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May 25, 2013
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Upcoming Events
IBEW OFFICES CLOSED
May 27, 2013
Safety Committee
May 28, 2013
Mount Vernon Trailer 301 Anderson Road
Executive Board
May 29, 2013
Sound & Communications Unit Meeting
Jun 04, 2013
Everett Hall 2701 Hoyt Ave, Everett, WA Jan,Feb,April,May,July,Aug,Oct,Nov. Mount Vernon Trailer (Across from the JATC 301 Anderson Road March,June,Sept,Dec. Wenatchee Hall 27 North Chelan Ave. Every Month Internet Meeting.
Bellingham Unit
Jun 06, 2013
Labor Building 1700 North State Street, Bellingham, WA. Enter from State Street and go upstairs
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Teamsters local 570
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District 7 Committee Run-off
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2013 Hazardous Materials Instructors Training
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MEMBER DISCOUNTS

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Provide the following Foundation account number 3508840

in store only.

along with your DUES slip

 


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Union members ask for the Family Rate.



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LA LABOR 411   


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Union Plus







MEMORIAL DAY NOTICE

All of the IBEW Local 191 offices will be closed on May 27 to observe MEMORIAL DAY.  

The Staff and Officers wish you a safe and sober 3 day weekend. 

Memorial Day in United States

Quick Facts

Memorial Day commemorates all Americans, who have died in military service for the United States.

Local names

Name Language
Memorial Day English
Día de la Memoria Spanish

Alternative name

Decoration Day

Memorial Day 2013

Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial Day 2014

Monday, May 26, 2014
List of dates for other years

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formally known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

USA memorial day

Memorial Day remembers those who died serving the United States military.

©iStockphoto.com/ Alan Crosthwaite

What do people do?

It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half mast from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is combined with Jefferson Davis' Birthday in Mississippi.

Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year.

Public life

Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed, as are schools, businesses and other organizations. Most public transit systems do not run on their regular schedule. Many people see Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or visit family or friends. This can cause some congestion on highways and at airports.

Background

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.

Taken from   http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/memorial-day

Flag at half staffDate: Monday May, 27, 2013 - Sunrise to Noon

Reach: National - Mandatory for federa
l buildings, suggested for all American flags

-------------- Official Flag Code --------------

"The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff."
As proclaimed each year by the President of the United States of America, Memorial Day is a day of prayer for permanent peace. All Americans are asked to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m.local time on Memorial Day.

Make It a Union-Made Memorial Day Barbecue

Make It a Union-Made Memorial Day Barbecue

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to the summer holiday season. While the day honors those who have given their lives defending the nation—and Jimmy  Gilbert, director of the AFL-CIO’s Union Veterans Council, will write more on that next Monday—the weekend also marks the start of grilling season. Here’s some union-made food and drink to get your barbecue off to a great start. 

Our list comes courtesy of Union Plus, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor's LA Labor 411's website. You can find these and other union-made products on your smart phone with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Buy Union app for iPhones, Androids and other phones. 

Hot Dogs, Sausages, Other Grill Meats

Ball Park, Boar’s Head, Calumet, Dearborn Sausage Co., Fischer Meats, Hebrew National, Hofmann, Johnsonville, Oscar Mayer. See MORE.

Condiments

French’s Mustard, Guldens Mustard, Heinz Catsup, Heinz Ketchup, Hidden Valley Ranch, Lucky Whip, Vlasic. SeeMORE.

Buns and Bread

Ottenbergs, Sara Lee, Vie de France Bakery. See MORE.

Sodas and Bottled Water

Bart's, Coke, Diet Sprite, Pepsi, Sprite, American Springs, Pocono Northern Fall's, Poland Spring. See MORE.

mad_river_brewing_the_remix 2001001

Beer 

Budweiser, Bud Light, Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve, Mad River, Michelob, Miller, Rolling Rock. See MORE.

Snacks and Dessert

Breyers Ice Cream, Flips Pretzels, Frito-Lay Chips, Good Humor Ice Cream. See MORE snacks and MORE sweets.

Visit our Made in America board on Pinterest

Inside Wireman Vote Results

The ballots were counted at the Wenatchee Unit meeting on May 15, 2013 

Westside

50 cents to Health and Welfare

The Personel Care Account was approved.

50 cents to PCA

50 cents to 9th District 


Eastside

50 cents to Health and Welfare

The contractors kicked in a additional .05 cent contribution to Health and Welfare

50 cents to PCA

50 cents to 9th District

This will go into effect on JUNE 1st , 2013

 

The Safety Committee is pleased to announce that our Business Manager Joe Peters will be attending the July meeting.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

IF YOU HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR OR A COLLEGE STUDENT AND ARE IN NEED OF A SCHOLARSHIP, CLICK HERE OR ON THE SCHLOARSHIPS TAB ABOVE.

