Business Manager’s Update

By Doug Chappell

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

     As your Business Manager for the past 10 years, I truly appreciate the fact that I have always been able to count on you for your support and assistance when needed.  Working together over the years, we have made steady gains in membership and market share.  At the recent I.O. Membership Development Meeting in Atlanta , it was a very proud moment for me to hear the announcement that Local 441 is No. 3 in the entire nation in organizing new members.  Even with such an accomplishment, the reality remains that the non-union electricians in Orange County outnumber us at a rate of 7 to 3.

     At this Conference, we were informed by International President Ed Hill that effective immediately, a new Membership Development Policy for all Inside and Outside Construction Locals is being implemented.  President Hill is mandating substantial changes that he expects every Local in the IBEW to follow.  One of those changes per Hill’s mandate is the classifications of Intermediate Journeyman (I.J.) and P.E. (Pending Exam) are no longer approvable classifications; revised classifications will be forthcoming.  For your information, we have reprinted President Hill’s letter (see inset); please take the time to read it.  More specific information on this new policy will be provided as we move ahead.

     We must continue to work together if we are to turn our market share numbers around.  You, the membership of this great local, know more than anyone what is at stake.  If we want steady work and good wages, we must organize more shops.  To accomplish this, we must change the way we are doing business.  We will be working hard to put President Hill’s plan into action…stay tuned.

     It was great to see everyone that came out to our Annual Family Christmas Party.  We had a record turnout this year.  If you were unable to make it, hopefully you will join us next year.  This party is all about the kids, and they sure seem to enjoy it, as you will see in the photos on pages 4 and 5.  We also had our best year yet for donations to our holiday food drive – special thanks to all members who participated.  This year’s beneficiary of the food drive is the Orange County Food Bank.  The Food Bank provides an invaluable service to those in our community who are having a tough time making it, so I’m sure our donations will be put to good use.