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April 2007

April this year was sure acting more like March, what with the snow and rain, but it now appears we will be heading towards a more seasonal weather pattern. I hope everyone "survived" the tax season and are well on their way to a great 2007.

The month started out with negotiations with Sears for our almost "200" soon to be new members. It should be noted here that April also saw the completions of these negotiations and after the hoped for "ratification" of a "Brand New and Improved" Sears Agreement on the evening of May 20, 2007, will be the dawning of a new era in I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 with the addition to our Union of the Sears Unit. Congratulations go out to Henrietta Kelly-Sperry, our Negotiations Committee and I.O. Rep.- Deb Harget for their hard work in making all the pieces finally fit, and moving this endeavor forward. I am sure Henri will be giving a more detailed "look" at the agreement and actions leading up to this point on her webpage and at the General Membership Meeting.

Speaking of Negotiations, in April, we have once again enter into contract negotiations with our I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 members who are employed with "Gorden Sign". At present it is just the "tip of the iceberg" so to speak, with the initial meeting past, and opening letters exchange. The next negotiations session will be Monday, May 14th. at the offices of Mountain States Employers Council (1799 Pennsylvania Ave.).

In April (April 6th.) Representatives from the A.F.L.-C.I.O., Colorado Building Trades and I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 (myself included) met with the Honorable Colorado State Senator- Ken Salazar, to discuss the "Employee Free Trade" Act, as well as, other issues with respect to all working people in Colorado. It was a productive visit, and the Senator has promised to continue our discussions in the future for the improvement of all working people's lives.

In Memoriam I would like to take up a little space on this webpage to relate the "passing" of another of our retired members. Brother Don Ayers was sent to his final resting place by friends, family and I.B.E.W. members on Monday, April 9, 2007. It was just a matter of several days earlier that Rudy Nollenberger, Phil Abeyta and I had the distinct honor of presenting Brother Don his "60 year" I.B.E.W. Pin with family and friends present. The Letters of acknowledgement on this "long term" membership from I.P.- Edwin Hill, I.V.P.- Ted Jensen as well as photographs of the "Pin" presentation were proudly on display at the services. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Don's Family, as well as the all too many retired members and their families as we mark, and watch the passing of what has been describe as the "Greatest Generation."

The "Strategic Planning" Meetings continue with the Membership Development Dept. of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68. Long term plans and goals are being formulated with the greatly appreciated input of Dave Risser and Rory Berumen at the Apprenticeship, Ramon Vera as an I.B.E.W. Eighth District Organizing Rep., Rick Baer from the I.O.Staff of I.V.P. Ted Jensen and the many ideas and plans set forth by your Local # 68 Agents and Organizers. Eighth District Quarterly Organizing Conferences are one of the immediate plans scheduled for introduction. Quarterly Meetings of Organizers throughout the Eighth District and Nation were a standard in I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 in the "mid to late 90's", those very productive meetings somehow had fallen along the wayside. What with the increase throughout the West of energy production, in gas, oil and renewable's, the "shrinking" workforce and expanding needs for numbers of qualified craftsmen, jurisdictional lines and trade jurisdiction on a map can get blurred. More and more Local Unions and their Business Managers and Reps. have meet to initiate "Letters/Memorandums of Understanding" to capture industries and work that travel when and where ever those projects might be. To this end, various I.B.E.W. Locals need to have our Agents/Organizers knowledgeable of not just what happens in our "backyards", but throughout the West. The Quarterly Meetings will help to insure such progress, as has been already made, will continue in our district and in areas beyond.

I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 has entered into just such agreements with I.B.E.W. Locals # 12-Pueblo, 113-Colorado Springs and # 969- Grand Junction, CO. on Mountain Projects, our Local Railroad Local- # 708 for work in railyards and railroad right-of-ways, # 322- Casper and # 415- Cheyenne, WY., # 969- Grand Junction, once again and # 611- Albuquerque, N.M. (anybody else besides me have trouble spelling Albuquerque off the top of their head?) on Gas lines and Compressor Projects. I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 shares trade jurisdiction with # 111-Denver (Outside) -on Traffic Signal, and on past projects like "T-Rex", as well as, on future projects like "FasTracs" and, I am proud to report, as of this April- "Windturbine" Projects.

I would like to offer a special thank you at this time to Mike Byrd, Business Manager of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 111, his Agents Shawn McCarvel and John Vogel, as well as our own Curt Hawley for their cooperation, understanding and just plan -"hard work" in crafting a "Windturbine" Agreement that has removed work from an under performing non-union competitor of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68, and placed that work squarely in the hands of, not only our members, but members of all I.B.E.W. Locals. At present,the signatory contractor to this newest memorandum is Rosendin Electric, in the future, it is hoped that other Electrical Contractors will be performing such work with our two locals, into the future in Colorado.

