Montana Electricians Build Training Tower

Following the winds of change

By JOHN HARRINGTON, Independent Record | Posted: Sunday, August 22, 2010 12:05 am
Within weeks a 60-foot tower that could support an electricity-generating wind turbine will be built in the Helena Valley. But there are no plans to put blades on the tower, no plans to connect it to the electrical grid and start harnessing some of the valley’s renewable resource.
Instead, the tower will be placed at the Stan I. Dupree Lineman Training Center off Canyon Ferry Road and will be used by electricians and other tradesmen for training in how to install and maintain the towering structures that make up the growing number of wind farms across the country.
The project is being funded by a $5 million stimulus grant to be used for new energy job training across the state.
“This grant will help our state’s current and emerging workforce needs in wind, solar and other renewable energy and energy-efficiency industries,” said Gary Pemble, state training director for the Montana Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and National Electrical Contractors Association joined the MEJATC-led consortium that applied for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
A foundation was dug this week for the tower, and delivery of the unit, which is being built in Wisconsin and will be delivered in one piece, is expected later this summer.
Mitch Hegman, assistant training director for the MEJATC, said the tower will be added to the training center’s curriculum.
“For example, we might bring an apprentice class down here for a day and have them climb up inside, show them how to tie off to climb up and show them all the other safety procedures,” he said. “The idea is to pre-train people before they go on the site so somebody doing a wind turbine project will know they’re already capable of doing the work.
In addition to turbine installation, the grant will help train workers in power plant and hydroelectric construction and be used for power transmission lines, new oil pipeline and upgrades and maintenance to refineries.
Part of the grant is also being used for a system of solar panels on the roof of the MEJATC building on Bozeman Avenue. But rather than simply having the system put on the roof, the training center hosted a two-day class last week for professionals from around the state to learn photovoltaic installation.
One local electrician attending the class was Troy Brandt, a co-owner of Eagle Electric who’s already been in the trade for 14 years. Brandt said it’s important to keep up with the new technology.
“(Solar) is what everyone is doing now, and if we don’t latch onto it we’ll be left behind,” he said.
Brandt said solar was traditionally used more in off-the-grid locations where other power sources weren’t available, but more and more people in urban areas are looking for ways to use more renewable energy as well.
“We’re seeing such demand for on-grid systems in cities, how a lot of people want solar on their houses,” he said. “We’re licensed electricians and we want to be the ones doing the installation.”
Hegman said similar solar arrays are planned for other buildings around the state.
And on a much smaller scale, grant money was used for a small, 15-foot wind turbine that will power the lights in the sign outside the MEJATC building. That unit, which will power LED lights inside the sign, was installed this week by Greenlight Electric Co. of Great Falls.
Reporter John Harrington: 447-4080 or john.harrington@

Trinity Workers Vote to Join the IBEW

By JOHN JENNINGS NDN Staff Writer

Trinity 
workers
 vote to 
unionize

Employees of Trinity Structural Towers in Newton voted to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Friday. The final vote was 69 in favor of joining, with 62 opposed. Ray Robson, a member of the union volunteer organizing committee, said the work is not over.
“Now, we have to set a date for negotiations (with Trinity management),” Robson said. “That could take up to a year to get done. At least we’re on the right road.”
Robson said some folks were nervous about forming a union at Trinity, but he felt the company would be much stronger with union representation for the employees.
“We want to let the company know that we’re here to work with them,” Robson said. “With the union, we can be much stronger.” He said he felt that Trinity has invested too much in the Newton plant to close it and move elsewhere, and that the company appreciates their employees’ strong work ethic.
Officials at Trinity Structural Towers declined to comment on the recent vote to unionize.

Copyright © 2010 Northwest Herald. All rights reserved.

