ELIZABETH SHULER

This includes the recently signed Panama, Peru, Columbia, and South Korea free trade agreements and opposed to the renewal of presidential fast track Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). IBEW supports addressing the problem of currency manipulation with China and Japan. Bill Ref.: HR 782/S 796, Fair Currency Act of 2007; HR 2942, Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act of 2007. The IBEW is opposed to all new free trade agreements negotiated under the failed NAFTA/CAFTA template.

* The IBEW lobbied Congress to oppose the Panama, Peru, Columbia, and South Korea Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The IBEW also urged Congress to oppose renewal of presidential Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), better known as "fast track." Finally, to address the problem of currency manipulation, the IBEW urged support for the Fair Currency Act of 2007 (H.R. 782). Regarding another trade-based issue, the IBEW supported the Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007 (S. 3920). This legislation expands Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) to include service workers; rewards states that modernize their unemployment insurance (UI) systems; and contains improvements to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. Regarding another trade-based issue, the IBEW supported the Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007 (S. 3920). This legislation expands Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) to include service workers; rewards states that modernize their unemployment insurance (UI) systems; and contains improvements to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.

Labor/Immigration The IBEW opposes a provision in the bill that would permit hundreds of thousands of temporary foreign workers to enter the country each year, ultimately expanding guest workers to over 3 million in 10 years. Temporary guest worker programs without any credible wage protections (Davis-Bacon) or other labor protections such as OSHA, and Workers’ Compensation is unacceptable. Driving down wages and living standards for American workers is not in the best interest of American workers and deviates from a long-held American value that anyone who arrives on our shores legally be afforded a path to citizenship. Americans have earned a middle-class lifestyle and it should be protected. Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007,S 1348. Labor/Shipbuilding The IBEW supported an increase in funding of $60 million in FY08 for the Title XI Ship Loan Guarantee Program. This program provides affordable financing for domestic small and medium ship construction. Our domestic ship construction industry needs to be preserved, not only to ensure that America retains a shipbuilding capacity, but also to continue to maintain a work force capable of meeting building ship needs and not to rely on foreign sources for U.S. ship needs. No bill reference at this time. Labor/Minimum Wage The IBEW supports passage of the minimum wage bills to increase wages (minimum wage had not been raised since 1997). The bills would increase minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour over two years. This is about economic justice for all workers. Bill Ref. HR 2/S 2, Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. with a union that demonstrate majority support without going through the elaborate election procedures that are now required. Bill reference: HR 800, Employee Free Choice Act of 2007; House Res. 203, to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes (Rept. 110-26); Amend Section 9(c) of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 159(c)); S. 1041, Employee Free Choice Act of 2007. Labor/Misclassification of Employees The IBEW is opposed to unscrupulous employers who dodge federal tax and labor laws by wrongfully classifying their employees as independent contractors, and objects to those employers who claim to be an independent contractor and refuse to withhold taxes from the worker’s pay, and sends a Form 1099 instead of a W-2 to the IRS. Workers are forced to pay their own taxes and are deprived of virtually all labor protections despite having a traditional employer-employee relationship on-the-job. Bill Ref.: (Draft Bill) Labor/Locks & Dams The IBEW urged the retention of Sec. 3403 in the final version of the FY07 Supplemental Appropriations Bill, to prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from reducing (downsizing and reorganizing staff) operations within the Civil Engineering Program (CEP) of the Coast Guard, except if authorized by Congress. Use of High Performing Organization (HPO) without first subjecting the proposed cutting cost changes to a public-private competition process, would jeopardize CEP’s mission. The provision in Section 3403 would prevent the DHS from taking action to alter or reduce operations within the CEP of the Coast Guard, except as specifically authorized by Congress. HR 1591, Fiscal 2007 Emergency Iraq/Hurricane Supplemental Appropriations. Labor/NSPS The IBEW supports a provision prohibiting the expenditure of federal funds on those portions of Department of Defense (DoD) Civilian National Security Personnel System (NSPS) ruled illegal in Federal District Court. The IBEW supports stripping any proposed language that includes NSPS, and restoration of collective bargaining rights and access to the appeals process to federal workers. Ref.: HR 1585, FY 2008 Defense Authorization [Any Specific Section References?] Labor/Water Fund The IBEW strongly opposed stripping the Davis-Bacon provision requiring workers on federal construction projects to be paid the local prevailing wage. This requirement aims to protect workers on projects financed by either state or federal funds. Bill Ref.: HR 720, Water Quality Financing Act of 2007. The Davis-Bacon wage requirements of subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code. Labor/EFCA The IBEW supports a system to enable employees to form a union by joining together in unions to bargain for better wages and benefits and would require an employer to bargain (in good faith)

This legislation requires that the General Accounting Office (GAO) and Small Business Administration (SBA) develop methodology for measuring broadband cost, speed and comparability with other nations. Current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) definitions and data concerning broadband internet service are inadequate in this rapidly changing environment. Universal broadband adoption would create more than a million new jobs. Ref. S. 1492, Broadband Data Improvement Act. Telecom/Broadband The IBEW supports the Broadband Data Improvement Act.

Labor/Telecommunications: The IBEW urged Congress to pass the Broadband Data Improvement Act (S. 1492), legislation that would improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services.

of the Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007(EPAct 2005). IBEW opposed U.S. Department of Energy project redesign proposal in the FY2008 Energy and Water Appropriations (HR 2641). IBEW opposed any attempts to block funding for the development of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors NIETCs) in EPAct 2005. Energy/FutureGen IBEW supports DoE’s proposed FutureGen coal-based, hydrogen-producing, zero-emissions demonstration power plant project but opposes any appropriations to redesign the project. FutureGen will help foster our nation’s twin goals of energy independence and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and ensures the continued use of America’s most abundant and widely used fuel for electricity production – coal. It will also provide a commercial-scale integration of advanced technology designed to gasify a variety of coal types while testing carbon capture and storage in deep-geologic, saline formations. It is a step in the right direction for energy independence and clean-coal technology. Bill Ref.: FY2008 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2641). Energy/Climate Change The IBEW supports addressing global climate change with a reasonable and balanced approach that assures abundant, affordable energy supplies and does not undermine economic growth or diminish good paying jobs for our workers. For purposes of coal-fired electric generating units IBEW supports existing federal cap-and-trade programs so that the point of regulation is the same as the point of allowance allocation.: S. 1766, Low Carbon Economy Act. Energy Policy Act of 2005; IBEW opposed any attempts to modify or repeal Sec. 368 and supported Section 1221

Labor/Energy - Environment: The IBEW supported the Low Carbon Economy Act of 2007 (S. 1766), also known as the Bingamen-Specter climate change bill. The bill mandates a cap on carbon emissions along with a system for trading carbon allowances in a program known as "cap and trade." Furthermore, the legislation insists that our trading partners also take steps to lower their greenhouse gas emissions.

Labor/Immigration The IBEW opposes a provision in the bill that would permit hundreds of thousands of temporary foreign workers to enter the country each year, ultimately expanding guest workers to over 3 million in 10 years. Temporary guest worker programs without any credible wage protections (Davis-Bacon) or other labor protections such as OSHA, and Workers’ Compensation is unacceptable. Driving down wages and living standards for American workers is not in the best interest of American workers and deviates from a long-held American value that anyone who arrives on our shores legally be afforded a path to citizenship. Americans have earned a middle-class lifestyle and it should be protected. Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007,S 1348. Labor/Shipbuilding The IBEW supported an increase in funding of $60 million in FY08 for the Title XI Ship Loan Guarantee Program. This program provides affordable financing for domestic small and medium ship construction. Our domestic ship construction industry needs to be preserved, not only to ensure that America retains a shipbuilding capacity, but also to continue to maintain a work force capable of meeting building ship needs and not to rely on foreign sources for U.S. ship needs. No bill reference at this time. Labor/Minimum Wage The IBEW supports passage of the minimum wage bills to increase wages (minimum wage had not been raised since 1997). The bills would increase minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour over two years. This is about economic justice for all workers. Bill Ref. HR 2/S 2, Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. with a union that demonstrate majority support without going through the elaborate election procedures that are now required. Bill reference: HR 800, Employee Free Choice Act of 2007; House Res. 203, to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes (Rept. 110-26); Amend Section 9(c) of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 159(c)); S. 1041, Employee Free Choice Act of 2007. Labor/Misclassification of Employees The IBEW is opposed to unscrupulous employers who dodge federal tax and labor laws by wrongfully classifying their employees as independent contractors, and objects to those employers who claim to be an independent contractor and refuse to withhold taxes from the worker’s pay, and sends a Form 1099 instead of a W-2 to the IRS. Workers are forced to pay their own taxes and are deprived of virtually all labor protections despite having a traditional employer-employee relationship on-the-job. Bill Ref.: (Draft Bill) Labor/Locks & Dams The IBEW urged the retention of Sec. 3403 in the final version of the FY07 Supplemental Appropriations Bill, to prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from reducing (downsizing and reorganizing staff) operations within the Civil Engineering Program (CEP) of the Coast Guard, except if authorized by Congress. Use of High Performing Organization (HPO) without first subjecting the proposed cutting cost changes to a public-private competition process, would jeopardize CEP’s mission. The provision in Section 3403 would prevent the DHS from taking action to alter or reduce operations within the CEP of the Coast Guard, except as specifically authorized by Congress. HR 1591, Fiscal 2007 Emergency Iraq/Hurricane Supplemental Appropriations. Labor/NSPS The IBEW supports a provision prohibiting the expenditure of federal funds on those portions of Department of Defense (DoD) Civilian National Security Personnel System (NSPS) ruled illegal in Federal District Court. The IBEW supports stripping any proposed language that includes NSPS, and restoration of collective bargaining rights and access to the appeals process to federal workers. Ref.: HR 1585, FY 2008 Defense Authorization [Any Specific Section References?] Labor/Water Fund The IBEW strongly opposed stripping the Davis-Bacon provision requiring workers on federal construction projects to be paid the local prevailing wage. This requirement aims to protect workers on projects financed by either state or federal funds. Bill Ref.: HR 720, Water Quality Financing Act of 2007. The Davis-Bacon wage requirements of subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code. Labor/EFCA The IBEW supports a system to enable employees to form a union by joining together in unions to bargain for better wages and benefits and would require an employer to bargain (in good faith)

This includes the recently signed Panama, Peru, Columbia, and South Korea free trade agreements and opposed to the renewal of presidential fast track Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). IBEW supports addressing the problem of currency manipulation with China and Japan. Bill Ref.: HR 782/S 796, Fair Currency Act of 2007; HR 2942, Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act of 2007. The IBEW is opposed to all new free trade agreements negotiated under the failed NAFTA/CAFTA template.

