Riverside County Electrical News

Mark Heers
Born August 11, 1950 passed away on March 13, 2008.
Mark was a member of IBEW Local Union 440 for 29 years, Apprentice, Journeyman, Foreman, General Foreman. He had a great gift putting jobs together and being very organized. Just a few of the jobs Mark ran as a G.F. were Kaiser Hospital in Riverside, Budweiser Can Plant in Mira Loma, Westside Rock Plant at Diamond Valley Lake and the Eastside Plant later on.
Mark was the Willis Fehlman award winner for his graduating Apprenticeship class and later became an instructor.Mark was voted President of our local and served the membership well for 14 years. He attended 2 IBEW International conventions as the delegate of our local. Mark made sure he protected the members while a T-rustee on the Health & Welfare and Pension Trusts, and was a tough negotiator when our contracts were up.
He was enthusiastic for fast cars, Fords only, and loved good rock and roll music Metallica, the Eagles and Beatles.
Mark had two great kids that he loved a lot and if you needed help he would be there ready to go no matter what the task.
Thank you to all the members that were able to take time out to be at the funeral services. The family really appreciated the unity they saw in our members. They, too, knew how Mark loved being part of the IBEW; he will be missed.

Apprenticeship

As we enter a slow time here we have made arrangements for Apprentices, third year and above, the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas. IBEW Local Union 357 has offered to put our out-of-work Apprentices to work for the summer.

To qualify you must be a member in good standing, dues paid current, and have at least an 82% grade-point average for the year. If you meet these requirements and wish to take advantage of this while work is bidding in the area, contact Local 440 ASAP. We have used this option twice in the last 30 years; once for the Budweiser bottling plant in LA, and once for Las Vegas in the early 1990s.

This allows our Apprentices a chance to get experience in another local and keep a paycheck coming in, and also, helps those who can’t travel to man the work locally.

Together
Everybody
Accomplishes
More

Working Together IBEW

The Members of IBEW Local 440 have a good name in this industry across the nation for being able to get the job done on time and under budget, when given the opportunity. We hope as our members hit the road they remember they’re are visitors in another local when they do take a call.

We can only hope the Travelers in our area do the same thing and let local brothers that worked hard to organize their work, man the work.

Congratulations
Graduating
Apprentices of 2008

Daniel Anderson, Mike Bautista, Justin Birtch, Jason Brown, Geoffrey Bruner, Diego Castaneda, Daniel Doran, Raymond Garcia, James Goguen, Nicholas Hardison, Michael Jenkins, Ricardo Jibaja, Michael Marrufo, Garrett Mlakar, Fernando Palacios, Hunter Watkins. Now begins your career as 100% Apprentices or Inside Journeymen Wiremen. Make it a great one and keep up the good work.

CA Unemployment Insurance
recommendations from EDD
when applying
A claimant’s requirement to register in Cal JOBS is dependent on a seek work plan that is assigned when a new claim is filed. The seek work plan is the Employment Development Department’s (EDD) unemployment insurance (UI) eligibility requirement for seeking work and availability for work that the claimant must meet on a weekly basis. When a claimant files for UI benefit payments, it is the claimant’s responsibility to provide the EDD with accurate union affiliation and work solicitation restrictions so the correct seek work plan will be assigned, subsequently removing the requirement to register in Cal JOBS.

While it is the claimant’s responsibility to provide appropriate union affiliation and work solicitation restrictions when the claim is filed, if an incorrect seek work plan requirement is assigned, there is a potential for a claimant to be mailed a Cal JOBS registration notice and to be inappropriately scheduled to attend mandatory job search assistance workshops or appointments.

If a claimant suspects he or she was given an incorrect seek work plan requirement and was mailed a Cal JOBS registration letter or mandatory workshop appointment, he or she must immediately contact the Department through one of the toll-free telephone numbers, or through the EDD Web site to have the seek work plan requirement corrected and be exempted from the subsequent activities.
Debra Bower, EDD Representative

Inside Wireman
Wage Allocation
June 2, 2008 Inside Journeyman Wireman will see the following increases in wages and benefits:
JW wage on check $ .39 to $ 34.14
Defined Benefit $ .15 to $ 5.40
DC pension $ .46 to $ 2.90
H & W $ .20 to $ 5.60
($ .10 from wage allocation and $ .10 negotiated increase) over all this is a $ 1.20 increase for Journeyman, apprentices will receive their appropriate percentage increases.

Bylaws

The Bylaws committee has completed review of the current Bylaws and we will be sending out the results to our members for review. There will be discussion on the changes at our June Meeting .

Organizing &
Political Action
Committee May 29

Our first meeting for this group will be May 29, Thursday Night at 6 pm here at the Hall. We will review the organizing for our jurisdiction, industry nights, precinct walks for candidates, and area- wide sweeps. Your participation in this committee is vital in reaching out to the community and those working our trade.

Voter Registration
Deadline is May 19
for the June
Primary Election
Make sure all that can vote are registered in
your family

Congratulations
To
National Building
construction
Trades Council
100 years of
representation

General
Membership
Meeting
June 4
@ 6 pm

July 11, 2008
Re-Sign

All Out of Work List Books

RE-SIGN
will be In Person
or FAX

NOTICE !
Re-sign
In Person at IBEW
Local 440’s Union Hall
1405 Spruce St.
Suite # G
10 am - 4 pm

Faxes will be accepted - Phone calls will not:

You must designate the zone in which you will work: Zone A = Western Riverside, Zone C = County Wide, Zone D = Desert Area, (Zone B will be offered to all out of work applicants with no strikes!)