WE HAVE ADDED A FEW TO THE LIST.

IBEW GOLF TOURNAMENTS

To see flyers for the different Golf Events click HERE or scroll down to the rotator and click on Sporting Events.

IN MEMORY OF

Larry Mauk

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

photo

Larry Mauk

Bridgeport, WA

Larry Mauk, of Bridgeport, WA, entered into rest March 31, 2013. He was born Harry Lawrence Mauk on January 24, 1955, to Ernest "Biff" and Anna Marie Mauk at Soap Lake, WA. He graduated from Twisp High School in 1973, and enrolled in the apprenticeship program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 497. He was a 40 year member of the IBEW Local 191 and had worked at Schmitt Electric, Inc. continuously the past 20 years. Easily recognized by his signature beard, Larry was an accomplished craftsman, mechanic, outdoorsman and the master of all season outdoor cooking. He had many passions, but at the end of the day, it was all about his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Biff Mauk. He is survived by his wife, Tammy of Bridgeport; daughter, Joelle and Joe Langner, son, Dustin and Jaime Mauk, and grandsons, Jordan and Jaxon Langner and McKoa Mauk, all of the Portland, OR area. His mother, Anna Marie Mauk of Brewster; sister, Melinda Farmer of Ephrata, WA; and brothers, Butch (Vicki) Tomlin of Roy, WA, Ernie (Marilyn) Mauk of Malaga, WA, and Mike Mauk of Brewster, WA.

A Private Memorial Service for the immediate family, including the brothers and sisters of the IBEW Local 191, will be held at Barnes Funeral Chapel in Brewster, WA on Saturday, May 25, 2013, at 1:00 p.m., and a 'Celebration of Life' will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Bridgeport High School commons in Bridgeport, WA; open to all family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Bridgeport Tree Carving and/or Ambulance Fund, in the name of Larry Mauk. Barnes Funeral Chapel is in care of the arrangements.

After the service, there will be cake, cookies and coffee at the Bridgeport High School starting at 3:00 pm.

Checks  for donations should be made payable to Tammy Mauk and sent to her home address 700 Pearl Hill Rd NE, Bridgeport, WA 98813

If she gets enough money, she will give it to the Bridgeport Tree Carving.  If not,  she will donate to the Ambulance Fund.

There will be an open microphone for those that would like to speak. ( Please do)

Those that would like to camp, call the Bridgeport City to find camp sites and lodging.

There are also camp sites at Bridgeport State Park. The nearest motels are in Pateros.

Community Service

I would like to take time and some space to THANK all of the IBEW 191 members that have been helping out on Community based service projects. One of these projects is the Lilac Services for the Blind in Wenatchee. What a fantastic job and great workmanship in this space. I have loaded photos of the finished project on the PHOTO GALLERY or just  click here

Other projects have been a shelter for those in need and a lighting upgrade at the Musem in Cashmere. I will be posting more photos soon. If anyone has photos of work being done on any of the projects please contace Darrel McLaughlin at darrel.mclaughlin@ibew191.com

MAY DAY EVENTS

EVERETT — Wednesday, April 24 at 5 p.m. — The Snohomish County Labor Council will host its annual public Worker Memorial Day event at the Workers Memorial in the Mission courtyard of the County Administrative Center at Wetmore & Pacific. For more info, call 425-259-7922.

A young fisherman, a veteran truck driver, a bridge painter, and an office manager. These are among the 66 people who will be honored this year at the 2013 Worker Memorial Day ceremonies around Washington state next week. Each year on Worker Memorial Day, working people gather to remember those who were hurt or killed on the job, and to renew the  struggle for safe workplaces. Events are planned in Tumwater, Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Spokane and Bellingham.

Lanyards
Lanyards are available at the IBEW 191 Offices and the JATC in Mt Vernon
Read More...
FLUKE RECALL
Some of the FLUKE tools have been recalled.
Read More...
the STAND


Read More...

Community Service Award
Mike Bellgardt is given the IBEW 191 Community Service Award
Read More...
Wenatchee office
It has been nearly a year since Marcey was hired to work in the Wenatchee office. In the last year Marcey has really stepped up to help members and the Wenatchee staff. Stop by and say thanks. Over the last 12 months we have remodeled a storage room into a first class office for Gill Walsh.
Read More...

Paused
Make It a Union-Made Memorial Day Barbecue

AFL-CIO NOW Search: Home > AFL-CIO Now > Other News > Make It a Union-Made Memori.
Read More...

The Snohomish County Commission on Human Rights Presents

The Snohomish County Commission on Human Rights Presents Humanity not Hatred Please join us for a community event in honor of Brisenia Flores and in support of humanity and human rights.
Read More...

