International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 551

Sisters and Brothers, Please take note of this newsletter from our International discussing 'How President Biden’s actions benefit working families and IBEW members.' We are so proud to finally have a Union Friendly President that believes in Union Principles.

Sisters and Brothers, Please take a moment to watch this short video from President Joe Biden as he speaks to us as the IBEW.

Dear Sisters and Brothers, We would like to bring your attention to this communication for our International President, Lonnie Stephenson.

Happy Thanksgiving to all Sisters and Brothers of IBEW local 551, Today we celebrate with our families and loved ones, either in person or a zoom call, or a regular phone call and we remember everything we are thankful for. We in the Union are thankful for our health care, our pensions and a decent working wage - but we have none of it without the Unions. So, please join me in wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and this Saturday, November 28th, a Happy Birthday to the Int...ernational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - OUR UNION - 129 years young and growing stronger every day. It is because of members like you, that our Union stands out as one of the best and strongest Labor Unions in the Building Trades. Today and yesterday we gave out almost 400 dinners prepared by Sally Tomatoes in Rohnert Park to disadvantaged communities in Sonoma County. Next year it will be 4000. A special thank you to Business Reps Joe Tremaine and Jared Mumm for giving up their time with their families to help deliver the meals, and a HUGE shout out to Apprentice Inside Wireman Michael Huppert, who stepped in when we were a truck down. Michael showed up with his wife Joanna, and son (and future Electrician) Rider, to help with the final deliveries today. True Unionism. Always looking to help out where we can. Enjoy the day, enjoy the extended weekend, and never pass up an opportunity to help someone if you can. So Proud to be in the IBEW Local 551 - In Solidarity, John McEntagart

Brothers and Sisters, today is election day! This is the final day to cast your ballot. Polls are open in California between 7am-8pm. If you can get in line before 8pm you are entitled to cast your ballot.... Please do not attempt to mail your ballot today- it must be delivered in person. If you have any issues attempting to cast your ballot today please don't hesitate to call our political department at 707-529-8173. If you are unsure of where to find your polling location- you can find it here: https://www.sos.ca.gov//voters-choice/vca-voting-locations Please dont forget to check IBEWvotes.com for a full list of our endorsements on local candidates and state propositions. Select the endorsements tab and then search for our local. https://www.ibewvotes.com/index.php/ibew-endorsements/

Sisters and Brothers, We are 4 days away from the General Election and there are critical races up for grabs come next Tuesday. As of this moment, 30% of our membership has not yet submitted their ballot. You may have received a phone call from us reminding you to turn in your ballot if you are listed in that 30%. If you are upset at the top of the ticket, then vote the local races only, as they are most likely to directly impact your ability to work here, in your home Local.... That is why we are imploring you to exercise your rights and vote. Please utilize IBEWvotes.com when filling out your ballot to check for local races in which we've made an endorsement. I have personally spoken with every candidate that we've endorsed as a Local. These endorsements were made with no regard to the candidate's political party affiliation or social views. Support for prevailing wage laws and project labor agreements were the main criteria in deciding which candidates to endorse. These are the individuals who may be the deciding vote on a project being approved or not. This is a way to gain us more jobs locally. The following video was produced by the State Building Trades, in collaboration with the California Professional Firefighters and the Teamsters. It is directed at all Organized Labor, all members and our families, urging us to vote No on Prop 22. Prop 22 would open state law to make it easier for employers to classify workers as independent contractors. The Building Trades have fought the independent contractor classification for 40 years. It still gives us problems, but as President Hunter has said, "classifying workers as independent contractors in construction is a lion that we keep in the corner with a whip and a chair; Prop 22 will make it easier for that lion to get out and try to eat us once again." https://cabuildingtrades.org/no-on-22-video/ Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election or your choice of candidates at the top of the ticket, YOUR Union will be here supporting you, your family, and protecting your hard-earned wages and benefits. You can find a list of ballot drop off locations here https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/. If you have any questions about your ballot or how to vote, please call our political department at 707-529-8173, or you can always call me directly on my cell. When we stand together, we are at our strongest - and when we vote together, we can be unstoppable. In Solidarity, John McEntagart -Business Manager - cell 707 477 2140 - email [email protected]

Happy Labor Day Sisters and Brothers, Enjoy the day with your families and loved ones never forgetting that this day was brought to you by the Union Labor movement, along with the five day work week - the 40 hour work week - weekends off - safer working conditions - health care - pensions. The temperatures are supposed to be very dangerous again today so, if you can, check on any of our senior citizens you know and see if they are doing ok.... Again, enjoy the day and BE PROUD knowing that every day you wake up - you play a vital role in the Union Labor Movement. Solidarity is OUR strength. When we act as ONE - when we speak as ONE - when we VOTE as one - we help create and sustain a world we would be proud to leave for our children and grandchildren. In Solidarity, John McEntagart - Business Manager

Our priority legislation to create good IBEW jobs and advance electric vehicles and energy efficiency in schools - AB 841 (Ting) - passed out of the legislature! We give our sincere gratitude and thanks to all of our IBEW members, State Senators, Assemblymembers, and coalition supporters for charging ahead on this exciting legislation, and we strongly encourage Governor Newsom to sign AB 841!

