This story was originally published in the Summer 2007 issue of The Current.

If you owned coastal property in Maine or New Hampshire and weather forecasters said that a hurricane was barreling up the Atlantic Coast, you would probably batten down the hatches, stock up on groceries and flashlight batteries, hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. If the hurricane passed us by, well, you could still make good use of those supplies. If we took a direct hit from Mother Nature, you’d be all set to ride out the storm.

By the same token, when the forecast calls for upcoming contract bargaining at one of our represented companies, members ought to consider getting their financial house in order—just in case negotiations turn stormy. All too many of us live from paycheck-to-paycheck, and the threat of missing even a single week’s pay can make some of the most resolute union members think twice about the impact loss of wages might have on them and their families. Unfortunately, negotiators at our represented companies know this.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama took a moment to pose with IBEW 1837 members at NH Labor's Day 2007 Breakfast.Labor's Day 2007 events featured shows of solidarity, lessons in labor history, great music, and politics! And members of IBEW Local 1837 were there to take it all in. A variety of gatherings in New Hampshire and Maine drew hundreds of enthusiastic union members, their families, and their friends.

The New Hampshire AFL-CIO Breakfast in Manchester drew close to 500 people to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, including the state’s congressional delegation, Governor John Lynch, and Democratic presidential hopefuls Christopher Dodd and Barack Obama. Representing IBEW 1837 at the exciting event were Kerry Guptill, Thomas Clements, Bill Tarallo, Steve and Jeanne Eldredge, Tony and Shirley Sapienza, Rick Simons, Dave Ouellette and Sue Ekola.

There were rousing speeches from the presidential candidates, and many of those in attendance took advantage of the rare chance to speak with them one-on-one about the issues of importance to working people in this country today. NH AFL-CIO President Mark MacKenzie took the opportunity to reveal a new campaign declaring that “in America no one should go without health care.”

The Current is distributed quarterly by IBEW 1837 stewards at worksites. You can also download the most recent edition here.

Highlights from this issue include:

PSNH Field Technicians Vote To Join IBEW 1837

Business Manager Phinney Addresses FCC Hearing

National Labor Relations Board Issues Complaint Against WGME-TV

Employee Free Choice Act Stopped by Union Foes in U.S. Senate

Download the Summer 2007 issue of The Current by clicking below.