Thanks in the greatest part, to the wisdom in increasing working dues, skill and productivity of our members, I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 has been able to gain work on a number of projects as of late. Mentioned in the previous paragraph, on "Wind Turbines", but other projects of note captured in the bidding process recently include "1515 Wynkoop"- a Highrise Building with "Dynalectric", Lutheran-Exempla Hospital - Sturgeon Electric, Aurora Reservoir/Water/Waste Water Project - Mc Dade-Woodcock, "1600 19th. St."- another highrise project captured by the utilization of pension trust investment monies, (we do not know the successful bidder, as of yet, but our pension fund investment assures an all union bid list and a "Code of Excellence" project).

Other projects are in the "pipeline" such as "Teatro", a multi use project nearby to the soon to be brand "new version" of, "Union Station", again - "Dynalectric", St.Anthony's Hospital is "off" the drawing boards, and in the estimator's hands for a September 2007 start. Our Voice/Data/Video members are engaged in a large I.T. Project successfully bid by Sturgeon Electric (March) with the use of a "Memorandum of Understanding" similar to the Inside "M.O.U.". This I.T. Project at C.U. Boulder holds the hope of capturing additional work at the campus for our V/D/V membership.

During the week of April 16-21, 2007, I along with other Representatives of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 were able to spend some very productive time in St. George, Utah at our Eighth District Progress Meeting. There were a large array of topics and subjects brought to our attention, beginning with opening statements by International President- Ed Hill, International Secretary/Treasurer-Jon F, Walters, and International Vice President- Eighth District-Ted Jensen.

Training and workshops were conducted throughout the week, but the "highlight", at least in my mind was a final night- Reception and Dinner, sponsored by the I.V.P. and Staff of the Eighth District to thank, honor and say "good bye" to Rick Baer, before his upcoming and well deserved retirement as an I.O. Rep. for the District. It probable goes without saying, but Rick was a very well known face and name to the past and present Officers, Staff and members of the Local. Having probable trained, conducted meeting, while getting to meet and know almost each and every member of the Local Union through our "C.O.M.E.T.", "Code of Excellence" for Members, as well as the Eighth District's- "Stewards" Training programs. Rick always was there to "put on" specialized training, in "Backloading" for our Assessment Committee, Staff and Executive Board-"Code of Excellence" and "Grievance Handling" for Stewards and Staff.. Rick has been a Brother, friend and mentor at one time or another to generations of I.B.E.W. members throughout the State of Colorado, and as our I.B.E.W. name states- Internationally. We know Rick is not going to just disappear, still we know in retirement he will not be the ever present Brother as in the past. I know we all wish him well as he moves onto another chapter in his life. We thank his wife, Connie, as well as his children for letting us have such easy access to him for so long.

The evening of April 21, 2007, I had the distinct honor of representing I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 at the 100th. Anniversary Celebration of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 354- Salt Lake City, Utah. Graciously hosted by Business Manager- Todd Miller and his Staff, Officers and Agents it was held in the Grand America Hotel/Convention Center in downtown S.L.C. The Charter for Local Union # 354 naturally represents a signing date of April 1907. In addition to surviving (2) two World Wars, the "Great Depression", upturns/downturns, "Reagonomics", 2001-2004 being a moment in time, (second only to the depression) and now the present occupant of the Whitehouse. (Not to take away anything from those same conditions that I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 has endured in the same moments in history). Salt Lake City also endured the Reid-Murphy split in the early days of our Brotherhood, to outlast and outshine many Corporations demise (Enron/Adelphia-for example) and other Local Unions that have since faded into the history books. Congratulations to Todd and all members of this outstanding Local Union on their 100th. Birthday.

I had barely let my own feet land on Colorado soil again when I was off to Silver Springs, Maryland to the A.F.L.-C.I.O.'s -"Leadership Institute" at the National Labor College. (April 23-27/2007) I had received an invitation to attend the training and presentations at this "World Class" facility. (Attention: the National A.F.L.-C.I.O. paid for the training and lodgings for my attendance). I was truly honored and appreciative to attend this worthwhile training. As Union members in Colorado know, who have read the newspaper or listened to the radio, we have had our own issues to contend with recently in our State Federation, and I am hopeful, after this recent training that I, as your Business Manager, can help us all through this "speed bump" and onto a more positive future for our State Fed.

While at the training, I was also fortunate to visit our National A.F.L.-C.I.O. Headquarters in Washington. D.C., just a "stones throw" away from the White House. ("Stones throw" is a figure of speech, and in no way should be interpreted as a threat to the present occupant.) It truly is in a remarkable place in D.C. and is very much in any individual's mind as a great place in the history of Labor, organized or not.

While at the Headquarters, I had the distinct honor, along with the other Denver and Colorado Delegates of a private meeting with A.F.L.-C.I.O. President- Jon Sweeney, and Colorado's special friend- Linda Chavez-Thompson. These top Representatives also have great concerns with keeping the momentum and progress that we have achieved locally moving forward just as successfully into the future. President Sweeney, himself, had just recently returned from a Colorado visit with newly elected Governor- Bill Ritter. This visit was used to express his concern about the recent veto of H.B. # 1072, as well as the hope for moving future legislative actions to signing by the Governor, that will be for the betterment of all working people.

The A.F.L.-C.I.O. provided training did indeed answer questions, add knowledge and information that I will attempt to apply in my dealings with the Colorado A.F.L.-C.I.O. as a interested Local Union Leader, and will be of obvious good as well in efforts on behalf of Local Union # 68.