IBEW Local 551 Sisters and Brothers, I would like to wish a Happy Juneteenth to all of our members who celebrate today. We see you. We recognize and appreciate your joy in observing this day of liberation. We are saddened by the stress and fear that you still experience at the hands of systemic racism alive in our country today. I admit this is not a holiday we have recognized in the past. It is something that many of us still must educate ourselves on, myself included. I a...m doing the work to gain this education, and I hope that many of you will join me. Organized labor has long been about the struggle of inequality. We would be failing our own movement if we did not support the fight for justice that our Black and Brown members face. In that light, I would like to clarify something I said in a prior email so that there is no confusion where we stand. The IBEW believes Black Lives Matter. We cannot all be equal until the most oppressed among us are given the recognition and civil rights that they deserve as human beings. An injury to one is an injury to all. The IBEW believes in action and solidarity. I want to extend the opportunity for our Black and Brown members to openly discuss the racism they experience and provide a forum via zoom for all to hear directly from those members and to learn from their experiences the best way for us to move forward together. Go ahead and check your email for a link to sign up. If you are uncomfortable speaking publicly on this issue, a private option is listed in the form, and your statements can be made anonymously. I would also like to draw your attention to the IBEW's International Electrical Workers Minority Caucus. If you are interested in starting a local chapter, please contact me. http://www.ibew-ewmc.com/ I look forward to our future discussions and learning from each other. In Solidarity, John McEntagart Here are some resources for learning more about Juneteenth and the struggle for equality. What Is Juneteenth? https://bit.ly/3ekvImx Understanding Racism and How to be Anti-Racist https://s.si.edu/2AKcNTT How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Change https://bit.ly/3ejIu4C A collection of videos regarding the experience of Black people compiled by Netflix https://bit.ly/3dm6faV

Our hearts are with IBEW local 1245. May these brothers rest in peace.

"The cause of labor has always been the cause of human solidarity, human dignity and justice and equality for all, so the #IBEW cannot afford to stay silent as our African-American brothers and sisters suffer in fear of violence."

Please join us in supporting union grocery and pharmacy workers around California. These brave workers continue to provide necessities to all of us, despite all the personal challenges and risks they take every day. California UFCW locals have a petition to the Governor calling on him to increase protections for grocery and pharmacy workers. We’re asking that you try to get between 10 and 50 (or more!) signatures on this petition. A collective show of support from all of Labor will send a message to the Governor that these essential workers need protections NOW! You can view the full petition here https://p2a.co/y4fuVGl Thanks so much for all you are doing! And please let us know what we can do to support you!

Sisters and Brothers remember: 1) To always look out for one another 2) If you are sick - stay at home and don’t show up for work 3) Try to stay 3-6 feet away from one another... 4) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. 5) Clean your hands often for at least 20 seconds - with hand sanitizer or soap. 6) If you need a day off, let your foreman know. Don't say you are taking a sick day if you are not sick. One of our members did just that and was told he had to self-quarantine for 2 weeks. He just wanted a day off to help out at home and let his wife go to the store without the kids. Remember everyone is hyper sensitive regarding anything to do with this illness. If any of you have any experiences you want to share regarding the Coronavirus, please let us know so others can benefit from your experiences. Thank you and stay safe out there!

If there's one thing we know in labor, it's that we can get through anything if we stand together. Thank you to the thousands of nurses and healthcare workers on the front lines, and thank you to all of our brothers and sisters donating to the cause. The health and safety of our members and their families is always job number one, said NABTU President Sean McGarvey. All of North America is our family right now, and we stand ready to help. We commend the thousands of nurses..., first-responders, and healthcare workers who are putting their lives on the line every day during this pandemic. Given the shortage of health supplies, we are asking our contractors and our own training centers to donate N-95 respirators and other protective equipment like face shields and goggles as quickly as possible in their own communities. Our men and women will continue doing all we can to support those in need during this critical time. #UnionStrong #PPENow

Sisters and Brothers, Please see attached letter from IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson

On Behalf of IBEW Local 551, John McEntagart delivered a $3,500.00 check to the Interfaith Shelter Network. This organization helps homeless men, women and children in Sonoma County. With the generous donation from the members of IBEW Local 551 they will be able to buy 100 blanket and sheet sets. This benefits these individuals and families immensely because once they transition into permanent housing, they are able to take these items with them. **Business manager of IBEW Local 551, John McEntagart is pictured with executive director of the Interfaith Shelter Network, Pamela Wallace.**

The IBEW Hour Power awards are officially open! Nominate a deserving instructor, journeyman mentor, apprentice now: https://ibewhourpower.com/awards/

Are you or someone you know a veteran who is an active or retired member of the IBEW? We want to feature you on IBEW Hour Power! Fill out this short contact form and we will reach out to you: https://ibewhourpower.com/band-of-brotherhood/

Two days until Thanksgiving! Don’t forget to support unions!