Union Labor Bulletin

LABOR BULLETIN

By

BUSINESS MANAGER BOB WARD

APRIL 2022

 

LOCAL 340 ORGANIZER TRAINING

We would like to thank all of those who showed interest in the recent Organizer Position, your dedication and loyalty for our Union is what truly helps our Local grow. By the time this reaches you we will have hired our two new Organizers, one for our Northern Unit and the other for Sound & Communications. Making decisions such as this is never easy but we are grateful for the opportunity to offer another the chance to bring more insight and fresh ideas to our membership. We know whoever it is we choose will help lead our membership in the right direction.

 

340 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PICNIC

More exciting news for our upcoming picnic, along with booking the venue we are also bringing back the kids area. Your kids are sure to love our carnival games, snow cone machine, and cotton candy machine. We are also going to be having another showdown with our Journeyman vs Apprentices games. You do not want to miss this event! Other details are still being made in the background but if you would like to participate in volunteer meetings or help the day of the picnic please reach out to Office Manager Reyna Jimenez at 916-539-0412. Be on the look out for more picnic news.

 

NEBF – RETIREE TEMPORARY RETURN TO WORK NOTICE

To help with the Journeyman Inside Wireman and Sound & Communication Installer manpower shortage that all IBEW Locals are experiencing, NEBF has once again changed the working rules for Retirees. If you are currently retired and would like to go back to work for about 3 months or perhaps take some short calls, this temporary Return to Work Amendment changes the suspension rules for certain eligible retirees. Following are the features of the amendment:

1. The temporary amendment is effective from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.
2. All normal and early retirees with a pension effective date of December 2018 or earlier will be permitted to return to covered and contributory employment only and will be permitted to work for up to 600 hours during the above period without a loss of NEBF benefits. This amendment applies only to the NEBF Plan. (In order to receive benefits from other funds it will depend on the rules of those funds.)
3. Once an individual has worked for 600 hours in covered and contributory employment during the term of the temporary amendment, the individual will no longer be able to take advantage of this amendment and the normal rules (permitting work in the electrical industry for less than forty (40) hours per month without a suspension of benefits) will apply.
4. Disability pensioners are not eligible (the existing rules applicable to disabled pensioners remain in effect).
5. Only retirees who return to NEBF covered and contributory employment will be able to take advantage of this amendment – this amendment will not apply to persons who work for covered employers where no NEBF contributions are required or to persons who work for non-covered employers in the electrical industry.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS (3)

IBEW Local 340 Harry R. Bain Scholarship Award – Dependents

Our deadline for this scholarship was March 11^th. Unfortunately, this year we did not have any applicants. We hope this is good news and everyone’s dependents are doing well in school.

 

IBEW Founders Scholarship – For IBEW Members only

The IBEW Founders’ Scholarship honors the dedicated wiremen and linemen who organized the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on November 28, 1981. Each year the officers of the IBEW are pleased to offer its working members scholarships on a competitive basis. It is hoped that the awards will not only contribute to the personal development of our members but also steward the electrical industry that our founders envisioned. The award is for $200 per semester credit hour at any accredited college or university toward an associate’s, bachelors or postgraduate degree in an approved field. The maximum distribution is $24,000 per person over a period not to exceed eight years.

Any member interested in applying for the IBEW Founders Scholarship can do so by going on-line at www.ibew.org. Click on “Resources and Links” at the top, scroll down to the box labeled “Founders Scholarship”. You will receive information on this scholarship as well as be able to download the application.  These applications can also be picked up at the Business Office.  This scholarship is for any member who has been in continuous good standing and paid dues (without an Honorary Withdrawal for the four years prior to May 1, 2022). This is not a scholarship for your dependents.  All applications and required information must be mailed directly to the IBEW in Washington, DC postmarked May 1, 2022.

 

FIVE COUNTIES CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIP

 

Two $1,500 scholarships are available this year by the Five Counties Central Labor Council in 2022. The applicant must be graduating high school in the Fall of 2021 or Spring of 2022, attended a school located in Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity, Tehama, or Modoc counties and be either a union member or the child or grandchild of a union member or deceased member.  For an application or more information on this scholarship, contact the Council by email at FiveCountiesCLC@ymail.com or phone/text (530) 949-7795. Deadline is April 20, 2022.

 

1^st ANNUAL RENEW CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

The first Annual RENEW Cornhole Tournament was a success. We hope all those who made it out enjoyed themselves. Your support for our RENEW members is much appreciated. We look forward to hopefully bringing back this family fun event again next year.

OFFICE CLOSURES

Memorial Day

Monday May 30^th we will celebrate Memorial Day.  This is a day when we should all take a special moment in the middle of our Memorial Day festivities to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The Business Offices and Trust Office will be closed on this day.

