I feel fortunate to have been sent to Chicago as a delegate to the 40th IBEW International Convention. It is exciting to see the direction the union is moving. While the motion we set forth as a local to take on a more inclusive name for our union was not adopted, we did make history by seeing it to the convention floor. I am proud to have been able to openly address the need for such a profound change and why.
IBEW 213 UNIT 2 CHAIR BECKY LUPTON speaks in favour of the IBEW constitutional amendment to change the IBEW name to the International Union of Electrical Workers. The motion did not pass, but having the conversation at Convention was very important.
Over the week, we passed resolutions that named sexism, racism and fascism as enemies of unity, and they are now named in our constitution as fundamental pillars we will not allow within our walls. We saw gender-neutral language accepted as the language for our communication, constitution and any other writings.
The message of solidarity was clear, and loud. We as members have work to do to ensure that we are the voices of the middle class and of labour, that we are committed to seeing unionism thrive to the benefit of everyone. Most importantly, Convention was a reminder to lift one another up, help each other, and continue to participate so that other workers might share in the same benefits we have.
We also saw contentious discussions around virtual meetings and sharing digital information. Hosting virtual meetings was not approved; however, moving forward our international newsletter, The Electrical Worker, will be delivered to members digitally.
We saw the embracing and reinforcing of bonds with contractors to move towards strong market shares in emerging industries like EV Infrastructure and working together towards common goals. A-Members saw increases to their international pension funds in recognition of the increasing cost of living, and the need to remain committed to supporting retiring members.
IBEW members are active and involved in the community, supporting Vets and the Helmets to Hard Hats initiative, and through the work by the NexGen and Women's committees, and the EWMC. Chicago is a city widely known for its skyscrapers. It is also a city where no tower had ever been built by non-union labour. We witnessed the power of organizing, and the strength that solidarity and active union involvement bring to the table.
May 20, 2021
On February 16, 2021, the IEC passed a resolution calling for a vote of the Local Unions on whether to amend the IBEW Constitution to add a new provision – Article XXVII, Section 1[d] – allowing the IEC, in consultation with the International President and International Secretary-Treasurer, to make temporary amendments to the IBEW Constitution if circumstances beyond the control of the IBEW make it impracticable, impossible, inadvisable, or unsafe to conduct the business of the IBEW. That resolution passed by a vote of the Local Unions 564 to 71.
On April 20, 2021, the IEC acting pursuant to its authority under new Article XXVII, Section 1[d], made necessary temporary amendments to the IBEW Constitution to enable the Convention to be postponed to May 9, 2022. That resolution, which sets forth the temporary amendments, adjusted timetable and key dates, can be found on the IBEW website or viewed as a PDF.
Source
What’s Your Breaking Point?
If you’ve ever learned how to ride a bike, a surfboard or even tried your hand at yoga– you know how difficult it can be to find balance. You can focus on a fixed point in the distance and shift your weight around all you want. But at the end of the day, there are often things out of your personal control that can send you tumbling.
We’re all experiencing what it feels like to be thrown off our balance right now with looming economic uncertainty. If this uncertainty has already impacted your business, you’re not alone. How can your business continue to thrive in the face of challenges out of your control?
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2021 Canadian Electrical Code Overview of Changes
Designed for professionals with a good working knowledge of the Code and who solely need the key changes including general updates or those made for clarification, safety, and new products and systems. Key changes due to Rule relocation or deletion are also noted.
This course may help save valuable time to help keep electrical projects safe and in compliance. This training is developed with input from a broad cross-section of electrical industry experts and with cooperation from all provinces, territories and several key jurisdictions across Canada.
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Minister Vandal Announces a $15.5-Million Investment in the Yukon's Largest Solar Project
Communities across the North and Arctic are prioritizing cleaner, more reliable energy sources, as they continue to feel the impacts of climate change. By investing in renewable energy initiatives that support energy independence and economic development, we can keep our air cleaner and build resilient, healthy communities for everyone to call home, all while creating good-paying, sustainable jobs and lowering harmful greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions.
The Yukon is leading the country in its pursuit of cleaner energy and climate change initiatives.
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Linde Inaugurates World's First Hydrogen Refueling System for Passenger Trains
Linde announced it has inaugurated the world's first hydrogen refueling system for passenger trains in Bremervörde, Germany.
Linde’s hydrogen refueling system, which it built, owns and operates, will refuel 14 hydrogen-powered passenger trains, enabling each train to run for 1,000 km emission-free on a single refueling. It has a total capacity of around 1,600 kg of hydrogen per day, making it one of the largest hydrogen refueling systems ever built. Linde’s future-ready hydrogen refueling system has been designed and constructed with the ability to integrate future on-site green hydrogen generation. The new hydrogen trains will replace existing diesel-powered trains.
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Chris Lane of Johnson Controls Named to the CABA Board of Directors
The Continental Automated Buildings Association [CABA] Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Lane of Johnson Controls to the CABA Board of Directors. As Director of Product Management for Building Automation System [BAS] products at Johnson Controls, Lane leads a team of product managers responsible for designing the strategy and direction for Johnson Controls’ global portfolio of BAS products.
"I’m honored to have the opportunity to join CABA’s board and support their vision to empower connectivity among people, spaces and technology,” said Lane.
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Canadian Electrical Contractor Discussion Group: Can You Count the Deficiencies?
"Was supposedly done by a"certified ' electrician....told the homeowner that he got a $266 permit....no record at TSBC. Can you count the deficiencies?"
"There is a second panel change in the triplex also.......even more deficiencies. Think the guy was a glorified handyman. Ones not obvious: 240 BB heat hooked up 120....drier on 2p20....range on 2p50....water heater fed with 2c14 Bx on 2p15."
Go HERE to join the discussion
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Sponsored Content
Fire Protection for Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems
Lithium-ion storage facilities contain high-energy batteries combined with highly flammable electrolytes. In addition, they are prone to quick ignition and explosion in a worst-case scenario. Such fires can have a significant financial impact on organizations. Rapid detection of electrolyte gas particles and extinguishing are the key to a successful fire protection concept. Since December 2019, Siemens has been offering a VdS-certified fire protection concept for stationary Li-ion battery storage systems.
Click HERE to learn more.
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