also evad- who works on, or uses, rail systems. tor Dan Santon, installed the lights, individuals who have chosen our local.” son with the baseball great, Brown said. ing federally mandated inspections, “With the pressure our members in including four pole lights to highlight the The program also is designed to “It’s nice to be part of a memorial to neglecting maintenance, and operating the railroad industry have been under the statue from above and linear LED lighting meet the skilled labor shortage and is something so historic, and ultimately fewer but significantly longer trains,” said last few years, it’s nice to know that they’ve at the base to provide light from below. supported by the IBEW and the National about doing what is right,” Burgham said. Greg Regan, the president of the AFL-CIO’s got a friend in the White House and a Con- Over 30 LED lights were also installed in Electrical Contractors Association. That so many people helped make Transportation Trades Department, “a gress willing to take a hard look at destruc- the face of the concrete seating area sur- “Everybody involved is passionate the statue a reality is not lost on the move that impacts the safety not only of tive practices like PSR,” Stephenson said. rounding the sculpture. about what we’re doing,” said the ALLI- younger Shuba. rail workers, but of the communities “But just because we have friends in pow- Those seats are something that Shu- ANCE’S Greg McMurphy, who oversees the “It’s quite amazing to see all these through which these trains travel.” erful places doesn’t mean we can sit back ba’s son Mike said were important to him, VEEP program. people coming together. It was a real team The information gathered by the and wait for them to act. This is our oppor- so children would have a place to sit on Added Ruhmkorff: “The IBEW has a GAO study should help bolster the IBEW’s tunity to make railroad jobs great again, future field trips to learn about their effort,” he said. “And it’s gratifying to know hometown hero. that it’ll carry on long after we’re gone.” z arguments against PSR, said Government and we’re going to seize it.” z CIRCUITS continued on page 10

WWW.IBEW.ORG 10 The Electrical Worker | September 2021

CIRCUITS continued

Madison, Wis., other benefits like community invest- training and work ethic of IBEW members Local 159 ment, job creation and the funding of pen- from the first ground broken to wiring the apprentices sions and health care in 14 states through- labs that create the tests, vaccines and Jackson Wildes, out the U.S. Among its findings is that more. In fact, the study showed that elec- Courtney Tillman there were 447 major (those costing tricians worked more hours by far than and Jay Droessler $5 million or more) pharmaceutical and any other trade classification, with (front row) were biotech projects that were privately fund- 18.5 million logged. The next closest trade honored following ed and under construction between 2015 had less than 10 million hours. graduation from the and 2020. These projects represent a Kasmark says that’s because the VEEP program. combined $23.6 billion in infrastructure nature of these projects requires an exten- investment by the industry. sive amount of electrical infrastructure to While 2020 saw many out of work, support the production and packaging of the opposite tended to be true for the bio- pharmaceutical products. There are multi- tech and pharmaceutical industries as the ple and redundant power systems and country weathered the coronavirus pan- highly sophisticated process control sys- demic. Assuming a standard work week, tems that require electrical and instru- long history of supporting those who it worked out. on active duty before his discharge. the data suggests that projects in these ment technician skills to install, commis- served our country and the VEEP program “Now, they’ve bought into it. They “When you’re working in an insanely fields employed 6,157 full-time construc- sion and maintain. has only made that stronger. It’s taken a were willing to work with some changes, hot part of a building and tension is run- tion workers last year and paid at least “There is absolutely no room for lot of work by so many people, but it’s pay- accept that perceived risk, and they found ning high, maybe a veteran has the tem- $774 million in wages. The study noted error, so it has to be done right the first ing off. It was a great feeling to celebrate out it was really manageable and not perament to deal with that,” he said. “A that these numbers don’t reflect addition- time, every time. That’s why they use our success in Madison and I look forward much of a risk.” bad day as an electrician is 50 times bet- al benefits like the tens of millions of dol- IBEW,” Kasmark said. to many more celebrations.” VEEP utilizes resources throughout ter than a bad day in the military. That lars in health insurance and pension con- Much of the work in PILMA’s report is Several local unions have participat- the brotherhood. Wildes and Droessler, for stoicism, that get-her-done attitude really tributions, or the indirect benefits to a being done on the East and West coasts. ed in the program but Local 159 has instance, took part in pre-apprenticeship helps on a jobsite.” z region from increased spending in the The greater Boston area in particular has become something of a hotbed for several training in Alaska while still on active duty community, known as the multiplier effect. become a hub, said Local 103 Business reasons. To begin with, there have been through Anchorage Local 1547 and the Alas- In Michigan, one of the states in the Manager Lou Antonellis. many qualified applicants who wanted to ka Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust. Study Shows Benefits study and home to a Pfizer facility in “We have thousands of members make Wisconsin home after their military Tillman, on the other hand, seldom of Labor-Pharma Kalamazoo, the report found that the working in this sector,” Antonellis said. “It careers ended. could leave the ship she was assigned to state’s building trades helped drive over speaks to the quality of IBEW craftsman- Wildes, a retired Marine Corps ser- during the pandemic and became one of Relationship $1 billion in investment on major con- ship needed to build the highly technical geant, and Droessler both grew up in the the first VEEP applicants to take part in struction projects. During that same time facilities and clean rooms needed for the state. Tillman grew up near Akron, Ohio, virtual training. A new study from the Pharmaceutical period, union worker earnings reached research and development of the life-sav- but she and her husband — another mili- “I just hope [my experience] gives Industry Labor-Management Association more than $25 million, representing more ing drugs we’re benefiting from today.” tary veteran who loves snow, despite the public more knowledge about how to shows how investment in the crucial work than 906,000 hours of work in addition to While not all pharmaceutical con- growing up Louisiana — thought it would get a career when you leave the military, of the biotech and pharmaceutical indus- significant funding for union health insur- struction is done by union hands, organi- be a good place to raise a family and she especially if you don’t want to get stuck at tries is related to a strong, skilled work- ance and pension benefits. zations like PILMA are providing a plat- had friends in the area. a desk,” she said. “If you want to get out force in the building trades. “A research study such as this high- form for increased relationship building, Local 159 Training Director Jim Cook in the community and do something with “The impact of this partnership has lights the opportunities our members which can create more job opportunities, said the size of the jurisdiction helps, too. your hands, this is a great path to choose.” only grown over the years,” said Director have in this industry to train and employ Kasmark said. It operates nine training centers through- Wildes has planned to be an electri- of Business Development Ray Kasmark, current and future electricians,” said “Through PILMA we’re working out the state. Milwaukee’s 494 is the only cian for several years. His father is a mem- who also serves as an IBEW union trustee Kalamazoo Local 131 Business Manager towards the goal of proving our value and other inside local that has its own training ber of Janesville, Wis., Local 890 and sev- on PILMA’s board. “Labor and industry Brian O’Donnell. “Given the large number all that we bring to the table,” Kasmark center in Wisconsin. eral other family members have worked in recognize the strength in this relationship, of working hours the IBEW has on these said. “PILMA provides us an opportunity But the most important reason for its the trades. One of his responsibilities that strong industry naturally leads to projects, securing resources and expand- to demonstrate why the best science growth is that several interested parties — while serving in the Marine Corps was per- good jobs and a vibrant economy — and ing this industry will no doubt benefit oth- should be done in the best facilities and including Cook himself — overcame their forming maintenance on airfield lighting life-saving vaccines.” er locals across the state. built by the best tradespeople.” initial reservations, he said. For instance, around the world. The rapid and successful develop- “As Michigan looks to diversify its Kasmark also noted that the many signatory contractors rely heavily on “I always thought it would be really ment of vaccines to save lives from the economy, the biopharmaceutical indus- high-quality work of the IBEW and other construction wiremen — commonly called cool to understand how all that worked,” coronavirus is a testament to the hard try — and the skilled union craft workers trades has likely helped to keep much of CWs. They are workers who have not been he said. work and dedication of the nation’s scien- employed by the industry — help create the work on U.S. soil. accepted into an apprenticeship but are VEEP made the transition to that tific community. But it couldn’t have been that growing economic engine. Our mem- “We should all be extremely grateful paid at a lower rate and can complete much easier, he said. Instead of being on done without the state-of-the-art facili- bers are proud of the work they provided that our domestic U.S. pharmaceutical some lower-level electrical work. his own, he had McMurphy and others to ties, laboratories and manufacturing to help bring an end to the COVID-19 pan- industry did not ‘offshore’ the majority of Many contractors were reluctant to mentor him through the process. And, like plants built by the women and men of the demic by working on the facilities that their production facilities over the past give a direct-entry spot to an apprenticeship many veterans, Wildes found many of the building trades. discovered and developed the vaccine.” decades as others have,” Kasmark said. to anyone, even a veteran, if it came at the skills he learned in the military trans- PILMA’s study looks at this as well as The industry relies on the skills, “Imagine if the COVID-19 vaccine was as expense of a qualified CW who had spent ferred to construction. scarce today as semiconductor chips are.” time on a jobsite. Cook said they agreed to “You’re with the same group of peo- The PILMA partnership also extends give it a try out of respect for the military and ple in the military working and grinding to areas like lobbying for legislation and when it was assured the ALLIANCE already every day,” he said. “It’s very similar to regulations that benefit both parties. was vetting the VEEP applicants. what I’m doing now. Sometimes it’s letters of support or oppo- “The IBEW is proud of the VEEP pro- “In the military, some people call it sition for legislation, like pharma support- gram and justifiably so,” Cook said. “But mass punishment. Others say you win as ing Davis-Bacon, which assures union-lev- what makes it go really are the NECA con- a team, you die as a team. Whatever you el pay on government projects, and tractors willing to give up those spots to a call it, you really learn to work well with opposing the problematic IRAP program direct-entry program. It’s a great feeder others. The work is a collective mission to that would have compromised union program. The best I’ve ever seen. They are get the job done.” apprenticeships. Additionally, the build- doing electrical work and getting to know Droessler, who served two tours of ing trades have supported the pharma- if they want to do that as a career.” duty in Iraq, is honored to have been Local ceutical industry on drug pricing and intel- McMurphy has also seen a change 159’s first VEEP graduate but he’s also lectual property issues. among management regarding the pro- pleased that it’s followed up with another The study was conducted by the Insti- gram. He saluted the signatory contrac- graduate in each of the last two years — tute for Construction Economic Research, a tors for doing so. first Wildes, who was followed by Tillman. non-partisan network of academic “People are sometimes averse to He credits VEEP for making it easier to A new study shows the benefits of a strong partnership between the biotech researchers whose goal is to find pragmatic change,” he said. “They wanted to see return to his home state and get the and pharmaceutical industries and the building trades, including much of the solutions to workplace and labor market what would happen with one person and apprenticeship application process while work done to create the COVID-19 vaccine. issues in the construction industry. z The Electrical Worker | September 2021 11

