IBEW Local Union 363 Official Blog

A Strong Union

2011-12-01T18:30:00.000-05:00

There is much talk today about people protesting and what they want. Or what they don't want. Or they don't know what they want. There is a common thread though that sticks out - people are nervous about their future.

College grads are staring at $1000 dollar a month student loans and most of the companies to work for have left the country - there are no jobs.

At the same time, benefits esablished by past generations of Americans who fought for things such as Social Security, Health Coverage and Retirement plans are now beginning to be referred to as "entitlements".

There is a cry by most of the 99% that things should be better and we agree. The part the 99% misses is that they will never get it "handed to them".

The only way to make any progress is to negotiate as a group and to unionize.

Clambake Location And Weather Work Out For A Great Day!

2011-10-06T20:39:00.000-04:00

This years Clambake had an early threat of rain but the sun poked through and there wasn't an umbrella in site. A good time was really, held by all. We had our first bake at Kruckers in Stony Point and it turned out to be a great place. The set up between the pavilion and the food couldn't have been better and there was enough food to feed an army. The people that served us were pleasant and very accommodating.

The clams were plentiful and spread out for anybody who wanted them, along with some horseradish that really lived up to its name. It could choke a horse.

The card games went on from noon till after the buses left - didn't see any big bills but did see a lot of poker faces. The best part of the day is talking with the retired Journeyman that we all worked with and learned from. It is always good to see all of those guys together. If we are all lucky, someday we will be able to join them.

It looks like a new clambake tradition developed this year - the Young Studs vs the Old Bloods Softball game. In other words, the current Local 363 team against those that are way past their prime and can't make the team anymore. That was the most fun I have seen that many people have in a long time - both players and spectators.

There were some people on the Old Bloods who had no business trying to dive that were making world series catches - only to be complaining the day after that they couldn't walk.

We are starting to plan next years bake already and are looking into a few new additions.

See you at next years bake!

Happy Labor Day To All IBEW 363 Members And Their Families

2011-09-05T10:50:00.001-04:00

Labor Day Greeting from International President Edwin D. Hill

September 2, 2011

On behalf of our officers and staff, I want to express our thanks his Labor Day to all members who keep the IBEW’s record of accomplishment alive through your diligent work on the job and activism in the community and union.

Even as we celebrate this Labor Day, cold statistics on the number of North American workers who are unemployed silhouette the difficult mountain that the IBEW and our labor movement must climb for economic security and social justice.

The past year has seen unprecedented moves by our adversaries to block the powerful legacy of our trade unions— collective bargaining rights, secure pensions and health insurance—for millions of our members.

But the most perilous threat to working families, brothers and sisters, comes not from our adversaries. It comes from within. The greatest danger to our movement is our own despair. Let me make a case for hope.

Hope is tens of thousands of men and women in Wisconsin standing up, fighting back in 2011.

Hope is the courageous IBEW and CWA members at Verizon who dared shut down operations when presented with ultimatums designed to break their legacy and their spirit.

Hope is a growing number of young men and women who, everyday, are picking up the banner of organized labor and applying their creativity to refreshing a movement that simply cannot afford to grow tired or lose its relevance to millions outside of our ranks.

Hope is our retirees in many cities and towns who have openly challenged politicians who dishonor hard-working men and women by suggesting that they, not the thieves and manipulators of Wall Street, must sacrifice their Social Security and Medicare for the sake of “austerity.”

I am hopeful brothers and sisters. But I also know that the hopes of working families will die if they are not stoked with our willingness to speak uncomfortable truths, not just to our adversaries, but to those who say they are our friends.

We are patiently waiting for a jobs bill to be submitted to Congress from the Obama administration. If it is solid, we must pour our hopes and our grassroots efforts into its passage. If it is inadequate, we must demand a better solution.

This week, in an editorial in The Hill newspaper, I called upon the Obama administration to hold its economic advisors from corporate America accountable for their actions.

There is no better time than this Labor Day for President Obama to restore the hope that millions invested in him to help take a step up that mountain leading to jobs and justice for working families.

Enjoy your Labor Day.

IBEW Local 363 - Lead The Way

2011-08-20T05:36:00.002-04:00

It is time for us - IBEW Local 363 - to organize ourselves and put our local in a greatest position of strength that we have ever seen.

We can help ourselves and the entire Labor Movement in the Hudson Valley by strengthening our own local to reach our fullest potential. We need to do this now.

Hudson Valley Labor NEEDS a "leader union" and that happens to be us - IBEW Local 363.

That is easily done with one ingredient -YOU.

There are plenty of locals out there and plenty of people in them, but no one has captured and corraled their full potential in the Hudson Valley. Not to the potential there is out there.

No one needs to be told that the situation in America for the American worker is one of struggle. Struggle to survive. Struggle to keep what we have.

Corporations are ORGANIZED and all doing the same thing - coming after the middleclass and the cost or "entitlements" that come with them.

There is a war on decent wages and benefits out there that needs to be addressed. Quite, frankly, we need more bodies and more action.

Most of our employers are excellent employers in each of the sectors we serve. However, the pressure is on us to keep them excellent and address the ones that aren't.

IBEW Local 363 will be asking for your support and participation in many, many situations from now on. Come help to preserve and strengthen the Labor Movement.

Not only will we improve our own lot. Due to our efforts now, others will have a better life in the future.

That is the American way, the middleclass way, the union way and the IBEW way.

Sam Fratto
Business Manager

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T13:35:00.000-04:00

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

Independence Day is the national day of the United States.

It's just good to read those words sometimes.

God Bless America!

Hope that everybody who could drank from a IBEW 363 union can to celebrate!

Stay Solid, Stay Strong

Fight For Workers Rights Continue With Some Backlash

2011-06-02T20:44:00.005-04:00

The fight for workers rights continues on with various Governors throughout the country feeling empowered enough to attack middleclass workers under the guise of "cutting the budget".

Local School Boards are in turmoil trying to save their own budget bottomline. The problem is as plain as the nose on everyones face. Somehow, there is not enough money in the pot.

How did we get to this point? What happened? Is it really the "fault of the unions"? The answer to this is "No", it is none of those things.

The simple answer is that corporations pay just HALF OF THE FEDERAL TAXES that they paid in 1980 and now they want it to go lower. They helped to elect people in office who would cut THEIR taxes and leave the working middleclass holding the bag.
The blame game is on and the workers health plans and pensions are the cause of this evil. Baloney.

This is also at a time - from 1980 to now - where average CEO pay has risen over 300%!

It looks as though enough middleclass noses got pushed hard enough that there is finally going to be a backlash on these anti-worker politicians.

Recall elections have been petitioned for in numerous states and are expected to send some of those politicians packing back to the private sector.

Pay attention to politics this year - it will be very important for labor to send a loud message...............protect middleclass America or see you later.

Unions Gather In Defense Of Workers' Rights Newburgh Rally Draws 1,000

2011-04-05T18:25:00.000-04:00

Music and signs were part of a pro-union rally at the intersection of Routes 17K and 300 in the Town of Newburgh on Monday. Union members and backers protested efforts in other states to limit union rights.

The strains of "Power to the People" and "I Won't Back Down" blared from loudspeakers on a hill above the intersection of Routes 17K and 300 Monday afternoon.

In between tunes, IBEW union members, unions and their supporters put those sentiments into practice as they rallied in support of their brothers and sisters whose very right to bargain is being challenged elsewhere in the United States.

Organizers estimated there were 1,000 or more union members and their supporters lining all four corners of the busy intersection — teachers, iron workers, civil service employees, sheet metal workers, electricians and more. Horns honked almost continuously throughout the rally. This rally was bigger and more informal than one held about a month ago a few miles to the west, but its message was just as clear.

"We're here because the American worker is under attack," said Sam Fratto, senior assistant business manager for Local 363 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. "The middle class is under attack. Somebody needs to stand up for the workers. The unions are going to stand up for the workers."

The rally came on a symbolic day — April 4, the day in 1968 when civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while in Memphis to support a sanitation workers' strike. Those workers, too, were fighting for collective bargaining rights.

"The (same) issues are still here, unfortunately," said Paul Ellis-Graham, president of the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation.

The recent labor rallies have come in response to efforts by Republicans to strip union workers of their right to collective bargaining in states such as Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana. Adrian Huff, president of Teamsters Local 445, believes New York workers are safe for now, but need to stand up for those elsewhere whose benefits are in danger.

"That's what politicians want to go after — the contract and the protection it gives you," said Huff.

mrandall@th-record.com

We Won't Back Down - Spread The Word - Rally For Workers Rights - April 4th - 4:30 pm - Union Avenue Newburgh

2011-03-15T15:22:00.005-04:00

RALLY RALLY RALLY RALLY RALLY RALLY RALLY RALLY RALLY RALLY RALLY RALLY

The members of all Hudson Valley Unions will meet at a rally for workers rights on Monday April 4, 2011 at 4:30 PM at the corner of Route 300 (Union Avenue) and Route 17K in the Town of Newburgh. See the copy of a flyer below:

"WE ARE ONE" Rally For Middleclass Workers

4:30pm April 4, 2011 4:30pm

Corner of Union Avenue / Rt. 17K Newburgh

Route 300 and Route 17K - South of the Newburgh Mall - "pick a corner"

Directions from NYS Thruway:

Take Thruway to the Newburgh Exit 17
After toll booth go straight through the middle exit road to RT. 300 / UNION AVE.

Take a right onto RT. 300 south

Corners are identified by numbers......

(1) Lowes -Fridays will be straight through intersection of RT. 300 UNION AVE / RT. 17K. Take a right into Lowes / Fridays/ Michaels parking lot.

(2) Gas station will be on your right. Take a right onto Rt. 17K West to find a place to park.

(3) Diner-Hotel-Chili's on your left at light before you get to the intersection of RT 300 / RT 17K

(4) Nissan-Adams-Home Depot is straight through RT. 300 UNION AVE / RT.17K and take left at Adams or Home Depot parking lot.

