I would like to congratulate all those who competed in this years NSUJL Benefit Rodeo in Clearfield PA. They not only travel to Pennsylvania on their own time for this great cause to benefit fallen and injured Linemen and they consistently do well. In the Apprentice Division, Brian Flanagan and Zachary Noble placed 1st and 2nd respectively in the Apprentice Save the Cat. In Journeyman Team competition, Mike Levsha, Ben Williams and Jeff VanDeusen placed 2nd in the Journeyman Speed Climb and Lucas Ullman, Joe Peluso and Don Bauer placed 3rd in the Journeyman Crossarm Changeout.
We have been working on increasing the allowance for FR clothing and are close to at least getting a cost of living increase while we continue to work on an overall increase to keep up with OSHA requirements and to keep our Members safe.
Dates for the next Line Helper School are out, starts September 9th and runs through October 4th. Locations and the number of vacancies have not been determined yet. If you plan on bidding into the Line Department, plan on being available for the entire 4 week period.
With summer being here, I would like to ask everyone to be especially vigilant when driving and be on the lookout for all changing conditions but especially motorcycles. We have had a run of bad luck the past 2 years and want to ask everyone to pay attention and focus on driving.
Please have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July!
-Charles Milos, IBEW Local 97, Assistant Business Manager East