Business Manager’s Message — August 2023

As We Celebrate Summer of Labor Let’s Gear Up for Labor Day, Head Out to the Ballpark, and Keep an Eye on Our Health

Greetings sisters and brothers,

Summer is winding down, Labor Day is approaching, and it is a time for celebration.

Over 3,000 members and their families enjoyed IBEW Local 11’s annual picnic. This year was one of the best with games and events for everyone. A heartfelt thanks to Picnic Committee Chairman Dave Grabowski and all the volunteers who graciously gave their time and energy to make sure the picnic was a success. We did, however, miss “Pirate” Mitch Klein who has been conducting the children’s games for over 30 years. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day catching up with friends and family.

We are gearing up for the 44th Labor Day Parade and Rally to be held in Wilmington, Calif. Come march with your brothers and sisters. Assembly begins at 8 am at Broad and E streets with the march commencing at 10 am. The parade will culminate at Banning Park where there will be food, drinks, speakers and music. Call the Administrative office at (626) 243-9706 to either volunteer to march in the parade or help barbecue hot dogs for the participants. Bring your family, and spend some time in solidarity with your fellow union members. Be sure and check in with a Local 11 staff member to receive your IBEW commemorative T-shirt and sign up for tickets to Union Night at Dodger Stadium.

On Saturday, Sept. 23 at 6:10 pm, the Dodgers will honor Union Labor as they take on their arch nemesis, the San Francisco Giants. You can only get the T-shirt and Dodgers tickets at the Labor Day parade and rally if you check in with a Local 11 staff member and march in the parade or help with cooking at Banning Park. Come on out and represent Labor.

At a recent Health Trust meeting, our consultant presented us with projected increases from our medical providers for 2024. Every July, the providers look back at the previous year’s plan utilization rates and project new rates for the coming year. Our consultant then goes and negotiates those new rates. The Trustees were able to stave off large monetary increases last year with some slight adjustments to our plans. The next few years present even more hurdles, with health care costs spiraling out of control. Join your Trustees, plan professionals, and consultant as we present you with the projected increases and how to assimilate those while still providing good health care coverage.

There will be a WebEx meeting on Friday, Sept. 15 at 5 pm. Go to www.ibew11.org/calendar for information on how to participate. We are also looking into the IBEW Family Medical Care Plan (FMCP), which will provide excellent health benefits at substantial savings to participants. This webinar will be held on Friday, Sept. 22 at 5 pm. Go to www.ibew11.org/calendar for instructions on how to log in. We will compile the different options for members to vote on, which will be sent out shortly after these meetings. Please plan to participate in these important meetings to continue to enjoy your excellent health care benefits.

As always, it is an honor and privilege to serve the members of IBEW Local Union 11 as your Business Manager.

Fraternally,

Joël Barton
IBEW 11 Business Manager