Business Manager's Report

From Lou Antonellis

Business Manager / Financial Secretary IBEW Local 103

I am grateful that each day, more and more construction projects have re-opened and allowed our members to get back to work. The progress is steady, and we know that a cautious and thoughtful reopening is the best way to prevent significant spread of the COVID-19 virus, and work closures, in the fall.

One thing has been made clear over the past six months; no storm – not even

COVID-19 – is any match for the unity, fortitude and resilience of the members of IBEW Local 103. Our communities and our nation were challenged in new and unimaginable ways throughout this intense moment in our history. But thanks to generations of hard work and collaboration, Local 103 has the solid foundation to stand strong through these tough times, and is poised to become better than ever.

We haven’t missed a beat. We never paused our aggressive pursuit of new projects, and our Weekly Wins are now back in full swing! This newsletter highlights just some of our newest ventures, like the $13 million+ electrical project at Logan Airport (page 11), and nine new, residential high-rise buildings (page 12), each towering at 25 stories or more! Plus, a sneak peek of the long-anticipated Suffolk Downs neighborhood development (page 10), between Revere and Eastie, that will be 100% union. This is great news for Local 103. At the end of the day, we are blessed to have the security that our union has afforded us. That’s why we must be vocal and stand in solidarity with working families everywhere. Under the current administration, we are all facing real threats to our wellbeing and livelihood – but some, much more than others. Social unrest has erupted nationwide. People everywhere are speaking out against the deep-rooted, and highly-evidenced systemic racism that has plagued our Black and brown Brothers and Sisters for centuries. And, like you, I am saddened and deeply troubled by the escalating racial divide in our country.

Let me be perfectly clear; an organization that is silent when it matters is not leading, it is dying. The IBEW is an organization built on inclusion, diversity and racial justice. We will continue to offer peace, love and understanding to those who deal with the pain and anxiety of systematic racism every day, and we remain committed to doing our part to create true equity in our society.

Fraternally,

Louis J. Antonellis Business Manager / Financial Secretary