Happy New Year Brothers and Sisters of IBEW Local 69, another year has passed and 2018 is already flying by. I would like thank everyone that took time out of their busy schedule to attend a unit meeting for Local 69 in January. I realize how busy life is however, communication is vital for the success of our organization. As we discussed at the meetings there are issues that will not be written about in this article and is best discussed at the meetings.
At the unit meetings the new contracts were distributed along with the National Child Identification Program Kits the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is offering to members. The National Child Identification Program is a great idea and comes with a letter that explains how to utilize the kit. The letter in the kit states “There is nothing more important to the International Brother of Electrical Workers (IBEW) than our members and their families’ safety and well-being. Every year, approximately 800,000 children in the United States go missing, and another 50,000 go missing in Canada. To help protect their children and grandchildren, the IBEW has joined the National Child Identification Program, to provide the enclosed free Child ID Kit.
A child ID Kit is simple, yet effective tool to help families maintain current descriptive information about their children. The kit allows law enforcement authorities to scan the child’s fingerprints from the completed Child ID Kit into the National Crime Information Center database, to assist in locating a missing child. Completing the kit is simple – fill out the fingerprint identification card with the most recent information and follow the instructions for the fingerprint and DNA sections. Store the card in a safe place and only turn it over to the authorities in case of an emergency.” If you have not gotten a kit and would like one, ask your steward if he has any kits. If your steward is out of the kits email the office at ibewloc69@aol.com and we will try to get you one. There are just a few kits remaining.
Oncor has enough volunteers to fill the first trip to Puerto Rico for restoration efforts. The Company has emailed the details to employees such as 16 hour days for time and one half for all hours worked, the duration of the stay, etc. etc. When you guys get there and have worked for a few days, someone please contact me advising me of the conditions.
It saddens me to inform you that we lost a Brother on Saturday, January 20, 2018. Brother Robert “Bobby” Luna (Serviceman - Midland) was at home when he went to be with the Lord. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. That is the reason I write in many of these articles to never take your family for granted and always tell them you love them, they can’t hear it enough. The jobs we have require us to be away from our families for extended periods of time. When you are with your family cherish every moment. Please keep the Luna family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Until next time may God bless you, your family, and our local union.