Author Archives: Maggie Young

Join Us At Union Night Rally In Annapolis

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Local 24 IBEW is proud to take part in Union Night in Annapolis, when our members engage with Maryland’s elected officials and express support or opposition for legislation that is being considered by the General Assembly.

Union Night is an annual event organized by the Metro Baltimore Council AFL-CIO and the Baltimore/D.C. Building Trades Union. It brings together members of many unions, both public and private sector.

Check out the flyer below for more information. Local 24 provides buses for transport from the union hall to Lawyer’s Mall. You can sign up TODAY using our online form or by calling the Hall at 410 247-5511.

IBEW Local 24 and Freestate Electric Are Transforming The CFG Bank Arena

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With the help of the NECA/IBEW Powering America Team, downtown Baltimore is seeing an upgrade to its entertainment options through the CFG Bank Arena renovation. Most residents in Baltimore have their own story to tell about the older arena, and the goal of the Powering America team is to modernize the old arena and get it ready for a new season.

Thanks to Electric TV, who came to Baltimore to spotlight this project!

When it comes to making great memories at concerts, sporting events, and thrilling shows, it’s often the lighting that is the unsung hero of every performance. IBEW Local 24 and Freestate Electric, Maryland NECA Chapter member, are hard at work to give the Arena, a 60 year old concrete building, a much-needed lighting and electrical facelift.

There are 250 electrical workers on the job, from young apprentices to experienced journeymen, in the business of making a difference. With every pull of every wire, every turn of every screw, the men and women in this industry learn from each other, help each other advance, and take care of each other.   Construction activity, union construction activity, is a life force that many residents count on. Our projects are catalysts for economic development not just in Downtown Baltimore, but across the country.

IBEW and NECA create cultures of inclusivity where members of all walks of life are given the opportunity to prosper and find success, no matter race, gender, or orientation. Show up with a good attitude, and you’ll find a brotherhood that helps you take your career as far as you want to take it.   The Electrical Apprenticeship program and projects like the CFG Bank Arena serve to move the electrical industry forward, and it will only continue to grow in 2023.

Annual Substance Testing and Tool/Boot Sale Set For March 9th – 11th

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The annual testing for the Power Partnership Substance Abuse Program is quickly approaching and your drug-free card may be due to expire. The following dates have been scheduled for the testing of Journeyman Wireman, Apprentices, VDV, CW, and CE classifications:

THURSDAY         MARCH 9th, 2022, 3:00 – 6:00 PM

FRIDAY               MARCH 10th, 2022, 3:00 – 6:00 PM

SATURDAY         MARCH 11th 2022, 8:00 – 11:00 AM

All Apprentices and CW’s will be tested at the Electrical Training Center, 2699 W. Patapsco Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230. Journeyman, VDV and CE’s will be tested at the Union Hall, 2701 W Patapsco Avenue, Baltimore MD 21230. All testing on Saturday will be done at the Electrical Training Center.

 This program is mandatory for the Apprentices and CW’s, it is voluntary for all others. If you wish to test at a time or site more convenient for your schedule, please contact Mobile Medical Corp. at 877-201-7474 to schedule your test. For any employer where substance abuse testing is required, you must have a current Local 24/NECA card. If you took a random test during the course of the year, you are not required to test again for one year from the random testing date.

For Local 24 members that participate in the program there will be a Tool & Boot sale held in the Electrical Training Center. The prices of all tools have been subsidized by the Maryland Electrical Industry Labor Management Cooperative Committee (MEILMCC). Enclosed with this letter is a list of tools with prices. This year, those who participate in the program will be eligible to receive a voucher for $60 off with TheUnionBootPro.com to purchase Union-Made work boots. Please be ready to show your valid test receipt to the LU24 agent present at the Electrical Training Center to receive the voucher. The voucher is good for one pair of boots and expires two weeks from the testing date.

Should you have any questions regarding program procedures, please contact Sam Curreri at the Local Union Office, 410-247-5511. Apprentices and CW’s should contact the JATC at 410-247-3313. We look forward to seeing you there.

JW Licensing Requirements In Maryland To Take Effect Soon

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You may have heard about the Maryland Electricians Act (Senate Bill 762) and the new licensing requirements for electrical work in the State. Here are some key pieces of information:

  • This is a Maryland State law enacted by Legislators in 2021 and revised in 2022
  • There is a grandfather period for those who do not have an apprenticeship certificate that only lasts until December 2022. Afterwards, you will have to take a State Journeyman test to obtain a license.
  • There is no grandfather period for those that have a State Apprenticeship certificate (Union or Non-union) and members who have a certificate can obtain their license at any time without testing.
  • Enforcement of the law is the responsibility of the county in which the project is being performed, and may begin as early as January 1, 2023.
  • The JATC is going to work with apprentices to make sure they all become licensed as well.

