Business Manager's Report

Having come back from the Northern Joint Conference a bit “recharged” by looking at the glass half-full, some small adjustments are being implemented.  As the subprime mess and the federal government’s lack of a comprehensive energy policy continue s to impact our market, certain adjustments must be made so as to soften the effects upon the Local.

The state and national economic forecast for 2009 and 2010 is cause for concern, and this will require that we keep a watchful eye on all factors affecting our market share and work outlook.  While we enter this period better than most, it will take continued effort from the entire membership to maintain the man-hours we’ve come to enjoy.  .

 Mike Smith and Kevin Coleman are pursuing “Green Jobs” and working to show that you are trained to fill the calls and perform the work in this emerging market.  They will be cultivating contractors, showing the benefits of being a local 180 contractor, and demonstrating how that benefit extends to the end user.  This is achieved in part by meeting with elected officials and agency administrators and explaining that there is no reason to recreate the wheel when it comes to training - we do this work.  It will be furthered by assisting contractors in marketing their businesses to prospective customers and helping them to build relationships.  We have had a number of local contractors ask for this help and Mike will be dedicating almost all of his time to assist them in growing their businesses with the goal of expanding our contractor base and increasing union market share.

Kevin will also be working with Stan Nelson on the political front to get our members registered to vote.  The IBEW, nationwide, is a huge political machine.  In fact, it comprises one of the  five largest Political Action Committees in the country.  I want Local 180 to be the best local political machine in California when it comes to getting members registered to vote and engaged in the process.  The record-breaking manhours we’ve enjoyed for years are directly related to such political efforts.

Dan Broadwater,

Business Manager

Congratulations

Scott & Tatiyana Torres, Married on June 7, 2008

Condolence

Tom Reed
June 11, 1936 ~ July 25, 2008

Picnic

The picnic will be bigger and better than last year's.  If you missed last year's, then don't miss this year's.  If you made it to last year's picnic, then you know what a good time it was. 

We will have fun things to do like a rock climbing wall (hours 11-2 only), jump house, Hoover t-ball (new to us - a blow up game), two massage tables that are only $1.00 per minute of massage, snow cone machine, and we will have horse shoes going on, plus the fishing is always great at Lake Solano.  There may or may not be paddleboats and canoes subject to the water flow at the lake.  Kaiser will have an informational booth. 

We will have a lot to drink with a margarita machine (new to us), one keg of each Sierra Nevada & Fat Tire beer!  Bud and Bud light in the can, Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, other assorted soft drinks, and water will also be available. 

From 12 until 2 we will serve chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, potato salad and watermelon.

The best part of the day will be the huge raffle with over $3,000 worth in prizes.  Each person will receive one ticket.  We will have a separate kids’ raffle.  The raffle will start at 2:30

If you can volunteer any time to help with anything (example - tapping the kegs; sorry that has been taken), then call Dean Lloyd at (707) 337-0347.  We can use all the help we can get.

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

A robust middle class.  Economic growth and shared prosperity.  The American Dream.  None are possible unless workers have the free choice to bargain for a better life—in their workplaces and in our nation.

That’s why IBEW members need the Employee Free Choice Act—critical legislation that would restore workers' freedom to form unions and bargain for better wages, health care, and working conditions—and have a voice in our economy.

We’re teaming up with hundreds of organizations and unions to launch a massive campaign—the Million Member Mobilization.  Please visit http://www.freechoiceact.org/page/s/ibew

Other News

IF YOU HAVE MOVED
Please notify the office so we can keep your information up to date.  However, if we do not have a good address - then you should not be getting this newsletter…  Please remind your co-worker.

OAKLAND A's GAME
The annual trip to see the Oakland A's was July 13th.  The game was good, even if the A's did lose a close game to the Angels.  The seats were nice if you liked the sun.  The food was plentiful in the all-you-can-eat section.  We had to wait for hot dogs a couple of times; no big deal.  I had a wonderful day and hope everyone else did.  We will try to do this again next year and get a few more seats.  Thanks to all who participated in the great day. Dean Lloyd

Union Meeting
From the Union Meeting: Ticket raffle went to Tom Houseman for a bottle of his choice.  Derrick Roberts’ name was chosen from the monthly cash raffle, but was not present to win the $100.00.  The money will be rolled over to next month.

The Apprentice Monthly

On July 19th 2008, I was given the privilege of attending the IBEW Northern California Electrical Workers Joint Executive Conference.  This was a great opportunity for me to expand my understanding of the scope of the coordination and collective efforts that take place in order to maintain our place in the electrical industry as well as to ensure that the IBEW will continue to lead the way into the future of our industry.  There are a lot of people working hard every day behind the scenes to make all of this possible.  Our Brotherhood has people involved in politics to ensure that we, as workers, get a voice with elected officials, and that we can be sure of who will be the best choice for office in order to benefit our membership.  We have people involved in legal matters to ensure that justice is served and that we and other workers are given everything that people in the labor movement have fought so hard to establish.  There are also efforts being made to solidify the IBEW as the leaders of the energy-independent future of our nation.

With all of this being done I can definitely say that we, as Apprentices, have a bright future ahead of us in which we can be sure that all of these efforts will come to fruition.  It is awesome to know that, unlike a lot of less fortunate workers out there, we do not have to stand alone.  We have people who are devoted entirely to our interests and our quality of life.  This is something that we should all be grateful for.

Retiree's Corner

The meetings for the Retirees’ Club are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Training Center / Union Hall at 12:30 P.M. 
The next meeting will be Spetember 3.  All retirees and spouses are welcome. Widows of retired members are encouraged to get involved and welcome our newest members. 

FUTURE TRIPS:
Queen of the West, September 14—21, 2008: Roundtrip Transportation to Portland included.  (We are considering roundtrip Amtrak or flying).  7 Nights aboard the Queen of the West.  All Meals and Entertainment on board.  More at www.ibewlu180.org

Northern Joint Conference

As covered elsewhere in this newsletter, the Northern Joint Conference is where representatives of sister IBEW Locals come together and discuss the issues.  Discussion is only the small part.  Subsequent member action and follow-through is what really counts.  Ever wonder why it seems that, each year, we ask more from you?  Ask yourself  “What did I do for my Union lately, and who joined me?”  Enough said.  It’s time to step up and provide service to your Union.

Don’t just sit on the books - help us by salting or volunteering - talk to Rich for more information.
Don’t just gloss over the campaign materials - get involved by talking with Stan about registering to vote and getting others to register.  Become a job site delegate and keep your crew informed.

Spend a few hours on a weekend to walk a precinct, help at a fundraiser or host a house party.  At the bare minimum, you can register to vote by mail.  Become informed and VOTE!  Talk with Mike on how to become politically active.  It is low effort and it strengthens your local community.

The one action that will help kill your very right to be part of a union, destroy the future of good wages, working conditions, healthcare and a pension, is  doing nothing.  Don’t help those who want to keep labor down by electing to do nothing.  Please, just do a little.  Call us - we can match you to something that works!

JATC BATC Training
Tuesday, July 29th, starting at 7:00 am, Cost is $45.00, 8 hr. class, 8 hours Recertification Credit
You must register in person at the JATC Office no later than Friday, July 25th, and must pay at time of registration (Cash, Master Card, or Visa accepted).  Proof of your Social Security number (either your Social Security Card or other documentation with your Social Security number printed on it) is required.

Work Picture

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.

 Dan Broadwater, Business Manager

Updated 8/18/08 Copyright© 2008 IBEW L.U. 180 Information on this site has been approved by the Business Manager