May 2021 Craftsman Article

 Brothers and Sisters, I have the privilege of writing to the membership again. My retirement is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2021. Ross McAuley will become the new Business Manager/Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 69 on June 1st. Ross is very capable and will do a great job representing the membership, he can be reached at (214) 212-9420.

 I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to serve you and your families for the past twenty years, as your union representative. Thank you for your participation in the union it’s the right thing to do. It has been an honor to have worked with, associated with, and represented people of integrity, that have good work ethics and believe in providing reliable, qualified, safe service, for excellent pay and benefits. Everyone in the bargaining unit must continue to support organized labor and educate people on how important your local unions are, your wages, hours, and working conditions and the middle class depends on it. I’ve never tried to hide the fact that the only way I get through every day and the trials of life is through a higher power. I believe my God and my savior Jesus Christ has allowed me the opportunity to thank my crown jewel, my loving wife, Teresa. Thank you, Teresa, for everything! I love you. And thank you Jesus! I love you. Brothers and Sisters be kind, be patient, don’t worry be happy, work hard, play hard, love a lot.

 Thanks to all the officers and stewards who tirelessly represent the members and enforce the negotiated contracts. Also, a special thank you to RattleSnake Hal Gillespie, Charlie Jackson, Paulette Hooker, Trent Hyde, and John Gnann for always being there for me.

 Brothers and Sisters keep up the good fight!

 May God continue to bless you, your family, and IBEW Local 69.

 Fraternally,

 Bobby Reed

Gone fishing

April 2021 Craftsman Article

Brothers and Sisters of IBEW Local 69, it has been my privilege and honor to represent you in the workplace. As I stated in last months article “time is a peculiar thing, it keeps on ticking with or without us”. I have decided it’s time for me to retire and ride off into the sunset. The Executive Board will fill the vacancy with the new Business Manager/Financial Secretary to become effective June 1, 2021. President, Ross McAuley has agreed to step up and assume the responsibilities of the BM/FS for our local union. It is vitally important that you give your future BM/FS the support he needs. If there are problems at your service center do not assume that the BM knows about the problem, take a minute of your time and contact him to keep him informed. Take the time to attend a union meeting in your area when they are scheduled. This is a fraternal organization you are a member of. You can be a silent partner or you can be a team player by simply taking time to attend a meeting.

 I was going to continue to write in this month’s article about how times have changed and corporate greed has taken over the country and how it has affected us in the workplace. However, I believe it far more important to ask our members to pray for the leaders of our country and company no matter who is at the helm. It does not matter if you voted for the person in office or you believe the management of this company has no integrity, it is important to pray for them. We go as the ship goes.

 What is important to remember is that your local union is there to keep management from running over employees. There are people that are placed in management positions that let authority go to their heads. They (management) all of a sudden think they are better than you because, you work for them. These people are the most difficult to pray for because, you deal with them on a day to day basis and you are directly impacted by their decisions daily. Continue to pray for them and call your union to defend your rights under the collective bargaining agreement.

 I end every article with “until next time”, since there will not be a next time for me, I ask for the last time that you always work safe and I will continue to pray God that He bless you, your family, and IBEW Local 69.

 Fraternally yours,

Bobby W. Reed