FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER
Dear Brothers and Sisters;
The spring season brings a renewal of sorts. There is new energy at the hall and lots of interest by members to get involved. We have assembled a negotiating committee with both veterans and newcomers. I asked that one member employed by Milliken, ESB, Sullivan and Merit and Eastern be invited to join Don, Al, and me to represent you at the bargaining table. We welcome Jim Hustus, Jeff Baillargeon, Jim Valente, and Ron Obrion to the table. Our first meeting will be at 7:30 am on April 17. The contractors will join us at 9:00 am at the hall.
Our newly formed PAC committee has hit the ground running. The five new members attended a seminar in Augusta earlier this month and they will be working to educate our members on candidates that support labor and working families. Please plan on attending our regular meetings for guidance on these issues and to get answers to political questions.
I have asked Al Shepard to pull the organizing committee back together as soon as possible to start a new campaign to revisit some old contacts and to implement the new organizing strategy mandated by the I/O. If you have any interest is joining this committee, please call the hall. Apprentices are encouraged to participate.
I have just returned from the IBEW construction conference in Washington DC. It was a productive three days. I met with the business managers of local 1253 and 490 on several issues, and we have reintroduced a spirit of cooperation and communication between the three locals. The keynote address from IBEW president Hill was inspiring and demonstrated that the I/O is aware of the every day challenges of capturing and maintaining market share. During the course of the conference I met with BA’s from all over New England and I/O reps from around the country. Time well spent I think.
As we move into what is normally the busiest time of the year for construction, I am optimistic about the short term prospects for work in this area. There is however no let up in the need to chase more work, so with the help of the E Board, I will use market recovery and productivity options to keep us in the hunt in the bidding process.
With the authorization of the membership, we have arranged for a picnic on July 12 this year. The location will be at Point Sebago, keep an eye on the mail box for specific information as we get closer to the date. Turn out in the prior years has been limited; I hope that you can plan to make this year’s summer celebration a part of your plans.
On May 21 there will be a special notified meeting in order to conduct nominations for local union officers and E Board positions at the Lewiston location. There will also be a special notified meeting on May 19 at The Governors restaurant in Houlton for nominations for the Northern unit. You must be a member in good standing for two years or more to be eligible to run for office. Apprentices cannot be a candidate. The official notice will be mailed to you.
Please continue to check back to this page for future messages and updates of interest to the membership.
Fraternally:
Dick Deering
Business Manager