 

ACCIDENTS/ILLNESSES

Retired Brother Ronald McMaster passed on March 1, 2022. He was a 61-year member and 80 years of age.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to this member and his family during this time of mourning.

There will be a Celebration of Life for passed member Clifford Billings on April 24^th from 12 pm – 4 pm at the Carmichael Elks Lodge, 5631 Cypress Ave, Carmichael.

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS

SACRAMENTO MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS – 1^st Wednesdays @ 6PM – 10240 Systems Parkway, Sacramento 95827

 

REDDING UNIT MEETING – 1^st Wednesdays

Chico Union Hall @ 5:30 (Odd Months)

Redding Union Hall @ 5:30 (Even Months)

For Northern Area business and then join in the Sacramento meeting @ 6PM via webinar

 

SOUND & COMMUNICATIONS UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 4^TH Tuesdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall – NEXT QUARTERLY S&C MEETING Tuesday April 26^th @ 5:00PM – Note: Seven (7) members needed to have a quorum.

CIVIL SERVICE UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 3^RD Thursdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall. NEXT QUARTERLY CIVIL SERVICE MEETING Thursday April 21^st @ 5:00PM – Note: Five (5) members needed to have a quorum.

LABOR BULLETIN

By

BUSINESS MANAGER BOB WARD

FEBRUARY 2022

 

SOUND & COMMUNICATION’S MARCH 1, 2022 ALLOCATION

By the time this reaches you we will have closed voting on the upcoming allocation for the upcoming $2.25 increase. We would like to thank all those who attended the Special Called Discussion meeting on January 20, 2022, were we unanimously agreed upon 3 choices to vote on for the upcoming increase. We emailed our S&C members the following day, January 21, 2022, to vote on those 3 choices. Once the polls close a new wage sheet will be distributed and posted on our website. Thank you again for your participation.

 

INSIDE WIREMAN’S FEBRUARY 1, 2022 PENSION INCREASE

There will be an increase to pension effective 2-1-2022. This was previously agreed upon in our negotiations when the 5-year agreement was ratified. Once signatures are collected and we receive the International stamp, wages will be posted on our website and notifications will go out to the contractors.

 

LOCAL 340 OFFICE NEWS

AS you may or may not know we recently hired former JATC Training Director Matt Nootenboom. One of the roles Matt will take on is representative of the Northern Unit as well as other units within the local. He will host monthly membership meetings in the Redding Hall (900 Locust Street) starting February at 6 PM. Please feel free to stop in and say hello.

 

340 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PICNIC

After much debating and delay due to the current pandemic, we are excited to announce we are in the process of planning for our Annual Membership Picnic. Plans are underway to hold our picnic on September 17, 2022, at the Hagan Community Pavilion. We hope to see improvements on the current COVID conditions so we can proceed with plans. Look for more details to come as we get closer to the anticipated date.

 

END OF YEAR DUES STATEMENTS

The end of year statements for basic and working dues are posted on our website. You will need to log on to view your statements. These can be found under the Dues tab (a dropdown menu will appear) then select 2021 Tax Statement. If it is your first-time logging onto the website, you will need to activate your account.

 

NEBF – RETIREE TEMPORARY RETURN TO WORK NOTICE

To help with the Journeyman Inside Wireman and Sound & Communication Installer manpower shortage that all IBEW Locals are experiencing, NEBF has once again changed the working rules for Retirees. If you are currently retired and would like to go back to work for about 3 months or perhaps take some short calls, this temporary Return to Work Amendment changes the suspension rules for certain eligible retirees. Following are the features of the amendment:

1. The temporary amendment is effective from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.
2. All normal and early retirees with a pension effective date of December 2018 or earlier will be permitted to return to covered and contributory employment only and will be permitted to work for up to 600 hours during the above period without a loss of NEBF benefits. This amendment applies only to the NEBF Plan. (In order to receive benefits from other funds it will depend on the rules of those funds.)
3. Once an individual has worked for 600 hours in covered and contributory employment during the term of the temporary amendment, the individual will no longer be able to take advantage of this amendment and the normal rules (permitting work in the electrical industry for less than forty (40) hours per month without a suspension of benefits) will apply.
4. Disability pensioners are not eligible (the existing rules applicable to disabled pensioners remain in effect).
5. Only retirees who return to NEBF covered and contributory employment will be able to take advantage of this amendment – this amendment will not apply to persons who work for covered employers where no NEBF contributions are required or to persons who work for non-covered employers in the electrical industry.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS (2)

IBEW Local 340 Harry R. Bain Scholarship Award – Dependents

IBEW Local 340 is once again going to award two college scholarships in 2019 ($1,000.00 and $500.00).  These scholarships are available to sons, grandsons, daughters, granddaughters or legal dependents of members of Local 340.  The General Rules and Instructions, as well as the application, can be picked up from the Sacramento Business Office or the Redding Office.  You can also call either of these offices to request they be mailed to you. Please note:  the completed application must be received in the Sacramento Business Office by March 11, 2022, to be considered.

