Brothers and Sisters the month of December has been a very busy month. We should be very proud of the job our members did restoring power during and after the ice storm. The most important thing in the restoration process is that no one was seriously injured. The biggest complaint that kept coming up from the membership and the Union Contractors that were on the property, was that the Contractors had traveled a long way to get here and they were not being utilized. Maybe someday we will get Management in place that knows how to operate a Utility Company during mass outages. Again, congrats on a job well done by the workers.
We have members from time to time that are injured or become ill. I will remind everyone that if you go out on Salary Continuation, do not wait until the last minute to fill the LTD paperwork out. If you are out for a couple of months, fill the LTD paperwork out and turn it in. If you get back to work within the six (6) months no harm no foul but, if you do not get back to work within six (6) months and you do not have the proper paperwork completed, you will not receive any money. It could take the insurer longer to process the paperwork than anticipated.
Please take time to visit our new web site. The address is still www.ibewlocal69.com. We are in the process of getting the new site up and running. If you have any suggestions please share them with me so that we may have an effective site for our membership.
The Bobby Reed termination case is rescheduled for February 10, 2014. The case will be heard by an administrative law judge at the National Labor Relation Board in Fort Worth, Texas. The case is in regards to a board charge the Union filed because, Jim Greer of Oncor wrongfully terminated the Union Business Manager, Bobby Reed, from Oncor while on leave of absence engaged in Union activity. As soon as we get a decision on the case we will notify the membership of the outcome.
The following is a schedule of the upcoming Unit Meetings for January 2014. We will have nominations for officers at these meetings. Anyone desiring to be nominated must be present during the nominations or provide a written and signed statement that they will accept the nomination. The Union office has mailed an Official Notice of Nominations and Elections to each member of IBEW Local 69. If you or someone you know did not receive the letter please contact the Union Office so that we may obtain a current mailing address for anyone that did not receive the letter.
January 2014 – Unit Meeting Schedule
Tuesday – January 7 – Waco – 5 pm – Clarion Inn
Wednesday – January 8 – Salado – 5 pm – Holiday Inn Express
Thursday – January 9 – Jacksonville – 5 pm – Best Western
Tuesday – January 14 – Brownwood – 5 pm – Holiday Inn Express
Wednesday – January 15 – Snyder – 5 pm – Holiday Inn
Thursday – January 16 - Odessa – 6:30 pm – Elegante Hotel
Tuesday– January 21 - Wichita Falls – 5 pm – Holiday Inn At The Falls
Wednesday – January 22 – Bonham – 5 pm – VFW Hall
Thursday – January 23 – Lewisville – 5 pm – Select Inn
Tuesday – January 28 – Dallas – 5 pm – Union Hall
Thursday – January 30 – Ft. Worth – Holiday Inn Express
We have applications for the Texas State Association of Electrical Workers Eddie Patton Memorial Scholarship in the Union office. If you have a child that will be attending college contact the Union office so that we can get you and your child an application for the scholarship. The applications must be postmarked to the Texas State Association of Electrical Workers no later than February 28, 2014. I will work with you to get the proper paperwork submitted.
As a result of the actions taken at the 2011 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Convention the per capita tax will increase two dollars ($2.00) per member per month effective January 1, 2014. This money goes directly to the International Office in Washington, D.C. This money is to ensure that local unions continue to get a high level of service and representation from the International Office.
This being the last Craftsman article of the year I would like to thank everyone for the support you give to our Local Union. I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all the Officers and Stewards that dedicate their time and efforts in representing our members. There is not a more precious commodity on the earth than your time. During these holidays I pray everyone gets an opportunity to spend some of their time with family and friends. Remember the reason for the season. Until next time may God bless you, your family, and our Local Union.
Bobby W. Reed