TRANSITIONSTRANSITIONS

APPOINTED Environment Policy Committee and as a said Eckert, who hails from Homosassa, “Local 2273’s membership has just however. In 1974, when Bell graduated Austin Keyser senior advisor for policy and appoint- Florida, about an hour’s drive north of Tam- been decimated by PSR,” said Eckert, who from high school, Local 769 didn’t accept ments throughout the executive branch. pa on the Sunshine State’s west coast. Her was herself furloughed only a few months an apprenticeship class because of a Political and Leg- During the campaign, Keyser led the father was a drywall finisher, and after Eck- after winning her e-board election. Dorsch slowdown in the Arizona economy. islative Affairs department’s outreach effort that trained ert was born, her parents moved the family strongly encouraged Eckert to remain a So, he traveled to Alaska and Director Austin hundreds of IBEW grassroots leaders and back to their native Buffalo, New York, and member of the IBEW, however, and with worked as a mechanic for the next three Keyser has been registrars as election outreach specialists, then later settled in Altoona, Pennsylvania. his support and the backing of Third Dis- years on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Sys- appointed to the and directly contacted more than 63,000 After graduating from high school, trict International Vice President Michael tem, becoming a member of the Operating newly created union members in crucial Midwestern Eckert joined the Army Reserve in part to Welsh, she was appointed an internation- Engineers. Bell enjoyed the work but position of Assis- swing states and held more than 150,000 gain access to the service’s education sti- al representative in the Political and Legis- quickly said yes when he was accepted tant to the Inter- phone conversations with IBEW members. pend, which helped her pay for her degree lative Affairs department in 2020. into Local 769’s revived apprenticeship national Presi- The department was not only from nearby Mt. Aloysius College, where And after serving more than 13 years program in 1977. He became a member dent for Government Affairs, effective July 1. focused on elections, however. Keyser led she studied history, political science and with the Army Reserve, Staff Sergeant Eck- one year later and completed his appren- As part of the change, the department has the IBEW’s political fights in Congress and secondary education. ert finished her contract with the military ticeship in 1980. been reorganized and renamed Govern- in the regulatory agencies to protect orga- Eckert wanted to become a teacher the same year. “I enjoyed the guys and it truly felt ment Affairs. nized labor from the excesses of Trump but discovered how difficult it can be to “Even before Danielle started work- like a brotherhood,” he said. “Line work is Brother Keyser took over as director appointees committed determined to gut obtain a permanent, full-time teaching job ing with us here, I knew that good things a pretty small world and the people I of the Political and Legislative Affairs worker wage and safety protections. in Pennsylvania. So, to help support her were in store for her and for the entire worked with knew me as a kid. Department in 2017 and led the IBEW’s “Some of our greatest successes growing family, she worked as much as she IBEW,” said Keyser. “I am very pleased to “When you work as a lineman, you political outreach and grassroots pro- were what we stopped: the radical plan to could as a part-time substitute teacher have such a qualified union sister working come to an understanding that you put grams through one of the most conten- hand apprenticeships over to manage- while supplementing her income with a on behalf of all of our members, and I’m your life, to some extent, into someone tious and important presidential elections ment, hang struggling pension funds on job at a chain convenience store. She equally pleased to consider her a friend.” else’s hands. Whether you’re working in U.S. history. healthy ones and gut collective bargaining excelled so much at her backup job at the Eckert, who also holds a master’s energized or you’re setting steel, it’s “These have been some of the most rights,” Keyser said. “We took some heavy store that within just a few years she was degree in management and leadership important you form a pretty tight bond.” consequential and challenging years in our losses under the prior administration, but promoted to a position in the store chain’s from Liberty University, lives with her hus- Bell was active in Local 769 from the brotherhood’s history. So much has been we did remarkable work winning enough corporate office. band, Jason, and their child, near Wash- start of his career. He served on various at stake,” said International President friends to hold off catastrophe.” Seeing how Eckert was juggling two ington in Rockville, Maryland. committees and was elected to the Execu- Lonnie R. Stephenson. “Austin’s judgment, Now that the most labor-friendly jobs to get by, one of Eckert’s Army Reserve When she’s not working to promote tive Board in 1984. He became board work ethic and reputation in Washington, president since Franklin Roosevelt is in “battle buddies” who worked an IBEW gig IBEW members’ legislative and political chairman in 1988. D.C., and nationally have been crucial for the White House, Keyser said there is real at Norfolk Southern Railroad’s Juniata interests, Eckert likes to run, work out, By 1994, Local 769’s business man- the political successes we have had.” opportunity to win ground back, not just locomotive shop in Altoona encouraged camp out, and hang out on a beach. ager was nearing retirement and asked Bell Keyser played a key role in coordinat- hunker down. her friend to apply for a position there. “I Please join the officers and staff in to run for his position. He won that election ing with the Biden presidential campaign, Brother Keyser became a third gen- kept hearing how there was good, steady wishing Sister Eckert the best as she and was re-elected six more times, facing z including the IBEW’s key decision to endorse eration IBEW member when he joined the union work there,” Eckert said. assumes her new role. no opposition in any of those races. Biden early in the primary campaign, a deci- apprenticeship at Portsmouth, Ohio, Enticed by the security that a union His proudest accomplishment was Local 575 in 2001. Even before he topped job offers, Eckert took her friend’s advice turning around Local 769’s struggling sion that built considerable trust, friendship RETIRED and access in the new administration. out, he was tapped to serve in positions and filled out an application. Norfolk financial situation. By 2013, when he left During the transition, Keyser served normally only held by journeymen, Southern quickly hired her, first as a jani- Joel Bell for the Seventh District office, it had $5 as co-chair of the Climate, Energy and including as a steward and on a standing tor before moving her over to forklift oper- million in the bank and owned its new committee at the local. ation. In 2014, Eckert took, and passed, Joel Bell, a long- union hall outright. That put it in a more He served as assistant business the test to become a locomotive electri- time IBEW lead- advantageous position to secure work and manager, treasurer and membership cian, which led to her initiation into er in Arizona organize, he said. Executive development coordinator before he was Altoona Local 2273. who served as “You’ve got to be able to fight the Reorganization at the elected one of the youngest business Eckert jumped into union activism an outside con- fights when you need to,” Bell said. “If managers of a construction local in 2008 right away, at first by planning events and struction repre- people think you have the resources, they International Office at age 29. outings for workers and their families, sentative in might not take you on.” In 2011, he was hired as the AFL- including a massive Christmas party for all Business Devel- In 2013, Bell was appointed a Sev- International President Lonnie R. CIO’s Ohio director, taking over the entire the members of the various union locals opment for the enth District international representative, Stephenson has made organizational Midwest in 2014 before coming to the working in the Juniata shop. last six years, retired effective June 1. servicing locals in Arizona and New Mexi- and responsibility changes at the International Office. Two years later, Eckert got her first “Joel has an unbelievable under- co. He thought he might retire in that role International Office. “Our highest priorities line up close- taste of government affairs work when she standing of the regulatory processes, before he was tapped to fill the newly-cre- ly to President Biden’s highest priorities: volunteered to serve as the railroad local’s which vary greatly from state to state,” ated position for an outside representa- Darrin Golden, rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and political registrar, setting up meetings Business Development Director Ray Kas- tive in Business Development in 2015. who was serving pass the PRO Act to give more people the with local congressional representa- mark said. “Transmission projects take “It was interesting because it is a lot as Senior chance to benefit from coming together in tives — “or really, whoever would meet literally years, if not decades, to go from like organizing,” Bell said. “You talk to a Executive union,” Keyser said. “We have been wait- with us,” she said. planning and regulatory to culmination. lot of people, you put in the work, and Assistant to the ing decades for this chance.” An impressed Local 2273 Chairman “These are long ordeals. He had an then you think it’s just dead and it’s never International The officers, staff and entire mem- Dan Dorsch encouraged Eckert to run in intuitive ability to pick ones that had the going to happen. That can be dishearten- President, has bership of the IBEW wish Brother Keyser 2019 for an open seat on the Executive best chance to come to fruition and where ing at times. been renamed the best as he takes on his new position. z Board. “I didn’t think I had a chance,” Eck- to best put our resources.” “Then, a year or two years later, it Chief of Staff. ert said with a laugh, “but I wound up win- Retirement wrapped up a 44-year develops. What you sowed comes back and ning the election.” starts paying off. When you have something Sherilyn career for Brother Bell, who got a first- APPOINTED “She was one of the best students that works in your favor after you talk to the Wright, hand look at a lineman’s life earlier than previously Danielle M. Eckert we ever had here,” Dorsch said. “Danni is most. His father, Ray, was a member of right people and get the right projects for Executive a very hard worker and a fast learner, and Phoenix Local 769. members, it’s rewarding.” Assistant to the Danielle Eckert she has a work ethic that can’t be beat.” “I would spend my summers with Tiler Eaton, another Business Devel- International has been At one time, Altoona’s various rail- him wherever he was working,” said Bell, opment international representative who President, has appointed direc- road facilities combined to make up the whose parents divorced when he was in also focuses on outside work, said Bell was been renamed tor of the IBEW’s largest railroad shop complex in the the first grade. “He worked construction “so full of knowledge. You could ask him a Senior Executive Assistant to the Government world, employing thousands of workers. and I always would go to work with him. question and every time, he would have a International President. The changes Affairs Depart- But in recent years, most major U.S. rail- Even early on when he worked utility, I fix or a solution for everything you asked.” took effect July 1. ment, effective roads, including Norfolk Southern, have always rode with him in the truck on trou- Eaton, who has known Bell for near- July 1. She replac- adopted a radical efficiency scheme ble calls. ly 20 years, said the respect Bell garnered In addition, the Political and es Austin Keyser, known as precision scheduled railroad- “I got a pretty heavy exposure to line from the National Electrical Contractors Legislative Affairs Department has who was elevated to assistant to the inter- ing, a penny-pinching strategy that has work and figured out that’s what I wanted Association and signatory contractors been renamed the Government national president for government affairs. resulted in the elimination of hundreds of to do.” Affairs Department.z “I come from a working-class family,” IBEW and other union workers’ jobs. That would have to wait a few years, TRANSITIONS continued on page 12

