Reaching Out: For Yourself, For Your Loved Ones

Sisters and Brothers,

Learning of the passing of an anchor in our area of a possible drug overdose leads me to comment in this newsletter. Apparently, this was a surprise and shows how some are afflicted with demons unknown to those around them. Through your health plan, we offer a Membership Assistance Program. This valuable benefit offers a helping hand and professional advice to help our members deal with life’s many trials and tribulations. Call the Health Trust at 323-221-5861 or go to the website at www.scibew-neca.org. The IBEW, Local 11 and our NECA partners are committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. As you know, we are all subject to random drug testing. This is not only to ensure a safe workplace for all, but to help our members. Alcoholism and drug addiction not only affect performance on the job, but also at home and in life. Please reach out for you and your loved ones.

IBEW and NECA are always looking towards the future and securing work that will create opportunities for our contractors and members. Recently, IBEW Local 11 was able to secure two seats through the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Agency on the Sustainability Council. This council will advise the Metro Board of Directors on environmental goals and performance measures. John Harriel, Jr. was appointed to the “Social Justice” seat, and Jennifer Kropke, of SC IBEW-NECA LMCC, was appointed to the “Labor” seat. Congratulations and thanks to both for their unselfish commitment of their time and continued service to the IBEW. These appointments and involvement will create workforce development opportunities for our electrical workers in clean energy such as zero emission vehicle procurement, EV charging, advanced lighting controls, net zero building designations and environmental technologies such as battery energy storage and microgrids.

I will end by wishing all a happy and healthy new year and by thanking you for the opportunity and honor to serve as your business manager. I also send my heartfelt thanks to the great staff we have representing IBEW Local Union 11. They spend every day fighting for your rights, jobs and working conditions. Remember, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile” —Albert Einstein.

In Solidarity,
Joel Barton
Business Manager/Financial Secretary