Directions from Rt. 84 - get off at RT. 300 / Union Avenue South and follow above.

We are hoping to get a really large crowd on April 4th. People in the public need to understand that they are ALL under attack - it isn't "just the unions". This is a middleclass issue. This is a National Republican attack on unions in an effort to weaken the American Workers.

They think they are coming in for the kill...........

...What they didn't plan on was they have actually MOBILIZED LABOR as NEVER BEFORE.

Come join Union Members and your Brother and Sisters in IBEW Local 363 and stand up for your rights as an American.

This is a call out to EVERYONE ASKING THEM TO COME - RETIREES AND ACTIVE.

Hope to see that IBEW Local 363 well represented on APRIL 4th as we should lead the other trades and the other unions in what will surely be the rebirth of the labor movement.

Next Workers Rights Rally - April 4th - Mark The Date

2011-03-12T06:51:00.001-05:00

The next labor rally for Workers Rights - which is being tabbed as the "We Are One" rally for American Workers will be held on APRIL 4.

Plans and details are still being put together and will be finalized at a meeting this coming Monday AND ALL INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED HERE.

Now is the time to TALK IT UP - APRIL 4! - APRIL 4!

DETAILS WILL FOILLOW AND BE POSTED HERE BY THIS COMING TUESDAY.

LABOR IS BEING ENERGIZED AND IT'S REALLY TIME TO COME OUT AND BE HEARD.

Hudson Valley Workers Rally For Rights Energizes The Local Labor Movement

2011-03-06T22:00:00.000-05:00

Almost 1000 people gathered to stand up for the rights of all American workers this past week in Rock Tavern, NY. It was a cold day and it was amazing to see all of the people there. There were men, women and children, there were college students and high school students along with those close to retirement.

Thank you to Pete Seeger for joining with us to sing Solidarity Forever and Which side are you on? The answer to that question was definitely the American worker.

Sometime in the future, the labor movement will look back and realize that Scott Wilson was the catylst this generation needed to energize the existing labor movement and to preserve the American Dream for the future generations of workers.

This movement is growing at an incredible speed. PLANS ARE BEING MADE RIGHT NOW FOR A BIGGER RALLY TO BE HELD SOON.

More information to come on that soon.....check here for info.

Come Attend A Rally For Workers Rights To Bargain This Thursday March 3 At 4:30 PM

2011-02-28T12:46:00.000-05:00

There will be a rally made up of various unions in the Hudson Valley to show support for the Wisconsin Public Employees and ALL EMPLOYESS RIGHTS TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

The rally will be held at the Teamsters Local 445 Union hall on Stone Castle Road in Newburgh, NY and it will begin at 4:30PM.

If you are really not up on what is going on, the best thing you can do to really get a feel for what is happenening is to go to youtube.com and type in "Wisconsin protests".

You will come up with a large group of videos that will surely how you the struggle first hand. You will also see the rebirth of the labor movement right before your eyes.

This is much bigger than some Republican governor trying to balance his budget. This is about the Republican move to do away with unions a s a whole.

Out of Town Work Update 2-14-11

2011-02-14T15:44:00.002-05:00

For any of our Brothers and Sisters who are looking to travel we have received this info in the hall today:

WALK THROUGH
IBEW Local 613
501 Pulliam Street SW
Suite 250
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
404-523-8107 tel

6-10's $29.00 per hour
I.D. needed military base

IBEW Local 158
1570 Elizabeth Street
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54302
(920) 432- 0158 tel

6-12's - $400.00 to take job / $400.00 paid out on layoff

Level II ( Part B ) Instrumentation Tech.
$30.17 per hour
$97.00 a day per diem

Looking To Help Support The Concept Of Good Jobs? Come Out On February 3, 2011

2011-01-27T13:58:00.003-05:00

The Tech City Campus is in Kingston up for a public meeting on their draft proposal to renovate the Tech City/ former IBM Kingston. The East Campus currently has 22 industrial and office buildings with over 2.1 million square feet.

To put it plainly, the owner has been sneaking in whoever he can to do the work there. We are planning on being present that night to bring the subject of good paying construction jobs to the table and the fact that "freewheeling it" will create a price to pay if illegals and sub standard jobs are the result.

The proposed plan would be to build a multi-use development to include light industrial, office, research and development, manufacturing, educational, wellness, neighborhood retail, restaurant, entertainment and multi-family residential uses, along with accessory parking.

PLEASE PLAN TO SHOW UP AT ABOUT 6:45PM.

The public meeting will be held on February 3, 2011 at 7:00PM at the Town of Ulster Town Hall.

Here are the directions:

Town of Ulster Town Hall
1 Town Hall Drive
Lake Katrine, NY

From the NYS Thruway:

Take Exit 19 and after the toll booth bear right onto Route 28 West.

Take first exit, Route 209 North - Rhinecliff Bridge, onto Route 209 North.

Follow Route 209 North to the second exit, County Route 157 - Enterprise Drive.

At the exit bear left (Neighborhood Road North)

Turn left at the traffic light, and left again at the stop sign onto Town Hall Drive.

Town Hall will be on your left.

From Route 9W:

Exit onto Route 209 South.

Take the first exit off of 209, County Route 157-Enterprise Drive.

Bear left and then turn left onto Town Hall Drive.

Town Hall will be on your left.

Our members should make every effort to be there and we hope to see a good crowd.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year To All IBEW Local 363 Members

2010-12-24T09:13:00.000-05:00

On behalf of the Officers and Staff, IBEW Local 363 would like to wish everyone - in all of the many divisions and occupations of our union - a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! We hope we are able to help you all have a better 2011 and beyond!

Taylor Biomass Finally Gets All Approvals - Breaking Ground Monday December 6

2010-12-05T21:02:00.004-05:00

Taylor Biomass will break ground for Phase one of the project on Monday December 6.

Thank you to all IBEW 363 members who attended meetings with us to support this project over the last two plus years.

After much work, many meetings and a little bit of hope the Montgomery Town Board granted the company permission to start construction of its garbage to gas facility.

Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Maurice Hinchey, who were instrumental in securing a $100 million federal loan guarantee, will be at the ceremony on Monday along with company owner James Taylor, IBEW 363 and Building Trades officials.

The new plant is expected to create some 400 construction jobs and it should help to give some relief our Brothers and Sisters who can sure use the work and the paychecks.

Let's hope it is the first of many more opportunities to come.

Powerful Speech Supports The American Middle Class - Exposes Hypocrisy

2010-12-05T20:36:00.001-05:00

It is not very often that you hear a politician from any party get up and tell it exactly the way it is.

This speech is an exception to the rule.

These are extremely important times for working class families. Not only is the economy and unemployment doing terrible damage to the working class - the corporations are still taking more as we suffer.

Labor Unions play a key role now and will play a much more important role in the coming years. Labor is the only organized group still running interference for the American workers.

Most in the dwindling middle class are fast asleep but they are soon in for a rude awakening. The people are about to be pushed to the brink by corporate greed and organized labor will be sought after to bring the middle class back to life.

History repeats itself - you heard him say that "they want to bring us back to the twenties."

Well, the thirties followed the twenties and so did the resourgence of labor. That resourgence happened when the people were pushed down as low as they could go - just like what we see developing now.

Happy Thanksgiving To All IBEW Local 363 Members And Their Families

2010-11-24T21:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our members and their families. Take the time to spend with your family and give thanks for their love and support.

On behalf of the Local we sincerely thank all of our members for their support of the union movement and IBEW Local 363.

Former President Bill Clinton Visits IBEW Local 363 To Speak On Behalf Of Congressman John Hall

2010-10-31T18:01:00.000-04:00

Bill Clinton thinks this year’s elections in the Hudson Valley, in New York State, and around the country are “fact-free.” The former President spoke at a rally on Saturday night at the IBEW Local 363 Training Facility in Harriman to benefit Congressman John Hall.

Our local was asked if we could host the event and it turned out to be a huge success.

Our Business Manager John Maraia Sr. was asked to be the Master of Ceromonies for the event. At our October Union meeting, he invited all of our members to attend and asked them to help spread the invitation to other 363 members.

Over 550 people packed the union hall in response including NYS AFL-CIO President Dennis Hughes who gave a rousing speech.

The rally included live music by Congressman John Hall, Larry Hoppen, Joe Bouchard, playing, among other songs, the Orleans hits “Dance With Me” and “Still the One”. Congressman Hall was a member of the "Orleans".

Clinton took the stage and reinforced the claim that voters have been mislead by accusations and smear campaigns on behalf of Republican candidates. He urged Hall’s supporters to look into recent legislation such as the Wall Street Reform Act, provisions of which ban future bailouts and provide a means to ensure that another recession does not arise.

He spoke of the Democrats’ “Pay-as-you-go” system of balancing the national budget, a system that Clinton’s administration used that the current administration has reinstated.

“How did we balance the budget? Because the Congress then had a rule called Paygo, pay-as-you-go,” Clinton said. “You wanna do something new? You gotta stop doing something else or go tell the people you need to raise money to do it.

The pro-labor former President urged everyone in attendence not to believe the hype against President Obama and the Democratic Congress. "It took them 8 years to dig the hole we are in, we can't dig out of an 8 year hole in 2 years."

IBEW Local 363 and the entire labor movement in the Hudson Valley stands behind John Hall and hope to push him to victory!

Apprentice / Retiree Dinner A Huge Success!

2010-10-29T23:50:00.001-04:00

On Friday, October 22, 2010 the Local 363 Joint Apprenticeship Committee invited all members and their guests to the 2009 and 2010 Apprentice Graduation Dinner and the honoring of Local Union 363 2008 and 2009 Retirees at the Pearl River Hilton.

The invite was answered in typical IBEW 363 style with over 300 members and their guests enjoying each others company, dinner and dancing at the beautiful Pearl River Hilton.