IBEW Local 110 Volunteers Replace Flagpole

Wounded soldier is honored at ceremony

Thursday, 12 August 2010

by Tim HennagirThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Life Editor Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Anoka Composite Squadron members have dedicated a new flag pole to honor a former cadet who was seriously wounded during his service in Afghanistan. U.S. Army Pfc. Matthew Birr, a former Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Anoka Composite Squadron cadet and Fridley resident, his mother, Frieda, and 2nd Lt. Kris Brown, the squadron’s financial officer, share a lighter moment during the July 20 flag pole dedication at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport. Birr was wounded last summer when a 7.62 mm round from an AK-47 assault rifle hit him from behind. He played a key role in replacing the squadron’s missing flag pole, which was struck by a vehicle, damaged and subsequently removed. (Photo by Tim Hennagir) Pfc. Matthew Birr returned to the Anoka County-Blaine Airport July 20 for an emotional evening ceremony that featured a U.S. flag flown over war-torn Kunnar Province. “To watch that flag being risen and flown again almost made me break out in tears,” Birr said. He also received a commemorative plaque at the July 20 event. Birr, a Fridley resident, was wounded last summer when a 7.62 mm round from an AK-47 assault rifle hit him from behind. The bullet exited above his right eye. “They removed the round from the computer I was sitting at,” Birr said in a recent interview. He carries the dented rifle bullet on a chain round his neck. Birr joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Fridley High School in 2008. He did his basic military training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and was stationed in Fort Carson in Colorado until he was deployed overseas last June. He was wounded Aug. 9, 2009, while on active duty with Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion of the 77th Field Artillery Regiment. Birr received a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal from Gen. (Ret.) John Vessey, former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman. “Right now, I’m in the Warrior Transition Unit,” Birr said. “It’s a unit that a solider is attached to before he or she goes before a medical evaluation board that decides whether or not a solider will be medically retired from service or can remain on active duty status. I’m still pending with that process.” The Army created Warrior Transition Units (WTU) at its installations to provide personal support for wounded soldiers. According to a U.S. Army website, the WTU provide critical support to wounded soldiers who are expected to require six months or more of rehabilitative care and the need for complex medical management. Birr said he is still undergoing therapy at Evans U.S. Army Hospital in Fort Carson. His mother, Frieda, sat next to him during the flag pole dedication. Birr played a key role in replacing the Anoka squadron’s flag pole, which was hit by a vehicle, damaged and subsequently removed. Birr noticed the missing pole during a return visit to Minnesota and started asking about it, because he had a special U.S. flag to fly. According to Capt. George Supan, the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets and public information officer, Birr did not hesitate in making a spot donation, jump starting the fund-raising effort. Supan said a local contractor quickly offered donated materials and labor. Second Lt. Kris Brown is the Anoka Composite Squadron’s financial officer. She’s also president and chief executive officer, of Brown Technology Group, Inc., which has its company headquarters in Bethel. Brown made a donation on behalf of her company, and with the help of her husband. Leo, mentioned the flag-pole fund-raising to Steve Erickson and Lyle Dahlin, who own Interstate CM Construction. Supan said it wasn’t long before a new and much larger concrete base, four white protective bollards, lighting and a new pole were installed with help from volunteers representing IBEW Local 110, Muska Electric Co., Ground Tech and Total Fire Protection. “The flag pole project was unexpected and was not on our radar from a budget standpoint,” Supan said. “When someone puts down a contribution for such an important project it becomes top priority. We wanted to complete it as soon as possible so Matt could fly his flag. Donations were received in very short order.” According to Supan, the new flag pole’s place of honor helps identify the Anoka Composite Squadron’s location and better defines the airport’s northeast corner. “This mission was special, because it involved a person who has served our country,” Supan said. Current squadron cadets spoke with Birr after the July 20 ceremony.

Project Phoenix to Benefit Loves Park Area

Posted: 5:35 PM Jul 23, 2010

Loves Park to Benefit from New State Law

An Illinois law aimed at offering tax incentives to potential businesses is now extended. And it's expected to directly impact the Stateline.

Reporter: Tina Stein

This here is what the people of Loves Park consider a field of dreams. A manufacturing company city leaders call "Project Phoenix" is considering moving in to build its world headquarters. Four-hundred high paying jobs will come with the deal.
"We have to get our economy back on track and it's important we use every tool at our disposal to do exactly that," said Governor Pat Quinn while in Rockford Friday.
That tool is the Industrial Jobs Recovery Law, which gives tax incentives to businesses. It got new life today after expiring earlier this year.
"The extension of this legislation is critical due to the geography. One of the competing sites for our project is Wisconsin and there are other incentives we just simply are unable to offer," says Loves Park's Director of Public Works and Development, Dan Jacobson.
Workers comp, property taxes and health care costs make the Land of Lincoln an expensive place to do business.
"Unfortunately overall Illinois is still higher but we have other advantages with our logistics, transportation so if we could at least reduce some of the cost to make us more competitive," says State Senator Dave Syverson.
Which could help keep our residents since they'll have jobs that support a family.
"In the T.I.F. districts there are a lot of construction jobs, all businesses requires electricity and we'll be wiring those buildings," says I.B.E.W. Organizer Charles Laskonis.
Management positions will also be available. Giving opportunities to Stateline residents with various backgrounds.
Machesney Park would also benefit by making the 173 corridor a T.I.F. district. The law was established in 1994 and was extended through the end of 2011. State Senator Dave Syverson says he hopes to work with legislators to rewrite the law that way Illinois will have even more incentives to offer.

