Hello: Is anybody there? Don’t ya hate how most businesses now communicate with their customers. "Your call is very important to us, please listen closely to the following options. If you know your parties extension please enter now." If on the outside chance you do, you are then routed to voice mail. "Please enter the last three letters of the person’s last name you wish to contact, followed by the pound sign. We’re sorrrrryy those letters are not recognizable please enter more letters followed by the pouuund sign."(###@@**%) "If you know your parties extension please enter now, Kaaaa-licck!! We’re soooorry, your call cannot be completed as dialed, please hang up and try again… Anyway, you get the idea that they really don’t want to talk with anybody. As a labor union, with the sole purpose of representing our membership and enhancing the standards of all tradesmen working in our industry, we must communicate better.

We recently lost an election with Carter Electric, in part, due to our failure to properly communicate our issues to those employees. Their decision was made on, what I believe, was erroneous information supplied by the employer. Nevertheless, they made their decision. This local will respect their choice, however, we will re-commit ourselves to better communication, as it relates to our issues. The message sent by Carter Electric’s employees is clear. We must do a better job of communicating with tradesmen performing electrical construction within our jurisdiction. As trade unionist it is our obligation to increase our ranks, as there is strength in numbers. In order for us all to enjoy the benefits of this booming economy we must represent all electricians employed at our trade. I obviously need the rank and file’s help in accomplishing these goals. This was unfortunately evidenced by our failure to succeed in this last election campaign. To succeed we must communicate our goals and ideals clearly and allow open dialogue of those with questions and concerns. As your principle officer, I respectfully ask for each member’s help in fulfilling this obligation to the local union. The IBEW will only prosper as long as we stay focused on our mission and not develop an elitist attitude. There are those that have predicted our demise based on that exact premise. Through true brotherhood, we will prove them wrong and when asked "Is anybody there??" the answer will be a resounding IBEW 756. (and with no more than 2 rings, go ahead count-em)…

Stephen R. Williams

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This is a reminder regarding our Vision Care Plan. When calling to request forms for eye care, please be sure to indicate that you are with Electrician’s Local Union 756 and tell them that the Group number is #FL203178. If you do not do this, you may never get the forms.

Jay and Tari Pifer are the proud parents of a daughter Morgan Gray Pifer – September 16, 1999   Barbara Rench and Charlie Hawley Are the proud parents of a son Caleb Ryan Hawley – October 6, 1999

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Mike Jones Benefit Barbecue

On behalf of the Mike Jones Family, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of those that participated in the benefit. All those that came out had a great day of good brotherhood and great fun. Also, a special thanks to Brother Doug Dill as chairman of the benefit and Diana Wiggins for the use of her facility. Donations may still be made to the Mike Jones Trust Fund at any SunTrust Bank or you can drop them by the union hall. Help continue the fight for Cancer. Someone’s life depends on it!

They will surely be missed. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to their families.

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ORGANIZING: Call Bill Sweeney 756-2756

Continuing Education Courses available:

For information contact:

Holmes Davis, Training Director 756-2776.  

A MOTOR CONTROLS CLASS FOR JOURNEYMEN WIREMEN STARTED OCTOBER 18, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. THE INSTRUCTOR IS BOB NELSON. IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED, THERE ARE STILL A FEW OPENINGS.

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Testing, Testing, 1,2,3

7-9 Normal

4-6 Slow

1-3 Idiot

0  Brain Dead

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Answers from Testing, Testing, 1,2,3:

1. Yes, it comes after July 3.
2. Just one. The day the person is born.
3. Twelve – all of them.
4. Six – three per side.
5. No, because he is dead!
6. Seventy (30 divided by two equals 15, but 30 divided by ½ equals 60).
7. Two. You took them, remember?
8. Sixty – start with the first pill, 30 minutes later the second, 30 minutes later the third.
9. Nine – if eight out of 17 die, nine are left.
10. None. Moses didn’t have an ark. Noah did.
11. Meat – a butcher weighs meat.
12. Twelve – there are 12 two-cent stamps in a dozen.