Honoring our newest journeyman, along with our journeyman who are now enjoying their retirement, calls for a celebration and is a well deserved and unique celebration to hold. It demonstrates the connection between generations of members and the journey that is taken to begin and complete a career in our field.

There have been nothing but RAVE reviews since and everyone who attended is excited to have been a part of such a great night. If you missed it this year - make sure you attend next time - you won't be sorry.

Once again, congratulations to all of our IBEW local 363 graduates and retirees!

Apprentice / Retiree Dinner To Be Held October 22 - Reserve Your Seat Now.

2010-10-02T18:19:00.001-04:00

The Local 363 Joint Apprenticeship Committee cordially invites all members and their guests to the 2009 and 2010 Apprentice Graduation Dinner and the honoring of Local Union 363 2008 and 2009 Retirees on Friday, October 22, 2010 at the Pearl River Hilton.

There will be a cocktail party at 7pm and dinner and dancing will begin at 8:30pm. Come and join your Brothers and Sisters in honoring our newest journeyman along with our journeyman who are now enjoying their retirement.

It is a very nice combination of IBEW members to see at the same function together. It says alot about our business and our union.

Tickets are $100 per couple. Invitations have gone out to all. Send in your reservation now to have a seat for you and your guest.

Happy Labor Day To All IBEW Local 363 Members And Their Families!

2010-09-06T09:44:00.000-04:00

Happy Labor Day to all IBEW Local 363 members and their families. Here is a short Labor History lesson for your use:

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

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.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

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 just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Labor Day Legislation

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other 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.

A Nationwide Holiday

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

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.

ABINBEV MCC Workers Choose IBEW Local 363 In NLRB Election

2010-08-31T14:50:00.002-04:00

The workers at the ABINBEV Metal Container Corporation have choosen IBEW Local 363 to represent them in collective bargaining in an election that was held on Friday August 27 and Saturday August 28 by the National Labor Relations Board.

These workers manufacture the cans for Budweiser Beer and other beverage companies affiliated with the company which is now called ABINBEV after the sale of the Anheuser Busch Company to INBEV - a Belgium owned company.

This campaign started approximately 6 months ago and there was a tremendous amount of work put into this effort by countless workers at the plant and by IBEW Local 363. This is a solid group of workers who are very proud to become members of the IBEW and especially of Local 363.

They understand the power associated with having a written contract to work under. With the sale of AB, the workers knew they had to take steps of their own to protect themselves and they contacted Local 363 to make that happen. They picked the right union!

We are glad they had the courage to take those steps and we welcome them into the IBEW. There are 164 NEW IBEW 363 members now because of their courage and effort to band together to join the union and to speak with one voice.

Once again, welcome to IBEW Local 363!

IBEW Local 363 Clambake Will Be Held On September 18, 2010

2010-08-31T14:19:00.001-04:00

Business Manager John Maraia has announced that the Annual IBEW Local 363 Clambake will be held as scheduled on September 18, 2010 at The Platzl Brauhaus at 127 Call Hollow Road, Pomona, NY 10970 from 9:30AM - 5:30PM.

Tickets CANNOT be purchased at the door.

If you have not purchased a ticket yet you can still do so by mail as long as a check for $50.00 made out to the IBEW Local 363 Clambake is received in the Harriman union office by 9/10/10.

If you are HAND DELIVERING a check you can purchase a clambake ticket up to the day prior to the bake at the Harriman Office.

Remember there are NO DOOR SALES - so act now if you are planning to attend. Hope to see you there.

Out Of Town Work Update - Updated August 27

2010-08-27T15:00:00.000-04:00

For any of our Brothers and Sisters who are interested in traveling we have just been informed of an opportunity in the North East:

IBEW Local 7 Sprinfield, Ma will be hiring travelers soon. They have a couple of big switch yards that they will be starting soon. Here is the contactinfor for IBEW Local 7:

IBEW Local 7
185 Industry Avenue
Springfield, Ma. 01104

(413) 734- 7137 Tel
(413) 746-4568 Fax
ddalma@ibewlocal7.com
Business Manager Daniel D'Alma

Call Local 7 for signing and resigning information

Out Of Town Work Updates 8- 17-10

2010-08-17T12:36:00.006-04:00

We have beem informed that the following IBEW Locals will be looking for people soon.

IBEW Local 1579 Augusta, Georgia - They have a NUKE Plant that has just started. Come the Fall of 2010 they will be looking for up to 600 electricians. Here is their contact info:

IBEW Local 1579
1250 Reynolds Street
Augusta, Georgia 30901
(706) 722-6357 tel
(706) 724-9792 fax

admin@ibew1579.org

IBEW Local 1547 Anchorage Alaska - looking for men now - Must have State License - can take 4 hour code book test.

Here is the contact information for Local 1547

IBEW Local 1547
3333b Denali Street, Siute 200
Anchorage, Alaska 99503

(907) 272-6571 tel
(907) 777-7255 fax
webmaster @ibew1547.org

As always, we are constantly checking throughout the country for leads to help our unemployed Brothers and Sisters who wish to travel get the proper and most updated information.

Also, if any of our members hear of any local union that they would like us to call to inquire about work for travelers - please call Ross Olivieri in our referral office and he will contact the
local(s) requested.

Taylor $100 Million Biomass Facility To Receive Loan Guarantee

2010-08-12T23:44:00.000-04:00

Taylor Biomass in Montgomery should be able to move forward with its plans to build its first biomass gasification plant to convert trash to electricity.

The US Department of Energy has given initial approval, and is ready to give the final OK, for $100 million in loan guarantees for the project.

Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Maurice Hinchey and other politiciansjoined IBEW Local 363, Building Trades Officials and company leaders, including President James Taylor, to make the announcement.

Schumer called Taylor a visionary.

“His work with our help is going to make the world a better place,” he said.

Taylor now hopes to break ground on construction this fall.

“Senator and congressman, I would ask you to extend your invitation to President Obama and Secretary [of Energy] Chu to put on their schedule sometime around October 15, 2010 to put the shovel in the ground in Montgomery,” he told the lawmakers at a news conference at his office.

There is a project-labor agreement that's in place for this project so we are pushing for this project to move forward.

We have been working closely with Jim Taylor for years hoping we would see this project come to life. It is as close as you can be right now - let's keep our fingers crossed.

Urgent: Important Notice About The IBEW Local 363 Clambake

2010-08-10T23:48:00.001-04:00

This is an important notice to all members about the IBEW Local 363 Annual Clambake. The ticket orders for this years clambake have been extremely slow. We understand the economic situation has contributed heavily to this situation but under the circumstances we are obligated to send out this reminder notice.

We strongly encourage all Brothers and Sisters of IBEW Local 363 who want to attend this years bake to act now and send in their check for $50.00.

We have a deadline to meet in order to book the event. At this time we do not have enough tickets sold to have the bake.

We have until August 18th to have the number of tickets sold to book. We are between 70 and 100 tickets short of booking.

If you have not sent in a check yet please do that THIS WEEK. You can send it to the Harriman Office and write clambake on the envelope and makes your check to:

IBEW Local 363 Clambake for $50.00.

If there are not enough tickets sold to book any member who sent in their check will be refunded their money.

We will inform the membership of any developments.

HIRE ACT Checks Out - Paperwork Safe For Our Members To Sign

2010-07-30T23:15:00.000-04:00

Last week, President Obama signed into law the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act (HR 2847). The law includes several major tax provisions designed to promote job growth as the nation’s economy continues to recover from recession.

The “Hire Now Tax Cut” provides $13 billion in tax breaks to qualified employers both in the form of payroll forgiveness for Social Security taxes paid for qualified new hires, as well as a tax credit for keeping those employees on payroll for 52 consecutive weeks.

We have consulted with our attorneys and you can feel free to sign any form related to the HIRE Act that the employer asks you to sign.

Thank you to everybody for complying with the delay.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT "THE HIRE ACT"

2010-07-22T16:31:00.000-04:00

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING for your contractor in regard to "THE HIRE ACT" tax incentive program.

IBEW Local 363 is examining this program and we are looking into how to proceed.

Check back here soon for updates about THE HIRE ACT and how it will affect our membership.

Out Of Town Work Update 7-19-10

2010-07-19T13:58:00.000-04:00

Local Union 1316 Macon, Georgia

Local Union 1316 has reported to us that they will be hiring from Book II in the near future for some Power House work. Anyone who is interested in signing their Book II should call Ross Olivieri ASAP at (845)783-3500. Ross will explain what the process is for you to sign the book and the requirements for the resign. If you are looking to travel to this local please call Ross right away.

Local 910 Watertown New York

Local 910 will also be hiring travelers for work in their jurisdiction soon. The information you need to sign the Book at Local 910 is as follows:
Sign between 8-10 in Plattsburgh and 8-4 in Watertown. The way it works is that there are two locations to sign but one actual referral book.
Resign is 30 days or less in person, by fax, mail or online.
Call Local 910 for directions or with any further questions:

IBEW Local 910 - Watertown (315) 782-5630 tel
(315) 788-5701 fax
www.ibew910.org

As always, if any of our Brothers or Sisters in the construction division have a traveling tip they want to share or work opportunities to be checked out - please call Ross Olivieri in our referral office. We will post all information we get in order to pass it on to our members who are interested in traveling to other locals to work.

Anheuser Busch INBEV Workers Reach Out To IBEW Local 363

2010-07-12T21:52:00.002-04:00

Workers at the building on Stewart Airport property known as the "Bud Can Plant" were always treated very well by the company.

"Bud" was an All-American company then.

Now that's all changed. "Bud" is no longer an American owned product.

It was sold to a company from Belgium called Inbev - now the worlds largest beer brewer.

That's not the only change that is coming. The workers are being held hostage to promises of cutbacks that the company openly brags will line the pockets of the top 40 Executives with millions of dollars that used to belong in the workers pockets.

There are already riots in Europe because of this companys detrimental actions in regard to its labor force.

Seeing the handwriting on the wall, the workers in the Newburgh plant contacted the IBEW Local 363 and asked the local to help them organize.