Nominees sought for 2013 Bruce Brennan apprenticeship award

thestand.orghttp://www.thestand.org/2013/04/nominees-sought-for-2013-bruce-brennan-apprenticeship-award/ Nominees sought for 2013 Bruce Brennan apprenticeship award David Groves Don Guillot of IBEW Local 77 won the 2012 Bruce Brennan Memorial Award.
Read More...

Gateway Pacific Terminal

3-27-2013 (Longview) Daily News – Corps says it's not authorized for in-depth coal study — The U.S.
Read More...

New Music From HANFORD

I came across this in "the STAND" and thought I would share.
Read More...

Sequestration went into effect March 1, 2013

Dear Sisters and Brothers: Sequestration went into effect March 1, 2013.  The effect of the sequester in 2013 alone is expected to be severe and destabilizing for our fragile economy.
Read More...

North Sound Alliance

North Sound Alliance Update-March 2013 WHAT WE DO WEA Objective Forge partnerships with parents, business, other unions, and community groups. In 1994, the WEA Representative Assembly approved a  $12 yearly Community Outreach Funds assessment of each WEA member to support this objective.
Read More...

IBEW Apprenticeship

IBEW Apprenticeship: One of the Most Rewarding Decisions I Ever Made
Read More...

Postal Workers Food Drive

Preparations for  2013 Food Drive under way People can register to volunteer on the day of the event at the Volunteers of America web page. IAM District 751 members will be volunteering at the Everett main post office located at 3102 Hoyt Avenue. Hundreds of NALC branches throughout the country are preparing now for the 21st annual NALC Food Drive, which will take place on Saturday, May 11.
Read More...

Signs of a HEART ATTACK

Act in time to Heart Attack Signs Fast action is your best weapon against a heart attack. Why? Because Clot-busting drugs and other artery-opening treatments can prevent or limit damage to the heart – but they need to be given immediately after symptoms begin.
Read More...

Arcs and Sparks Newsletter

The WINTER 2013 issue of ARCS and SPARKS is available to view.
Read More...
Download: WINTER 2012 .pdf

SPORTING EVENTS

This page is being set aside for the announcement of SPORTING EVENTS. Most UNION and some UNION SUPPORTED.
Read More...

Department of Labor - 100 Years

Department of Labor Marks 100 YEARS
Read More...

Save The Date

SAVE THE DATE! The dates and places are set for the 2013 IBEW  East and West Picnics. For the Eastside: Saturday, July 27th at Hydro Park For the Westside: Sunday, August 4th at Hillcrest Park If you would like to help with one or the other contact IBEW 191 President, Joe Lorenzo Sent Joe an e-mail at  joe.lorenzo@ibew191.
Read More...

UPDATE YOUR BENEFIT INFORMATION

Why should I check into this, I filled out the forms YEARS ago? Yes that was years ago and time has passed along. Did you get married?
Read More...

Work Safely with Silica

Union members and public safety officials are calling on President Obama to finalize an Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard
Read More...

KVA Electric Needs YOU!

KVA Electric, Inc., a local electrical specialty contractor, is seeking applicants for work overseas at American Embassies throughout the world, and / or local work with high voltage substation experience and testing.  I have attached a letter of applicant requirements as well as the disqualifiers for applicants to obtain a personal security clearance from DOD.
Read More...
Download: Interim Clearances for Industrial Personnel Clearance Applicants.docx , KVA Applicant Requirments.doc

First Class Mess

Help Save the U.S. Postal Service UPDATED 05-02-2013
Read More...

Americas Union AFL-CIO

What if when you had a question or a concern about your workplace, you could go somewhere and get answers? With fixmyjob.com, a new site from our friends at Working America, every worker will have a resource to get more information or privately raise concerns.
Read More...

New L&I medical network changes health care for Washington's injured workers

The Department of Labor & Industries has established its first-ever medical provider network to deliver health care to injured workers in Washington state. 
Read More...

ELECTRIC TV

ElectricTV.net is a 100% video-based website and since its inception in 2007 has produced more than 75 features on the high-quality installation and maintenance work of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and The National Electrical Contractors Association.
Read More...

SAFETY NOTES

SAFETY NOTES
A few reminders about on the job injuries:
  
Read More...
Download: FallTech Lanyard Inspection Notice 2013.pdf

BASIC TRAINEE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

This information is taken from the December 2012 issue of the ELECTRICAL CURRENTS Newsletter
Basic Trainee Education Requirements:
Read More...

CEU REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICIAN

This information is from the December 2012 issue of ELECTRICAL CURRENTS Newsletter
Continuing Education Requirements for Electrician Certificate Renewal:
Read More...

Political Education Committee

WHY NOT GET INVOLVED IN POLITICS?

Next meeting will be Everett at 6pm 05-23-13
Read More...


THE BLITZ REPORT

Woooohooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a great time and great turn out with our blitzes last year and we intend to do it again. The statewide effort was a total success, but we know we can improve. And what’s the best way to do that? Make sure YOU help with your ideas!