 

IBEW Founders Scholarship – For IBEW Members only

The IBEW Founders’ Scholarship honors the dedicated wiremen and linemen who organized the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on November 28, 1981. Each year the officers of the IBEW are pleased to offer its working members scholarships on a competitive basis. It is hoped that the awards will not only contribute to the personal development of our members but also steward the electrical industry that our founders envisioned. The award is for $200 per semester credit hour at any accredited college or university toward an associate’s, bachelors or postgraduate degree in an approved field. The maximum distribution is $24,000 per person over a period not to exceed eight years.

Any member interested in applying for the IBEW Founders Scholarship can do so by going on-line at www.ibew.org. Click on “Resources and Links” at the top, scroll down to the box labeled “Founders Scholarship”. You will receive information on this scholarship as well as be able to download the application.  These applications can also be picked up at the Business Office.  This scholarship is for any member who has been in continuous good standing and paid dues (without an Honorary Withdrawal for the four years prior to May 1, 2022). This is not a scholarship for your dependents.  All applications and required information must be mailed directly to the IBEW in Washington, DC postmarked May 1, 2022.

12^th ANNUAL 340 SOFTBALL TEAM CRAB FEED

The Softball Team is happy to announce the return of their 12^th annual 340 Softball Team Crab Feed will be held here at the Hall on Saturday February 19^th.  If you are interested in purchasing tickets for this event, call the Hall at 916-927-4239.  You can also get in touch with one of the Softball players. Tickets are $60.00 per person for all you can eat crab, pasta, salad and bread.  This fun event is known for great food and fellowship, as well as several types of awesome raffles! All members are welcome to attend this Crab Feed.

 

1^st ANNUAL RENEW CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

Please come out to support the RENEW group as they host their first annual Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, March 19^th at 1 PM here at the Union Hall. First place prize is $500. There is a $20 buy in but free to 1^st/2^nd year apprentices as well as CW I- III. For more details or to reserve your spot please reach out to Joseph Miller at (530)761-1096.

 

ACCIDENTS/ILLNESSES

Retired Brother Roy Zimmerman passed on January 13, 2022. He was a 76-year member and 100 years of age.

 

HOLIDAY BUSINESS OFFICE CLOSURES

Monday, February 21^st – Presidents Day

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS

SACRAMENTO MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS – 1^st Wednesdays @ 6PM – 10240 Systems Parkway, Sacramento 95827

 

REDDING UNIT MEETING – 1^st Wednesdays – Chico Union Hall @ 5:30 for Northern Area business and then join in the Sacramento meeting @ 6PM via webinar

 

SOUND & COMMUNICATIONS UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 4^TH Tuesdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall – NEXT QUARTERLY S&C MEETING Tuesday April 26^th @ 5:00PM – Note: Seven (7) members needed to have a quorum.

CIVIL SERVICE UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 3^RD Thursdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall. NEXT QUARTERLY CIVIL SERVICE MEETING Thursday April 21^st @ 5:00PM – Note: Five (5) members needed to have a quorum

LABOR BULLETIN

by

BUSINESS MANAGER BOB WARD

JANUARY 2022

 

SOUND & COMMUNICATIONS 3-1-2022 ALLOCATION VOTE

We will be holding an in-person discussion meeting for the upcoming $2.25 increase for S&C. Please note that no voting will take place at this meeting, it is simply to discuss the three options to be voted upon. All voting will be done electronically and will be sent out the next day. Ensure that your email addresses are up to date with the hall, so you get the electronic vote.

 

END OF YEAR DUES STATEMENTS

The end of year statements for basic and working dues is available on the website for all members who paid dues in 2021.  The statement is under your member profile, select Dues (a dropdown menu will appear) then select 2021 Tax Statement. If it is your first-time logging onto the website, you will need to activate your account.

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS BASKET

We would like to thank all of those members who participated in this year’s Annual Operation Christmas Basket. Your continued support is truly appreciated by all. We helped out 3 charites this year along with some additional families in need this past holiday season.

We hope all who joined us at the Christmas meeting had a great time. It was definitely nice to see some familiar faces at our union hall and we hope you got to see some old faces as well and enjoyed the holiday dinner. We hope to have more in person meetings and gatherings soon.

The winners were    Bernice Foster – 1^st prize

Greg Rothhaupt – 2^nd prize

Eric Bullert – 3^rd prize

 

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

By the time this reaches your doorstep we would have held our New Member Orientation class already. We will hold our next one in May 2022, the date has not yet been set but we will send notices out to those who do not attend. Please look out for notices or check our website for dates. As usual, we will email a reminder a week prior. This class is very important and goes over many questions a lot of new members have. We encourage our members to have their spouse attend as we provide hand outs and give a lot of new information that day.

