Just a reminder for all “A” members that your International portion of your monthly union dues will increase $1.00 per month beginning January 1, 2010. This increase was agreed upon at the International Convention and is the 4th of 5.

The next increase of $1.00 per month will come January 1, 2011 and will affect all members with “A” & “BA” membership status.

Marvin Potts lives in Washington, KS on a corner lot with an adjoining lot to the east of him.  He just received his 60 year service award from the IBEW, specifically Local 304.

            Marvin has quite a history to share with anyone who has the time to hear it.  He started with the union in the KGE days.  He has seen many changes from the way companies treat their employees to the way union members treat themselves.  He had a few thoughts about the plusses and minuses of each, but one common thread is the fact that we all seem to take a tremendous amount for granted.  Marvin sees the lack of commitment to the public from the employer as well as the lack of commitment of the “freeloaders” in our workforces.  He speaks of one person that he used to work with that complains about his retirement.  You have to meet Marvin to appreciate what he does for the “complainer”.  Marvin takes the time to show him his retirement check from the company as well as the one he gets from IBEW.  I’m sure the donut shop they both frequent gets quite a show from these guys.

            Marvin played semi-pro baseball with the Salina Blue Jays and the Washington Red Birds.  At his age he is still as spry as they come.  It was pretty cool to see this guy do some high step exercises in his driveway to prove to me that he is still in shape at 87 years old.  He still flies the union colors and speaks of organized labor every chance he gets an audience.  I hope to have as much passion and energy as he does when I get to be 87.  We could all learn from this guy and others just like him.

            Marvin is what being a union brother is all about, he is an example.  He is out there everyday promoting himself as well as fairness in the workplace and organized labor.  If you ever get the chance to drive through Washington, KS, look for a red one ton ford dually with an IBEW Local 304 tag proudly displayed on the front bumper.  Wave him down, shake his hand, and thank him for fighting the good fight.

 Submitted by Gene Sicard, West end Assistant , Local 304