Business Manager's Report

I attended a forum put on by Kaiser Hospital. There were over 40 Business Managers and Trustees from various Unions in attendance. The top item of discussion was how we, as Trustees, could help stabilize, if not lower, the monthly costs to our memberships. Experience ratings dictate increases that can occur, especially from abuses. For instance, when our co-pay for the emergency room was $5.00, people would go to the emergency room instead of going to urgent care. Once we raised it to $50.00 it slowed substantially. If this spikes again, our next move will be to increase the co-pay for emergency room visits to $100.00. If it is a true emergency, there is no cost.

We were urged to encourage the membership to use the website, www.kp.org. Apply for a user name and password and take advantage of the website. Prescription orders and Doctor’s appointments can be performed online. You can also contact your doctor about concerns and get a response in less than 48 hours, with the exception of weekends. You can also review test results on the website. It is a secure website, and no one else can access your personal files. A doctor’s visit is approximately $120.00. If a doctor’s visit is necessary, by all means do it. But, if a question-and-answer matter can be accomplished via e-mail, there is no impact to the experience rating.

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With regard to the upcoming Presidential election, ask yourself about the facts. Can you afford to pay taxes on your health benefits? At $1,058 a month, McCain’s proposal adds approximately $12,000 to your gross income. Can you afford to have a deregulated healthcare system - like the deregulated investment/banking industry? Many are losing faith with the financial market. It scares me to think of what they could do to our healthcare. This is an additional burden that working men and women shouldn’t take lightly. Vote Obama on November 4, 2008.

Dan Broadwater,

Business Manager

Congratulations

Casey & Cheryl Delancy, a daughter, Caitlyn on Sept. 16
David & Jessica Solis, a daughter, Lily born on August 1
John & Stacie Judson, a daughter, Alyssa born August 23
Jose & MonicaOlmedo, a son, Jose Julian born August 24
Daniel & Jeanine Del Ponte, a son, Joseph on August 27
Juan & Areli Bermudez, a son, Juan Bermudez Jr. August 30

Condolence

Don Maggini
August 10, 1955 – September 19, 2008
Don was born in Hollister, and attended Placer and Foothill high schools, moved to Napa and started Maggini Electric around 1988, then joined IBEW LU 180 in 1998. Don started with Napa Electric in 1999.

Picnic

The Union Picnic was held on September 20 at Lake Solano. If you were there, then you were one of over 350 members who made the trek and had a good time. If you were unable to make it, then there is next year to look forward to. There are pictures of the event at the hall. Stop by and take a look. The picnic itself had a huge family atmosphere, with plenty of activities for the kids and chances for the adults to visit and share time with old friends. What was great to see, were the members who have not been to an IBEW function in years who came and enjoyed the day.

The only way this picnic came together was the people who gave their time to volunteer. I would like to thank Steve Garcia, Christy Best, Steven Henion, Kerry McCord, Curtis Lyle, Robert George, Joe Molina, Dave Doss, Victor Nerada, Monty Montoya and his family, Justin Haley, Brandon and Brandy O’Neill, Adam Willis, and Markus Lloyd. A special thank-you to all the volunteers who stepped up all day long when they saw a need and they filled it. Those are the most important people of all. I wish I had everybody's names to add them to the newsletter.

The contractors came up big this year with donations. Blocka Construction, Central Electric, Crockett Electric, Del Monte Electric, the Electrical Contractors Trust, Guarantee Electric, Mike Brown Electric, Napa Electric, R. A. Heaps Electric, Rosendin Electric, Steiny Electric, W. Bradley Electric, and Walker Communications. Thank you contractors! We even had a donation from Ace Hardware in Vacaville. Thank you, Ace!

Dean Lloyd

UNION PICINIC & REFLECTION ON 20 YEARS WITH IBEW LOCAL UNION 180:

The recent Union picnic got me to thinking about what twenty-plus years in the IBEW has really meant. Now you guys and gals with more tenure, I can hear you, “Twenty – big deal. Try twice that!” But for the younger members, twenty years comes fast; and it’s packed full of meaningful experiences.

