I.B.E.W. Local 104 News
Business Manager’s Report
IBEW Local 104 members continued to have full employment in 2007, and all
indications show 2008 will be another great year. We have been very fortunate
in the outside branch of the IBEW while many of our Brothers and Sisters from
the inside have seen major unemployment throughout the country. I mention this
because we should not take what we have for granted. It was not long ago that we
had no work, and we were forced to travel to put food on the table.
I believe implementing The Code of Excellence not only helps our reputation, but ultimately will secure employment for years to come. Since its inception, many of you have stated, “it’s about time” while some think, it’s just another thing the International has come up with. Brothers and Sisters, our customers are requesting The Code of Excellence, and this may be for many reasons, with some being what we would not like to hear. The IBEW has taken the position that we will not let those who continue to try to beat the system destroy it for everyone else. We are the best the Industry has to offer and must protect that at all costs!
Work continues to come at a rapid pace with employment opportunities throughout the jurisdiction. I would like to thank Ernie Dechene for working above and beyond his duties in trying to ensure that all jobs are filled.
The National Grid Alliance seems to be working well. It seems like every time the wind blows you all are headed for Buffalo. This is something that rarely ever happened before. Not only do we have full employment in which many of the projects are offering overtime, and in some cases per diem, but then throw in all the storm call we have had, and as I mentioned earlier about the massive unemployment throughout our Brotherhood, how can we not think we are very fortunate. If you feel the local is heading in the wrong direction, please feel free to attend a union meeting either at the Membership Development Center (Sugar Shack) on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm, or the regular meeting held in Walpole the third Thursday of each month at 7pm. Please attend so your opinion can be heard.
In closing, please know that the goal of your local union offices is to keep all of you employed full time at all times.
Yours truly,
Tiler F. Eaton, B.M./F.S.
IBEW Local 104