Special Interest to me at the Leaders Institute was the, "Code of Conduct" of Union Members, related in it's entirety below:

1) Organizational Goals before personal.The best interests of any Alliance ahead of any individual. the "Top -Priority" serve "Working Families".

2) Minimize such things as complaints, pettiness and bickering. Improve the process and do not cast dispersions or engage in fingerpointing. These actions hurt everyone.

3) "Speak Up", ask questions, agree that at times you will disagree, discuss issues, but then, support the final decision.

4) Accept responsibility, admit mistakes. If you have done your best, still look at ways to improve. Work together, and more importantly, communicate with each other.

5) Keep an "Open Mind", nothing can enter when the sign reads "closed". Think as a Leader in your Local Union, with the thought process open to include the entire Labor Movement.

6) Be always open to innovation and change, it truly is the only way to move our Labor Movement forward in positive directions.

7) Treat each other with respect as the individuals we are. We are all, after all, trying to do our best. Respecting each other goes a long, long way towards building cocensus and needed cooperation.

We truly are "On the Brink" of a true movement change towards the future of our Unions, be a positive part of this true "Union Movement".

June 2007

On June 1, 2007- I along with many other members of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68, other I.B.E.W. Local representatives, and of note, International Vice President- Ted Jensen were present at a memorial service for retired Business Manager/I.B.E.W. L.U. # 68 member- Robert "Bob" Legino.

Bob was our Local's Business Manager (1971-80 and again 1989-98), he was one of the leaders in the Local that began the Health and Welfare, Pension, Annuity as well as the Vacation/Holiday Trust Funds from which we all enjoy the benefits. Bob was referred to as "One of a kind, the last of his kind, and the Big Man". Bob over time was my Business Manager, Boss, Brother and friend. He is remembered and missed by many.

The negotiations with "Gordon Sign" and "A-1 Neon" have been completed, and the membership working under this agreement have ratified. This is a (3) three year agreement that includes pay raises over the three years ( Wages for Journeyman Signman "A"- 5/27/07-$21.75 5/26/08-$22.40 5/25/09-$23.00). Special thanks to Agent- Curt Hawley, members- Mike Walters, Shane Gonzales and Rick Houtz for serving on this Negotiation Committee.

I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 has also completed negotiations on the "Overseas Agreement" with Guarantee Electric and have a Memorandum in place that reflects the Wages/Benefits according to Federal Mandated standards for this type of work. Ralph Martinez- Operations Manager/Guarantee Electric has signed this M.O.U. We look forward to just such an Agreement with Lockheed/Martin and Gard Construction Services sometime in the near future.

The Council representing the Mechanical Allied Crafts (M.A.C.) continues to meet on a monthly basis and various committees are in place to review areas where the (6) International Unions that are the local M.A.C. Council can share resources in training, marketing, organizing and political action between our Unions for greater cost savings and efficiency. The M.A.C. Council, along with the involvement with the Colorado Building Trades Council is continually looking at ideas and actions that we can implement to keep us working with and for existing customers and contractors on their construction projects and expanding our opportunities with others.

The Election of Officers for I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 took place on Saturday, June 2, 2007. Congratulations to those members who were voted in to serve the Local Union and the members. There is a "run-off" election scheduled, per Local Union Bylaws for Saturday, June 30, 2007, for the offices of President and Business Manager.

The State Conference of Electrical Workers held their Annual Meeting in Breckenridge, Colorado on Friday, June 22, 2007. Business Managers, Agents, Officers and various other representatives of I.B.E.W. Local Unions throughout Colorado met to discuss various issues of concern to all Colorado I.B.E.W. members.

Speakers included- Keith Maddox, presently the assistant Trustee overseeing the Colorado A.F.L.-C.I.O. Keith reported on the continued search for a new Executive Director to represent the Colorado Federation. It was reported that Don Holmstrum was currently the acting representative with the Denver Area Labor Council, as President- Leslie Moody was acting in other capacities and in other capacities at present.

Speaker- Neal Hall- Business Manager/Financial Secretary of the Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council - discussed with those assembled on the "Build Colorado" Trust, including ongoing plans for Marketing/Publicity, Apprentice Outreach, Manpower and Governmental Affairs programs.

Kandice McKeon- Political Coordinator with the Building Trades spoke on the recently completed Colorado Legislative session and programs passed/failed and "vetoed" under the Capital Dome.

International Representative- Guy Runco, updated those assembled on issues throughout our Union, and specifically the Eighth District of the I.B.E.W. on current and future plans for our great Brotherhood.

The conference ended this year, once again with words of wisdom, and the best wishes for the future by I.B.E.W. Local Union # 113, retired member- Norm Pledger. Norm has been one of the "constants" in our Brotherhood and the Labor Movement for many, many years, and his thoughts and words are always appreciated, as well as a continued inspiration to all attendees.

August 2007

The Election of Local Union # 68 officers was completed on July 21st. and "thank you" for re-electing me for another (3) three years. I know I will work to the best of my ability, along with the other elected officers of the local, to lead our Local Union in a positive manner.

