Business Manager's Report

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

It’s a new year, and as I write there are 172 on Book I, and 9 on Book II. Job calls have slowed considerably, and the trend seems likely to continue, with some large projects coming to an end and few new projects to bid. If you happen to be one of those laid off and don’t know what to do, please make your first phone call be to the Hall for instructions on how to electronically sign your appropriate Book and information about work opportunities. Any information you may need is also available on our website www.ibew1141.org.

The new year will bring two contract negotiations, with the Infosys Teledata Agreement expiring May 31, and the Inside Agreement with NECA expiring August 31. If you are a member of either bargaining unit and would like to submit a proposal(s), please send them to office.ibew1141@gmail.com. If you would like to serve on either negotiating committee, please contact Local 1141 President Scott Hammersberg at sh.ibew1141@gmail.com.

We have already begun discussions with our friends on both sides of the aisle at the State Capitol and our partners in the Building Trades and at the Construction Industry Coalition to stay on top of the continuing attacks on our licensing, which seem likely to increase this year. We are on it, please be ready to contact your legislators if we need some help being heard.

We hope you and your family have been able to stay safe, as many of us have been affected, directly or indirectly, by positive Covid tests. If you have not already registered at the portal for Oklahoma immunizations, the link is available on our website. The sooner we can all be immunized, the sooner we can start getting back to our regular lives, including meetings on the first Friday of every month!
 
Thank you for all you do every day to preserve and protect the standards of our Local Union. I look forward to seeing you in person at the Hall as soon as possible.
 
Fraternally,
Dewayne Wilcox
Business Manager / Financial Secretary

Training Director’s Report: January, 2021
 
Good day, Brothers and Sisters,
 
As we enter into a new year, I want to thank all of you for your continued support. The staff here at the JATC has been and will continue to work towards improving and bringing the best training available. The committee always has the students’ and members’ best interests in mind, and that allows us to update and bring you this training. The support of our training partners is essential to adding and keeping up with the latest tools and technologies. Again, thank you, and may we all have a blessed and safe New Year.
 
Unfortunately, we are not starting out under the best circumstances. There have been several layoffs, so our Available-for-Work list is starting to grow. With the New Year and the holidays behind us, we will have to see what the work picture looks like.
 
As of this writing, there are 28 Apprentices out of work, along with many CW/CEs who are also looking to get back to work.
 
The students have continued to Zoom for their everyday classwork and come into the facility for testing. The CW/CE classes are again on hold until the middle to latter part of February. We are keeping a close watch on the confirmed Covid-19 cases and will proceed accordingly. Thank you for your patience and understanding. It will be amazing to get back to the new normal as soon as possible.
 
There are no in-person CEU classes scheduled at this time. The online courses are always available. If you are interested in an in-person class, please call Perri 405-672-7600 and she will add your name to a list.

There have been the occasional requests for another Code-Update Class. If you are still in need, then contact us and get on an interest list. If there is the need to put another one together, we will request a date from the CIB. We would need a least ten members and the 27^th of February would be the quickest date to get approved.

Thank you, and I hope to see you soon.
 
Apprenticeship Applications: http://etawok.org/applications
CW/CE Applications: http://etawok.org/cw-ce
CW/CE Re-sign the Out-of-Work book: http://etawok.org/resign
 
CEU Online Classes – (call our office to pay by credit card & be enrolled)
• Torque Theory Level I – 6 CEUs - $25.84
• Hazardous Locations – 12 CEUs - $28.99
• Motors I & II – 18 CEUs - $96.07
• Photovoltaic Systems – 18 CEUs - $106.44
• Healthcare Systems I & II – 18 CEUs - $79.58
• Electric Motor Drives – 18 CEUs - $114.48

Western Oklahoma Building Trades Scholarship
 
Do you or someone in your family need help paying for college?
 
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation is once again offering a $1,500 scholarship to aspiring students from Union households in the area. Deadline to apply is April 1, 2021.
 
Here are the eligibility requirements, as reported by the Foundation:
 
“Union members, their spouses, or their children. A spouse must be currently eligible to be on a Union member's insurance.  A child is defined as a birth child or legally adopted child who is a tax dependent and currently eligible to be on a Union member's insurance. A dependent who is eligible at the age of 23 remains eligible to apply if they are continuously enrolled in college.
 
“Traditional applicants must be concurrently enrolled Oklahoma high school seniors, or a recent high school graduate who has completed two semesters of full time academic or technology courses or students continuing academic study after high school with one year of completed college.
 
“Non-traditional applicants can be a Union member or the spouse of a Union member seeking to improve the quality of life through traditional training/study in a full-time academic or vocational program (20 years of age or older).”
 
For more details and information about applying, visit the Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s scholarship page by clicking this link.
 
