IBEW Local
Union
180 - Newsletter
Volume 2006, Issue 7 July 1st, 2006
SERVING NAPA AND
SOLANO COUNTIES SINCE
1901
Business Manager's Report
Health &
Welfare Our plan is solvent
and all benefits are being paid. We still are not as financially
sound as we would like to be but with the advent of an increased
contribution rate effective for hours worked beginning June 1st 2006,
we should begin to see some reserves as the year
progresses. The “phasing out’ of retirees subsidies for new
retirees will have a major positive impact on this Trusts ability to
serve our participants. Also with added “Variable VEBA”
available, future retirees will have more control over their future
health care needs. Currently no-one in a retirement status will
have any reduction in benefits or costs.
Pension
At the trust meeting held on June 12, 2006 the trustees approved an
increase for future retirees to $133.00 per month per year of service
(Up from $130.00), for the Local Pension. The 401 plan is healthy
and individual accounts that were previously considered to be in the
“administration account” will be available for participant directed
investment in the near future. This will occur when the yearly
audit is complete. These funds are generally money
collected as the default amount currently $.20/hour. It also
includes are Residential Members pension contributions.
Work in the Area Work in the local has not
lived up to its promise of a year ago. Some jobs have been slow
to materialize, and some are just slow. We still are optimistic
that the work for the rest of this year and for several years in the
future will be good. Due to what is planned and committed to we
are in very good shape for things to get better and better over the
next several months. We attended a ground breaking ceremony at
Valero on Tuesday the 27th of June followed by a pre-job
conference. Our work should start soon. This is a ground up
stand alone project for low sulfur diesel. We also received work
last week that Cupertino Electric was the successful bidder on a
project in Napa for Kaiser Hospital. This is a Data Center
expansion in an existing building. It is the old Apple Computer
Building located in the industrial part just north of the hall.
Manpower projections are for 40 plus JW’s with a call for help in the
nest two to three weeks.
Ball game Bus
Trip Thanks to Dean Lloyd for organizing the
Local’s bus trip to see the “As and “Giants” game last Sunday. It
was a nice day with good friends and if you are an “A”s fan it was a
great game.
Bruce Gourley,
Business Manager
Congratulations
& Condolences
Congratulations
The Class of 2006:
INSIDE
WIREMEN; Cody W. A'Hearn, David T. Brinsmead, Jason M. Brown*, Timothy
J. Conatser, David J. Doss, Mark A. Duran, Michael A. Griffin, Rick W.
Hunter, Glenn L. Irwin, Brian J. Kenny, Kevin W. Linchey, Charles R.
Lindwall, John J. Lujan, Thomas D. Melton, Edward A. Meyer, Kevin A.
Miller, Brook I. Molinar, Joseph L. Moore, Sr., Randy D. Shahan, Sean
Stueve, Jeremy B.K. Veriato
RESIDENTIAL
WIREMEN; Anthony J. Borelli, Joel Del Rio, Salvador L. Escobedo, Adrian
Garcia, Fermin Hernandez, Sergio Torres, Fu Yang*, Daniel R. Zunich
S
& C INSTALLER; David C. Fanning
Condolences
Herman
Angell
1/14/1912 ~ 6/25/2006
Herman’s daughter received his 70 year pin at our recent Old Timers
Night as Herman was too ill to attend. This gave him the honor of
being LU 180’s first 70 year member. However, it was more of an
honor to work with Herman in the field or with him on the many
organizations he was involved with.
Photovoltaic
As an introduction to the information on page 3, (of the hard copy - snail mail - newsletter)
International President Hill sent a letter to the Inside Construction
Local Unions in the United States.
“Enclosed you will find a packet of
information from one of our industry partners, National Photovoltaic
Construction Partnership (NPCP). You may recognize their name from a
construction conference workshop or one of the nationwide projects to
supply photovoltaics on a commercial level at local union buildings.
Please review the material relative
to the residential photovoltaic program and, if interested, return the
form to the NPCP so they may add you to their mailing list for future
information as it will have a significant impact on our ability to
increase the IBEW's presence in this market. You should also make sure
the membership is made aware of this opportunity. All members
desiring additional information should complete and submit the NPCP
form to the local so that it may be forwarded to NPCP.