The last days of July, beginning of August had Ed Knox, as your President, and I, as your Business Manager in Washington, D.C. at the I.B.E.W. 2007 Legislative Conference. This (3) three day conference included training and education on issues important to all I.B.E.W. members and working Americans. It was also the time, and place to do some, "in person" lobbying with various Representatives of Colorado. While in Washington, we had the opportunity to sit on the Senate floor and hear debate on S-CHIP, the existing healthcare program for un-insured/under insured children in the United States. This debate was on continuing the program, instead of letting it "sunset" or end, possible expansion and increased financing issues. We heard discussion from Colorado Representatives- Wayne Allard.and Ken Salazar also Trent Lott, Edward Kennedy and many others. In person we had the opportunity to speak with Senator- Ken Salazar, Congressman from Colorado- Ed Perlmutter and with the sponsorship of our International Union we had a dinner meeting with Congresswomen- Diana DeGette. It was a very educational and positive trip/training. It is always better to put a "face or two" with the name of your particular organization and both Ed and I had three great opportunities with these Representatives that our Local Union did much to get elected, and re-elected over the years. Thank you to our members for sending us, as your Representatives.

The new "Random Drug Testing Policy" has been "up and running" starting on June 1, 2007, but training continues with "Mines and Associates" which provides counseling, training and oversight through our Eighth District Electrical Benefit Plans. On Tuesday, August 7, 2007, Mines & Associates supplied training for our Contractor's- "Drug Program Confidants." at the P.P.A. Events Center (Police Protection Association), this training is now required through the drug policy is in place to help further insure confidentiality and conform to "H.I.P.P.A. (Health Insurance Privacy Protection Act) rules. Other training was presented during the month also related to the new " Testing Procedures", this being Supervisor's "For Cause" Training, in which supervisors (Foreman, General Foreman, or a Superintendent) designated by the company, and their names (2 per company) provided in writing, to the union per contract are trained and certified to recognize potential alcohol and/or drug abuses, and therefore enable to request testing of such impaired employees. This has been a "long term" stipulation in our past "Drug Testing Policy" but not untill the recent policy was negotiated, has training for supervisors been a requirement to institute "for cause" testing.

In August, I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 signed onto a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) with Sears to expand our members work opportunities. Sears Tech's, will now include a new classification- "A & E" Tech's. This new classification will allow Tech's employed by Sears to work on other manufactured products, that do not have the Sears nameplate, and are sold by company's other than Sears (examples: Maytag, Home Depot, Lowe's). They will wear uniforms and drive repair van's that do not have the Sears logo on them. It is estimated this will produce an additional 18,000 service calls per year in our jurisdiction/membership.

The Colorado A.F.L.-C.I.O. has appointed a temporary Director to oversee this organization until a permanent Executive Director is appointed by an organizational review committee. Clarence Frost has come out of retirement from Alabama, where he had served in that capacity. He will also assist in putting together a Legislative "plan of action" for the 2008 Legislative session. I hope all will welcome Clarence and assist him in these endeavors.

We have been in dispute for the past 7-8 months with signitory Residential Contractor- "Scotty's Electric." over various issues in their individual company agreement. I am glad to report that we are again in agreement, and have, in August with "Scotty" signed that company onto the N.E.C.A. Residential Agreement that contains C.I.R.(Council on Industrial Relations) Language, and the same pay and benefits (the previous "Scotty" Agreement did not mirror the N.E.C.A. Agreement). "Scotty's Electric" has manyprojects ongoing, and has work on the books for the future. We expect an increase in membership in the near future due to the increase in hiring.

August also brought the Eighth District Trust Fund Meetings. I can say with confidence the the Eighth District Benefit Fund (Health and Welfare) is in the best shpe it has ever been in, showing a 62% increase in a years time in the fund due to investments and contributions. The Fund sits at approximately $50,000,000.00 and we are requesting an Actuarial review for the next Quarterly Meeting to look at increasing the "hour bank" and additions to the dental and other benefits. The Eighth District Electrical Pension Plan has also realized a one year increase (contributions and investments) of close to $98,000,000.00. This improved situation of the funds is another direct correlation of members working, funds are healthy. The work situation since 2004 has greatly improved in I.B.E.W./ Local Union # 68 and throughout the Eighth District.

The final week of August I was in attendance at training provided by International Vice Pesident- Ted Jensen of the Eighth District, in conjunction with the National Labor College (N.L.C.) of Silversprings, Maryland (A.F.L.-C.I.O.- George Meany Center) This training, for Business Managers was first presented and tested for future training by a selected group of Business Managers, (2) two per District, in March 2007 in Silversprings, Maryland- N.L.C. After final changes and adjustments to this program, International President- Ed Hill has made this program available for all Business Managers throughout the United States and Canada. It was a fast paced and intense program that began at host Local Union # 354 in Salt Lake City on Sunday, August 26 and continued till Friday, August 31, 2007. In conjunction with the Business Managers Training, the re-established Quarterly Organizing Conferences was held on August 28-29, with I.B.E.W. Local Union Organizers- Rich Ramirez and Joel Holden in attendance. The time was well spent, and I know both training session will bring back good ideas, methods and information for use in local efforts.

