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I would like to start with complementing each and every one of you that
responded to the recent Ice Storm. While many people were preparing for the
holiday season, you all were ensuring that people got their power on so they
could enjoy their holidays. We had our crews in every state throughout our
jurisdiction and without any incidents. I believe that we had well over a thousand
line workers and IBEW/NECA contractors respond to various utilities in our jurisdiction.
The work that you all did, did not go unnoticed. The people in the affected areas where thrilled to see you come into their neighborhoods, many of them being without lights and heat for days. Many of them wanted to know if there was anything that could do for you and provided many of our crews with coffee, hot chocolate, etc. It makes you feel proud when you see how doing the work of a line worker is appreciated when the power goes out. All those affected realize just what we do, while this does not happen very often on our regular jobsite. When we are called for storm restoration people are amazed and ecstatic when you turn the power back on. I would also like to thank your families for understanding why many of you had to be away from home so long, especially those of you with children. Most were lucky enough to get home Christmas Eve and I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday. Again, Thank you for what you do.
As we move into the New Year we remain very fortunate with the amount of work that we have. Most of our members are employed with a few number of layoffs, 2009 looks to be another great year.
Everything you hear on how President Obama wants to get our nation’s economy going involves us. This countries power grid needs improvements which means more work for us. As long as we are ready to respond to the call, there is no reason we cannot capture this work.
Brothers and sisters, we have been given the opportunity to secure good paying jobs for years to come and we must work together to ensure none of our customers would need to look elsewhere to get their work done.
In closing, I would ask you to try to attend your union meetings and if you do already, bring a friend or two and voice your opinion on all issues that affect you and your family.
Yours truly,
Tiler F. Eaton, B.M./F.S.
IBEW Local 104
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