Since each state will have differing
incentive programs, the finance packages developed by NPCP will be
customized to fit your area. When the finance package is received, the
member will be able to make an informed decision as to whether this
program would suit their needs.
The program may be utilized in
various ways. One possibility would be the local union adopting the
program as a JATC training tool for journeymen and apprentices. Another
possibility would be for the membership to form a photovoltaic club
wherein they would be able to share the installation and maintenance
knowledge as well as the workload of installing their system.
I am confident this program will
prove to increase our presence in this market and add to the success of
the brotherhood.
With best wishes, I am, fraternally
yours,
Edwin D. Hill”
NPCP
LLC
National Photovoltaic Construction Partnership
IMMEDIATE
CALL TO ACTION
IBEW
LOCAL 180 MEMBERS’ RESIDENTIAL SOLAR POWER PACKAGE
· We believe we, NPCP.LLC, has found a way
to offer each member an electrical solar system, - (power up your own
home) - complete with a reasonable finance program – very low or no
money down and a low payment per month.
· You would provide the labor and expedite
the work. We anticipate there would still
be some cost for your miscellaneous pipe, wire, and switches to a trade
value of approximately $600.00.
· This special package is really well
engineered. The modules link into the
integral roof mount. All parts are
computer sized and computer C.A.D. drawings will be supplied, ready for
your permit applications.
· A computerized list of all components
assists each install. Since the Solar
system will produce power for at least 25 years, your system will pay
for itself several times over its useful life.
· NPCP.LLC would, on a best efforts basis,
locate and assign all rebates and grants to your account, lowering the
monthly cost.
· You would automatically gain the value of
electricity saved per month. In most
cases, we would anticipate your electrical savings for the above would
come close to covering your monthly payment. Frankly,
should this happen, it should be an automatic “go” decision. Even if there is a differential to pay, you
need to take a hard look at the benefits.
· The installation value, should you install
a 6 kw, could reach a $40,000 home improvement. The
monthly savings for the above system would be at least 85% of your
present electrical payment and, of course, no increase in electrical
rates, even if your Utility raised the rates.
· For those electricians that are located in
a No grants or rebate area, we need you, to participate. You will be
able to obtain a package of approximately 1000 watts for under $7000
and $2000 back from the feds therefore an estimated net cost =$5000.
· Because NPCP.LLC will buy solar modules
and inverters in bulk packages, these savings will be passed on.
· The intent is to supply – through volume -
this top-notch solar package at prices low enough to permit I.B.E.W.
members and I.B.E.W. contractors to compete across the board for
Residential Solar. This program is our
entrance back to the residential market.
· In addition, everyone participating would
be eligible for a Federal tax credit of $2000.
· Here is what to look for:
south facing roof preferred (can be southeast or southwest). Get your available square footage and make
sure the roof area picked has no shade. Take
10 watts per square foot and this calculation is the number D.C. watts
possible.
Now,
please fill
out the form.
· Please forward the completed form by fax
to NPCP.LLC at 604-983-2869 for processing
· Please send a copy of this completed form
by fax to the Solar Coordinator at your Local.
· Or e-mail completed form to:
operations@npcpunited.com and the Solar Coordinator
Thank you - NPCP.LLC
George W. Ingham, Director
Lee Smith, Director
Wireless
Internet
Local 180 now has a “hotspot”, a place with a high-speed wireless
internet connectivity provided by an active wireless access point. If
you are in our lobby and your lap top computer has a compatible
wireless G adapter, then you can access the wireless network and access
the internet.
Travelers are welcome to use this to “keep in touch”.
We now have a computer with high-speed internet access to view the
IBEW’s new “Hour
Power” web site in the lobby. This computer also has many of
the IBEW videos and power points installed - ready to view. Past
power points from Union meetings are also available for viewing.