September 2007

The month of September, early on, saw the (L.M.C.C.) Labor Management Cooperative Committee, including I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 members- Bob Henry, Jim Mantele and myself in attendance at the Western Region- L.M.C.C. in Reno, Nevada. I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 and Rocky Mountain Chapter- National Electrical Contractor's Association (N.E.C.A.), Stan Bessey- Executive Director and "Butch" Hueske-Comelco/Empire- contractor member were all present to attend various presentations of actions and activities that have been successful in areas of the Eighth and Ninth Districts. We had also been requested to make our own presentation on our areas many successful projects, as well as those that might not have been as successful with the use of the "Code of Excellence".

I.B.E.W. Local Union #11- Los Angeles in California made a well received presentation on their, and other California Locals efforts in Photovoltaic Education and installation opportunity, and Seattle, Washington, along with other Washington state Local Unions presented information on expanding opportunities in the Residential electrical construction market.

I know our Committee members took back to Denver some very good advice and information that we will hopefully be able to use to expand and promote the organized electrical industry in Denver and Colorado.

It seemed that we had just :touched down" again in Denver and on Saturday, September 8th it was once again time for the I.B.E.W. Local Picnic, once again held at the Elks Park/Picnic Area. It was a beautiful day, the food and beverages were in ample supply, the "kids" games and "inflatables" were well attended, and "door prizes" Were all distributed to the lucky winners! Thanks to all that attended, to all those who volunteered a special "Thank you" especially the Apprenticeship classes that helped with the big "set up/take down" of tables and chairs. That can be a never ending project, but with the amount of help that was offered this year, it went smoothly and very quickly.

The Denver Auditor- Dennis Gallagher was present in September at the Local Union as we served as the host local for the Quarterly Auditors- "Building & Trades" Roundtable. The Roundtable was well attended by Local Business Managers and Representatives of all the Building Trades, much information exchanged, questions asked and answers received. This quarterly meeting keeps all "up to date" with various ongoing and future construction and maintenance projects in the City and County of Denver, as well as staying on top of changes with prevailing wage (Small- Davis/Bacon) determinations from wage supervisors employed by Denver.

During September, President- Ed Knox along with Agent- Mike Jacks were in attendance at the 1st. of 12 meetings being called "Convention Conversations" and having to do with all aspects of the upcoming 2008 Democratic National Convention (D.N.C.). The D.N.C. has already begun to provide employment opportunities for our and other union members. These work opportunities will expand continuously up and through the Convention, and even with dismantling efforts after it is done. Contacts with the Democratic National Convention Committee (D.N.C.C.) have already been established, but will invariable be expanded as more and more projects are readied for the D.N.C. This will soon be a time to be extra vigilant, as we have areas of work covered by our trade jurisdiction that are very attractive to other Non-union contractor's, which we must constantly remind the D.N.C.C. about, as well as Unions that might not want, or care to honor our specific trade jurisdiction. This will require all members of our Local, working on this project to help to keep Local Union agents apprised of any questionable practices by others. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this effort.

the Front Range Economic Strategy Center (F.R.E.S.C.) held an informational meeting during the month for the "Building Trades". The C.U. Arts School Project was discussed and the contractor qualifications for "bidding" this project under the "Best Value Contractor" (B.V.C.) guidelines. This is the final project coming under the "B.V.C." as was agreed to back in 2004 by the Colorado University- "Student Council". for their agreement to increase student fee's. The "Council" that negotiated the original agreement have since graduated, and therefore been replaced, and it is the learned opinion that the "B.V.C." criteria will probable not survive the present Administration or Maintenance Oversight Committee to survive for utilization in the future. We all hope this is not the case, but only continuing conversations/meetings will tell, so lets hope for a positive future outcome in these negotiations.

The Labor Management Cooperative Committee (L.M.C.C.) in with funding from our Joint Industry Promotional Fund (J.I.P.F.) has funded and is presenting educational opportunities for I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 members and Contractor employees with the aid of the Management Education Institute (M.E.I.). The first in the upcoming training sessions"Empowering Employees" was presented to (16) students assembled on Monday, September 17, 2007. The training was appreciated by those in attendance and it is hoped that a larger group of individuals from more of our signatory contractor's will take advantage of future training opportunities with this ongoing program.

Speaking of education opportunities, on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at the "Jack Sparr" Apprenticeship Training Center, newly elected Executive Board Officers and appointed Business Agents- Steve Spinosa and Mike Jacks attended training conducted by International Representative- Guy Runco. "How to Conduct a Hearing" was held for the morning session, with an afternoon training of "Code of Excellence" for Executive Boards. The training would go on into the evening with a presentation of "Code of Excellence" for Stewards that was attended by those same Executive Board members. The evening session was attended by over (30) I.B.E.W. members, officers and agents and the day was a long one, but well worth the information, questions and education provided for the future use of the Local Union. Thanks to all for your participation in this educational opportunity for the betterment of our Local Union.

