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.

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The atrocity that occurred on September 11th has affected all of us in many ways. The significance of this event in our history is synonymous to Pearl Harbor and the assassination of President Kennedy. We will never forget where we were, what we were doing and whom we were with, when it occurred.

I was in San Francisco at the International Convention with thousands of other delegates and guests. On Monday, September 10th, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and patriotism as Lee Greenwood appeared live and sang "Proud To Be An American" as part of the opening ceremonies. Little did we know at the time the popularity and frequency of playing that song would increase dramatically the next day.

We were 3000 miles away from home and 3 hours behind when a telephone call from our Union Hall in Daytona Beach informed us of the disaster as it was taking place. I think I can speak for all of us, especially the delegations from Local 3 New York and Local 26 Washington D.C., in saying that our thoughts shifted immediately to those at home. Brother Steve Williams called immediately to make sure that our members and our traveling brothers and sisters were being removed from the Cape as it would be a prime target for terrorism or an act of war. We later found out that our members witnessed the security forces put into action, especially the helicopters with heavily armed servicemen in the doors, as they were being escorted to marshalling areas. This had to have been a chilling experience because most did not know what had happened or why this action was being taken.

In the Convention Center the excitement and anticipation of the opening day was overcome with a somber quiet, as we watched the news on the huge overhead monitors and waited for announcements regarding the future of the convention. We couldn’t leave, because air travel had been halted throughout the country. So the convention eventually got underway. About an hour after the convention reconvened our hotel was evacuated due to a bomb threat.

The emotions varied from shock to sadness and to anger. Even though the atmosphere had changed in the convention hall and throughout the country Brotherhood and Solidarity far overshadowed the malevolence of the act committed against us.

Pledges of support came from Local Unions and Districts across the country and a $100,000.00 pledge came from District #1, our brothers and sisters in Canada.

"United We Stand" has been heard and seen on television and radio, on signs and tee-shirts more frequently and in larger numbers than recent memory can recall. The country and the free world are acting in "Solidarity" as we fight terrorism. Our politicians have ,for now, put aside partisan politics and are acting in "Unity" for the good of our country and our way of life.

"United We Stand", "Solidarity" and "Unity" are words and phrases being used more frequently throughout the country and the world today as a result of the September 11^th attack on our country and the freedom it stands for.

These words and phrases are now and have always been the common thread that binds together the House of Labor here and throughout the world.

"Solidarity" has been displayed by the firemen, police, ironworkers and other rescue workers in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania; and the country is showing "Solidarity" with these rescue workers.

Our country is engaged in a war against terrorism and other free countries are standing in "Solidarity" with us.

When free men and free countries stand "United" there is no evil they cannot conquer.

When working men and women stand "United" there is no injustice they cannot change.

UNION MADE

Employment Opportunity Notice: The JATC has an opening available for a Part-time Telecommunications Coordinator (20 hours per week.) The purpose of the position is to assist the Training Director in coordinating the Telecommunications apprenticeship program. Will be responsible for planning, development, training, and recruitment. The position works within broad policy and organizational guidelines; independently plans and implements projects; reports progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings. Applicant’s experience and education may have been acquired in school, work, military, institutional or vocational environment. Send resume and/or contact me at the JATC office for more information.

Journeyman Training: Classes covering Copper Cabling, Advanced Fiber Optics, and Structural Cabling for Premises and Commercial Buildings are being scheduled. Please contact me to sign up.

We have a CPR class scheduled for journeyman wireman on January 19, 2002 – Please contact me to sign up.

Classes are now available via the Internet for Word/Access/Excel – you can receive CEU’s for completing this course. Also, if you have your AA degree, you can enroll at the University of Tennessee, via the Internet and receive your Bachelor’s Degree "on line."

Gail Jackson,

Training Director

ORGANIZING: Call Bill Sweeney 756-2756