WWW.IBEW.ORG 12 The Electrical Worker | September 2021 ------In Memoriam ------TRANSITIONS continued Members for Whom PBF Death Claims was invaluable. battle with cancer. He plans to make ikvar, and one grandson. Justin Ponikvar, were Approved in July 2021 “People meet Joel and they remem- another home he owns in northern Arizo- his son-in-law, is a Local 769 member. So ber him,” he said. “He never got upset. I na his permanent residence. He’s also was his son, Clinton, who was killed in an Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death almost felt like an apprentice to him looking to purchase a new RV and do automobile accident. Local 769 honors because it was like he trained me. He some traveling. Clinton’s memory with an annual blood 1 Bandini, H. V. 10/28/20 11 Ponjavic, M. 1/22/21 taught me to think outside the box.” “I’ve got friends all over the coun- drive in his name. 1 Cullom, R. J. 2/24/21 11 Russell, D. B. 12/31/20 In retirement, Bell said he likely will try,” he said. “There are some places I The officers and staff thank Brother 1 Douglas, J. R. 4/5/21 11 Tsiryulnikov, A. M. 3/9/21 sell his home in Chandler, Ariz., which he want to see on a retirement basis as Bell for his many years of service and 1 Finder, D. E. 2/26/21 11 Vaughan, J. W. 11/20/20 1 Luehrman, R. A. 4/7/21 16 Seddon, V. O. 3/28/21 built nearly 35 years ago with his wife opposed to from a hotel room.” wish him and his loved ones a long and 1 Richardson, K. M. 5/9/21 17 Snyder, R. E. 3/26/21 z Josie, who recently passed away after a He has one daughter, Amanda Pon- happy retirement. 1 Russell, G. L. 9/22/20 18 Galloway, S. 10/18/20 1 Spangenberg, R. L. 3/3/21 18 Jones, R. H. 3/4/21 3 Algozzini, J. J. 5/10/21 20 Brooks, J. W. 3/24/21 3 Angelillo, J. J. 7/18/20 20 Henson, C. D. 10/2/20 ORGANIZINGORGANIZING WIREWIRE 3 Arnone, J. 5/14/21 20 Marcum, B. W. 3/23/21 3 Aspros, J. 1/23/21 20 Nelson, P. L. 2/2/21 3 Belmont, P. 2/23/21 22 Finch, P. R. 2/24/21 3 Campo, F. 10/31/20 22 Quinn, S. P. 2/14/21 Opportunities Aplenty for Texas Vets 3 Chester, S. A. 3/10/21 24 Anderson, I. S. 1/12/21 3 Chute, J. G. 4/12/21 24 Clarke, D. J. 1/22/21 Austin, Texas, Local 520 organizer Marc 3 Clarke, F. L. 5/15/19 24 Myers, R. H. 2/26/21 Pendleton has a rock-solid pitch to troops 3 Dawson, L. 2/18/21 24 Quinley, D. M. 3/12/21 mustering out of the military. 3 De La Cruz, J. J. 3/31/21 25 Anderson, G. R. 3/18/21 “You show up on time and are used 3 Deda, D. 3/24/21 25 Deasy, R. J. 10/26/20 to getting yelled at,” he said. “You’ve trav- 3 Dunn, R. M. 1/13/21 25 Laffey, K. P. 2/24/21 3 Dyer, J. A. 2/23/20 25 Munroe, H. E. 2/18/21 eled and been in the heat and don’t mind 3 Ebner, G. J. 3/15/20 25 Sehlmeyer, E. P. 3/20/21 it. Y’all make the best damn electricians 3 Falcone, M. 9/29/20 26 DeWitt, W. R. 2/4/21 there are.” 3 Faulkner, A. R. 3/10/21 26 Jacob, J. J. 1/26/21 And it seems to work. Over the last 3 Gardenfeld, M. J. 3/25/21 26 Linton, W. P. 3/6/21 half decade, Business Manager Ben 3 Gaughan, M. F. 2/17/21 26 Mason, T. W. 11/10/20 Brennemen said his local has experienced 3 Glockenmeier, R. E. 2/5/21 26 St.Clair, D. L. 9/18/20 unprecedented growth — more than 700 3 Hering, F. J. 6/8/20 26 Walker, G. X. 3/8/21 new members in 2020 alone. 3 Kelly, J. J. 4/1/21 26 White, R. A. 1/27/21 Again and again, he said, he and his 3 Lang, W. H. 3/20/21 26 Wilson, P. D. 1/29/21 team are bringing in new apprentices from 3 Longden, A. W. 4/4/21 34 Bambrick, E. W. 5/14/21 3 Luyando, D. 1/15/21 34 Cruise, C. L. 2/6/21 the host of military bases around Austin, Organizers at Austin, 3 Mandel, J. N. 3/19/21 34 Day, L. L. 5/26/21 including Goodfellow Air Force Base and Texas, Local 520 have 3 Mc Govern, J. 3/12/21 35 Gosselin, G. J. 5/5/21 Forts Mabry, Avery (where Pendleton’s wife been a fixture at job fairs 3 Nichols, E. G. 3/12/21 38 Burke, J. H. 11/27/20 works), Swift and Hood, one of the largest for transitioning 3 Ortega, P. 4/17/21 38 Coe, E. J. 2/18/21 military bases in the world with more than active-duty military 3 Perez, A. A. 4/18/21 38 Jeric, D. C. 12/12/20 50,000 soldiers and civilians on base. members. The 3 Picaro, P. A. 3/13/21 38 Marcus, D. J. 3/30/21 “Marc has been funneling a bunch opportunity to be a part 3 Piccolella, M. 4/13/21 42 Bates, P. A. 5/5/21 of people from the military into the of a brotherhood and 3 Pisciotta, A. N. 2/17/21 43 Redmond, G. W. 4/9/21 apprenticeship,” Brennemen said. “For learn for free while 3 Roban, N. U. 3/13/20 43 Snyder, K. M. 3/7/21 the last few years at least 20% of appli- earning a paycheck has 3 Rosa, N. 11/22/20 44 Loesch, R. 3/6/21 3 Ruggeri, R. 12/15/20 46 Hebner, J. I. 5/7/21 cants are veterans, up from less than 10%, strong appeal to the 3 Sawitsky, R. 1/12/21 46 Holman, G. J. 2/4/21 and nearly every one is accepted.” job-seeking veterans, they say. 3 Scheffer, C. J. 1/16/21 46 Kelly, I. E. 3/22/21 For the soldiers who somehow resist 3 Schiraldi, F. 3/1/21 46 Meyers, H. D. 2/22/21 the charms of the Texas summers, Pendle- 3 Shahin, M. H. 11/18/20 47 Scearce, J. D. 11/1/20 ton said he’s been successful in spinning ately after they top out,” Brennemen said. it’s closer to $1,500,” Pendleton said. 3 Siegel, J. 1/15/21 48 Duby, P. R. 3/21/21 off interested applicants to organizers “But taking these mixed crews — often Each year, the subsidy drops, but, 3 Skidgell, R. F. 11/21/20 48 Springstead, R. L. 3/13/20 closer to their homes. filled with newly organized hands at all lev- happily, each year apprentices make more. 3 Spodek, B. 2/16/21 51 Martin, R. E. 12/17/20 “I try to get them all to stay here with els of experience — and making them pro- “By the fifth step that rent subsidy 3 Terraforte, D. 9/12/19 56 Wolf, R. J. 3/12/21 520, but I get them all over the country. I ductive takes leadership skills and sea- might be close to zero, but that’s OK. They 3 Tudisco, R. J. 1/28/21 60 Regalado, R. F. 2/3/21 sent a guy to Tallahassee last week, Port- soning. Our veterans have a head start.” put more zeroes at the end of your pay- 3 Turchin, J. E. 3/31/21 64 Coppersmith, R. E. 3/12/21 3 Ulmschneider, D. L. 4/21/21 68 Robinson, E. 10/5/20 land before that,” he said. “I tell the orga- One of the peculiarities of organiz- check by then, too,” he said. 3 Van Markwyk, J. W. 4/30/21 68 St John, R. T. 5/10/21 nizers: for everyone I send over with a bow ing veterans is that one of the major sell- It can be even more direct than that 3 Weitner, R. 5/5/21 70 Caldwell, A. L. 1/22/21 on, they owe me one in return.” ing points for apprenticeships can often said Seventh District Lead Organizer 3 Zappala, J. 2/25/21 70 Thompson, M. P. 2/24/21 The biggest organizing opportuni- fall on deaf ears: the lack of tuition. David Galvan. 5 Bickel, R. M. 3/16/21 73 Fry, A. 10/2/20 ties are the twice-a-year job fairs flooded Many veterans mistakenly think that In some agreements, the GI Bill will 5 Galioto, A. J. 3/29/21 77 Waldschmidt, L. P. 3/31/21 by more than 5,000 active-duty and the GI Bill can only be used to pay educa- make up the difference in wages between 5 Hileman, J. B. 12/18/20 80 Arthur, R. E. 1/5/21 recently retired veterans. tion costs, which the IBEW doesn’t have. an apprentice and a journeyman. 5 Unger, D. J. 2/26/21 80 Hill, K. B. 4/11/21 For many veterans, joining the IBEW This is incorrect on two fronts. Some of the outside construction 5 Wilson, H. J. 2/12/21 80 Norton, L. W. 2/25/21 offers more than just a career that will pro- First, there are expenses that can be apprentices he organized, for example, 6 Demay, R. 1/28/21 82 Kemplin, V. 3/21/21 vide for their families. The bond of the covered by the GI Bill, including the couple were bumped up from $25 an hour to a 6 McCabe, P. 1/15/21 82 Lewis, G. 4/21/21 6 Mesita, A. R. 1/7/21 82 Russell, T. W. 3/7/21 brotherhood and the opportunity to serve hundred dollars for books or a few thousand journeyman’s $40. 7 Harland, J. J. 2/26/21 86 Homrighouse, F. C. 2/11/21 through their locals appeals to people who if a potential construction lineman wants to “That is a pretty good incentive to 7 O’Connor, J. 2/5/21 86 Snyder, W. P. 12/7/20 have made a habit of service to ideals. get their commercial driver’s license. guys who don’t mind the outside work,” 8 Fredericks, R. L. 7/9/20 86 Wilbert, D. J. 3/8/21 “Vets like looking after one another More persuasively, however, are the Galvan said. “That GI bill is very versatile 8 Kuhn, H. L. 11/24/20 89 Foote, A. K. 1/17/21 and they are sticklers for doing it right and ways GI Bill money can go directly into an and helpful, if you have it available.” 8 McCormack, M. 11/10/20 90 Cifone, L. 6/24/20 doing it safe,” Brennemen said. apprentice’s pocket. Brennemen says the incentives in 8 Pinkelman, G. J. 4/13/21 90 Venditti, L. F. 3/23/21 More importantly, they know what For most soldiers leaving the barracks the GI Bill make the trades an appealing 9 Bridges, W. E. 10/20/20 96 Zenkus, A. A. 1/3/20 leadership looks like and right now, peo- for possibly the first time since moving out alternative for people who might other- 9 Gannon, L. A. 3/6/21 98 Beck, J. A. 5/17/21 ple who can run work are both valuable of Mom and Dad’s, the GI Bill’s rent subsidy wise have considered going off to college. 11 Buckley, F. X. 12/3/20 98 Costello, R. P. 5/10/21 and rare. can make an enormous difference. “We have so much work in this area 11 Goodyear, R. C. 1/6/21 98 Gelb, B. M. 2/23/21 11 Kilmurray, S. S. 1/5/21 98 Glowacki, D. R. 3/17/21 “The frontline foreman is the crux “Everyone is different, but for many that the right people, people with ability to 11 Machtolff, D. H. 1/31/21 98 Godshall, A. M. 10/12/20 position in the IBEW. It is where the rubber folks here in Travis County, the GI Bill will be productive themselves and run work as a 11 Markman, J. 2/25/21 98 Liss, E. 4/28/20 hits the road, and most of our apprentices provide up to $2,100 a month for rent in team, have the world at their feet,” he said. will be expected to take that on immedi- your first year. In Killeen, near Ft. Hood, “That’s a pretty good place to stand.” z The Electrical Worker | September 2021 13 ------

Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death Local Surname Date of Death

