IBEW Local
Union
180 - Newsletter
Volume 2006, Issue 10 October 1st, 2006
SERVING NAPA AND
SOLANO COUNTIES SINCE
1901
Business Manager's Report
International Convention The
business of the IBEW, its officers, and the Constitution was conducted
with opening remarks by President Hill on Monday September 11,
2006. This was quite an emotional event considering just five
years ago we met in San Francisco for our Convention and the country
sustained the attack of 9/11.
As the convention continued, the business of the brotherhood moved
forward. On Monday evening each District had a caucus to
recommend to the body their choice for Vice President. This was
followed by each IEC District caucus to send to the body our
recommendation for 7th District IEC Representative. I was honored
to be appointed by International President Hill to Chair the 9th
District Vice Presidents Caucus. Brother Mike Grunwald of Local
#76 (Tacoma WA) was the Chair for the 7th District IEC
Representative. Both Caucuses sent to the floor a unanimous
recommendation to continue under the Leadership of 9th District Vice
President Mike Mowrey and Brother Pat Lavin (B. M. Local 47) as our IEC
Representative.
The main offices of President and Secretary Treasurer remained under
the Leadership of President Ed Hill, and Secretary Treasurer Jon
Walters. There was no opposition and they were approved by
acclamation. There was one change in the Vice Presidents
position. The Fifth District elected a new Vice President.
There were two changes in the IEC with the Fourth and Eight District
electing new IEC Representatives.
There were forty-four resolutions heard and voted on. Fifteen
issues were brought before the Law Committee and voted on. Some
change the Constitution and two deal with the Per Capita dues and I/O
pension contributions. After much discussion and a vote the body
approved the increase.
Part of the Per Capita dues increase will go to fund a cadre of
Industrial Organizers within the Districts. The 9th District has
already started and is focusing on those manufacturing opportunities
that are throughout our District. Starting January 1st 2007 the
total amount for the monthly Per Capita dues collected by this Local
will be as follows. For all “A” members the amount will be; Per
Capita = $11.00…..Pension Fund = $12.00…for a total of $23.00 for the
I/O. The locals $5.70 will remain the same. The total per
monthly dues amount will be $28.70 as of January 1, 2007. For
those of you have prepaid past January it will be added to you next
payment. (You will not be in arrears)
In addition there were six cases that had come before various local
trial boards whose decisions were appealed at the convention. The
cases were heard, an opinion of the Grievance and Appeals committee was
given, discussion was heard on each case and in one the grieving party
appeared to make his case. The Delegates voted and in each case
the appeal was denied. All in all it was a great experience
and I came away comfortable that the business of the Brotherhood is in
good hands.
Local Picnic All reports indicate that the Local’s Annual
Picnic was a great success. This due in large part to Dean Lloyd
and the volunteers he was able to muster. Thanks to all.
Several Local Contractors and those doing work in our area were
generous and their donations helped make this a great event.
Looking forward to next year. See page six for more information.
Bruce Gourley,
Business Manager
Congratulations
Eric & Carrie on the
birth of a son, Camden, on Sept 4, 2006
Joel & Erica Pickett on their marriage on Sept 9, 2006
Photovoltaic
SOLAR IS READY TO SHINE!
Here is what we are looking at in the
IBEW Photovoltaic program.
Pre-sized systems ranging from 935 watts for $5,600 to 6732 watts for
$34,125!!!
The best deal is a 3366 watt system for about $17,600.
There are over 15 systems options and the option of FULL FINANCING.
Labor and motivation is on you, for me I’m going to hire an IBEW
contractor and when everyone in my neighborhood asks how do they get
one on their roof—I be handing them the business card of that
contractor and GROW OUR MARKET SHARE!!! Due to the demand—please
email
mikes@ibewlu180.org for the info..
On September 22, 2006, the East Bay Business Times reported on the 25
fastest growing companies in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano
counties. Most of these companies build no “widgets” they provide
services or support. Many are in tech and sales, three are in
construction, one in photovoltaic.
Sun Light and Power was started in 1976 with a reported “zero amount”
of startup capital. Revenues in 2003 were $3,198,591 and in 2005
is was $6,275,908—that is a 96.2% percent growth rate. What will
2006 hold with the billions of dollars committed to clean renewable
energy? Anyone still thinking this is a fad is no doubt holding
on to their stock in buggy whip and candle companies waiting for the
fad in the automobile and electric light to fade… To get PV on
your roof—email mikes@ibewlu180.org
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 meeting for the Retirees’ Club is held 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.