Fax: Must have Members Name, Card Number, Current Address, Current Phone Numbers, Local Union Number and Book signed. Must have proof of CA State Certification or J.W. Trainee Status with State of Ca., include legible copy of CA State issued Card with fax or in person. Faxes must be signed.

Fax info to 951-369-9032 between 6am and 4 pm
July 11, 2008 only

Organizer’s Report

As a fifth year apprentice, with a desire to strengthen our brotherhood I stood up at a meeting recently asking the membership to get involved. I proposed that I would pay $1000.00 dollars to the member that could get the most members to attend the meetings through out a one year period. The member would have to be present at all 12 meetings, and anyone that came on his behalf would sign under his name. During my ineffective speech I said “there’s going to come a time when all these old guys are gone and our newer members will have to fill their shoes”. I made the statement in an attempt to stimulate activity amongst all of us, especially those of us who have not been very active as of yet.

The reason for this whole approach came from being required to attend NON-UNION shop meetings! What I noticed is that even though no one wanted to be at these meetings, eventually the natural bond of brotherhood between the guys you worked with all day put a smile on your face. Then before you knew it, you had a group of guys who resented having to attend this meeting, giving their ideas and feed back on how to make the company more productive, and efficient.

My proposal was not accepted well, which lead me to feel, “if no one else cares, why should I?” Months went by until I realized that any ONE member not caring will not improve our chances of never having to work under NON UNION conditions again. Rather I would just be another Union member reaping the benefits, for as long as possible, that the fighters of our organization have fought for since the beginning. Through all the different training and advice I’ve received as an organizer, the comment that sticks out most was read to me by one of our district reps Frank Mayo, he said “You know the thing that worries me most, is NOT the Berg and Helix Electrics of the world! Rather the apathy of our members!”

Our former President Mr. Mark Heers was single, his children grown, and he didn’t have a hobby that he would ever let interfere with his month to month duties in his positions, both as President and a volunteer sitting on committees and certain boards. Marks passing reminded me of what I said, one day all of the guys that are leading our local will either pass away, or God willing enjoy at least a few years of retirement. Let’s not wait until every one passes or decides that their term is up due to personal reasons. Rather let’s all try to be just a little more active in this fight to gain back the customers who aren’t 100% convinced that the IBEW is the best choice.

The Non Union shop meetings maxed out at 150 members or so. Our local has over 700 members and the average turn out of our General Membership meetings is 85 men. TOO BAD THAT’S ONLY ON A WAGE ALLOCATION MEETING NIGHT! There is strength in numbers, the only catch is the numbers all have to be involved!

Bernie Balland
Organizer

Dispatch Rules
Due to number of members signing the books and the High cost of Gas the
following adjustments to the Dispatch Rules will be enforced June 2, 2008

Local 440’s Business Manager is Authorizing the following adjustments to the Dispatch Rules.
DISPATCH Starts at 7:30 am to match Office Hours.
If applicants obtain 3 strikes they will roll to the bottom of the out of work list upon receiving the third strike. (Book Re-sign for these applicants will be in person only).

Exemptions for Strikes added:
Applicants will not receive a Strike for turning down calls of 40 hours or less.
Vacation time up to two weeks per year as of July 1st each year. (Notification, in writing, must be received by Business Manager one week prior to leaving for vacation ). Vacations for 5 continuous workings days or more qualify. Vacations for 3 or 4 day weekends do not qualify.
When returning from any acceptable exemption, the Hall must be notified by applicant in writing. After receipt of said notification eligibility to take a call will begin 24 hours after the next regular dispatch period; if notification is received on a Monday, eligibility to take a call will be effective the following Wednesday morning.

Our IBEW 440 Organizer is Back in town!
Let’s Help Welcome him home
Master Sgt Joe Mendoza
back from Iraq!!!
Saturday May 24, 2008 From 3 pm - 10 pm

Dundee & 13th in Highland

Food Fun & Fellowship

Local Candidates come to IBEW General Membership Meeting
Members Vote to Give Local 440’s COPE Endorsement

Greg Pettis (D)
Candidate for 80th Assembly District

Pat Meagher (D)
Candidate for 41st Congressional district

Grey Frandsen (D)
Candidate for 66th Assembly District

Bill Hedrick (D)
Candidate for 44th Congressional District

Carl Wood (D)
Candidate for 65th Assembly District

Julie Bornstein (D)
Candidate for 45th Congressional District

Important
Phone Numbers

So Cal IBEW/NECA
Pension Trust 800-824-6935

Riverside County Inside Wireman Health Plan 800-736-0401

Sound Health Plan
800-314-4239 ex:4444

Apprenticeship/ Journeyman
Training Center 909-890-1703

Local 440 Office Hours:
7:30 am - Noon
1 pm - 4:30 pm

New Dispatch hours:

7:30 am till completed,
Book Sign in hours anytime office is open

Industry Nights

If you have been to the union meetings you are aware of the industry nights program.
Organizers will be out promoting our industry nights. We need volunteers to assist the organizers. To help, call and talk to Paul Aguilar for times and locations.