These workers need a contract. There has been an overwhelming effort and response by the workers to bring in local 363.

Please support these fellow workers and future IBEW Local 363 members in their goal to become organized

Happy Fourth of July To All IBEW Local 363 Members

2010-07-04T08:30:00.002-04:00

Happy Fourth of July to all members of IBEW Local 363. We live in the greatest country in the world where we can say what we wish and do whatever we want to do.

We have rights in this country that do not exist in most countries. We should cherish those rights and exercise them as we feel the need.

No American should ever be be intimidated or threatened in retaliation for defending those rights.

Happy Independence Day!

IBEW Exposes Carpenters Rouge Electrical Union

2010-06-18T17:22:00.000-04:00

IBEW, Building Trades Call On St. Louis Carpenters-Affiliated Local 57 to Stop Undercutting Standards
June 16, 2010

...

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is launching a sweeping campaign to convince St. Louis Carpenters Local 57 to stop performing electrical work that undercuts union standards of quality, safety and wages.

Billboards have been mounted in several locations, and the message can be seen and heard in radio and print ads this week. A unity rally June 15 drew more than 1,000 members from several craft unions to hear national leaders of the IBEW and other trades.

Said IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill:

It isn’t news that the construction market is depressed; IBEW members in St. Louis are facing 35 percent unemployment. We should be working together to win contracts to put building trades members back to work and preserving good jobs in St. Louis and across the country. Now is not the time to be fighting each other.

IBEW Local 1 in St. Louis is the gold standard of professional excellence for electricians in St Louis. IBEW members are trained in five-year apprenticeships that certify them as master electricians. Members are constantly upgrading their skills and experience as new technologies are introduced. Carpenters Local 57, by contrast, did not comply with federal standards on apprenticeship programs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

More details are available at www.local57facts.com.

Rolling billboards start circulating in other cities this week, including Las Vegas, Cleveland, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh.

Building and Construction Trades Department (AFL-CIO) President Mark Ayers headlined the event, joining leaders representing the wide range of skilled craft workers that have a tradition of respect for each other’s skills and specialties.

The IBEW’s distinguished history of skilled professionalism began in St. Louis, where the first local was founded in 1891. For nearly 120 years, the IBEW brand has conveyed quality, safety and value. IBEW members earn decent wages that allow them to raise families and be key members of thriving communities.

Said President Hill:

Journeyman IBEW electricians are honed by a five-year apprenticeships unrivaled worldwide in their scope and depth. When an IBEW member is on a site, customers can be assured that the job will be done right. When you’re working with high-voltage electricity, why would you want anyone else?

With more than 5,000 members, Local 1's jurisdiction encompasses the City of St. Louis and 25 Missouri counties. Local 1 members perform electrical construction for many specialty contractors, as well as electrical work with telecommunications firms, sign companies, maintenance operations, manufacturers, automatic door firms, appliance repair shops, lightning rod companies, alarm and security firms, motor repair shops and electrical supply houses.

Local 1’s apprenticeship is a five-year program of study, including one day each week in the classroom with professional instructors. Apprentices complete 960 hours of classroom training and qualify for 49 college credits upon completion of the rigorous program.

The IBEW is an international labor organization that represents approximately 725,000 workers in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Republic of Panama. The IBEW has members in construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.

Contractors On Orange Regional Medical Center Cheat Workers And NYS Taxpayers

2010-06-11T13:33:00.001-04:00

Remember when the local construction unions were told that their contractors were NOT competitive enough with their bids to build the new Orange Regional Medical Center hospital?

Well, well, look at this one.

No wonder why legitimate union contractors prices were rejected as being too "HIGH".

The New York State Department of Labor has heavily fined THREE NON-UNION CONTRACTORS at the Orange Regional Medical Center for PAYING WORKERS OFF THE BOOKS, NOT PAYING THEM OVERTIME and ILLEGALLY DEDUCTING MONEY FROM THEIR PAYCHECKS.

Not to mention they brought in Out of State Workers to do it.

The Department of Labor announced Wednesday that it fined the three companies a total of $265,207. The workers were robbed of $118,000 in wages and illegal deductions from what little pay they did get.

It all seems pretty clear now who were the good guys, who were the bad guys in the construction of this hospital.

The ones working and building the hospital didn't pay their taxes on their pay and yet the unemployed locals paid the tax on their unemployment checks.

Thanks Orange Regional Medical Hospital for all you have done to and for our local LEGITIMATE CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS.

And thanks for showing the entire Hudson Valley and the union workers why you cannot believe the spin put on the "sin" of making a prevailing wage or that it is bad for business.

We will forever use the Orange Regional Medical Center as an example of how many contractors in the construction business submit that "lowest bid".

Remembering Our American Veterans On Memorial Day

2010-05-30T09:48:00.001-04:00

It is with great pride that IBEW Local 363 recognizes and remembers all veterans who served and protected our country.

We hope that everyone will take a moment to join with us and give thanks to the brave men and women who made the American way of life possible.

Thank you to all veterans who serve and who have served our great country.

Inside Electrical Agreement Ratified By IBEW Local 363 Members

2010-05-28T15:59:00.000-04:00

The Inside construction wireman membership ratified a new construction agreement at our May union meeting. The agreement is for a term of one year and includes no change in the current wage rates. There were a couple of small language changes agreed to and some clarification in regard to posted jobs.

Thank you to our members who particpated in the negotiations and to those who sent in suggestions and comments. We will meet again with the contractors association in 2011 to negotiate a successor contract.

Middletown "Requests For Proposals" For PLA Study Are In

2010-05-24T15:18:00.000-04:00

Back in April the Middletown School Board voted 5-4 to send out "requests for proposals" from companies that would be interested in doing a study to see if a PLA would save the district money on their construction costs for their new elementary school.

The proposals were due in to the school district last Friday May 21st. Now the board and the superintendent will evaluate the proposals, the estimated costs of the study and they will either pick a company to do the study or decide not to proceed.

Either way, it is their decision. We hope that the school board sees the advantage of utilizing the PLA for the financial savings to the district, for the local workers who will be employed there and for the students that may get a chance to start a career in one of the building trades through the various apprenticeship programs.

The next board meeting is on June 3, 2010 at 7:30 pm. HOWEVER - As of this date, we have not confirmed whether this will be on the agenda that night or not.

Please check back here for the next meeting date in regard to this subject and come out to support the PLA proposal.

Vote For Lynne Perkins For Middletown School Board

2010-05-17T15:17:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow there is a School Board election being held in Middletown. This election - for one seat only - could very well decide whether or not the school will use a PLA to build its new $60 million elementary school this year.

The subject of PLA's came to light recently in the Middletown District and there were clear lines drawn among those on the board in regard to who supports PLA's or even local labor for that matter.

Lynne Perkins stood up for the local workers and for the taxpayers and gave her full suppport to a motion to have a PLA study done to see if the district could save money on their multi-million dollar project. She was one of five - on the nine person board, who voted yes to do that study.

Now she is being targeted for defeat for bucking the Superintendent - who is NOT a supporter of PLA's, organized Labor or even local labor.

We are supporting Perkins because she is an independent voice on that board.

The bottom line is that she supported our cause - which was to get work for our unemployed members - when we needed her to do that.

COME OUT ON TUESDAY MAY 18 NOON TO NINE PM and VOTE FOR LYNNE PERKINS for Middletown School Board.

Voting sites are: Middletown High School, Twin Towers Middle School, Chorly Elementary School and Truman Moon Promary Center

Election questions? call (845) 326-1196

BIG Thanks To Members Who Came Out This Week To Middletown And Ramapo

2010-05-08T09:05:00.003-04:00

Thank you to everyone who attended public meetings with us this week in an effort to help get work for our unemployed members.

The Town of Ramapo had a meeting on Thursday night about the brand new, multi-million dollar minor league baseball stadium.

We asked our members to come out and support this project BECAUSE there is some opposition to it. Groups of people who are against it are starting to come out. We need to show that there are people who support it that want the stadium AND jobs it will bring.

Having a stadium for a minor league team is a positive investment for a cummunity and we support it.

The Middletown School Board had a budget meeting - also on Thursday night - and we attended to continue to push for the PLA.We are showing support for those who voted with us and ordered the PLA study to be done.

Thanks to those who came out to support the $60 million dollar project that will bring work for our members.

Middletown also has a SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION for ONE SEAT coming on MAY 18, 2010. This is A VERY IMPORTANT ELECTION. The Supervisor, Eastwood wants Boardmember Lynn Perkins off the board because she voted for the PLA Study and he didn't want her to do it.

We need to support Lynn Perkins for Middletown School Board all building trades unions and members need to vote for her. She supported labor and keeping jobs local and union.

Need People To Attend Candidates Night This Monday In Middletown

2010-05-01T20:50:00.002-04:00

We were informed by email on Friday night that there will be a Middletown School Board candidates night held on this Monday night at 7pm at the Monhagen Middle School.

Here is the email:

The first candidate forum for the Middletown School Board Election is sponsored by the MTA
(teachers union)and will be held 5/3/10, Monday, at 7 PM at Monhagen Middle School off of County Rte. 78. Questions will be permitted from the audience.

I appreciate as many supporters as possible who can be there.

Thank you for your support, Lynne Perkins

Lynn Perkins is the ONLY seat up for re-election and she is being targeted FOR DEFEAT because SHE SUPPORTED THE PLA for the new $60 million dollar elementary school. We need her to stay on the board in order to even have a chance at having a PLA after the study comes back.

The Superintendent and four others on the baord are against PLAs and not supporters of local construction unions. They are working hard to unseat Perkins to kill the PLA issue.

There will still be a vote on this later and we need her there. We need to support those who support us.

Pass the word. Any Middletown School District members from IBEW Local 363 who can make it should come - others can come too just to show support. Retirees are always welcome too.