 

DEFERRED SAVINGS DEPOSITS

We are encouraging all members to turn in their Electronic Funds Transfer form in to get a monthly deposit if you have not already done so. There is a delay if you are getting quarterly checks, as some members’ information is not up to date. The best way to receive your deferred savings deposit is if you complete the EFT form. If you still have not completed your EFT form, please contact Teresa Raney at traney@uastpa.com to get one submitted.

 

NEBF – RETIREE TEMPORARY RETURN TO WORK NOTICE

To help with the Journeyman Inside Wireman and Sound & Communication Installer manpower shortage that all IBEW Locals are experiencing, NEBF has once again changed the working rules for Retirees. If you are currently retired and would like to go back to work for about 3 months or perhaps take some short calls, this temporary Return to Work Amendment changes the suspension rules for certain eligible retirees. Following are the features of the amendment:

1. The temporary amendment is effective from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.
2. All normal and early retirees with a pension effective date of December 2018 or earlier will be permitted to return to covered and contributory employment only and will be permitted to work for up to 600 hours during the above period without a loss of NEBF benefits. This amendment applies only to the NEBF Plan. (In order to receive benefits from other funds it will depend on the rules of those funds.)
3. Once an individual has worked for 600 hours in covered and contributory employment during the term of the temporary amendment, the individual will no longer be able to take advantage of this amendment and the normal rules (permitting work in the electrical industry for less than forty (40) hours per month without a suspension of benefits) will apply.
4. Disability pensioners are not eligible (the existing rules applicable to disabled pensioners remain in effect).
5. Only retirees who return to NEBF covered and contributory employment will be able to take advantage of this amendment – this amendment will not apply to persons who work for covered employers where no NEBF contributions are required or to persons who work for non-covered employers in the electrical industry.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS (2)

IBEW Local 340 Harry R. Bain Scholarship Award – For Dependents

Local 340 is going to award 2 (two) college scholarships ($1,000 for 1^st prize and $500 for 2^nd prize). These scholarships are available to sons, grandsons, daughters, granddaughters or legal dependents of members of Local 340.  The General Rules and Instructions, as well as the application, can be requested from the Sacramento Business Office or the Redding Office.  You can either call or email the Office Manager, Reyna Jimenez, at reyna@ibewlocal340.org or 916-539-0412 to have them sent to you. Please note:  the completed application must be received in the Sacramento Business Office by March 11, 2022 to be considered.

 

IBEW Founders Scholarship – For all IBEW Members (not dependents)

The IBEW Founders’ Scholarship honors the dedicated wiremen and linemen who organized the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on November 28, 1981. Each year the officers of the IBEW are pleased to offer its working members scholarships on a competitive basis. It is hoped that the awards will not only contribute to the personal development of our members but also steward the electrical industry that our founders envisioned. The award is for $200 per semester credit hour at any accredited college or university toward an associate’s, bachelors or postgraduate degree in an approved field. The maximum distribution is $24,000 per person over a period not to exceed eight years.

Any member interested in applying for the IBEW Founders Scholarship can do so by going on-line at www.ibew.org. Click on “Resources and Links” at the top, scroll down to the box labeled “Founders Scholarship”. You will receive information on this scholarship as well as be able to download the application.  These applications can also be picked up at the Business Office.  This scholarship is for any member who has been in continuous good standing and paid dues (without an Honorary Withdrawal for the four years prior to May 1, 2022). This is not a scholarship for your dependents.  All applications and required information must be mailed directly to the IBEW in Washington, DC and must be postmarked May 1, 2022.

 

 

OFFICE CLOSURES

Our office will be closed the following days:

Martin Luther King – Monday, January 17^th

President’s Day – Monday, February 21^st

REST IN PEACE

Retired Brother Jack Bower passed on 11/13/21. He was a 70-year member and 93 years of age.

Retired Brother Kenji Iwanaga passed on 12/23/21. He was a 60-year member and 82 years of age.

Retired Rick Sisco passed on 12/22/21. He was a 17-year member and 65 years of age.

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS –

SACRAMENTO MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS – 1^st Wednesdays @ 6PM – 10240 Systems Parkway, Sacramento 95827

 

REDDING UNIT MEETING – 1^st Wednesdays – Redding Union Hall @ 5:30 for Northern Area business and then join in the Sacramento meeting @ 6PM via webinar

 

SOUND & COMMUNICATIONS UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 4^TH Tuesdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall – NEXT QUARTERLY S&C MEETING Tuesday January 25^th @ 5:00 PM  – Note: seven (7) members needed to have a quorum.

 

CIVIL SERVICE UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 3^RD Thursdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall. NEXT QUARTERLY CIVIL SERVICE MEETING Thursday January 20^th @ 5:00PM – Note: five (5) members needed to have a quorum.