Labor/Immigration The IBEW opposes a provision in the bill that would permit hundreds of thousands of temporary foreign workers to enter the country each year, ultimately expanding guest workers to over 3 million in 10 years. Temporary guest worker programs without any credible wage protections (Davis-Bacon) or other labor protections such as OSHA, and Workers’ Compensation is unacceptable. Driving down wages and living standards for American workers is not in the best interest of American workers and deviates from a long-held American value that anyone who arrives on our shores legally be afforded a path to citizenship. Americans have earned a middle-class lifestyle and it should be protected. Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007,S 1348. Labor/Shipbuilding The IBEW supported an increase in funding of $60 million in FY08 for the Title XI Ship Loan Guarantee Program. This program provides affordable financing for domestic small and medium ship construction. Our domestic ship construction industry needs to be preserved, not only to ensure that America retains a shipbuilding capacity, but also to continue to maintain a work force capable of meeting building ship needs and not to rely on foreign sources for U.S. ship needs. No bill reference at this time. Labor/Minimum Wage The IBEW supports passage of the minimum wage bills to increase wages (minimum wage had not been raised since 1997). The bills would increase minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour over two years. This is about economic justice for all workers. Bill Ref. HR 2/S 2, Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. with a union that demonstrate majority support without going through the elaborate election procedures that are now required. Bill reference: HR 800, Employee Free Choice Act of 2007; House Res. 203, to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes (Rept. 110-26); Amend Section 9(c) of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 159(c)); S. 1041, Employee Free Choice Act of 2007. Labor/Misclassification of Employees The IBEW is opposed to unscrupulous employers who dodge federal tax and labor laws by wrongfully classifying their employees as independent contractors, and objects to those employers who claim to be an independent contractor and refuse to withhold taxes from the worker’s pay, and sends a Form 1099 instead of a W-2 to the IRS. Workers are forced to pay their own taxes and are deprived of virtually all labor protections despite having a traditional employer-employee relationship on-the-job. Bill Ref.: (Draft Bill) Labor/Locks & Dams The IBEW urged the retention of Sec. 3403 in the final version of the FY07 Supplemental Appropriations Bill, to prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from reducing (downsizing and reorganizing staff) operations within the Civil Engineering Program (CEP) of the Coast Guard, except if authorized by Congress. Use of High Performing Organization (HPO) without first subjecting the proposed cutting cost changes to a public-private competition process, would jeopardize CEP’s mission. The provision in Section 3403 would prevent the DHS from taking action to alter or reduce operations within the CEP of the Coast Guard, except as specifically authorized by Congress. HR 1591, Fiscal 2007 Emergency Iraq/Hurricane Supplemental Appropriations. Labor/NSPS The IBEW supports a provision prohibiting the expenditure of federal funds on those portions of Department of Defense (DoD) Civilian National Security Personnel System (NSPS) ruled illegal in Federal District Court. The IBEW supports stripping any proposed language that includes NSPS, and restoration of collective bargaining rights and access to the appeals process to federal workers. Ref.: HR 1585, FY 2008 Defense Authorization [Any Specific Section References?] Labor/Water Fund The IBEW strongly opposed stripping the Davis-Bacon provision requiring workers on federal construction projects to be paid the local prevailing wage. This requirement aims to protect workers on projects financed by either state or federal funds. Bill Ref.: HR 720, Water Quality Financing Act of 2007. The Davis-Bacon wage requirements of subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code. Labor/EFCA The IBEW supports a system to enable employees to form a union by joining together in unions to bargain for better wages and benefits and would require an employer to bargain (in good faith)

The IBEW opposed any amendments to the Senate Draft Energy bill that would repeal the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA) of 1935. Market manipulation and failed deregulation policies have devastated the electric utility industry, workers, investors, and consumers resulting in job losses. Ref. S. 10, The Energy Policy Act of 2005. HR. 6, Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Ltr.04/20/05; 05/18/05) The IBEW supported the Feingold/Brownback Amendment (SA 796) to S. 10, “The Energy Policy Act of 2005.” “The Fair Competition and Financial Integrity” or “ring fencing” amendment will provide the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with specific authority to address unfair competition arising from cross-subsidization and cost-shifting in transactions between a public utility and its unregulated affiliates. Under the proposed amendment, FERC would be empowered to develop rules establishing a “firewall” between a utility and its unregulated affiliates. Ltr. 06/22/05

The IBEW is opposed to privatization or any change to the Social Security System that would compromise this Trust Fund. The Administration’s plan contains key elements that would allow workers to divert part of their payroll taxes (FICA) into private accounts and change the formula under which benefits are calculated. The impact of these proposals would affect retirees on fixed incomes, and amount to taking a huge gamble on the types of investments that workers made throughout their working careers. Mistakes in investment strategy could result in reduced market returns or financial ruin. Ref. Social Security Benefits Tax Relief Act (HR 1517), Stop the Raid on Social Security Act of 2005 (S. 1302), Social Security Right to Know (S. 274).

The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), which covers agreements with Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, does not include protections for workers’ rights to form a union or to enjoy safe working conditions on the job. It does not include adequate enforcement mechanisms for violations of internationally recognized labor and environmental standards. It is about outsourcing jobs and losing our economic base. Bill Ref.: to Implement the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (H.R. 3045/S.1307)Ltr. 07/22/05

The IBEW supported S. 131, the Clear Skies Act of 2005, legislation that will promote coal, a domestic source of energy, while mandating a reduction in harmful emissions from the use of coal to generate electricity, and will produce good paying jobs.

IBEW urges rejection of any proposal that would attempt to cut Social Security benefits or otherwise hurt workers in risky privatized Social Security finance accounts, or raise the retirement age, which already is scheduled to increase to 67. The IBEW position is that forcing workers to stay on the job even longer to collect the benefits they have spent years paying for would be cruel and unnecessary. It is also inconceivable that workers in physically demanding jobs, as is the case with a large number of IBEW members, would be forced to work longer by increasing the retirement age. Chairman William Thomas was expected to include Social Security privatization in the Pension Protection Act of 2005 (H.R. 2830), but did not. Thus, it appears that the Social Security issue is dead for now. The general political climate has thwarted any desire to implement the president’s scheme. The IBEW took no position on H.R. 2830, the “Pension Protection Act of 2005,” or S. 1783, the “Pension Security and Transparency Act of 2005” understanding that the ultimate effect of the proposed bills would encourage employers to cease offering their employees a defined benefit pension. Rather, the IBEW lobbied to urge the inclusion of two separate provisions to the bill. The first was for multi-employer pension plan reform as proposed by the Multi-Employer Pension Plan Coalition, a group of employers and unions involved in the construction, trucking, and food service industries. The second was for a two-part change to Section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code as outlined in S. 1573 the “Retiree Health Benefits Act of 2005.” The language of S. 1573 is included in S. 1783. The language proposes two changes to Section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that retirees, such as those at Lucent Technologies [an IBEW/Communication Workers of America (CWA) employer], will continue to receive retiree health care benefits. First, the bill would permit substituting the statutorily mandated maintenance-of-cost requirement with the retiree health care benefits as negotiated under the collective bargaining agreement between IBEW/CWA and Lucent Technologies. Second, the proposed legislation would permit Lucent to pre-fund a retiree health care trust by providing an exception from the current-law restriction that allows a transfer to fund retiree health care costs for only the current year. Enactment of this legislation is vital to the retirement security of approximately 117,000 retirees and their dependents. Changes to Section 420 is a collaborative labor/management effort. [Ltr. 9/29/05]

IBEW urges rejection of any proposal that would attempt to cut Social Security benefits or otherwise hurt workers in risky privatized Social Security finance accounts, or raise the retirement age, which already is scheduled to increase to 67. The IBEW position is that forcing workers to stay on the job even longer to collect the benefits they have spent years paying for would be cruel and unnecessary. It is also inconceivable that workers in physically demanding jobs, as is the case with a large number of IBEW members, would be forced to work longer by increasing the retirement age. Chairman William Thomas was expected to include Social Security privatization in the Pension Protection Act of 2005 (H.R. 2830), but did not. Thus, it appears that the Social Security issue is dead for now. The general political climate has thwarted any desire to implement the president’s scheme. The IBEW took no position on H.R. 2830, the “Pension Protection Act of 2005,” or S. 1783, the “Pension Security and Transparency Act of 2005” understanding that the ultimate effect of the proposed bills would encourage employers to cease offering their employees a defined benefit pension. Rather, the IBEW lobbied to urge the inclusion of two separate provisions to the bill. The first was for multi-employer pension plan reform as proposed by the Multi-Employer Pension Plan Coalition, a group of employers and unions involved in the construction, trucking, and food service industries. The second was for a two-part change to Section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code as outlined in S. 1573 the “Retiree Health Benefits Act of 2005.” The language of S. 1573 is included in S. 1783. The language proposes two changes to Section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that retirees, such as those at Lucent Technologies [an IBEW/Communication Workers of America (CWA) employer], will continue to receive retiree health care benefits. First, the bill would permit substituting the statutorily mandated maintenance-of-cost requirement with the retiree health care benefits as negotiated under the collective bargaining agreement between IBEW/CWA and Lucent Technologies. Second, the proposed legislation would permit Lucent to pre-fund a retiree health care trust by providing an exception from the current-law restriction that allows a transfer to fund retiree health care costs for only the current year. Enactment of this legislation is vital to the retirement security of approximately 117,000 retirees and their dependents. Changes to Section 420 is a collaborative labor/management effort. [Ltr. 9/29/05]

The IBEW is opposed to privatization or any change to the Social Security System that would compromise this Trust Fund. The Administration’s plan contains key elements that would allow workers to divert part of their payroll taxes (FICA) into private accounts and change the formula under which benefits are calculated. The impact of these proposals would affect retirees on fixed incomes, and amount to taking a huge gamble on the types of investments that workers made throughout their working careers. Mistakes in investment strategy could result in reduced market returns or financial ruin. Ref. Social Security Benefits Tax Relief Act (HR 1517), Stop the Raid on Social Security Act of 2005 (S. 1302), Social Security Right to Know (S. 274).

The IBEW supported an amendment offered by Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to the so-called Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 (S. 5), that would “carve-out” state wage & hour and civil rights class actions from proposed legislation. State wage & hour laws generally provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many cases will be forced into federal court where they face needless delays and less favorable procedures. Many cases will be disqualified as a class, leaving victims on their own in attempts to recover lost wages.

The IBEW supports legislation that would negotiate a fair compensation system for Asbestos victims. The asbestos proposals present concerns with regard to evidentiary burdens that are difficult to meet; restrictive medical criteria that are more stringent than those in other bankruptcy trusts; inadequate levels of compensation that are far lower than what victims now receive; pre-empts asbestos-related compensation for railroad workers covered by Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA); creates a new asbestos court with broad, non-reviewable powers; and impose an absolute cap on companies' liability, leaving workers to bear all the risk if claims projections are exceeded. Court costs and lawyers’ fees take a good portion of current asbestos awards, leaving thousands of workers who have suffered without a fair resolution. Bill Ref. S. 852, Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005 (FAIR Act), S. 668, Asbestos Standards Enforcement Act of 2005, S. Res. 43, National Asbestos Awareness Resolution.

