By Kevin B. Casey
As I sit here and write this article, St. Patrick's Day is next week and finally the weather is starting to turn for the better with temperatures getting into the 50's and 60's. It has been one of the worst winters that I can remember in many years. Even with such a bad winter, Local 25 has had probably its best winter in the history of the Local when it comes to employment. The Books, both 1 and 2, have been clear for the entire winter. It has been a walk-through for months, with many jobs going unfilled for a week or so. We currently have 101 travelers working in the jurisdiction, which is unusual for this time of year. We usually start putting out travelers in late spring or early summer. It has been extremely difficult to get travelers to come sign the book because most locals in the northeast are also busy with work. Even Local 3 has full employment and should be very busy for the next couple of years. Which is great for them but also great for Local 25. Because if we start to slow up, which I don't see happening anytime soon, I know Local 3 will call us for manpower. Local 25 has had Local 3 members working in the jurisdiction for the last 10 years. Local 25 and Local 3 have a great relationship.
This year is an election year for Local 25 officers. At the March union meeting we elected Brother Dan Hilton as the Election Judge and 8 tellers to oversee the election. Nominations for Local 25 officers will be at the May union meeting, and the elections will be the day of the June union meeting. Make sure you come out and vote.
Some upcoming conferences I will be attending in the next couple weeks are the IBEW 3rd District Conference in Atlantic City, as well as the IBEW Construction and Maintenance Conference and the National Building Trades Conference, both of which are in Washington DC.
The Local 25 funds did very well this year with the Pension getting 12.6%, Annuity 9.7%, and 401k 10.5%. Hopefully, 2026 has the same outcome.
Sisters and Brothers, that ends my report for this issue of the Conduit. Remember to work safe, turn off energized circuits and always remember to stick together out there.