The graphic below shows step by step instructions on how to obtain your license. Please follow the instructions and begin registering your license by clicking this link dllr.state.md.us/license/elec/

Call the hall at (410) 247-5511 with any questions.

Kick Off Your Holiday Season With A Toy Donation

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Calling all big-hearted union members! We are looking for lots of Santa’s helpers to donate unwrapped toys for children from infants to age 16.

The toys will be included in holiday baskets, which are prepared each year by the AFL-CIO Community Services of Central MD. Baskets are given to our fellow union members who are in need and/or suffering financial hardship this Christmas season. Each member will receive a Giant gift card to purchase a ham or turkey along with a basket filled with food. Members with children will receive a gift for each child up to 16 years of age.

Local 24 member Blaine Boone, who is the director of AFL-CIO Community Services of Central MD, said “The toys given to the children of families bring so much joy to those who need it most during the holiday season. And we need your help to ensure that that joy continues this year.”

Community Services is located on the first floor of IBEW Local 24’s building, so if you are coming by the hall for a meeting or referral you can easily drop off your toy donation.

If you don’t get into Baltimore much, please consider buying a toy online and shipping it to:

AFL-CIO Community Services of Central MD
Attn: Blaine Boone
2701 W. Patapsco Ave., Suite 110
Baltimore, MD 21230

Navigating Change: SupportLinc Fall Newsletter

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SUPPORTLINC IS A NO-COST, CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
AVAILABLE TO YOU AND YOUR ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS 24/7/365

Whether you choose change, or it simply happens, change is a natural part of life and important to individual growth. You might experience a new job, a different living situation or shifting social groups, but navigating change successfully can be a similar process for any situation. Change can be difficult sometimes, but the way you approach it can reduce your stress and anxiety as well as help you bounce back quicker and stronger.

Recognize signs of change
Career changes, growing families, aging or unexpected circumstances can trigger feelings similar to the grieving process. Sadness, excitement, joy, anxiety and even anger are typical emotions that you may feel during periods of change. The more you understand why and how changes affect you, the more easily you will be able to handle changes when you encounter them.

Stay flexible
Resisting change only makes it harder. Being open to adapting helps you avoid some of the stress associated with transitions. Ask yourself, “What am I going to lose if I don’t change?” and “How can I make this work?” What skills do you have that you can apply to the new situation or environment? Expressing curiosity, asking questions and exploring new methods of problem solving can help you be more comfortable with changes.

Practice resiliency
The people that are best able to deal with change in their lives believe in their ability to adapt. Resiliency is about “bouncing back” from life’s challenges, and the ability to adjust to situations around you, especially in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or stress. It’s recognizing that your strengths can help you endure and that you have the capability to approach life’s challenges head-on.

Stick to a routine
When facing the unknown, it’s important to try maintaining a sense of normalcy. For example, when facing changes in the workplace, try focusing on your usual workday routine. Can you still have lunch with a coworker or take your break at the same time each day? Sticking to your daily routines, wherever possible, can help ease the stress and tension you may be feeling during changes and provide a sense of comfort.

Change your perspective
Perspective is the window through which you view life, situations and other people. Even amid challenging times, keeping an optimistic viewpoint is possible and can help you move forward. To change the way you are looking at things, you need to change your emotional and mental inputs. Find sources of positive influence such as books, blogs and podcasts that help you to see the whole picture and find the good in change.

While changes might not always be welcome, they are an important part of personal growth. Take a new perspective and tackle change with a positive mindset, but don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it!

Preparing Kids For School – Your EAP Monthly Feature

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Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, getting new school supplies and taking new classes are some of the reasons that students look forward to a new school year. Helping your child prepare for a successful school year can help both of you feel more confident and less stressed about upcoming transitions. 

Whether your child is starting school for the first time or the last, students might feel anxious about embarking on a new journey. To better understand how you can help prepare your child for change, watch the flash course, “Preparing Kids for School.“ Afterwards, read on to find out how you and your child can take steps towards a healthy and happy school year. 

Preparing Kids for School from CuraLinc Healthcare on Vimeo.

  • Set reminders. With summer coming to an end, it might feel difficult to get back into school year routines. It’s important to get in the habit of crafting a schedule before the school year officially starts. This includes setting alarms before bed, practicing usual mealtime routines and completing chores. Having a schedule can make you and your child feel more organized. 
  • Get more sleep. Homework and after school activities can place a lot of stress on a student. Remember to practice healthy sleeping habits by setting alarms and turning off your phone half an hour before bed. Excessive screen time can cause digital eyestrain and hinder your sleeping patterns. 
  • Practice healthy eating habits. Healthy eating can be fun, too. Consider making healthy snacks like sliced apples and bananas with peanut butter or a fruit salad for your child. Fruits and vegetables can boost the energy for both you and your student and motivate you both throughout the day. 
  • Do brain teasers.  Did you know that working on brain teasers exercises the mind? For example, solving puzzles gives your students a mental workout while getting excited about learning. It also brings other children together as they bond over problem-solving. 
  • Communicate with others. If your child ever feels uncomfortable, it’s important to encourage them to speak with their teacher or guidance counselor to address any concerns they may have. Talking to others who share similar feelings can also reduce feelings of stress and serve as a reminder that you and your child are not alone. Parents can also reach out to a SupportLinc licensed counselor by calling 1-888-881-5462 if they’re feeling stressed. 