What: Western Oklahoma Building Trades Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st, 2021
Award: $1,500
More info: www.occf.org

Local Elections Are Around The Corner – Stay Safe And Vote By Mail!
 
Oklahoma voters take to the polls again in February to raise their voices about Local government.
 
Even if you signed up for absentee voting in last November’s election, state law requires that you file a new request each year to continue voting by mail. The deadline to vote by mail in the the Feb. 9, 2021 election is Tuesday, February 2.
 
Voting by mail is safe, simple, and secure. Click here to sign up online. It only takes five minutes.
 
IBEW 1141 has looked at the candidates and the issues, and while we would never tell you who to vote for, we feel the following individuals best represent the values of working families in the Sooner State:
 
Nicoma Park City Council
 
Mayor – Brian Foughty
 
Oklahoma City City Council
 
Ward 3 – Jessica Martinez-Brooks
 
Oklahoma City Public Schools School Board
 
Chair – Paula Lewis
Seat 1 – Brett Hayes
Seat 2 – Lori Bowman
 
Turnout for municipal elections is often very low. Don’t sit this one out. Make sure your voice is heard!
 
More information on voting in Oklahoma can be found here at the official Oklahoma State Election Board website.

COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Information
 
News on the COVID-19 vaccination in Oklahoma is continuously being updated.
 
Here’s a helpful way to stay informed of the facts, avoid the rumors, and learn more about getting your shots:

Click here for the latest information regarding COVID vaccine appointments, as reported at the official Oklahoma State Department of Health website.
 
More at https://vaccinate.oklahoma.gov/

Building Trades Leader Nominated to Fill U.S. Labor Secretary Position
 
IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson issued the following statement on President-elect Joe Biden’s nomination of Union member and Building Trades leader Marty Walsh to be the next Secretary of Labor:
 
“Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has spent his entire life fighting for working families and an economy that rewards not wealth but hard-work. From his start as a member of the Laborers Union to his leadership of the Boston Building and Construction Trades Council to the Massachusetts State House and the mayor’s office, Walsh understands that good jobs, collective bargaining rights, and a fair playing field for working families are integral to a strong middle class. As someone who’s served as both a Union member and a lawmaker, Mayor Walsh brings the right kind of experience to the Labor Department.
 
“Marty has trade unionism in his blood,” said IBEW Second District International Vice President Mike Monahan, who represents members throughout New England. “I’ve known him for a long time, and he knows what it’s like to work hard every day with your hands for a paycheck. I can’t think of a better choice for Labor Secretary.”
 
Stephenson continued: “One of the great Labor Secretaries in American history, Frances Perkins, once said, ‘A government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life.’ That has been Mayor Walsh’s political vision throughout his career, and the men and women of the IBEW strongly support his nomination.”

2021 Marks IBEW 1141’s Hundredth Anniversary
 
On April 19, 2021, we will observe the 100th Anniversary of IBEW 1141’s founding.
 
To commemorate the occasion, IBEW 1141 was honored with this plaque, which is inscribed: “The International Officers of the IBEW are pleased to present this Centennial Plaque in recognition of the dedicated service and achievements of the Officers and Members of Local 1141 through your first one hundred years. Your high esteem is our pride.”
 
Traditions aren’t built overnight, and there are no shortcuts to making history. We can rightly look back with pride on a century of positive change for our industry, families and communities.
 
Thank you to all of our Brothers and Sisters who continue to follow the Objects of the IBEW every day.

New UNION T-shirts Available at the Hall

Show your solidarity with these new designs! Sizes M-2x are $20, 3x and 4x are $22.

You can purchase shirts at the Hall with a check or a credit card. Cash is not being accepted at this time.

In Memoriam

Brother Lester Burns
July 28, 1965 – December 14, 2020
DB #502
 
IBEW 1141 regrets to inform the membership of the passing of Brother Lester III Orlanda Burns, who passed away Monday, December 14, 2020. He was 55 years old.
 
Lester was born on July 28, 1965 in McAlester. He graduated from Boswell High School, after which he joined the IBEW and became a Journeyman Electrician. Brother Burns was initiated into the IBEW on December 1, 1984, and he will be remembered for being a hard worker. 
 
Brother Burns is survived by: son, Joshua Hunter Burns and wife Tiffani; daughter, Meagan Raye Burns; unborn child; sister, LaDonna Angelly; granddaughter on the way, Southrnn Raye Burns; and a host of other family, friends and loved ones.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Raybon and Lavonne (Singleton) Burns; and his son, River Lane Burns. 
 
IBEW 1141 offers our prayers, sympathies, and condolences to Brother Burns’ family, friends and loved ones during this time of bereavement.

Brother Billy J. Turner
January 23, 1936 – December 19, 2020
DB #503
 
IBEW 1141 is saddened to report the loss of Brother Billy John Turner, who passed away Sunday, December 19, 2020. Billy was 84 years old.
 