Las Vegas/Laughlin April 9-14, 2007
Hawaii seven night cruise Oct 8 - 15, 2007 starting as low as $1610
person.
Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Napa Elks Club on Dec 6, 2006 at 12:30
P.M. Your choice: steak sandwich, chicken breast and shrimp Louie
for $19.00 - PLEASE RSVP by Oct 31 to Ken!
The Retiree’s Club Meeting for November will be held on Tuesday,
October 31 at 12:20 P.M.
Please contact Ken Breckenridge more information on these trips at
(707) 643-4139
From the President:
I will pen my last article as President of IBEW Local 180. On September
26, 2006, I tendered my resignation to the Executive Board. The Board
has appointed Stan Nelson as President, and Herb Watts as Vice
President. I will fill the vacant spot on the Executive Board. There is
a method to the logic of this change. With the eventual retirement of
Bruce as Business Manager and in anticipation of my replacing Bruce,
this will give Stan time to adjust to his new duties. One of which,
will happen on October 2, 2006, which will be his first Trust meeting.
There is a great working relationship on the Executive Board and I feel
this will be a smooth transition. The majority of my tasks will remain
the same. I am proud to have served Local 180 in this capacity and am
prepared to take my responsibilities to the next level.
We have 24 on Book 1 and 18 on Book 2. Job calls have been getting into
Book 2. Several projects are scheduled to begin soon. Black and Veatch
has the substation expansion in Napa. Valero is close to letting
the electrical package on the ultra low sulfur diesel fuel project.
It will soon be election season. Please check out the endorsement list
enclosed with the newsletter. A lot of time and research has been put
into the process of meeting and interviewing candidates that have our
best interest in mind; that of working men and women. Please get
registered to vote. If you don’t vote, don’t bitch!
Dan Broadwater
From
the Organizers:
September has been a
productive month for organizing in Local #180. Recently, we have
organized two new electrical contractors, D A Mills Electric and Lott
Electrical Services.
D A Mills
Electric was started by Dave Mills. Dave is an IBEW member with almost
20 years of experience. Dave is a Solano County resident and his
company specializes in Commercial, Residential and Prevailing Wage
projects.
Lott Electrical
Services was started by Mike Lott, a Local #180 member, most recently
employed at R D Melton Electric. Mike is building his business doing
service work, residential work and commercial as well. We wish both men
the best of luck in their new endeavors and hope they will succeed and
hopefully employ our members in the future.
In addition, we
have organized a number of new journeymen and apprentices
from open shop contractors. The apprentices
have been checked out and tested to see where they fit in our programs
and the journeymen have been tested to insure their skill levels and
checked out for State Certification. We welcome these new members and
look forward to their participation in our Brotherhood.
Rich Mattson & Skip Lucier
Organizers
JATC
http://www.jatclu180.org/
Endorsements & Recommendations
LOCAL ENDORSEMENTS
Napa City Council – Elect Two
Juliana Inman / Harry Martin
Napa Valley USD – Elect One Thomas Kensok
Napa Valley College Board – Elect One (Area 1)
Daniel Digardi
Napa Valley College Board – Elect One (Area 2) Bruce
Ketron
St. Helena, City Council – Elect One Eric Sklar
St. Helena USD – Elect Three Jodi Hill
American Canyon Mayor – Elect One Cindy Coffey
American Canyon City Council – Elect Two J.T. Miller
Dixon City Council – Elect Two Gil Vega
Rio Vista City Council – Elect Two Cherie Cabral /
Andrew Pestana
Suisun City Mayor – Elect One Pete Sanchez
Suisun City, City Council – Elect Two Jane Day /
Mike Hudson
Solano Community College Trustee – Elect Two (Area 3)
Pam Keith / Mel Orpilla / Marie Young
Solano Community College Trustee – Elect One (Area 1)
Steve Murphy
State
Constitutional Offices
Governor Phil Angelides (D)
Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi (D)
Attorney General Jerry Brown (D)
Secretary of State Debra Bowen (D)
Treasurer Bill Lockyer (D)
Controller John Chiang (D)
Insurance Commissioner Cruz Bustamante (D)
Board of
Equalization
District 1 Betty Yee (D)
District 2 No Endorsement
District 3 No Endorsement
District 4 Judy Chu (D)
California
State Senate
District 2 Pat Wiggins (D)
California
State Assembly
District 7 Noreen Evans (D)
District 8 Lois Wolk (D)
BALLOT
MEASURES
NR=No Recommendation
| 1A |
Transportation Funding Protection. Legislative
Constitutional Amendment |
YES |
| 1B |
Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, and Port
Security Bond Act of 2006 |
YES |
| 1C |
Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006 |
YES |
| 1D |
Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act
of 2006 |
YES |
| 1E |
Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention Bond Act of 2006 |
YES |
| 83 |
Sex Offenders. Sexually Violent Predators. Punishment,
Residence Restrictions and Monitoring. Initiative Statute. |
NR |
| 84 |
Water Quality, Safety and Supply. Flood Control. Natural
Resource Protection. Park Improvements. Bonds. Initiative Statute. |
YES |
| 85 |
Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination
of
Minor’s Pregnancy. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. |
NO |
| 86 |
Tax on Cigarettes. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and
Statute. |
NR |
| 87 |
Alternative Energy. Research, Production, Incentives. Tax on
California Oil. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute. |
NR |
| 88 |
Education Funding. Real Property Parcel Tax. Initiative
Constitutional Amendment and Statute. |
NO |
| 89 |
Political Campaigns. Public Financing. Corporate Tax
Increase.
Contribution and Expenditure Limits. Initiative Statute. |
NR |
| 90 |
Government Acquisition, Regulation of Private Property.
Initiative Constitutional Amendment. |
NO |
Picnic
News
The 2006 IBEW Local Union 180 picnic was a huge
success! We had good food, weather, and of course great company
with over 150 in attendance. There were activities such as horseshoes,
a rock climbing wall, paddle boats, canoes, fishing, a jumpy house for
the kids, two massage therapists, and of course beer drinking,
performed by local experts. Kaiser had set up an informational
both and we had two free drawings one for the kids and one for the
adults with many great prizes.
The picnic was made possible by volunteers and support from our
contractors. While some of these contractors listed below do not
have offices in our counties—we still consider them “ours” as they have
a presence in our market and currently employ 67 of our members…
Many thanks to the following for donation of cash and prizes:
Blocka Construction, Contra Costa Electric, Crockett Electric, Del
Monte Electric, I&L Electric, R. A. Heaps Electric, Red Top
Electric, ZECO Electric and Pete Halver of NECA
Blocka and Crockett Electric replied to our request to sponsor the
Rock Climbing Wall. The wall was a hit thanks to them. To
Del Monte Electric for the donation of the television, a special thanks
from the lucky winner.
We write and talk about the great relationship between labor and
management, no words can replace the actions, the support, that can
only be witnessed by attending such an event. We hope as many of
you as possible can become part of it in 2007!
PREVAILING WAGE &
LABOR COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
In a recent
interview of two workers for a photovoltaic contractor at the Napa
Valley College Solar Project it was discovered they were being paid as
laborers while performing Inside Wireman work. The workers stated that
they pulled wires from the solar panels to the main electrical boxes,
over fifty feet of wire. According to one worker they were paid a wage
rate of $24.00 per hour to complete the work. This was verified by his
pay stubs and the company’s certified payroll reports.
In addition, the
worker stated that they did not receive any fringe benefits from the
company. A review of contractor’s certified payroll reports showed that
the company did not even list the two workers that were interviewed. In
addition, the reports revealed that all of the workers listed were not
paid for the overtime hours worked on this project. The contractor
worked an illegal 4/10 schedule, underpaid the prevailing wage rate,
failed to file accurate certified payroll reports with the District,
and failed to pay into a State approved training fund.
According to the
reports received, the company listed a total of eleven workers on this
project and three were listed as electrical apprentice, however, they
were not indentured apprentices. Mission 2000 has prepared a formal
complaint to be filed with the State Division of Labor Standards
Enforcement for the prevailing wage/ public works violations discovered
in this case. Mission 2000 also filed a formal complaint with the State
Division of Apprenticeship Standards for the apprentice violations.
In Solano
County, an investigation has concluded at Solano Community College
regarding alleged fraudulent change orders submitted on a construction
project. After meeting with the District reps and others, the District
launched there own internal investigation and audit that lead to a
settlement agreement between the contractor and the District. The
settlement is believed to be over $177,000 returned to the Solano
Community College District.
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 10/5/06 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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