NEWS 98 ays! d i l o H y p p a H December 2007
nt President Brian Burrows and Aswssiskytawish you Business Manager Mike Hnatkoy New Year. a Merry Christmas and a Happ
www.ibew98.org
Scott Palmenrdof the Phillies aager Business Manherty John J. Doug 0,ooo receive a $75alf of check on beh Variety.
Over $1 Million generated for charity this year!
Including: • Variety—The Children’s Charity • The Stroke Council • Magee Rehabilitation
! r a e y d o o g y r e v A Business Manager’s Message C
hange is a strange thing. Those who embrace the status quo and fear the unknown run from change. It frightens them. Leaders, on the other hand, understand that change is necessary for growth and can bring an infusion of new energy and a sharper focus to an organization. Such is the case with IBEW Local 98, a recognized leader in the labor movement. Harry Foy, our long-tenured president, has called it a day after 12 great years and is entering into a well-earned semi-retirement. Harry has been a rock-steady hand on the wheel throughout a turbulent period at 98 that began with a flaton-its-back local and ended with one of the most successful and respected local unions in the country. No matter how bleak or crazy things seemed, Harry never blinked. His work ethic and dedication to ensuring that our members enjoyed the best health care coverage and benefits available will be his lasting legacies. Harry, on behalf of all of us at Local 98, thank you for your hard work, your friendship, and your single-minded devotion to the principles and values of the labor movement. Fortunately, there is no shortage of leaders at Local 98 and we have found a natural-born leader to succeed Harry. I am proud to formally announce that Brian Burrows is the new president of IBEW Local 98, effective January 1, 2008. As you know, Brian has served as Local 98’s training director for the past 10 years. He understands every facet of this business and, like Harry, has a passion for the work and a tireless work ethic. I ask that you join me in offering Brian our heartfelt congratulations and support as he begins what is sure to be a long and successful term as president of Local 98. Although all of us are confident in the direction and continued growth of this local, sometimes it’s reassuring to have our opinions validated by a credible third party. I recently had the pleasure of spending time with Mark Breslin, a nationally recognized labor strategist, speaker and trainer.
Mark is one of the most sought-after and respected voices in the labor movement. He told me that, in his many years of experience and travels across the country, he has seen only one other local union that might rival the strength and amazing growth of IBEW Local 98. Every member of Local 98 should take great pride in his high opinion of us. A big part of our success over the last decade-plus has been our ability and willingness to adapt to changing times. That philosophy will continue to serve us well as we enter an exciting 2008 with new leadership, new growth and new opportunities! Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. Yours in solidarity,
John J. Dougherty Business Manager
Dues Increase For All IBEW
“A”
Members This ser ves as notice that effe ctive Januar y 1, 2008, the quarterly union dues for all “A” members will increase by $3. 00. Dues for Construction memb ers will increase from $85.65 to $88.65 per quarter and for Sound and Communications members from $81.15 to $84 .15 per quarter with dues pay able by Januar y 1, for the first qua rter of 2008. These increases were approv ed by the delegates to the 36t h IBEW International Conventio n and are an increase in the IBEW Pension Benefit contrib ution for “A” members. This is not an increase imposed by Loc al #98 and does not affect you r weekly working dues. Effectiv e Januar y 1, 2007, the rate use d to calculate IBEW Pension Ben efits has been established at $4.50 for each full year of continuous “A” membership.
www.ibew98.org • 98 News
State of the Union
Great job Harry!
O
n Saturday, May 12th, Local 98 hosted a daylong Investment Seminar. The purpose of the Seminar was to provide members information on their Profit Sharing accounts, college funds and wills. Topics covered included:
Health and Welfare Fund
Be smart about your medicines. The cost of the prescription drug benefit is the fastest growing cost to the plan. The trustees have taken some action to slow the double digit growth, but they need your help.
Mail Order Program
(1-800-233-7139) If you take a maintenance type drug, obtain a 90 day supply through the MOP. Medicines purchased by mail order save the fund 30% on average.
Generic Drugs
Whenever possible, use generic medications. To encourage this, the trustees lowered the co-pay from $2 to $0 for generic drugs, and raised it from $7 to $10 for brand name drugs.
The Over-the-Counter (OTC) program
The OTC Program targets two classes of drugs where the patent protecting those drugs has expired, and the drugs may now be purchased over the counter; or a newer version of a drug you were taking may now be available over the counter. Ask your doctor if you can take the OTC version of the drugs described below and ask for a prescription. The savings to the plan are astonishing. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) remain among the top drug classes needed most frequently by the fund’s participants for treatment of GERD among other things. By taking Prilosec (OTC) instead of 98 News • www.ibew98.org
Nexium or Prilosec, the savings to the fund are greater than $200 for a 34 day supply. Non-Sedating Antihistamines—used to fight allergies—, are another of the top drug classes of the fund. By taking Claritin OTC, you can save the fund up to $60 for a 30 day supply.
Eligibility Rules
If you can not fulfill the 350 hours per quarter required to earn eligibility, you can still qualify by working 700 hours in two consecutive quarters. This is reviewable on a quarterly basis by the health and welfare trustees. When an active participant dies, their eligible beneficiaries were covered until the end of the benefit quarter in which the participant died. Effective May 1, 2007, when an active participant dies, his or her spouse is covered for four full insurance quarters after his or her death.
Pension Fund
The trustees have adopted several benefit increases for 2007. The normal Retirement Age has been reduced from 62 to 60. The multiplier for future service credit earned after January 1, 2007 will be credited at $80 per year of credited service. Hours in excess of 1200 hours earned during the year will continue to be credited at $.0125/hour. The benefit for unmarried and non-vested unmarried participants has been increased from $2,000 per year of credited service to $4,000 per year of credited service.
Harry Foy Harry Foy, President, IBEW Local 98
! n a r F u o y k Than T
he Local 98 Election Board commissioned a new voting machine supplier for the 1972 union election, and halfway through the day one of the machines stopped recording votes. No one noticed. Voters continued casting ballots on the faulty machine until the polls closed that night. Thus, the election spiraled from democracy to disorder as Fran Walsh, a twenty-six-year-old “green kid,” was introduced to life as a union official. Fran was raised to revere labor unions. Every night growing up the talk of the dinner table was unionism and Local 98. Fran’s father, Fran Walsh Sr., was a politically active Local 98 electrician. He inspired Fran to defer classes at Penn State and begin classes at 1719 Spring Garden Street. Fran was obligated February 1st, 1966, representing the third generation of his family to be accepted into Local 98. As an electrician, Fran excelled at conduit bending and raceway installation. He served as Foreman, Pusher and Steward in some of the Local’s biggest companies during his more than twenty-eight years in the field. But Fran wanted to give more. Fran first appeared on a ballot in 1972 when he ran for, and won, a spot on the Election Board. That year while overseeing his first election he witnessed the voting machine debacle followed by a late-night struggle, the result of which an incumbent in a controversial Executive Board race conceded his seat. Three years later Fran was elected to the Examining Board, and then in 1981 he was elected Recording Secretary. Fran remained Recording Secretary for twelve years after which he was elected Financial Secretary, the office Fran has proudly held for the past fourteen years.
Officer Spotlight
As Financial Secretary, Fran oversees the daily operation of Local 98’s Financial Office. The Financial Office is responsible for collecting member dues and handling pension and health and welfare coverage. The Financial Office also runs all of Local 98’s in-house funds, such as the Job Recovery fund, the General fund and the Supplementary Unemployment fund. Also, Fran is responsible for all pension applications and life insurance. He has been a delegate to the AFL-CIO Philadelphia Council and has served on numerous committees. Now in his thirty-third year of devoted service as a Local 98 officer (his forty-third year in the Union overall), Fran sees no end to the continued expansion of Local 98. He foresees a more diversified Local 98 playing an increasingly larger role in Philadelphia and in the construction industry as a whole.
Three generations of the Walsh family in Local 98: Fra brother Mark, Fran’s son Brian and Fran’s father Fra n, Fran’s at a 1997 prevailing wage rally in Harrisburg. Fran’s gran n Walsh Sr. Speck Sr., and uncle Bill Speck Jr., were also Local 98dfather, Bill electricians. www.ibew98.org • 98 News
! s s e in s u b e h t The best in
Political Round-Up 2007: 98 Scores Big Again
I
BEW Local 98 is known and respected across the city, state and nation for our political acumen and “Get Out The Vote” effort. The results of the November 2007 General Election once again validated Local 98’s well-deserved reputation as a political force at every level of government. The fact that this General Election occurred during a nonPresidential year and was predicted to have record low turn-out made our accomplishments all the more noteworthy. First and foremost, congratulations to our dear friend and Supreme Court Justice-Elect Seamus McCaffery, who not only overcame long odds to win a seat on Pennsylvania’s highest court, but was the highest vote-getter among all State Supreme Court candidates. No entity was more supportive or worked harder for Seamus’ election than the members of Local 98. We also enjoyed great Election Day success right here in Philadelphia. First-time City Council candidate Bill Green, son of the former mayor, not only won but was the largest vote-getter among all City Council At-Large candidates. Local 98 was out in front early in our support of CouncilmanElect Green and we were instrumental in carrying him to resounding victory on Election Day. Another old and dear friend of Local 98, Councilman Jack Kelly, faced a tough challenge from David Oh that went the distance, but when all the votes were tallied and re-tallied, Jack prevailed, thanks in no small part to 98’s GOTV operations. Of course, we are all proud of Local 98’s own Bob Mulgrew, who prevailed in a crowded and 98 News • www.ibew98.org
qualified field of candidates in the race for Traffic Court Judge. Local 98 also had a winner in Ellen Ceisler-Green for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. We also provided significant support to other Election Day winners, including At-Large Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown and Court of Common Pleas candidates Michael Erdos and Alice Beck Dubow. I would be remiss if I didn’t congratulate our dear friend Bill Keller for recently being named Vice Chair of Appropriations of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Representative Keller has been instrumental in securing much-needed state funding to support our apprentice training program. IBEW Local 98 also offers its sincerest congratulations to Mayor-Elect Michael Nutter, who ran a great campaign and posted a historically impressive victory. We look forward to working closely with the Nutter administration in moving Philadelphia forward. Finally, I want to personally thank all the Election Day volunteers from Local 98, especially Assistant Business Manager Mike Hnatkowsky and President Brian Burrows for their great leadership. Also, thanks to Jeff Krute, Bob Gormley and the rest of the Political Action Team for their stellar work on behalf of our endorsed slate of candidates. I tip my cap to all of you!
Yours in solidarity,
Bob Henon Political Director
All Winners!
Local 98’s own Bob Mulgrew, Philadelphia Traffic Court Judge, with wife Betsy.
Local 98 Political Director Bob Henon, PA Supreme Cou Seamus McCaffery and Business Manager John J. Dou rt judge gherty.
PA State Rep. Bill Keller, Assistant Business Manager Mike Hnatkowsky, John J. Dougherty and Philadelphia Councilman At-Large Bill Green Jr. www.ibew98.org • 98 News
Philly Jobs Casinos
Local 98 and the Philadelphia Building Trades Council have been forging ahead with the creation of thousands of new jobs for workers within the Trades this year. One of the biggest potential job generators for the Philadelphia area is the introduction of the gaming industry to the city. The partnership of Local 98 and the Building Trades is spearheading the Build Them Now casino construction campaign. The campaign hopes to convince legislators and communities to support the building of two slots casinos in
was any question before the rally that we are strong supporters of the construction of casinos in Philadelphia,” said Wolfe, “this rally removed all doubt.” The officers of Local 98 could not be more grateful for the dedicated support generated from the members to make these actions so successful. This rally was put together on short notice, but when the call went out to you, the membership, you responded with an impressive turnout to lead the impassioned chant: Build! Them! Now!
Dredging
5,000 jobs.” —Pat Gillespie, “We want those two casinos. They can generate up to 9th 2007 Building Trades Business Manager, at the casino rally, May Philadelphia, creating thousands of high-wage union jobs. The most recent casino construction rally was held on Wednesday, May 9th. The assemblage made clear the benefits casinos will bring, such as jobs and tax relief to the city. They will also help fund the School District of Philadelphia and future construction projects. The rally consisted of approximately 1,000 members from the Philadelphia Building Trades. Local 98 was represented by President Harry Foy and Business Agent Steve Wolfe. “In case there 98 News • www.ibew98.org
Other Jobs
Local 98 officers, members and apprentices gathered at Philadelphia Regional Port Authority’s Packer Avenue Marine Terminal on July 30th to show their continued support for the dredging of the Delaware River. The project to deepen the river, from 40 to 45 feet from the Delaware Bay to Philadelphia, will allow significantly larger ships to navigate the channel, which will generate over 100,000 high-wage jobs.