98 McCaffery, L. D. 10/15/20 175 Bloodworth, H. 3/24/21 353 Dietz, T. 3/22/21 540 Ehret, R. J. 5/26/21 816 Ford, T. L. 3/23/21 I.O. (100) Malmquist, T. A. 10/8/20 98 Quinn, M. P. 3/28/21 175 Carter, C. W. 4/21/21 353 Dudar, M. 3/28/21 558 Ezell, W. J. 5/26/21 816 Skabo, J. T. 6/12/21 I.O. (124) Cianciolo, J. E. 1/4/21 98 Robbins, I. W. 10/16/20 175 Cole, C. L. 11/21/20 353 Jeejeebhoy, M. N. 5/10/21 558 Moore, S. D. 4/22/21 824 O’Brien, L. F. 3/28/21 I.O. (134) Guidotti, W. H. 2/27/21 98 Williams, R. K. 5/2/21 175 Crye, W. T. 6/3/21 353 Jones, R. G. 3/18/21 567 Tonken, E. 3/1/21 855 Brown, R. L. 4/10/21 I.O. (134) Whitehead, B. T. 12/19/20 100 Golden, M. W. 1/14/21 175 Cylke, M. E. 4/19/21 353 Leduc, T. E. 3/26/21 568 Moreau, M. 11/17/20 855 Smith, J. W. 8/28/20 I.O. (146) Odle, P. W. 1/30/21 100 Taylor, R. F. 2/17/21 175 Dagnan, J. P. 4/16/21 353 McBride, M. A. 2/27/21 569 Livas, E. 4/9/21 876 Carlson, L. H. 12/1/20 I.O. (208) Heise, R. D. 1/14/21 102 Brunn, R. J. 2/1/19 175 Hendren, J. G. 3/5/21 353 Prikker, J. 3/3/21 569 Stammen, R. M. 2/25/21 903 Avery, E. L. 3/2/21 I.O. (424) Lacoursiere, A. A. 10/29/20 102 Cianfrocca, D. S. 2/22/21 175 Hudson, B. R. 2/20/21 353 Rossini, D. 1/24/21 570 Valicka, R. F. 5/1/21 906 Miller, D. J. 3/11/21 I.O. (586) Garner, J. 11/15/20 102 Galluzzo, A. J. 2/25/21 175 Kacenski, H. C. 11/22/20 353 Steele, J. M. 3/4/21 576 Bowman, K. 3/18/18 910 Brockway, T. 6/4/21 I.O. (769) Whitecotton, B. D. 12/22/20 102 Liska, P. C. 1/12/21 175 Masingill, C. E. 5/2/21 353 Stoat, J. F. 3/25/21 583 Calvillo, E. B. 12/15/20 914 Jaeger, T. J. 5/25/21 I.O. (2113) Race, F. W. 4/14/21 102 Mandel, P. L. 11/1/20 175 McCoy, D. G. 4/23/21 353 Yarmo, E. 4/5/21 583 Hernandez, J. L. 1/17/21 915 Greenough, R. S. 1/13/21 Pens. (3) Dikranis, G. F. 2/2/03 102 Schofield, A. E. 5/20/21 175 York, D. G. 12/24/20 354 Jaramillo, B. G. 3/10/21 583 Mesa, A. 3/13/21 915 Marks, H. A. 12/25/20 Pens. (629) Hammond, E. L. 9/13/18 102 Smith, R. W. 4/10/21 176 Sheedy, R. M. 2/26/21 357 De La O‑Guaderrama, J. 584 Elliott, R. J. 1/19/21 915 Wester, J. C. 1/9/21 Pens. (1788) McLean, H. 2/21/21 102 Studio, R. 2/5/21 177 Easterling, C. L. 3/7/21 12/21/20 586 Lauriault, F. 11/30/20 932 Cherry, T. E. 1/6/21 Pens. (I.O.) Ahern, J. T. 2/20/21 102 Vizzone, A. J. 2/3/21 177 Elliott, L. E. 3/5/21 363 Jarrett, M. W. 3/21/21 586 Macdonald, P. H. 2/12/21 934 Blevins, G. M. 2/24/21 Pens. (I.O.) Arnold, D. I. 2/9/21 103 Dineen, J. J. 9/30/20 177 Hires, M. W. 3/21/21 363 Pekofsky, W. 4/16/21 586 Manwell, D. A. 12/15/20 934 Hammond, K. M. 3/7/21 Pens. (I.O.) Aten, O. W. 2/20/21 103 Leonard, R. A. 12/24/20 177 King, A. E. 2/11/21 369 Benedict, M. D. 2/13/21 595 Henry, R. S. 2/22/21 934 Phillips, R. R. 1/30/21 Pens. (I.O.) Briskey, J. R. 2/23/20 103 MacMillan, D. J. 7/12/20 177 Livatino, L. M. 1/27/21 369 Brown, A. C. 3/21/21 595 Jones, J. H. 1/27/21 948 Burman, W. L. 9/1/20 Pens. (I.O.) Brothers, R. J. 3/15/21 103 O’Connor, D. F. 4/8/20 180 Green, R. T. 7/4/20 369 Daugherty, J. M. 3/10/21 595 Ogburn, C. P. 3/23/21 952 Ballensky, C. W. 2/2/21 Pens. (I.O.) Burns, R. C. 1/17/21 103 Robinson, H. F. 1/26/21 191 Box, H. L. 4/4/21 369 Herman, H. H. 6/14/21 596 Messimer, E. P. 1/1/21 952 Martinez, R. D. 1/11/21 Pens. (I.O.) Campbell, M. B. 3/6/21 103 Toner, P. J. 3/8/21 191 Ohm, G. D. 4/25/21 369 Prater, G. W. 4/1/21 605 Sistrunk, T. W. 2/2/21 972 Boley, D. G. 3/30/21 Pens. (I.O.) Clark, C. L. 11/5/20 105 Fraser, J. B. 4/22/21 191 Urness, L. J. 2/14/21 369 Whitmer, C. C. 12/12/20 607 Snyder, R. A. 9/16/20 975 Voegele, R. 11/1/20 Pens. (I.O.) Clark, W. C. 12/23/20 105 McKay, A. J. 6/8/21 193 Darling, D. H. 2/14/21 375 Kubik, A. S. 3/11/21 611 Foley, M. C. 12/27/20 993 Mihalic, M. 2/29/16 Pens. (I.O.) Cleek, L. 12/16/20 105 Shipton, F. A. 6/2/21 193 Robinson, D. D. 3/25/21 379 Burris, R. T. 4/17/21 613 Lopez, V. M. 3/4/21 993 Ravis, R. E. 4/9/21 Pens. (I.O.) Close, L. F. 5/11/20 106 Ross, L. K. 1/12/21 194 Camus, F. G. 12/15/20 379 Helms, J. D. 1/15/21 613 McLendon, L. M. 4/22/21 995 Hudson, G. B. 4/26/21 Pens. (I.O.) Crommett, F. L. 12/5/20 110 Hansen, E. L. 4/19/21 196 Kraus, T. B. 1/18/21 382 Martin, R. A. 10/31/20 613 McMichen, T. C. 2/14/21 995 Joffrion, C. E. 4/22/21 Pens. (I.O.) DiSavino, P. C. 11/27/20 111 McDonald, C. 4/25/21 204 Oliver, D. C. 2/18/21 387 Burlington, M. L. 3/8/21 613 Miller, P. B. 4/18/21 995 Rabalais, T. B. 2/6/21 Pens. (I.O.) Farbacher, R. A. 5/26/21 112 DuBois, D. R. 1/15/21 212 Bertele, R. M. 3/21/21 387 Riell, H. D. 9/24/19 613 Roberson, R. L. 2/5/21 1077 Krebs, J. V. 11/25/20 Pens. (I.O.) Fontes, P. G. 10/31/20 112 Hochhalter, L. R. 8/19/20 212 Ecklar, J. N. 3/6/21 387 Stouffer, C. L. 4/25/21 617 Caldwell, E. W. 3/21/19 1141 Lewis, M. D. 12/24/20 Pens. (I.O.) Friel, D. F. 3/3/21 113 Scott, T. C. 3/23/21 212 Hines, C. 4/13/21 400 Fraser, S. E. 1/2/21 625 Coffin, W. A. 10/5/20 1186 Awazu, P. S. 12/22/20 Pens. (I.O.) Greenwood, B. 2/16/21 115 Shallow, P. J. 5/7/21 212 Huston, J. G. 5/2/21 401 Postel, N. A. 8/18/17 636 Barrowman, A. 11/27/20 1186 Naihe, E. M. 5/4/21 Pens. (I.O.) Gurganus, C. 4/10/21 115 Thompson, R. J. 6/4/21 212 Paris, S. D. 2/14/21 402 Kruger, G. P. 1/20/21 640 Anderson, S. J. 1/2/21 1186 Shinogi, E. M. 2/11/21 Pens. (I.O.) Hutchins, J. A. 2/19/21 115 Wagar, J. W. 6/4/21 212 Peay, J. F. 3/3/21 413 Bellman, R. D. 3/16/21 640 Blahnik, L. M. 3/5/21 1186 Suematsu, C. S. 7/10/20 Pens. (I.O.) Jones, L. J. 1/14/21 117 Adkins, D. L. 2/1/21 212 Stapleton, R. L. 7/22/20 424 Bridge, B. M. 2/1/21 640 Martin, W. C. 12/27/20 1200 Sheckells, F. P. 3/5/21 Pens. (I.O.) Kent, W. J. 8/30/20 117 Fornwall, J. G. 3/21/21 212 Thomas, G. T. 3/1/21 424 Craig, R. C. 2/15/21 648 Snelling, P. J. 1/28/21 1205 Burd, R. I. 2/15/21 Pens. (I.O.) Lopez, A. 2/6/21 117 Gould, R. G. 3/9/21 213 Marquis, R. E. 2/15/21 424 Fullwood, S. L. 12/30/20 654 Anderson, G. R. 4/6/21 1205 Hess, L. D. 2/24/21 Pens. (I.O.) MacDonald, K. R. 7/27/20 124 Cianciolo, J. A. 2/21/21 213 McCormick, R. G. 1/27/21 424 Horvath, M. S. 2/3/21 659 Hughlett, E. D. 3/18/21 1205 Rinehart, B. L. 2/22/21 Pens. (I.O.) Mallini, E. P. 12/17/19 124 Moore, J. W. 2/22/21 213 Rauch, R. E. 12/30/20 424 Vucic, I. 3/21/21 659 Kaiser, K. E. 4/30/21 1249 Van Splunder, J. 2/23/21 Pens. (I.O.) Manning, J. S. 6/2/21 124 Petrie, J. R. 11/26/20 226 Cox, M. F. 4/12/21 426 Skaff, T. A. 10/10/20 659 Pederson, G. O. 2/15/21 1253 Gipson, R. W. 4/4/21 Pens. (I.O.) Marks, B. G. 1/23/21 125 Borst, L. F. 6/3/21 226 Pickert, V. G. 4/10/21 428 Plank, F. 3/20/20 659 Sanders, V. L. 3/11/21 1357 Morreira, F. 12/7/20 Pens. (I.O.) Morton, A. E. 2/18/21 125 Cowell, N. A. 3/12/21 229 Bard, S. W. 1/16/21 429 Cole, M. D. 10/9/20 666 Donovan, R. D. 3/29/21 1393 Asche, F. G. 2/6/21 Pens. (I.O.) Olszewski, J. L. 11/14/20 125 Schassen, J. C. 3/23/21 230 Zettler, J. N. 1/26/21 429 Hall, W. S. 2/8/21 666 Knighton, S. 10/14/19 1393 Bourland, D. A. 1/17/21 Pens. (I.O.) Panasuck, E. 4/28/21 126 Boldyzar, H. S. 3/22/21 233 Fivey, R. E. 10/4/20 429 Slater, J. D. 3/7/21 666 Williams, T. L. 9/13/20 1426 Marine, R. L. 2/7/21 Pens. (I.O.) Perry, G. T. 2/15/21 126 Gordon, W. F. 12/6/20 236 Michaels, D. E. 2/20/21 429 Steele, D. C. 2/28/21 666 Young, R. A. 3/5/21 1516 Calaway, J. W. 1/4/21 Pens. (I.O.) Rawls, J. R. 3/1/21 130 Buccola, E. J. 2/16/21 236 Pfanner, W. 1/25/21 436 Vestal, D. A. 2/10/21 673 Bregar, J. D. 12/12/20 1547 Risler, J. R. 3/29/21 Pens. (I.O.) Rice, L. G. 9/14/20 130 Lopes, R. F. 2/4/21 241 West, R. L. 4/10/21 440 Ellis, G. R. 2/4/21 673 Hilton, R. V. 2/26/19 1555 Welling, R. C. 10/25/20 Pens. (I.O.) Roberts, J. L. 3/5/21 131 Abbs, W. F. 3/11/21 252 Haeussler, G. F. 10/29/20 441 Cabrera, R. 12/26/20 676 Eads, R. W. 1/25/21 1579 Hammett, W. D. 3/1/21 Pens. (I.O.) Roman, M. 11/5/20 134 Bosco, A. 2/28/21 257 Bowman, J. D. 12/3/20 441 Currie, J. A. 3/11/21 683 Alibrando, P. A. 4/20/21 1579 Yarbrough, C. T. 12/27/20 Pens. (I.O.) Ruse, J. D. 4/25/21 134 Cunningham, W. J. 3/23/21 258 Dooley, J. E. 3/8/21 441 George, L. J. 12/2/20 683 Davidson, H. R. 3/1/21 1687 LaDouceur, J. L. 2/22/21 Pens. (I.O.) Sacco, A. 2/11/21 134 Davis, R. M. 4/16/21 269 Kaiser, M. W. 2/13/21 445 Barnaby, B. F. 12/19/20 683 Kembitzky, F. J. 4/27/21 1928 Proud, E. H. 2/16/21 Pens. (I.O.) Spahn, R. K. 4/13/21 134 Didier, L. M. 4/7/21 278 Baxter, A. 1/12/21 446 Young, R. A. 3/2/21 683 Kessler, T. H. 3/17/21 2032 Yarborough, E. N. 6/5/21 Pens. (I.O.) Wratten, T. J. 1/30/21 134 Dvojack, R. P. 4/15/21 278 Honeycutt, C. B. 3/7/21 453 Adams, J. F. 2/7/21 688 Rush, J. A. 2/6/21 2038 Degenstein, K. E. 3/1/20 Pens. (I.O.) Young, J. W. 3/1/21 134 Fenwick, B. E. 1/29/21 278 Mathieu, J. D. 3/16/21 453 Romine, C. 4/9/21 692 Prevost, G. P. 2/3/21 2166 Steever, B. 1/5/21 134 Gregerson, D. P. 1/29/21 278 Skinner, S. W. 4/7/21 456 Probus, R. 4/20/21 697 Ambler, T. W. 1/15/21 2330 Cranford, L. M. 3/18/21 134 Haas, R. R. 12/17/20 288 Aegerter, W. J. 7/6/21 459 Huffman, C. E. 2/17/20 702 Askew, J. D. 5/22/21 2330 Galliott, W. D. 3/8/21 134 Kairies, A. 2/9/21 291 Rasmussen, W. S. 2/21/21 461 Cramer, R. W. 9/13/20 702 Doty, J. E. 2/11/21 I.O. (5) Bitters, W. R. 3/3/21 134 Laughran, T. J. 1/22/21 292 Heinen, V. 2/14/21 474 Adair, S. 11/20/20 704 Weimerskirch, C. N. 4/4/21 134 Lukens, R. C. 2/5/21 295 Norman, J. D. 2/20/21 474 Bridges, J. L. 11/16/20 716 Brock, F. I. 5/24/21 134 Macaulay, D. W. 6/16/21 302 Potter, K. E. 2/3/21 477 Almendarez, W. R. 12/18/20 716 Carmichael, T. S. 12/27/20 134 Musashe, N. 5/24/21 303 Brouwer, A. 1/15/21 477 Kirtley, S. E. 2/12/21 716 Ferguson, M. P. 9/20/19 Go 134 Recker, A. D. 1/28/21 304 Bickel, M. M. 1/27/21 477 Wood, J. W. 2/5/21 716 Haniff, W. 1/12/21 Get your 134 Schiassi, L. 2/11/21 304 Brend, G. A. 4/8/21 481 Allee, J. J. 3/23/21 716 Hanson, R. P. 12/4/18 Green 134 Squeo, J. P. 3/15/21 309 May, D. E. 4/22/21 481 Amick, W. O. 4/7/21 716 Hultman, T. W. 4/29/21 ELECTRICAL 136 Avery, B. M. 2/24/21 325 Wilson, W. J. 1/13/21 481 Ransom, D. W. 4/13/21 716 Lopez, L. 5/26/15 136 Duke, J. W. 3/7/21 332 Robinson, J. A. 8/7/20 483 Klutchko, D. H. 3/6/21 716 Padilla, P. R. 1/7/21 WORKER delivered 136 Evans, R. J. 3/2/21 332 Saldana, J. 1/22/21 488 Kelly, R. T. 12/2/20 716 Warmke, L. O. 11/14/19 each month via email. 141 McLaughlin, R. R. 5/22/21 340 Albert, J. R. 12/15/20 490 Comtois, N. R. 4/10/21 725 New, J. M. 3/17/21 143 Green, C. E. 3/5/21 350 Oltman, W. L. 2/18/21 494 Fraundorfer, G. E. 5/4/21 728 Stroud, W. T. 4/11/21 It’s convenient & helps cut down on 150 Rottman, J. R. 3/13/21 351 Hilt, N. J. 6/15/21 494 Gardner, D. A. 12/3/20 760 Liles, R. 1/12/21 160 Dennison, N. R. 3/31/21 351 Krautwald, W. A. 4/1/21 494 Henckel, D. E. 11/14/20 760 Pride, M. P. 3/6/21 paper waste. Go to www. 160 Evgen, E. L. 3/2/21 351 Trapp, M. G. 3/1/21 499 Wendland, A. D. 2/24/21 760 Ridenour, C. E. 5/21/21 and 160 Micheln, J. D. 12/12/20 353 Black, F. E. 3/25/21 520 Bedwell, E. G. 5/7/21 760 Slover, B. 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WWW.IBEW.ORG 14 The Electrical Worker | September 2021

