[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1508-E1509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IBEW LOCAL 129

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2016

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 
(IBEW) Local 129 of Lorain, Ohio. This is an incredibly significant 
centennial milestone of labor history in northern Ohio.
  Since 1916, IBEW Local 129 has served northern Ohio with distinction, 
providing the highest quality of electrical work and providing power to 
the residents of the Lorain-Elyria area. Its members continue to 
dedicate their careers to the advancement of wages, benefits and 
working conditions for all electrical workers.
  The history of this organization dates back to March 1, 1916 when the 
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 129 was chartered 
in Elyria, Ohio. The founding eleven brothers were: Henry Therman, H.R. 
Ward, Gus Pallas, A.J. Miller, I.W. Horton, Ray Ward, J.W. Bareholmen, 
John Keishair, F.A. Lawrence, A.E. Gramholz and C. Pallas.
  Beginning wages were roughly $0.12/hour--which was far greater than 
an unorganized laborer in those days.
  In 1917, IBEW Local 627 Lorain was formed under the leadership of 
Organizer Boyle from Local 129. By the time 1930 rolled around, the 
membership numbers and work available to the two locals was not what 
either had anticipated. After much deliberation and negotiation, Local 
129 of Elyria absorbed Local 627 of Lorain and, under one banner became 
the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 129 of 
Lorain, Ohio.
  The skilled men and women of IBEW Local 129 have contributed their 
time and talents to many notable projects including: The National Tube 
Company, Fruehauf Trailer Plant at Avon Lake, United States Steel, The 
Ford Manufacturing Plant, local commercial developments like O'Neil's 
Shopping Center, Lorain

[[Page E1509]]

County Schools, Lorain and the surrounding area hospitals, American 
Shipbuilding, Cleveland Electric Illuminating, and B.F. Goodrich, to 
name a few.
  IBEW founder Henry Miller envisioned a union of electrical workers 
banded together toward the goal of improved safety, wages and working 
conditions for the brotherhood. A century later, his legacy stands tall 
through the brothers and sisters of Local 129. We offer our heartiest 
congratulations to IBEW Local 129 in celebration of its rich history 
and thank you for working to illuminate our world over the last 100 
years

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