Here are the directions to the school

MONHAGEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Phone: 346-4800
555 County Rte. 78
Middletown, NY 10940
Take Route 17 West to Exit 120. At end of ramp turn left on Rt. 211 West. Continue straight for approximately 4 ½ miles. (Rt. 211 will eventually turn right – don’t turn – stay straight). Turn right onto County Rt. 78. Monhagen is second school on left (about ¼ mile).

Take Route 84 West to Exit 3W (Middletown) onto Route 17M. Take Route 17M to 2nd traffic light. Turn left onto short bypass to County Route 78. Continue through 2 traffic lights to second school on left.

See you there.

Inside Electrical Negotiations To Be Held This Friday Morning In Harriman

2010-04-29T16:16:00.000-04:00

Business Manager John Maraia has announced that negotiations for the Inside Principal Agreement for electrical construction will take place in Harriman this Friday at 9:30am with the Hudson Valley Chapter of NECA. Our negotiation team met today to discuss and devise a plan of action to implement in this next round of bargaining.

Our negotiation committee has agreed to stay at the bargaining table through the night and the entire weekend if that is what is neccessary to gain a respectable and fair contract for our membership. We are determined to have our members concerns addressed and their interests protected in any potential contract that we negotiate.

We believe that our committee has been upfront and fair through this entire process and we will continue to protect the integrity of our membership until these bargaining sessions produce a fair contract.

We will keep the membership informed of any results that come out of this session.

Please continue to check back to our website for additional information and updates in regard to these sessions.

Middletown School Board Changes Gears And Votes Yes To Do PLA Study

2010-04-23T01:37:00.002-04:00

The meeting started at 7:30 PM and went late into the night with many of our union Bothers coming to the mike expressing their support for local workers and PLA's.

The non union employees were out in force - along with their bosses - speaking against PLA's and praising the board members who fought the idea no matter what positive facts and figures were brought in front of them.

The night proved two facts - we can get alot accomplished if we band together and speak out for our cause and we better prepare to INCREASE OUR NUMBERS AND EFFORTS. The anti-union crowd made an attempt to bring what they thought were big numbers but they could not overpower our numbers - this time.

We cannot ever let them produce more support then we do for issues like these that will put OUR MEMBERS to work.

At 12:45 AM - The Middletown School Board voted 5-4 in favor of doing the required study to see if a PLA would be worth using on the new $60 million dollar elementary school scheduled for construction this later year.

When we arrived at the meeting we did not have the votes for it - the tally was 5-4 against doing the PLA study.

Our efforts lobbying the board prior to the meeting and making our opinions known at the meeting itself turned the fifth and deciding vote our way.

Let's increase our efforts. Let's pass the word when there are meetings and let's get our membership to come out and support our issues.

Tonight proved it can be done.

Thanks to all from the IBEW and Local 363 who came out to help.

Help Us To Remind All Of Your IBEW 363 Brothers and Sisters

2010-04-19T21:20:00.003-04:00

Please help us remind all IBEW Local 363 members that we need a really good showing at the Middletown High School THIS THURSDAY at 7:30 PM - Get there at around 7 PM.

We are trying to convince the school board to do the study needed in order for them to use a PLA on their $60 Million Dollar Plus New Elementary School.

The Board is currently split 5-4 against even looking at using a PLA but it is all due to POLITICS within the board and not because of any factual reasons.

We need everyone who is from Middletown to sign up to speak and just walk to the mike and say these words:

"I am a taxpayer in this school district and I want and/or demand that this school board looks to see if a PLA will save us taxpayers any money"

If that is too much then walk to the mike and say:

"You owe it to us - the taxpayers - to look into this - my taxes are too high to not even try to save us some money - use the PLA"

Every building trades union is supposed to send people to this meeting but WE NEED TO LEAD THE WAY.

Google directions to the Middletown High School and come out to support a great opportunity to put some local people AND OUR MEMBERS to work.

7:30PM THIS THURSDAY - PASS IT ON.

PLA UPDATE - We Need To Be In Middletown On Thursday April 22

2010-04-10T01:54:00.003-04:00

Thank you to the members that came out on Thursday night at the Middletown High School to stand up and support using a PLA on their upcoming new elementary school.

WE NEED TEN TIMES AS MANY OF YOU TO SHOW UP AT THE NEXT MEETING ON THURSDAY APRIL 22 AT 7:30 PM AT THE NEW MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL

The PLA issue is getting hot now and it looks like our chances are better at getting the school board to go forward with approving a study to see if a PLA will be worth using on the brand new elementary school they are building this year.

WE NEED YOU THERE TO HELP SHOW SUPPORT.

Time is short and there is no time to waste. We don't know if we are going to get a PLA but we need to make sure that it isn't because of us - OR A LACK OF EFFORT ON OUR PART - if we don't get it.

We NEED to show that people support using local labor, UNIONS and the possibility of the Middletown School district saving some money.

We can't put this any plainer - it's time to get out and support OURSELVES.

Keep checking back on this site in case of an update or time change in the meeting....

.....and help spread the word to every Brother and Sister in this union and to the other trades too -

...it's time to come out.

Calling All Members To The Middletown School Board Meeting This Thursday 7:30 PM

2010-04-05T19:01:00.001-04:00

THIS THURSDAY APRIL 8TH AT 7:30 PM AT THE MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL there is a Middletown School Board meeting being held and utilizing a PLA on the new Elementary School - scheduled for construction this year - will be discussed.

The Board is split 5 against and 4 for on whether to use a PLA or not at this time. The issue has become a political fight between the sides and we need to make sure that this decision is based on merits and not because one side is fighting with the other.

Come out and show your support for PLA's, putting local people to work and investigating whether a PLA can save the taxpaying citizens of the Middletown School District some money in construction costs.

The address for Middletown High School is:
24 Gardner Avenue
Middletown, NY 10940-3240

WE NEED ALL MEMBERS TO COME OUT AND SHOW SUPPORT - those from Middletown should sign up to speak in favor of doing the study to see if the PLA will save money.

Hope to see everyone this Thursday 7:30 PM at the High School.

Update On West Point Salting Possibilities

2010-04-05T12:33:00.001-04:00

Thank you to all of our members who contacted Tradesource in response to our posting about them hiring for West Point. Please keep yourself current with them for any other upcoming work in our area. However, we have information that says they will NOT be hiring for West Point.

Professional Electric - the Norwood, Massachusetts contractor that has the West Point Prep School and the West Point Motor Pool Facility seems to be now hiring DIRECT.

We are asking our members to apply directly to Professional Electric. The following is their contact information:

Professional Electric
100 Access Road
Norwood, Massachusetts 02062
Tel: (888)732-3532 or (781)769-7767

Website: www.pecofct.com We have found that this site is currently temporarily out of service but you can check back on it periodically to see if you can apply online

For now -apply via telephone call - Ask if you can email or fax your resume or information, Ask if they have an application that they can provide to you by email or regular mail.

As always, please keep the union hall updated on your efforts to be hired with this company. If you feel that you have a chance to get hired or move further into the hiring process after you have called - please call Organizer John Sager at (845) 216-7021.

Industry Experts Agree: PLA's Benefit Construction Users and the Public

2010-03-30T00:04:00.004-04:00

The Building and Construction Trades Council reported that: Experts from the construction industry, academia and local government spoke to the value of Project Labor Agreements at a conference jointly sponsored by the School of Labor & Industrial Relations and the School of Planning Design & Construction at Michigan State University.

The conference, "Understanding PLAs", was designed to bring together leading experts on the subject of PLAs.

There was even an unintended surprise when a panelist for the Associated Builders and Contractors, an industry group that is aggressively opposed to PLAs, shocked both his colleagues on the panel - there to present the ABC’s opposition to PLAs - when he actually praised PLAs as being a “good thing.”

The ABC panelist – an attorney with Foster, Swift, Collins and Smith, PC in Michigan – even singled out for praise a Metropolitan Building Trades Council for their work on a PLA project in Michigan that included both union and non-union contractors.

Other panelists unanimously endorsed the concept of PLAs as being good for on-time and on-budget construction. Steve DiBartolo – a Vice President for Hill International; a professional services and construction management firm that specializes in helping its clients minimize the risks inherent in the construction process – spoke to the cost savings that can be achieved by construction owners through the use of project labor agreements.

He was followed by Doug Maibach, of Barton Mallow (a nationally recognized provider of construction management services) who offered a unique perspective of the value of PLAs. Most “revenue producing” projects (i.e. sports stadiums; casinos; etc.) that require a fast construction phase in order to minimize revenue loss, are almost universally constructed under a PLA. This is due to the fact that PLAs offer greater jobsite efficiencies and cost savings through the employment of a safe, highly skilled, highly trained and highly productive workforce.

Another value that PLAs bring an area is to provide pathways for local, disadvantaged residents to secure career training opportunities through the building trades’ local joint skilled apprenticeship programs.

All in all, the conference offered a ringing endorsement of the overall economic and social value that PLAs provide to construction owners, contractors, government entities, and the community at large.

Employing a knowledgable,trained, productive and safe workforce on a project is the most important component required in making the project progress efficiently.

When the public hears the truth about PLA's they overwhelmingly support using them.

Help spread the word - PLA's make Sense!

Reminder - Don't Forget To Apply For Your "TWIC" Card

2010-03-22T23:24:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder - on January 21, 2010 a letter was mailed to every construction member urging all to look into applying for what is called a "TWIC" card. "TWIC" stands for "Transportation Worker Identification Credential"

Don't let the name fool you, it is not just related to transportation workers - it will affect the construction workers ability to be cleared for work on large projects throughout the country.

Having this card or not could decide whether you are allowed to work on projects such as Power Generation Plants, Chemical Plants, Federal Projects along rivers and other projects that fall under what is known as the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA. )

Basically, this is a result of increased Homeland Security Regulations and will most likely be required in regard to ANY project near any river.

This is a Federal regulation and it will apply to both inside and outside of our jurisdiction and throughout the entire country.

