Business Manager's Report

When it comes to endorsing candidates from City Halls to the White House, we research and determine which candidates would be the best for working people.  Research separates barriers that might exist.  It leaves color, sex and religion aside and touches on pertinent items.

In comparing the voting records on working issues, Barack is almost 100% in our favor.  McCain, while a war hero, which I respect him for that, has attacked Prevailing Wage laws and pushes for a “National Right to Work” - this is intolerable.  Therefore, the IBEW and Local 180 have endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States. 

As a collective body, we have fairly equal amounts of Democrats, Republicans and un-registered in our ranks.  Trends show the shrinking Republicans, steady Democrats and the growing “unofficial” third party of decline to state.  Partisanship be damned, we must get behind someone who will walk the walk and talk the talk for working men and women in this country.

The foundation of a great democracy, of a stable community, is good jobs that provide a roof over our heads, food on the table and security.  People cannot focus on nation’s budget, debit, programs, trade and immigration while their foundation is crumbling beneath them.  And to bring these topics up is only a distraction from the facts.  We have been going backwards.

Those not registered to vote, please do so.  If you need assistance, call the office and a registration form will be sent to you and your significant other.  Kevin Coleman and Stan Nelson are in charge of our Political program with regards to the Presidential Election. For local elections, Mike Smith is responsible for Solano and Rich Mattson is responsible for Napa.

Dan Broadwater,

Business Manager

Congratulations

Curtis & Bethany Lyle, married 08/09/2008
Justin & Azadeh Hunter, married on 8/16/2008

Condolence

none.

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.

Download the flyer with a map

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

Labor Day Breakfast with your local officials and candidates to be held Monday September 1 at the Iron Workers located at 3120 Bayshore Road in Benicia from 9:00 A.M. to11:00 A.M.  The cost is $10 for all those over 3 years old!

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
Door Prize & Drawing: Shannon Nalley won a bottle of Jack Daniels.  The monthly drawing went to Jeff Meyer, who was not present.  So, the $100 will roll over to next month.

The Apprentice Monthly

I am sure that all of you out there have seen the shirts, the stickers, and the signs stating, “Vote”-  but, how many of us truly take this to heart?  It is amazing how few of us take advantage of the opportunity to put a voice to our opinions and to help shape the future of local and national politics.  Most of us are content to just sit by and let others make the decisions for us because we have the misconception that our vote really does not matter in the big scheme of things.  This cannot be further from the truth. 

Many elections come down to slight margins of either victory or defeat.  As Apprentices, it is essential that we get involved in the political process so that we can ensure that candidates are put into office that are going to have a positive impact on our future in the electrical industry.  The decisions made by public officials can greatly effect the rights and opportunities that we as workers are given. 

So we have two choices: either we can just sit as spectators on the sidelines and complain about the outcome later, or we, as Apprentices, can decide to get involved and make sure that the IBEW continues to have a place as the symbol of excellence and the voice of the working class for now and in the future.

Well, on that positive note I will close this edition of The Apprentice Monthly.  As always, I can be reached via email @ davidiloff@comcast.net with any questions or comments.  David Iloff.

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 October 1.  All retirees and spouses are welcome. Widows of retired members are encouraged to get involved and welcome our newest members. 

FUTURE TRIPS:
Romantic Rhine & Moselle a glorious 14-night river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on the NEW M.S. Avalon Affinity.  October 3-18, 2009—one year to plan!!!  More at www.ibewlu180.org

Yes on Measure “T” (Solano County General Plan)

As you are well aware, elections are right around the corner (November 4, 2008), and  LU 180 staff is in the process of interviewing candidates for elected office and studying propositions and measures that will be on your ballot.  A slate of endorsements and recommendations will be included in the next newsletter.  One measure, however, deserves special attention—Measure “T” in Solano County.

Measure “T”  would modify the Solano County General Plan in a way that protects agriculture and the land around Travis Air Force Base, preserves water bodies, parks and recreation, marsh land and open space, expands the wind resource area for wind energy development (JOBS), and adds 32 acres for commercial land use (MORE JOBS).

Measure “T” is a forward-thinking measure that is good for farmers, protects the beauty of Solano County, and enables much needed commercial development that both diversifies the County’s revenue stream and expands our work opportunities.

Let’s Get Out & Vote!

“Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.”  James Bovard (Author of AttentionDeficit Democracy)
 Don’t get out-voted by the wolves.  If you haven’t done so already, register to vote!  And encourage your family and friends who will be 18 years of age by Election Day to do the same.  We highly recommend that you apply to “vote-by-mail”.  It’s easy, and it ensures that your vote will count even if you can’t make it to the polls.  And if you’re one of the few who still believes that your vote really doesn’t matter, simply consider the narrow margin that impacted the Presidential election of 2000, and the razor-thin, 2-vote margin that determined the Vallejo mayoral race in 2007!!!

 Voter Registration Applications are available at the union hall.  Applications and comprehensive, voter-relevant information are available via the following websites:  

Exercise the liberty that others have fought so hard for you to enjoy!!

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

BENEFITS FAIRE
Saturday, October 18th, 8 a.m. until 11 a.m.
8:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. - Continental breakfast with muffins, bagels, fruit, coffee, juices, and more!
9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. - Receive first-hand information from our benefits providers.

Everyone in attendance will receive a Local 180 t-shirt, and we will have a raffle prize drawn every 30 minutes.  To keep the little ones entertained, we’ll have teenagers supervising arts and crafts sessions during the faire. 

Any questions or comments???  Call Dean Lloyd at (707) 337-0347

Important Notice
Effective January 1st 2009, VDV State Certification goes into effect
VDV Exam Preparation Class
NorCal S&C JATC is offering a class designed to prepare Third Year Apprentices, Installers and Technicians for the VDV State Certification Exam.  This course will consist of two, 3-hour, evenings.
Course Description:

VDV Exam Prep will enable the IBEW Installer/Technician to gain the knowledge necessary to feel confident in taking the California State VDV Exam.  The student will learn how to fill out and complete the registration forms; know what criteria the test is based upon; learn how to navigate the NEC 2002.  There will be lecture and discussion on key facets of the VDV industry including, but not limited to: safety, Ohm’s Law, Voice/Data, Fiber Optics, Security, Access, CCTV and Audio Visual Systems.  The student will receive biased study material, and a list of text books the exam is based upon, as per the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) website.  A comprehensive practice test will be given using the NorCal S&C Classroom Performance System, with our data base of sample questions.

Class will be held at the following Electrical Training Center location:
Local Union 180, JATC, 9/29 & 9/30, 5pm – 8pm, 720 Technology Way, Napa
To register: Call NorCal at 408-453-3101 ext. 1823
Class size: Minimum of 10, Maximum of 24
Ken Miller, Regional Training Director

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 9/15/08 Copyright© 2008 IBEW L.U. 180 Information on this site has been approved by the Business Manager