For me, it seems that every six years or so there have been significant changes and opportunities. I witnessed this in the members at the picnic. Some are past apprentices from my classes – once seemingly footloose, free and single; now responsible for the welfare of their families. You wonder how other workers, without the benefits of a union, can even take the risk to start a family when you work in such dynamically changing and volatile market conditions.

I’ve even managed to be of help to a few over the years; and they’ve helped me in return. It’s nice to know that there are union brothers and sisters out there who are always ready and willing to be of assistance. Some are retried now, and others are getting ready to retire. Reasonably, these things tend either to go unnoticed or taken for granted by the younger members; but the “seasoned” members take note. And they wonder what caliber of union member will fill their boots when they leave.

There are a few who are facing hard times due to the downturn in the economy and health concerns. We try to do what we can for them as we struggle to plan for our own financial and physical wellbeing. It’s a challenge that we face better with each other than alone. When our brothers and sisters need you, please consider lending a helping hand. That way, the union tradition will live on and there will be someone there to help you if ever you’re in need.

The IBEW prides itself on being “a union of hearts and minds”. But this is just as much of a challenge as it has been a fact. So, as we go through our careers and encounter the unpredictable cycles of change– both positive and negative –be prepared to carry on the union traditions of hope and help to those who need it. The welfare of our brothers and sisters and the future integrity of IBEW Local Union 180 depend on it.

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.

Union Picnic a Success!!!
Once again the Union Picnic was a huge success, thanks to the few that stepped up to serve the many. And, once again, it was pulled off primarily by one person. One person who gives back more to his Local than many of us combined. One who does so without being asked, and does the heavy lifting without complaint. One who is always sharing the credit, and giving thanks to those that help him to help us. From all the Members of Local Union 180, a huge THANKS!!! to Brother Dean Lloyd and those who helped their leader with the picnic and other recent events. 

Union Meeting
Door drawings: Rich Mattson won a bottle of choice. Russ Taylor won a t-shirt. Monthly cash drawing David Behena not present – so, the $100.00 will be rolled over until next month.

The Apprentice Monthly

This month, I thought that I would talk about filling the holes in one’s knowledge and skills of the trade. This should be one of the primary concerns of all Apprentices as they go through their five years of training. The best resources for knowledge and skills that we can look to are the Journeymen that we work with every day. The Journeymen that I have had the pleasure to work with have all been eager to pass on the knowledge passed down to them from fellow Brothers and Sisters in the trade. This is something that we also can do for other Apprentices whom we encounter day to day. As with many other things in life, the best way to learn is to teach. By passing on your knowledge to others, you not only help them to grow, but you also increase your own understanding of how and why you do something. In order to progress in our level of ability, we should always be willing to accept a challenge – but it is important to be honest about certain areas where you could use some instruction or pointers. The whole point of on-the-job training is for us to hone our skills and grow in our knowledge, so that some day we, too, can be proud IBEW craftsmen, ready to take on any challenge, and active in the training of the Apprentices of the future. 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, beginning at 12:30 P.M. The next meeting will be held on November 5. 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!!!

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.

So, while we’re at work interviewing candidates for local elected office and reviewing other propositions and measures, seriously consider voting YES ON MEASURE “T”.  

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!!!

YOU MAY REGISTER TO VOTE IN CALIFORNIA IF –

ALSO . . . YOU NEED TO RE-REGISTER TO VOTE IF–

 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

Work Picture

As of press time, the electrical portion of the next phase of the Valero VIP projects has yet to be awarded. Contra Costa Electric and Newtron are in the running for the first of four upcoming projects. PMI is the General Contractor and has mobilized and begun work. We are told that this project will take 60 Electricians and should begin in mid to late October.