The Colorado Conservation Voters held their annual luncheon, and I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 was well represented by the table provided with the financial assistance of the "State Conference of Electrical Workers." The Governor- Bill Ritter was the keynote speaker for the event, but political representatives from throughout Colorado were present, as well as a wide range of participants from the "Building Trades" and Colorado-'A.F.L.-C.I.O. We have worked in partnership with various Conservation Groups to promote a Project Labor Agreement (P.L.A.) on Comanche Station III in Pueblo, Colorado, and will look for their assistance with a (P.L.A.) at the I.G.C.C. Power Plant Project scheduled for future construction in our jurisdiction in Brush, Colorado. In the past it would have appeared to be a "conflict of interest" for a Labor Union to form partnerships that would be beneficial to each other, but that has not been the case, although we have had, and will probable have conflicts again. In the "long run" we can help each other on mutual concern issues and there is "strength in our alliances." We will continue to form coalitions and partnerships that will promote our members and increase work opportunities for all working families.

We had an "O.S.H.A. Alliance Meeting in September, with O.S.H.A. Labor Liaison- Erv Krueger, representatives of Rocky Mountain Chapter- N.E.C.A.- Executive Director- Stan Bessey, and N.E.C.A. Board President- Craig Clark. I.B.E.W. representatives present included- I.B.E.W. Local Union Safety Committee Representative- Jack Cox, President- Ed Knox and myself as your Business Manager. The original "O.S.H.A. Alliance was entered into by all parties present in 2004, and these present meetings are our attempts to continue this Alliance, with positive input, changes and additions into the future. Further future meetings are planned to compose a new O.S.H.A. Alliance" with expanded education opportunities hopefully available for attendance by our small-medium contractors and I.B.E.W. members.

The 2007 Apprenticeship Completion Ceremony was held at the Lakewood Country Club the evening of Friday, September 21, 2007. Don Mares- Director of Labor and Employment with the Governors Office was Keynote Speaker for the evenings festivities, and spoke of his long term relationship with our Local Union first as City Auditor under then Governor -Roy Romer, and now in his present duties under Governor Ritter. The evening was a great success, and we all welcome the latest graduating class of apprentices into the ranks of Journeymen Wiremen.

The Apprenticeship Ceremonies completed, I along with the other Inside Negotiations Committee members left over the weekend to attend training at the National Labor College- Southwest, just slightly South of the Colorado stateline in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Committee Members in attendance for the "Strategy and Tactics for Negotiations" Training were, past committee member- Jim Mantele, new appointee- Rich Ramirez, alternate- Damien Romero, and myself as Business Manager and Negotiation Committee Chairmen. This particular training, once again, called for us to begin on a Sunday evening (September 22, 2007) and continued to 4:30 P.M. on Thursday, September 27th. of that week. The training was indeed intense and unlike other training sessions of the past included a healthy evening portion of the dreaded "homework". The students in attendance were broken up into two (2) Labor and two (2) management teams , given certain information, and then engage in crafting an overall Negotiations plan, language, etc. utilizing the earlier weeks lessons, methods, tactics and strategies." It was a very worthwhile training in negotiations and should serve all present to better negotiate future agreements in Local Union # 68.

Arriving back in Denver for the last weekend of September, I attended an afternoon at member, and soon to be, signatory- Photovoltaic Electrical Contractor- Richard Roth's "solar panel" install on his personal residence. "Cool Solar" is the name chosen by Richard, because as he said, everyone who see's an installation such as his always seems to say, "Cool-Solar!" Seems a very appropriate company name in this instance. I.B.E.W. members have established an effective Photovoltaic Committee within the Local Union, initiating the National Photo Voltaic Partnership, Local members have installed over 20Kw worth of Solar Panels on personal residences, the Local Union by an almost "unanimous" vote has approved and installed an 18.7 Kw system on the Union Hall (which also gave a a $87,000.00 rebate from Xcel), and another 4.4 Kw on the "Jack Sparr" Apprenticeship Training Center. Chris Knight, with the National Photovoltaic Partnership was in Boulder, Colorado for Richard installation, with "Oswego Creative" putting it all on video for a "streaming video" on the "Hour Power" website. I.B.E.W. members and Richards neighbor's were in attendance throughout the weekend to witness this modern day "Barn Raising" of P.V. panels performed by P.V. Committee members and other volunteers from the Local Unions ranks. The system installed on Richard's home was generating power and "back feeding" it to Xcel as of Saturday, October 7th. As Richard said," Thanks to the quality installation of the Brothers and Sisters of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68, my system is producing power, there were absolutely no issues with commissioning the system. I just "turned it on, and it worked." Great job everyone!