For information on how to apply for your TWIC card, please contact Ross Olivieri at the Union Hall at (845) 783-3500.

Possible Salting Opportunity At West Point - Apply NOW

2010-03-17T13:22:00.003-04:00

We have information that Tradesource - a company that refers electricians and other trades to non union projects is looking for electricians in this area. We know that one of the projects is in West Point for an Out of State Contractor.

We already have members who have been contacted and have been called by Tradesource because they have salted with this employment agency on previous salting assignments. These members have already informed the union hall that they have been called.

We want every member who wants to help the local and is in need of employment to have the ability to gather information on these projects
-especially the West Point project - so we encourage you to call the Tradesource Westchester County office and start the application process.

You can apply either openly union or you can hide your union affiliation. Either way is acceptable to us. So you know, it is not considered "lying" on an application to hide union membership. In fact, it is your right to conceal or reveal it to anyone you choose.

Please take the time and go to the "Join IBEW Local 363" box on our website and READ THROUGH the box labeled "Salting". It is there that you will find the information you need to know about the difference between "salting" and just "working non-union".

If you are hired you will be helping the union by gathering information and following the direction of the local union organizers or agents and you will be making a paycheck at the same time. It is a win-win situation for you as a union member.

Here is the phone and address of Tradesource in Westchester County, NY:

Westchester
172 E Boston Post Road 1st Floor
Mamaroneck NY 10543
(914) 381-1700

Here is the link to their website:
http://www.tradesource.com/contact-us/branch-locator.html#NY

Please remember that to fail to notify the local union if you have agreed to start the process or accept a job is not salting - it is only working non-union - which is not an acceptable situation.

Please call the union hall with any information or if you get any indication that you could be hired. You can ask for our Organizer John Sager or our Sr. Assistant Business Manager Sam Fratto and they will help you with any concerns or questions.

Thank you all in advance for your help and efforts.

Ulster Legislators Pass Resolution Supporting $400 Million Dollar Belleayre Project

2010-03-16T23:08:00.001-04:00

Thank you again to our IBEW Local 363 members in Ulster County for attending the Ulster County legislators meeting on Tuesday night on such short notice.

Through direct phone calls and information posted on our new website, we notified and asked every member we have living in Ulster County to attend to show our support - along with the other building trades members - of this $400 Million dollar luxury resort to be built in the Shandaken area.

The Ulster Legislators heard our concerns and passed a resolution supporting this project.

Although there are other hurdles for the project to pass over before construction can begin - it sends a message that there is strong support to make this project become a reality.

There will be more meetings in regard to this project in the near future and we will surely be asking our members to come out again.

We need our members to continue their effort to show UNION FRIENDLY DEVELOPERS that when we are asked to come out - we can produce supporters for all legitimate projects in our jurisdiction.

Thank you again and stay tuned to our website for information on future meetings for this project and others in our territory.

Ulster Residents and All Other Interested Members: Another Belleayre Resort Meeting

2010-03-15T22:11:00.005-04:00

Thank You to our members who came out last week for the informational meeting about the multi-million dollar Belleayre Resort project. We had a pretty good turnout considering the short notice we got from Belleayre Officials.

WELL THEY HAVE DONE IT AGAIN - THEY HAVE REACHED OUT TO IBEW LOCAL 363 AND THE BUILDING TRADES AND ASKED US TO ATTEND ANOTHER MEETING ON EVEN SHORTER NOTICE.

Please make an effort to attend another meeting on Tuesday March 16, 2010 at the Ulster County Building at 244 Fair St, Kingston (6th Floor) at 7 PM - this time there will be a public speaking session and they need people to stand up and support the project.

If you are from Ulster and can come please speak in favor by just saying that the county and the people in it need the jobs this project will bring.

Too often all the politicians hear are the ENVIRONMENTALISTS. Let's let them hear the WORKING PEOPLE for a change!

Your 363 representatives will be there to speak but we need the voice of the Ulster residents who support the project to be heard too.

It's short notice - but with a great payoff in the end - see you there at 7 PM.

A Big Thank You To Our Membership For Your Contract Suggestions

2010-03-01T15:48:00.002-05:00

Contract negotiations are in progress and we want to thank all of our members who gave us their input in regard to the new contract. We can summarize the collective concerns of our members from those suggestions down to two very important points: 1) Help us to get more competitive 2) work toward preserving our pensions and health plans.

IBEW Local 363 members can rest assured that the goal of the bargaining committee during these negotiations is the exact same goal as theirs. We will be discussing the local electrical market in depth with our contractors and we will negotiate the best possible agreement that will answer the concerns of our members.

Our Committee, led by our Business Manager John Maraia, has much experience in bargaining contracts and negotiating and we are confident that we can come out of these sessions with a contract that will address our needs in these hard times.

Shut Down in Local 300 Vermont - Call Now To Confirm Availability

2010-02-24T16:07:00.002-05:00

WE just received word of a shut down in Local 300, Montpelier Vermont. According to our information the shut down is beginning right around March 1. Currently there are 40 on Book I and 63 on Book II. They will be looking for 70 workers for the shut down and expect to have refusals from many of those on the books already.

Sign 8:30AM - 3:30 PM at the hall - bring your dues receipt.
We suggest that you call there before taking the drive. With work as slow as it is across the country things change quickly. The number to the hall is (802) 864-5864 - Business Manager Jeff Wimette. Find the address by clicking on Vermont in the Tramp Guide page located in the Traveling Info Box on this site.

Here Are The Latest Out Of Town Work Updates

2010-02-22T07:00:00.009-05:00

Here are the Out of Town Work Updates and recent additional requests from our members in regard to possibilities of work in other locals across the country. Most locals are in the same situation that we are and at best expect to pick up in the Spring and Summer. We have also been asked to check on work that will be available in Haiti, which we have included here.

The best bet for us seems to be one of the closest locals

Local 236 Albany - they expect to hire a lot of travelers this Spring. If you haven't signed their book and you are interested in working there you should sign there asap between 7:30 am and 4PM (excluding lunch).

ALSO L.U. 41 in Buffalo NY Looks like they will have work this summer. The book can be signed 8-5 Mon-Fri, you must bring a drivers license and dues receipt.
S-3546 California Rd.
Orchard Park, NY 14127
(716)662-6111

Other locals with possibilities are:

L.U. 295 Little Rock, Arkansas - Nuclear One Outage in March 2010.
59 on Book I - 79 on Book II $22.84 wage, $3.75 Annuity, H/W $5.00 Assessments 6.5%
Call them at (501) 562-2244

L.U. 223 in Lakeville MA. is in the planning stages for construction of a major movie studio. To sign Book II you just need a dues receipt.
111 Rhode Island Rd.
PO Box 1238
Lakeville, MA 02347
(508) 947-8555

Local Union 229 in York Pennsylvania has a new power plant starting. They have 450 men on Book II, It will be a couple of months before they will get to new signs. All are welcome to come and sign. You will need your dues receipt to sign. Hours are 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday

Local 716 - Houston, TX - there are 450 on Book II and they are looking at Spring or Summer before work picks up.

Others we checked that were NOT as promising were:

Local 306 Akron, Ohio - 130 Book I, 125 Book II Maybe work in Spring

Local 456 New Brunswick NJ is not putting out Book II

Local 728 - Ft. Lauderdale - no work, very slow

Local 934 - Kingsport, TN - no work at this time, very slow

Local 681 - Wichita TX - there are 70 on Book II, very slow

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WORK IN HAITI:

YOU MUST SIGN BOOK II in Local 756 Daytona Beach, Florida
work is about two months away. The plan for housing workers is to use cruise ships.(There are no hotels to stay in)

As always, if you hear of a local that you think we should contact besides the ones we are checking please call our Referral Agent Ross Olivieri

Check The Official IBEW Local 363 Blog Or Just Click On The "Traveling Opportunities Box" On Our New Website For Out Of Town Work Updates

2010-02-22T07:00:00.004-05:00

We believe that our membership needs to be aware of every possible work opportunity available across the country in these trying economic times.

Local 363 is in constant contact with local unions across the country in an effort to gather and pass employment information along to our members.

Many times our members will report possibilities and leads that they have heard to us. We encourage our Brothers and Sisters to share ALL INFORMATION they hear so that we can confirm and share that information with our entire membership.

IBEW Local 363 is committed to do everything possible to investigate every lead and to help our members become employed in addition to our efforts to help our contractors secure work in our territory.

Please check back on this blog frequently for information pertaining to out of town work opportunities.

Please continue to call in any information you may have so we can verify and post it for Local 363 members.

Election Results

2009-12-10T23:30:00.002-05:00

Election Results

2009-11-05T15:59:00.001-05:00

Official Notice Nominations and Election

Aviso Oficial para Nominaciones y Elecciones

Health Care Can't Wait

2009-11-03T12:46:00.001-05:00

HC-callin-oct09

Sullivan County Election Endorsements

2009-11-03T10:57:00.001-05:00

IBEW Local 363 Political Endorsements 2009

(Sullivan County)

Town of Thompson

Supervisor Tony Cellini

Town Board Richard Sush

Town of Fallsburg

Supervisor Steve Vegliante

Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff

Sullivan County District Attorney James Farrell

Liberty

Town Council Sean Hanofee

Town of Forestburg

Highway Superintendent Dan Hogue Jr.

