Meeting Notice
Please remember that our November and December regular meeting nights are being moved up a week earlier. November’s meeting will take place on November 3 due to the 10th being a holiday in recognition of Veterans’ Day. Our December union meeting will be our annual Christmas Party/Meeting being held December 1st at Sardo Hall in Forestville, Maryland at 8:00 p.m.; Friday, December 8, will be our Christmas Party/Meeting at the Elks Club in Roanoke starting at 7:00 p.m.; and, the American Legion in Front Royal will be the location for the Winchester area Christmas Party/Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15.
Agreement Books
The new agreement books have been printed, and they were mailed out to journeymen, apprentices, and residential wiremen. If you did not receive yours, please contact the union hall.
IBEW Convention
The IBEW’s 37th International Convention and Expo was held on September 11-15, 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Cleveland Convention Center. The Electrical Industry Exposition and other preliminary meetings and events took place from September 8-10. As stated on the International’s website (pre-convention coverage), “This year marks the 115th anniversary of the founding of the IBEW. The theme of the convention is ‘Rhythm of the Past, Drumbeat of the Future,’ symbolizing the union’s respect for its long history and commitment to growth and remaining on the leading edge of technology in all aspects of the electrical industry of the future.”
At the IBEW Convention, President Hill was re-elected unanimously along with Secretary-Treasurer Jon Walters and your International Executive Council (IEC) Chairman, Robert Pierson. Paul Witte was re-elected as Fourth District Vice President, and Jackie Goodwin was elected as the 4th District IEC Representative. Local 26 is part of the 4th District, as well as other locals in DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Also, the Convention delegates elected to raise dues by $3.00 a year over the next three years. One of the reasons that
your dues will go up is because of an aggressive organizing program that will be put into place to expand the market share of the IBEW. The industrial and manufacturing sectors of the IBEW have deteriorated over the past ten years, since many of our jobs have been moved overseas. President Hill has mandated that the IBEW aggressively go after industrial and manufacturing targets to increase the membership because we lost 572 local unions since 1984.
Another issue that the delegates addressed was the National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF). They suggested that President Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Walters meet with the trustees and actuaries of the NEBF to see if the trustees could raise the NEBF contribution rate to 5%. That resolution was unanimously accepted by the delegates.
Delegates also unanimously supported the resolution to increase the International Pension Benefit Fund (PBF). This would increase contributions by $.70 per month starting January 1, 2007; $1.00 per month on January 1, 2008, and $1.00 per month on January 1, 2010. In the 80-year history, the PBF hasn’t raised the contribution rate in 40 years.
In attendance, representing IBEW Local 26, pictured above, from left to right, Brothers Larry Greenhill, Sr., Vice President; Ron Stokes, Executive Board; Mike Shoemaker, Financial Secretary; Jerry Lozupone, Treasurer; Chuck Graham, Business Manager; Butch Ramos, President; Billy Cleland, JATC Assistant Director; Frank Laddbush, Recording Secretary; Franny Olshefski, former President; Bill Giusti, Executive Board; and Randolph Scott (not pictured), Executive Board. Overall, a lot of important business was taken care of to move the IBEW forward. For more Convention coverage, visit the International website at: www.ibew.org/Convention2006.
Give Thanks!
On behalf of the officers and agents, I’d like to extend best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. As you celebrate the four-day weekend, I hope you will be surrounded by family and friends, and remember to give thanks for your many blessings. At Local 26, we are blessed to have good employment and a strong membership, so we are truly thankful for the opportunity to represent this fantastic Local.
Former Business Manager Visits
Former Business Manager Robert W. “Bob” McAlwee and his wife, Jean, (pictured below) were in town from Orlando, FL and stopped by the new building for a visit and tour. Bob was Business Manager from 1959-1969. In a congratulatory card he writes, “What a great job you have done in the planning and construction of the beautiful and magnificent building for Local 26 to conduct the business and other important activities of Local 26. Without a doubt it will serve the officers and members of the local as never before in its history…”
Pictured above, from left to right— Mike Shoemaker, Financial Secretary; Randall L. Kemp, 30 Yrs; William E. Merry, 30 Yrs; Daniel T. Paul, 30 Yrs; William R. Whitt, 30 Yrs; Tyran D. Brannum, 30 Yrs; Herndon R. Fortune, 25 Yrs; Chuck Graham, Business Manager; Butch Ramos, President
Pictured left, from left to right— Chuck Graham, Business Manager; Chester K. Lynch, Jr., 50 Yrs.; Michael J. Ryan, 50 Yrs.; James T. Powers, 50 Yrs.; Michael Nagy, III, 30 Yrs.; Joseph J. Licausi; 50 Yrs.; Dick Bissell, Reitired Members’ Club President; Edward S. Cierniak, 55 Yrs.