The IBEW supported an amendment by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) to the Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, (S. 256) that would have raised the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour. The IBEW opposed an amendment by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) that would have raised the minimum wage to $6.25 an hour. The amendment would have destroyed the 40-hour workweek by replacing it with an 80-hour over a two-week work period. It would have also removed up to 10 million workers from protection under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA). The IBEW supports the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) - H.R.1696/S.842. EFCA will strengthen protections for workers' freedom to form unions by requiring employers to recognize a union once a majority of workers sign cards authorizing union representation. It also provides for mediation and arbitration of first-contract disputes and authorizes stronger penalties for employers that violate the legal rights of workers seeking to form unions or negotiate first contracts.

The IBEW supports legislation that would negotiate a fair compensation system for Asbestos victims. The asbestos proposals present concerns with regard to evidentiary burdens that are difficult to meet; restrictive medical criteria that are more stringent than those in other bankruptcy trusts; inadequate levels of compensation that are far lower than what victims now receive; pre-empts asbestos-related compensation for railroad workers covered by Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA); creates a new asbestos court with broad, non-reviewable powers; and impose an absolute cap on companies' liability, leaving workers to bear all the risk if claims projections are exceeded. Court costs and lawyers’ fees take a good portion of current asbestos awards, leaving thousands of workers who have suffered without a fair resolution. Bill Ref. S. 852, Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005 (FAIR Act), S. 668, Asbestos Standards Enforcement Act of 2005, S. Res. 43, National Asbestos Awareness Resolution.

The IBEW supported inclusion of language to the Fiscal 2006 Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1815/S. 1042) to limit the practice of leasing foreign-built ships by the Department of Defense (DOD) to not longer than 24 months to meet military requirements. This practice does not sustain the shipbuilding industrial manufacturing base in the U.S., and results in lost jobs, loss of skilled craftsmanship, and low rates of naval ship production. Other bill references: H Con. Res. 95/S. Con. Res. 18, Fiscal 2006 Congressional Budget Resolution. (Ltr. 4/7/05) The IBEW opposed new personnel rules proposed by the Department of Defense (DOD). These new rules, National Security Personnel System (NSPS), eliminates collective bargaining rights and the pay systems for DOD workers, and do not take into account the substantial involvement of its employees' unions as required by law, in direct violation of the law. (No bill reference).

The IBEW urged support for adding $30 million of contract authority funding to the congestion relief program created by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) and extended by section 5403 of the Transportation Equity Act, H.R. 3 (TEA-LU). The Senate version of this program (section 2105) adds only $22.3 million. Re-bidding the existing contract and starting over would cause delays, reduce highway safety and lead to loss of good-paying union jobs. The IBEW supported an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd, (D-WV) to the FY 2006 Congressional Budget Resolution (S. Con. Res. 18) that would allow $1.04 billion in fiscal 2006 funding for Amtrak, and increase the fiscal 2006 discretionary spending limit by $1.04 billion. IBEW opposes privatizing of Amtrak.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW opposed the U.S.-Singapore and Chile Free Trade Agreements that contain weak labor protections and expand temporary entry provisions to immigrants from these countries leading to American job losses and increased U.S. trade deficits. Bill Ref. H.R. 2738, H.R. 2739. The IBEW opposed the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). This free trade covers U.S. trade with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. President Bush signed the pact. The IBEW opposed its approval by Congress. No bill reference.

The IBEW opposed the U.S.-Singapore and Chile Free Trade Agreements that contain weak labor protections and expand temporary entry provisions to immigrants from these countries leading to American job losses and increased U.S. trade deficits. Bill Ref. H.R. 2738, H.R. 2739. The IBEW opposed the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). This free trade covers U.S. trade with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. President Bush signed the pact. The IBEW opposed its approval by Congress. No bill reference.

IBEW supported an amendment that would authorize funds necessary under the Community Service Block Grants (CSBG) program for six additional months of unemployment benefits for people who have exhausted their state jobless benefits and who are no longer eligible for temporary federal unemployment benefits, which expired in December. Bill Reference H.R. 3030 [Ltr. 1/29/04] The IBEW urged support of the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 1925/H.R. 3619). Card check recognition should be the law of the land giving workers a mechanism in this proposed law to institute first contract arbitration and levy fines against employers who violate the law by stalling negotiations. The IBEW urged rejection of the new personnel rules proposed by the Department of Defense (DoD). In the interest of national security, Congress sought to grant DoD some additional flexibility in managing its work force. Instead, DoD has usurped Congressional authority and proposed that DoD be allowed to: 1. Replace good-faith bargaining with unions over personnel changes to mere “consultation;” 2. Allow DoD to unilaterally determine which changes are sufficiently significant to merit “consultation;” 3. Allow DoD to unilaterally implement personnel changes where it cannot reach agreement with the unions, thereby permitting all post-implementation negotiations to cease; 4. Create an unleveled playing field at the new Defense Labor Relations Board (DLRB) because its members would be selected solely by the Secretary of Defense; and 5. Discriminate against DoD employees because, as a result, up to 200,000 DoD employees could lose their right to join unions. Bill Ref. H.R. 1588, FY 2004 Defense Authorization enacted in 2003 [Ltr. 3/29/04] The IBEW strongly opposes the final regulations written by the Department of Labor to change federal overtime pay rules. The overtime laws guarantee extra work will be rewarded with extra pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggle to make jobs safe and protect workers from abuse. These changes would erode the 40-hour workweek. IBEW opposed S. 2290, the "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2004." S. 2290 creates a new asbestos trust fund that contains inadequate award values for victims and does not resolve fund solvency issues; pre-empts asbestos-related compensation for railroad workers covered by Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA); fails to address the separate treatment of pending claims and settlements; includes language that subrogates the victim's ability to collect other forms of compensation, such as worker's compensation; and lacks a sufficient medical screening provision for high risk workers. Additionally, court costs and lawyers' fees are a good portion of current asbestos awards, leaving unfair compensation settlements for victims. The IBEW supports elimination of prison work programs that unfairly compete with law-abiding citizens. Prison labor allows private companies to bid for work previously under the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Prison Industries (FPI). Bill Ref. S. 346, a bill to amend the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to establish a government wide policy requiring competition in certain executive agency procurements.

The IBEW opposed any and all attempts to privatize Social Security by draining dollars into individual retirement accounts. Social Security benefits are guaranteed for life and increase with the cost of living, unlike private accounts that rise and fall with the stock market. Individual retirement accounts would require taxes to be raised and would increase the federal budget deficit, jeopardizing benefit payments needed to pay current and future retirees. Bill Ref. H.R. 3177, Social Security Savings Act; H.R. 3821, Bipartisan Retirement Act ; H.R. 4851, Social Security Personal Guarantee and Prosperity Act, S. 2782,

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

IBEW supported an amendment that would authorize funds necessary under the Community Service Block Grants (CSBG) program for six additional months of unemployment benefits for people who have exhausted their state jobless benefits and who are no longer eligible for temporary federal unemployment benefits, which expired in December. Bill Reference H.R. 3030 [Ltr. 1/29/04] The IBEW urged support of the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 1925/H.R. 3619). Card check recognition should be the law of the land giving workers a mechanism in this proposed law to institute first contract arbitration and levy fines against employers who violate the law by stalling negotiations. The IBEW urged rejection of the new personnel rules proposed by the Department of Defense (DoD). In the interest of national security, Congress sought to grant DoD some additional flexibility in managing its work force. Instead, DoD has usurped Congressional authority and proposed that DoD be allowed to: 1. Replace good-faith bargaining with unions over personnel changes to mere “consultation;” 2. Allow DoD to unilaterally determine which changes are sufficiently significant to merit “consultation;” 3. Allow DoD to unilaterally implement personnel changes where it cannot reach agreement with the unions, thereby permitting all post-implementation negotiations to cease; 4. Create an unleveled playing field at the new Defense Labor Relations Board (DLRB) because its members would be selected solely by the Secretary of Defense; and 5. Discriminate against DoD employees because, as a result, up to 200,000 DoD employees could lose their right to join unions. Bill Ref. H.R. 1588, FY 2004 Defense Authorization enacted in 2003 [Ltr. 3/29/04] The IBEW strongly opposes the final regulations written by the Department of Labor to change federal overtime pay rules. The overtime laws guarantee extra work will be rewarded with extra pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggle to make jobs safe and protect workers from abuse. These changes would erode the 40-hour workweek. IBEW opposed S. 2290, the "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2004." S. 2290 creates a new asbestos trust fund that contains inadequate award values for victims and does not resolve fund solvency issues; pre-empts asbestos-related compensation for railroad workers covered by Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA); fails to address the separate treatment of pending claims and settlements; includes language that subrogates the victim's ability to collect other forms of compensation, such as worker's compensation; and lacks a sufficient medical screening provision for high risk workers. Additionally, court costs and lawyers' fees are a good portion of current asbestos awards, leaving unfair compensation settlements for victims. The IBEW supports elimination of prison work programs that unfairly compete with law-abiding citizens. Prison labor allows private companies to bid for work previously under the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Prison Industries (FPI). Bill Ref. S. 346, a bill to amend the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to establish a government wide policy requiring competition in certain executive agency procurements.