Terra Haute LU 725 Pushes "Responsible Bidder" Law

Terre Haute (WIBQ)-A Responsible Bidding Ordinance. Why? So that taxpayers in Vigo County will be afforded the same tax savings as those in the city of Terre Haute. Simply put, the ordinance would allow jobs that are being done in Vigo County which use taxpayer money to be done by responsible contractors. IBEW Local 725 is pushing the issue and Vigo County Commissioners say they're considering it.

IBEW LU 317 Credit Union Offers High Interest on Savings

High Interest Savings Account Rate Deal: I.B.E.W. 137 Credit Union at 1.51% APY

Posted in Credit Union, High Interest Savings Accounts, Rates, Savings Account
July 30th, 2010

IBEW 317 FCU

There are so many credit unions across the nation, how do you choose the right one for you? A good place to start is one that provides high interest rates. The I.B.E.W. 317 Credit Union has a lot to offer members, including an excellent high interest savings account rate of 1.51% APY.

In order to earn one of the highest savings rates currently available, all you have to do is become a member ofI.B.E.W. 317 CU. The share savings account is available to everyone, regardless of age. Interest is compounded daily and credited quarterly.

I.B.E.W. 317 Credit Union is a non-profit, full service financial institution run by members and a board of directors elected every spring. It was granted charter by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) in 1960 and began with a Treasurer who carried a briefcase as a file drawer, traveling to job sites and recruiting members. The Treasurer handled all daily member transactions. TheI.B.E.W. 317 Credit Union has grown quite a bit since then, with assetstotaling$ 14,100,000 as of 2003. It is located in Huntington, West Virginia.

Illinois Representative Lisa Dugan, IBEW Local 176

State: Dugan speaks at IBEW conference
July 31, 2010, 8:55 am

By Robert Themer
rthemer@daily-journal.com


Illinois Rep. Lisa Dugan, D-Bradley, was a featured speaker in Washington, D.C., last week -- not in the legislative chambers there but at the 2010 International Women's Conference of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Dugan, a state representative since 2003, has been an IBEW Local 176 member for 30 years.

At the women's conference, she told more than 375 members from the U.S. and Canada about her experience as an electrical worker and a legislator.

Union Leader saw World

Union leader saw world during government work
By Erin Zureick
Staff Writer
Sunday, Aug 1, 2010

Ken Ward's career as an electrician has taken him around the world and into some of the United States' most tightly secured nuclear programs.

Ken Ward is in his second term arranging and monitoring jobs and leading negotiations for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers members in 16 counties. He spent 15 years working for Savannah River Site, and he went back to college in 1996 to receive a business administration degree.

Ken Ward is in his second term arranging and monitoring jobs and leading negotiations for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers members in 16 counties. He spent 15 years working for Savannah River Site, and he went back to college in 1996 to receive a business administration degree.

Occasionally, the occupation also has sent him tumbling off a ladder and into the emergency room.

"(It's) one of the most hazardous jobs there is because you cannot see electricity," Ward said. "It only takes a milliamp to kill someone."

The Aiken native followed his father into the profession and now serves as business manager and financial secretary for Local 1579 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in downtown Augusta.

He has been involved with the union since he took up the trade after graduating from Langley Bath Clearwater High School.

Ward, 62, is serving his second three-year term in the post. He spends his days arranging and monitoring jobs for about 750 local union members and negotiating contracts.

"I try to follow the IBEW constitution. I am a rule person," Ward said. "Any rules I follow to the best of my ability. I try to be honest and keep everything out in the open for our members."

IBEW Assistant Business Manager Will Salters said he enjoys working for Ward.

"Ken is laid-back and fair, but he's strict when he needs to be," Salters said.

Finding a career

Love led Ward to become a member of the union. He had planned to go to college but fell for his wife of now 43 years, Dianne, and put in an application for the union, where his father also was a member.

He completed a four-year apprenticeship while attending IBEW night classes to be trained in electrical construction.

Ward spent 15 years working at Savannah River Site and also has taken jobs in places such as Texas, Michigan and southeast Asia for the U.S. government. The work gave him an insider look at the country's nuclear weapons program during the Cold War.

While working for the Department of Energy, Ward also was sent to Japan; Guam; and Seoul, South Korea, to complete projects.

Learning more about the nuclear industry was one of his favorite parts of the job, Ward said.

"We can go out and work in these places if we use extreme caution and follow safety procedures and don't do anything foolish," he said.

In 1996, Ward followed a dream and went back to college at the University of South Carolina. He received his bachelor of science degree in business administration management in 2000.

"That was something I wanted to do and I just put it off," he said. "I just wanted to finish something I started years ago. It was a challenge. It was one of the toughest things that I think I've done."

His wife is also a USC graduate and works as a registered nurse at Medical College of Georgia Hospital.

She said her husband was very determined to complete his course work.

"It wasn't easy," she said. "I think he was probably the oldest student in his class."