In other regional job news, the Local 98 and Building Trades alliance is working towards a program to place over 350 Philadelphia high school graduates in construction jobs within their school district. This initiative could yield over $1.5 billion in work for the Philadelphia Building Trades. The Pennsylvania Convention Center expansion project, which is expected to generate over $1 billion in work for the trades, received new funding from the State’s new budget.
Another project on the horizon is the 100% union reconstruction of the post-office at 30th & Market Streets. The U.S.P.S. building will be converted into the Internal Revenue Service’s Philadelphia headquarters. Local 98 members are also reaping benefits from construction at Temple University’s Hospital, Tyler School and Fox School. The total contribution for electrical work alone for these projects is approximately $26 million, plus another $15 million for electrical work in the construction of a new hospital.
Tastykake
For decades the Philadelphia based and nationally known Tasty Baking company remained nonunion and rebuffed many attempts by various unions to organize its workers. TastyKake’s resistance to unionization ended January 26, 2005 when members of the Maintenance, Engineering, Boilerhouse/Powerhouse crew voted overwhelmingly to be represented by Local 98. As any organizer will tell you, wining the election is only half the battle. Obtaining a first contract after wining a union election is a notoriously difficult undertaking as many companies purposely drag their feet to undermine worker’s confidence in the union. Nevertheless, IBEW 98 negotiating team led by Business Agent Jim Foy, head steward Joe Sickman and Dave Slemmer were able to obtain a signed contract within a year of the election. This past May Tastykake announced it will be moving its headquarters and it production plant to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. After discussions that stretched over the summer, Tastykake signed an agreement recognizing IBEW as the sole bargaining agent for the maintenance and powerhouse crew at the new Navy Yard site. Congratulations and a heartfelt thanks to all of those whose hard work played a role in the successful organizing drive!
Business Manager John J. Dougherty joined by U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey Jr.; U.S. Rep. Bob Brady; State Rep. Bill Keller; Brian J. Preski, Chairman of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority and Pat Eiding, President of the Philadelphia AFLCIO on stage at the dredging rally, July 30th.
Business Agent Jim Foy with Cheif Steward Joe Sick
man Sr.
www.ibew98.org • 98 News
Electrical Contract Meeting 2007
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pril 24th 2007 - Once again Local 98 packed the Sheet Metal Workers banquet hall with well over 1,000 brothers and sisters for their annual contract ratification. Across the stage sat Recording Secretary Chris Owens, Apprentice Training Director Brian Burrows, Assistant Business Manager Mike Hnatkowsky, Business Manager John J. Dougherty and President Harry Foy. The team lead another successful ratification of progressive changes to the Local’s Electrical division contract. Dougherty started the presentation of the new contract. Three giant screens displayed the significant changes as Dougherty explained them in detail. Local 98 member benefits, such as the largest contract increases in the history of the local, the outstanding Blue Cross health coverage, the 50/50 hiring system, scholarships and continuing education programs were covered first. Displayed next was the remarkable increase in total net assets accumulated by Local 98 since 1993, when Dougherty took the helm as Business Manager. Assets rose from under $2.5 million to almost $20 million today. Dougherty then moved on to the Focus 2000 job recovery resolution, which encompasses grants, wage supplements,
Marty Kilburn, Business Agent Steve Wolfe, Mike Gillespie and Frank McIntire. 98 News • www.ibew98.org
Joseph Aragno, Gregory DeMarco, Calvin Seaton, Frank Baldino, John Palmieri and Juan Torres are obligated.
Paul Diaz, Tom King, Mike Kane and Assistant Business Manager Mike Hnatkowsky.
Business Manager John J. Dougherty reviews the new contract with Brian Burrows, Director of Apprentice Training, Jeff Marshall, Director of Technology and Pat Biancuilli, Local 98 Counsel.