October 2007

On Friday, October 12th a 1.8 Kw windturbine was installed in the parking lot between I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 and the "Jack Sparr" training Center. This installation was accomplished by signatory contractor "Golden Solar", owners Shawn Josserand and Brian Matzen and employee/J.W.- Mike Bouchet. The dedication and installation was attended by such notables as Senator/Senate President- Joan Fitz-Gerald, Don Mares-Labor and Employment Director under Governor- Bill Ritter, our own I.B.E.W. retired member and State Representative- John Soper and Matt Garrington- Field Director with Environment Colorado. The install and dedication made the cover story and page two of the "Rocky Mountain News" and reporter Joanne Kelly who had previously done a great news article on the addition of the "Sears" Unit to our membership in the recent past. The windturbine sits atop of a 60' steel tower and can be seen at certain viewpoints from I-25. It is gratifying to note that since this installation, "Golden Solar" has been approached on potentially three additional installations of windturbines. A special thanks to Mary Broderick- Chairman of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 Photovoltaic Committee for her work on "press releases" and getting our Guest Speakers to the event.

The I.B.E.W. Membership Development Conference was held in Atlanta, Georgia from October 14-17th. Organizers- Rich Ramirez, Damien Romero and Joel Holden along with myself were in attendance to attend the training sessions and gain insight from various program representatives, while also through other attendees gain knowledge from many other Locals throughout the United States and Canada on successful programs and "Initiatives" in place to,"Organize all Electrical Workers into our ranks."

In conjunction with the "Membership Development" Conference our International President- Edwin Hill had previously requested mandatory attendance at a specially called meeting with all Business Managers. The purpose of this meeting was his new organizing initiative and guidelines to be instituted by all I.B.E.W. Local Unions and their Business Managers. These new guidelines will be reviewed in more detail by myself as your Business Manager, then shared with staff, the Apprenticeship Director and Coordinator, and after the beginning of 2008, with the membership of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68.

October 30th. saw the "Groundbreaking" on a project in downtown Denver at 1900 16th Street, next to the Gate's Plaza, and the "Millennium Bridge" and also insight of "Union Station" soon to be the "Hub" of "FasTracs" multi-billion dollar transportation plan. This project will be performed by an all "Union" workforce, and the reason for this consideration is that the project is entirely financed by Union Pension Trust Fund monies. M.E.P.T. (Muti-Employer Property Trust" is an investment company that takes Pension Trust investments, invests those funds in properties that will produce a good return on those investments, while also providing work opportunities to our members. I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 members, along with the members of the I.B.E.W. in the entire Eighth District are one of two Local Unions who have money invested with M.E.P.T. in Colorado The members of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 should be congratulated and proud of their investment that is producing jobs and returns on their pensions. It is hoped that Eighth District Pension Funds will continue to be invested in Denver and Colorado for the betterment of all members.

November 2007

The "Build Colorado" Trust had a special meeting and presentation at the State Capitol on November 7, 2007. The purpose of this meeting was to educate and inform Senators and Representatives of legislation, to be presented during the 2007-2008 Colorado General Assembly by the various Building Trades Unions in the State of Colorado. Gerald Waites, a Washington, D.C. area Attorney was our "Keynote Speaker" representing our interests before the various politicians our their assistants. "Gerry" along with his firm has represented many Labor Organizations across the United States on issues such as "Prevailing Wage", "Responsible/Best Value Contracting", and "Project Labor Agreements". I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 along with the State Conference of Electrical Workers (Represents all I.B.E.W. Local Unions in the State of Colorado) also presented Legislation to our States Electrical Laws (Article 25) having to do with licensing, apprenticeship, renewal and photovoltaic/renewable energy not presently covered by our laws. A "special" thank you to I.B.E.W. re-tired member and State Representative- John Soper as our House sponsor, and Senator Lois Tochtrop as the Senate sponsor of our "Bill".

The Eighth District Quarterly Trust Meetings were again held in downtown Denver at the Magnolia Hotel on November 14-15, 2007. The financial condition of the Annuity, Pension and Health and Welfare Funds again have shown significant improvements for 2006-2007. It is also hoped that the addition of the modest Dental and Wellness Benefits to the medical benefits this past year have been of help to the membership. The members have contained costs for the Health Benefit plan with their individual stewardship and are to be congratulated for their efforts in doing so. It is all the Trustees hope that all participants will review their quarterly newsletter for continuing improvements and information about the plan, and utilize the plan documents, ComPusys, Segal and Cigna informational websites and phone numbers to better educate themselves on the available services.

The Vacation/Holiday Quarterly Trust Meeting was also held in the month of November, and ComPusys Representative- Joanne Knight was in to report to the trustees on the Holiday payout of November 15th. that paid approximately 1.8 million dollars to I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 members, just in time for the beginning of the holiday season. Joanne Knight also updated the assembled on the "dormant accounts" and considerable progress has been made on this issue. The investment returns for the Vacation/Holiday account has been conservative, but steady and 2007 saw the repayment to the General Fund of the last of the outstanding loan amount due to the "Capital Consultant's" issues of the past. The next meeting of the V/H Trust will see a complete review of all service providers to the fund, and trustee review per the "Consent Order" in place since the Capitol Consultants Receivership. It was also in 2007 a final assessment from Trust Attorney- Ellen Kelman from/by Receiver- John Lennon, looks as if it has finally put an end to the entire "Capital Consultants" case, and final closure and payments to the Receivers and Attorneys in this matter has been completed. There may yet be a small amount of money return to the V/H, General Fund and Trust Funds of the Eighth District after a final tally of funds still in escrow with the Receiver and Department of Labor, but this amount will be minimal.

