Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to start off by wishing everyone all the best in 2012!  I would also  like to take this opportunity to thank the many members who have contributed and supported Brothers Helping Brothers throughout the year.   Through everyone’s generosity, we were able to help our brothers who are experiencing difficulties at this time.  Your efforts are deeply appreciated and I’m sure you have had a positive impact on the recipient members and their families.  In addition, I would like to thank all those who volunteered their services to help with the delivery of this year’s Christmas gifts.  Congratulations are extended to Wayne Rylance, winner of the 50/50 draw.  We thank Wayne for donating a large portion of his winnings back to Brothers Helping Brothers.

As we kick off the New Year, I would like to report that we will be launching Local 105’s new website.  We have been in contact with our website designer and things are moving forward.  This website will serve the membership as a valuable resource for information on a range of topics.  It will also allow clients the opportunity to research what the IBEW and Local 105 can do for them.  We will also be exploring the concept of having a debit machine at the hall to assist members in making payment of dues, health & welfare, etc.  There are still a large number of members that are behind in their monthly dues payments.  I am hopeful that this number will drop with the option of this payment method.  Please remember to check your dues receipt and keep it current. 

The work picture will continue to pick up as the hospital projects in the area begin to man up.  Industrial work will remain moderate to slow as projects at ArcelorMittal near completion.  There are some sizeable Green Energy projects slated to start in our area later this spring and into the summer.  For those who are interested in working out of town, there may be opportunities in Local 1687,  Sudbury, Local 586, Ottawa and Local 2038, Regina.  Remember to leave your name with Brad at dispatch to get your name on the out of town list.

You will notice there are some Work Rule changes coming up in March 2012.  These changes are recommendations from your Work Rules Committee to myself.  After my consideration and input, I feel these changes will be positive in moving the Local forward.  Your participation and involvement are necessary to keep our Local strong.  I encourage you to attend monthly meetings and be active in your Union.

Changes to the Local 105 Work Rules

Rule 1(a) – Amended to read:         All local job calls will be recorded on the 905-387-1720 phone line after hours.  Monday thru Friday, call the dispatcher at 905-387-1721 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. with your choice.  The dispatcher will call the successful bidders back between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon to let them know the call reached them.  Dispatch information for the calls dispatched each day will be available on the 905-387-1720 number from 12 noon until 3:00 p.m. daily.

New – Rule #13:  A member who accepts a name hire position will automatically be placed at the bottom of the in-town work list upon returning to the hall. 

These changes to the Work Rules will come into effect on Thursday, March 1st, 2012.

We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the membership for the generous Christmas bonus we received.  We are truly thankful to be working for Local 105 and we sincerely appreciate the wonderful thanks which is expressed to us by all the members on a continual basis.    Thank you so very much for your extreme generosity in recognition of our work.

                                                                        Lucy, Mary Ann, Crystal and Alicia.

Dues for 2012 are $30.70 per month.

In Memoriam

We are saddened to report the death of William Waring. Bill Waring was a long time owner-operator of Sheafer-Townsend Mechanical-Electrical of Hamilton.   Our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife, Lorraine, his family and friends.

Our Brother will be missed but not forgotten.

First District Scholarships

The IBEW First District Office, in conjunction with Union Savings, TD Insurance Meloche Monnex and MWG Apparel, have announced that there will be 5 Scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each available to all IBEW members and their families, in full or part-time studies.  All applicants are required to submit a brief essay outlining the benefits of belonging to the IBEW.  All entries must be received by Friday, February 24^th, 2012.  A random draw will be held on March 2^nd, 2012 and only successful candidates will be contacted.  Please call the union office to obtain an application form.  If you have any further questions, please contact the First District Office at 905-564-5441.

Training Centre Update

Recall of multi meter – if you purchased or own a Canadian Tire digital clap-on Multi-Meter model # 52-0163 Mastercraft, STOP using the unit immediately.  The units were sold from 2007 to 2011.  Contact Mastercraft hotline at 1-800-689-9928 for repairs or replacement.

Upcoming Classes:

Solar Class:    Monday,  March 5  -  4 nights & 1 Saturday (1/2 day)  $100 refundable deposit

Fire Alarm Level 5  -Renewal   - March 5  Monday & Wed (10 nights) $200 refundable deposit

CWB Check Test:       Wednesday,  March 7^th, 2012 -   3:00 p.m.

Pre C of Q Course:  Saturday, Jan. 21    Five Saturdays.    Please contact Denise at 905-522-1070.

First Aid & CPR:    Saturday & Sunday    July 14 & 15       $100 refundable deposit

Conduit Bending  July 23 – Mon & Wed nights  (10)   $200 refundable deposit

Code Book Changes - March - 2 nights (dates to be advised) – the new 2012 code book is out.  There are numerous major changes affecting all electricians.  Bob Nelson is putting on a class for the effective changes to the 2012 CEC Code Book.

Call Clarke Hurley for further info or to book a seat.  905-679-8880.

*All apprentices are reminded to pay for trade school as soon as the notice comes to you.

**Also apprentices in trade school now should remember to order their transcripts from

the college and get a copy to the union hall as soon as possible.  Get your textbooks

 returned within 2 weeks of finishing school and don’t forget to apply for the $1000 grant.

**All members are reminded to ensure that their 309-A electrician’s license is up to date.   Call MTCU should you have any questions or wish to pay over the phone at 1 800 668-4479.

IHSA (formerly CSAO)  YOU Must call IHSA for these classes at 1 800 781-2726

Scaffold User’s Hazard Awareness  Feb. 22  8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Basic of Supervisor  3 days  March 20 to 22  8:30 am – 4:00 pm

An IBEW Steward’s Course is scheduled for Saturday, February 18^th, 2012.             Please call Alicia at 905-387-1721 ext. 0, to reserve a seat.

Day of Action Rally in London

There will be a bus trip to London, on Saturday, January 21^st, 2012, to support CAW Local 27.   The bus will leave the union office at 8:00 a.m. sharp.  It will stop in Brantford at the Tim Horton’s at the Garden Exit at approximately 8:45 a.m.  The rally commences at 11:00 a.m. and we will be returning to Hamilton immediately after the rally.  Please call Alicia at 905-387-1721 ext. 0 to reserve your seat.  Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sonny Goldstein Available for Financial Advice

Sonny will be available for financial advice and to answer any questions commencing in the New Year. He will be available every Friday  commencing from January 20^th  to February 25^th, 2012,   from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each Friday.  Please call Alicia at the union office for an appointment if you wish to see Sonny on any of the above dates.  Appointments will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

                                                                                                Lorne Newick, Business Manager