Newly retired Local 98 Vice President Jim Mink approaches the stage to a standing ovation.
organizing needs, enforcement of prevailing wage laws, marketing and promotional campaigns and support for professional activities. The presentation then shifted from saving and creating jobs to the current state of the Local’s SUB, profit-sharing, pension and Health and Welfare funds. Local 98 boasts lower contributions for Health and Welfare than any other Union’s Local in the country. Next, Dougherty explained the notable wage increases Local 98 members will be receiving over the next three years. Base Journeyman rates will be increasing by about $3 every year. All contract resolutions were once again ratified unanimously and emphatically. Newly retired Local 98 Vice President Jim Mink ended the presentation with a reflection on his 35 years in the Brotherhood. Jim approached the stage as the audience displayed their respect and appreciation with a standing ovation. Jim has dealt with more members on a personal level than any other officer in the current administration, if not the history of Local 98. The meeting ended with a Q&A session with the audience and a closing speech from Dougherty. The membership left that night with better benefits, wages and opportunities than ever before in this increasingly competitive construction job environment.
Farewell Brother Mink
Local 98 wishes former Vice President Jim Mink good luck and good health in his retirement. Local 98 would never have become the extraordinarily successful organization that it is today were it not for the decades of dedication and hard work from Mr. Mink. Thank you Jim!
www.ibew98.org • 98 News
Toys & Turkeys
Philadelphia Soulman, Will Hockmeyer and John J. Dougherty kicked off another great Toys & Turkeys Party!
10 98 News • www.ibew98.org
Apprentice Training Director Michael Neill and Local 98 members with 102.9 WMGK’s John Debella delivering turkeys in center city.
www.ibew98.org • 98 News 11
Labor Day
A The boys shave their heads for charity!
s a labor union, our most celebrated holiday is Labor Day. This Labor Day 500 Local 98 members and families marched in the Labor Day parade with a message: remember April 16, 2007 – the day Virginia Tech was devastated by the shooting that left thirty-three students dead and seventeen more wounded, including Sean McQuade, son of Local 98 electrician Ralph McQuade. Fortunately, Sean is recovering at an inspiring rate. After the parade, we held a barbeque at the union hall. The kids and adults alike had fun playing basketball, getting massages and eating delicious food as two live bands performed throughout the afternoon. The younger kids jumped around in the Moon Bounce, and picnickers of all ages lined up to dunk Business Manager John J. Dougherty in the dunk-tank.
The final activity of the day was a head-shaving fund raiser. Business Agents Chuck Harvey, Rodney Walker, Jim Huston, Brian Stevenson, Charles Murphy, George Fiocca, Political Director Bobby Henon and John J. Dougherty sacrificed their hair (some more than others) to kick off the Toys and Turkeys drive. 12 98 News • www.ibew98.org
Sean McQuade’s Father Ralph McQuade and his wife and daughter with John J. Dougherty and John Heppler.
Danny Wolfe dunks Johnny Doc.
Business Agent Jim Huston, his wife Bridget and their kids Erika and Jim Jr. lead the parade.
Assistant Business Manager Mike Hnatkowsky and Business Manager John J. Dougherty.
www.ibew98.org • 98 News  13
Clementon Picnic
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very summer’s end brings a day when Local 98 takes over the amusement park and Splash World in Clementon, New Jersey. This summer, a record 3,300 Local 98 members, family members and friends sought relief from the sweltering days of late August with water-slides, the Lazy River, Pirate’s Cove and many other rides as they enjoyed full access to the park for the entire day.
Traffic Court Judge Bob Mulgrew (right) with Business Agent Bob Bark and his kids Bobby, Courtney and Danny.
14 98 News • www.ibew98.org
Matt Solomon and family.
Jack Kelly Aide John Cerrone, Business Agent Brian Stevenson, Councilman At-Large Jack Kelly, Business Manager John J. Dougherty and Local 98 Counsel Pat Bianculli.
Nelson Bangs and sons.
Dan Rogers, Bill Scheid, Rich Appenzeller, Jim Rogers and Ray Rogers.
Jen Dougherty, Ryan Fisher and their daughter Sophia.
The Harvey family: Debbie Brassell, Kim Smith, Scott Smith Jr., family friend Michael Connors and Business Agent Chuck Harvey.