Death Benefit Fund

Check your dues receipt in the upper right hand corner for Death Fund (DF) number. We are currently up to number 220.
Send in an additional $5. per death fund number, to maintain the benefit fund for beneficiaries of those members who passed away

Member Up Dates

Rodolfo & Lourdes Arias: welcomed: Ruby Arias (girl) born 4.21.2008. 6lbs. 3oz. and 18 1/2″ long… family is doing very well.
Elisha & Autumn McLees:
Baby Boy: Blake David McLees
Born: 4.15.08, 6lbs 14oz.
John & Donna Lasater: were recently Married, congratulations.
In Memory of:

Mark Heers:
Passed away on March 13, 2008 from a heart attack. President of the local for 14 years. DB# 219

Roger Fromdahl:
Passed away on 3-20-2008,
due to cancer. Member of IBEW for 41 years. Most people will remember Roger as the tag team of Roger and Shirley taking care of our Union Picnics catering. Roger had a long career in the Traffic Signal end of our industry. DB# 220

COPE Endorsed Candidates
June 3, 2008 Primary

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT’S
JIM LEDFORD…
LINDA JONES…
DON WILLIAMSON….
NORMA TORRES…….
WILMER AMINA CARTER…
JONATHAN ABRAHAM…
PAUL RASSO…………….
CARL WOOD………………..
GREY FRANDSEN…………….
GREG PETTIS……….……

STATE SENATE
ART BRAVO GUERRERO……

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT’S
CYNTHIA RODRIGUEZ MATTHEW
PAT MEAGHER…………..
ED CHAU….….……
JOE BACA…………
BILL HEDRICK……………
JULIE BORNSTEIN……

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUPERVISOR
BOB CONAWAY………………

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
JOHN VINEYARD………….

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISOR
BOB BUSTER………………

MAYOR, CITY OF COACHELLA
EDUARDO GARCIA…………

MAYOR, CITY OF COLTON
KELLY CHASTAIN…………….

MAYOR of CATHEDRAL CITY
PAUL S. MARCHAN……………

Menifee Valley City Council
JOHN DENVER
JERRY STAMPER
DINA BIEDERMANN
DOROTHY WOLONS

San Bernardino County Supervisor District # 3 - NEIL DERRY

Wireless Telephone Laws FAQs

California Highway Patrol issued the following in regards to two new laws dealing with the use of wireless phones while which go into effect on July 1, 2008.

The following are frequently asked questions:
Q. What is the difference between the two laws?
Vehicle Code 23123 prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless phone while operating a motor vehicle. Vehicle Code 23124 Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device. Drivers under the age of 18 MAY NOT use a wireless phone or hands free device while operating a motor vehicle.
Q. Does the new Hands-free law prohibit you from dialing a wireless phone while driving or just talking on it?
The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.
Q. Does the new Hands-Free law allow drivers 18 and over to Text page while driving?
The new law does not specifically prohibit this, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officers opinion the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Texting is dangerous while driving at any speed and is discouraged.
Drivers Under 18
Q. Am I allowed to use wireless phone hands free?
NO! Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wdfireless phone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even hands free.

Housing Crisis and You

If you are in the situation that a lot of Americans are in on your mortgage loan, there are two banks that have been in contact with union members across America.

Chase Bank with their Union Plus program is the one we see the most when at Conventions and Meetings. They offer Union Plus Mortgage Program which is the only mortgage program to offer the following benefits to union members and their parents and children:
Free mortgage assistance
Significant savings on closing costs
No-cost affordability estimates
Servicing for the entire life of the loan
Joel Lyle is the local rep for Chase contact him at 866-610-6779 or at joel.m.lyle@chase.com.

Atlantic Home Loans was at the Building and Construction Trades Convention in Washington DC. They offer the following for mortgage needs for union members:
No Application fee
No closing cost option
Short Pre Approval service
Low Rate Refinancing
First Time Buyer Programs
They are a Direct Lender

Steve de Myer is V.P. Mortgage Banking 973-830-8722 or at steved@atlantichomeloans.com

If you do contact one of these banks please take the time to make sure the deal they are offering is good for you and your family before signing any paperwork.

Identity theft

With the economy in turmoil there is a greater chance of someone you know having a problem with Identity Theft.

Here are the most common ways ID Theft happens:
Dumpster Diving – They rummage through trash looking for bills r other paper with your personal information on it.
Skimming – They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
Phishing – They pretend to be financial institutions or companies an se spa or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
Changing Your Address – They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a “change of address” form.
“Old Fashioned” Stealing – They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank ad credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.
Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it. Call the three consumer reporting companies ASAP at
Equifax: 800-525-6285
Experian: 888-397-3742
Trans Union: 800-680-7289
Close your accounts if tampered with.
File a Police report
Then report theft to the Federal Trade Commission:
Online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft
By phone: 866-653-4261
Or mail to:
Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington DC 20580

New York Life Investment Manager
& So Cal IBEW NECA Pension

George Wallace, Administrator for Pension Trust, and Paul Sullivan from New York Life came to our May General Membership Meeting to discuss the new way to access your Defined Contribution Fund information and to answer questions on our pension funds in general. The Summary below is a response to a question. To access your DC pension info go to www.bccomplete.com or call 1-800-294-3575 automated response or 1-800-294-3575 6am - 5pm ET for live contact.

The Southern California IBEW NECA Administrative office just announced the launching of the new website at www.scibew-neca.org The Trust Funds website is a comprehensive, user friendly site to access important and current information for your defined Benefits pension Plan or call 800-824-6935.

New President takes Oath

Roger Roper was sworn into office as President at the general membership meeting in April. Roger was appointed by the Executive Board as per the IBEW Constitution Article 16 section 16.

After Mr. Heers passed away Adan Castillo the local’s Vice President acted as President until the Executive Board could fill the vacant seat. Adan was offered the position and spoke to the Executive Board about his concerns and decided not to accept the position. Adan did a great job during the transition and we thank him for his services. He will remain as our Vice President.

