103 Today - Spring 2020: COVID-19 Edition

10 3 T O D AY IBEW

Local

103

News

•

Spring

2020

COVID-19 Information and Resources • Important Information for Members • IBEW Local 103 Work Outlook • Supporting Frontline Workers

Lou Antonellis with Woburn Fire

Rich Antonellis with Malden Fire

Jimmy Fleming with Braintree Fire

INSI DE THIS ISSU E Business Manager’s Report................................................3 COVID Timeline.................................................................4 IBEW Local 103 Member Resources...................................5 Federal Response/ Stimulus Package.................................6 Expanded Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance..........7 IBEW Local 103 Disability + Life Insurance........................8 Support for Local 103 Retirees..........................................9 Return to Work Guidelines................................................10 PPE Donation to Nurses....................................................12 Local 103 Builds Emergency Care Facilities.......................14 Catered Meal Service for Members...................................15 Recent Wins.......................................................................16 Trust Funds Update............................................................17 JATC Update......................................................................18 In Memoriam......................................................................19

IBEW Local 103’s Mission: To provide Greater Boston’s developers with the best-trained, most-efficient, safest electricians and telecommunications specialists, while fostering our Union’s values of economic fairness, equal opportunity and charitable giving in the communities where we work, live and raise our families. Our unwavering commitment to professional excellence is personified by our Joint Apprenticeship Training facility. The Local 103 JATC is among the most advanced electrical apprenticeship programs in the country.

Working for better wages, better benefits and fair working conditions is just one part of our Union’s focus. Local 103 members take pride in giving back our time and expertise to causes and charities serving those less fortunate.

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT Dear Member, I have been amazed and overwhelmed by the outpouring of compassion that IBEW Local 103 members continue to show – both to one another, and to our front-line caregivers – through the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have stepped up, adhered to the guidelines laid out by medical experts and supported our frontline first responders with donations and supplies. We are constantly checking in on the wellness of one another through extremely difficult circumstances.

From Lou Antonellis Business Manager / Financial Secretary IBEW Local 103

For this reason and many others, I am prouder than ever to serve as Business Manager/Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 103. Our members exemplify the meaning of community, and I know that we will come back from this setback, stronger than ever.

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. The construction Industry in Boston is feeling the brunt of this crisis, both medically and financially. IBEW Local 103’s top priority, as it has always been, is the safety and security of our members and their families, both on the job and off.

Over the last several years we have positioned Local 103 to withstand this catastrophic economic downturn that we’re dealing with in the immediate aftermath of the Coronavirus outbreak. I want you to rest assured that Local 103 is poised to come back from this historic crisis, stronger and faster than ever.

Our Local 103 Health Benefit Plan has built strategic reserves over the years that will allow us to withstand the Covid-19 storm, and on March 16, we expanded coverage (page 5) to ensure that members can maintain access to quality healthcare, despite widespread work stoppages. We also introduced ‘WellConnect’, a new video web service by BC/BS that allows members to speak to doctors via video conferencing, in the safety and comfort of their homes. And let me be absolutely clear, no member of Local 103 will lose health coverage due to this pandemic and economic crisis.

Local 103’s building is temporary closed, but we remain fully operational and available to members. We have full-time staff personnel helping members navigate the sometimes-complicated unemployment system. We are looking after and taking care of our members. We have even opened a grocery, prescription and catered meal program to keep vulnerable retirees from risky public interaction (page 12).

We have won a historic amount of work (page 13) over the past few years, and we look forward to getting back on those projects safely, when the all-clear is given. Although we don’t know when exactly that will be, we are working with general contractors, state and local officials, our NECA partners and our valued customers to make sure that new Return to Work Guidelines are implemented (page 9).

In the meantime, IBEW Local 103 asks that you do your part to curb the spread of the virus by closely following the advice of medical experts. Please stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands regularly and practice social distancing.

Fraternally,

Louis J. Antonellis Business Manager / Financial Secretary

Local 103 Business Agents Brad Vinton and Kevin Monahan with members of Hull Fire Department

COVID TIMELINE December 31, 2019: A pneumonia of

unknown cause detected in Wuhan, China, was first reported to the World Health Organization Country Office in China.

January 9, 2020: China reports first death linked to the new coronavirus.

January 19, 2020: The first case of novel

coronavirus is diagnosed in the United States, in Washington state.

January 30, 2020: The outbreak was

declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization.

February 1, 2020: The first case of

March 10, 2020: Governor Charlie Baker

declares a state of emergency for Massachusetts.

March 13, 2020: President Donald Trump declares a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 14, 2020: Boston announces closure of K-12 schools from March 17-April 27 (later extended through May 4).

March 15, 2020: Governor Baker issues an

emergency order limiting gatherings to 25 people, and prohibiting on-premise consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants.

March 16, 2020: Mayor Martin J. Walsh

coronavirus is confirmed in Massachusetts.

announces a temporary construction project ban in the City of Boston.

February 11, 2020: Novel coronavirus

March 20, 2020: First coronavirus-related

disease is given the name COVID-19. It is declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

February 28, 2020: The World Health

Organization raises the global risk of the spread of COVID-19 from “high” to “very high.”

February 29, 2020: The United States has its first coronavirus-related death in Washington state.

March 6, 2020: Three people test positive after attending Biogen conference in Boston.

death in Massachusetts.

March 23, 2020: Governor Baker issues

an emergency order requiring non-essential businesses to close their facilities to the public.

March 24, 2020: Governor Baker files

legislation for construction projects to continue statewide (construction remains banned on a cityby-city basis).

March 25, 2020: The U.S Senate unanimously passes the historic $2 trillion stimulus bill.

March 27, 2020: The U.S House of

Representatives passes the $2 trillion stimulus bill, to be sent to the President to sign into law.

March 27, 2020: President Donald Trump signs a $2 trillion stimulus bill into law.

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Jay Frasier with Lowell Fire

MEMBER RESOURCES IBEW Local 103 Health Plan Expanded Benefits The IBEW Health Plan has taken the following steps in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak: •

Waived all copays for testing, counseling, vaccination (once available) and other COVID-19 care provided at doctors’ offices, emergency rooms and urgent care centers for all participants.

•

Waived copays for COVID-19 treatment at doctors’ offices, emergency rooms, and urgent care centers for all participants.

•

Granted access for early refills for all prescribed maintenance medications.

•

Partnered with an additional benefit channel, Wellness Connection, to provide even more telehealth opportunities, including doctor appointments, symptom diagnosis and prescriptions (See page 15 for more information).

•

Temporary expansion of “Flex Hours,” which can be used when a participant is short of the 144 work hours per month required to maintain Health Plan eligibility, by: •

Waiving the 6-month waiting period to be eligible for the Flex Hours benefit; and

•

Increasing the Flex Hours allowance from 200 to 400 hours.

Meals and Prescriptions Delivery Service For Retirees - See page 13 Modern Assistance Programs (MAP) - For access to AA meetings; virtual, by-appointment counseling sessions; health and wellness course; and more, visit: www.

ModernAssistance.com or call (617) 774-0331

IBEW Local 103 Disability + Life Insurance Coverage - www.local103disability.com

IBEW Local 103 Business Manager/Financial Secretary Lou Antonellis (left) and Business Agent Dave O’Laughlin (right) drop off PPE donations to Salem, MA Fire Fighters

Donate to Frontline Caregivers: • Boston Resiliency Fund - https:// www.boston.gov/news/bostonresiliency-fund-surpasses-20-milliongoal • COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Fund (MA) - https://www. mass.gov/covid-19-ppe-procurementand-donation-program • DonatePPE (By State) - https://www. donateppe.org/donate

Local 103 Brotherhood Fund The Local 103 Brotherhood Fund provides grants to members who are in significant need of financial support.

To request assistance, email: Local103Brotherhood@IBEW103.com To make a donation, please send over Venmo at:

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FEDERAL RESPONSE & S T I M U L U S PA C K A G E

IBEW Local 103 has increased our usual lobbying efforts at both the federal and state levels since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak and work closures, in order to secure adequate relief for our members and their families. Fortunately, some of those efforts have come to fruition with the passing of the highly-anticipated, $2 trillion dollar economic stimulus package, which was signed into law March 27.

We are by no means satisfied with these measures, and will continue lobbying for 100 percent of lost wages, as well as immediate relief to our healthcare and pension funds. However, the stimulus package is a welcome start to supporting our members and their families who have been impacted by mass work closures. It includes: • Direct, one-time payments to individuals and families • Expanded unemployment insurance (see page 7) • Loans and potential loan forgiveness for small and medium sized companies, like our NECA contractors Most IBEW Local 103 members who have lost work due to the virus will be eligible to collect one-time, direct payment checks. If you haven’t filed your taxes in recent years, it could affect your ability to receive this payment.

Individuals earning up to $75,000 annually will receive a check for $1,200. The check value will decrease respectively as your annual income increases, up to the limit of $99,000 annual income.

Folks who earn more than $99,000 are ineligible for a check.

Similarly, married couples who earn up to $150,000 will receive $2,400, and decrease up to a $198,000 joint annual income.

Both individuals and couples will receive an additional $500 per dependent 16 years of age or younger.

Members who have lost work due to the virus are also eligible to collect expanded Unemployment Insurance (UI) through the State of Massachusetts. See next page for details.

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Quarterly News of IBEW Local 103

EXPANDED MASSACHUSETTS UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE IBEW Local 103 members who have lost work due to COVID-19 will be eligible for expanded Unemployment Insurance (UI). This is a critical step in maintaining a steady income for the duration of COVID-19 work closures. If you have not already, please apply for UI at: www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits If you have made several attempts to apply for UI and your claim has not been initiated, please contact the union hall at 617-436-3710.

It is important to note that even if you were not fully laid off, if your hours/pay were CUT, or you were forced to QUARANTINE due to the virus, you are STILL ELIGIBLE to collect unemployment. For IBEW Local 103 journeypersons, the expanded UI will likely not cover 100 percent of our industry-leading, standard wages at this time.

The federal Unemployment Insurance expansion provisions do provide: • An extra $600 per week for four months to all eligible participants • An additional 13 weeks of employment eligibility (Meaning a 39 week collection maximum in Massachusetts) It is important to keep in mind that unemployment insurance is taxed.

When you fill out your initial claim, you will have the option to withhold federal and/or state income tax, or you can choose to not have income tax withheld. If you choose to not have tax withheld, do keep in mind that you will owe that money when you file your 2020 taxes next year and be sure to plan accordingly.

With overwhelmed UI offices, it may take a few tries before getting your application approved, so don’t hesitate to keep following up! If your claim is not initiated after several attempts, call Local 103.

Here is a step-by-step guide for filing a new UI claim:

Mass.Gov/Doc/Filing-A-New-Unemployment-ClaimCovid-19/Download IBEW Local 103 member and MBTA employee, Paul Kong

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IBEW LOCAL 103 DISABILITY & LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE

IBEW Local 103 has negotiated, for the first time ever, the opportunity for active Members to enroll in our NEW Local 103 Group Disability and Life Insurance Plan!

Open Enrollment has been extended through April 30, 2020 This plan features: Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance with AD&D. These coverages protect your take-home pay when you cannot work due to illness, injury or death.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is a covered illness on these Disability and Life benefits.

What You Need to Know: •

Enrollment extension until 4/30/2020

•

Affordable Group rates (most can get Disability for less than $10 per month & Life Insurance w/AD&D for less than $4.05 per month)

•

Guaranteed Approved—no medical tests, questions or underwriting to enroll

•

Easy enrollment, it takes less than 10 minutes (Spouses can enroll on behalf of Members)

How to Enroll: Call Cornerstone at 224-770-5305.

Go online at www.Local103Disability.com.

Mail in enrollment form that we mailed to you.

Don’t miss out on protecting you and your loved ones from unexpected financial hardship. These new benefits are completely voluntary, you must proactively enroll to get coverage. Call 224-770-5305 or go online at www.Local103Disability.com.

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Quarterly News of IBEW Local 103

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL 103 RETIREES Our union hall has issued a letter to each of our retired members letting them know that we are here for anything they may need.

Please help spread the word, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 617-436-3710 if there is anything we can assist you with at this trying time!

Although our union hall is closed to the public, we remain fully operational, and are working around the clock to make sure each member, both active and retired, is in the best position possible to weather this storm.

YOU CAN COUNT ON IBEW LOCAL 103 TO DELIVER: • Quality, homemade meals by our professional catering team (see next page) • Groceries • Medications/prescriptions from the pharmacy • Help with other errands or chores • Accurate information and answers to your COVID-19 questions • Good conversation IBEW Local 103 is a community above all else, and it is more important now than ever that we all stick together.

With everyone doing their part, we can and will emerge from this stronger than ever.

If you or a loved one needs assistance, please reach out to the IBEW Local 103 Union Hall immediately at 617-436-3710.

Wishing you and your family good health and peace of mind.

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RETURN TO WORK In the new reality of the COVID-19 virus, new health and safety protocols will be implemented on job sites statewide to protect construction workers.

These new protocols will apply to ALL construction workers, whether you are continuing work or returning to work, and will be strictly enforced on each job site.

Please take a moment to review the details outlined on page 11, as you will be expected to adhere to these new policies on job sites moving forward, until further notice, and without exception.

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Quarterly News of IBEW Local 103

GUIDELINES New Safety Rules to Protect Workers:

It's OKAY for supervisors to:

1. All workers must "self-certify" to your supervisor before each shift that:

•

Request a temperature reading, potentially daily (if you refuse, they have the right to send you home)

•

Ask you if you, or a loved one, is sick, or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms

•

Ask you about recent travel

•

You are not sick

•

You are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (i.e., temperature exceeding 100.3 degrees, cough or difficulty breathing)

•

You have not been exposed to someone with COVID-19

•

Send you home if you are showing signs or symptoms of sickness

•

You have not been ordered or encouraged to self-quarantine

•

Send you home if you are failing to adhere to the new health and safety guidelines (outlined above)

2. All workers must wear gloves, masks and eye protection at all times (these will be provided to you) 3. All workers must remain at least six (6) feet apart at all times, including on elevators (when social distancing is not possible, affected employees will be supplied PPE including a standard face mask, gloves, and eye protection) 4. Job sites to have temporary handwashing stations installed with hot, running water sinks, in addition to hand sanitizer stations throughout the site 5. Handshakes and other physical contact is prohibited

It's NOT OKAY for supervisors to: •

Ask you about pre-existing health conditions

•

Ask you about your medical history

•

Force you to disregard or violate any of the policies outlined above

•

Force you to work without adequate safety equipment (gloves, masks, eye protection)

•

Make you sign any documents without gloves on (we also encourage you to have your own pen available)

6. All workers should arrive at job sites in a singleoccupant vehicle 7. If a worker is asked to leave a job site, they may not return until cleared by a medical professional The COVID-19 Guidelines and Procedures for all Construction Sites and Workers at all Public Work issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts MUST be distributed to all workers and implemented by contractors on all projects.

Our local union already upholds the most rigid safety standards in the construction industry, and we are counting on each of our members to lead by example and take these guidelines seriously, for the sake of our peers, our families and our entire community.

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IBEW LOCAL 103 DONATES 20,000 PPE MASKS TO FRONT-LINE NURSES

IBEW Local 103, and today it’s especially easy to see why,” added Dayton. “It’s a really special moment for me.”

As seen in the Dorchester Reporter DORCHESTER, MA – Amidst a dire, statewide shortage of critical medical supplies, the region’s largest electrical workers’ union, IBEW Local 103, has donated 20,000 medical-grade protective masks to the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) for direct distribution to front-line caregivers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

“Words can’t express how grateful I am, and how grateful all my colleagues are for these supplies,” said Lauren Dayton, a Registered Nurse at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “They’re going to help ensure that we can do our jobs safely and effectively, for everyone’s sake. IBEW Local 103 didn’t hesitate to do all they could to help, and it means the world to have their support through this incredibly difficult time.”

Dayton helped coordinate the logistics of the donation with IBEW Local 103, along with her father, who is a retired Local 103 member. They sourced the masks from Source Squared owner Paul Kenney – one of Local 103’s go-to PPE vendors.

“My father has always been so proud to be a part of

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City of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the Boston Resiliency Fund initiative on March 16, which is helping to collect funding and supplies for first responders and health care workers. The fund has surpassed its $20 million goal, and continues to pursue multiple avenues in successfully obtaining more PPE and supplies for healthcare workers and first responders.

Walsh praised the donation organized by IBEW Local 103 in support of the frontline nurses.

“Our nurses are working around the clock, on the frontlines of Boston’s COVID-19 response,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “The tremendous outpouring of support we have seen every single day since the start of this public health crisis makes me so proud to be Mayor of the City of Boston. I want to thank the Massachusetts Nurses Association for their tireless work, and IBEW Local 103 for generously stepping up to provide this much needed equipment that will strengthen our collective response and save lives.”

As the number of novel coronavirus cases in Massachusetts continues to grow, access to supplies have become increasingly scarce. While masks should typically be disposed after 20 minutes of use in health care facilities, many nurses are now being told to use the same masks for much longer, sometimes even for multiple days in some facilities.

Quarterly News of IBEW Local 103

Mass. Nurses Association representatives pick up IBEW Local 103’s PPE donation from the union hall

“Whatever our nurses need, we’re there,” said IBEW Local 103 Business Manager/Financial Secretary, Lou Antonellis. “The bravery these caregivers are showing, and the sacrifices they are making are incredible and we need to honor and support that. IBEW Local 103 is a communityfocused organization, and we’re going to continue to support them in every way possible.”

Over the weekend, IBEW Local 103 also donated thousands of additional masks to First Responders in surrounding cities and towns, coordinating trips to fire stations in Billerica, Methuen, Lawrence, Salem, Woburn, Somerville, Quincy, Weymouth and Milton.

“The 12,000 plus members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts are forever grateful to the leadership, and membership, of IBEW Local 103, for their ongoing efforts to provide PPE to first responders and nurses who are battling this pandemic,” said Rich MacKinnon, Jr., President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts.

“Our union brotherhood, sisterhood, partnership and solidarity has never been more evident than in the past few weeks. PFFM echoes the call for community PPE donations, and we thank IBEW LOCAL 103 for their continued support.”

Trish Powers, the MNA Chairperson at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, appealed to the larger community to do their part in collecting urgent supplies.

“MNA stands with our front-line caregivers who are bravely fighting this pandemic for our community, and it breaks my heart that these are the conditions they’re dealing with,” said Powers. “The MNA is working around the clock to support our nurses in any way we can, but this needs to be a community effort. Sourcing these supplies needs to be our collective priority, and any and all donations will literally help save thousands of lives. IBEW Local 103 has stepped up to the plate and shown our nurses that they are not alone in this battle. Our gratitude for their support is truly boundless.”

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE FUNDS OR SUPPLIES TO FRONTLINE CAREGIVERS, VISIT: Boston Resiliency Fund www.boston.gov/news/boston-resiliency-fundsurpasses-20-million-goal COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Fund (MA) www.mass.gov/covid-19-ppe-procurement-anddonation-program DonatePPE (By State) www.donateppe.org/donate Brotherhood Fund 256 Freeport St #1, Dorchester, MA 02122

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LOCAL 103 BUILDS EMERGENCY CARE FACILITIES IBEW Local 103 members and signatory contractor McDonald Electrical Corporation have been hard at work building critical, temporary medical facilities in Boston and Cambridge, expanding our region's capacity to care for COVID-19 patients.

McDonald Electric partnered with Suffolk Construction for the urgent task of creating new, much-need space for frontline medical professionals to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Our members completed the full wiring of the temporary facilities, installing all lighting, heating, smoke detectors, emergency lights, exit signs, convenience outlets, wiring for bathroom trailers, and portable shower rooms.

The McDonald Electrical Corporation crew consisted of IBEW Local 103 members Mike Baker, Brian Bates, John Sullivan, David Wilkey, Justin Allen, Marc Dilworth, Jordan Barry, Connor Fallon and Kevin Ferstler.

IBEW Local 103 gives a big thank you to McDonald Electrical Corporation, and to our members on the job, for stepping up to the plate when our community needs it most!

IBEW Local 103 2nd-year electrical apprentice, Kevin Ferstler, installs outlets on a temporary medical facility

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Quarterly News of IBEW Local 103

CATERED MEAL SERVICE FOR RETIREES

Are you or someone you know in need of quality, homemade meals during COVID-19 quarantine measures?

IBEW LOCAL 103 CAN HELP! We are serving delicious, healthy, homemade meals to members, crafted by our professional, in-house catering team, and delivered straight to your door!

These meals are free of charge for IBEW Local 103 retirees.

We are offering services to pickup groceries, prescriptions or take care of other errands for Local 103 Retirees.

Each order helps support Unite Here Local 26, and our local hospitality industry, during these difficult times.

CALL THE UNION HALL AT 617-436-370, FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE.

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RECENT WINS Up until COVID-19 forced an abrupt halt upon our industry and many others, IBEW Local 103 was winning more jobs across more sectors, than at any other point in our history.

In fact, when we began 2020, we were just wrapping up close to $1 BILLION in new business!

For this reason and many others, IBEW Local 103 remains strong throughout this COVID-19 crisis, and when the time comes, we will be ready to pick up right where we left off. There is no doubt that together, we will make a full recovery.

Until then, IBEW Local 103 is by your side each step of the way, and we hope that you stay positive, safe and healthy until it’s time to get back to work.

Record-setting wins approach $1 billion for 2019/2020!

Hospitality

Healthcare $80M Transportation $112M

$95M

Retail Massport

$28M

$45M

Other

$40M

Education

$40M

$140M Office

Residential

$380M

1 Congress Office Tower – $10.8 Million Cambridge Crossing LM – $14 Million Hub on Causeway Ph 3 – $12 Million S. Station Office Tower – $11 Million

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Assembly Row Block 8 – $21 Million

The Abby – $19 Million

40 Trinity Place – $13 Million Omni Hotel – $23 Million

Quarterly News of IBEW Local 103

TRUST FUNDS UPDATE The Trust Funds Office is up and running in order to continue providing crucial benefits, and to answer participant and employer inquiries during these tumultuous times. While we are not physically open to the public, for everyone’s protection, our phone lines and website are fully operational. We are working with a very limited staff in order to safeguard everyone’s health, so some questions may take a little longer to answer.

CARES Act Member Impact Under the CARES Act signed into law on March 27, 2020: • For “qualified individuals”, Deferred Income Fund loan payments, which would have been due between March 27, and December 31, 2020, are deferred for one year. Interest does still accrue during the deferral period. Please contact the Trust Funds Office to determine eligibility and to take advantage of this deferral.

• For calendar year 2020, Required Minimum Distributions have been eliminated. This means the Deferred Income Plan won’t be automatically issuing these payments in December.

Expanded Health & Telehealth Opportunities As noted in our letter of March 20, 2020, Health Plan participants can now take advantage of telehealth benefits in one of 2 networks: Our regular Blue Cross PPO network, or the new Well Connection network.

Through the Well Connection benefit channel, participants can connect with licensed doctors and providers for minor medical, and outpatient behavioral health (1) care, using live video visits on their device. The doctors and providers in the Well Connection network have an average of 15 years of experience and can look up medical history, diagnose and treat symptoms as well as prescribe medication (2), if necessary. To get started, download the Well Connection app or visit WellConnection.com.

As with traditional benefit delivery, copays for telehealth services will be waived for testing, treatment, counseling, vaccination (once available), and other COVID-19 care. Normal copays will apply for all other telehealth services.

1. Modern Assistance Programs remains the sole provider of pre-authorization review for inpatient mental health and substance use admissions, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for substance use and mental health.

2. Controlled substances will not be prescribed online through this service.

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JATC UPDATE JATC Graduation* The JATC is happy to announce that the 73rd Annual Apprentice Graduation exercises will be conducted on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Local 103 Union Hall. The JATC Trustees, Staff and Instructors are proud of the 198 Electrical and 24 Telecom graduates. Please feel free to join us in congratulating them on their successful completion of our five-year programs and wishing them well in their careers in the union electrical industry. All family members and Local 103 members are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

JATC Training Activities* Updated schedules for Apprentice and Construction Wireman postponed classes will be determined as soon as public health and government officials provide guidance on when it is safe to resume classes.

Updated schedules for Journeyman and Technician continuing education classes will be posted on our website as they are determined.

A complete Code Update & Continuing Education offering for the period of May 2020 through May 2022 will be posted in May online at www.bostonjatc.com. Several North Shore code update training dates will be scheduled in addition to the Dorchester location. A Systems Technician “D” license curriculum is being developed for technicians who now qualify to sit for the exam due to the recent changes to the CMR’s by the BSEE.

Applicant Update Applicants who applied in November will be receiving their test results and information about interviews in the weeks to come. Applicants who haven’t received emails should visit www.bostonjatc.com/apply-for-apprenticeship/ for information about obtaining test results.

The Massachusetts Board of State Electrical Examiners (BSEE) Updates: The BSEE has recently made three major changes to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR).

*This may change due to ongoing COVID-19 issues.

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1. Work Experience will no longer expire if accrued more than 6 years prior to completing education (4 for systems licenses). Now, for all licenses, work experience will be creditable so long as it was obtained within 20 years of the date of application (i.e. if an application is dated March 1, 2020, any work experience earned since March 1, 2000 will be creditable for the purpose of qualifying for examination).

2. Education will no longer expire after 6 to 9 years.

Instead, education will generally be creditable for 20 years, calculated starting from the date the educational program commences (e.g. an electrical program commenced on January 1, 2018 and successfully completed will remain creditable for the purpose of qualifying for examination until January 1, 2038).

3. Applicants must now complete the 15-hour Continuing Education Program based on the Electrical Code in effect at the time of application. The Board will require documentation of the 15-hour code class with exam applications beginning ninety (90) days after the current state of emergency is lifted by the governor.

Wentworth & Local 103 Partnership Since the beginning of this pandemic, Wentworth has been working tirelessly to address all academic concerns for current and incoming students. We understand the unique challenges this crisis presents to adult students who are balancing work, family and school, and we want to assure you that your safety and well-being are our utmost concern. In the meantime, we hope that you take advantage of the current situation to sharpen your skills and knowledge through the Wentworth & Local 103 partnership. To that extent, Wentworth has transitioned all classes to online for this summer and has allowed flexibilities for Local 103 members to take classes.

There is an On-Going Application Deadline for members who want to start classes the week of June 22.

Though these are unprecedented times, Wentworth admissions and advising teams remain committed to delivering the same, high-quality, and innovative services to our students. They are available for virtual advising in one-on-one appointments at regular business hours, and the application process can also be completed online.

If you have any questions, please visit www.wit.edu/ coronavirus/students or contact: Liem V. Tran, Director of New Program Development College of Professional and Continuing Education (617) 989-4309

Quarterly News of IBEW Local 103

In Memoriam

IBEW Local 103 honors those members who have recently entered into Eternal Rest: Robert P. Curtis (Retired)

2019

John W. Sawyer (Retired)

9/17/2019

Robert F. Harrigan (Retired) Peter K. Familetto (Retired) Ralph Jannino (Retired)

Charles J. Zammito (Retired) Ralph Calistro (Retired)

Robert J. Concannon (Retired) Patrick A. Connolly (Retired) Ronald F. Matthew

James A. Buonopane

2019

10/25/2019 11/6/2019

11/11/2019

11/19/2019 11/20/2019 11/22/2019 12/9/2019

12/14/2019

Stephen P. Welch (Retired)

12/14/2019

James R. Boles (Retired)

Walter C. Rowbotham (Retired) Paul P. Murphy, Jr. (Retired)

Francis W. Caratelli (Retired) James A. Robblee (Retired) David W. Ryback Erik M. Monti

12/22/2019 12/30/2019 1/1/2020 1/7/2020

1/15/2020 1/19/2020 1/20/2020

Alan B. Prisby

Raymond E. Mercier (Retired) John W. Gordon, Jr. (Retired)

Bernard P. McDonnell (Retired) Malcolm D. Morrison (Retired) Walter A. Smith (Retired)

Thomas J. Ahern (Retired)

William A. Meade (Retired) Henry Falcon (Retired)

Robert A. Pietrillo (Retired)

Daniel F. O’Connor (Retired)

2/6/2020

2/14/2020 2/18/2020 3/5/2020

3/13/2020 3/13/2020 3/18/2020 3/21/2020 3/22/2020 4/3/2020 4/8/2020

1 0 3 To d a y | S p r i n g 2 0 2 0

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