John Rue with wife Donna and son, Joey. www.ibew98.org • 98 News  15
Variety — The Children’s Charity
! b o j d o o G
After School Program Barbeque
June 13, 2007 Every year, Local 98 Business Manager/Variety President John J. Dougherty hosts an outdoor party for the children of Variety—The Children’s Charity’s After School Program to celebrate the end of the academic year. Variety’s After School program provides special needs children in the Philadelphia area a nurturing environment after school hours where they participate in educational, recreational, therapeutic, cultural and social activities. This year the rain held out long enough for the approximately 50 guests of honor to celebrate. As the D.J. played their favorite songs, attendees’ faces and arms were decorated with air-brush tattoos, their portraits sketched by two caricature artists and many participated in a friendly, yet competitive, game of basketball with Local 98 agents and staff.
Assistant Business Manager Mike Hnatkowsky, Business Agent Robin Tasco and President Brian Burrows spend the day with the kids of Variety at the After School program barbeque.
Local 98 Buisness agents, Organizers and staff enjoying the barbecue in the 1719 Spring Garden Street parking lot with the kids of Variety—The Children’s Charity. 16 98 News • www.ibew98.org
The party culminated with a commencement ceremony where 17 of the program’s members received honorary diplomas for graduating from their local high schools. After the commencement each attendee was given a gift bag filled with twenty Disney DVDs, generously donated by WPVI Channel 6.
Old Newsboys Day
June 22, 2007 With perfect weather on the second day of summer, Local 98, along with Acme Markets and Firstrust bank, volunteered time and resources to raise money for Variety—The Children’s Charity’s 50th annual Old Newsboys Day. The volunteers canvassed dozens of street corners throughout center city and distributed Variety’s newspaper, The Happiness Edition, each for a one dollar donation. Old Newsboys Day is Variety’s highest grossing event. Local 98 Business Manager/Variety President John J. Dougherty emceed the kick-off rally at City Hall where CBS traffic reporter Bob Kelly, Philadelphia D.A Lynne Abraham, Acme Markets President Judy Spires and Firstrust Chief Operating Officer Tim Abell addressed the crowd. Tim McGrory, whose daughter Amanda, a member of Variety, told the inspirational story of her rise to be one of the top wheelchair marathoners in the world, just before the volunteers set out to deliver the papers.
Paul Flannery, David Levan, John Imparato and Bradley Buck getting ready to hand out papers on the corners of Center City. www.ibew98.org • 98 News 17
Charity Events Race for the Cure
May 13, 2007 Mother’s Day, a gorgeous sunny Sunday morning, Local 98 proudly had representation in the crowd of over 20,000. Local 98 raised $25,000 to help the Komen Foundation of Philadelphia in their fight to end breast cancer. Local 98 Business Manager John J. Dougherty was one of the distinguished speakers to address the crowd before the race. To learn more about Komen Philadelphia and breast cancer please visit www.KomenPhiladelphia.org.
Members of Local 98’s Race for the Cure team: Mary Issacson, Ed McBride, Tom Noreski, Kenny Adams and Ray Della Vella.
Run 4 Your Life
Run 4 Your Life sponsor: Team Local 98.
June 17, 2007 Father’s Day, Local 98 played a large part in the 5th Annual Run 4 Your Life 5K to benefit prostate cancer research and awareness. Not only did we sponsor the event but Business Manager John J. Dougherty acted as chairman along with ABC 6 Sports Director Gary Papa. John and Gary were also joined by well known Philadelphia comedian Joe Conklin. To learn more about the event and the cause they fight to support, please visit www.Run4YourLife.com.
18 98 News • www.ibew98.org
Local 98’s Dennis M. Gallagher Jr. and son, Dennis M. Gallagher iii run down the Art Museum steps before the race.
Nicko’s Angels in front of Citizen’s Bank Park before the autism awareness walk. Walk Now For Autism
September 15th Local 98 again played a part in the annual Walk Now For Autism 5k walk at Citizens Bank Park. Nicholas “Nicko” Albaladejo, his father Marcus and Local 98 Business Agent Rodney Walker led over 30 volunteers who walked to raise funds for autism awareness and research. Their team, Nicko’s Angels, blew past their fundraising goal of $500 on very short notice.
UCP All-Star Labor Classic
Before the first game of the day, Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President Pat Eiding, John J. Dougherty, Building Trades Council Business Manager Pat Gillespie, United Cerebral Palsy Director Steve Sheridan and PA Supreme Court judge Seamus McCaffery presented United Cerebral Palsy a check for $135,000.
