A Message from Business Manager Chris Erikson Jr.
As a union, we have spent the last several days reflecting on the somber anniversary of 9/11 and fulfilling promises made to our members who were murdered on that tragic day. We promised to support the families of our brothers – 17 from Local 3 and 4 from Local 1212 – and we accomplished that with the IBEW Disaster Fund. Over $800k initially raised from our members, contractors, and IBEW sisters and brothers resulted in over $1.4 million in payments to the 33 children of those members. It is a small token really, but at least a way to help support them as they navigated growing up without their fathers. We promised to honor our lost members’ memories and we have, this year and every year, at our monthly General Membership meeting in September, at a memorial service at the Union Hall on the morning of September 11th, at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi during the Building Trades' memorial Mass that afternoon, and again at HEART 9/11's commemoration at the Oculus this Tuesday. Our promise made to those original 17 members now includes the 34 brothers we have lost to 9/11-related illnesses and exposure to toxins during the rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. That is why the new plaque we unveiled last week is so special. To fulfill our promise always, Local 3 will continue to read their names and tell their stories, so their blessed memories will never be forgotten.
Last week, the NYC Central Labor Council held its Labor Day Rally and March in lower Manhattan, and I couldn't have been prouder of our members that day. The enthusiasm was palpable, as over 2,000 members showed up, nearly half the total turnout, and made our voices heard on the streets of our City. Local 3 volunteers made up the majority of the Parade Committee. The Sword of Light led the march, and the Local 3 Motorcycle Club brought up the rear. Our members are informed, engaged, and ready to stand up for our union, letting every elected official and employer know that Local 3 stands strong with the Labor Movement in New York City. Working people are ready to fight to protect and expand workers’ rights, to grow our unions, and to make sure all working people have the opportunity to use collective bargaining to make a better life for themselves.