LOCAL LINES LOCALLOCAL LINESLINES

Congratulations to New Director of Sat., June 19, at the Electrical Industry Center, the ry of Business Manager Joël Barton and President Rusty Local 37 Veterans Club held their first open meeting since the Roten. They have worked together tirelessly to keep Local Women’s of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion start of the pandemic. Fortunately, the club was able 11 moving forward. With a pandemic-less future, the sun Committee to induct officers in a small ceremony in September is truly shining brightly in Southern California. member L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,ptc,rts,s,se,spa,st Shilee Little and marched in the Memorial Day Parade in Lynbrook, Chuck Webb, R.S. &ws), ST. LOUIS, MO — Our own Sylvester Taylor has N.Y., on May 31. (left) been named The room was full for the meeting, which started delivering director of Mother’s with the color guard and initiation of Corporal of the Local 17 Partners with Diversity, Guard Taariq McField. Business Manager Chris Erik- Day gifts to Equity & Inclu- son delivered remarks, highlighting the sacrifices DTE Energy on Detroit’s the executive director of sion for the made by military veterans and Americans throughout Tree Trim Academy Carol Ann’s IBEW/NECA our history. The club’s bylaws were voted on and Electrical Con- Second adopted and its constitution was signed by the busi- L.U. 17 (catv,em,lctt,o&u), DETROIT, MI — In partner- nection. Tay- Stage ness manager; President Tom Cleary; club advisors ship with DTE Energy, our local launched the Detroit- lor, a member Housing. Raymond Melville and Derek Jordan; and club officers based Tree Trim Academy in April. This collaboration for 31 years Gregory Smith (president), Patrick Glennon (vice pres- combines Local 17 and DTE Energy’s commitment to products. Placed inside each gift box was a card print- and our cur- ident), Rich Kiley (treasurer), Lina Lopez (recording growing and developing local talent while meeting and ed with the words “Kind Heart. Fierce Mind. Brave rent recording secretary), Artie Neri (correspondence secretary), Bri- maintaining the needs of safe and reliable energy ser- Spirit.” These words truly exemplify the incredible secretary, is Local 1 member Sylvester Taylor an Doherty (sergeant at arms), John McByrne (appren- vices, including line-clearance tree trimming (LCTT). courage, strength and character of these amazing very active: He has been named director of tice advocate) and Brother McField. The Tree Trim Academy will offer an unparalleled, six- women and their families. is a school Diversity, Equity & Inclusion week line-clearance tree trimming training program Mary J. Williamson, A.B.M. board mem- for the IBEW/NECA Electrical Gregory Smith, Pres. (Veterans’ Club) Connection. (Photo courtesy of Local 1.) designed to equip graduates with career readiness, ber of the fifth safety training and the skills needed to advance to largest school district in the state, Hazelwood School Local 17’s LCTT woodsman/apprenticeship program. District, and the president of the local’s Electrical Work- Energizing the Southland Congrats, Apprentices! In tandem with the city of Detroit Mayor’s Office, ers Minority Caucus. We salute you, Brother Taylor, with and in collaboration with Focus: HOPE and Detroit At L.U. 41 (i,se,es,em&spa), BUFFALO, NY — We have had best wishes as he continues to give his all for the IBEW. L.U. 11 (i,rts&spa), LOS ANGELES, CA — With an under- Work, the Tree Trim Academy will recruit eager appli- a busy summer in 2021, culminating with more build- In other news, the Local 1 chapter of RENEW had standing that our local’s electricians are essential to cants from metro Detroit’s diverse workforce and train ing upgrades, including the paving/repaving and a great summer float trip. Many members enjoyed the the very existence of Los Angeles, we never stopped 60 graduates in 2021 to fill the area’s ever-growing striping of our parking lots and a new glass entrance chance to socialize and cool off in the river away from bending pipe, pulling wire, upgrading communica- demand for line-clearance tree trimmers. to our union office. Our parking lot work may delay the the confines of work. tions or energizing the Southland. While many across start of apprenticeship classes for a week or two, but We also wish to extend a hearty thank you to the America were sidelined, we endeavored to persevere. James A. Shaw B.M./F.S. it will be worth it. traveling brothers and sisters who helped with the GM Over the last year we did just that, with our inside Speaking of apprenticeship school, congratula- summer shutdown. wiremen generating over 8.8-million-man hours, our Editor’s Note: See our story on the Detroit Tree Trim Sound & Communications unit putting in more than Academy in the August issue of the Electrical Worker. tions to all our apprentices. Last session they put in Kyle Hunter, P.S. 1.6-million-man hours and our CE/CWs supplying the hard work and finished this difficult year strong by more than 600K man hours. passing and moving up to the next step of their careers. We have opened a new South Bay office for Dis- Kind Hearts. Fierce Minds. Thank you all for your patience and diligence! The Veterans’ Club tricts 2 and 3 and, at press time, we are nearing comple- Brave Spirits. We expect to have a strong work outlook for the Marches Forward tion of our new District 6 offices, allowing secured video rest of this year and next and will continue to work with politicians on getting projects to our area. We are conferencing between all district offices covering the L.U. 37 (c,o,ptc,rtb&u), FREDERICTON, NB — Helping ready to begin booking events so we can get together L.U. 3 (catv,em,govt,i,lctt,mo,o,ptc,t&u), NEW YORK, 4,500 square miles that make up Local 11’s jurisdiction. and encouraging the women who need it most is near NY — The Veterans’ Club has been officially incorpo- The membership has shown their appreciation for the and dear to the hearts of the members of our local’s rated as an affiliated club of our local. On the morning leadership of Local 11 with the landslide re-election victo- Women’s Committee. Therefore, the committee was thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate 50 New Brunswick women who are bravely forging a new path for themselves and their children. These strong, brave women have experienced and fled abusive relation- ships. They are now safely residing with their children in supportive, affordable second-stage housing where they are working hard toward personal and economic independence and a future free of violence and abuse. To show their deep admiration, members of the committee coordinated and sponsored the purchase of 50 beautiful gift boxes delivered in time for Moth- er’s Day. Each box was filled with made-in-New Bruns- wick goodies from The NB Box, a local, female-owned President Matt Hilmey swears in Local 41’s Sister The Veterans’ Club has been officially incorporated as an affiliated club of Local 3 in New York, NY. company providing high-quality and locally-made Liz Shepard for her place on the Examining Board.

Submitting Local Lines Articles Trade Classifications (as) Alarm & Signal (et) Electronic Technicians (mps) Motion Picture Studios (rts) Radio-Television Service Local Lines are printed monthly on an alternating (ars) Atomic Research Service (fm) Fixture Manufacturing (nst) Nuclear Service Technicians (so) Service Occupations even/odd schedule. They can be submitted by (bo) Bridge Operators (govt) Government (o) Outside (s) Shopmen designated press secretaries or union officers via (cs) Cable Splicers (i) Inside (p) Powerhouse (se) Sign Erector email ([email protected]) or U.S. Mail. We have a 200-word limit. We make every effort to (catv) Cable Television (it) Instrument Technicians (pet) Professional, Engineers & (spa) Sound & Public Address Technicians assist local unions in publishing useful and (c) Communications (lctt) Line Clearance Tree Trimming (st) Sound Technicians relevant local union news; however, all final (cr) Cranemen (lpt) Lightning Protection Technicians (ptc) Professional, Technical & (t) Telephone content decisions are based on the editor’s (ees) Electrical Equipment Service (mt) Maintenance Clerical (tm) Transportation Manufacturing judgment. Our guidelines and deadlines are (ei) Electrical Inspection (mo) Maintenance & Operation (rr) Railroad (u) Utility available at IBEW.org/LocalLines. Please email (em) Electrical Manufacturing (mow) Manufacturing Office Workers (rtb) Radio-Television Broadcasting (uow) Utility Office Workers or call the Media Department at (202) 728-6291 (es) Electric Signs (mar) Marine (rtm) Radio-Television Manufacturing (ws) Warehouse and Supply with any questions. Efforts are made to make this list as inclusive as possible, but the various job categories of IBEW members are too numerous to comprehensively list all. The Electrical Worker | September 2021 15

next year to laugh and tell stories. Mark your calendar for Sept. 25, the date of our (recording secretary); Mika Penvose (business repre- Lastly, congratulations to Liz Shepard on being annual picnic at the hall. Stay safe, brothers and sisters. sentative); Mike Powers (safety coordinator); Mark appointed to the Examining Board. We look forward to Karlene Knisley, B.R. Raines (vice president); and Shawn Scott (business having Sister Shepard involved in our local for many representative). Thanks also to the Executive and years to come! Examining Boards. Gregory R. Inglut, P.S. Quality Work Needed Roland Carter, Pres. More Than Ever

Negotiations and Trip L.U. 55 (c,lctt,o&u), DES MOINES, IA — Hello, brothers Celebrating Excellence Plans Underway and sisters. I’m sad to report to you that we lost a mem- This Labor Day ber of our local. His name was Don Huston, and he was L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Greet- a journeyman lineman. He will be missed by all! L.U. 71 (lctt,o&rtb), COLUMBUS, OH — I would person- ings, brothers and sisters. We have several bargaining It’s been around 18 months since the coronavi- ally like to thank all our members and travelers work- updates to report: With SCE, we are currently bargain- rus pandemic hit the country and brought most things ing out of our hall and all those in the IBEW working ing for two new positions, dispatch trainer and opera- The team of (left to right) Colton Beams, Joe to a standstill. But it never slowed our work down across the nation and facing head on one of the great- tor trainer, at the dispatch center; for air operation Bianco, Mark Miller and Walter Westfall took much: We were needed more than ever. In many ways, est global health challenges of our lifetimes. You mechanics, bargaining started in July. With the city of first place at Local 51’s golf tournament in June. it was people like you — our brothers and sisters at should all be applauded for adapting to and adopting Anaheim, negotiations continue; with the city of the IBEW — who helped to save our country. new state and federally mandated safety procedures Colton, water/waste-water negotiations also are con- Ten Scholarships Awarded I am blessed to be retired, and when I drive while maintaining the highest safety standards and tinuing. On the electric side, we had meetings sched- around the countryside, I see many union contractors not missing work throughout the pandemic. uled in July to begin negotiations for the contract for L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,ptc,rtb,t,u&uow), SPRINGFIELD, IL — doing very good work. I stopped and complimented Local 71 was able to conduct our 2020 elections, calendar year 2021. For the city of Banning, negotia- Our annual golf scholarship outing held in June was a the crew that is in the picture this month. I had been since we are using mail-in ballots, with the following tions continue with utility and general units. great success. The first-place team was Colton Beams, watching them for over a week and saw they were new officers: Business Manager/Financial Secretary Local 47 did host the veterans’ fishing trip on July Joe Bianco, Mark Miller and Walter Westfall. The sec- doing some very nice work. They were meticulous and Bryan Stage; President Larry Moore; Vice President 30; we are looking forward to planning more fishing ond-place team was Matt Cannon, Kevin Hill, Kyle Hill left each jobsite better than they found it. Todd Kessler; Treasurer Kurt Williams; Recording Sec- trips and golf tournaments, with dates to be announced. and John Lindsay. Champaign Signal & Light won the Let’s all continue to work safely and always think retary Chris Corney; and Executive Board Members We’re sad to report the deaths of Jonathan coveted toilet bowl (last-place) award. of each other and ask questions if you don’t under- Matt Bruggeman, Jason Doran, Dirk Dozer, Walter Cabrera, Ronald Duff, Darrell Jackson, Richard Lua, Due to the generosity of the IBEW, our mem- stand something. Never make fun of someone for ask- Gribble, Todd Kessler, Larry Moore and Jay Roessner. Clay Teters, Art Wilson and Richard Wilson. Our condo- bers and the companies they work for, we were able ing a question! I hope we get to have a Labor Day We also anticipate sending eight delegates to the lences and prayers are with their loved ones. to award ten scholarships this year. The winners parade this year! International Convention next year. Work safe & buy union! were as follows: Erin Biccochi (daughter of Beth Bic- Brother Richard “Brownie” Helman has helped cochi); Tre’ Corley (son of Bill Corley); Logan Dirr (son Myron Green, P.S. Mitch Smith, P.S. establish a non-profit organization called Kamp of Jill Dirr); Nathan George for Wounded Heroes. Funded by donations, the Gilmore (grandson of organization invites families of military, police, fire Robert Reed); Kara fighters, first responders, line workers and tree trim- Hyde (granddaughter mers who have become disabled due to work inci- of Robert Reed); dents to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for an all-ex- Kelsey Rivara (son of penses-paid family vacation. Visit KampGeorge.org Michael Rivara); for ways to help out. Serenity Salinas Have a safe and happy Labor Day. (daughter of Jennifer Watson); Karen Schaf- Bryan Stage, B.M./F.S. fer (wife of Jeff Schaf- fer); Caden Shearlock (son of Kristin Shear- (Left to right) Dylan Tumer, Steve Devoss and Strength in the Face of Adversity lock); and Chesleigh Greg Macumber work for Liberty Line Builders, Ninth District IVP John O’Rourke swearing in new Business Managers Colin Shreves (daughter of a newer contractor with Local 55 in Iowa. L.U. 97 (ptc&u), SYRACUSE, NY — As this article is Lavin (Local 47) and Bob Dean (Local 1245) at the California State Scott Shreves). being written in early summer and many COVID-19 Association of Electrical Workers conference. restrictions have been lifted, now is the time to look Outside Construction Shows both back and forward. Positive Growth None of us had lived through a global pandemic before and no one was prepared for it. The resilience L.U. 70 (lctt&o), WASHINGTON, DC — It’s been over a and adaptability that our members showed through it year since new Business Manager James Horton and all was impressive. Whether an inside worker learning to President Roland Carter were sworn in. Local 70 mem- work remotely under new challenges or our field and bers are moving in a positive direction in the Outside plant workers who remained on the job through it all Construction arena. Thanks to all staff, including Jen- despite the new hazards it presented: The officers and ny Diggs, Georganna Naglieri and Hannah Williamson staff are truly proud to call you our brothers and sisters. (office staff); Gary Helton (Membership Develop- Looking ahead, we are eager to meet again in ment); Robert Hendricks (treasurer); Levin Jamerson person with the full membership. We all learned new ways of meeting, be it Webex, MS Teams, Zoom and even old-fashioned confer- ence calls. But nothing replaces in-person meetings, and by the time that you are read- ing this, absent an unforeseen reversal, our meetings will have been scheduled, if we haven’t already held some. Please continue to work safely; and if you haven’t been vaccinat- ed yet, please consider doing so. Due to the collective efforts of Local 70’s staff and members, the local is Dan Machold, P.S./B.R. moving in a positive direction in Outside Construction.