Orange County Election Endorsements

2009-11-03T10:55:00.000-05:00

IBEW Local 363 Political Endorsements 2009

(Orange County)

County Executive

Edward Diana (R)

County Legislature

District 1 Michel Amo (I)

District 2 Melissa Bonacic (R)

District 3 Michael Pillmeier (R)

District 4 Harvey Burger (D)

District 5 Katherine Bonelli (R)

District 6 James Kulisek Sr. (D)

District 7 Gregory Townsend (R)

District 8 Dan Castricone (R)

District 9 Stephen Brescia (R)

District 10 None

District 11 William Lahey (R)

District 12 Richard Randazzo (D)

District 13 Dennis Simmons (R)

District 14 Roxanne Donnery (D

District 15 Christopher Eachus (D)

District 16 Leigh Benton (R)

District 17 Anthony Marino (D)

District 18 Daniel Depew (R)

District 19 Michael Paduch (D)

District 20 Jeffrey Berkman (D)

District 21 Thomas Pahucki (D)

City of Middletown

Mayor Joseph DeStefano (D)

Town of Montgomery

Supervisor Michael Hayes (R)

Council - 2 Open Seats Sheryl Melick (R)

Cindy Voss (R)

City of Newburgh -2 Open Seats

Curlie Dillard (D)

Regina Angelo (D)

Town of Newburgh

Supervisor Wayne Booth (R)

Council -2 Open Seats Elizabeth Green (R)

Ernest Bello Jr. (R)

Town of Chester

Supervisor Steve Neuhaus (R)

Dutchess County Election Endorsements

2009-11-03T10:51:00.000-05:00

IBEW Local 363 Political Endorsements 2009
(Dutchess County)

Town of Poughkeepsie

District 1
James Doxsey

Town of Poughkeepsie Pleasant Valley

District 2
Susan Tooker

Lagrange
District 3
Ed McCormick

Hyde Park
District 4
Diane Nash

Town of Poughkeepsie
District 5
Rick Cerino

Town of Poughkeepsie
District 6
Gretchen Lieb

Hyde Park
District 7
Dan Kuffner

Town/City of Poughkeepsie
District 8
Rob Rolison

City of Poughkeepsie
District 9
Steve White

City of Poughkeepsie
District 10
Barbara Jeter-Jackson

Clinton/Rhinebeck
District 11
Joel Tyner

East Fishkill
District 12
Al Marotta

Unionvale/LaGrange/Wappingers Falls
District 13
Bill McCabe

Wappengers Falls
District 14
Sandra Goldberg

Town of Poughkeepsie and Wapppingers Falls
District 15
Roger Higgins

Fishkill/Beacon/E. Fishkill
District 16
Alison MacAvery

Fishkill/E. Fishkill
District 17
Angela Valles

Beacon
District 18
Ron Ray

Pine PI./NE/Stanford/Milan
District 19
Mel Eiger

Red Hook
District 20
Tom Mansfield

Beekman
District 22
Matt Hanson

Pawling/E. Fishkill/Beekman
District 23
Jason Sealy

Dover
District 24
Peter Wassell

Washington/PV/Stanford
District 25
Margaret Fettes

City of Poughkeepsie
Ward 1
Tom Parise

Ward 4
Nathan Shook

Ward 7
Gwen Johnson

Ward 3
Bob Mallory

Town of Poughkeepsie
Ward 4
Ron Diaz

Ulster County Election Endorsements

2009-11-03T10:28:00.003-05:00

IBEW Local 363 Political Endorsements 2009

(Ulster County)

Ulster County Court Judge

Donald Williams (R)

Ulster County Clerk

Nina Postupack (R)

Legislature District 1

Terry Bernardo (D/R)

J. Stickler (D)

Legislature Dist 2

Brian Shapiro (D)

Legislature Dist 3

Roy Hochburgh (D)

Legislature Dist 4

Gary Bischoff (D)

Nicole Tucker (D)

Dean Fabiano (R)

Robert Aiello (R)

Legislature Dist 5

Brian Cahill (D)

James Maloney (R)

Legislature Dist 6

Jeanette Provenzano (D)

Frank Dart (WF)

Legislature Dist 7

Alan Lomita (D)

Phil Terpening (D)

Laura Petit (R)

Legislature Dist 8

Kenneth Ronk (R)

Catherine Terrizzi (R)

John Hayes Jr. (R)

Legislature Dist 9

Richard Gerentine (R)

Frank Felicello Jr. (R)

Wayne Harris (R)

Kevin Roberts (R)

Legislature Dist 10

Susan Zimet (D)

Hector Rodriguez (D)

Legislature Dist 11

Paul Hansut (R)

Aeyiou Kazolias (D)

Legislature Dist 12

David Donaldson (D)

Peter Loughran (D)

City of Kingston

Alderman Ward 2

Thomas Hoffay (D)

Alderman Ward 3

Charles Landi (D)

Alderman Ward 4

Jeanne Edwards (R)

Alderman Ward 5

Jen Fuentes (D)

Alderman Ward 6

Elisa Ball (D)

Alderman Ward 7

William Reynolds (D)

Alderman Ward 8

Todd Langon (R)

Alderman Ward 9

Mark Halwick Jr. (D)

Town of Marlboro

Town Supervisor

Chris Cerone

Town Council

Dr. Anthony Pascale

Town Council

Rick Affuso

Town of Ulster

Town Supervisor

Jim Qiugley

Town of Lloyd

Town Supervisor
Ray Constantino

Town Council
Jeff Paladino

Town of New Paltz

Highway Superintendent

Nike Nelson

Town of Rosendale

Highway Superintendent

Carl Hornbeck

Rockland County Election Endorsements

2009-11-03T10:21:00.000-05:00

IBEW Local 363 Political Endorsements

( Rockland County)

Scott Vanderhoef Rockland County Executive

Paul Piperato Rockland County Clerk

Chris St. Lawrence Town of Ramapo Supervisor

Alex Gromack Town of Clarkstown Supervisor

George Hoehmann Clarkstown Town Board

Stephanie Hausner Clarkstown Town Board

Craig Johns Clarkstown Town Justice

Scott Ugell Clarkstown Town Justice

Paul Whalen Town of Orangetown Supervisor

Tom Diviny Orangetown Town Council

Denis Troy Orangetown Town Council

Vice President Siegel Upholds Decision to Remove Business Manager Candidate from ballot.

2009-07-14T21:32:00.010-04:00

Official Copy

Mr. James Bodrato

Dear Brother Bodrato:

In your letter to me dated June 2, 2009, you stated your opposition to Local 363 Business Manager John Maraia’s challenge to your eligibility to seek the office of Local Union 363 Business Manager/Financial Secretary. Your letter stated that it was an appeal to me, but it also said that you were not aware that the Election Judge had made any decisions concerning your eligibility.

In my June 4 letter to you, I stated that I did not have sufficient time to complete an investigation of the issues concerning your eligibility before the June 23 election took place, and that I would therefore treat your letter as a post-election protest. On June 25, you inquired whether I needed anything more to consider your appeal, and on June 26 I replied that I needed nothing else, and that I hoped to reach a quick decision.

Before addressing the merits of these eligibility issues, I am aware of that fact that you resigned your position with the CCA on May 28 and that you no longer hold that position. However, in considering the question of your eligibility to be a candidate for and to hold Local Union office, the critical date is May 26, the date of nominations. On that date, you were still the Executive Director of the CCA.

As you have noted, Business Manager Maraia challenged your eligibility on the basis of your role as Executive Director of the Construction Contractors Association of the Hudson Valley, Inc. (CCA). It was his belief that in that capacity, you were acting as an indirect agent of the local NECA Chapter and/or NECA contractors. Although Brother Maraia cited Article XXV, Section 5 of the IBEW Constitution, I agree with you that his objections to your eligibility do not represent valid charges against you, and that this section of the Constitution is not applicable.

I am not a lawyer, and will not attempt to decide whether or not you were an agent in the legal sense. I note, however, that in CCA’s list of member “electrical and solar energy” contractors, twelve are listed, of which (by your own count) at least nine are NECA members. In addition, in your Executive Director’s message of November 2008, you stated that the CCA “works very closely with” a number of contractor associations, including the National Electrical Contractors Association. You added there that the CCA would develop “stronger management relationships with each of the employer associations…” That information strongly suggests that, whatever the formal legal term may be, you did act on behalf of NECA contractors and, to some extent, the NECA Chapter itself.

In any event, it is clear from the facts I have that , as CCA Executive Director you acted as an employer representative. There are a number of bases for that conclusion.

1. In your election materials, you stated that:

“I am currently [pre-May 28] the Executive Director of
Construction Contractors Association, where I bargain
with multiple unions. I also sit as an [employer] ERISA
trust fund trustee for the Carpenters, Laborers and
Masons-bricklayers Unions…”

2. The CCA bylaws provide, in Article VII, Section 5 that you exercised general supervision of the affairs of the Association, under the direction of the President and Board of Directors. In addition, Article XIV, Section 1, provides that:

“This Association shall through its best efforts encourage
Its members employing labor at the site of construction
to designate their respective bargaining rights to the
Construction Contractors Association of the Hudson
Valley, Inc.”

3. In the June 15, 2007, edition of Recordonline.com, the writer noted that your last job had been with the IBEW but that, as the new Executive Director of CCA, “the next time he (you) sits down at the bargaining table, he’ll be on the other side.”

4. The same online new service reported, on November 19, 2008, that you had been hired by the Fabricators, Reinforcers, Erectors and Reinforcers Contractors Association as its Executive Director.

5. In the May 30-31, 2009, edition of Midhudsonnews.com, the article noted your resignation from your position at the CCA, and added that ”a significant part of that job was dealing with, and negotiating contractors for the contractor members with labor organizations.”

The above information, from you, or which comes directly from CCA and online news services, reinforces my conclusion that you functioned as an employer representative in your role as CCA Executive Director.

Two provisions of the IBEW Constitution are applicable in this matter. First, Article XV, Section 5 of the IBEW Constitution provides as follows:

“Sec. 5. No L.U. shall allow any member who becomes
An electrical employer, or a partner in an electrical employing concern, to hold office in the L.U. or attend any of its meetings, or vote in any election of a L.U. The L.U. shall allow such a member to continue his membership in the L.U. or take a withdrawal card for deposit in the I.O.”

In addition, Article XXIV Section 1 of the Constitution provides that:

“Sec. 1. Any member who becomes a general manager or superintendent, or who retires from his trade, may apply to the F.S. for a withdrawal card. It shall require by a majority vote at a meeting to grant such a card. But the L.U. has the right to require such a member to take out a withdrawal card if it so decides.”

