INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF
ELECTRICAL WORKERS
LOCAL UNION NO. 756

Vol. 14 No. 5

September/October 2007

THE SIDE-CUTTER

EAST COAST EDITION

THE OBJECTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS

 

TO ORGANIZE ALL WORKERS IN THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, INCLUDING ALL THOSE IN PUBLIC UTILITIES AND ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING INTO LOCAL UNIONS, TO PROMOTE REASONABLE METHODS OF WORK, TO CULTIVATE FEELINGS OF FRIENDSHIP AMONG THOSE OF OUR INDUSTRY, TO SETTLE ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES BY ARBITRATION (IF POSSIBLE), TO ASSIST EACH OTHER IN SICKNESS OR DISTRESS, TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT, TO REDUCE THE HOURS OF DAILY LABOR, TO SECURE ADEQUATE PAY FOR OUR WORK, TO SEEK A HIGHER AND HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING, TO SEEK SECURITY FOR THE INDIVIDUAL, AND BY LEGAL AND PROPER MEANS TO ELEVATE THE MORAL, INTELLECTUAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF OUR MEMBERS, THEIR FAMILIES AND DEPENDENTS, IN THE INTEREST OF A HIGHER STANDARD OF CITIZENSHIP. The Side Cutter is a publication of I.B.E.W. Local Union #756 - Daytona Beach, Florida.

  

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It’s Always the Darkest Just Before the Dawn

The above metaphor best describes our future as it relates to work opportunities. Although  work is plentiful throughout the country, our opportunities for employment remain limited to say the least. However, along with the efforts afforded by the “Florida Initiative” which is discussed in length later in this publication, we have made much progress for our membership and the electrical industry in general.  As we all know, work in the  residential sector has fallen dramatically, however, we also know that construction is residual and historically when one market slows another market opens up and we adjust in order to survive those unstable times.

In this case, the revitalized market is Space related.  As mentioned in previous issues of the Sidecutter, the “next generation of flight” will provide many “man hours” of work for our members.  Other projects that are scheduled have NASA asking how will we provide adequate manpower for the next two decades.  We have not seen this type of industry growth in many years and the opportunities are truly endless.

In addition,  there are scheduled projects on the Air Force side of the river that involves national security issues requiring some sense of urgency for completion.  These projects, along with others, have been on the drawing board for a long time and are finally coming to fruition.    When this work breaks it will provide openings in other markets that have been vacated for industrial sector electrical installations.  This will allow for the negotiated “small works addendum” to be properly utilized and enhance all those working within our trade. There have been delays but stay tuned for better times as we enter into the next phase of Space exploration and related technologies.  These include the launch of satellites for everything from television broadcast to intelligence gathering and we are perfectly positioned to provide the necessary support installations.  I know it seems like it has been forever in developing these projects, but in Government terms, even with the delays, it is considered a short period of time. Let’s continue to move forward with resolve to provide the best skills possible for all levels of our trade.

            Steve Williams

            Business Manager

 

Statewide Organizing Blitz

 

Over 100 representatives from the IBEW visited jobsites in Florida during the week of September 17th.  They concentrated on four major geographical areas.  Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Jacksonville.  All four area “blitzes” were followed by an Industry Night.  Each respective city held their Industry Night on Thursday, September 20th.  Signatory contractors were present at the Industry Night and had the opportunity to interview the many unrepresented electricians and helpers who attended.

The electricians and helpers that attended were all employed but were seeking to advance the standard of living for themselves and their families through IBEW representation.  Close to 1000 workers collectively, were in attendance at the four locations.  That goes against the standard rhetoric that is always being spewed by detractors who say that Florida is a “right-to-work-state”, and therefore unrepresented workers do not seek out union representation.  The workers in this state have heard enough of that. They know their wages and benefits are constantly under attack, while the cost of surviving in Florida steadily rises.

The IBEW Local Unions in Florida will continue reaching out to unrepresented workers in the electrical industry and invite them into our ranks.  Since the adoption of the “small works addendum”, now present in all of our local collective bargaining agreements, the IBEW has been able to classify all skill levels in the trade and make these workers available to be employed by union signatory contractors.

The time is right for workers to join together, if not now; WHEN?

Dan Hunt

Organizer

 

UNION MADE 

Rick and Ashley Rumnock

Are the proud parents of a son

Colin Riley Rumnock – August 22, 2007

 

MEMBERS’ CORNER

If anyone is interested in volunteering for labor walks or phone banks, please contact John Barrington at the union hall.

Dates to Remember:

November 8, 2007                  Retiree’s Meeting, 11:30 AM

November 14, 2007                Union Meeting, 7:30 PM

November 30, 2007                Children’s Christmas Party

December 8, 2007                  Adult Christmas Party

************************************

Santa is Coming Soon!

Probably sooner than most of us realize.  Yes, it is that time of year again when we have to start making preparations for our holiday festivities.

The Children’s Christmas party this year will be on Friday evening November 30 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  Santa and his elves will be here handing out gifts to the children throughout the evening.  We will have light snacks and drinks for everyone to enjoy.  And again we will have cookie decorating and a small holiday craft for all the kids to do.  RSVP is Mandatory by no later than Friday, November 2.  It is very important to write down the name, age and gender of each child that will be attending.  There is an age limit of 12 years old for Santa’s gift giving but older kids are more than welcome to come and enjoy the food, crafts and fun.