WWW.IBEW.ORG 16 The Electrical Worker | September 2021

LOCAL LINES

Welcoming 350 New Members Training Next-Gen Workers for in Boston Safety in the Field

L.U. 103 (cs&i), BOSTON, MA — June was a very busy L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb,&u), TOLEDO, OH — Here’s month at our local. We held our annual Fenway Family hoping that everyone is ready for some relief from the Day on Sat., June 12. The weather was perfect. Mem- summer’s heat and to welcome fall. It’s great to say bers enjoyed a complimentary BBQ on the Vineyard that things are finally getting back to normal. It’s nice Vines Deck prior to the game. Business Manager Lou to see everyone back at the hall for our monthly union Antonellis threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Our meetings. We’re getting ready to participate in the beloved Red Sox went on to lose 7-2 to the Toronto annual Toledo Labor Day Parade as our members will Blue Jays, but 800 Local 103 members and their fami- walk the streets of the Glass City. lies were the clear winners of another great day at Work on the outside in our jurisdiction is slow. Fenway Park. We continue to receive work from AEP, but all On June 17, Local 103 welcomed 350 new mem- FirstEnergy work has come to a halt. We would like bers. First-year apprentices and CWs were sworn into to congratulate the four ALBAT apprentices who membership at a ceremony in front of a packed house, recently just passed their journeyman lineman test including new Mayor of Boston Kim Janey, who greet- and wish them the best in the future. ed the new members and wished them all well in their We would also like to congratulate the new line- new careers. man, substation and network employees at Toledo On June 19, we held our Brotherhood Golf Tourney. Local 141’s newest journeyman wiremen with apprentice instructor Justin Klempa: (front, left to Edison on passing their journeyman tests. Starting right) Justin Klempa, Matt Hill, Thomas Orth, Maddison Cumpston, Dylan Johnson, and Andrew Ellis; Another picture-perfect summer day for members to this summer, we welcome the new class of 2022 that (back, left to right) Jayson LaRoche, Glenn Bonar, Matthew Gregorcic and Derek Donahue. enjoy a little brotherhood over a round of golf. Many will be spending ten weeks in the field for their sum- thanks to all our sponsors that helped make it happen. to our newest journeyman wiremen: Glenn Bonar, ership and for paving the way for other women as an mer experience. This is a great way for these future And on June 29, we held Pin Night for over 330 Maddison Cumpston, Derek Donahue, Andrew Ellis, outstanding Woman in Construction. Among her members to learn how we work safely out in the field members receiving years of service pins, including Matthew Gregorcic, Matt Hill, Dylan Johnson, Jayson accomplishments, Blue is the only woman in the Sixth by observing the experienced and talented members 78-year member William Cormay. LaRoche and Thomas Orth. May these young men and District ever to have been elected business manager of Local 245. It really feels great to be back at it without masks women have a long and successful career in the IBEW! of a construction local. As of this writing, we wrapped up negotiations in a post-coronavirus world now that we are fully with Wolf Creek Federal Services at the NASA Glenn Local 141 is sad to report the passing of Brother Lisa Goodman, P.S. open. #LetsGetToWork Robert “Bob” McLaughlin. He will be sadly missed. Research Center. Negotiations went well and we reached a tentative agreement that we are proud to Jimmy Fleming, P.S. Please stay safe and healthy. See our story on Local 159’s VEEP grad- Editor’s Note: take to the members for a ratification vote. uates on Pg. 9 Kurt “Bug” Reed, P.S. Negotiations with Energy Harbor at the Davis- Staff Changes and Helping Besse Nuclear Power Plant are still ongoing, and we hope to reach an agreement soon. We are preparing Community Resources Business Manager Sue Blue Worth the Wait for additional negotiations on tele-data agreements Honored for Leadership and with Nelson Tree Service, the Walleye Power Bay L.U. 125 (lctt,o,t&u), PORTLAND, OR — Our local has Shore Plant and the Rossford Fire and Rescue Depart- had another staff change since the last Local Lines. L.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ — The ongoing coronavirus L.U. 159 (i), MADISON, WI — We are grateful that work pandemic has affected all of us in a variety of ways, ment with the city of Rossford. We’ve said goodbye to Assistant Business Manager has really picked up with summer. We now have open Finally, all of us here at Local 245 want to thank Jake Carter. Bill Jepsen has joined the staff as Jake’s ranging from the annoying to the life-altering. One of calls going into Book 2. We welcome a return to in-per- the groups so affected was the class of 2020 appren- everyone for continuing to be safe as we navigate out replacement, noting, “I’m loyal to the IBEW and look son union meetings, swearing in new members and of the coronavirus pandemic. With respect to the forward to representing my brothers and sisters.” tices waiting to be sworn in as journeymen. Many in conducting member orientations. the class knew that their journey would be arduous, up-and-coming younger generation, please take some We thank Jake for his years of service and wish Spring was eventful. U.S. Labor Secretary Marty extra time to train these new members and continue him the best of luck in his new role as director of Oper- filled with trials and tribulation, but I don’t think any of Walsh made a quick stop in Madison on his May tour, them foresaw the challenges that the pandemic would to work safely. ations at Grays Harbor PUD. and Business Manager Sue Blue was among those Unfortunately, we were not able to host this present when they signed their papers of service and Brian Gendaszek, P.S. who met with him, pictured [See photo below]. took their original oath to the IBEW. year’s Pacific Northwest Lineman’s Rodeo. Still, both We held a June press conference, spotlighting $20 and $1 raffle tickets are available. Contact a mem- The apprentices were not alone, however, in and welcoming our three VEEP apprentices Jay their apprehension. Instructors and school staff spent ber of the Rodeo Committee or Local 125 staff for more Droessler, Courtney Tillman and Jackson Wildes. Sis- information. Our support of the Oregon Burn Center many a restless night grappling with difficult deci- ter Tillman began her apprenticeship in mid-July. sions and ever-changing conditions concerning the never diminishes, and we need everyone’s help in The Wisconsin Legislature has kept Governor ensuring that necessary resources are available to school and the welfare of its occupants. School Direc- Tony Evers busy with his veto pen, and he signed a tor Jim Stover met the challenge head on and with the serve our community. budget very different from the one he had proposed. We hope the summer has been good to you and help of the teaching staff and administrative assis- Evers is preparing for a redistricting battle. Under for- tants, finally bringing the fifth-year class over the -fin your family. As the season winds down, please stay mer Gov. Scott Walker, the last redistricting left Wis- cut in and don’t let any back-to-school activities or last ish line. Hats off to all involved and congratulations consin infamously and heavily gerrymandered. and best of luck to all the newly-minted journeymen! vacations create distractions. In the words of Busi- Congratulations to Business Manager Sue Blue ness Manager Travis Eri, stay safe: Your family is on being recognized by the Daily Reporter for her lead- Brian Jacoppo, P.S. depending on you. Marcy Grail, A.B.M. Electricians Needed in Local 245 members working on storm Washington State restoration on Toledo Edison/First Energy Promoting Pro-Labor Legislation property in Ohio. and Celebrating Graduates L.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WA — Greetings, brothers, sisters and siblings! We hope everyone is Apprentice Lineman Helps L.U. 141 (ees,i,o&u), WHEELING, WV — Greetings, staying safe and healthy! It’s looking like we are Save a Life brothers and sisters: As of this writing, the work pic- almost through COVID-19 and opening to regular activ- L.U. 309 (i,lctt,mo,mt,o,rts,spa&u), COLLINSVILLE, ture remains slow, with 84 members on Book 1. Our ities. Local 191 is going to be busy this summer and IL — On the morning of May 30, our local’s apprentice local continues to rely on an abundance of work continuing well into next year. If you are looking for a lineman Charles “Chip” Knocke was rattled out of bed opportunities in surrounding locals to employ our out- beautiful state to visit and place to work, come on up to screams of distress from a next-door neighbor. The of-work members. and help us fill our calls! You do need a Washington neighbor’s husband had just suffered a severe heart Local 141 members have been very active in State Electrical License. attack. Without hesitation, Chip’s wife called 911, and recent weeks supporting and promoting the PRO Act, If you do come on up, we have a bunch of our sum- Chip responded by administering CPR for at least along with other labor unions, local pro-labor politi- mer events scheduled. Come join our local members twenty minutes until the ambulance arrived. En route cians, and pro-labor organizations in our region. This and fellowship in brother/sister/siblinghood. Wherever to the hospital, paramedics delivered two separate much-needed legislation will strengthen the climate you land, we hope you have a blessed rest of 2021. shocks from an AED to revive the man’s heart. While for working families for years to come, and reverse a Help build American and promote solidarity and this story is exceptional on its own, it is not uncom- lot of the anti-labor legislation passed in recent years. unity any time life gives you the opportunity! Bless- Local 159 Business Manager Sue Blue (left) met mon among construction workers who are trained as We are proud to announce our latest graduating ings from IBEW LU 191! with U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh (right) in first responders to help those in need. Local 309 is class of inside wireman apprentices. Congratulations Madison, WI, in May. Randy Curry, Pres. The Electrical Worker | September 2021 17

