[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL 
           BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL UNION 375

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 100th anniversary of 
the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 375 and 
to acknowledge their persistent endeavor to fairly represent their 
members.
  On February 3, 1914, a dedicated group of seventeen electricians 
organized into the Local Union 375. Their goal was to obtain better 
wages and better working conditions. In 1947, LU 375 initiated an 
apprenticeship program. Now seen as a key function, the apprenticeship 
program meets the demand for high quality electricians highly skilled 
in fiber-optics and advanced technologies as well as the traditional 
delivery modes. That same year, LU 375 joined the National Electrical 
Contractors Association, which leveraged their bargaining power. The 
benefits afforded members increased again in 1961, when the Health and 
Welfare Plan was put in place to provide healthcare and other benefits. 
Another milestone was reached on June 1, 1990, when LU 375 began to 
train Telecommunication Technicians as part of the Telephone 
Interconnect Communications system agreement.
  On December 19, 1998, LU 375 moved to their new office and training 
center at what is now their current headquarters in Allentown. A short 
eleven years later, in 2009, they hired their first full-time Training 
Director and expanded the apprenticeship program. Today, they serve up 
to 150 apprentices in their training center and offer programs to keep 
veteran members current on the newest techniques and technologies. 
Although hit by the economic downturn in 2008, they have since seen new 
opportunities, including those generated by the redevelopment of 
downtown Allentown through the Neighborhood Improvement Zone awarded in 
2013.
  As one of the oldest unions in the region, LU 375 has grown to a 
membership approaching 1100, with ranks continuing to expand thanks to 
well-planned organizing. After 100 years, the IBEW Local Union 375 has 
remained true to their mission to provide strong, fair representation 
and open communication for members, fellow unions, contractors, and the 
community. It is an honor for me to recognize their 100 years of 
service and fraternity.

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