International President Edwin D. Hill:
The State Of Our Union 2005
“State of Our Union” is the video message from International President
Ed Hill that has generated attention throughout the construction
industry. President Hill speaks directly to rank and file IBEW members
in the construction industry, with plain talk and common sense about
our goals, our future and our commitment to excellence – and the
obstacles, including self-imposed problems -- that prevent us from
succeeding. Released in the summer of 2005, this message has won praise
from IBEW members, other trades, contractors, those who use the
services of the unionized electrical construction industry.
Watch the video at the Union Hall and also visit the IBEW HOUR POWER
web site.
Other
News
LOANS
& EMPLOYMENT
The office receives many calls from lenders to verify employment.
IBEW L.U. 180 is not your employer - we refer you to employment.
We cannot give out your information, we can only confirm you are a
member and the wage rate (public records for prevailing wage).
Some lenders understand the nature of construction work and will accept
your listing of IBEW L.U. 180 - however, many other will not.
Please save your self time and missed opportunity for your loan by
providing your employment information to the lender. What we can
provide you is a report of every job this Local has referred you
to. The report will list dates of employment, wages and the
employer’s address. We cannot report on referrals outside of this
Local.
NEW MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY
Be it a marriage, birth, adoptions or some other method of adding to
your family, you need to add them to your medical coverage. The
proof is a certification of the event (marriage, birth,
adoption). It is also important to remember the beneficiary role
this/these new family member(s) play in your estate/insurances.
Please keep in mind departing member(s) affect the above and you
must remove they from coverage/beneficiary - unless you are obligated
to retain them.
Please call us if you need more information on the above or other
matters relating to your “benefits of being an IBEW” member.
Exam Board Report
In an attempt to assist our brothers and sisters, the Exam Board
will be providing a Pending Exam Class at the Hall, the second Tuesday
of every month from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. [The first class will be May
9th.] This class is offered to those electricians who have not
yet passed the Local’s Journeyman Inside Wireman Test. The class
is free to all participants and does NOT require registration.
Simply show up the night of the class (no later than 6:00 pm) and the
Exam Board members will assist you in those areas where your skills
could be strengthened. You may attend these classes as many times
as you wish. This is NOT a class to prepare you for the State
Certification Test.
Retiree's Corner
The Retirees’ Club holds meetings on the first Wednesday of the
month.
They are held at the Training Center at 12:30 P.M. All retirees
and
spouses are welcome. Widows of retired members are encouraged to get
involved.
7 NIGHTS FALL
FOLIAGE CRUISE ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER - TRIP CHANGE
With a choice of Two ways to get there, 1.
Round trip Air November 1-8, 2006 2. Air on Outbound November
1-8, 2006
Amtrak on return.
A Deposit $300. Due at time of sign up. Final Payment Due -
July3, 2006.
Mail To: Ken Breckenridge, 220 Scenic Drive, Vallejo, Ca 94591
Make Checks Payable To: Talbot Tours Trust Account
Call Ken Breckenridge for more info or attend a meeting. (707)
643-4139
Departure Point: Vallejo Elks Lodge, Redwood Parkway. Price Per
Person: {Prices Based on Senior Rates)
CRUISE CATEGORY / #1 Round trip Air / #2 Air on Outbound &
Amtrak on Return
“G” Large Inside / $2470 / $3085
“E” Outside Standard Semi Private Deck / $2820 / $3430
“D” Outside with Bay Windows / $3045 / $3655
“C” Outside Deluxe Semi Private Deck / $3155 / $3770
“A” Large Luxury Outside Private Balcony / $3495 / $4109
SAVE $50. per couple or $25. per person! Deposit 2/1/2006
(this discount will be taken off your final payment.)
From the President:
We presently have a dozen men available to go to work. Calls have been
steadily coming in. This is an Organizer’s dream. If you are working on
sites that have non-union hands, especially apprentices with several
years of experience, have them contact us. We have a lot of schoolwork
starting along with a Kaiser Computer Center that is to start in the
next couple of weeks. Valero Refinery is starting an Ultra Low Sulfur
Diesel Plant next week. Contra Costa Electric is going to do the site
work. This will start to man up in August with the peak of about 50 in
January. Job completion is May of 2007.
