Pictured with Business Manager Christopher Erikson are Business Representative Rich Duva, and Outside Business Managers from the 2nd and 3rd Districts.
This past June 27th through June 29th the Business Managers and International Business Representatives for the 2nd and 3rd Districts Outside Utility Jurisdiction held their semiannual meeting at our Long Island Education Center in Cutchogue, Long Island. Among those who attended were å_Local 3 Business Manager and International Executive Chairman Christopher Erikson, International Representatives from the 3rd District Ellen and Richard Redmond and Business Managers, Representatives and family members from Locals 42 Connecticut, 104 Massachusetts, 126 Pennsylvania, 456 New Jersey, 1049 Long Island, 1249 Upstate New York, 1319 in Pennsylvania. Also in attendance was the Director of the North East Apprentice Training Program, Mr. Jason Lauze.
On Tuesday morning the group which is headed by Chairman Richard Muttik, Business Manager of Local 126 assembled to discuss the nature of the Line and Utility Work in our industry, the growing needs for linemen and the different campaign’s and methods of organizing used to battle the non-union impact in the different areas. Although the majority of outside utility work is union in the Northeast, each Local Union has its own unique issues with the influence of a non-union workforce requiring different methods of organizing. It is recognized by everyone in attendance that we must have a progressive effort to keep this work in union hands.
Our International Representatives reported the necessity to increase power generation to keep up with demand. The addition of new power generation stations as well as both solar and wind sub stations along with a deteriorating system network is creating a growing demand for linemen and apprentices in our industry. While these factors impact each locals jurisdictions some areas are busier than others. The apprentices who successfully complete the initial testing and boot camp are offered work opportunities throughout states where they are needed that are covered by the North East Apprentice Training Program. For more information concerning the apprenticeship, you can contact NEAT at NEAT1968.Org.