Roger has served this local on the Executive Board since 1995 and has always had the membership in mind when making decisions. He will serve the membership well and we thank him for stepping up to the challenges and duties of President.

Roger will sit on the following boards and Trusts as President: Pension Trust, Health & Welfare Trust, Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, Central Labor Council Delegate, Riverside/San Bernardino Building and Construction Trades Council, LMCC Committee and preside over the General Membership and Executive Board meetings. Most committees meet in the evenings and the two Trust are all day meetings once a month for Pension and quarterly for H&W.

With Roger taking the President’s seat the Executive Board will be appointing a new Executive Board member soon. Thank you Roger for your service to 440.

Business Manager’s Report:

Apprenticeship Graduation 2007

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2007 Inside Journeyman Wireman and Sound and Communications Installers. This years graduates for Local 440 Installers & Wireman are:

Sound & Communications:
Paul Aquayo, Jose C. Barba, Jonathan N. Baxter, Charlie J. Haselwood, Patrick L. Oquendo,
Anthony P. Schaefer, Joshua K. Stephens, Gerald G. Trevino, Ramon Villasenor
Sound & Communications Apprentice of the Year was Jose C. Barba

Inside Journeyman Wireman:
Roldolfo Arias, David S. Bowen, Christopher H Curran, Andy W. Egan, Thomas M. Fitzpatrick,
Jacob A. Gigler, Davd B. Jacobson, Steven M. Madden, Michael S. McCune, Isaiah Mora,
Michael R. Rosenberg, Cesar Salcedo, Michael J. Tito Jr., David G. Wallace
Elio R. Berrera, Rex A. Faesel, Marius P. Gulea, Michael L. McCoy,
Alejandro Rodriquez, Raymond M. Schmidt

Inside Apprentice of the Year were Mike McCune & Mike Tito Jr.

Congratulations to each of you for a job well done. Now comes the fun part of starting your career as Inside Journeyman Wireman or Sound & Communications Installers. Your training both in the classroom and on the job gave you the basic skills of the industry to perform quality installations. Take those skills, knowledge and good attitude and help train those coming behind you in the apprenticeship so they to can become skilled craftsman in the Industry. The last word of advice is your reputation is what you make of it. Take pride in your work, be on time and show the industry that you are a craftsman no matter what you are given to work with. Your abilities and attitude will make or break your career with the IBEW. We at Local Union 440 wish you well and once again congratulations on a great start.

New Office Building:

We are meeting with Merideth/Simpson on Tuesday June 12 to finalize the cost of the construction. We hope we can be in our new location by September most likely though October.

Our new office will be located at 1405 Spruce St. Unit G next to IBEW Local # 47. This will provide us with a new meeting facility and offices for all our staff. Currently we have staff in trailers working from their home and crowded in our current office. The new office will give us conference facilities and training rooms on site which will help with the classes for our organizing staff. Watch for the grand opening of our new office when construction is completed.

General Membership Meeting: July 3 @ 6 pm
To be held in the Small Meeting Room at the Hall.

Elections of Officers:

On June 2, 2007 the voting for officers of IBEW Local Union 440 was held. Thank you to Charles Hughes for taking on those responsibilities and tasks of Election Judge. The following are your new officers for the next three years starting on July 3, 2007:

President:
Mark Heers

Vice President:
Adan Castillo

Recording Secretary:
Dan Nicas

Executive Board Members:
John Harrison
John Hicks
Bernard Garcia
Dave Pearcy
Roger Roper

Examining Board:
Will Pieper

Business Manager/Financial Secretary &
International Convention Delegate:
Robert C. Frost

Thank you election tellers:
Marcus Blackwell, James Maynard Jr., Mike Tito Jr.

Most of all thank you to all the members that took enough interest to run for office. We had a lot of great Candidates run for office this time, and if elected every one of them would have done a great job for this local.

All officers will be sworn in at the next General Membership Meeting on July 3.

Due to other meetings held that night by the Central Labor Council, we will hold our meeting in the small meeting room on the right side as you enter the meeting hall foyer.

Officers Positions to be filled:

The President and Executive Board will fill the offices of Treasurer (1) and Examining Board (4) once they are sworn in. Until new officers are appointed to Treasurer and Examining Board positions the current officers will remain active.

NOTICE ! NOTICE ! July 13, 2007: RE-SIGN

All Out of Work List Books
RE-SIGN will be In Person or by FAX
Re-sign in person at:
IBEW Local 440 Union Hall
1074 E. La Cadena Dr. Suite # 15
10 am - 4 pm
July 13, 2007

Faxes will be accepted - NOT Phone Calls.

You Must Designate what zone you will work in Zone A = Western Riverside, Zone C = County Wide, Zone D = Desert Area, (Zone B will be offered to all out of work applicants with no strikes!)

Faxes must have Member’s Name, Card Number, Current Address, Current Phone Numbers, and Local Union Number. Must have proof of CA State Certification or J.W. Trainee Status with State of Ca., include legible copy of CA State issued Card with fax or in person.

Fax info to 951-369-9032 between 6am to 4 pm July 13 only.

Riverside County Compliance:

We have on staff a compliance officer Adam Webster that reviews projects we are aware of that require prevailing wages. This is done by information gathered by our organizers and through watching the bidding that takes place in Riverside County. Another resource is when our contractors lose a bid and the bid is so far under other responsible bids they notify Adam.

Since its inception our compliance program has requested and received public works records from over 63 contractors on over 216 projects in Riverside County. Adam is currently reviewing over 5500 pages of certified payroll, contracts and other public works information.

Our compliance office has filed charges against Digital Internet Services Corporation (D.I.S.C.) for violations of prevailing wage on the Rancho Mirage Library project, and is currently compiling all information and evidence on other violating contractors to build a strong case against anyone who continues to break the law and underpay their workers on prevailing wage sites.

When we get information on who is bidding projects a letter is sent showing what information will be requested on payroll and state certification on employees. This make cheaters think twice about bidding projects in the County.

IBEW 440 Annual Picnic!

September 8th at Bogart Park in Cherry Valley
Mark your Calendars!!!
Food, Fun, Music, Raffle, Bingo, and Horseshoe Tournament!

Bring the Family and lets have some fun!!!

IBEW LOCAL 440 MEMBERSHIP ORIENTATION:

Orientation will start on July 2, 2007 and be held every first Monday of the month.

1. The member orientation is to help you feel comfortable as members of IBEW Local 440.
2. To help you understand the value and functions of the IBEW Local 440.
3. To help you understand your rights as a members.
4. To help understand your role and responsibility to the IBEW.

You will be contacted by letter and phone we will be expecting full attendance.

Thank you,
Carl Villegas
Assistant Business Manager

COMET Classes:

Classes will begin on July 9, 2007 and will be held every first Monday of the month. Construction Organizing Membership Education Training is a key component of our organizing efforts. It is our goal to put every active member through COMET in one year. You will be receiving a letter in the mail to participate. As a member of the IBEW Local 440 it is your responsibility to help continue the education of organizing. We look forward to seeing you at these classes.

Thank you,
Carl Villegas
Assistant Business Manager
IBEW Local 440

Member Updates:

Congratulations To:

Mike & Patricia Barnum: were blessed with a baby Boy on May 4, 2007, Dylan Evan 6 lbs. 14 oz.

Michael & Sarah Blackman: were married on June 3, 2007

Regretfully we have had Deaths of Members.

Frank Mc Queary: Passed away due to congestive heart failure on May 19, 2007. Db # 209

Don Sanner: Passed away on May 20, 2007 due to cancer. Db # 210

Donald L Jackson: Passed away the weekend of June 9th. Mr. Jackson was a past NECA rep for our area & Danny Jackson’s Dad. No Db

To all our members families accept our condolences in this time of loss from all of Local 440.

Members please send in the DB contribution of $ 5 ea. with your next dues payment or by itsself as soon as possible.

Re-Sign fax or in person January 12th, 2007

Re-Sign in person at IBEW Local 440’s Union Hall
1074 E. La Cadena Dr. Suite #15
10 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Faxes will be accepted - NOT Phone Calls:

You must designate what zone you will work in:

Zone A = Western Riverside
Zone C = County Wide
Zone D = Desert Area
(Zone B will be offered to all out of work applicants with no strikes!)

Fax:

Name, Card Number, Current Address, Current Phone Numbers, Local Union Number.

Fax info to 951-369-9032 between 6am to 4pm January 12th only. Must have proof of CA State Certification or J.W. Trainee Status with State of CA, include legible copy of CA State issued Card with fax or in person.

37th International Convention:

In September of 2006 the 37th International Convention of IBEW was held in Cleveland Ohio. President Mark Heers and I were proud to represent IBEW Local Union 440.

International President Edwin D. Hill, International Secretary Treasurer Jon F. Walters, 9th District International Vice President Michael Mowrey and International Executive Committee member Patrick Lavin were unanimously reelected to their offices. Local 440 is thankful to have leadership with a vision and strength to make the changes needed to meet tomorrows demands for our industry.

IBEWHOURPOWER.Com

Take a look at this new web site for updates from our International office. It’s great!

Negotiations for the Inside Wireman Agreement completed.

November 8th at the Union Hall the Inside Wireman voted to accept the agreement with our NECA partners.

I would like to personally thank Local 440 members that worked many hours on negotiations for IBEW Local Union 440. John Harrison, Roger Roper, Mark Heers, Carl Villegas They made a great team for us to secure a good contact.

The new language on our inside agreement is in effect 12-1-2006 through 11-30-2009.

Code of Excellence language has been inserted as 4:12(a) and deals with termination for cause. If fired twice (2) in one year for cause the member will be brought before a review committee for appropriate action.

Travel will be increased for Zone B from $ 8.00 per hour to $ 9.00 per hour on 12-4-06 then increase to $ 10.00 per hour on 12-1-08

Drug testing category one language and method for testing was put into place and will start in 2007 for all members. This includes random and annual testing.

Wages and Benefits

will include a increase to the Defined Benefit pension plan to protect it from the new law passed and signed by President shrub (Bush) in DC. This new law is called the Pension Protection Act.

12-04-06 $ .45 wage increase
$ .35 D.B. pension
$ .20 LMCC

06-04-07 $ .60 wage increase
$ .35 D.B. pension
$ .10 health/welfare
$ .05 apprenticeship

12-03-07 $ 1.05 wage increase
$ .10 apprenticeship

06-02-08 $ 1.10 wage increase
$ .10 health/welfare

12-01-08 $ 1.10 wage increase
$ .10 health/welfare

06-01-09 $ 1.30 wage increase

11-30-09 $ .25 wage increase

Trainee Classification and Portability language were also included in this new agreement under Letter of Intent. (see next)

IBEW Local 440 Riverside County,
Letter of Intent to establish
Trainee Classification for Private Work:

Trainee: Wage per hour
$ 10.00 rate, includes NEBF

Job Description: Trainees may handle, receive, separate and stage material for job site disbursement, deliver materials and related tools from shop and suppliers to job sites. Trainees may distribute materials and tools to work areas on private job sites only.