April 1, 2007 Local 98 participated in the 20th annual United Cerebral Palsy All-Star Labor Classic; a fun filled day of basketball and charity. Before the all-star game, an exhibition game was played between the Organized Labor and Media teams. Local 98 Business Manager John J. Dougherty scored the first two points for the Labor team. They went on to edge out the Media team by one basket during the final seconds of the game.
www.ibew98.org • 98 News 19
Community Events
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Alternative Energy Hearing
March 1, 2007 Local 98 opened its new hall to State Rep. Mike O’Brien and the House Majority Policy Committee to hear proposals from some of the leading experts on utilizing new and alternative energy and fuel solutions to lighten our footprint on the environment. The Policy committee heard expert testimony from: Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection; Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development; Penn Future Center for Energy, Enterprise and Environment; Gamesa Energy Atlantic; Community Energy; the Delaware Valley Green Building Council; and Local 98’s own resident expert, Jim Dollard. Speakers discussed the advantages of implementing progressive initiatives such as Governor Rendell’s Energy Independence Strategy, wind turbine energy production, solar-powered systems and green building strategies.
PA State reps. Mike O’Brien, Tony Payton, John Sabatina Jr., Tim Solabay and Joe Preston after the alternative energy hearing at the Local 98 Union Hall. 20 98 News • www.ibew98.org
St. Patrick’s Parade
March 11, 2007 Local 98 members and family proudly marched in Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Nearly 200 marchers gathered at 1719 Spring Garden St. at 8:00 a.m. to collect their parade uniforms and enjoy a large buffet breakfast before heading out to the parade staging area. By noon, as the parade was about to begin, the sun came out and the temperature reached a comfortable fifty degrees. The Local 98 faction, dressed in black rugby shirts striped with the Erin tri-colors, marched up Broad Street, from Washington Ave., to just north of City Hall then up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where, at twenty-first street, the parade reached the main stage and the television cameras. Thanks to all Local 98 members and families who participated. We made another strong showing this year. Let’s do it again next year.
Local 98 is presented the “Banjo” McCoy award. From left is Business Agent Jim Huston, President Harry Foy, Mike Bradley and Business Agent Chuck Harvey.
Community Partner Award
March 30, 2007 The American Red Cross held its 12th annual ‘Help Can’t Wait’ Awards breakfast ceremony to recognize individuals and organizations that make our communities and businesses safer environments in which to work. This year, Local 98 and Business Manager John J. Dougherty received the Red Cross Community Partner Award for leading Philadelphia in electrical and fire safety awareness. Dougherty and Local 98 were presented the award by Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross President and CEO Tom Foley and CBS 3 news anchor Pat Ciarracchoi. When Dougherty was called upon to receive the award, he surprised the American Red Cross with a check for $50,000 and a promise to continue the work that Local 98 has done to promote fire safety awareness.
Business Manager John J. Dougherty accepts the Red Cross’s Community award on behalf of Local 98from Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross President and CEO Tom Foley and Kirsty Halliday of SCA Americas.
Local 98 Honors Fallen Heros April 11, 2007
As it has from the beginning in 2005, Local 98 supports the Philadelphia Police Department’s Plaque Dedication Program. The program honors the memories of police officers by dedicating plaques at the sites where the officers were slain. The dedication for Officer Michael McKenna Jr. was held on April 11th, outside of the 92nd Police District Headquarters at Lincoln Drive & Gypsy Lane. Officer McKenna died in the line of duty on Monday, May 17, 1937, after being injured on Sunday, May 9 while trying to rescue an injured 16-year-old boy in Fairmount Park. This was the thirty-second Dedication of the program. This program will continue until all slain officers have been memorialized with a plaque ceremony. www.ibew98.org • 98 News 21
Local 98 Teams up with Magee
May 11, 2007 Local 98 was at the forefront of the 7th Annual Magee Rehabilitation Center’s “Night of Champions,” and for the second consecutive year Local 98 served as the Title Sponsor for the event. Over 400 people attended this star studded event, which featured dinner, live entertainment, and silent and live auctions. Players from most of the Philadelphia professional sports teams were in attendance to greet everyone and sign autographs. An outstanding line-up of auction items ranged from unique sports memorabilia to dinners at the finest area restaurants. All of these wonderful items generated a night of exciting and furious bidding, which made the night a huge financial success. John J. Dougherty and the other 98 attendees were in the heat of the bidding battles, setting a new record by raising $187,000 for the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.
