ARE YOU FOCUSED? By Art Torres It’s the bottom of the ninth inning. The bases are loaded. The score is tied. There are two outs and the home team is up. Your favorite all-time player is at the plate. The crowd is on its feet. Even though you’re sitting in front of your television… [Read More]
Archives for August 2010
Ad Examines Ensign-Yackira
A new full-page ad began running on Aug. 19 in Nevada newspapers asks the question: Why is Senator Ensign rolling over for NV Energy? The ad is part of Local 1245’s continuing campaign to defend IBEW retirees against the corporate greed exemplified by CEO Michael Yackira. The ad will run in the following newspapers: Reno… [Read More]
Ensign-Yackira Ad: Full Text
Roll-Over-Ad-8-20-10
Poll: End Tax Breaks for the Rich
Fewer than one in three Americans favor extending tax cuts enacted into law by former President George W. Bush when they expire at the end of this year, according to a CNN/Opinion Research poll released Aug. 20. The survey finds that 31 percent say they support allowing the cuts to continue for all taxpayers, regardless of income… [Read More]
Attacks on Social Security Unfounded
This essay by Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman was published August 15, 2010 in the New York Times. Social Security turned 75 last week. It should have been a joyous occasion, a time to celebrate a program that has brought dignity and decency to the lives of older Americans. But the program is under attack,… [Read More]
Local 1245 Golf Tourney Postponed
IBEW Local 1245‘s 24th Annual Perry Zimmerman Golf Tournament, originally scheduled for October 16, 2010 has been postponed until next year. Keep your clubs handy and watch this website for the new date.
Bakersfield Unit Location Clarified
Unit 1112, Bakersfield, had incorrect information on a recent posting of the unit meeting schedule. Meetings are held at 200 W. Jeffery in Bakersfield. Bob Dean, Business Representative
Al Fortier Hired as Business Rep
Al Fortier, a 19-year member of IBEW Local 1245, has been hired to serve the union as a business representative effective Aug. 16, 2010. Fortier became a lineman in 1996 and worked in Outside Construction until 1999. Since then he has worked for Alameda Municipal Power. He has served as chair of Unit 2211 (City… [Read More]
Jobsite Fatality: Gerald Biedinger
Gerald Biedinger, a T&D Equipment Operator for PG&E, died Aug. 20, 2010 in a workplace accident. The preliminary belief is that he stepped off his equipment, unaware that he had contacted the 17KV overhead. More information will be published on this website as it becomes available. Biedinger, 57, was initiated into the IBEW in 1978…. [Read More]
City of Willits Pact Ratified
Members of Local 1245 at the City of Willits unanimously ratified a one-year agreement that leaves most elements of the existing agreement–including medical benefits–intact. The new agreement modifies members’ employee contributions to their PERS retirement from 0% to 8% and defers a 3% wage increase until July 1, 2011. Gerry Campbell served with Assistant Business… [Read More]