When first or second year apprentices are not available through the Union Hall, trainees may perform the duties of the first year apprentices on private job sites. As soon as apprentices become available through the Union Hall, trainees may be removed from working on job sites at Business Managers discretion.

Trainees shall not work with live circuits and must work under the supervision of a journeyman wireman (except when distributing Materials). When operating any vehicle the trainee must hold on his/her person a current license for said vehicle/equipment at the time of operation.

Quarterly reviews of each trainee shall be submitted to IBEW L.U. 440 on performance and training completed or currently attending. Upon completion of first quarterly review trainees shall apply for membership with IBEW Local Union 440.

Tool list shall be as follows:

Knife
Rule or Tape (not to exceed 30’)
Claw Hammer
Pliers (cutting- lineman type)
Hacksaw
Channel Lock (not to exceed #430)
Tool Pouch
Screw Drivers (1-straight blade,
1-philipsnot to exceed 8”)

Working dues of 1% to Local Union

Portability
between IBEW Locals
signed to this Letter of Intent:

The following language,
is to be included in the
Collective Bargaining Agreement,
Regarding Substance Abuse.

nSection 11.01. The dangers and costs that alcohol and other chemical abuses can create in the electrical contracting industry in terms of safety and productivity are significant. The parties to this Agreement resolve to combat chemical abuse in any form and agree that, to be effective, programs to eliminate substance abuse and impairment should contain a strong rehabilitation component. The local parties recognize that the implementation of a drug and alcohol policy and program must be subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Such policies and programs must also be administered in accordance with accepted scientific principles, and must incorporate procedural safeguards to ensure fairness in application and protection of legitimate interests of privacy and confidentiality. To provide a drug-free workforce for the Electrical Construction Industry, each IBEW local union and NECA chapter shall implement an area-wide Substance Abuse Testing Policy. The policy shall include minimum standards as required by the IBEW and NECA. Should any of the required minimum standards fail to comply with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations, they shall be modified by the local union and chapter to meet the requirements of those laws and regulations. (Once the policy with regards to implementation is approved notice will be sent to all members.)

Members Update:

Italiana Thank you from City Councilman Dom Betro;

Joe Mendoza, Joe Serticchio, Phillip Rindone and Son, Paul Aguilar for helping out at the Italian Festa in Riverside on October 22. This was the second year we have done the lighting and power for this event.

Death of Members

Michael McKinney: passed away on 10-19-06 due to cancer on the brain caused from skin cancer originally.
DB # 206

Shirley Fromdahl: Passed away on 10-15-06 due to a heart attack. Shirley is the wife of Roger Fromdahl and was our caterer at our annual Picnic and special events for the past 10 years. Shirley was considered a Honorary member because of her commitment to the IBEW family/friends and her own family.

To all our members families accept our condolences in this time of loss for us all.

Members, please send in the DB contribution of $ 5ea, with your next dues payment or by its self as soon as possible.

NOVEMBER Elections:

We are stuck with Arnold for 4 more years so expect a call to fight what ever ANTI Union –ANTI Labor initiatives his office will come out with during these next 4 years; it will be a fight.

We did well in most other areas of the election and thank you to those that helped out in the various campaigns in our communities.

International Dues Increase:

On 01-01-2007 there will be a dues increase of $ 1.70 per month to all members. This will increase the basic monthy dues to:

Journeyman Wireman $ 25.90 monthly

Sound and Communications $ 23.90 monthly

Apprentices $ 23.90 monthly

There will be $ 1.00 increases on International Dues annually from 01-01-2008 through 01-01-2011 these increases were put in place at the 37th International Convention.

The future increases will be spit between International Dues and the International Pension Plan. To cover the cost of additional International Organizers for District Organizing throughout the IBEW and to build up the I.O. Pension Fund.

Holidays:

Thanksgiving Day November 23
Day after Thanksgiving November 24
Christmas Eve December 24
Christmas Day December 25
News Years Day January 1

Day after Christmas and New Years Eve are optional days on the inside wireman agreement. If worked they are at regular straight time per hour. The Union Hall office will be closed on these optional days.

All other holidays are Double time if Worked.

Journeyman Wireman & Certification Requirements:

December 1, 2006, Wiremen (as Journeyman) will not be dispatched from this hall to work without a California State Certification for General Journeyman Wireman. If you do not take the test, you’re required to file with the State as a Trainee to be able to work. Journeyman Trainees can file for this classification by being registered at an approved Community College, Riverside Community College has this approval. Without the State Certification or the Trainee Status certified by the State, Journeymen will not be dispatched by this Hall.

Inside Wireman Wage Allocation

Starting Dec 5, 2005

Wage increase Journeyman Wireman $ 31.59 increase of $ .55 per hour
Defined Contribution increase to $ 2.00 increase of $ .20 per hour
Health & Welfare increase to $ 5.05 increase of $ .05 per hour

Sound & Communications Wage Allocation

Wage increase Sound Installer $ 23.78 increase of $ .70 per hour
Health & Welfare increase to $ 4.30 increase of $ .20 per hour

Re-sign for all books and all classifications
Will be held here at the hall
In Person
10 am to 4 pm on January 13, 2006

Faxed Re-sign
6 am to 4 pm
Faxes will be accepted the day of re-sign only!
The following information must be on your fax:
Your Name, Home Local Number, Card Number, Date signed the Out Of Work List, Your current Address, Current Phone numbers and Your Signature. Fax # 951-369-9032

Why Vote against Prop 75?

