Category Archives: IBEW Local 24

May 2022: It’s OK to Discuss Mental Health

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Although discussing mental health is important year-round, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so this is an excellent time to educate yourself about the importance of mental health.

Bringing up the topic of mental health to someone can seem intimidating. You may feel uncomfortable, unsure of what to say or be afraid of offending them. And yet, these discussions are key to reducing stigma and breaking down barriers that keep individuals from seeking support and treatment. Take the first step towards becoming more comfortable discussing mental health by watching the short flash course, “Start the Conversation.” Afterwards, explore some of the tips below for helpful word choices and conversation starters.

  1. Ask, “Are you okay?” Sometimes, asking someone how they feel can open the door to providing support. Rather than immediately asking about a difficult subject matter that may make someone uncomfortable, this simple check-in can help all parties ease into the conversation.
  2. Avoid stigmatized word choices. Choosing words wisely can help with expressing thoughts and ideas respectfully. Certain words and phrases such as “addict,” “crazy,” or “suffering from” have negative connotations that reinforce mental health stigma. Instead, opt for neutral word choices such as “experiencing” or “has a history of.”
  3. Say, “I’ve noticed that…” Open the conversation by explaining behavior changes you’ve noticed. Then, express genuine concern and really listen to the other party’s response. Use the technique of repeating back what you’ve heard to ensure your understanding is clear.
  4. Use “person-first” language. People are not defined by their mental illness. Instead of saying “someone is mentally ill,” which equates person and illness, use person-first language such as “someone has mental illness.” If you’re not sure what word choices might be best, ask the other person. Follow their lead and ask for their guidance if you have concerns.
  5. Show empathy and offer support. This might seem intuitive, but showing respect, compassion and empathy for someone’s feelings can help them feel understood and be more willing to share. Try responding with phrases such as, “that sounds hard to manage” or “I’m sorry things are difficult right now.” Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if the person seems upset or confused.

1in5.info

The 1 in 5 campaign focuses on normalizing the need for mental health resources and removing stigma for those who want to access care. Increasing comfort and confidence with talking about mental health concerns is key to reducing stigma. Visit the 1 in 5 website at www.1in5.info to explore a variety of helpful resources including flash courses, educational tip sheets, a mental health self-assessment, external links to podcasts and more.

Need further support? For confidential guidance and resources to help with life’s stressors, contact SupportLinc EAP by calling 1-888-881-5462.

UPDATED With Red Wing Shoes Flyer – Substance Test Event, Deals On Tools & Boots

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The annual testing for the Local 24 / N.E.C.A. Substance Abuse Program is quickly approaching. For Local 24 members that participate in the Program there will be a Tool/Boot Sale held during the testing in the Electrical Training Center. The prices of all tools and safety-toed work boots have been subsidized by the Maryland Electrical Industry Labor Management Cooperative Committee (MEILMCC). Enclosed is a list of tools and safety-toed work boots with prices. Credit Cards accepted for tool and boot purchases.

Sen. Van Hollen spotlights wins for unions achieved by Pres. Biden and Congress

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On the eve of President Biden’s State of the Union address to the nation, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen has released a summary of key accomplishments for labor delivered by President Biden and Congress. It outlines significant progress and gains for union workers in several areas, as reprinted below.

Protecting pensions: The American Rescue Plan included vitally needed relief for multiemployer pension plans that were facing insolvency.


• The program will provide an estimated $94 billion in assistance to more than 200 eligible plans that are severely underfunded, preventing pension cuts for 1.3 million Americans.


• These protections help promote the continued availability of multiemployer pensions for the 10 million Americans in these plans.

Creating infrastructure jobs with high labor standards: This landmark investment in our nation’s infrastructure creates good-paying union jobs for workers across the country.

• Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements ensure that these jobs come with fair pay.

• President Biden’s executive order implementing the law prioritizes “prevailing wages and the free and fair chance to join a union.”

Mandating project labor agreements: President Biden signed an executive order at a union training center requiring the use of Project Labor Agreements for federal construction projects over $35 million.

• Project labor agreements are pre-hire collective bargaining agreements that set standards for all workers on a project, which alleviates coordination challenges that can stymie progress.

• This order is estimated to cover $262 billion in federal government construction contracting and improve job quality for the nearly 200,000 workers on federal construction contracts.

Expanding quality apprenticeships: President Biden and Congress expanded apprenticeships and reversed efforts to weaken quality controls for apprenticeship programs.

• The bipartisan infrastructure law includes new funding for apprenticeships to create pipelines for workers into union jobs.

• President Biden repealed an executive order from President Trump that would have weakened apprenticeship standards with a new category of “Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs” that lacked the rigor of traditional registered apprenticeships.

Strengthening Buy American rules: New requirements will ensure that federal investments are carried out with American manufacturing and workers.

• President Biden signed an executive order to increase the domestic content requirements for federal procurement, and to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical products.

• The bipartisan infrastructure law includes comprehensive Buy American requirements for iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials.

Repealing anti-union executive orders: President Biden repealed several anti-union executive orders issued by President Trump that targeted federal employees.

• One of the repealed executive orders would have eliminated civil service protections for workers classified under a new “Schedule F”.

• Three other repealed executive orders had sharply limited the Official Time with which unions can represent workers, curtailed the collective bargaining process, and reduced protections against unwarranted discipline or termination.

Standing up for workers: When he came into office, President Biden signed an executive order stating that it is the policy of the federal government to, “encourage union organizing and collective bargaining.” Since then, President Biden and Congress have taken action to ensure that the laws on the books to protect workers are actually enforced on the job site.