honored by Brother Knocke’s example. Congratulations to a New Class mobile events, coupled with a suc- Local 309 is sad to report the passing of David cessful internet presence, Black- Foree. Brother Foree started as an inside wireman and of Journeymen Wiremen out Tees became the premier retired as business manager. Following his service in screen-print shop in Cincinnati. the U.S. Army, David joined the IBEW and worked tire- L.U. 449 (catv,em,i,mt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO, Fast forward to 2017. Jamie lessly for the labor movement. A mentor to many and ID — I would like to start by congratulating our newest wanted a way to improve his busi- a friend to all, Brother Foree will be greatly missed. retirees: Randy Chapman, Daniel Remer, Mike Smith ness for his employees while get- As of this writing, we are delighted that the and Bryan VanOrden. May they each have a long and ting Blackout name exposure Labor Day parade and picnic will take place. Come one exciting retirement! I know all of them and had the nationwide. (You can read about the and all to represent your local union and to show your opportunity to work with most of them. organizing efforts in “An Organizing support for our movement. We mourn the loss of retired brothers Neils Drive That Is A Perfect Fit” in the Christensen, Paul Peak and Gary Prestwich. Our Carlos S. Perez, R.S. September 2017 Electrical Worker). thoughts and prayers go out to their families. After a very successful campaign, We have a new class of journeymen wiremen Apprentice climbing class at the new Cal/Nev JATC facility in Blackout Tees has accomplished that have just turned out: Tim Breland, Chris Hardy, what they set out to do: Since orga- Keeping Labor in the Day Woodland, CA, on June 30, 2021. (Photo courtesy of John Storey.) Talor Lundstrom, Ethan Robinson, Sye Sweat and nizing, there has been an average of Adam Sunderland. I had the opportunity to teach their this work. As members of Local 1245, the vegetation 18.5% raise in wages, with addition- L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — Happy Labor Day, first-year class and have worked with several of them. management inspectors will see a significant and al benefits that include healthcare, retirement, vacation brothers and sisters! The first Labor Day celebration They are a great bunch of brothers. immediate pay raise anywhere from 50 — 100% over and bonuses, just to name a few. was held in New York City in 1882. Minnesota first As of this submission, we planned to have our their current wage. The agreement also comes with On May 12, we ratified another agreement, mov- observed a labor-focused holiday in 1885. The Knights annual picnic, with some of the COVID-19 restrictions training and enhanced oversight, providing for ing from a three-year to a five-year contract. After the of Labor Assemblies arranged a picnic at White Bear being lifted, July 17. Our new journeymen will be get- increased public and member safety in the field. The signing, Jamie spoke with Local 1347 members: “I’m Lake, and 3,000 people were reported attending. ting their certificates there. Aug. 7 was our annual VM inspectors who are currently employed directly proud of where we’ve been, and I’m so excited for The holiday was initially organized to celebrate Chukars baseball night. with PG&E will also see a pay increase, and the where we are going. We have the best USA-made, labor unions and their contributions to the U.S. econ- agreement additionally mandates that the company union-made products out there!” omy. As the movement grew for a national day off, Chris Lochridge, Pres. directly hire an additional 150 employees into these We look forward to a very bright future for the folks Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894. Today, VM classifications. at Blackout Tees and encourage all the locals around Labor Day is often seen as the last break before school Local 481 Hosts Labor Secretary Work outlook for outside line (OSL) in Local the country to contact them and try their products. starts, the unofficial end of summer or the last day of 1245’s jurisdiction remains very strong. We don’t the state fair. Andrew Kirk, B.M. L.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, anticipate any slowdown in this work over the next While celebrating Labor Day 2021, be proud of several years. The new your IBEW membership. You are a part of the history of IN — Our local continues to be a leader in the central Indiana-area labor movement and that was put on Cal/Nev JATC facility in the working class. Unions are the “labor” in Labor Day. Woodland, Calif., is Keep America Great — Spend It Where You Earn It. display recently. In June, Local 481 had the honor and privilege of hosting U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh now open and classes Tom Small, P.S. for a roundtable discussion. Sec- have begun. A formal retary Walsh came to discuss the grand-opening celebra- American Jobs Plan and the com- tion is being planned mitment by the Biden administra- for later this year. tion in making sure that the jobs Local 1245 is being discussed and touted are mourning the loss of good union jobs. Business Manag- two travelers who died er Jeff Wheeler, Sixth District Inter- on the job while work- national Vice President Ruhmkorff ing in our jurisdiction. and other labor leaders in central Journeyman lineman Indiana all gathered at Local 481. John Ostroski from They took full advantage of the Local 222 in Florida was opportunity to ask questions and killed in a vehicle acci- discuss any concerns that union dent, and groundman (Left to right) Local 1347 members John Carpenter, Jacob Mundy, Sean members are experiencing. Secre- Jonathan Cabrera of Murphy, Pat Flaherty, Kayla Mullins and Business Manager Andrew Kirk (Left to right) Local 441 Business Manager Neal Lauzon, tary Walsh assured those present Local 47 died in a look forward to a bright future with Blackout Tees in Cincinnati, Ohio. U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, Local 441 Political Director that everything that can be done mini-excavator acci- Doug Mangione, Congressman Mike Levin and Congresswoman to ensure that unions are heard dent. We also lost longtime Business Rep. Landis Katie Porter met in July for a meeting about clean energy. and have a seat at the table is a Marttila, who retired from the union last year and Elected Officers top priority, and no stone will be passed away from natural causes. left unturned. Local 481 would like to thank Secretary Rebecca Band, Communications Dir. L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — Our election of officers Local 441, Labor Secretary Meet Walsh for the opportunity to host such an event! was held on June 26, with the officers sworn in at our for Clean-Energy Discussion Stay safe out there, brothers and sisters! July 19 meeting. Elected officers are: Business Manager/Finan- Blake A. Andrews, B.R. Local 1347 Continues L.U. 441 (as,i&rts), SANTA ANA, CA — In July, along cial Secretary Will Salters, President Mike Greene, with local politicians, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Partnership with Blackout Tees Vice President Alonzo Ingram, Recording Secretary Walsh visited the UC Irvine campus as part of a Maggie Senters, Treasurer Sterling Mantlow; and clean-energy meeting, where he discussed the Biden PG&E Agreement Improves L.U. 1347 (ees,em,ptc&u), CINCINNATI, OH — In 2010, Executive Board members Lee Buoy, Tommie Crabb, administration’s plan to invest in the nation’s work- VM Work Conditions Jamie Madden entered into the world of screen print- Chandra Fussell, Brian Giles, Michelle “Boogie” Kay, force through the development of sustainable trans- ing by selling funny shirts. Blackout Tees was born Eric Murphey and James Smith. There will also be four portation infrastructure. UCI’s electric vehicle L.U. 1245 (o,u,t,em,catv,lctt,govt&pet), VACAVILLE, and virtually exploded overnight, and it has dominat- delegates that will attend the International Conven- charging stations were proudly featured during CA — Our local negotiated an agreement with PG&E ed the local screen-print business over the last eleven tion with Business Manager Will Salters: Mike Greene, Walsh’s visit, which were built by IBEW electricians to require all non-signatory contractors performing years. As the company expanded and moved into a Alonzo Ingram, Wayne Irby and J.R. Richardson. with EVITP training. PG&E vegetation management (VM) work to become retail space, Jamie wanted to branch out with other I would also like to thank the Election Committee signatory to Local 1245 in order to continue getting products. With funny tees, fundraisers, uniforms and for their service and hard work and professionalism in Neal H. Lauzon, B.M. this process: Bruce Gibson (Judge), James Lynch, Toby In June, Mackendree and Patrick McGowan. Local 481 As I look at this slate of newly and re-elected hosted officers, I feel confident that Local 1579 will continue to U.S. Labor Secretary prosper and move forward. Have you moved? Marty Until next time, God Bless! Walsh for a Will Salters, B.M./F.S. Notify us of an roundtable address change discussion www.ibew.org/ChangeMyAddress about the American or call 202-728-6263 Jobs Plan.

WWW.IBEW.ORG 18 The Electrical Worker | September 2021

RETIREESRETIREES

Be Safe and Enjoy Life We Love to See Your Smiles

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY, WESTCHESTER/ RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 292, MINNEAPOLIS, MN — PUTNAM CHAPTER — On May 19, the South Jersey chap- After a year-plus of living in a bubble, and with a ter held our first meeting since COVID-19 restrictions sense of normalcy returning to us, we are finally hold- were lifted. It was great to see everyone. On June 16, we ing monthly union meetings. We began in May with held our summer luncheon at the Local 400 meeting COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Now, with all hav- hall, where we enjoyed good food and lots of laughs. The ing access to the vaccine and protocols being lifted, rest of the summer we will be planning fishing trips, it’s nice to be able to see a person’s face and familiar baseball games, racetrack trips and the Atlantic City Air smile. Retirees are always smiling! We now have a Show. Be safe out there, and sit back and enjoy life. new union hall, and we look forward to meetings and On June 16, the members of the Local 3 South Jersey retirees met for their summer luncheon. Anthony Savarese, Pres. union functions in the new facility. Plans have been Easing Back to Regular Meetings sincerely hope everyone stays safe and healthy. made for our summer picnic, which is scheduled for Aug. 12, also at our new hall. Additionally, we have a Sue Kleczka, P.S. casino trip planned to Treasure Island in September. I Remembering Two Brothers Lost RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 58, DETROIT, MI — As we move look forward to seeing you all! through COVID-19 and vaccinations, our retirees group RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 35, HARTFORD, CT — Sadly, we is easing back into our regular schedule of monthly Perspective and Gratitude Paul Klesmit, Pres. have to report the passing of two noted members of our board meetings, which resumed in July. We are work- Retirees Club. Gershon Sosin passed away on May 24. ing to put together a picnic in September, and we are RETIREES CLUB OF L.U, 212, CINCINNATI, OHIO — Our He retired in February 1990, and at that time he became doing the work necessary to resume our monthly lun- Retirees Club has resumed normalcy thanks to COVID-19 Celebrating Retirees’ president of the Retirees Club and served in that posi- cheons, which switch back and forth from the east vaccines. As of May 2021, we are meeting on the first Years of Service tion until 2015. We’re very grateful to him for leading the side to the west side. Wednesday every month at the union hall and have also Retirees Club over the years. When he retired, he start- Let’s continue to be diligent in our support of our reinstated our annual July picnic at Fernbank Park on the RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 317, HUNTINGTON, WV — At the ed a tradition where he would buy pizza for the whole elected public servants. While casting our vote is one Ohio River. In August, the annual Local 212 family picnic first retirees’ luncheon since March, members crowd at the monthly membership meeting every 10 part of the process, we also need to keep an open dia- was held at Stricker’s Grove in Ross, Ohio. It is good to received service pins to celebrate years of brother- years. It was his way of showing his appreciation of logue with those we have elected. It’s appropriate to see the brotherhood gathering together again! hood. Among our members who received pins were being a member of the IBEW. make donations to those groups who are working to COVID-19 has had an impact on all our lives; but, Jerry Booth, with 65 years of service, and James A. We also lost Tito DiBenedetto, a very well-re- keep our democracy intact. During these times, let’s thankfully, the newly developed vaccines have proven Smith, with 50 years. There are more service pins to spected member of Local 35 who passed away on July 2. remember that Social Security is a benefit (not an to be very effective against this dreaded virus that has be awarded in the coming months, and we will update Tito served on the Executive Board and as president entitlement) that retired Americans rely on to main- taken the so many of our fellow citizens’ lives and is a our progress in forthcoming Local Lines. from 1983 through 1989. He was a general foreman tain their standard of living. Reach out and have con- scourge upon the entire world. Our deepest sympathy and a project manager on several large projects prior versations with friends and family; it’s our similari- is extended to everyone who has suffered a loss of a Jerry Booth, Pres. to his retirement in August 2005. He was a true gentle- ties, not our differences, that can and will bring us loved one during this time. man and will be missed by all. together. Let the work continue! As survivors of this virus, we have a lot for which Our condolences go out to the Sosin and DiBen- Pat Nuznov, P.S. to be thankful. One thing to be thankful for is Medi- edetto families. care and supplemental health insurance, which helps We look forward to resuming our annual outing our families stay healthy without going broke. Life-sav- this year in August. We hope it will be well attended A Welcome Return & ing modern medicine does not mean very much if we and look forward to seeing everyone again. cannot afford to pay for it. We wish everyone the best The Retirees Club has begun our monthly meet- Joyful Reunion of health and blessings. ings again on the second Wednesday of each month Bob Schaefer, P.S. at the Elks Lodge in Rocky Hill. We hope to see more RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 134, CHICAGO, IL — Welcome retirees joining us! back! Our club held its first member meeting since March of 2020 on July 14. It was a joy to see everyone again after Local 317 retiree members Jerry Booth (left) Kenneth R. White, P.S. 16 months. Our meeting was held at the IBEW/NECA Making Plans for Our Future holding his certificate for 65-years of service, Technical Institute in Alsip, Ill. An attendance of 40 mem- and James A. Smith (right) holds his 50-years of service award. bers, including six new members, was an above-average RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 257, JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Our Annual Retirees Dinner to be turnout. Having all meetings and activities shut down first monthly meeting since COVID-19 hit was held on Held in Newly Renovated Hall was like having this time stolen from our lives and those May 25 at Reinhardt Circle — The Legacy Room in Jef- Election of Officers as of all people around the world. ferson City, Mo. It was great to see everyone. Meetings Resume RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 53, KANSAS CITY, MO — Time for I’ve talked to several people refusing to get vacci- It was a long 2020. We are glad it is over and another article, though we don’t have much to report nated who say this is all political and the government hope the rest of 2021 will be better. We also hope RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 649, ALTON, IL — The outlook on at this time. It is our hope that all are doing well. is making us do this. I do not understand — it doesn’t everyone has gotten their vaccines by now; but if you for our Retirees Club was impacted by COVID-19, but Local 53 had their annual Crappie Tournament, matter who the mayors are, who the governors are or haven’t, please get them so that everyone can be safe. we commenced meeting at 9:00 a.m. on the last which reported a good turnout. Everyone had a good who is president. This is a health crisis, and it’s not Unfortunately, during this time, we lost a few of Thursday of each month for breakfast at the Eagles time, with lots of good food, great visiting and laughter. over yet. Please, if you haven’t been vaccinated, think our members. They are: David Brunk, Patricia Brunk, Nest in Bethalto, Ill. Some of our retirees went on a motorcycle run to of your family and friends and just do it. It doesn’t hurt! Wilma Grothoff and Doyle Maupin. Our thoughts and The first order of business was the election of Colorado and part of New Mexico. There were eight of Our annual luncheon meeting honoring our mem- prayers are with their families, and they will be missed. new officers for Local 649’s Retirees Club. The follow- them, and they reported that they had a good time bers with 50 to 70 years of service for 2020 and 2021, Our club has started making plans for the future, ing are the results of the election: and lots of fun. The weather was hot, but no humidity, and usually held in June, will be held Sept. 8. This will such as what trips we want to take. One trip will be to • George Stumpee remains in position as president; and they got into a little rain coming home. hopefully put us back on track. Drury Lane Theater in the Lyceum Theatre. Also, on Sat., Aug. 14, Local 257 • William Gotlib remains in position of vice president; Local 53 is going to have our annual retirees’ Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., will be back open to kick off their will host their annual BBQ/picnic. • John Wagner has been elected secretary/ treasurer; dinner at the union hall on Sept. 23. We sure hope all fall season in September with the play “Forever Plaid,” Delores Melloway, P.S. Marlin Wagner stepped down from the position of you can make it. Back in our newly remodeled digs, and we look forward to a fun outing there on Sept. 30. I with our sincere thanks for his duties over the years it should be a good time. and many thanks to John for assuming duties; Our prayers go out for our members and their • John Fitzgerald, John Uzzell and Harold Whipple families who are sick and maybe not doing so well. remain in their respective Executive Board Our prayers also go out to members who have lost positions; and someone in their family. • Jim Heinneman remains in his term as sergeant of Sadly, we lost three more retirees: Kenny arms for the group. McMillin, Wendel Morris and Ron Schock. May they Thank you and congratulations to our remaining rest in peace, having gone home to our Lord and will and new officers of the club. never be forgotten. Let’s keep memories of members who have Duane Pearce, P.S. passed alive! Local 134 retirees attended a “welcome back” meeting on July 14, with 40 members in attendance. Terry Wilhite, P.S.