If you’re a member of the Auto Club (AAA) the government does not require them to get signatures, maintain them on file, report them to the Secretary of States office who will be required to post those names on their website in order to financially support propositions or politicians who supports their positions

Sure you don’t have to be a member of the Auto Club, but if you want the services they provide you must pay for membership - dues they call them.

Handcuffs

The tool of choice for Prop 75 backers. If you happen to agree with your unions need to support causes and candidates that support our needs you will be required to do the following:

Annually provide your signature affirming support for issues and candidates
Your signature must be reported to the state agency in charge of public elections and posted on their website.
All signatures must be validated and kept on file at the local for six years.

There seems to be a great deal of effort to circumvent our democratic process where members meet, cast their votes, and the local union administers the will of the majority.

Why does the government want your signature reported to them?

Your dues are generally tax deductible. Your signature gives the local the right to give a portion of dues for political purposes. Your portion as approved with your signature may be deemed a non-deductible tax liability!

Are we Affected at Local 440?

Public employee unions are required to do this. 440 may qualify - many members have worked as casual employees for the state of California (IDL-Forestry). It only takes one member to qualify as a public employee union.
Are Unions being signaled out?

Yes, no other group, association, club or coalition is required to provide signatures to affirm support of issues or politicians only unions.

They claim that since employees in unions are required to be members this safeguard is necessary. Does this make sense?

No, any union member working under a contract with a union security clause can opt out of paying any portion of dues that go for anything other than negotiations, grievance handling, organizing and contract administration core cost. It’s been law for many years.

When the backers of Prop 75 claim to be here to help union members from “abuse from labor bosses” consider who they are:

Not consumer groups
Not employee or member rights activists
Not even union members themselves

Who they are:

Right wing union busting coalitions representing big Business

Congratulations to the following members:
Juan & Maria De La Cruz: were blessed with a baby boy Abraham 10 lbs. 5 oz.

Kosuna & Kellye Williams: were blessed with a baby girl on 8-31-05 Olivia 7 lbs. 14 oz.

Mike & Patricia Barnum: were married on 11-12-05

Richard & Laura Riboni: were blessed with a baby girl Jessica Kristin on 10-7-05

Illness/Disabled Members

Mike Mc Kinney is home resting from surgery and doing fine.

Doreen Dornet: is home recovering she has been out for sometime now we hope to see her back soon.

Clint Squire: is still fighting an illness that developed at the Mountain View Power Plant. He is at home recovering.

Henry Urbanski: is fighting cancer he is currently at home.

Lemont Vann: is fighting cancer he is currently home at this time .

Bobby Carter: was in the hospital for treatment he is back home now.

We wish all our members a speedy recovery.
To our members if you are down due to illness or disabled let us know if there is anything we as members can do for you.

55 Year Pin
John T. Johnson

50 Year Pin
Wayne L. Mauldin & Fillip Thorstensen

45 Year Pin

Stuart Calder
Dean F. Isenberger
Floyd T. Johnson Sr.
Raul A. Madril
Kenneth W. Pentoney
Rolland J. Thomas
William M. Thomas
Jerry R. Willsey

40 Year Pin

Edgar Hoffmann
Kenneth R. Lynch
Author T. Silkwood

35 Year Pin

Guillermo C. Felix
Stephen F. Jewell
James E. Kringel
Robert E. Rideout
Elmo H. Thibodeaux Jr.
Frank Valdivia
James M. Yount
Vern A. Ziska

30 Year Pin

Richard Chaffins III
Glenn C. Charleston Jr.
Danny L. Jackson
John V. Ratkowiak

25 Year Pin

Robert K. Anderson
Kurt D. Brunenkant
Joe Calleros
Larry E. Davenport
Daniel A. Faust
Stanley L. Garcia
Thomas A. German
Howard R. Ham
Mark W. Haro
Mark D. Heers
George E. Hostutler
Charles W. Hughes
Stephen J. Kadella
Robert Perez
Roger D. Ralls
Dennis W. Thornton
Charles H. Wheat

20 Year Pin

Alan B. Bertschinger
Bob G. Carson
Mark E. Denning
Brett C. Moody
Chuck D. Walling

Year pins are awarded for continuous membership in the IBEW through your International Dues.

Congratulations to all the members that are being recognized at this years Christmas Party and Pin Awards Ceremony.

It is an honor to recognize those that have made a commitment to be members of local union 440 and making a career with the IBEW. To those that put extra effort by getting involved and serving as officers, Thank You.

Election Day November 8
**Veterans Day November 11
**Thanksgiving November 24
**Day After Thanksgiving November 25
Union Meeting December 7
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 7
**Christmas Day &
Hanukkah begins at sundown December 25
**Day After Christmas December 26
**New Years Day January 1, 2006
**Day After New Year’s January 2, 2006

** Due to Christmas and New Year’s day falling on a Sunday, the day after is recognized as the day off if worked these days are double-time days for all hours worked.

December 10, 2005
Saturday
Retiree’s Luncheon
Lunch will be provided for our
annual meeting for retirees
11:30 am till 1:00 pm

Bounce House
Refreshments will be provided

RE-SIGN will be held on April 8, 2005 for all Out of Work Books for All Classifications

In person times are from 10am to 4 pm on Friday April 8, 2005 at the Hall

Faxes will be accepted from 6 am till 4 pm on Friday April 8, 2005

Faxes should contain the following information to qualify for re-sign:
Your Name, Book you are currently signed to, Date Signed, Classification, Local Union number, Current Phone Number and your Signature.
(imporperly filled out faxes will not be accepted for re-sign)
If for some reason you miss re-sign either in person or by fax it will be your resposibility to come in the following week or as soon as possible to sign the Out of Work list to be available for dispatch.

