Hello to our EITCA Unit,
There have been many changes at the Training center as of late. This news update is somewhat interchangeable with our other 424 Units but important that you have your own area for updates. We have had this new website built so that we could get updates out to our Members in all areas without it being generally accessible to the public or Management. This is just a little info for this Unit but will be adding news of interest once we get the kinks ironed out on this new website.
To start with, thank you all for your hard work and patience throughout everything we have all faced these last couple years. It has been a trying time with Covid and not being able to have regular Union meetings. You have persevered and been a key factor in our ability to get our relationship with the Company back on track. This was instrumental in being able to advocate for you in negotiations and maintain and strive for a better workplace environment when we met with the Company for Bargaining and worked out the new CBA in 2021. We felt that they were appreciative of the work you do and the dedication you have toward their Members. We have worked hard to have this working relationship, but it wouldn’t be there if they didn’t appreciate the value you bring to the organization. We have a good relationship with Todd, and have recently met with Chad. I feel confident that we will have a long and mutually beneficial relationship.
We receive emails and calls when there are issues. While this is great, we will have to figure out what is best for everyone for Union meetings, whether we have them at your workplace at the end of the day, meetings at the 1007 Hall, meetings with the other 424 areas, or virtually. Once we have settled Bargaining with EBFA, I think we can sit down as a group and decide what is best.
A lot has gone on here in the last year and a half since I took office. We are very successful in what we do. We are very effective in advocating for our Members and we do good work. I am glad that I am here, and you had faith in me. It is my privilege to work for you through these most difficult times. As always, please call or email with your concerns.
Thank you,
Steve Southwood
Business Manager, IBEW 1007