Business Manager Christopher Erikson presents former Business Manager Thomas Van Arsdale with his 70-year Service Award along with President John E. Marchell and Assistant Business Manager Lance Van Arsdale.
On June 13, 2016 the officers and officials of Local 3 recognized 639 members for their many important contributions to the success of Local 3 and the trade
union movement.
The officers paid tribute to those who came before them at the annual luncheon held on behalf of members with 50 or more years of membership in Local 3. Each member was greeted by either an official or
an officer and pictures were taken prior to them being escorted into the Electric Industry Center Auditorium where they joined their fellow pension members of Local 3.
Among the honorees were 142 50-year members; 217 55-year members; 153 60-year members; 62 65-year members; 55 70-year members; 9 75-year members and 1 80-year member. Also in a special presentation, Business Manager Christopher Erikson presented former Business Manager Thomas Van Arsdale with his 70-year service pin.
Those in attendance were a cross-section of the union including construction, maintenance and manufacturing members. Each member with 50 years of membership received a gold watch and IBEW service lapel pin.
A few of the hundreds of pensioners who enjoyed the Annual Service Awards Luncheon.
The event recognized the work and commitment the membership of Local 3 has given to provide a better way of life for each other and their families. Without each member‰Ûªs commitment to establishing and maintaining the highest wages, benefits and working conditions through collective bargaining the Union would not be as strong as it is. A debt of gratitude from every member is due to those generations of members who came before.
Business Manager Christopher Erikson in his remarks to the pensioners, spoke about the presidential election in November of this year. He stated the importance of everyone exercising their right to vote and helping to put Hillary Clinton in the White House.
Erikson asked the crowd if they were excited about the possibility of having billionaire Donald Trump as our next President. After some rumblings from the crowd, Erikson stated that they should be excited, because a Trump Presidency would mean an attack on
our very existence as members of Local 3. Our pensions, working conditions, benefits and way of life would be in jeopardy.
‰ÛÏTrump is a businessman‰Û� Erikson stated, ‰ÛÏhe builds union when he has to and doesn‰Ûªt when he doesn‰Ûªt.‰Û�
