BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

From Lou Antonellis

Business Manager / Financial Secretary IBEW Local 103

Brothers and Sisters,

Spring is here and the nice weather is arriving, along with more good news in the labor movement, both nationally and right here in Massachusetts. The approval of a new union for Amazon workers in New York was a huge victory for organized labor, as were the recent wins to unionize at several Starbucks shops here in Brookline and Cambridge. This movement is growing, and more victories are on the way as more people learn about and appreciate the many benefits of union careers.

I was proud and honored to represent Local 103 at the 40th IBEW International Convention in Chicago along with dozens of our Local 103 brothers and sisters. It was a productive and inspiring convention and I appreciate our Executive Board and our membership for investing in our union's long-term success by sending a large, diverse delegation to Chicago.

It’s a time of growth here at Local 103 and we’re excited to welcome many new members as well as several new signatory electrical contractors. Over the past five years we have signed 60 new contractors. On average, we have signed one new contractor per month for 60 straight months. Signing new contractors strengthens Local 103’s position as one of the strongest and fastest-growing locals in the country.

Local 103 continues to advocate for the health, safety and security of our members, that includes vetting and supporting pro-labor candidates. We recently endorsed Attorney General Maura Healey, who is the strongest pro-Labor candidate for governor. Maura is a longtime ally and friend of Local 103 and we’re proud to be backing her historic campaign. We have many legislative priorities as well, including opposing anti-PLA legislation in New Hampshire, and Gov. Charlie Baker’s proposal to deny the prevailing wage on state solar projects. We’re also supporting a Massachusetts bill that will close the prevailing wage loophole for “offsite” prefabrication on public construction. Passing this bill would level the playing field for responsible Local 103 & NECA contractors. With COVID restrictions being lifted, we were thrilled to welcome members and families to the first Family Sports Day since the pandemic. It was held, in part, at Warrior Ice Arena, the Bruins practice facility in Brighton. The event featured a family skate hour, as well as ice hockey and basketball games between the Apprentice and the Journeymen teams. The apprentices won both games and it was great to see everyone once again enjoying a day full of friendly competition at this wonderful Local 103 annual event.

I hope you are able to spend some quality time with family and friends, enjoying the good weather. Thank you all for your hard work.

Fraternally,

Louis J. Antonellis Business Manager/ Financial Secretary