The Shiloh 2 wind farm is gearing up after a late start. Rosendin has the job and is asking that those who take a dispatch to this site have a clean DMV, and be physically able to climb towers. The project is spread out over several acres, and driving a company vehicle is necessary. If the company can’t insure you, they will be sending you back. (1 or 2 points is fine; however, DUI, wet reckless and the like just won’t cut it.) Rosendin expects to hire more hands in the near future.

Del Monte Electric should be starting underground work at the Solano Community College project in Vacaville. The General Contractor reportedly started clearing the site on September 22. This is a sizable campus expansion and looks like it will man up in the fall or early winter.

For those on the out-of-work list, please remember to re-sign. You can use the fax re-sign forms provided at the hall, or you can get one off the web site, www.ibewlu180.org.

BENEFITS FAIRE

Come Join Us October 18!!!

We will be hosting our first Benefits Fair at the Local Office at 720-B Technology Way in Napa on Saturday, October 18, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. All participants and their families (spouses and kids, too!) are invited to join us for what should be a very informative and enjoyable morning.

We’ll start off with an hour for a continental breakfast at 8:00 AM—juice, coffee, fruit, bagels, muffins and more—and begin the planned activities at 9:00 AM. Every half-hour there will be a drawing for some fantastic prizes, and we’ll be giving away Local 180 t-shirts to everybody who attends!

At 9:00 AM, we’ll have our benefits vendors on hand to present important and relevant information on heath, wellness, and much more. Here’s your chance to learn more about our health care benefits, including our prescription drug program, your 401(a) plan, and many other topics.

While you’re learning all about how to be a healthier you, the kids will be entertained on-site by our fun-loving staff of teen volunteers who will be providing them with arts and crafts and games. All should have a good time.

Dean Lloyd

UNION PLUS: MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE HOTLINE

Act Now if You are Facing Mortgage Payment Problems

If you are a homeowner who is worried that the next change in your adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) will put payments out of reach, or you’re facing financial trouble that may make you fall behind on your mortgage payments, the Union Plus Save My Home Hotline may be able to help.

You can arrange a confidential, free consultation with expert housing counselors who can provide advice, help you find answers, and develop an action plan to get your financial house in order. Don't wait until it's too late. Call 1-866-490-5361 any time, day or night.

Advice Designed Especially for You

The information in the print version of the newsletter was obtained from: http://unionplus.com/benefits/home/save-my-home.cfm

POLITICS & DEAD THINGS

The late British essayist, G.K. Chesterton, once remarked, “A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.” Chesterton had a talent for mentioning commonly sensible things in an uncommon and motivating way. Like a smack to the back of the head, his remarks tended to re-awaken man to the reality of the obvious and the fact that doing something is often more beneficial than simply going with the flow. It would seem that “the obvious” is precisely what our country has either lost track of, or simply disregarded. For many years now, the basic welfare of the common working man has been forfeited for the profit of the few – basic protections for unions have evaporated; the average American CEO earns more in one day than the average wage earner earns in an entire year; and corporations enjoy increased profits and tax relief while transplanting vital manufacturing jobs to foreign soil. The old maxim, “Think Globally, Act Locally” has degraded to, “Think Globally. And Forget About the Locals.” For many, the recent stimulus packages have amounted to little more than punctured life rafts in shark infested waters. While there’s nothing intrinsically evil about the rich getting richer, nothing good is gained when all others grow poorer. A healthy and sustainable balance must be struck. The American Dream itself relies upon it. Social, economic and political mechanisms employed by more benevolent leaders of yesteryear ensured the possibility of our achieving it – but lately, it’s been floating swiftly downstream, like “a dead thing”. Only living things (like us) that have the courage to go against this current can pull us from further disaster. Our leverage at this juncture? Political action and getting out the vote!

Kevin Coleman

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 10/1/08 Copyright© 2008 IBEW L.U. 180 Information on this site has been approved by the Business Manager