The IBEW supported the Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2004 and urged signing of the Discharge Petition filed to move this legislation to the House Floor. The bill would require the federal government to use its purchasing power to negotiate real discounts on prescription medicine for seniors and people with disabilities. This bill would establish a Medicare plan in every part of the country so all seniors would have the choice to get their drugs from Medicare instead of HMOs or private insurance companies, and it would bring prescription drug costs under control. Bill Ref. H.R. 3767; S. 2714 Discharge Petition no. 9. [Ltr. 7/14/04]

The IBEW opposed any and all attempts to privatize Social Security by draining dollars into individual retirement accounts. Social Security benefits are guaranteed for life and increase with the cost of living, unlike private accounts that rise and fall with the stock market. Individual retirement accounts would require taxes to be raised and would increase the federal budget deficit, jeopardizing benefit payments needed to pay current and future retirees. Bill Ref. H.R. 3177, Social Security Savings Act; H.R. 3821, Bipartisan Retirement Act ; H.R. 4851, Social Security Personal Guarantee and Prosperity Act, S. 2782,

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW opposed any and all attempts to privatize Social Security by draining dollars into individual retirement accounts. Social Security benefits are guaranteed for life and increase with the cost of living, unlike private accounts that rise and fall with the stock market. Individual retirement accounts would require taxes to be raised and would increase the federal budget deficit, jeopardizing benefit payments needed to pay current and future retirees. Bill Ref. H.R. 3177, Social Security Savings Act; H.R. 3821, Bipartisan Retirement Act ; H.R. 4851, Social Security Personal Guarantee and Prosperity Act, S. 2782,

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

IBEW supported an amendment that would authorize funds necessary under the Community Service Block Grants (CSBG) program for six additional months of unemployment benefits for people who have exhausted their state jobless benefits and who are no longer eligible for temporary federal unemployment benefits, which expired in December. Bill Reference H.R. 3030 [Ltr. 1/29/04] The IBEW urged support of the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 1925/H.R. 3619). Card check recognition should be the law of the land giving workers a mechanism in this proposed law to institute first contract arbitration and levy fines against employers who violate the law by stalling negotiations. The IBEW urged rejection of the new personnel rules proposed by the Department of Defense (DoD). In the interest of national security, Congress sought to grant DoD some additional flexibility in managing its work force. Instead, DoD has usurped Congressional authority and proposed that DoD be allowed to: 1. Replace good-faith bargaining with unions over personnel changes to mere “consultation;” 2. Allow DoD to unilaterally determine which changes are sufficiently significant to merit “consultation;” 3. Allow DoD to unilaterally implement personnel changes where it cannot reach agreement with the unions, thereby permitting all post-implementation negotiations to cease; 4. Create an unleveled playing field at the new Defense Labor Relations Board (DLRB) because its members would be selected solely by the Secretary of Defense; and 5. Discriminate against DoD employees because, as a result, up to 200,000 DoD employees could lose their right to join unions. Bill Ref. H.R. 1588, FY 2004 Defense Authorization enacted in 2003 [Ltr. 3/29/04] The IBEW strongly opposes the final regulations written by the Department of Labor to change federal overtime pay rules. The overtime laws guarantee extra work will be rewarded with extra pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggle to make jobs safe and protect workers from abuse. These changes would erode the 40-hour workweek. IBEW opposed S. 2290, the "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2004." S. 2290 creates a new asbestos trust fund that contains inadequate award values for victims and does not resolve fund solvency issues; pre-empts asbestos-related compensation for railroad workers covered by Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA); fails to address the separate treatment of pending claims and settlements; includes language that subrogates the victim's ability to collect other forms of compensation, such as worker's compensation; and lacks a sufficient medical screening provision for high risk workers. Additionally, court costs and lawyers' fees are a good portion of current asbestos awards, leaving unfair compensation settlements for victims. The IBEW supports elimination of prison work programs that unfairly compete with law-abiding citizens. Prison labor allows private companies to bid for work previously under the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Prison Industries (FPI). Bill Ref. S. 346, a bill to amend the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to establish a government wide policy requiring competition in certain executive agency procurements.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour class action cases from the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004, S. 2062. Civil rights & wage and hour class actions suits filed in state courts should remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws typically provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Citizens may not be able to bring class actions against corporations that violate state civil rights laws, even where a corporation has hundreds of employees living and working in a particular state. State civil rights laws afford greater protection than federal law.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

IBEW supported an amendment that would authorize funds necessary under the Community Service Block Grants (CSBG) program for six additional months of unemployment benefits for people who have exhausted their state jobless benefits and who are no longer eligible for temporary federal unemployment benefits, which expired in December. Bill Reference H.R. 3030 [Ltr. 1/29/04] The IBEW urged support of the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 1925/H.R. 3619). Card check recognition should be the law of the land giving workers a mechanism in this proposed law to institute first contract arbitration and levy fines against employers who violate the law by stalling negotiations. The IBEW urged rejection of the new personnel rules proposed by the Department of Defense (DoD). In the interest of national security, Congress sought to grant DoD some additional flexibility in managing its work force. Instead, DoD has usurped Congressional authority and proposed that DoD be allowed to: 1. Replace good-faith bargaining with unions over personnel changes to mere “consultation;” 2. Allow DoD to unilaterally determine which changes are sufficiently significant to merit “consultation;” 3. Allow DoD to unilaterally implement personnel changes where it cannot reach agreement with the unions, thereby permitting all post-implementation negotiations to cease; 4. Create an unleveled playing field at the new Defense Labor Relations Board (DLRB) because its members would be selected solely by the Secretary of Defense; and 5. Discriminate against DoD employees because, as a result, up to 200,000 DoD employees could lose their right to join unions. Bill Ref. H.R. 1588, FY 2004 Defense Authorization enacted in 2003 [Ltr. 3/29/04] The IBEW strongly opposes the final regulations written by the Department of Labor to change federal overtime pay rules. The overtime laws guarantee extra work will be rewarded with extra pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggle to make jobs safe and protect workers from abuse. These changes would erode the 40-hour workweek. IBEW opposed S. 2290, the "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2004." S. 2290 creates a new asbestos trust fund that contains inadequate award values for victims and does not resolve fund solvency issues; pre-empts asbestos-related compensation for railroad workers covered by Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA); fails to address the separate treatment of pending claims and settlements; includes language that subrogates the victim's ability to collect other forms of compensation, such as worker's compensation; and lacks a sufficient medical screening provision for high risk workers. Additionally, court costs and lawyers' fees are a good portion of current asbestos awards, leaving unfair compensation settlements for victims. The IBEW supports elimination of prison work programs that unfairly compete with law-abiding citizens. Prison labor allows private companies to bid for work previously under the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Prison Industries (FPI). Bill Ref. S. 346, a bill to amend the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to establish a government wide policy requiring competition in certain executive agency procurements.

The IBEW urged support of Davis-Bacon wage rates for school construction when new funding mechanisms are used to "creatively finance" construction. In the past several years there has been a move away from traditional direct financing such as credit enhancements, tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and state infrastructure banks (SIBs). Davis-Bacon protections prevent contractors from competing based on cutting wages and benefits. Contractors on federal projects must pay their workers the wage rates prevailing in the community for each craft, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davis-Bacon wage rates are not union pay scale, they are rates based upon a broad Department of Labor wage survey taken in local areas. Bill Ref.: HR 1840-School Construction; HR 4252-School Construction; HR 599-School Infrastructure The IBEW supported an amendment to carve-out civil rights and wage & hour cases in the Class Action Fairness Act of 2004. It is important that civil rights & wage and hour class actions filed in state courts remain in state courts. State wage & hour laws provide more complete and timely remedies for victims of unscrupulous employers than the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the absence of a carve-out, many of these cases would be forced into federal court, where they will face delays and less favorable procedures. It is generally more difficult and time-consuming to certify a class action case in federal court than in state court and state civil rights laws often afford greater protection than federal law. Bill Reference – S. 2062 (Ltr. 7/6/04) The IBEW supported the Employee Free Choice Act because unions give working people a voice on the job that brings them better pay and benefits, dignity and respect in the workplace. Employers routinely block workers from exercising their rights. This legislation would restore workers' freedom to form unions by ensuring that when a majority of workers decide to form a union they can do so, without intimidation, harassment and delaying tactics by the employer. It would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of employees have signed cards (“card check”) indicating their preference for representation. It also requires first contract mediation and arbitration if the employer and union aren’t able to reach an agreement within 90 days and institutes strict penalties for employer violations while workers are attempting to organize or obtain a first contract. Bill Ref. H.R. 3619/S. 1925 The IBEW opposed the final regulations written by the Department of Labor (DOL) to change federal overtime pay rules that took effect on August 23. Eliminating overtime pay eligibility is a pay cut that hurts America's working families already harmed by widespread joblessness, stagnant or declining wages, increased health care and prescription drug costs. Overtime laws guaranteed that extra work will be rewarded with increased pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggles with passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Bill Ref. H.R. 2600, amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2004 (to block the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules). The IBEW supported a provision in H.R. 4200 that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from continuing long-term leasing of foreign-built ships for transporting supplies for our troops. DOD’s leasing of foreign-built ships for up to ten years at a time allows our own shipbuilding industry to decline, leaving inexperienced workers to build the next generation of ships for the U.S. Navy if we allow shipbuilding to continue to be outsourced. Ref. Ronald W. Reagan Nat. Defense Authorization Act. The IBEW opposed expansion of the H-1B and H-2B Visa Programs. As American jobs are being outsourced, expanding this program would bring more foreign workers to take American jobs. Bill Ref. H.R. 2688, Amend Immigration and Nationality Act to Repeal Authorities Relating to H1-B Visas for Temporary Workers. The IBEW supported an additional 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 1652, S. 1943, S. 1708,Unemployment Compensation Extension Act; H.R. 3244, Emergency Unemployment Compensation The IBEW supported raising the minimum wage. Future increases to the minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, as is Social Security. The $5.15 minimum wage in effect today needs this fix to keep up with the ever-increasing prices needed to support working families. Bill Ref. H.R. 5043, Minimum Wage Indexation; H.R. 4256/S. 2370, Fair Minimum Wage Act.

The IBEW supported the Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2004 and urged signing of the Discharge Petition filed to move this legislation to the House Floor. The bill would require the federal government to use its purchasing power to negotiate real discounts on prescription medicine for seniors and people with disabilities. This bill would establish a Medicare plan in every part of the country so all seniors would have the choice to get their drugs from Medicare instead of HMOs or private insurance companies, and it would bring prescription drug costs under control. Bill Ref. H.R. 3767; S. 2714 Discharge Petition no. 9. [Ltr. 7/14/04]

The IBEW opposed any and all attempts to privatize Social Security by draining dollars into individual retirement accounts. Social Security benefits are guaranteed for life and increase with the cost of living, unlike private accounts that rise and fall with the stock market. Individual retirement accounts would require taxes to be raised and would increase the federal budget deficit, jeopardizing benefit payments needed to pay current and future retirees. Bill Ref. H.R. 3177, Social Security Savings Act; H.R. 3821, Bipartisan Retirement Act ; H.R. 4851, Social Security Personal Guarantee and Prosperity Act, S. 2782,

IBEW supported an amendment that would authorize funds necessary under the Community Service Block Grants (CSBG) program for six additional months of unemployment benefits for people who have exhausted their state jobless benefits and who are no longer eligible for temporary federal unemployment benefits, which expired in December. Bill Reference H.R. 3030 [Ltr. 1/29/04] The IBEW urged support of the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 1925/H.R. 3619). Card check recognition should be the law of the land giving workers a mechanism in this proposed law to institute first contract arbitration and levy fines against employers who violate the law by stalling negotiations. The IBEW urged rejection of the new personnel rules proposed by the Department of Defense (DoD). In the interest of national security, Congress sought to grant DoD some additional flexibility in managing its work force. Instead, DoD has usurped Congressional authority and proposed that DoD be allowed to: 1. Replace good-faith bargaining with unions over personnel changes to mere “consultation;” 2. Allow DoD to unilaterally determine which changes are sufficiently significant to merit “consultation;” 3. Allow DoD to unilaterally implement personnel changes where it cannot reach agreement with the unions, thereby permitting all post-implementation negotiations to cease; 4. Create an unleveled playing field at the new Defense Labor Relations Board (DLRB) because its members would be selected solely by the Secretary of Defense; and 5. Discriminate against DoD employees because, as a result, up to 200,000 DoD employees could lose their right to join unions. Bill Ref. H.R. 1588, FY 2004 Defense Authorization enacted in 2003 [Ltr. 3/29/04] The IBEW strongly opposes the final regulations written by the Department of Labor to change federal overtime pay rules. The overtime laws guarantee extra work will be rewarded with extra pay. These job protections were won after decades of struggle to make jobs safe and protect workers from abuse. These changes would erode the 40-hour workweek. IBEW opposed S. 2290, the "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2004." S. 2290 creates a new asbestos trust fund that contains inadequate award values for victims and does not resolve fund solvency issues; pre-empts asbestos-related compensation for railroad workers covered by Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA); fails to address the separate treatment of pending claims and settlements; includes language that subrogates the victim's ability to collect other forms of compensation, such as worker's compensation; and lacks a sufficient medical screening provision for high risk workers. Additionally, court costs and lawyers' fees are a good portion of current asbestos awards, leaving unfair compensation settlements for victims. The IBEW supports elimination of prison work programs that unfairly compete with law-abiding citizens. Prison labor allows private companies to bid for work previously under the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Prison Industries (FPI). Bill Ref. S. 346, a bill to amend the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to establish a government wide policy requiring competition in certain executive agency procurements.