• Marty Walsh, a longtime union member and leader, is now the Secretary of Labor.

• David Prouty and Gwynne Wilcox are now Members of the National Labor Relations Board, and NLRB has acted more strongly to protect workers under their leadership.

• President Biden fired the Trump-appointed General Counsel at the NLRB, Peter Robb, who used his position to attack workers and unions. The new General Counsel is Jennifer Abruzzo, who brings union experience to the role and is already taking action to reinvigorate NLRB enforcement of laws prohibiting unfair labor practices.

• The American Rescue Plan included $200 million in new funding for the agencies charged with enforcing worker protection laws, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Wage and Hour Division, and the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.

Developing a comprehensive action plan to support workers: President Biden created the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, which released a report providing 70 recommendations approved by President Biden that promote worker organizing and collective bargaining. These actions, all of which are consistent with laws already on the books, include the following:

• Making sure that workers know their rights to organize and bargain collectively.

• Doing more to protect workers against retaliation for organizing.

• Ensuring that federal contractors do not spend taxpayer dollars on anti-union campaigns.

• Using the Department of Labor to provide resources on the advantages of unionization, for the use of any agency, worker, or business seeking to communicate the benefits of worker organizing.

Call To Action: Speak Out To Support Voting Rights

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There is nothing more fundamental in a democracy than a right to vote. At this moment, that right – and our democracy itself – is under attack. In a recent letter to all IBEW members, International President Lonnie Stephenson urged everyone to raise their voices to protect voting rights.

The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act are pieces of legislation would protect the right of every American to cast our vote and have that vote counted.

Stephenson’s message said “We are not going to sit on the sidelines and wait for members of Congress to get around to passing it— and that’s where you come in. Please go to IBEWaction.org and call your member of the Senate and ask them for their commitment to vote on the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

As IBEW Secretary-Treasurer Kenny Cooper has said, your member of Congress tolerates our staff in Washington. But they care about their constituents. Now is the time once again to make the voice of the IBEW heard on Capitol Hill.”

Wage Theft Scheme Results In Jail Time And Fine For Contractor

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In November, Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced that Sergio Blanco, 49, pleaded guilty before the District Court for Baltimore City to stealing wages from an employee of his contracting company, BAC Contractors, Inc (BAC).

Blanco was sentenced to six months in jail with all but 50 days suspended, followed by three years of supervised probation upon release. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Blanco prepaid $50,000 in restitution which will be made available to certain workers his company underpaid in violation of Maryland’s prevailing wage laws.

“When employers steal wages from their employees, they commit a crime,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Mr. Blanco will pay a stiff penalty for exploiting his workers. More importantly, the workers who were victimized by Mr. Blanco’s fraud will receive restitution.”

Read entire press release

Wage theft happens every day in the construction industry. Contractors who cheat are not only stealing from their employees, but from every Maryland taxpayer. If you or someone you know has been a victim of Wage Theft, contact IBEW Local 24 at (410) 247-5511

ConCor Networks, Inc. Joins The IBEW Local #24 Family

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Local 24 is proud to welcome ConCor Networks, Inc., an EMCOR company, as our newest signatory contractor. ConCor is an employer that values training, skill and experience. By joining the IBEW family, ConCor has demonstrated that its workforce deserves the excellent pay, comprehensive benefits and safe working conditions that come with IBEW union membership.

Thirty of ConCor Networks, Inc.’s current employees were sworn in at our regular membership meeting on Tuesday, December 28, 2021. Please join us in welcoming our new members and signatory contractor.

Offshore Wind Farm Hearing Dates Set

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Members wanted to speak in support of Ocean City, MD wind farm during Public Service Commission (PSC) online virtual meetings on September 28 and 30.

The IBEW has established a clear record of support for wind farms and the clean energy they produce. Wind power is a source of great union jobs, both during construction and for day-to-day operation. Now that things are moving forward related to the offshore wind farm to be built off the coast of Ocean City, MD, it is time to rally Local 24 members and retirees to show our support.

Local 24 Business Manager Mike McHale is asking members to volunteer to testify in favor of the project during two PSC meetings on Tuesday, September 28, at 6:00 pm and Thursday September 30, at 6:00 pm. Because the hearings are virtual, no travel will be required in order to testify.

The Baltimore and DC Building Trades, with which Local 24 is affiliated, will provide talking points to all members who sign up to testify. The talking points will be a great resource in helping to develop testimony. If you are able to testify at one of the hearings, please send an email to NCaruso@ibewlocal24.org to get the ball rolling.

Presiden Biden Celebrated Labor Day with IBEW Members

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President Biden spent the day dedicated to workers with members of the IBEW.

Along with IBEW President Lonnie Stephenson, President Biden delivered sandwiches to members of Wilmington, DE Local 313 on Labor Day, Sept. 6.

He played cornhole and chatted with about 35 members of the local union. An article about the event described a moment when “the president began talking into an iPhone to a union member’s mom, telling her that he’d been with the union since he was first elected to public office in the early 1970s.”

“I’m with your son,” Biden said. “Mom, I wish you were here. I just stopped by to thank these guys. Happy Labor Day.”

IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson called Biden “a longtime friend of working families and the IBEW.”

Stephenson wrote in February 2020, “Joe Biden has listened to IBEW members, and his energy policy has been shaped by deep, meaningful conversations with the professionals who will build and maintain the energy grid of the future.”

Biden’s interest in getting IBEW members’ point of view was further evidenced when Local 24 member Cory McCray, a state senator in the Maryland General Assembly, was recently invited to the White House.

Read the IBEW’s BUILDING AMERICA BACK BETTER newsletter for the whole story.