So… All of the Locals in the state are forming Volunteer Organizing Committees to set priorities, schedules, and goals. This committee will also help steer the Local in the best way to work locally and together as a state.

Plus, we’ll feed you!

So here’s the plan. We’re going to meet the 4th Wednesday of every month at 5:30 in the trailer in Mount Vernon. At 6:30 we’ll be conferencing with the other locals to also begin coordinating together.

If you enjoyed getting out and talking to people last year and want to help reach out to unrepresented workers again, please come share your ideas!

May 22nd, 2013 

Trailer in Mount Vernon

5:30pm

Come be a part of something amazing!

Email me or call to let me know if you’re planning on coming. We can’t wait to see everyone again!

Sanya Hardin

Business Representative

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 191

shardin@ibew191.com

(425) 259-3195 Office

(360) 202-4911 Cell

(425) 339-9188 Fax


Take time to view the video  to see just what we at IBEW 191 are doing for organizing.

You may need to download somthing like Quicktime or Real Player to watch the video. 

Videos may initially take a short while to load before they play.

Click here to view the Tumwater Blitz Video    


“To organize all workers in the entire electrical industry in the United States and Canada, including all those in public utilities and electrical manufacturing, into local unions.”.


“I will further the purposes for which the I.B.E.W. is instituted. I will bear true allegiance to it and not sacrifice its interest in any manner.”

The dates for this years BLITZ's are as follow's:

Click here for 2013 Blitz photos.

Local 191 Wenatchee: June 24, 25 We will be working Moses Lake. 191 VOC Meeting June 26th 5:30pm, Mt Vernon Dispatch Trailer.

Local 76 Tacoma: July 22, 23. 191 VOC Meeting July 24th 5:30pm, Mt Vernon Dispatch Trailer.

Local 46 Seattle: August  26, 27. 191 VOC Meeting August 26th 5:30pm, Mt Vernon Dispatch Trailer.

Local 112 Kennewick: September 23, 24. 191 VOC Meeting Sepetember 25th 5:30pm, Mt Vernon Dispatch Trailer.

 UPDATES FOR GATEWAY PACIFIC TERMINAL 05-23-2013

GPT Logo May 23, 2013
Report to the Community
To keep our community informed on the Gateway Pacific Terminal project, we are presenting a series of newsletters designed to keep you up-to-date on the project. Look for our special insert 'Report to the Community' in Whatcom County newspapers and publications. We appreciate your feedback and encourage your questions.
Click here to access Report to the Community: Volume 1

Facts matter! SHARE this email with friends and family to get the truth out on GPT
 
Want to help create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in the Northwest?Take action here!
Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our videos on YouTube  

The Gateway Pacific Terminal will be a new, highly efficient cargo-handling facility to expand America's exports of dry bulk commodities. Proposed by Washington-based SSA Marine, the terminal will meet our state's stringent environmental standards. During 2 years of construction it will generate over 4,400 jobs in the regions economy. At full capacity it will generate over 1,250 permanent jobs. SSA Marine was founded as Bellingham Stevedoring Company in 1949 and has been a part of our community for decades. 
 
This email was sent to nrgdarrel@gmail.com by info@gatewaypacificterminal.com  
Gateway Pacific Terminal | P.O. Box 3170 | Bellingham | WA | 98227-3170


In today's Seattle Times 5-10-13 — Weigh science, instead of conjecture, on dangers of coal-train dust (by Roger O. McClellan) — We are told, for example, someone saw something fall off a train. Or someone else found a chunk of coal in a river. This is not the kind of science-based approach needed to inform public-policy decisions on this important issue. In the campaign to block expansion of export terminals, some important facts are being left out of the debate.

LINK:

Guest: Weigh science, instead of conjecture, on dangers of coal-train dust

Anecdotal evidence and opinions of a handful of people, rather than scientific evidence, are being used in an attempt to sway the public on coal trains, writes guest columnist Roger O. McClellan.

Special to The Times

WASHINGTON and Oregon are in the middle of an intense debate about whether to expand facilities to ship coal to Asia.

As a former resident of Washington state and one who has family that lives in the area, I have followed this issue with interest. As a scientist who spent my career in toxicology evaluating human health risks, what I am seeing in this debate concerns me.

What I find most troublesome is how anecdotal evidence and opinions of a handful of people, rather than scientific evidence, are being used in an attempt to sway the public on the export terminals.

A coalition of environmental groups recently put coal companies and BNSF Railway on notice that they intend to bring a lawsuit over coal dust from uncovered railway cars. They claim the dust is causing damage to land and rivers along rail lines, and are mounting this campaign under a provision of the Clean Water Act, which gives companies 60 days to respond before the suit is filed in federal court.

