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"Tell them that even god hates double bookers and when local JWs are on the book its time to leave."

"You might want to post for newly organized that info on state licenses is available at mikeholt.com I found this site very helpful"

"Mike,
You can't teach brotherhood it has to be experienced ( you must be a pretty good brother yourself to extend a hand to the newly organized) for the new union may help. guys. Perhaps a week indoctrination course on why we are what we are as a If nothing else, a video tape explaining I.B.E.W. from 1891 to the present may be of value. The thing that ticks me off more than anything else is for these new guys to come on board and expect to get treated like a brother - yet the guy is dumber than a box of rocks: no amount of hustle can replace schooling.

Therefore every newly organized member should make sure he has good credentials in the fundamantals of electrical theory, general electrical skills, and code knowledge ( if they don't possess these, they need to gain them). Best place to go for information in " how to be a success in this trade " would be mikeholt.com. Mike is the man! Sarina Snow at 1-800 881-2580 can give them the guidance they need to secure fundamentals to masters level in skills in the trade.

Why do I harp on skill level? Because if a man thinks enough of himself to become a well rounded electrician, he/she is smart enough to move into the brotherhood. Those that are stupid - I would just as soon they stay rat. Sound harsh? think about it next time you draw a tooly to work with by assignment on a project and you have to work 480 live.

Being I.B.E.W. is more than just signing up to do electrical work, it's about being a good brother or sister."

"Mike, Hats off to you for your efforts! I was organized in myself in 86 but was lucky enough to do a 2 yr apprenticeship ( received credit for previous work) and came from a local where the lineman were in charge at that time so got a good education).

After hearing back from you, I would recommend you talk to Mike Holt (mikeholt.com) Granted that Mike Holt is not a member of the IBEW but is one of the finest people I know in this business, and maybe able to steer you in some positve directions that I'm clueless to.

Also in regard to the International Organization, it is my personal belief that they have an agenda to gather revenue through all means to collect dues. So they may not be the most co-operative in your endevors. The fleas also have some strong willed ideas, but for the most part are good people but sometimes go a bit far in radical ideals. Great chance to see the best of " the real I.B.E.W. " and brotherhood at it's finest is at the reunion planned in Tennessee at Loretta Lynn's place from July 3rd to the 11th ( I believe) and get to feel what brotherhood is. I can't make it this year, maybe next one.

Final note, make some inroads with the fleas, you don't have to be one, (sometimes it's better that way) but they do play a very important part in the fabric that makes this whole organization work. They've never turned away a brother in need, so if they ask you to buy a t-shirt for the sick and needy, buy two and be thankful you can contribute!"

"Bro, I think it's a good idea to inform the organized hands about being on the road. First thing to tell them is to find out how the traveling bros feel about the local they are working in. Such as transferring, lay-offs and such. 58's NMA contract is written in such a way that transferring is an acceptable practice, but not by the bros that travel full-time. There have been a lot of hard feelings about this and we all need to do it OR not do it. Not this some do and some don't. A lot of local pukes don't approve of it, even tho their local bros do it. And they (local pukes) really take a dim view of a tramp doing it. Thanks for the opportunity to get on my soap box"

"Hello Brother,

I am a 27 year member of the IBEW Local 428 Bakersfield, and have been on the road for the last 15 years partly due to organized hands tramping into my jurisdiction and staying there past their invitation, if you know what I mean. I compete with some pretty unqualified guys making the same money and signing the same book out here on the road.

I used to organize as assistant down there myself, and having been on the road I see some of the brothers that locals have organized and then set on the road. My advise is if your local cannot support these brothers and train them in your own jurisdiction for at least 6 to ten years then quit organizing them. You need to sign the contractors not just organize their hands.

Some Locals are known to be organizing mills, as it were, but don't provide mandatory education. I worked with a organized hand in Boise a couple of years ago who, when things slowed, tried to travel but was so depressed after finding out the hall could not give him a traveling letter, that he blew his brains out. I know this is an extreem case but it points out the obligation of the Local to have a "local economy" that will support the new brothers and a good education program.

Just a point of information bro, from a long time observer. God's speed to all brothers, new and old, but don't let us subterfuge our apprentice programs in the name of an organizing race."

You can post your thoughts on my message board if you want. If you e-mail them to me, I will post them here as long as they are clean (rated PG-13).

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