The IBEW recommended Marsha Smith be appointed commissioner to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Ms. Smith is a member of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC), who exhibits the skills, experience and philosophy that would serve working families well on FERC. Enron’s collapse and the western electricity crisis prompted the above mentioned recommendation. (3/10/03 Ltr.) The IBEW opposed changes to the DOD Authorization Bill that would overhaul the workplace rules of civilian employees at the DOD. The bill would strip away already “narrow” collective bargaining rights of union members employed by DOD. Bill Ref. HR 1855/S. 1166; Ltr. 6/6/03 The IBEW opposed an attack on overtime pay on two fronts. 1.) DOL’s proposed administrative change to the treatment of overtime pay, by imposing new rules on how employers may compensate employees who tally more than a 40-hour workweek. This would alter rules governing eligibility for overtime pay now protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Currently employers are required to pay time-and-a-half to workers. IBEW submitted comment opposing DOL’s proposal to cut overtime pay. 2.) IBEW opposed the Family Flexibility Act that offered comp time in lieu of overtime pay, because this type of compensation would invite employer abuse, possibly forcing an employee to take time off involuntarily or limit whether a worker can use the compensatory time at all if it is burdensome to the workload. (HR 1119/S317). The IBEW supported the “Buy American” provisions contained in the House version of the Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2004. We asked support of Section 811-829 that required critical items be produced from American-made sources. We opposed Section 833 in the Senate version that waived the domestic source requirements under U.S. manufacture laws. (Bill references: H.R. 1588/S. 1050).

The IBEW opposed the Labor Department’s attack on overtime pay and supported blocking the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules (“Part 541” Regulations) that seek to make it easier for employers to deny workers’ overtime pay. Ref. H.R. 2660, Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations. The IBEW also opposed H.R. 1119, the so-called "Family Time Flexibility Act," also known as the comp time bill. The IBEW opposed proposed legislation removing civil service protections and collective bargaining rights from the U.S. Dept. of Defense civilian workers. It would allow the Pentagon to rewrite personnel rules and discard traditional salary scales in favor of a performance-based pay system, as well as avoid paying overtime and comp time. Bill Ref. H.R. 1588, FY 2004 Defense Authorization bill. The IBEW supports temporary extended unemployment compensation benefits that would provide additional help for those who have exhausted their 26-week state unemployment claim and 13-week federal extension unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 3244/S. 1708, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. The IBEW supports the plight of asbestos victims, and opposes the interests of companies and insurers ahead of the hundreds of thousands of workers who have suffered. These victims deserve to be treated fairly. The IBEW opposed S. 1125, the "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2003." The IBEW opposed the DOL expanded financial electronic reporting requirements by unions of transactions larger than $5,000. Existing rules have been accepted for over 40 years and would create an undue strain on unions without requiring business to comply to harsh reporting requirements as well. No bill reference.

The IBEW recommended Marsha Smith be appointed commissioner to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Ms. Smith is a member of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC), who exhibits the skills, experience and philosophy that would serve working families well on FERC. Enron’s collapse and the western electricity crisis prompted the above mentioned recommendation. (3/10/03 Ltr.) The IBEW opposed changes to the DOD Authorization Bill that would overhaul the workplace rules of civilian employees at the DOD. The bill would strip away already “narrow” collective bargaining rights of union members employed by DOD. Bill Ref. HR 1855/S. 1166; Ltr. 6/6/03 The IBEW opposed an attack on overtime pay on two fronts. 1.) DOL’s proposed administrative change to the treatment of overtime pay, by imposing new rules on how employers may compensate employees who tally more than a 40-hour workweek. This would alter rules governing eligibility for overtime pay now protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Currently employers are required to pay time-and-a-half to workers. IBEW submitted comment opposing DOL’s proposal to cut overtime pay. 2.) IBEW opposed the Family Flexibility Act that offered comp time in lieu of overtime pay, because this type of compensation would invite employer abuse, possibly forcing an employee to take time off involuntarily or limit whether a worker can use the compensatory time at all if it is burdensome to the workload. (HR 1119/S317). The IBEW supported the “Buy American” provisions contained in the House version of the Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2004. We asked support of Section 811-829 that required critical items be produced from American-made sources. We opposed Section 833 in the Senate version that waived the domestic source requirements under U.S. manufacture laws. (Bill references: H.R. 1588/S. 1050).

The IBEW urged support of the Clean Water Infrastructure Financing Act of 2003. This bill would provide grants to states that in turn would provide loans to construct or renovate wastewater treatment facilities through a Clean Water State Revolving Fund, thus creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. The bill would also incorporate comprehensive federal prevailing wage protections into this legislation. Bill reference: H.R. 20 (Ltr. 3/20/03)

The IBEW supported passage of legislation that would fully fund Amtrak at the $1.2 billion level. A balanced transportation system that provides a viable alternative to travel by automobile or commercial airliner would reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil imports, and our dependency on foreign oil. Rail Infrastructure Bill References: H.R. 2571, H.R. 2572, H.R. 2726, S. 104. The IBEW supported the inclusion of an exemption to Hours of Service for USV drivers in the TEA-21 Reauthorization bill (Highway bill – unnumbered). The DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Standards Administration issued its final Hours of Service (HOS) that regulates the maximum driving time for operators of commercial motor vehicles (gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more). The intent of the rule was to improve highway safety and help reduce the number of truck crashes and related fatalities on our nation’s roads. However, drivers of utility service vehicles (USVs) who work for contractors and utilities have been ensnared in the rule, making it difficult for companies to respond to outages. The new rule’s limitation on driving hours makes it nearly impossible for daytime utility workers to be called out in the evenings to respond to emergencies. Restricting employees’ ability to restore telephone or electric service would have the effect of eroding the overall reliability of the telephone or electrical system.

The IBEW supported passage of legislation that would fully fund Amtrak at the $1.2 billion level. A balanced transportation system that provides a viable alternative to travel by automobile or commercial airliner would reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil imports, and our dependency on foreign oil. Rail Infrastructure Bill References: H.R. 2571, H.R. 2572, H.R. 2726, S. 104. The IBEW supported the inclusion of an exemption to Hours of Service for USV drivers in the TEA-21 Reauthorization bill (Highway bill – unnumbered). The DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Standards Administration issued its final Hours of Service (HOS) that regulates the maximum driving time for operators of commercial motor vehicles (gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more). The intent of the rule was to improve highway safety and help reduce the number of truck crashes and related fatalities on our nation’s roads. However, drivers of utility service vehicles (USVs) who work for contractors and utilities have been ensnared in the rule, making it difficult for companies to respond to outages. The new rule’s limitation on driving hours makes it nearly impossible for daytime utility workers to be called out in the evenings to respond to emergencies. Restricting employees’ ability to restore telephone or electric service would have the effect of eroding the overall reliability of the telephone or electrical system.

The IBEW supported passage of legislation that would fully fund Amtrak at the $1.2 billion level. A balanced transportation system that provides a viable alternative to travel by automobile or commercial airliner would reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil imports, and our dependency on foreign oil. Rail Infrastructure Bill References: H.R. 2571, H.R. 2572, H.R. 2726, S. 104. The IBEW supported the inclusion of an exemption to Hours of Service for USV drivers in the TEA-21 Reauthorization bill (Highway bill – unnumbered). The DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Standards Administration issued its final Hours of Service (HOS) that regulates the maximum driving time for operators of commercial motor vehicles (gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more). The intent of the rule was to improve highway safety and help reduce the number of truck crashes and related fatalities on our nation’s roads. However, drivers of utility service vehicles (USVs) who work for contractors and utilities have been ensnared in the rule, making it difficult for companies to respond to outages. The new rule’s limitation on driving hours makes it nearly impossible for daytime utility workers to be called out in the evenings to respond to emergencies. Restricting employees’ ability to restore telephone or electric service would have the effect of eroding the overall reliability of the telephone or electrical system.

The IBEW opposed both the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade and U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement. These bills contain weak labor protections, expand temporary entry provisions for immigrants from these two countries, and, if passed, will lead to increased U.S. trade deficits with accompanying job losses. Bill References HR 2739/HR2738 and S.1416/S. 1417

The IBEW opposed both the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade and U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement. These bills contain weak labor protections, expand temporary entry provisions for immigrants from these two countries, and, if passed, will lead to increased U.S. trade deficits with accompanying job losses. Bill References HR 2739/HR2738 and S.1416/S. 1417

The IBEW opposed the Labor Department’s attack on overtime pay and supported blocking the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules (“Part 541” Regulations) that seek to make it easier for employers to deny workers’ overtime pay. Ref. H.R. 2660, Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations. The IBEW also opposed H.R. 1119, the so-called "Family Time Flexibility Act," also known as the comp time bill. The IBEW opposed proposed legislation removing civil service protections and collective bargaining rights from the U.S. Dept. of Defense civilian workers. It would allow the Pentagon to rewrite personnel rules and discard traditional salary scales in favor of a performance-based pay system, as well as avoid paying overtime and comp time. Bill Ref. H.R. 1588, FY 2004 Defense Authorization bill. The IBEW supports temporary extended unemployment compensation benefits that would provide additional help for those who have exhausted their 26-week state unemployment claim and 13-week federal extension unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 3244/S. 1708, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. The IBEW supports the plight of asbestos victims, and opposes the interests of companies and insurers ahead of the hundreds of thousands of workers who have suffered. These victims deserve to be treated fairly. The IBEW opposed S. 1125, the "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2003." The IBEW opposed the DOL expanded financial electronic reporting requirements by unions of transactions larger than $5,000. Existing rules have been accepted for over 40 years and would create an undue strain on unions without requiring business to comply to harsh reporting requirements as well. No bill reference.