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Pictured above, from left to right— Dick Bissell, Reitired Members’ Club President; Elmer J. Statter, 65 Yrs.; Mike Shoemaker, Financial Secretary |
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On Saturday, September 30th, the place to be was Mayo Beach Park ! You would have had the opportunity to visit with nearly 200 of your closest friends. The weather was fantastic and the crabs were awesome ! And all the while, you would be groovin’ to the sweet sounds of the “Pretty Good Jazz Trio.” Congratulations to Elmer Statter who was visiting from Frisco, Texas and received his pin and certificate for 65 years of service in the IBEW. (See Photos)
Saturday, October 14th, was the first Retirees’ Club Meeting in our new digs. If you weren’t there, you missed another fun Halloween time. We met again on November 4th, and the Retirees would like to wish you and your families a 
wonderful Thanksgiving.
Please put Saturday, December 9th on your calendar NOW so you won’t miss the Retirees’ Club Christmas Party. In addition to great food and camaraderie, you’ll again be entertained with live music.
Membership costs $12.00 each per year for you and your significant other. Active Local 26 members are urged to join as well. There is no age limit. Come join the fun and fellowship.
Our cookbook has been printed and is available for purchase in time for holiday presents! They will be sold at all Local Union meetings and at the Credit Union and Finance Office. The cost is $10.00. If you would like us to send it to you, add an additional $4.00
by Dick Bissell, President of the Retired Members’ Club
Last month I wrote about seasons. In a few weeks, we will be entering probably one of the most celebrated seasons of the year – Thanksgiving. In the United States we celebrate “Thanksgiving Day”, a legal holiday observed on the fourth Thursday in the month of November. It is also one of the most traveled seasons in the year. Many will take to the air, load up the family car, or take a train ride to “break bread” with family and friends and visit loved ones. Many more (especially here in our jurisdiction) make the trek back to their home (or place of birth). Some will gather with family and friends to watch football on Thanksgiving Day. One of the definitions of “Thanksgiving Day” found in Webster’s dictionary reads “a day appointed for giving thanks…”.
Here in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, despite the challenges of traffic and many social ills, we, as an organization, have a lot for which to be thankful. We have steady employment, a decent wage and benefit package, and a “union hall” to call our own. We did not reach this level overnight. It took many years of hard work from a lot of members for us to be where we are. Take a moment this Thanksgiving season to reflect on the previous sentence. Ask yourself, “What have I done to contribute to the growth of the Local Union? Have I attended any union meetings lately? Have I committed to work steady every week? Have I supported the efforts of the Business Manager and Officers to strengthen our union by volunteering a couple of hours of my time? Have I been diligent about maintaining my membership?”
Hopefully, you can respond in the affirmative to a least one of the three questions. These three questions, brothers and sisters, speak to just our reasonable service as members! Let’s show our thanks to each other this year. Thank a fellow member for their good efforts, thank an employer for providing work, and thank your leadership for their service. Make an effort to show your thanks. Attend your coalition and union meetings! Reminder--There will be no meeting in December.
by Larry Greenhill, Sr., Minority Coalition President
Brothers and Sisters, the holiday season is upon us, and I hope each of you will take time to reflect on what is important to all of us--family, friends, and your UNION. Please take time to share some fellowship at the members’ Christmas parties. Renew some old relationships and make new ones.
The Christmas parties will be held at Sardo Hall in Forestville on December 1st, at the Elk’s Club in Roanoke on December 8th, and at the American Legion in Front Royal on December 15th, so there is one near you. Get together with a group of your brothers and sisters and plan to attend.
This is also a great time to become acquainted with the officers who serve as your Union representatives and to find out what is going on in your Local. Have a great Turkey Day!
by Butch Ramos, President
Member Survey
The Board of Directors has authorized the Maryland/DC Credit Union Association, and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) to conduct a survey of our members in order to provide high-quality service and financial products that meet your needs. It is very important to fill out and return the survey to CUNA if you are one of the randomly selected members to receive one. Your opinion counts.
Entertainment 2007 Books Have Arrived
Two can have fun for the price of one. Purchase your Entertainment Book now and find out how. Let’s go have a celebration! Entertainment Books make a wonderful gift idea for the holidays. Dine. Shop. Travel. Save up to 50%. It quickly pays for itself with Safeway $20 savings and a $25 restaurant certificate when you purchase your Entertainment 2007 Book for a low cost of $25.00.