 

LABOR BULLETIN

by

BUSINESS MANAGER BOB WARD

MAY 2021

 

INSIDE WIREMAN’S UPCOMING NEGOTIATIONS

By the time this reaches you we will have closed the deadline for voting on the on the first ratification vote. We would like to thank all of those who took the time to vote and help us prove the worth of our Union Brothers and Sisters in these recent negotiations. I would especially like to thank our Negotiations Committee who put in many hours of negotiations. We will be closing up, hopefully, by the end of April and have any changes sent to printers in May. The membership will be notified as soon as we come to a final decision.

 

OFFICE UPDATE

We are still working diligently for all our members even though we are not open to the public, we want you to know we are here for you as we always have been. We hope that you and your loved ones continue to stay safe. Please keep a look out for updates here as well as our website to be aware of any upcoming changes. Speaking of our website, we have recently updated the Member section and added a FAQs. This will be especially helpful for any new members who may have questions in between their scheduled New Member Orientation.

 

I would also like to take this time to give a bittersweet goodbye to Assistant Business Manager of the North, Andrew Meredith. Brother Meredith has taken a position with the State Building Trades. His last day with us was April 23^rd. It has been a pleasure working by your side these past few years I have been in office. You have show us all what it truly means to be a Brother. During your time with us you have taken huge strides not only in your personal life but with the local as well when you joined in May 2011. You were the delegate to many committees including but not limited to SAEW Pension, CLC Delegate and a Shasta Butte Trustee just to name a few all shortly after graduating the apprenticeship in February of 2008. Your hard work and dedication to this local over the years has not and will not go unnoticed. We wish you well in your future endeavors. Your uncle Tom would have been proud.

 

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION CLASS

The next scheduled New Member Orientation is on September 25, 2021. This class will be separated into two classes the first is CECW and Sound & Communications and the second class will be for Inside Wireman classification. Notifications of these classes are sent out twice, the first one is sent around 1 week in advance as a reminder and the second is the registration link send the day before the class. If there is any member who has failed to attend more than 3 in a row, we will be contacting you. This is a very important class to attend especially if you are still new or have questions regarding your membership. We encourage members to have their spouses or significant others attend as well.

 

DEFERRED SAVINGS

If you are someone who is receiving your deferred savings in the form of a check, we have sent an email to get you started on direct deposits. Some members were sent the form via DocuSign but have not completed it yet. We will be sending reminders to turn in your forms. Please get this completed ASAP so you can have monthly deposits instead of quarterly deposits. If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Raney at 916-923-0666 or by email at traney@ibewlocal340.org

 

NEBF – RETIREE TEMPORARY RETURN TO WORK NOTICE

To help with the Journeyman Inside Wireman and Sound & Communication Installer manpower shortage that all IBEW Locals are experiencing, NEBF has once again changed the working rules for Retirees. If you are currently retired and would like to go back to work for about 3 months or perhaps take some short calls, this temporary Return to Work Amendment changes the suspension rules for certain eligible retirees. Following are the features of the amendment:

1. The temporary amendment is effective from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
2. All normal and early retirees with a pension effective date of December 2018 or earlier will be permitted to return to covered and contributory employment only and will be permitted to work for up to 600 hours during the above period without a loss of NEBF benefits. This amendment applies only to the NEBF Plan. (In order to receive benefits from other funds it will depend on the rules of those funds.)
3. Once an individual has worked for 600 hours in covered and contributory employment during the term of the temporary amendment, the individual will no longer be able to take advantage of this amendment and the normal rules (permitting work in the electrical industry for less than forty (40) hours per month without a suspension of benefits) will apply.
4. Disability pensioners are not eligible (the existing rules applicable to disabled pensioners remain in effect).
5. Only retirees who return to NEBF covered and contributory employment will be able to take advantage of this amendment – this amendment will not apply to persons who work for covered employers where no NEBF contributions are required or to persons who work for non-covered employers in the electrical industry.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS (2)

IBEW Founders Scholarship – For all IBEW Members (not dependents)

The IBEW Founders’ Scholarship honors the dedicated wiremen and linemen who organized the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on November 28, 1981. Each year the officers of the IBEW are pleased to offer its working members scholarships on a competitive basis. It is hoped that the awards will not only contribute to the personal development of our members but also steward the electrical industry that our founders envisioned. The award is for $200 per semester credit hour at any accredited college or university toward an associate’s, bachelors or postgraduate degree in an approved field. The maximum distribution is $24,000 per person over a period not to exceed eight years.