The IBEW supported passage of legislation that would fully fund Amtrak at the $1.2 billion level. A balanced transportation system that provides a viable alternative to travel by automobile or commercial airliner would reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil imports, and our dependency on foreign oil. Rail Infrastructure Bill References: H.R. 2571, H.R. 2572, H.R. 2726, S. 104. The IBEW supported the inclusion of an exemption to Hours of Service for USV drivers in the TEA-21 Reauthorization bill (Highway bill – unnumbered). The DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Standards Administration issued its final Hours of Service (HOS) that regulates the maximum driving time for operators of commercial motor vehicles (gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more). The intent of the rule was to improve highway safety and help reduce the number of truck crashes and related fatalities on our nation’s roads. However, drivers of utility service vehicles (USVs) who work for contractors and utilities have been ensnared in the rule, making it difficult for companies to respond to outages. The new rule’s limitation on driving hours makes it nearly impossible for daytime utility workers to be called out in the evenings to respond to emergencies. Restricting employees’ ability to restore telephone or electric service would have the effect of eroding the overall reliability of the telephone or electrical system.

The IBEW opposed the Medicare Prescription Drug bill (S. 1) while urging support of amendments that would strengthen the proposal(s) through uniform coverage available to all, and by eliminating the inequitable treatment of retirees. The prescription drug benefit for seniors is inadequate, unaffordable, and discriminates against retirees that have employer-sponsored health benefits. Seniors would be subject to enormous out-of-pocket costs due to gaps in coverage from Medicare. Other bill reference (H.R. 1). The IBEW opposed asbestos legislation (S. 1125) urging support of a national asbestos trust fund that would provide a fair and timely compensation to victims impaired by asbestos in the construction, telecommunication, utility, manufacturing, railroad and shipbuilding industries. The IBEW objected to language that: Imposes evidentiary burdens that are difficult to meet; establishes restrictive medical criteria that are more stringent than other bankruptcy trusts; sets up inadequate levels of compensation that are far lower than what victims now receive; pre-empts asbestos-related compensation for railroad workers covered by Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA); creates a new asbestos court with broad, non-reviewable powers; and imposes an absolute cap on companies' liability, leaving workers to bear all the risk if claims projections are exceeded. Ltr. 6/18/03

The IBEW opposed the Labor Department’s attack on overtime pay and supported blocking the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules (“Part 541” Regulations) that seek to make it easier for employers to deny workers’ overtime pay. Ref. H.R. 2660, Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations. The IBEW also opposed H.R. 1119, the so-called "Family Time Flexibility Act," also known as the comp time bill. The IBEW opposed proposed legislation removing civil service protections and collective bargaining rights from the U.S. Dept. of Defense civilian workers. It would allow the Pentagon to rewrite personnel rules and discard traditional salary scales in favor of a performance-based pay system, as well as avoid paying overtime and comp time. Bill Ref. H.R. 1588, FY 2004 Defense Authorization bill. The IBEW supports temporary extended unemployment compensation benefits that would provide additional help for those who have exhausted their 26-week state unemployment claim and 13-week federal extension unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 3244/S. 1708, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. The IBEW supports the plight of asbestos victims, and opposes the interests of companies and insurers ahead of the hundreds of thousands of workers who have suffered. These victims deserve to be treated fairly. The IBEW opposed S. 1125, the "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2003." The IBEW opposed the DOL expanded financial electronic reporting requirements by unions of transactions larger than $5,000. Existing rules have been accepted for over 40 years and would create an undue strain on unions without requiring business to comply to harsh reporting requirements as well. No bill reference.

The IBEW recommended Marsha Smith be appointed commissioner to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Ms. Smith is a member of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC), who exhibits the skills, experience and philosophy that would serve working families well on FERC. Enron’s collapse and the western electricity crisis prompted the above mentioned recommendation. (3/10/03 Ltr.) The IBEW opposed changes to the DOD Authorization Bill that would overhaul the workplace rules of civilian employees at the DOD. The bill would strip away already “narrow” collective bargaining rights of union members employed by DOD. Bill Ref. HR 1855/S. 1166; Ltr. 6/6/03 The IBEW opposed an attack on overtime pay on two fronts. 1.) DOL’s proposed administrative change to the treatment of overtime pay, by imposing new rules on how employers may compensate employees who tally more than a 40-hour workweek. This would alter rules governing eligibility for overtime pay now protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Currently employers are required to pay time-and-a-half to workers. IBEW submitted comment opposing DOL’s proposal to cut overtime pay. 2.) IBEW opposed the Family Flexibility Act that offered comp time in lieu of overtime pay, because this type of compensation would invite employer abuse, possibly forcing an employee to take time off involuntarily or limit whether a worker can use the compensatory time at all if it is burdensome to the workload. (HR 1119/S317). The IBEW supported the “Buy American” provisions contained in the House version of the Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2004. We asked support of Section 811-829 that required critical items be produced from American-made sources. We opposed Section 833 in the Senate version that waived the domestic source requirements under U.S. manufacture laws. (Bill references: H.R. 1588/S. 1050).

The IBEW opposed both the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade and U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement. These bills contain weak labor protections, expand temporary entry provisions for immigrants from these two countries, and, if passed, will lead to increased U.S. trade deficits with accompanying job losses. Bill References HR 2739/HR2738 and S.1416/S. 1417

The IBEW opposed both the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade and U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement. These bills contain weak labor protections, expand temporary entry provisions for immigrants from these two countries, and, if passed, will lead to increased U.S. trade deficits with accompanying job losses. Bill References HR 2739/HR2738 and S.1416/S. 1417

The IBEW opposed the Labor Department’s attack on overtime pay and supported blocking the DOL from using funds to implement the new overtime rules (“Part 541” Regulations) that seek to make it easier for employers to deny workers’ overtime pay. Ref. H.R. 2660, Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations. The IBEW also opposed H.R. 1119, the so-called "Family Time Flexibility Act," also known as the comp time bill. The IBEW opposed proposed legislation removing civil service protections and collective bargaining rights from the U.S. Dept. of Defense civilian workers. It would allow the Pentagon to rewrite personnel rules and discard traditional salary scales in favor of a performance-based pay system, as well as avoid paying overtime and comp time. Bill Ref. H.R. 1588, FY 2004 Defense Authorization bill. The IBEW supports temporary extended unemployment compensation benefits that would provide additional help for those who have exhausted their 26-week state unemployment claim and 13-week federal extension unemployment benefits. Bill Ref. H.R. 3244/S. 1708, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. The IBEW supports the plight of asbestos victims, and opposes the interests of companies and insurers ahead of the hundreds of thousands of workers who have suffered. These victims deserve to be treated fairly. The IBEW opposed S. 1125, the "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2003." The IBEW opposed the DOL expanded financial electronic reporting requirements by unions of transactions larger than $5,000. Existing rules have been accepted for over 40 years and would create an undue strain on unions without requiring business to comply to harsh reporting requirements as well. No bill reference.

The IBEW recommended Marsha Smith be appointed commissioner to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Ms. Smith is a member of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC), who exhibits the skills, experience and philosophy that would serve working families well on FERC. Enron’s collapse and the western electricity crisis prompted the above mentioned recommendation. (3/10/03 Ltr.) The IBEW opposed changes to the DOD Authorization Bill that would overhaul the workplace rules of civilian employees at the DOD. The bill would strip away already “narrow” collective bargaining rights of union members employed by DOD. Bill Ref. HR 1855/S. 1166; Ltr. 6/6/03 The IBEW opposed an attack on overtime pay on two fronts. 1.) DOL’s proposed administrative change to the treatment of overtime pay, by imposing new rules on how employers may compensate employees who tally more than a 40-hour workweek. This would alter rules governing eligibility for overtime pay now protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Currently employers are required to pay time-and-a-half to workers. IBEW submitted comment opposing DOL’s proposal to cut overtime pay. 2.) IBEW opposed the Family Flexibility Act that offered comp time in lieu of overtime pay, because this type of compensation would invite employer abuse, possibly forcing an employee to take time off involuntarily or limit whether a worker can use the compensatory time at all if it is burdensome to the workload. (HR 1119/S317). The IBEW supported the “Buy American” provisions contained in the House version of the Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2004. We asked support of Section 811-829 that required critical items be produced from American-made sources. We opposed Section 833 in the Senate version that waived the domestic source requirements under U.S. manufacture laws. (Bill references: H.R. 1588/S. 1050).

The IBEW urged support of S.J.Res 34/H.J.Res. 87, the joint resolution approving the site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, because nuclear energy produces 20 percent of our nation’s electricity – emission-free. It reduces our reliance on foreign energy sources, and provides quality jobs for thousands of Americans, including 15,000 IBEW members at 74 nuclear plants throughout the country. This legislation will ensure that the U.S. Government lives up to its lawful responsibility to take ownership of used nuclear fuel from commercial nuclear power plants and radioactive waste from national defense programs. If plants start closing down due to a lack of storage space, consumers, workers and the environment will be the decisive losers. The IBEW believes this bill is essential to the continued operation of nuclear power plants, and the preservation of family-wage jobs. (Ltr. 4/22/02).

IBEW supports Project Labor Agreements (PLA), a collective bargaining agreement that establishes common work rules for an entire construction project, commonly used in both the public and private sectors to coordinate operations of the many construction contractors and to assure that the project proceeds smoothly and without delays. Under the executive order, any state or local agency that would otherwise use a project labor agreement must give up that right to receive any amount of federal financial support for its project. Bill reference, H.R. 1360, Ensure Project Labor Agreements are permitted in certain circumstances.

IBEW opposes Fast Track, which grants the president special authority to negotiate trade deals and forbids Congress any opportunity to correct flaws, including lack of worker or environmental protection. Along with threatening workers’ jobs, Fast Track would allow the President to negotiate agreements that, like NAFTA, give corporations huge powers; supersede national, state and local laws; and prevent Congress from amending trade pacts to address workers’ rights and environmental protections. Bill reference, H.R. 3009, Trade Act of 2002.

