Field Organizer

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Brothers and Sisters,

This is an exciting time in our Local Union as we continue to experience new growth that allows us to build a new, solid foundation for the success of Local 553, now and forever.

During my campaign for Business Manager, I mentioned that in order to increase our wages and benefits, we must increase our share of the electrical market in our jurisdiction, but in order to do so, I would be asking for your help. That time has now come.

In response to the increased work load our Local Union has experienced this year, I believe it is necessary to recruit additional staff to our Market Development Department team to help support and promote our continued efforts to organize ALL workers in the entire electrical industry. Therefore, I will be holding interviews to fulfill the need for a full-time Field Organizer.

Interviews will be held at a scheduled time at the Union Hall on the following dates:

  • Monday, September 9, 2019
  • Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Any member (other than apprentices) may apply for the position by calling the hall at 919-596-8220 and speaking with Office Manager Betsy Proctor Roose to schedule an appointment for an interview. For any questions regarding the day-to-day responsibilities of the Field Organizer position, please contact me directly at 919-323-5570, or at raxford@ibew553.org.

I am forever grateful to all of you that have afforded me this responsibility and opportunity to serve as your Business Manager. I am extremely proud of your hard work and dedication to the IBEW and to Local 553. I encourage any member that wishes to join our team to ask yourself if you are prepared to carry out the Objectives of the IBEW Constitution in a new capacity by serving Local 553 and all un-represented electrical workers in the entire electrical industry.

Thank you for your continued support.

Fraternally Yours,

W. Rob Axford
Business Manager – IBEW Local 553

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Solidarity for Sister Colleen

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Dear Valued Brothers and Sisters,
As members of the IBEW, we all swore to uphold the Objects of the Constitution. Right now is the time for us to display the true meaning of Brotherhood by supporting one of our own in her time of distress.
To those who aren’t yet aware, Colleen McNamara, 2nd Year Apprentice and IBEW Local 553 Sister, was severely injured on the job in Charleston, SC after falling approximately 12 feet. Her right side took most of the damage, including a fractured eye socket, many broken ribs, wrist, and pelvis. She hit her head on the concrete floor very hard and has cranial bleeding, confusion and speech difficulty. Fortunately, she’s expected to recover, but has several months of recovery ahead of her.
While she has some of the best benefits in the country, she will still need help with her living expenses while she recovers. Colleen is a very active member of Local 553 and of our RENEW Committee, and now we want to rally behind her in her time of need.
If you feel inclined to support Colleen financially during her long recovery process, please do so using the following link to make donations to a GoFundMe account managed by Colleen’s family. Please, feel free to share the link with all your friends and family.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support for Sister Colleen.
Fraternally Yours,
-Steve Baker, Vice President IBEW Local 553

https://www.gofundme.com/f/colleen-mcnamara

Save Our Apprenticeships

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LU #553 General Membership

From: Rob Axford, Business Manager

Date:   July 24, 2019

 

Greetings to each of you!

Please see the attached letter from International President Lonnie Stephenson dated July 18, 2019.

 

I ask that you read the enclosed letter and the accompanying attachment and follow through with President Stephenson’s request for participation. We respectfully request your support in our endeavor.

Below are several points we need to keep in mind with the proposed changes to non-JATC apprenticeship programs:

IRAPs are not state or federally certified apprenticeship programs. They are recognized and/or regulated by the company.

There are no state or federal regulations for wage increases during apprenticeship

There is a possibility of differing interpretations of quality and safety standards

Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this request on behalf of the IBEW.

https://www.saveibewapprenticeships.org/

Regards,

Rob Axford Business Manager

https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2019/01/22/essay-risks-trump-administrations-plans-deregulate-apprenticeship-opinion