Coal from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana is currently being shipped by rail to ports in Washington state and Oregon. Some groups opposed to expanding ports in the Northwest claim the trains leave coal dust along the rail lines that skirt the Columbia River and Puget Sound.

We are told, for example, someone saw something fall off a train. Or someone else found a chunk of coal in a river. This is not the kind of science-based approach needed to inform public-policy decisions on this important issue. In the campaign to block expansion of export terminals, some important facts are being left out of the debate.

For starters, claiming that finding a piece of coal on the ground or in the water leads in a direct line to a health or environmental risk violates one of the basic tenets of toxicology and risk assessment — the mere presence of a substance does not indicate harm. There are other factors that need to be taken into account, the main one being exposure.

Just because a piece of coal is found in the water or coal dust is found near a rail track does not mean humans are exposed to it. Coal is not a substance that breaks down easily. Coal is relatively innocuous. Simply moving it by trains or trucks or barges does not equate to a risk to the environment or human health.

Coal continues to play an important role in meeting energy needs around the world, with steady improvements made in its transport and use. Coal has been transported through the Northwest by rail for decades and there has never been any evidence of harm associated with this rail transport.

There needs to be robust and open debate on the merits of expanding the export terminals. These terminals, which serve as a gateway to Asia,  have been an important part of the regional economy for more than a century. Debate over the terminals should be grounded in scientific facts and analysis. Well-established scientific approaches should be used to evaluate any potential environmental and human-health impacts.

Scientific assessments such as the one being conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers should provide clarity and context for decisions by public officials. Science-based assessments should also identify any constraints needed to assure protection of the environment and public health. The public at large should encourage and, indeed, demand such assessments.

Until such assessments are completed, it is plainly irresponsible to release exaggerated claims and mislead the public and regulators about the impact of transporting coal through the Northwest. Over the long run, pseudoscience and alarmist claims serve no one in this debate. Regulators and the public need an honest assessment on any potential risks based on sound science and clearheaded reasoning.

Roger O. McClellan, an expert on toxicology and human health-risk analysis, is former chairman of the National Research Council Committee on Toxicology, past Chairman of EPA’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, and a member of the Institute of Medicine.



GPT Logo April 22, 2013

Myth vs. Fact: Air Quality and Public Health

The Gateway Pacific Terminal (GPT) is committed to being one of the most environmentally advanced facilities of its kind, and the project's air quality standards exemplify this commitment.

In our second "Myth vs. Fact" installment, we will address air quality, coal dust, and public health.


Myth: Coal dust will blow off of trains.
FACT:  Trains carrying coal have been traveling through Washington on their way to British Columbia ports for decades. Before this project was announced, there were no coal dust complaints on record with BNSF Railway or the Northwest Clean Air Agency, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, or the Spokane Clean Air Agency.
 

What do Whatcom County rail neighbors have to say about trains and coal dust?  Watch their video testimonials to find out!

Myth: Coal trains are not using measures to reduce coal dust.

 

FACT: 
The escape of coal dust at mine loading points in the Powder River Basin has created maintenance issues for the railroad, but has not been an issue outside this area in general.
 
 
BNSF Railway, which will be servicing GPT, is very committed to preventing coal dust. In 2011, BNSF established a new coal-loading rule to address coal dust escaping from loaded coal cars. The loading rule requires measures be taken to prevent coal dust from being blown out of the loaded car. These measures include aerodynamic shaping and applying a topper agent that creates a crust over the coal.  This rule effectively addresses coal dust.
 
Matt Rose, CEO of BNSF, reported to former Governor Gregoire that, "We can be confident that, as a result of these steps, virtually no measurable coal dust will exit coal cars in Washington State or any point along the trip from the mines to the port facility."2

Myth: Coal dust poses a health risk to communities along the rail line.

 

FACT: Mike Elliott, Chairman of the Washington State Legislative Board of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, has worked with coal trains for over 17 years and believes coal dust is a non-issue. "I can tell you for certain I have never experienced or heard complaints of coal dust from trains in Washington State. None of my members, who operate and work around coal trains 24/7, have reported health issues related to coal dust."3

 

Myth: Other communities that have contact with coal trains have pollution and health problems.

 
FACT: In regard to public health, there must be intense exposure to coal dust for any potential health risks to be of concern.5  Exposure to coal dust from trains has not been a problem in Washington State in the past, is not one now, and will not be one in the future. 

