Long-time union activist Pete Ely was honored at Advisory Council on April 23 for his long service to line clearance tree trimmers.
“Pete Ely has been part of the DNA of IBEW for 30 years,” Business Manager Tom Dalzell told Advisory Council members as he invited Ely to the front of the room.
Business Rep Landis Marttila (left) thanks Pete Ely for his service to the union
In addition to a stint on the Advisory Council representing tree trimmers, Ely was on the union negotiating committee during the successful 1992 strike against Asplundh Tree. Business Representative Landis Marttila, who was also active in the strike, spoke briefly about Ely’s key role in the three-week strike. President Art Freitas then presented Ely with a photo album documenting the strike, including several showing Ely in action.
Speaking briefly, Ely thanked former business manager Jack McNally for standing behind the strikers in that historic confrontation nearly a quarter-century ago.
“Jack brought the whole union to us. They stood behind us and we won the strike. With gratitude and humility I say thank you very much,” Ely said.