Any member interested in applying for the IBEW Founders Scholarship can do so by going on-line at www.ibew.org. Click on “Resources and Links” at the top, scroll down to the box labeled “Founders Scholarship”. You will receive information on this scholarship as well as be able to download the application.  These applications can also be picked up at the Business Office.  This scholarship is for any member who has been in continuous good standing and paid dues (without an Honorary Withdrawal for the four years prior to May 1, 2019). This is not a scholarship for your dependents.  All applications and required information must be mailed directly to the IBEW in Washington, DC and must be postmarked May 1, 2021.

Five Counties Central Labor Council

The Five Counties CLC announce the college scholarship program for 2021. There will be three (3) $1,500 scholarship winners this year. It is available to members who are family or household members (parents, domestic partners, grandparents, siblings, etc) of graduating high school seniors. Students of deceased or retired members may also apply. The applicant must be graduating high school in the Fall of 2020 or Spring 2021 and plan to enroll in an accredited college or trade school as a full-time student (at least 12 units) for Fall of 2021. Any applicant applying must state their relationship to the Union member, provide proof of the Union membership in a local affiliated with this Labor Council, and write an original essay about how belonging to a labor union benefits their family as well as the Union member in their workplace. Deadline to submit application and essay is no later than April 21, 2021.

 

ACCIDENTS & ILLNESSES

Active Brother Charles Kimbley passed on April 11, 2021. He was a 37-year member and 60 years of age.

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS – CURRENTLY CANCELLED FOR MAY

SACRAMENTO MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS – 1^st Wednesdays @ 6PM – 10240 Systems Parkway, Sacramento 95827

 

REDDING UNIT MEETING – 1^st Wednesdays – Redding Union Hall @ 5:30 for Northern Area business and then join in the Sacramento meeting @ 6PM via webinar

 

SOUND & COMMUNICATIONS UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 4^TH Tuesdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall – NEXT QUARTERLY S&C MEETING Tuesday July 27^th @ 5:00 PM  – Note: seven (7) members needed to have a quorum.

 

CIVIL SERVICE UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 3^RD Thursdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall. NEXT QUARTERLY CIVIL SERVICE MEETING Thursday July 15^th @ 5:00PM – Note: five (5) members needed to have a quorum.

 

LABOR BULLETIN

by

BUSINESS MANAGER BOB WARD

APRIL 2021

 

INSIDE WIREMAN’S UPCOMING NEGOTIATIONS

As mentioned last month the Inside Wireman’s contract will be expiring at the end of May 2021. Our negotiations committee has been meeting weekly and reviewed the surveys of those of you who turned them in. We will keep you posted as we move along this process. To ensure you are receiving updates and surveys please be sure to double check with the hall that we have your correct mailing and email address on file, so you don’t miss out on any important information.

 

OFFICE UPDATE

As we enter a new season and new era of the COVID 19, we want our members to know that we are working on gradually opening up the hall. I have been keeping a close look at the County guidelines for us to be able to open up and hold regular membership meetings. Please keep a look out for notifications here as well as our website for up to date information.

I would also like to take this time to welcome aboard Teresa Raney. She will be joining the IBEW Local 340 team. We sent a notification to Inside Wireman and CECWs of her new contact information. She will have the same number 916-923-0666, but her email has updated to traney@ibewlocal340.org. Teresa will continue to be your contact point for benefits and local pension questions.

 

END OF YEAR DUES STATEMENTS

The End of the Year Dues Statements are available online at www.ibewlocal340.org by logging onto your member account. The statement can be found in the member portal under the Dues dropdown listed as “2020 Tax Statement”. Please note they did not get mailed out this year. If you would like a copy sent directly to you, please reach out to Koy at the office (916-927-4239 ext. 1001). She can mail or email you your copy.

 

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION CLASS

We will be holding our next New Member Orientation on May 8, 2021. This class will be separated into two classes the first is CECW and Sound & Communications and the second class will be for Inside Wireman classification. Notices have gone out to those who have missed 3 or more classes. This is a very important class to attend especially if you are still new or have questions regarding your membership. We encourage members to have their spouses or significant others attend as well. Ensure we have your correct email on file, so you are receiving these notices.

 

DEFERRED SAVINGS

We recently sent out a mass email to all those members still missing their Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) forms. If you received this email and have not responded or turned in this form, we urge you to get this done immediately. We can send the necessary form via DocuSign or mail it with a return envelope. If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Raney at 916-923-0666 or by email at traney@ibewlocal340.org

 

NEBF – RETIREE TEMPORARY RETURN TO WORK NOTICE

To help with the Journeyman Inside Wireman and Sound & Communication Installer manpower shortage that all IBEW Locals are experiencing, NEBF has once again changed the working rules for Retirees. If you are currently retired and would like to go back to work for about 3 months or perhaps take some short calls, this temporary Return to Work Amendment changes the suspension rules for certain eligible retirees. Following are the features of the amendment:

1. The temporary amendment is effective from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
2. All normal and early retirees with a pension effective date of December 2018 or earlier will be permitted to return to covered and contributory employment only and will be permitted to work for up to 600 hours during the above period without a loss of NEBF benefits. This amendment applies only to the NEBF Plan. (In order to receive benefits from other funds it will depend on the rules of those funds.)
3. Once an individual has worked for 600 hours in covered and contributory employment during the term of the temporary amendment, the individual will no longer be able to take advantage of this amendment and the normal rules (permitting work in the electrical industry for less than forty (40) hours per month without a suspension of benefits) will apply.
4. Disability pensioners are not eligible (the existing rules applicable to disabled pensioners remain in effect).
5. Only retirees who return to NEBF covered and contributory employment will be able to take advantage of this amendment – this amendment will not apply to persons who work for covered employers where no NEBF contributions are required or to persons who work for non-covered employers in the electrical industry.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS (2)

IBEW Founders Scholarship – For all IBEW Members (not dependents)

The IBEW Founders’ Scholarship honors the dedicated wiremen and linemen who organized the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on November 28, 1981. Each year the officers of the IBEW are pleased to offer its working members scholarships on a competitive basis. It is hoped that the awards will not only contribute to the personal development of our members but also steward the electrical industry that our founders envisioned. The award is for $200 per semester credit hour at any accredited college or university toward an associate’s, bachelors or postgraduate degree in an approved field. The maximum distribution is $24,000 per person over a period not to exceed eight years.

Any member interested in applying for the IBEW Founders Scholarship can do so by going on-line at www.ibew.org. Click on “Resources and Links” at the top, scroll down to the box labeled “Founders Scholarship”. You will receive information on this scholarship as well as be able to download the application.  These applications can also be picked up at the Business Office.  This scholarship is for any member who has been in continuous good standing and paid dues (without an Honorary Withdrawal for the four years prior to May 1, 2019). This is not a scholarship for your dependents.  All applications and required information must be mailed directly to the IBEW in Washington, DC and must be postmarked May 1, 2021.

Five Counties Central Labor Council

The Five Counties CLC announce the college scholarship program for 2021. There will be three (3) $1,500 scholarship winners this year. It is available to members who are family or household members (parents, domestic partners, grandparents, siblings, etc) of graduating high school seniors. Students of deceased or retired members may also apply. The applicant must be graduating high school in the Fall of 2020 or Spring 2021 and plan to enroll in an accredited college or trade school as a full-time student (at least 12 units) for Fall of 2021. Any applicant applying must state their relationship to the Union member, provide proof of the Union membership in a local affiliated with this Labor Council, and write an original essay about how belonging to a labor union benefits their family as well as the Union member in their workplace. Deadline to submit application and essay is no later than April 21, 2021.

 

ACCIDENTS & ILLNESSES

Active Brother Roberto Clark, he was a 35-year member and 59 years of age.

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS – CURRENTLY CANCELLED FOR APRIL

SACRAMENTO MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS – 1^st Wednesdays @ 6PM – 10240 Systems Parkway, Sacramento 95827

 

REDDING UNIT MEETING – 1^st Wednesdays – Redding Union Hall @ 5:30 for Northern Area business and then join in the Sacramento meeting @ 6PM via webinar

 

SOUND & COMMUNICATIONS UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 4^TH Tuesdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall – NEXT QUARTERLY S&C MEETING Tuesday April 26^th @ 5:00 PM  – Note: seven (7) members needed to have a quorum.

 

CIVIL SERVICE UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 3^RD Thursdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall. NEXT QUARTERLY CIVIL SERVICE MEETING Thursday April 15^th @ 5:00PM – Note: five (5) members needed to have a quorum.

 

LABOR BULLETIN

by

BUSINESS MANAGER BOB WARD

MARCH 2021

 

INSIDE WIREMAN’S UPCOMING NEGOTIATIONS

As you may know we are coming closer to the end of our Inside Wireman’s agreement on May 31, 2021. We will soon be entering negotiations with the Management side soon. The office recently sent out surveys to all Inside Wireman members, including apprentices, to begin receiving feedback about any changes you the membership would like to see. In the survey we also asked if you preferred mailed correspondence over email, you would need to notify our office in writing so we can make a note in your record. Please be sure to double check with the hall that we have your correct mailing and email address on file, so you don’t miss out on any important information.

 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Our members and staff are classified under the 1C Group for COVID-19 vaccines. We will be working with Sacramento County to help assist our members in getting the vaccine sooner than the expected timeline if you so choose. We want to ensure our members and their family members have every opportunity to get vaccinated and continue to stay safe while heading out to work every day. I would like to send out my gratitude to our members and extended essential workers who have been working long and sometimes extended hours to ensure the necessary work gets completed. Your hard work and selflessness do not go unnoticed.