We had no spring to speak of, from winter to summer overnight. Heat
exhaustion can be deadly. Drink as much water as you can hold. When the
temperatures are over 100 degrees, you need many cups of water an hour
to keep from getting sick. Be proactive about water consumption.
A couple of things need to be addressed about dispatch. If you come to
the Hall for a same day call, be prepared to report to the jobsite
IMMEDIATELY after receiving a dispatch to the jobsite. Filling out an
I-9 form is a legal requirement from the Employer. Please bring a
Drivers license and Social Security card, Passport or Birth Certificate
with a picture ID. Know your placement on the books. With the
strike system in place; hands can roll off in a week’s time.
Dan Broadwater
From
the Organizers:
Contractor
Spotlight- Spinnaker Electric
As we approach the busy summer season, we thought it good to give you
some background on some of our newly signatory contractors and the
types of work they perform.
Spinnaker Electric was started by two of our Local # 180 members, Tom
Hundley and Jimmy Marshall. Tom was organized into our local in 1996
and Jimmy in 1997. Tom had worked for many years at Rex Moore and Jimmy
came from Royal Electric. After a long stint at Napa Electric, Tom
worked for Artistic Lighting, wiring a new home for John Lassiter, one
of the creators of Pixar Studios.
After Artistic Lighting, Tom decided that he wanted to give contracting
a try as he had run large and small jobs for most of his career.
As Tom started to pick up clients, he saw the future and realized a
partnership with Jimmy would be beneficial to both of them. They are
currently working at a large estate winery/residence and are tied in
with several influential architects and general contractors in the Napa
Valley.
Spinnaker’s outlook is bright; they have several long term projects
going on right now with more on the horizon. They have already started
to hire our members and will be looking for more in the near future.
New contractors are our lifeblood of the future, if you hear of a call
for this company, consider taking it, they might be the most
interesting company you ever work for.
Rich Mattson & Skip Lucier
Organizers
JATC
http://www.jatclu180.org/
LEARNING NEVER ENDS
YES, everyone of us keeps learning if we are to keep earning.
Earning wages, higher returns on investments or praise for a job well
done. A point our newest and most seasoned JW’s must remember and
one that came to mind while attending the JATC graduation last Friday
night.
Also coming to mind were the others in the audience. Foremen,
managers, owners, agents, instructors, officers, international rep’s,
international VP, elected and appointed local officials. And each
one started in an IBEW apprenticeship. For each vertical or
horizontal change came the need to learn.
To grow professionally or as a brotherhood one must accept that upon
graduation you move from one level of learning to another.
For this new level the instructors will include all of the people from
the audience. Together we must teach these new JW’s how to train
apprentices, assist in making the project more productive and how to
reach out to the “unrepresented” workers and offer them an opportunity
to become an IBEW member. My stating this is not from being wiser
than the rest, rather from the comments from the speakers at the
graduation. They are repeated here for the benefit of the
brotherhood.
The oxymoron to this article is my hate for school, but serving as a
JATC instructor for twelve years; my bringing up the rear of my high
school class, but always saying YES to opportunities that force me back
to school and the books. Just goes to show no matter how hard you
try, sometimes you just never learn!
Good Luck to all the new JW’s
UNION BUILT MEANS BETTER BUILT
You want a “ no-worry” electrical system installed in
your home Safe, reliable and guaranteed. Then you need an
electrical system installed by a union electrical contractor.
That’s right– UNION! A competent union electrical contractor who
employs qualified IBEW union electricians.
Each IBEW journeyman learns the trade through a 3 to
5 year Apprenticeship program. This extensive training combines
on–the-job practical experience with classroom theory and
testing.
And the training doesn’t stop there. Continuing education
constantly
up-dates the union electrician’s skills through programs sponsored by
the
IBEW and NECA the IBEW & NECA were instrument in establishing
mandatory
state Licensing in California. Why? Because we believe that our
work
is superior & we stand behind it! PROTECT YOURSELVES
Bruce Gourley, Business Manager
Updated 7/17/06 Copyright© 2006 IBEW L.U. 180
Information on this site has been approved
by the Business Manager and L.U. President
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