I had the distinct honor of being a speaker at the Capital on "Renewable Energy" and Mark Udall's "Bill" making it's way through the Nation's Capital in Washington, D.C. for a national standard and legislated percentage for future energy needs to be from renewable energy sources. I was proud to report on the efforts of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 in regards to our installation of Photovoltaic's at the Union Hall and Apprenticeship Center, as well as the windturbine installed in our parking lot. The Apprenticeship Center and "upgrade" training for renewable's, the (2) workshops at the Union Hall that had over 300 attendees instructed on the "National Electrical Code" and Photovoltaic installations were all noteworthy of the I.B.E.W. and it's members efforts, as we were representatives for all American "Working People" at this rally.

December 2007

In early 2007 I was invited, by then Colorado A.F.L-C.I.O President- Steve Adams and the National A.F.L.-C.I.O. to attend the "National Labor College/George Meany Center" in Silversprings, Maryland for their "Leadership Institute" Training. I attended the first half of this two part training in April 2007, and on December 3-7, 2007 returned to the "National Labor College" for the second part and completion of this training module. (Special note: this training was by invitation only and was both sponsored and entirely paid for by the National A.F.L.-C.I.O. this will not be the case in the future and attendees or their Local Union will be responsible for all future expenses for this training). I was very honored to be selected from all of Colorado and the Nation for this training, as only approximately 50 individuals were selected in 2007. I was definitely paying attention too, and making the most of this opportunity. The training was especially wide ranging covering being a more effective Union Leader, and included politics, mobilizing members to various actions and involvements, training, organizing and much more than I have time or space to include in this website entry. I would like to express here, in all too limited a way, my gratitude to present Executive Director- Mike Cerbo of the Colorado A.F.L.-C.I.O, and National President, A.F.L.-C.I.O.- John Sweeney for this education. I also had the opportunity through this training to meet in person, President Sweeney and have a personal visit in his office, and learning in person his vision for our Labor Movement.

It felt as if I was barely off the airplane when I then attended I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68's Children's Christmas Party on Saturday, December 8th, which was very well attended and the I.B.E.W. Families and members enjoying the "Keystone Kopps/Clowns and the visit from Mr and Mrs Santa Claus and Elves. The Apprenticeship classes from across the way were extremely helpful in not only setting up the Union Hall for the celebration, but in assisting Santa with the distribution of toys. Thanks to Steve Langerach, Scott Robb along with I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 President- Ed Knox and assistants for feeding all attendees, if anyone left hungry from this celebration it was only because the didn't make the effort to eat, as there was more than enough for all and "leftovers" sent to the Denver Mission in the Holiday spirit of the season. The Christmas Party completed, I was then busy in attending the 100th year anniversary of the founding of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 111- Denver, Colorado. The celebration was held the same day as our Christmas Party, but that evening at the Colorado Convention Center- downtown Denver, as it was the only venue large enough to handle the large membership numbers of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 111. Special Guests and Speakers included- International Secretary/Treasurer- Jon F. Walters, International Vice-President-Eighth District- Ted Jensen, former Senate President- Joan Fitz-Gerald (now running for Representative in District # 2 to replace Mark Udall who is running for the Senate). Business Manager- Mike Byrd did a fine job of presiding over the entire festivities and I know that the entire membership of I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 offers congratulations to I.B.E.W. Local Union # 111 for their first 100 years, and great success in all their future endeavors. That was the end of a very busy, but rewarding day with literally "Hundreds" of fellow I.B.E.W. members and their families.

During the month of December I was in attendance at various meeting with the Department of Regulatory Agencies (D.O.R.A.) concerning the Legislation that the State Conference of Electrical Workers and I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 is trying to move through the 2008 General Assembly and past the Governor's pen. The "bill" adds a continuiing education/competency piece to the State Electrical Laws, as well as a requirement for ALL apprentices to attend a "Bureau of Apprenticeship Training" certified classes, or if notm, not being legally registered as an apprentice with the State of Colorado. The legislative process relating to these changes must first be reviewed by D.O.R.A., or the changes/"Bill" could be rejected by the General Assembly. I along with other I.B.E.W. representatives have also requested a "place at the table" for future discussions with D.O.R.A. on additional "Competancy" issues up for discussion/review in the near future.

The Organizer's at I.B.E.W. Local Union # 68 have been busy compiling a "Strategic Organizing Plan" and compiling various statistics requested by the Eighth District and International's "Membership Developement Dept. in Washington, D.C. concerning the exact number of electrical workers and contractors, Master's, Journeymen and apprentices, both Union and un-represented in the jurisdiction of I.B.E.W. Local Unuion # 68. This overall view and plan being due by January 1, 2008 and to include exacting numbers compiled from info requests to the State of Colorado. The International Union has instituted various "Initiatives" in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and other locations and who, how and when these come to pass will be reviewed and other locations and Locals "Targeted" for future "Initiatives" depending on "marketshare, Union Density and other information compiled by this effiort. It goes without saying that with the low numbers in this area in Colorado we are a potential area for enclusion to these future plans. More in the New Year!