IBEW opposed pay cap provisions contained in the Treasury and General Government Appropriations bill for FY 2003. The proposed legislation would have subjected blue collar employees to be limited to pay increases that could not exceed the same percentage paid to white collar government employees, regardless of the percentage actually due to them under Federal Wage System, creating a wage gap for tradespeople in federal employment. (H.R. 5120/S.2740). IBEW opposed any amendments to the National Homeland Security and Combating Terrorism Act that would weaken or strip longstanding worker rights or Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protections. H.R. 5005/S.2452(Ltr. 9/16/02) The IBEW supported H.R. 3609, the bill that establishes mandatory inspections of all U.S. oil and natural gas pipelines within 10 years, with at least half of the pipelines to be inspected within the first five years. It also increases monetary penalties for safety infractions and includes an integrity management program. The IBEW sought to include a worker training provision that mandated testing of knowledge, skills and abilities with periodic re-examination of employees in safety-sensitive positions. This was met with fierce opposition from the industry, and in the end, the language was permissive, not mandatory. Standards for the qualification process are, however, mandatory. IBEW supported passage of unemployment benefits for more than 800,000 laid-off workers and their families that was to run out on December 28, 2002. The benefits would have provided laid-off workers 13 additional weeks of federal benefits after they exhausted their state aid. Bill Reference (H.R. 3529 and H.R. 5063). The IBEW opposed a newly created Electronic Systems Technician (EST) classification formed by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT, now known as OATELS). The new EST work processes were similar to the functions of an inside wireman or telecommunication installer-technician aleady in place.. IBEW attempted to reverse the Department of Labor’s (DOL) course.

The IBEW supported the “Craig Amendment," to S. 517, "The Energy Policy Act of 2002," which would have stripped the electricity title from the energy bill. It was defeated by a 67-32 vote on April 10. IBEW supported H.R. 3609, the pipeline safety bill. It would improve safety and security of our nation’s gas and liquid transmission and distribution systems, as well as protect approximately 20,000 IBEW workers who work for utilities and contractors in the natural gas and oil industries. (6/12/02 Ltr.) The IBEW testified before several Congressional Committees regarding IBEW employees affected by the Enron debacle, and its effect on workers, investors and the public who were put at risk of losing their livelihoods. Bill reference, H.R. 3763, Corporate Accountability.

IBEW opposed pay cap provisions contained in the Treasury and General Government Appropriations bill for FY 2003. The proposed legislation would have subjected blue collar employees to be limited to pay increases that could not exceed the same percentage paid to white collar government employees, regardless of the percentage actually due to them under Federal Wage System, creating a wage gap for tradespeople in federal employment. (H.R. 5120/S.2740). IBEW opposed any amendments to the National Homeland Security and Combating Terrorism Act that would weaken or strip longstanding worker rights or Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protections. H.R. 5005/S.2452(Ltr. 9/16/02) The IBEW supported H.R. 3609, the bill that establishes mandatory inspections of all U.S. oil and natural gas pipelines within 10 years, with at least half of the pipelines to be inspected within the first five years. It also increases monetary penalties for safety infractions and includes an integrity management program. The IBEW sought to include a worker training provision that mandated testing of knowledge, skills and abilities with periodic re-examination of employees in safety-sensitive positions. This was met with fierce opposition from the industry, and in the end, the language was permissive, not mandatory. Standards for the qualification process are, however, mandatory. IBEW supported passage of unemployment benefits for more than 800,000 laid-off workers and their families that was to run out on December 28, 2002. The benefits would have provided laid-off workers 13 additional weeks of federal benefits after they exhausted their state aid. Bill Reference (H.R. 3529 and H.R. 5063). The IBEW opposed a newly created Electronic Systems Technician (EST) classification formed by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT, now known as OATELS). The new EST work processes were similar to the functions of an inside wireman or telecommunication installer-technician aleady in place.. IBEW attempted to reverse the Department of Labor’s (DOL) course.

The IBEW supported the “Craig Amendment," to S. 517, "The Energy Policy Act of 2002," which would have stripped the electricity title from the energy bill. It was defeated by a 67-32 vote on April 10. IBEW supported H.R. 3609, the pipeline safety bill. It would improve safety and security of our nation’s gas and liquid transmission and distribution systems, as well as protect approximately 20,000 IBEW workers who work for utilities and contractors in the natural gas and oil industries. (6/12/02 Ltr.) The IBEW testified before several Congressional Committees regarding IBEW employees affected by the Enron debacle, and its effect on workers, investors and the public who were put at risk of losing their livelihoods. Bill reference, H.R. 3763, Corporate Accountability.

IBEW urged the energy bill conferees to drop Title II provisions of the bill that contained electricity reforms and opposed federally mandated comprehensive deregulation of the electric utility industry. Concerns include: deregulation’s impact on the safety and reliability of the electricity system, the effect of cutthroat competition on staffing levels and maintenance programs, cost to consumers, mega-mergers and market dominance of a few energy conglomerates, and the impact of deregulation on the environment. (H.R. 4) Ltr. 9/16/02 [Conferees]

The IBEW opposed several health care proposals such as “Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002.” (H.R. 4954), written for the pharmaceutical industry that would have provided a privatized drug plan outside the scope of Medicare, where benefits would be neither assured nor guaranteed. IBEW also opposed a Medicare prescription drug plan, the “21st Century Medicare Act.” (S. 2) that would have created a voluntary drug benefit for seniors under the existing Medicare system and used private drug-only insurance policies to set premiums and determine benefits. IBEW supported "Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act" (S. 812) that would have reduced the time pharmaceutical companies are allowed to hold a drug patent. Such a change would have sped up the process to get generic drugs to market.

IBEW opposed pay cap provisions contained in the Treasury and General Government Appropriations bill for FY 2003. The proposed legislation would have subjected blue collar employees to be limited to pay increases that could not exceed the same percentage paid to white collar government employees, regardless of the percentage actually due to them under Federal Wage System, creating a wage gap for tradespeople in federal employment. (H.R. 5120/S.2740). IBEW opposed any amendments to the National Homeland Security and Combating Terrorism Act that would weaken or strip longstanding worker rights or Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protections. H.R. 5005/S.2452(Ltr. 9/16/02) The IBEW supported H.R. 3609, the bill that establishes mandatory inspections of all U.S. oil and natural gas pipelines within 10 years, with at least half of the pipelines to be inspected within the first five years. It also increases monetary penalties for safety infractions and includes an integrity management program. The IBEW sought to include a worker training provision that mandated testing of knowledge, skills and abilities with periodic re-examination of employees in safety-sensitive positions. This was met with fierce opposition from the industry, and in the end, the language was permissive, not mandatory. Standards for the qualification process are, however, mandatory. IBEW supported passage of unemployment benefits for more than 800,000 laid-off workers and their families that was to run out on December 28, 2002. The benefits would have provided laid-off workers 13 additional weeks of federal benefits after they exhausted their state aid. Bill Reference (H.R. 3529 and H.R. 5063). The IBEW opposed a newly created Electronic Systems Technician (EST) classification formed by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT, now known as OATELS). The new EST work processes were similar to the functions of an inside wireman or telecommunication installer-technician aleady in place.. IBEW attempted to reverse the Department of Labor’s (DOL) course.

IBEW opposed pay cap provisions contained in the Treasury and General Government Appropriations bill for FY 2003. The proposed legislation would have subjected blue collar employees to be limited to pay increases that could not exceed the same percentage paid to white collar government employees, regardless of the percentage actually due to them under Federal Wage System, creating a wage gap for tradespeople in federal employment. (H.R. 5120/S.2740). IBEW opposed any amendments to the National Homeland Security and Combating Terrorism Act that would weaken or strip longstanding worker rights or Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protections. H.R. 5005/S.2452(Ltr. 9/16/02) The IBEW supported H.R. 3609, the bill that establishes mandatory inspections of all U.S. oil and natural gas pipelines within 10 years, with at least half of the pipelines to be inspected within the first five years. It also increases monetary penalties for safety infractions and includes an integrity management program. The IBEW sought to include a worker training provision that mandated testing of knowledge, skills and abilities with periodic re-examination of employees in safety-sensitive positions. This was met with fierce opposition from the industry, and in the end, the language was permissive, not mandatory. Standards for the qualification process are, however, mandatory. IBEW supported passage of unemployment benefits for more than 800,000 laid-off workers and their families that was to run out on December 28, 2002. The benefits would have provided laid-off workers 13 additional weeks of federal benefits after they exhausted their state aid. Bill Reference (H.R. 3529 and H.R. 5063). The IBEW opposed a newly created Electronic Systems Technician (EST) classification formed by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT, now known as OATELS). The new EST work processes were similar to the functions of an inside wireman or telecommunication installer-technician aleady in place.. IBEW attempted to reverse the Department of Labor’s (DOL) course.

IBEW opposed the pay cap provisions contained in the President’s Budget and asked that they not include them in the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Bill for FY 2003 (H.R. 5120). The proposed pay cap would limit pay increases for blue-collar employees to the overall average percentage increases for General Schedule (GS) employees for the fiscal year. This proposed legislation does not provide that these employees receive a pay increase equal to the GS adjustment or even that they receive an increase at all. (Ltr. 5/13/02).

IBEW opposed pay cap provisions contained in the Treasury and General Government Appropriations bill for FY 2003. The proposed legislation would have subjected blue collar employees to be limited to pay increases that could not exceed the same percentage paid to white collar government employees, regardless of the percentage actually due to them under Federal Wage System, creating a wage gap for tradespeople in federal employment. (H.R. 5120/S.2740). IBEW opposed any amendments to the National Homeland Security and Combating Terrorism Act that would weaken or strip longstanding worker rights or Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protections. H.R. 5005/S.2452(Ltr. 9/16/02) The IBEW supported H.R. 3609, the bill that establishes mandatory inspections of all U.S. oil and natural gas pipelines within 10 years, with at least half of the pipelines to be inspected within the first five years. It also increases monetary penalties for safety infractions and includes an integrity management program. The IBEW sought to include a worker training provision that mandated testing of knowledge, skills and abilities with periodic re-examination of employees in safety-sensitive positions. This was met with fierce opposition from the industry, and in the end, the language was permissive, not mandatory. Standards for the qualification process are, however, mandatory. IBEW supported passage of unemployment benefits for more than 800,000 laid-off workers and their families that was to run out on December 28, 2002. The benefits would have provided laid-off workers 13 additional weeks of federal benefits after they exhausted their state aid. Bill Reference (H.R. 3529 and H.R. 5063). The IBEW opposed a newly created Electronic Systems Technician (EST) classification formed by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT, now known as OATELS). The new EST work processes were similar to the functions of an inside wireman or telecommunication installer-technician aleady in place.. IBEW attempted to reverse the Department of Labor’s (DOL) course.

The IBEW opposed several health care proposals such as “Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002.” (H.R. 4954), written for the pharmaceutical industry that would have provided a privatized drug plan outside the scope of Medicare, where benefits would be neither assured nor guaranteed. IBEW also opposed a Medicare prescription drug plan, the “21st Century Medicare Act.” (S. 2) that would have created a voluntary drug benefit for seniors under the existing Medicare system and used private drug-only insurance policies to set premiums and determine benefits. IBEW supported "Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act" (S. 812) that would have reduced the time pharmaceutical companies are allowed to hold a drug patent. Such a change would have sped up the process to get generic drugs to market.