Our JATC - NECA Chapter - IBEW Locals 440 & 477 held a Market Recovery Workshop for all apprentices and journyman at teh Radisson Hotel in San Bernardino on March 3, 2005.

We had in attendance 250 rank and file members of Locals 440 & 477 along with a few Contractors and the NECA Board members. Mark Breslin lays it on the line on how each and every member and contractor has a stake in making sure that the product we sell and produce is nothing but quality craftsmanship done in a professional manner by all involved. He gets a little personal as to what each individual should be responsible for and why we should be proud to be of the best trained organization in the world for the Industry we chose as a profession. He gets some good interaction going with those in attendance to drive home the message that the future is in our hands and no one else can be to blam. The IBEW & NECA have the best training established since 1941 for apprentice training and continuous training available for our Journeyman Wireman and Sound Installers.

This years NECA/IBEW Video-Data-Voice conference will be held in New Orleans in conjunction with the NECA Convention.

For our Contractors this is the best place to send your personnel to up grade skills on the latest software, Systems and installations certification courses. This conference brings the Distributors and Contractors together to show off the lastest technologies in the Video-Data-Voice industries. Go to www.VDVexpo.org for more details dates and times.

Up grades to the Sound Apprenticeship classrooms have been authorized to purchase new Close Circuit TV equipment, Alarm Systems and Distribution Racks for Data and Voice installations. This is another step to improve hands on training in a classroom environment for our installers and apprentices. Improving their skills for our signatory contractors and their customers.

Statistics as of 1/21/05

General Journeyman Wireman Exam
Test Given = 11, 644 passing = 10,223

Fire/Life Safety
Test Given =911 passing = 710

Residential Wireman
Test Given = 615 passing = 287

The Dead line for having your General Journeyman Electrician Certification is June 30, 2005

If you have not yet applied for your exam test date it is taking the state 10 -12 weeks to process applications. Do not hesitate any longer if you have not been certified. A large number of our Journeyman have taken the test and done well on it. The Code Review being done at the training center is the best way to prepare for this exam. Call the Training Center for details on class times and dates at 909-796-9340.

Last year we had a softball team o f 440 members that participated in four seasons of the Riverside Major League Softball Association. With this experience they entered the IBEW 9th District Softball Tournament for the first time in years. This proved to be a great experience for all those members that participated.

We will be starting up a new season in March and plan to participate in the IBEW Tournament again in Oakland date to be announced. So If you are a player and want to be on the team contact Carl Villegas at the Hall to secure a spot on the team.

One year ago today we had just finished our Inside Wireman’s Contract upon receipt of the C.I.R. decision.

The Year since has been incredibly busy!

National Primary & Local Elections
National Elections
Local Union Officer Elections
Established a Joint IBEW/NECA Organizing Committee (for Top Down organizing)
Finalized the MWD PLA for Lake Skinner, Diamond Valley Lake Museums & Recreational Areas and the San Diego Pipeline
Fought for a PLA, and against T.I.C., at the Riverside 96 Meg Power plant with a good member turn out
Hired Chuck Mc Daniel to increase Top Down organizing activities in the local, specifically the Desert area
Held the First Annual Inland Empire LMCC Golf Tournament to raise funds for the Loma Linda Pediatric Dialysis Unit
Established the “Residential Round Table” Meetin with numerous Residential contractors to reorganize the Residential Industry
Held the First Annual Local 440 Organizing Conference
Went on line with our new www.IBEW440.org website
Transitioned to our new Helath & Welfare Administrator
Incorporated newly required D.O.L. LM2 reproting procedures including the search and hiring of a new Auditing Firm
Began the Helix Task Force Campaigns
Negotiations for the 9th District So.Cal Addendum for Sound and Communications Agreement -C.I.R. Decision

As we enter the New Year we will:

Negotiate to secure a PLA with Tri-Millennium Development for a hotel project in Cathedral City
Work to increase our image and standing in the community by working with Chambers of Commerce, City Councils, County Supervisors, College Campuses (UC’s, Cal State, Jr Colleges), Charitable organizations and Political leaders.
Increase top down organizing activities
Increase Marketing and IBEW/NECA meetings with Contractors, Developers and General Contractors
Negotiate and implement a local-wide substance abuse testing program for a Drug Free Workforce
Develope a Code of Excellence Program
Stress professionalism, productivity, positive attitudes, training and accountability from Management to Apprentices to Journeyman Wireman to Sound & Communication Installers & Technicians.

I would like to personally thank all of you for your help. We accomplish nothing separately but together we can gain market share, work opportunities, pride, greater wages, benefits and conditions.

From the STAFF of IBEW Local Union 440

Connie, Corine, Chuck, Carl,Bob & Bill

After three months of negotiations the Sound and Communications Divisions Agreement was Settled through the Council of Industrial Relations (CIR) with the following wage increases over three (3) years. Other language changes were made that will be released once the wording is reviewed by the negotiating parties. As for the wage increases they are as follows:

November 29, 2004 increase to Installers Classification of $ .90 on the check = $ 23.08 per hour
December 1, 2005 increase to Installers Classification of $ .70 to Wages & $ .20 to Health plan
December 1, 2006 increase to Installers Classification of $ .65 to Wages, $ .20 to Health plan,
$ .05 Education Fund

The New agreement will be made available once it has been approved by the negotiating committee.