Look for big things coming from IBEW Local 304.  We’re getting into social media and web 2.0!

Local 304 has a number of ongoing organizing efforts in the western portion of Kansas. The efforts span from private construction, utilities, private tree trimmers and municipalities. Our efforts are also spanning the geography from the very northwest to the very southeast.

Local 304 is concentrating some of the organizing energy to non-union companies. The organizing efforts have touched individual tree trimmers in Colby, Phillipsburg, and Topeka that are not organized. We have also been in contact with construction hands working on FEMA work in the northwest section who currently work for non-union contractors. Another potential organizing effort is being formulated for a group that was previously organized, but then was bought out by a non-union company.

Additionally, Local 304 is aware of and looking to organize classifications of workers in companies that have other organized already. Right now there is a company in western Kansas that has linemen, sub techs, and relay techs that are not organized within a company that has other IBEW workers. Another company has CSR’s and relay techs not organized while the rest of the hourly employees are organized.

There is no better time than today, brothers and sisters, to grow our numbers. If we don’t recruit members our time and strength will stagnate. Local 304 is asking all of you to participate in our organizing effort. The more members we have the more strength we have, thus giving us the voice and the leverage needed in today’s world. Let’s all make a conscience effort to speak to one non-union person, company, or contractor every week and put out the word about the need for all to organize. When any of you see potential workers in need of representation please talk to them and call the hall in Topeka. The word will get out and we will succeed if we all join the fight.

- Gene Sicard, West End Service Representative