IBEW opposed pay cap provisions contained in the Treasury and General Government Appropriations bill for FY 2003. The proposed legislation would have subjected blue collar employees to be limited to pay increases that could not exceed the same percentage paid to white collar government employees, regardless of the percentage actually due to them under Federal Wage System, creating a wage gap for tradespeople in federal employment. (H.R. 5120/S.2740). IBEW opposed any amendments to the National Homeland Security and Combating Terrorism Act that would weaken or strip longstanding worker rights or Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protections. H.R. 5005/S.2452(Ltr. 9/16/02) The IBEW supported H.R. 3609, the bill that establishes mandatory inspections of all U.S. oil and natural gas pipelines within 10 years, with at least half of the pipelines to be inspected within the first five years. It also increases monetary penalties for safety infractions and includes an integrity management program. The IBEW sought to include a worker training provision that mandated testing of knowledge, skills and abilities with periodic re-examination of employees in safety-sensitive positions. This was met with fierce opposition from the industry, and in the end, the language was permissive, not mandatory. Standards for the qualification process are, however, mandatory. IBEW supported passage of unemployment benefits for more than 800,000 laid-off workers and their families that was to run out on December 28, 2002. The benefits would have provided laid-off workers 13 additional weeks of federal benefits after they exhausted their state aid. Bill Reference (H.R. 3529 and H.R. 5063). The IBEW opposed a newly created Electronic Systems Technician (EST) classification formed by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT, now known as OATELS). The new EST work processes were similar to the functions of an inside wireman or telecommunication installer-technician aleady in place.. IBEW attempted to reverse the Department of Labor’s (DOL) course.

IBEW opposed pay cap provisions contained in the Treasury and General Government Appropriations bill for FY 2003. The proposed legislation would have subjected blue collar employees to be limited to pay increases that could not exceed the same percentage paid to white collar government employees, regardless of the percentage actually due to them under Federal Wage System, creating a wage gap for tradespeople in federal employment. (H.R. 5120/S.2740). IBEW opposed any amendments to the National Homeland Security and Combating Terrorism Act that would weaken or strip longstanding worker rights or Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protections. H.R. 5005/S.2452(Ltr. 9/16/02) The IBEW supported H.R. 3609, the bill that establishes mandatory inspections of all U.S. oil and natural gas pipelines within 10 years, with at least half of the pipelines to be inspected within the first five years. It also increases monetary penalties for safety infractions and includes an integrity management program. The IBEW sought to include a worker training provision that mandated testing of knowledge, skills and abilities with periodic re-examination of employees in safety-sensitive positions. This was met with fierce opposition from the industry, and in the end, the language was permissive, not mandatory. Standards for the qualification process are, however, mandatory. IBEW supported passage of unemployment benefits for more than 800,000 laid-off workers and their families that was to run out on December 28, 2002. The benefits would have provided laid-off workers 13 additional weeks of federal benefits after they exhausted their state aid. Bill Reference (H.R. 3529 and H.R. 5063). The IBEW opposed a newly created Electronic Systems Technician (EST) classification formed by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT, now known as OATELS). The new EST work processes were similar to the functions of an inside wireman or telecommunication installer-technician aleady in place.. IBEW attempted to reverse the Department of Labor’s (DOL) course.

The IBEW supported the “Craig Amendment," to S. 517, "The Energy Policy Act of 2002," which would have stripped the electricity title from the energy bill. It was defeated by a 67-32 vote on April 10. IBEW supported H.R. 3609, the pipeline safety bill. It would improve safety and security of our nation’s gas and liquid transmission and distribution systems, as well as protect approximately 20,000 IBEW workers who work for utilities and contractors in the natural gas and oil industries. (6/12/02 Ltr.) The IBEW testified before several Congressional Committees regarding IBEW employees affected by the Enron debacle, and its effect on workers, investors and the public who were put at risk of losing their livelihoods. Bill reference, H.R. 3763, Corporate Accountability.

The IBEW opposed several health care proposals such as “Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002.” (H.R. 4954), written for the pharmaceutical industry that would have provided a privatized drug plan outside the scope of Medicare, where benefits would be neither assured nor guaranteed. IBEW also opposed a Medicare prescription drug plan, the “21st Century Medicare Act.” (S. 2) that would have created a voluntary drug benefit for seniors under the existing Medicare system and used private drug-only insurance policies to set premiums and determine benefits. IBEW supported "Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act" (S. 812) that would have reduced the time pharmaceutical companies are allowed to hold a drug patent. Such a change would have sped up the process to get generic drugs to market.

The IBEW urged support of S.J.Res 34/H.J.Res. 87, the joint resolution approving the site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, because nuclear energy produces 20 percent of our nation’s electricity – emission-free. It reduces our reliance on foreign energy sources, and provides quality jobs for thousands of Americans, including 15,000 IBEW members at 74 nuclear plants throughout the country. This legislation will ensure that the U.S. Government lives up to its lawful responsibility to take ownership of used nuclear fuel from commercial nuclear power plants and radioactive waste from national defense programs. If plants start closing down due to a lack of storage space, consumers, workers and the environment will be the decisive losers. The IBEW believes this bill is essential to the continued operation of nuclear power plants, and the preservation of family-wage jobs. (Ltr. 4/22/02).

The IBEW asked Congress to vote against H. Con. Res. 83, the FY 2002 Budget Resolution which would, in effect, raid the non-Social Security surpluses of more than a trillion dollars over the next ten years to pay for massive tax cuts. This budget resolution would accommodate most of the tax cuts for the top wage earners proposed by President Bush, while leaving insufficient resources behind for important programs that help working families. It does not strengthen Medicare, in fact, almost half of the Medicare surpluses projected over the next ten years will be diverted to pay for an inadequate prescription drug benefit and other so-called Medicare "reforms." (Ltr. 3/26/2001) IBEW urged support for highly skilled, specialized members working in the American shipbuilding industry by appropriating $100 million for the Maritime Administration’s Title XI Ship Loan Guarantee Program. The Title XI Ship Loan Guarantee Program has been a critical element in the creation of thousands of highly skilled, family-wage jobs in ship construction. Without an infusion of new dollars, no new shipbuilding loans will even be considered by the Maritime Administration, which would result in job losses for our members and negatively impact the livelihood of thousands of families across the country.(Ltr. 4/26/01) IBEW urged support of an amendment to be included in the Defense Supplemental Appropriations bill. The amendment would provide further clarifying language for the Department of Transportation to carry out the intent of a program created in TEA-21 under Section 5117(b)(3), which established a nationwide interoperable Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The proposed amendment would not require an appropriation, but would make program dollars available for a public/private partnership which has already returned $50,000 in revenue sharing to Pennsylvania. This would provide a tool to enhance safety and fight traffic congestion. (H.R. 2299).(Ltr. 6/22/01)

IBEW urged passage of Railroad Retirement Reform (H.R. 1140/H.R. 10) to benefit rail workers' to include the following: * Surviving-spouse benefits will be boosted by an average of $300 monthly. * Reduces the retirement age from 62 to 60 for railroaders with at least 30 years of service to retire with unreduced retirement benefits, effective Jan. 1, 2002. Continued health coverage will be provided by railroads until the retired worker reaches age 65 and is eligible for Medicare. * Younger workers will receive full vesting in Railroad Retirement after five years of railroad employment rather than the existing 10 years. * Railroads must ensure the future solvency of the pension fund by absorbing any necessary future payroll tax increases.

IBEW urged passage of Railroad Retirement Reform (H.R. 1140/H.R. 10) to benefit rail workers' to include the following: * Surviving-spouse benefits will be boosted by an average of $300 monthly. * Reduces the retirement age from 62 to 60 for railroaders with at least 30 years of service to retire with unreduced retirement benefits, effective Jan. 1, 2002. Continued health coverage will be provided by railroads until the retired worker reaches age 65 and is eligible for Medicare. * Younger workers will receive full vesting in Railroad Retirement after five years of railroad employment rather than the existing 10 years. * Railroads must ensure the future solvency of the pension fund by absorbing any necessary future payroll tax increases.

The IBEW urged a ‘No’ vote on PUHCA repeal legislation in the Senate Banking Committee. We oppose the stand-alone repeal of Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA) in S. 206, because it would expose consumers to potential market power abuses. IBEW urged support to include the “Price Gouging and Blackout Prevention Amendment” to H.R. 1647, electricity emergency bill. (Ltr. 6/5/01)

The IBEW encouraged a ‘yes’ vote on the proposed "Price Gouging and Blackout Prevention Amendment" offered by Congressman Waxman to the Electricity Emergency Relief Act (H.R. 1647). (Ltr. 6/5/01)

The IBEW asked Congress to vote against H. Con. Res. 83, the FY 2002 Budget Resolution which would, in effect, raid the non-Social Security surpluses of more than a trillion dollars over the next ten years to pay for massive tax cuts. This budget resolution would accommodate most of the tax cuts for the top wage earners proposed by President Bush, while leaving insufficient resources behind for important programs that help working families. It does not strengthen Medicare, in fact, almost half of the Medicare surpluses projected over the next ten years will be diverted to pay for an inadequate prescription drug benefit and other so-called Medicare "reforms." (Ltr. 3/26/2001) IBEW urged support for highly skilled, specialized members working in the American shipbuilding industry by appropriating $100 million for the Maritime Administration’s Title XI Ship Loan Guarantee Program. The Title XI Ship Loan Guarantee Program has been a critical element in the creation of thousands of highly skilled, family-wage jobs in ship construction. Without an infusion of new dollars, no new shipbuilding loans will even be considered by the Maritime Administration, which would result in job losses for our members and negatively impact the livelihood of thousands of families across the country.(Ltr. 4/26/01) IBEW urged support of an amendment to be included in the Defense Supplemental Appropriations bill. The amendment would provide further clarifying language for the Department of Transportation to carry out the intent of a program created in TEA-21 under Section 5117(b)(3), which established a nationwide interoperable Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The proposed amendment would not require an appropriation, but would make program dollars available for a public/private partnership which has already returned $50,000 in revenue sharing to Pennsylvania. This would provide a tool to enhance safety and fight traffic congestion. (H.R. 2299).(Ltr. 6/22/01)

The IBEW requested support for a provision to be included in the Transportation Appropriations bill (H.R. 2299). The purpose of the amendment was to provide further clarifying language for the Department of Transportation to carry out the intent of a program created in TEA-21 under Section 5117(b)(3), which established a nationwide interoperable Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). By directing the Department of Transportation to carry out the intent of Congress, it would provide states with another tool to enhance safety and fight traffic congestion. It would create immediate job opportunities for hundreds of IBEW members, and increase efficiencies throughout the U.S. marketplace by reducing the hours and fuel consumption lost in traffic congestion. (Ltr. 7/10/01 & Ltr. 8/20/01) IBEW urged support for a budget increase allotment to Amtrak for the continued funding of higher levels of service, and heightened security measures. Amtrak asked the federal government to provide emergency funds so they can boost security, acquire rolling stock, improve infrastructure and safely handle increased ridership. (Ltr. 9/27/01-LU 2270). Transporation Appropriations H.R. 2299/S.1178