Union man

Ward is in charge of negotiating contracts for IBEW members in 12 Georgia counties and four South Carolina counties that represent about a 50-mile radius.

Local contractors who work with the union will call the IBEW office and request a certain number of workers. Those jobs are then listed by the local union and filled on a first come, first served basis.

Ward estimated that 25 percent to 30 percent of electrical workers in the Augusta area belong to the union.

"The unions in the Southeast are not as prevalent as they are a little farther up north, say Ohio and Pennsylvania. We work to try to unionize as much as we can."

He said the main difference between the union and nonunion is the extra benefits IBEW provides.

"We try our best to organize as many people as possible in the CSRA to be part of the IBEW," Ward said. "We have some of the best negotiated wages; we have health insurance and one of the best pensions in the United States here at 1579."

A down economy means smaller bids usually are tougher to win for union workers because the benefits do add to costs, he said. The union is more successful bidding for larger projects because union benefits don't make up as large a percentage of the bid, Ward said.

The union negotiates annually with a group of electrical contractors for wages and benefits. Meetings are going on weekly now for a contract that expires at the end of September, he said.

Sometimes Ward is faced with particularly tough negotiations, such as talks that lasted about a year and a half with the contractor handling the construction of two reactors at Plant Vogtle. The talks wrapped up in March.

"We did convince them that we have the ability and manpower in the Southeast and people are willing to come here to work," Ward said.

He said he plans to serve a third term before retiring.

"My biggest challenge is trying to get the best that we can for our membership in bargaining contracts," he said. "My biggest challenge is to keep all of our members employed."

His wife, Dianne, said he knows what it's like to be in a worker's shoes and be unsure when the next job will come.

"I think he's an asset as a business manager. He's got a lot of experience," she said. "I think he's on the job 24-7."

Local 1600 signs four year contract with PPL

Posted on Tue, Jun. 22, 2010

Four-year contract for PPL, IBEW local

By Andrew Maykuth

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

PPL Corp. of Allentown will provide annual pay increases up to 3 percent for 3,300 unionized workers under a new four-year contract that also curbs some health-care costs.

The energy company's contract with Local 1600 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers provides for pay increases that step up annually from 2.5 percent the first year to 3 percent in the final year, Paul G. Wirth, a PPL spokesman, said Tuesday.

The contract, which applies to workers at PPL Electric Utilities as well as PPL's power-generation subsidiary, runs through May 11, 2014.

Wirth said the contract also changes the premiums charged to workers for health-care benefits.

Under the old contract, all employees were charged the same amount, regardless of marital status.

Under the new contract, employees with spouses or dependents will pay more, and single employees will see a reduction in premiums, he said. He declined to say how much the change would affect the company's health-care costs.

IBEW Local 1600 is PPL's largest union, representing nearly half the company's workforce of 7,000 employees. The utility serves customers in eastern and central Pennsylvania.

Contact staff writer Andrew Maykuth at 215-854-2947 or amaykuth@phillynews.com.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/business_breaking/20100622_Four-year_contract_for_PPL__IBEW_local.html

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IBEW Local 1 (St. Louis) Helps Holy Name Society Help Mother in Need

Last modified: Saturday, October 10, 2009 3:12 AM CDT

Catholic Holy Family Society gets to work

About 70 Catholic Holy Family Society members, staff and trustees are spending this weekend building a home for a military mother and her three children with Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County in St. Peters.

This marks Catholic Holy Family Society's 16th build and Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County's first blitz build.

Plans for the three-bedroom home include a walkout basement and attached garage. The project site is located in The Enclaves at Eisenhower at 118 Eisenhower Drive.

All volunteers are members of Catholic Holy Family Society, a member-owned life insurance organization.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, volunteers were working on exterior walls, roof trusses, shingling, siding, and window and door installation.

In addition, Catholic Holy Family Society was to present Habitat for Humanity with a $5,000 donation to help with building costs.

Other home sponsors include Immaculate Conception of Dardenne, Laclede Gas and the IBEW L.U. 1.

Families are selected to partner with Habitat for Humanity on the basis of income and need for affordable housing.

After an extensive qualification process, the families must complete 350 hours of "sweat equity," purchase the home at construction cost through a 30-year, interest-free mortgage, and make monthly mortgage, insurance and tax payments of $475 to $550.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County by visiting www.habitatstcharles.org or calling 636-978-5712.

IBEW Local 363 (New City, NY) Endorses County Executive Ed Diana

IBEW endorses Diana

Published: October 15, 2009

From Strauss News/ Photo News

Goshen- County Executive Ed Diana has been endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 363, which represents over 2,500 union members.

Diana is seeking a third term as Orange County Executive.

IBEW 2009 Membership Conference Roundup

A few moments from the 2009 Membership Conference