Earn EVITP Certification Through The Baltimore Electrical JATC At Substantial Savings

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The Baltimore Electrical JATC is offering the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), a 20-hour course for journey-level electricians to get trained and certified to build the United States’ electric vehicle charging system. At a cost of only $85, this option offers significant savings as compared to the course offered on the EVITP website for $275. The Baltimore Electrical JATC certification class is open to any Local 24 JW member who is currently working for a contributing employer, or has been laid off by a contributing employer in the last 12 months. For more information or to enroll, contact the JATC at 410 247-3313.




In a recent letter to business managers, IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson said, “EVITP is a nationally recognized training standard for installing electric vehicle supply equipment, and the federal government is expected to require the training, which it considers essential to the safe long-term operation and maintenance of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This advanced skill program builds on the platform of qualified electricians’ extensive knowledge, skills and experience, so EVITP certification is easily accomplished for many IBEW journey-level workers, requiring a short, 20-hour course, available in person at IBEW training centers and online.”

LU 24 Pres. Sam Curreri Part Of Labor Delegation To Atlantic Trade Talks

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Baltimore Local 24 President Sam Curreri, third from left, was among the labor delegation to meet with
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and her counterpart from the United Kingdom, International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, along with her counterpart from the United Kingdom, International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, met with business and labor leaders at the Port of Baltimore on March 21 to discuss Atlantic trade. Local 24 President Sam Curreri was part of that group, there to be a voice for our members during the roundtable summit.

Discussions over terms of a bilateral trade agreement under consideration between the U.S. and U.K. changed when the Biden administration took over, Curreri said. Talks shifted away from a free trade agreement (FTA) model. An article on Politico predicted that in current negotiations, “Tai will emphasize several key priorities in her discussions with Trevelyan, the senior USTR official said. Those include enhancing labor rights, making workplaces safer, supporting domestic investments, building more competitive workforces…”

Curreri said he was glad to participate in talks representing labor in a global trade setting and cautioned that even industrialized countries like the United States and the United Kingdom need to be mindful of
agreements allowing supply chains that include factories with exploited workers in underdeveloped countries.

According to The Washington Post, “areas that Tai and Trevelyan said they’d work on include:

• Helping small and medium-sized businesses to trade by identifying barriers and sharing best practices

• Supporting the digitalization of transactions and trading systems

• Develop inclusive trade policies, protecting labor rights and tackling forced labor

• Building more resilient supply chains, in particular for food

“There are no better folks to sit at the table than folks who negotiate a contract every couple of years,” Curreri said. “I hope I have the opportunity to go back.”

Prior to meeting with the labor delegation, Ambassador Tai and Secretary Trevelyan participated in a tour led by Maryland Port Administration Executive Director William Doyle. Ambassador Tai and Secretary Trevelyan were joined by Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.

Following the tour, Ambassador Tai noted the important role the Port of Baltimore plays in U.S. commerce and trade policy. She also emphasized how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help the Port of Baltimore, and ensure the United States maintains its global competitive edge.

Portions of this article originally appeared in the most recent edition of the I.B.E.W.’S Building America Back Better Newsletter.

We Can All Help Prevent Suicide

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Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It causes immeasurable pain, suffering and loss to individuals, families and communities nationwide. The causes of suicide are complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors, such as mental illness, substance abuse, painful losses, exposure to violence and social isolation.

Many people are uncomfortable with the topic of suicide. As a result, people rarely communicate openly about suicide. Therefore, an important public health problem is left hidden in secrecy, which can hinder effective prevention efforts.

Preventing suicide
Although it may be difficult to approach the topic of suicide, reach out to those who are in distress. Often, family and friends are the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide and can be the first step toward helping an at-risk individual find treatment with someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

5 steps for helping someone who may be suicidal

• Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

• Keep them safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

• Be there: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

• Help them connect: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone so it’s there when you need it: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also help the at-risk person make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor or mental health professional to reach out to when suicidal thoughts arise.

• Stay connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

It can be frightening when a friend or loved one reveals or shows signs of suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. In an emergency, dial 911 immediately.


For in-the-moment support and a referral to professional, short-term counseling, call SupportLinc, your employee assistance program at 1-888-881-LINC (5462). SupportLinc provides confidential assistance and resources 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

More resources from SupportLinc, your EAP.

Tips for staying mentally healthy

Suicide prevention in the workplace

Signs of emotional health concern

For survivors of suicide loss