Special Thanks to Mona Electric!
We would like to thank Mona Electric for inviting Doreen to visit their facility and make a presentation to their office workers about the benefits of Credit Union membership. Anyone working for at least 3 months thru a contractor (including office staff) that has a signed agreement with IBEW Local 26, IBEW Local 70, SMW Local 100 and IUEC Local 10 is eligible to join IBEW 26 FCU. Family members are also eligible to join.
Safford Lincoln Mercury Showcase a Big Hit for Apprentices!
We had beautiful weather, new and used vehicles to preview, and representatives on site from both Safford Lincoln Mercury and the Credit Union. George Straun, retired from Ford and UAW, was serving up hot dogs and tidbits of information to the apprentices. Andy Goldsmith thanked the Credit Union for the opportunity to make available union-made vehicles along with special pricing. Team that special pricing with a Credit Union loan. Watch for another showcase in the future.
Board of Directors Declares NEW LOW Loan Rates on Used Vehicles
Used vehicles up to 3 model years old are financed at the same rate and term as new vehicles. Visit our website or call our office for current loan rates.
Website: ibew26fcu.com
email: information@ibew26fcu.com
Telephone: 301-306-0610
Toll free line: 888-306-0610
Fax: 301-306-0746
Audio response: 800-724-7573
Effective January 1, 2007, the quarterly union dues will increase by $5.10 per quarter for each “A” member, and dues for “BA” members will increase $3.00 per quarter. This increase was approved at the International Convention in 2006, and is an increase in the International per capita tax and the International Pension contribution. This is not an increase imposed by Local 26 and does not affect your working dues.
Dues for “A” members who are paying $78.00 per quarter will increase to $83.10 per quarter, and dues for “A” members who are paying $68.70 per quarter will increase to $73.80 per quarter. Dues for “BA” members who are paying $34.80 per quarter will increase to $37.80 per quarter. This increase will become effective with dues paid for the 1st quarter of 2007.
Those of you who are paying dues into the year 2007 should include the extra $5.10 per quarter with your payment. Those who pay by the year should include an additional $20.40 for the year. Please feel free to call the Finance Office with any questions you may have regarding your dues. Further increases have been approved for January 2009 and January 2011.
FOURTH QUARTER DUES WERE DUE OCTOBER 1ST.
RETIREMENT ASSESSMENT DUE IS $32.00.
by Mike Shoemaker, Financial Secretary
The importance of our participation in elections can never be over emphasized. The latest National Labor Relations Board decision is part of the fallout from cross-over voters who helped elect a Republican Government. On October 3, the NLRB (dominated by Bush administration employees) announced a decision that can strip millions of workers of their right to have a union by reclassifying them as supervisors. Supervisors do not have protected rights under the National Labor Relations Act. This decision is the latest in the Bush-appointed National Labor Relation Board’s legal maneuvering to deny as many workers as possible their basic right to have a voice on the job and improve their living standards through a union. Over the past several years, the NLRB has chipped away at the rights of workers by limiting the eligibility of disabled workers, teaching assistants, and temporary workers to join unions.
This decision opens the door for an impact that will affect millions of workers in all types of unions across the nation--blue collar or white collar. The purpose of the creation of the National Labor Relations Board was to protect workers’ rights. However, over time and through politics, it is being used against us with the ultimate goal of the Republicans being to dismantle unions once and for all. Part of being a good union member is being a politically involved member. By being politically active, we will create a sound political base for labor to protect our future and the future of our children.
by Joe Dabbs, Organizing Coordinator
Important Notice for All Participants in the Electrical Welfare Trust Fund--Please note that effective December 1, 2006, Caremark will be the new prescription benefit program manager for all EWTF participants.
Caremark is a quality prescription benefit manager with a network of participating pharmacies that is comparable to the network you had with Express Scripts (your current pharmacy benefit manager). The EWTF Trustees believe that Caremark’s level of service and commitment to quality coverage will be of significant value to all participants and their dependents. This month, you will be receiving detailed information about your new prescription coverage with Caremark. You will also receive new ID cards bearing the Caremark logo.
Remember that your pharmacy benefits have not changed—only the pharmacy benefit manager has!
Once you have your new materials, feel free to contact the Fund Office at 301-731-1050 (or toll-free at 1-800-929-EWTF) if you have questions, or send an email to:
info@ewtf.org.