To put these health concerns in perspective, here are some sample coal dust case studies:

  • Campbell County, Wyoming: Campbell County, Wyoming, contains about 44,000 residents and is home to 14 coal mines that produce one-fourth of American coal from the Powder River Basin.6  Campbell County also experiences about five times as much rail traffic as Whatcom County.6  According to the American Lung Association, in Campbell County the health effects most commonly linked to coal dust exposure such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma are either at or below the national average.Campbell County also scored an "A" in the American Lung Association's State of the Air 2012 report.8
  • Port of Gladstone, Australia: The Port of Gladstone in Australia is one of the world's top five coal export ports, exporting over 50 million tons per year.9,10  In a 2010 Public Health Risk Assessment of the Gladstone region, the report found that coal dust exposure levels for nearby communities was 1,000 times lower than the levels known to be associated with adverse health effects from coal dust.11  The report states, "There is no indication that coal dust is causing any likely risk to health."Furthermore, a review of all key pollutants showed that exposure levels do not pose a risk to public health.11
  • Tennyson, Australia: Similarly, a study of coal dust along a major rail corridor in Tennyson, Australia found that emissions from vehicles were responsible for twice as much particulate matter in the air as coal trains; there was about as much coal dust from trains as there were rubber particles from car tires. Taken together, particulate matter along Tennyson's rail corridor never exceeded the health threshold.12
  • Seward, Alaska: In Seward, Alaska, which houses a coal-export facility, the state's Department of Environmental Conservation conducted an ambient air study investigating the impact of coal transportation through the city. The study found that air particulate matter never reached even a third of the level that the EPA considers unhealthy.13
Facts matter! SHARE this email with friends and family to get the truth out on GPT!
Want to help create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in the Northwest?
Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter   View our videos on YouTube

The Gateway Pacific Terminal wil be a new, highly efficient shipping terminal to expand America's exports of dry bulk commodities. Proposed by Seattle-based SSA Marine, the terminal will meet our state's stringent environmental standards while providing a major boost to the region's economy, creating at full capacity 4,400 construction jobs, 1,250 permanent family-wage jobs, and $140 million a year in economic benefits.

www.GatewayPacificTerminal.com
Sources:
1. NW Clean Air Agency September 24, 2012; Puget Sound Clean Air Agency September 20, 2012; Spokane Clean Air Agency April 25, 2012

2. Matt Rose letter to Governor Gregoire May 14, 2012

3. BLET Press Release Engineers and Trainmen: No Health Issues Related to Coal Dust April 18, 2012

4. The Bellingham Herald "Sierra Club challenges coal spills from trains" April 2, 2013

5. Environment Canterbury Regional Study "Health Effects of Coal Dust in a Non-Occupational Context: Literature Review" February 12, 2009

6. Campbell County Chamber of Commerce website, 2011

7. American Lung Association "Estimated Prevalence and Incidence of Lung Disease, 2011," by Lung Association Territory

8. American Lung Association State of the Air Report 2012 Campbell County, Wyoming

9. Gladstone Ports Corporation Website "Trade Statistics" 2012

10. Gladstone Ports Corporation Brochure "Coal Port: Gladstone" 2010

11. Queensland Government "Clean and Healthy Air for Gladstone Project Human Health Risk Assessment Final Public Health Report" August 4, 2010

12. Queensland Government Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts "Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation September to October 2012"

13. Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Air Quality Division "Seward PM10 Air Monitoring Program June 2011 to May 2012 Final Report" January 24, 2013


Click on the link below to view

OTHER UPDATES HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE ROTATOR

AFL-CIO NOW

Make It a Union-Made Memorial Day Barbecue

Make It a Union-Made Memorial Day Barbecue

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to the summer holiday season. While the day honors those who have given their lives defending the nation—and Jimmy  Gilbert, director of the AFL-CIO’s Union Veterans Council, will write more on that next Monday—the weekend also marks the start of grilling season. Here’s some union-made food and drink to get your barbecue off to a great start. 

Our list comes courtesy of Union Plus, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor's LA Labor 411's website. You can find these and other union-made products on your smart phone with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Buy Union app for iPhones, Androids and other phones. 

Hot Dogs, Sausages, Other Grill Meats

Ball Park, Boar’s Head, Calumet, Dearborn Sausage Co., Fischer Meats, Hebrew National, Hofmann, Johnsonville, Oscar Mayer. See MORE.

Condiments

French’s Mustard, Guldens Mustard, Heinz Catsup, Heinz Ketchup, Hidden Valley Ranch, Lucky Whip, Vlasic. SeeMORE.

Buns and Bread

Ottenbergs, Sara Lee, Vie de France Bakery. See MORE.

Sodas and Bottled Water

Bart's, Coke, Diet Sprite, Pepsi, Sprite, American Springs, Pocono Northern Fall's, Poland Spring. See MORE.

mad_river_brewing_the_remix 2001001

Beer 

Budweiser, Bud Light, Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve, Mad River, Michelob, Miller, Rolling Rock. See MORE.

Snacks and Dessert

Breyers Ice Cream, Flips Pretzels, Frito-Lay Chips, Good Humor Ice Cream. See MORE snacks and MORE sweets.

Visit our Made in America board on Pinterest


 

You may be reading the news out of Oklahoma today. I’ve seen the pictures and read the firsthand accounts—entire neighborhoods decimated, families desperate to find loved ones and our first responders working through the night to save lives. A mile-wide tornado has brought immeasurable damage to the communities in central Oklahoma. 