Local 98 Business Manager John J. Dougherty, last year’s “Champion of the Community” John Wendkos and Former Sixers player and coach Billy Cunningham. at Magee’s Night of Champions. 22 98 News • www.ibew98.org
Golden Gloves
April 14, 2007 The Golden Gloves Eastern Regional Tournament took place at the New Alhambra in South Philadelphia. The annual match is held to help amateur boxers ascend the ranks into professional competition. The tournament, hosted by Joe Hand, was the place to be seen that Tuesday night for politicians, union members, and local celebrities who were in attendance. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a check from Local 98 in the amount of $10,000.00 for the improvement and maintenance of the Joe Hand Boxing Gym and its computer lab.
Local 98 Scholarship Banquet
April 26, 2007 Cescaphe’s ballroom was the setting for the Local 98/NECA 15th annual scholarship banquet. Every year Local 98 awards $1,000 scholarships to ten direct descents of Local 98 members to help fund their higher education needs. Local 98 congratulates this year’s recipients: Gabrielle Antonini, Danielle Fichter, Thaddeus S. Kirk, Christina Knopf, Susan Lee, Leanne Mattesini, Maegan B. McMaster, Pelle Nejman, Anthony R. Palestini and Michelle E. Sinacore.
John J. Dougherty and President Brian Burrows with former President Thomas Langan.
Local 98 Events Phillies Game
July 28, 2007 Over 300 members brought their families to Local 98’s annual Night at the Phillies, on July 28th. The weather was beautiful as the Phillies pummeled the Pirates, with a final score of 10 to 5, thanks to an amazing eight-run fifth inning.
Business Agent Rodney Walker enjoys the Phillies game with his kidsTyler and Anthony, Christian Greene and Mickey Ebel. Halloween Health Fair
October 27, 2007 As you know, Local 98 holds the safety and health of our members above all else. Therefore, every October, we hold a health fair at the Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall in South Philadelphia to provide a variety of screenings, inoculations and health education to our members and their families. This year, well over 600 endured pouring rain to take advantage of the more than fifty programs. Members received flu shots, blood work and vision screening, attended a smoking cessation course and donated blood to the Red Cross. Kids donned their Halloween costumes for indoor trickor-treating. They got their faces painted and played video games. Be sure to bring your loved ones out next year to attend one of the best organized health fairs in the region and live and be well.
Frank Vaccaro of Vaccaro and associates and Business Agent Ed Coppinger in costume at the health fair. www.ibew98.org • 98 News 23
Golf Outing
September 30, 2007 Over fifty Local 98 friends brought their best games to the links to benefit the Local 98-NECA Scholarship Fund. It was a beautiful sunny day as the teams swung away to help kids pursue their higher education goals.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 21, 2007 For the past six years, on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Local 98 apprentices have volunteered their nights and days to the City of Philadelphia and prepared the Art Museum steps for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Six years ago Local 98 member Bobby DiBenedetto reached out to the membership for help because his sister, who runs the parade, was stood-up by her parade preparation volunteers. Local 98 came to the rescue. On that snowy Tuesday Local 98 Apprentices showed up on short notice and covered the Art Museum steps in red and green for the arrival of Santa Claus at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and have done so every year since.
24  98 News • www.ibew98.org
98 saves the day!
In Memoriam William Devlin Michael Murray Leo Gillen Herbert Hann Joseph Cervellero David Gregory Alfred Soares William Rennert Robert Kent Herman Mayer Robert Craft Robert Ellis Michael Rantuccio Robert Boehm William Mescanti Peter Greskoff Harry Lake Duane Baylis Ronald Gallagher Patrick Rogan Stacy Gallmon William Grill Michael Rourke James Galbraith Robert Radbill
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Article contributions and submissions: Jim Dollard, Robert Gormley, Robert Henon, Harry Foy, Jim Foy, Frank Keel, Ed Kirlin, Jeff Marshall, Ed McBride, Bill McCay, Michael Neill, Robert Poston, Matthew Scobell, Fran Walsh, Steve Wolfe.
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