Local 258 members from across the continent travelled to Vancouver in September for the 38th International Convention of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers with Local 258 and Local 213 sharing the local hosting duties. The International Convention is where the business of the union takes place – it’s where delegates, democratically elected by the membership from each Local of the union, make the decisions that will guide the brotherhood into the future. With more than 3,000 delegates in attendance, events began on September 16th with pre-convention forums, a tradeshow and social gatherings. With the theme of “Sisters in Solidarity: Leadership Beyond Borders”, the IBEW Women’s Conference saw Local 258 send one of the largest delegations that attended the pre-convention forum. Keynote speaker Amber Hockin, the first woman director from the Canadian Labour Congress - Pacific Division, spoke about barriers in the workplace that women often face – structural barriers, family responsibilities and traditional stereotypes. Describing her own experience, she acknowledged even though there are many barriers to participation that women face in the labour movement, there are also leaders who know how to create space for women because ultimately it’s good for the union movement overall. President Ed Hill engaged attendees in a thoughtful question-and-answer session where members discussed ways to boost women in leadership roles. The Women’s Caucus concluded with a panel discussion, featuring Canadian participant Betty Rolleston, Business Manager of Local 319 in Saskatoon, with panelists discussing their own experiences of stepping into leadership positions. The afternoon Political Caucus was a first time event associated with Convention with IBEW political activists gathering to discuss the importance of political action. Hundreds of delegates learned workers in Canada are facing many of the same difficulties workers in the US are facing as a result of an anti-worker agenda that has squeezed the middle class and is attacking collective bargaining rights. Geoff Meggs, Vancouver City Councillor, told delegates that while important victories for working people start at the bargaining table, union members need to finish it at the ballot box. NDP MP Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway) told delegates that if right wing Prime Minister Stephen Harper continues to attack workers rights, the NDP will fight him “every step of the way”. The next day was set aside for socializing as delegates travelled to Vancouver’s Hastings Park for a fabulous picnic that included the IBEW Has Talent contest, musical guests and lots of pin-trading! Delegates and their families enjoyed meeting old friends and making new ones as a small airplane towing a huge IBEW banner flew over the park all afternoon and could be seen by the thousands at the picnic and surrounding local residents. The official convention got underway at the new Vancouver Trade and Convention Center on Monday, September 19th with spectacular opening ceremonies featuring pipe bands from the Vancouver Police Department and IBEW’s very own Sword of Light Pipe and Drum Band, comprised of New York Local 3 members. Delegates were welcomed to the traditional Coast Salish territory by Rose Point, an Elder from the Musqueam Nation and her nephew Shane Point who offered ceremonial prayers. First District Vice President Phil Flemming welcomed delegates and presided over the morning ceremonies. The five days of convention were a mix of discussion and decision-making. President Ed Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Sam Chilia were unanimously elected to serve five-year terms with International Executive Council Chairman Bob Pierson being re-elected by acclamation. Guest speakers included local and international labour and political leaders including Ken Georgetti, President of the Canadian Labour Congress; Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO; IBEW member Liz Shuler, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO; Jim Sinclair, President of the BC Federation of Labour; Peter Tighe, General Secretary of Australia’s Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union; Carlo DeMasi, Secretary General, Italian Federation of Electrical Utility Workers; and, BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix. Ken Georgetti roused delegates by asking the question, “Did anyone here in this room take billions of dollars in bonuses while killing jobs? If it wasn’t IBEW members, was it teachers? Was it nurses? Postal workers? Or was it a pipe fitter like me? Of course not.” Jim Sinclair of the BC Federation of Labour gave delegates a call for action, stating, “We are on the front lines of ensuring a decent life for members – but tens of millions of working people don’t have a union. So we have to build a movement that encompasses all working people who see us as their champions, not just as champions for the labour movement itself.” Delegates approve funding for continued growth International President Edwin D. Hill spoke to the challenges facing the IBEW, saying, “Our choice is between the promise of future growth or the serenity of continued decline. The future of the IBEW, our local unions, our membership, and each of us, will depend on the leadership demonstrated today.” Brother Hill noted that from 2006 through July 2011, the IBEW has brought in more than 129,000 new “BA” members—mostly as a result of professional and industrial organizing efforts. Dozens of active campaigns are in the works and Hill pointed to areas where additional resources are required. But despite the increase in BA members, International Secretary-Treasurer Sam Chilia noted increased membership projections from the 2006 convention fell short by 60,000, leading to a reduction in revenue that, if it continues, would hamper the organization’s ability to organize and mobilize for future growth. Delegates then approved continued financial support for the IBEW’s aggressive organizing efforts with an overwhelming vote in favor of a per capita increase, as follows: • A per capita tax increase of $2 on January 1, 2012 • A second increase of $2 on January 1, 2014 • A third per capita tax increase of $1 effective January 1, 2016, if such an increase is necessary due to failure to meet membership growth projections prepared by accountants for the 38th International Convention. Delegates Debate Constitutional Amendments At prior conventions, elections of International Vice Presidents (IVP) or International Executive Council (IEC) members have taken place through the votes of a majority of local unions at the convention. However, not all of the locals present necessarily vote, such as when the delegates are deadlocked on a decision. Delegates amended Article III, Section 3 of the constitution to ensure that the vote of each district must be decided by a majority of locals at the convention—which must be present and voting at the time of election. If the district is unable to determine its choice, a roll call vote will be taken. Currently, when there are more than two candidates for the same office of IVP or IEC, voting continues until one candidate has received a majority overall vote count. Delegates further amended Article III, Section 3 to allow for a single runoff election between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes. A proposal was also introduced to revise Article III, Section 8 to increase pension payments to retired officers, representatives and assistants. The committee, citing actuarial data, concluded that the proposal was cost prohibitive and moved for nonconcurrence. Delegates agreed, citing tough financial times and the need to act prudently when increasing compensation for members. The convention proceedings adjourned at noon on Friday, September 23 after delegates heard from BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix as the final guest speaker. Closing the 38th International Convention, President Hill thanked the Locals and members of the First District for the generous hospitality while in Vancouver, saying, “What we have done here today, what we have done this week and what we have said here is all going down on the record. It’s now part of our legacy. But more important, it’s the basis on which we are going to build the future. You have made your voices heard. You have voted on the direction of this great union. You have represented your members very well. Thank you, thank you for having the courage to do what was best for the future of this brotherhood.” | 