I know it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of such a huge disaster, but Oklahoma needs us right now.

That’s why I’m asking you to donate directly to the United Way of Central Oklahoma. Click here to donate online. 


Or, if you’d rather, you can mail your donation to:

United Way of Central Oklahoma
P.O. Box 837
Oklahoma City, Okla. 73101 
Be sure to include a notation for May Tornadoes Relief Fund.

Donating directly to the United Way’s disaster relief fund is the best way you can help right now. Money from the fund will be able to buy important supplies like blankets, food and water for survivors. It will keep rescue efforts moving forward at full capacity and it will lay the groundwork for recovery efforts that are just beginning. 

Working men and women continue to dig through rubble, comfort survivors and save lives. 

Will you help them do this essential work? 

Donate here. 

In solidarity, 

Arlene
------------------- 
Arlene Holt Baker
Executive Vice President, AFL-CIO

May 6, 2013

Read more stories on the AFL-CIO Now blog.

   We Want to Hear from You: How Do We Build a Better, Stronger Labor Movement for Working People?
Facebook
“Like” the AFL-CIO on Facebook.
To find out more about the AFL-CIO, please visit our website at www.aflcio.org.

The 45th Annual IBEW ReUnion

June 16th to the 22nd 2013

Reunion Location: Buckeye Lake KOA, 4460 Walnut Road SE, Buckeye Lake, Ohio, 43008

1-800-562-0792

Contact Info: ibew45threunion@aol.com

ReUnion Chairman Bruce or Kathy Jones (513) 563-9943, or visit www.ibewreunion.com 

COMCAST ARENA

 CALL THE EVERETT OFFICE TO RETRIEVE YOUR TICKETS!!!

If you are not going to use the tickets you received, please return them in a timely manner.  We have a list of members waiting to use any extra tickets.  Thank you. 

NOTE FROM CHAIRMAN: If a member takes tickets and does not use them, they will be banned from ALL drawings.  If you have any questions you can contact Dave Holscher at holscherdavid@comcast.net

TILTED THUNDER BIRDS

Saturday, June 29th - Drawing June 10th

BIG and RICH

Friday, August 16th - Drawing July 8th

If not picked up at the Everett office within 24 hours of the event, the tickets will go to the next person on the list. Call Gloria at the Everett Hall 425-259-3195 to add your name to the drawings!     

The Suite is available to you and your guests on nights that the Local is not using it.  You can purchase your tickets directly from the Comcast Arena.  Call Gloria at the Everett Hall (425) 259-3195 for more information.

THERE ARE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ATTENDING ANY EVENT.....PLEASE BE COURTEOUS OF OTHERS AND FOLLOW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS.  YOU DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOUR PRIVILEGE OF USING THE SUITE.

BELLINGHAM MEMBERS

Bellingham Herald —Linville, other mayors call for gas tax hike for transportation — Mayor Kelli Linville of Bellingham joined more than 40 civic leaders across Washington who sent a letter to Gov. Jay Inslee and legislative leaders, urging them to consider an 8 cent per-gallon gas tax as a way to help pay for transportation needs. In addition to the gas tax increase, the letter suggests a motor vehicle excise tax increase of up to 1.5% that counties could enact by public vote or by a vote by County Councils, and the expansion of the vehicle license fee from $20 to $40. The license fee could also be increased either by public vote or by a vote of local councils

The Northwest Washington Central Labor Council is asking for Union Members to check out the following web sites to keep informed of meetings that affect the projects the will have an impact on jobs.

To connect directly with NWWCLC click here, to connect with the Gateway Pacific Terminal project click here, To connect with the City of Bellingham City Council click here.

The Bellingham Herald. Here are the  Facebook and Twitter pages for the Northwest Washington Central Labor Council. 

EWMC ACTIONS

The EWMC is here to help our members and the community with projects. It cannot function without membership involvement. If you know of someone that needs help with a project contact the EWMC and be prepared to help them.

Food for thought

"The next generation will not charge us for what we've done; they will charge and condemn us for what we have left undone."

-Mother Jones

"You are never strong enough that you don't need help."

                                                                                   -Cesar Chavez

"There is no limit to what a man can do so long as he does not care a straw who gets the credit for it."

--Charles Edward Montague,British journalist

"There are obviously two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live."

-- James Truslow Adams,
American writer and historian

Cool IBEW Stuff

I trust that most of you know that we have Tee Shirts, Jackets, No Dogs, Baseball Caps, Tramp Guides, Code Books, Uglys and a variety of other stuff available to purchase.

At the moment I am putting them under the title of IBEW 191 SWAG in the action bar above. For the moment a limited number of items, and only one photo will be available to look at.