The Electrical Worker | September 2021 19

GROUNDED HISTORY

IN GROUNDED IN HISTORY

Solidarity on Labor Day

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

The Electrical Worker was the name of the first official publication of the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1893 (the NBEW became the IBEW in 1899 with the expansion of the union into Canada). The name and format of the publication have changed over the years. This newspaper is the official publication of the IBEW and seeks to capture the courage and spirit that motivated the founders of the Brotherhood and continue to inspire the union’s members today. The masthead of this newspaper is an adaptation of that of the first edition in 1893.

EXECUTIVE Fourth District Third District THE OFFICERS William W. Riley Michael D. Welsh ELECTRICAL WORKER Lonnie R. Stephenson Fifth District Fourth District International President Frank Furco Gina P. Cooper Editor Labor Day was officially made a federal Lonnie R. Stephenson holiday in the United States and Canada Kenneth W. Cooper Sixth District Fifth District Mark in 1894 but its origins date back even fur- International Dean E. Wine Brian K. Thompson Brueggenjohann ther. In the late 19th century, as the trade Secretary-Treasurer Matt Spence union movement grew, many labor lead- Seventh District Sixth District Leroy J. Chincio David J. Ruhmkorff Alex Hogan ers proposed that a day be set aside to INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE Curtis D. Bateman celebrate their contribution to society. The Eighth District Seventh District COUNCIL John Sellman first significant event from this effort in the Philip M. Venoit Steven Speer U.S. occurred on Sept. 5, 1882, with a Chairman Erin Sutherland parade in New York City organized by the Christopher Erikson INTERNATIONAL Eighth District Asifa Haniff Central Labor Union (CLU), a precursor to VICE Jerry Bellah Ben Temchine the AFL. More than 20,000 laborers from First District PRESIDENTS Ninth District Sean Bartel various organizations all marched in a Joseph P. Calabro First District John J. O’Rourke Colin Kelly public display of solidarity. IBEW members march at the head of the 1981 “Solidarity Day” parade in Second District Thomas Reid Rix Oakland The event was a major success and Tenth District Washington to protest cuts to federal programs and labor protections, top. Myles J. Calvey continued for several years but was even- Second District Brent E. Hall Colleen Crinion Below, a Toronto Labour Day parade held in the early 1900s is a tradition tually overshadowed by the Haymarket Third District Michael P. Monahan Michael Pointer carried on today. Eleventh District Affair of May 1886, which quickly gar- James Burgham Janelle Hartman Mark D. Hager nered international attention. Suddenly brought the idea to the CLU of New York began at the Washington Monument, Joe Conway there was disagreement among trade and helped to organize America’s first moved to the White House ellipse and end- Emily Welsh unions about when a labor holiday labor parade that September. With Cana- ed with a peaceful march to Capitol Hill. should be, with some advocating for the dian and American unions working Once there, dozens of labor leaders and first Monday of September and others for together, labor parades were soon held on politicians took to the stage to deliver the more politically charged May Day. In the first Monday in September in both impassioned speeches to the crowd. HOW TO REACH US 1887, U.S. President Grover Cleveland, countries. In March 1894, unions success- Included amongst them was IBEW Presi- concerned about throwing his support to fully lobbied Parliament to recognize dent Charles Pillard, one of the headline We welcome letters from our readers. The writer should include his or anarchist movements, publicly supported Labour Day as a public holiday in Canada. speakers for the event. “We strongly object her name, address and, if applicable, IBEW local union number and card the September option as a less inflamma- It was signed into law by Prime Minister to members of Congress sponsoring legis- number. Family members should include the local union number of the tory alternative. John Thompson that July, less than a lation that will set back all the protective IBEW member to whom The Electrical Worker is mailed. Please keep letters as brief as possible. The Electrical Worker reserves the right to That same year, Oregon became the month after its U.S. counterpart. labor legislation that has been gained for select letters for publication and edit all submissions for length. first state to make Labor Day a public holi- While there have been notable Labor workers over the past 50 years,” Pillard day. By 1894, 30 states had done the Day parades over the years, none have said. “The brotherhood is committed to Send letters to: same prompting Congress to pass a bill quite matched the significance of the one protecting the right for unions to be allowed Letters to the Editor, The Electrical Worker, 900 Seventh Street, N.W., designating Labor Day as a federal holi- that occurred in 1981. On Sept. 19, just to indulge in free collective bargaining, to Washington, D.C. 20001 Or send by email to: [email protected] day. With strong support from the AFL, over 99 years since the first Labor Day earn fair wages, safety at the job site, a high President Cleveland signed the bill into parade, over a quarter million union mem- standard of living, and security for the ©2021 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. law on June 28. Since that time, Labor Day bers marched in Washington, D.C., in elderly in their retirement years.” The Electrical Worker (print) parades have become a staple of Ameri- opposition to congressional cuts to vital In North American labor history, the ISSN 2332-113X can life, an unofficial end to the summer federal programs and labor protection significance of the “Solidarity Day” march The Electrical Worker (online) where many of our fellow citizens take laws. Organized by the AFL-CIO and made cannot be underestimated. But the fight ISSN 2332-1148 time to celebrate the hard work and work- up of more than 200 civic organizations, to protect those same basic labor rights ers that fuel our two nations’ economies. the event was titled “Solidarity Day” and continues to this day. With every new gen- All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. on Union-made paper. Labor parades in Canada date back symbolized the largest gathering of labor eration, an appreciation for those rights POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Electrical Worker, even further. The first one of note occurred forces in U.S. history. And the IBEW stood must be taught and celebrated, not just 900 Seventh Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. in 1872 when a group of workers gathered tall amongst them. on Labor Day but every day of the year. z The Electrical Worker will not be held responsible for views in Toronto to support striking printers. Standing in the vanguard of the expressed by correspondents. Their protest led directly to the Trade march were more than 25,000 IBEW sisters For more on how to support the Paid advertising is not accepted. Union Act, a law that confirmed the legali- and brothers stretching six blocks along IBEW’s preservation of its history, visit ty of unions. In May 1882, another Toronto Constitution Avenue. It was the largest sin- nbew-ibewmuseum.org. Have an Publications Mail Agreement No. 40011756. Canada Post: Return undeliverables to P.O. Box 2601, labor celebration caught the attention of gle gathering of IBEW members, a record idea for this feature? Send it to 6915 Dixie​ Rd, Mississauga, ON L4T 0A9. AFL Vice-President Peter J. McGuire, who that remains unbroken. The demonstration [email protected].

WWW.IBEW.ORG 20 The Electrical Worker | September 2021

WHOWHO WEWE AREARE Credit: Photos by Logan Beere, St. Paul Local 110

The teachers were as thrilled as the students as IBEW women helped Minnesota Girl Scouts install an electrical outlet and light switch at Lightbulb Moments “Power Girls” camp in June. Working at picnic tables with small groups of the 68 campers are St. Paul Local 110 forewoman Jackie Bobick Girl Scouts’ ‘Electrical Day’ at top left, Local 110 second-year apprentice Karmen Kjos at top right and bottom left, and Rochester Local 343 fifth-year apprentice Sparks Enthusiasm for the Trades Nicky Heather at bottom right.

efore the fun began with hammers and Other days that week at Camp Lakamaga, the 68 electrical trade,” Colvard said. “And we certainly need Hunt Electric, the last five years in its solar division drills and simulated sections of wall, lead- campers learned about construction, tiling, and ener- more women in our trade.” “I’ve got the best job in the world — great mon- ers at the Power Girls camp north of Minne- gy efficiency through sustainable design. Hegg, whose organization has held two previous ey, a company vehicle, lots of freedom — and I’m real- sota’s Twin Cities had a question for jour- But it was only fitting for a camp dubbed Power Power Girls summer camps and has a growing sched- ly good at it,” she says. Bneywoman Jackie Bobick and her IBEW sisters. Girls that women electricians kicked it off. ule of year-round activities exploring the trades, said Taking a show-and-tell approach with her How many of them had been Girl Scouts? “These girls are amazing,” said fifth-year the girls can’t get enough of it. groups of middle-school girls, Bobick wanted them to “Nobody raised their hands,” said Bobick, a vet- apprentice Nikki Heather of Rochester, Minn., Local “We have struggled to keep up with the insatia- know they can be good at it, too, if they choose to fol- eran member of St. Paul Local 110. “We didn’t even 343. “They’re just full of energy and they want to ble appetite of girls and families for trades program- low in her footsteps. know any women in construction who were.” learn… this is going to be our future.” ming,” she said. “When I first got there, I had my hot suit gear, my But future tradeswomen likely will, gauged by The camp’s picnic tables-turned-worksites were Future events in the planning stage are expected to huge rubber gloves and face shield. I told them this is the curiosity and glee of Girl Scouts at their camp’s beehives of activity for small groups of girls divided by include field trips to the Local 110-NECA training center. what I wear to save my life,” she said. first-ever “Electrical Day” in June. age. Wearing big smiles and fluorescent safety gloves, “The girls value the chance to explore the trades “I let them climb around in my pickup truck. I Guided by women from the IBEW and signatory they hammered, sawed, drilled and spliced with gusto. in an environment with other girls, led by women who showed them all my power tools and how to use contractors, girls from 4th grade through high “It’s really important that the girls are exposed actually work in the trades,” Hegg said. “It’s incredi- them. I said if their mom or dad are doing repairs school discovered what’s going on inside the walls to this now,” Heather said. “It gets the gears going, bly valuable to see role models, to hear about what around the house, don’t be afraid to pick up a ham- of their homes as they learned to install a light gets the juices flowing that maybe they want to go into their day is like and why they like their jobs.” mer or drill holes in the wall — well, maybe not if your switch and outlet. a trade. There are some that are so ready to take on They got an earful — in the best sense of the mom just painted.” “I don’t know how many times I heard them say, the world.” word — from women who are passionate about Her talent for explaining elements of her trade, ‘This is so cool!’” Bobick said. That’s the biggest lesson that every adult being IBEW electricians and eager for more women breaking them down in a way that students and lay- Some of the girls literally jumped for joy when involved — women and men alike — wanted to drive to join them. people can understand, came in handy as the girls they pushed in a plug or flipped a switch and saw home: that no career is off-limits to girls today. “Just go for it, don’t be scared,” Karmen Kjos, a tackled the lighting project. their boards electrify. Andrew Colvard, assistant executive director of second-year Local 110 apprentice, said. “Everyone is “I could see that spark when they comprehend- “They love to make something work,” said Bre- the St. Paul NECA Chapter, said Electrical Day drew so welcoming. If you’re happy to learn and ready to ed something, that lightbulb moment,” Bobick said. anne Hegg, vice president of programs for Girl Scouts women who span the industry — apprentices, journey- work hard, they take you in with open arms.” “I’m so stoked and happy that my local asked in Minnesota. “It’s so satisfying to see that lightbulb women, forewomen, project managers and owners. Bobick’s pride and joy is palpable when she me to participate. I’d absolutely do it again. I’d spend go off on their head.” “It shows that women can do everything in the talks about her career, most of which she’s spent with a whole week if I could.” z