On March 7.2000, we have the opportunity to make our voices heard. As individuals we have not only the right but the responsibility to make our opinions known. In a democratic society we choose individuals who we hope will represent our interest in local, state, and national matters.  The  local building trades,  with  representatives from all of the crafts spent a great deal of time and effort to research candidates and issues that are critical to working families.  These endorsements and recommendations are enclosed.

One such issue is Prop 25. Prop 25 is dubbed as "son of 226". It's advertised as Campaign Finance Reform. It is another in a long history of large corporations and wealthy individuals - attempt to silence working families. The International Office of the IBEW has endorsed Vice President M Gore for President. This was done from results taken from a survey conducted in a recent "Journal".

March Regular Meeting
The regular General Membership Meeting for March will be held at our new Facility. 720 Technology Way. 7:00 p.m. March 9, 2000. Refreshments will be served.

Sound and Communications
Sound and Communications... Low Energy... Low Voltage... Data Systems... Phones... Video... Audio... Alarms... Security...
Confusing?    You  betcha! There are State Licensing issues soon to make it even more so. As drafted the new Licensing Law that will take effect in January of 2001 affects those employees of contractors with a C-10 License.

Many of our employers also do work under a C-7, which is not included. These and other issues of interest to our members working under the S&C Agreement will be discussed at the unit meeting to be held on March lath.

In May of this year there will be a National meeting dealing with this portion of our industry. Local 180 will be sending delegates to this event.  The term being used to describe this exploding phenomenon in the IBEW is VDV or Voice, Data, Video.

Hours reported for our members working in this field have exceeded 115,360 for the period ending in November of 1999. This is an increase of over 25% in income to our members over 1998, and indicates how fast this section of the industry is growing.

New Assistant
Dan Broadwater has joined the Staff of Local 180. As our President, Dan has been focused on, and dedicated to the needs of our members. As Assistant Business Manager I am confident that Dan will continue to be an effective force in dealing with the many issues currently facing our industry. After several recent meetings and the current economic boom it has become absolutely obvious that one of two things must occur; One, cut back and only offer the bare minimum of services to our membership and the industry, or Two, increase the office staff to deal with the needs of the local. My decision was based the needs of our members, the future of our local, and the economic trends that look very good for continued growth in this jurisdiction. (Mare Island, Vacaville, Napa Valley, Fairfield/Suisun, and Rio Vista are all areas of major expansion). Local Union 180 must be prepared to meet the challenge.

Residential Unit Meetings
To better accommodate our members involved in Residential work we are scheduling two Residential Unit Meetings in the month of March. Monday, March 20 Wednesday, March 22 6:00 P. M. Both meetings Will be held at 720 Technology Way.

The purpose of these meetings is to get input from those of us actively involved in Residential work. Negotiations are underway and some progress has been made in improving both the wages and benefits. Further needs of this industry should be addressed and who better to access those concerns than those of you currently working under this agreement. Please make every effort to attend one or BOTH of these meetings.
 

COMMITTEES We have had a good response on volunteers for committees. We can still use more involvement. If more members participate it increases each members "ownership" of their union. If you can help contact the Business Manager or the President. Thank you.

Congratulations, Condolences and Best wishes!
Congratulations to Adam Hie on his marriage to Leslie on 12/4/99.
Congratulations to Markland Tuyee on his marriage to Jasmine on 10/31/99
Congratulations to Jeff Me ho on the birth of his daughter, Gracie. Born 12/17/99
Congratulation to Shawn Callahan on the birth of his daughter Kayleigh born on "Leap Day" 2/29/00.
Get well to Robert Stake who was injured in a fall at work.
Sincere condolences to the family of our retiree Fran Mason who passed away 2/1/00. Fran joined the IBEW in 1947 and retired in 1981. Brother Mason will be missed.

Best wishes to Tom Christian on his retirement. We wish him the best.

Sound & Communications Unit Meeting
The Sound & Communications Unit will have a meeting on Wednesday March 15, 2000. The meeting will be held at 720 Technology Way. Meeting will start promptly at 6:00 P. M. Refreshments will be provided.
Topics of discussion will include input for contract changes and explanations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Specifically the "tool list" and "scope of work".

Bruce Gourley, Business Manager
 

Updated 03/11/00 Copyright© 2000 IBEW L.U. 180 Information on this site has been approved by the Business Manager and L.U. President