 

END OF YEAR DUES STATEMENTS

The End of the Year Dues Statements are available online at www.ibewlocal340.org by logging onto your member account. The statement can be found in the member portal under the Dues dropdown listed as “2020 Tax Statement”. If you would like a copy sent directly to you, please reach out to Koy at the office (916-927-4239 ext. 1001). She can mail or email you your copy.

 

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION CLASS

We will be holding our next New Member Orientation on March 13, 2021. This class will be separated into two classes the first is CECW and Sound & Communications and the second class will be for Inside Wireman classification. We will begin contacting those members who have failed to attend 3 or more classes. This is a very important class to attend especially if you are still new or have questions regarding your membership. We encourage members to have their spouses or significant others attend as well. Ensure we have your correct email on file, so you are receiving these notices.

 

DEFERRED SAVINGS

There are still numerous members who have not turned in their Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form to have their monthly deferred savings deposited monthly. The local recently sent emails to those who do not have EFTs on file and requested to get this completed to be sent to Teresa Raney at the Sacramento Area Electrical Trust Office. If you have not yet turned in this form, please do so immediately. If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Raney at 916-923-0666 or by email at traney@uastpa.com

 

NEBF – RETIREE TEMPORARY RETURN TO WORK NOTICE

To help with the Journeyman Inside Wireman and Sound & Communication Installer manpower shortage that all IBEW Locals are experiencing, NEBF has once again changed the working rules for Retirees. If you are currently retired and would like to go back to work for about 3 months or perhaps take some short calls, this temporary Return to Work Amendment changes the suspension rules for certain eligible retirees. Following are the features of the amendment:

1. The temporary amendment is effective from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
2. All normal and early retirees with a pension effective date of December 2018 or earlier will be permitted to return to covered and contributory employment only and will be permitted to work for up to 600 hours during the above period without a loss of NEBF benefits. This amendment applies only to the NEBF Plan. (In order to receive benefits from other funds it will depend on the rules of those funds.)
3. Once an individual has worked for 600 hours in covered and contributory employment during the term of the temporary amendment, the individual will no longer be able to take advantage of this amendment and the normal rules (permitting work in the electrical industry for less than forty (40) hours per month without a suspension of benefits) will apply.
4. Disability pensioners are not eligible (the existing rules applicable to disabled pensioners remain in effect).
5. Only retirees who return to NEBF covered and contributory employment will be able to take advantage of this amendment – this amendment will not apply to persons who work for covered employers where no NEBF contributions are required or to persons who work for non-covered employers in the electrical industry.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS (2)

IBEW Local 340 Harry R. Bain Scholarship Award – For Dependents

The deadline for this scholarship will be March 12 and we will announce the winner on the next Labor Bulletin and our website. Thank you to all those who participated.

 

IBEW Founders Scholarship – For all IBEW Members (not dependents)

The IBEW Founders’ Scholarship honors the dedicated wiremen and linemen who organized the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on November 28, 1981. Each year the officers of the IBEW are pleased to offer its working members scholarships on a competitive basis. It is hoped that the awards will not only contribute to the personal development of our members but also steward the electrical industry that our founders envisioned. The award is for $200 per semester credit hour at any accredited college or university toward an associate’s, bachelors or postgraduate degree in an approved field. The maximum distribution is $24,000 per person over a period not to exceed eight years.

Any member interested in applying for the IBEW Founders Scholarship can do so by going on-line at www.ibew.org. Click on “Resources and Links” at the top, scroll down to the box labeled “Founders Scholarship”. You will receive information on this scholarship as well as be able to download the application.  These applications can also be picked up at the Business Office.  This scholarship is for any member who has been in continuous good standing and paid dues (without an Honorary Withdrawal for the four years prior to May 1, 2019). This is not a scholarship for your dependents.  All applications and required information must be mailed directly to the IBEW in Washington, DC and must be postmarked May 1, 2021.

ACCIDENTS & ILLNESSES

Active Brother Roberto Clark, he was a 35-year member and 59 years of age.

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS – CURRENTLY CANCELLED FOR MARCH

SACRAMENTO MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS – 1^st Wednesdays @ 6PM – 10240 Systems Parkway, Sacramento 95827

 

REDDING UNIT MEETING – 1^st Wednesdays – Redding Union Hall @ 5:30 for Northern Area business and then join in the Sacramento meeting @ 6PM via webinar

 

SOUND & COMMUNICATIONS UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 4^TH Tuesdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall – NEXT QUARTERLY S&C MEETING Tuesday April 26^th @ 5:00 PM  – Note: seven (7) members needed to have a quorum.

 

CIVIL SERVICE UNIT MEETING – Quarterly on the 3^RD Thursdays of January, April, July & October at the Hall. NEXT QUARTERLY CIVIL SERVICE MEETING Thursday April 15^th @ 5:00PM – Note: five (5) members needed to have a quorum.