"Cool IBEW Stuff": is available at the Everett and Wenatchee Offices. Not all colors and sizes may be available all the time. 

It is a work - in - progress.  You may Click Here to go to SWAG

  

Cool IBEW 191 stuff

T-SHIRTS

Short Sleeve T (Adult)---------------------------------------------- 20.00

Long Sleeve T--------------------------------------------------------- 25.00

Sweatshirt (Hooded)------------------------------------------------ 45.00

Sweatshirt (Zipped)------------------------------------------------- 45.00

JACKETS

Carhartt (Local 191)---------------------------------------------- 105.00

MUGS/GLASSES

Beer Mug/Coffee Mug------------------------------------------------ 8.00

Wine Glass--------------------------------------------------------------- 8.00

MISC. STUFF

Embroidered Baseball Cap-------------------------------------- 25.00

Flex-fit Baseball Caps----------------------------------------------22.00

Beanie-------------------------------------------------------------------20.00

Belt Buckle------------------------------------------------------------- 13.00

Money Clips------------------------------------------------------------ 10.00

No Dog------------------------------------------------------------------- 13.25

Patch (small)------------------------------------------------------------- 5.00

Patch (large)----------------------------------------------------------- 18.00

License Plates (The Right Choice)------------------------------ 9.00

License Plates (retiree)--------------------------------------------- 9.00

License Plates (motorcycle)--------------------------------------- 8.00

Workers of Vision Book--------------------------------------------10.00

EDUCATION MATERIALS

Tramp Guides------------------------------------------------------------2.40

Code Books-------------------------------------------------------------62.00

Ugly’s---------------------------------------------------------------------- 6.00

   

UNEMPLOYMENT and STAND BY

RULES TO APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT WHILE ON STAND BY:

1.  You MUST apply by phone (1-800-318-6022).

2.  When asked if you are layed off  - state NO you are on Stand by.

3.  You must be patient and wait for someone to answer the phone.  The amount of unemployed people in the State of Washington is staggering and it will take time.

4.  If there is a discrepancy, contact your Contractor and have them write a letter on your behalf stating that you are on Stand by and the dates.

5.  Fax this letter to the Unemployment office (Fax 1-800-301-1796).

6.  If you still have issues - contact Jo Kosinski at the Everett office.



Project Help

About Us - Overview

Resource

Project Help serves as a resource for both injured workers, unions and employers by providing them information and assistance regarding their entitlements under the Workers’ Compensation Laws of Washington State, Title 51 RCW through claims and workshops.

Project Help is a cooperative effort between Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Washington State Business Community and State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries. Project Help is a client service contract funded by the Department of Labor and Industries; we have been in service for since 1986.

Assistance

Project Help assists with both self-insured claims and state fund claims, provides help in any phase of the workers’ compensation process, from initial filing of a claim to claim closure.    Our goal is to assist in early and successful claims resolution, ensure that all rights are preserved and protected and reduce unnecessary litigation.  This is accomplished by providing accurate and timely information at no cost to the worker, the union, medical provider, employer and other interested parties. 

We offer education, free one-on-one claim counseling to injured workers.  We are not attorneys; we help workers understand the claim process, increase awareness, as well as educating them of their rights and responsibilities under workers’ compensation.  We offer explanations as they navigate through the Labor and Industries system, helping to expedite fair and speedy resolution of claims.  We have security clearance to access to the Labor and Industries system where we can review claims. We have the ability to email claim managers/adjudicators directly where we work in collaboration to resolve claim concerns. 

Education & Training

Project Help, in conjunction with Labor and Industries representatives, provides educational workshops throughout the state.  Our group workshops offer a fundamental view of workers’ compensation and the information is presented in an unbiased and accurate format.  We can modify workshops to meet specific union/employer needs.  We provide conferences, convention workshops, seminars and we facilitate labor/management activities.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Opeiu8/afl-cio

Requesting Services

If you need assistance with a workers’ compensation claim, or you are interested in scheduling a Project Help workshop/presentation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Project Help staff consists of the Director, Viona Latschaw, and the Claims Specialist, Kathy Petruzzelli. Information on our program, our brochure and a list of resources can be found on our webpage at www.ProjectHelpWA.com. For information regarding workshops or presentations contact the Project Help Director at 206-281-9555. 

For claims questions or concerns call our toll-free line and talk with Kathy Petruzzelli.

1-800-255-9752

DISCLAIMER

Disclaimer:

This web site is provided for informational purposes only. Although every effort has been made to provide accuracy, all information and resources shown are not official. Neither IBEW LU 191 nor any of its agencies, officials or employees guarantees the accuracy of any information on this web site. Reliance upon the information contained on or accessed through this web site is entirely at your own risk. IBEW LU 191 reserves the right to make changes without notice.

IBEW Local 191
Copyright © 2013, All Rights Reserved.
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