The spectacularly famous, extraordinary, world renowned, Annual Adult Christmas Party Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, December 8 with festivities beginning at 7:00 pm.  As usual, we will have the most fabulous and delectable array of hors d’ oeuvres and finger foods for your enjoyment.  Mixers for drinks will be provided but you must BYOB.  There will be plenty of door prizes given throughout the evening and of course the highly anticipated Grand Prize Drawing. In order to be eligible for the grand prize drawing, you must RSVP with the enclosed slip and must be present at the time of the drawing.  Please respond by no later than Friday, November 30.  The grand prize drawing box will be sealed at the end of the day on November 30.

************************************

We have regrettably lost four brothers since the last issue of the Sidecutter:

Joseph W. Corbett                 August 2, 2007

William F. Norton                   August 26, 2007

Fred R. Hughes                      September 8, 2007

Richard C. Ransom                September 25, 2007

We extend our deepest sympathy to their families.

************************************

Please make sure that your beneficiary cards are up to date.  Due to marriages, divorces and unfortunately deaths, the beneficiary cards need to be updated from time to time.  We will be glad to assist you.  Please also make sure we have your current address and phone number so that we can keep our records up to date.

Apprenticeship Report

Graduation of our 5th year class was held on August 18th at the Union Hall. We had about 70 people in attendance. Bob Nelson was our keynote speaker this year.  As always he did a wonderful job of addressing the graduates and giving them a word or two of advice on what is to be expected of them as Journeyman Wireman of Local 756. We have come a long way from when Mr. Nelson came through the program. Here are just a few of the changes since his apprenticeship:

 

Effective April 1st 1961:                    Effective Sept. 1st 2007:

1st year apprentice  $1.60 per hr.             1st year apprentice  $10.58 per hr.

2nd year apprentice $2.00 per hr.             2nd year apprentice $12.06 per hr.

3rd year apprentice $2.30 per hr.              3rd year apprentice  $13.54 per hr.

4th year apprentice $2.60 per hr.              4th year apprentice  $15.02 per hr.

5th year apprentice $2.80 per hr.             5th year apprentice  $16.71 per hr.

 

The Apprenticeship Committee:

 1961- Management               2007- Management                                                              

John LaTour Jr.                        Byron Overstreet 

John F. Barnhart                       Ty Cobb              

John H. McPike                       David Farmer      

 

1961 – Labor                          2007 – Labor

 

C.R. Willis                                Dan Hunt       

Daniel Rosetti                           Cliff Eaton    

D.J. Stellitano                          Selina Morris

 

Many things have changed over the years.  But the one thing that stays the same is the desire for Management and Labor Representatives to accept and train the best people they can, to be the best Journeymen Wiremen and Women this Local Union has to offer. It is also the same for the Journeymen of today to continue to help nurture these apprentices to strive to be the best that they can be. This Local Union needs it and the local contractors need it. Our survival depends on what these apprentices learn today from the Journeymen of yesterday.

Please give congratulations to the Apprentices that have completed their five years of school:

 

Joseph A. Bardwell, Michael Beauchamp, Robert H. Blackwell, John W. Boettner, Michael A. Carter, Kenneth J. Coleman, Christopher J. Conaway, Hector Flores, Colleen T. Gaudy, Beau A. Griffin, John R. Jenkins Jr., Richard J. Kelley, Michael P. Lyon, Kennedy Nemasango, Luis Sanchez, Larry N. Stokes.

 

Coming Up In The Near Future: Pipe Bending Class, Code Update Classes, Nicet Preparation Class (need 10 students minimum), and Motor Controls.

2008 Codebooks are in.  The cost is $55.  You may pick them up at the JATC office, 790 Commonwealth Blvd., Port Orange.

We are also in the planning stages of a daylong motorcycle ride open to all members and apprentices of Local 756. Doesn’t matter what you have as long as you can get on it and ride down the road with it. If you bring along a Moped, we will have stops along the way so you guys can catch up. I will post a notice at the Union Hall and here at the JATC once we have all the start, stops and ending put together. It will be free to everyone. It is just a chance for everyone that has a bike to get together and spend the day enjoying a nice ride (weather permitting) and maybe seeing someone you haven’t seen in a while and get caught up on things.

 

386-322-6236 office               C. Scott Jarvis

386-322-6238 fax                   Training Director

386-527-2088 cell                   (scottdbjatc@aol.com)

 

 

Holiday Business Hours

Thursday, November 22                    Closed

Friday, November 23                         Closed

Monday, December 24                      Closed at Noon

Tuesday, December 25                      Closed

Monday, December 31                      Closed at Noon

Tuesday, January 1                           Closed

 

 

A Note From Our Retirees

 

Listed below are the dates of the upcoming meetings/luncheons and the menu.  Bringing a covered dish or dessert would be greatly appreciated.

 

October 11, 2007                                                Fish Fry

November 8, 2007                                               Turkey

December 13, 2007                                             Ham

January 10, 2008                                                Chili

February 14, 2008                                              Pot Luck

March 13, 2008                                                   Fried Chicken

April 10, 2008                                                     Fish Fry

May 8, 2008                                                           Hot Dogs & Hamburgers

 

Everyone is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please call the union hall.

 

.

 

·  Tips, topics, suggestions, and criticisms are welcome. Send your responses to:

The Side Cutter c/o IBEW L.U. 756,  5901 S. Williamson Blvd.,  Daytona Beach, FL 32128

Names will remain confidential upon request.

Continuing Education Courses available:
C. Scott Jarvis, Training Director (386) 322-6236

ORGANIZING: Call Bill Sweeney (386) 756-2756

IBEW #756 Home Page | What We Believe

Side Cutter | Officers | Location | Apprenticeship

Members On-Line

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF
ELECTRICAL WORKERS
LOCAL UNION NO. 756
5901 S. Williamson Blvd.
Port Orange, Florida 32128
386-756-2756
FAX 386-756-2785
info@ibew756.com

Internet Design by
Lloyd Davis
TYL