Both of these provisions reflect the Constitutions recognition of the need to avoid the inherent conflict between the interests of employers and employer representatives on the one hand, and those of the local union and its members on the other. Your role as CCA Executive Director is considerably above the status of a general manager or superintendent.

Also relevant is Part 452 of the U.S. Department of Labor Regulations, which deals with the election provisions of the LMRDA of 1959. Section 452.47 deals specifically with employer and supervisor members who are not eligible to serve as union officers. That provision notes that the reasonableness of a disqualification from holding office “depends on the particular circumstances” of each situation. It also states that “an overall consideration” in making that determination is “Whether there is a reasonable basis for assuming that the person involved would be subject to a conflict of interest in carrying out his representative duties for employees and rank and file union members.”

I believe there is more than a reasonable basis to conclude that your role as CCA Executive Director would conflict with the interests of IBEW Local Union 363.

The conflicting roles of CCA Director and IBEW Business Manager also can be found in the revised LM reporting requirements issued by the U.S. Department of Labor earlier this decade. Employers must report on the LM-10 Form financial contributions to unions and union officers in excess of $250.00 in a given year. Similarly, if an individual union officer receives such a financial benefit in excess of $250.00 in a given year. Similarly if an individual union officer receives such a financial benefit in excess of $250.00, that benefit must be reported on the individual officer’s LM-30 Form. Under the Department of Labor LM reporting Instructions, and given your role as CCA Executive Director, I believe that, if you had taken a Local 363 officer on a $255.00 golf outing, the CCA would have had to file an LM-10 Form for that expenditure, and the officer would have had to file an LM-30 Form. This is another indication of the conflicting interests of your role at CCA and those of the IBEW Local 363.

Based on all of the above, I conclude that, under the IBEW Constitution, as of the date of nominations, you were ineligible as an employer/employer representative to be a candidate for or hold office as Business Manager/Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 363.

Fraternally yours,
Donald C. Siegel
International Vice President

Vice President Siegel Upholds Decision to Remove Presidential Candidate from ballot.

2009-07-14T20:22:00.003-04:00

Official Copy

Mr. Timothy J. Riley

Dear Brother Riley:

I have your June 24, 2009 letter to me, which you state is your formal protest of the Local Union 363 election held on June 23, 2009. Specifically you challenge the removal of your name from the ballot for the offices of president and Delegate to the Convention.

In your letter, you reference the IBEW Basic Laws & Policies, as well as Article XV, Section 5, of the IBEW Constitution. You state that, within the meaning of those documents, you are neither and employer nor a partner in an electrical employing concern. Therefore, you state that you are eligible to hold the offices of President of Local Union 363 and Convention Delegate. You also note that you have held the office of Local Union 363 President for ten years.

Based on my review of the controlling authorities in this matter, and considering your employment status with MEHL Electric Company, I am unable to uphold your protest. My decision is based on a number of factors.

First, you state that you are not an electrical employer or a partner in an electrical employing concern, within the meaning of Article XV, Section 5 of the IBEW Constitution. Your June 2 letter to me, however, describes your position with MEHL Electric as “Project Executive Supervising Manpower.” Moreover, in MEHL Electric’s own listing of its “Key Personnel,” you are listed as “Project Executive” who has “field and supervisory experience” and whose responsibilities “have included On-site Project Manager” for 20 Years. Under Job Function, it states that you “Supervise specific projects and field operations within Rockland County NY and Northern NJ.” In addition, you are MEHL Electric’s representative in the Construction Contractors Association of Hudson Valley.

Second, although you cite Article XV, Section 5, of the IBEW Constitution, the question of ineligibility of a member as an employer is determined by other considerations as well. For example, Article XXIV, Section 1, of the IBEW Constitution, is also relevant. It refers to a member who becomes a “general manager of superintendent,” and notes that such a member is eligible to request a withdrawal card. And, since such a member would be sufficiently identified with management, it further states that “the L.U. has the right to require such a member to take out a withdrawal card if it so decides.” Based on the relevant materials concerning your employment by MEHL Electric, it is Apparent that your role within MEHL Electric is a step beyond either general manager or superintendent.

Third, the IBEW has a set of Guidelines on the subject of “Candidate/Voter Eligibility for Local Unions with Employer-Members.” This document has been provided on earlier occasions to the U.S. Department of Labor. Under those Guidelines, among the factors to be considered in determining whether a member should be declared ineligible as an employer, are whether he/she (1) decides which jobs and to bid and/or (2) schedules jobs and /or assigns manpower to specific jobs. Considering these factors and your role with MEHL Electric, it is my judgment that you are and employer within the meaning of those Guidelines.

Finally, Part 452 of the Department of Labor Regulations deals with the election provisions of the LMRDA of 1959. Section 452.47 deals specifically with employer members who are not eligible to serve as officers of their union. That provision notes that the reasonableness of a disqualification from holding office “depends on the particular circumstances” of each situation. Another DOL publication – “Conducting Local Union Officer Elections – A Guide for Election Officials” – states, at page 15 that: “members who are supervisors on a permanent (meaning ongoing) basis may not hold union office.”
The particular circumstances with respect to your functions of behalf of MEHL Electric lead me to conclude that, within the letter and the intent of the IBEW Constitution, you qualify as an employer and are therefore ineligible to hold office in Local Union 363.

Fraternally yours,
Donald C. Siegel
International Vice President

PLA Legislation to be Introduced in Dutchess County

2009-06-26T15:59:00.000-04:00

From HVALF.org

A Project Labor Agreement Resolution is being proposed by County Legislator Pete Wassell and will be introduced next month. We are asking union members to contact their Dutchess Legislator and ask them to become a co-sponsor of this important legislation.

PLA's were designed by the US Congress to produce the best work for public projects at the lowest cost to tax payers. PLA's increase productivity, set work rules, work times, holiday schedules, and wage rates, they provide a highly skilled supply of workers, they avoid work stoppages and leverage apprenticeship labor to reduce costs and build skills for the next generation of our local workforce. Most importantly, PLA's protect our borders - they are the only known legal way to guarantee local (Hudson Valley) worker employment. Otherwise, public project laborers can be brought in from out of state which deprive our residents of jobs and takes money out of our local economy.

The purpose of this resolution is to set the threshold amount for when PLA's need to be considered on Dutchess County government projects. The resolution calls for $3.5M as the threshold. Dutchess County would typically see a project of this magnitude approximately once every two years. Even if a county contact is over the threshold, PLA's are only initiated if a due diligence report shows a taxpayer cost savings. PLA project's do not cost more than any other project since government contracts require payment of prevailing wage.

Four nearby Republican County Execs and a local Republican Supervisor have gone on the record to promote the benefits of Project Labor Agreements. There Republican leaders are: Adrew Spano, County Exec, Westchester, C. Scott Vanderhoet, County Exec, Rockland, Robert Bondi, County Exec, Putnum, Edward Diana, County Exec, Orange, and Joan Pagones, Supervisor, Fishkill.

John Maraia Speaks to the Members

2009-06-26T12:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I want to express my gratitude to all of the membership for your support. I look forward to your continued support as we work together to move forward and encourage you to participate in uniting the Local once again.

I am dedicated to working diligently and professionally with all elected officials to continue to run this Local effectively and always protect the interests of the membership.

I have scheduled a meeting for Monday June 29th with all the elected officials of the Local so we are already on our way to putting this Local back together. I believe it is in everyone’s best interest for us to begin to immediately look ahead and bridge the gaps that have developed.

Regrettably, I have not received a favorable response from all elected officials and one particular newly elected Executive Board member informed my office that he was directed not to attend.

I will continue to work for the good of the entire membership. Again, thank you for your support.

Fraternally yours,

John Maraia

Business Manager/Financial Secretary

Presidential Election Information

2008-10-26T11:56:00.000-04:00

I have received some e-mails that some of our members did not like the political material sent out.

If you want your insurance premium taxed and the right to choose a union taken away and another 8 years of company controlled politicians, then vote McCain.

If you like seeing the cost of living continue to rise and your wages affected – although you receive increases on average of 3% a year but still don’t have enough money for the increase in gas, food, clothing, etc. – then vote for McCain.

As Business Manager, I have a responsibility to advise you – just like I did when I bargained in Albany with the company for 5 months to get a good contract; just like the bargaining in Nanuet for 2 months to get a contract; just like sitting across the table from the contractors for our agreement and good working conditions and trying to keep our union strong.

I can only point out who the better of the two candidates is for organized labor. You must make up your own mind and vote for the person you feel will better serve you as a union member.

Please visit VoteForChange.com and IBEW.org for more information.

John Maraia

Business Manager

ORMC Apellate Court Decision

2008-10-02T17:21:00.000-04:00

We won the argument against ORMC today in the Appellate Court in Brooklyn New York to dismiss the injunction against ORMC to allow Rondout Electric back on site. We will be back in Orange County court on Tuesday October 7th for the hearing on the undertaking.

Victory In Case Over ORMC

2008-09-22T18:31:00.000-04:00

"Upon foregoing papers it is ordered that this motion by defendant Orange Regional Medical Center (hereinafter "defendant") is denied and the motion by plaintiffs is granted to the extent that defendant, its employees and agents are restrained, pending further order of the court, from proceeding with or allowing electrical work at the hospital construction project which is the subject of this action pursuant to the contract with defendant Rondout Electric, Inc."

The decision stops ORMC and Rondout Electric from doing any more work. Thank you for all your support. We still need more support on this issue. I will keep you up to date on any other decisions.

The decision by the Supreme Court in Orange County regarding Orange Regional Medical Center is a big victory for the members of Local Union 363 but it is just the first step.

We must keep the pressure on ORMC to do the right thing. We must continue to make the calls to Scott Batulis and tell him to do the right thing and put our members to work!!

ORMC's phone number is 845-342-7516. Ask for Scott Bautilis

John Maraia

Business Manager