Brothers and Sisters this is the Labor Day issue of the Craftsman. Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. The first Labor Day Holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day Holiday a year later, on September 5, 1883. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country. Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. By 1894, many states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28, of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American Worker…. Wow, I wish employers today felt that way towards their employees.
By the time this article arrives at your homes school will have started. Please watch for the kids while driving. Remember the school zones and be aware of the school buses.
The Union office has great news to report. The arbitrator in the Sam Goodson case has rendered a decision. The arbitrator ruled that Mr. Goodson (Journeyman Lineman, Brownwood, Tx.) was wrongfully terminated and will be reinstated with full back pay. We are waiting on the arbitrators ruling for Donnie Moore’s (Journeyman Lineman, Jacksonville, Tx.) arbitration.
Oncor has offered the bargaining unit employees a two (2) year contract extension with three percent (3%) pay increases for eligible classifications on October 26, 2015, and October 26, 2016. A Union Committee will execute a ratification vote at various locations at Oncor.
On behalf of IBEW local 69 I would like to wish everyone a happy and blessed Labor DayHoliday! Until next time may God bless you, your family, and our local union.