Brother Turner was born on January 23, 1936 on a farm near Scranton, Arkansas. After high school, he spent three years in the military where he completed paratrooper training and proudly served in the Eleventh Airborne Division for a year before going to Germany for two years.
 
Brother Turner was initiated into the IBEW on March 6, 1964. He enjoyed a successful career in the trade working with his tools and performing supervisory work across the US. Billy retired from the industry on March 1, 2001.
 
Brother Turner is survived by his daughter and sons, Denise Stevens and husband, Bill; John Turner and wife, Candy; and Michael Turner and wife, Christine; a brother and sister, Carol Turner Scott and Jerry Turner; eleven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and other family members and friends.
 
He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Elaine; his parents; and his sister and brother-in-law, Helen Louise Turner and Claude Donaldson.
 
IBEW 1141 extends our deep condolences to Brother Turner’s friends, family, and loved ones during this time of bereavement.
 
Brother Larry Brannon
April 18, 1937 – December 26, 2020
DB #504

IBEW 1141 regrets to inform you of the passing of Brother Larry Brannon, who passed away Saturday, December 26, 2020. He was 83 years old.
 
Reynold Larry Brannon was born on April 18, 1937 to Reynold William "Bill" Klick and Rose Brannon in Devil Lake, North Dakota. Following graduation at Del City High School, Larry began his lifelong career in the electrical trade, initiating into the IBEW on November 16, 1956. Larry retired from the industry on May 1, 1999.
 
Brother Brannon is survived by his daughter, Becky Earp and husband Dean; daughter Terri Frazier and husband Mike; son-in-law, Jim Bowen; son, Jess Brannon; sister, Kay Gary and husband Bill; brother, Donnie Brannon and wife Pam; brother, Paul Brannon; brother, Mike Brannon; three grandchildren, Wyatt Earp, Joel Bowen, and Rachel Brumley; along with many other family and friends.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Klick and Rose Brannon; wife, Kay Brannon; daughter, Tammy Bowen; grandson, Billy Earp.
 
IBEW 1141 offers our prayers, sympathies, and condolences to Brother Brannon’s family, friends and loved ones during this time of bereavement.


Brother John F. Kahoe
September 15, 1944 – December 26, 2020
DB # 505

IBEW 1141 is saddened to report the loss of Brother John F. Kahoe, who passed away Saturday, December 26, 2020. John was 76 years old.

Brother Kahoe was born on September 15, 1944 in Cheltenham, England and came to the U.S. in May of 1946. The family lived in Pauls Valley for three years before moving to Norman. Following high school, John began eight years of active duty service in the U.S. Navy. Upon later moving into the Navy Reserves, he began his electrical career with his initiation into the IBEW on May 19, 1972. After enjoying a successful profession in the trade, John retired on January 1, 2007.

John spent 17 years in the Navy Reserve, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer “Gunner” in 1987.
 
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janice; son, Sean and his wife, Nikki Kahoe; son, Todd Kahoe; two grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
 
Brother Kahoe was preceded in death by his father, Timothy H. Kahoe.
 
IBEW 1141 extends our deep condolences to Brother Kahoe’s friends, family, and loved ones during this time of bereavement.

Brother Victor P. Sims
August 10, 1950 – January 20, 2021
DB # 506

It is with a heavy heart that we report the loss of IBEW 1141 Brother Victor P. Sims, who passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Victor was 70 years old.

Brother Sims was born on August 10, 1950 in Duncan, Okla., and had the opportunity to live in many different places in his life, including Texas, Massachusetts, and various Oklahoma towns and cities. He was initiated into the IBEW on June 5, 1970 and went on to work in construction and at the General Motors facility until his retirement from the trade in September of 2015.

Victor is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kay; children Michael (wife Kristin), Trisha (husband Brady), and Jobin; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents Menford and Arlene, and his sister Mary.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Brother Sims can be made to www.preborn.org.

IBEW 1141 extends our prayers and our hearts to Brother Sims' friends, family, and loved ones during this time of bereavement.

Norma Jean Colvin
March 28, 1942 – January 16, 2021
 
We are saddened to inform the IBEW 1141 membership of the passing of Norma Jean Colvin, wife of our Local Union Brother Bill Colvin. They were united in marriage for 57 years. Norma was 78 years old at the time of her passing.
 
Norma was born to Harmon and Wynona Marlar on March 28, 1942 in Oklahoma City. She graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1960.
 
She was a business owner and belonged to the National Association of Women in Construction. Norma was also a breast cancer survivor and an advocate for education.
 
Norma is survived by Bill, whom she married in August 2, 1963; their son Eric; daughter Lisa; and grandson Brayden.
 
On behalf of the officers and staff of IBEW 1141, we extend our condolences and prayers to the Colvin family, their friends, and loved ones in this time of bereavement.