Glacier Electric Cooperative employees join IBEW union

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.goldentrianglenews.com/articles/2008/02/13/cut_bank_pioneer_press/news/news5.txt

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 11:39 AM MST

Glacier Electric Cooperative and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) are pleased to announce a new partnership. On Feb. 6, Glacier Electric employees voted to affiliate their employee association with IBEW Local 768. IBEW Local 768 is headquartered in Kalispell and represents the cooperatives in Northwest Montana.

The Glacier Electric board and management support the employee's affiliation with IBEW, knowing that there is much to be gained from being a part of IBEW's network with other Montana cooperatives. This relationship encourages cooperatives to share training ideas and solutions to issues that all cooperatives face.

"Seeing that the employees feel that union representation is in their best interest, I respect this decision and will help to support their effort," said Jasen Bronec General Manager of Glacier Electric.

For over 100 years, IBEW has been the choice of professional electrical workers in Montana. IBEW has some 750,000 members, including about 3,000 in Montana. Nearly all of Montana's electric cooperatives, utilities, power generation facilities, and line-construction contractors rely on IBEW members for quality work. Glacier employees now have access to an international organization with expertise in utility industry trends, employment assistance, training, and full-time representation.

"It's a big step forward for Glacier's employees and the cooperative as well," said Bob Brock, with the IBEW. "So far, we are very pleased with the spirit of cooperation shown by the Board of Directors and management at Glacier. We are excited to be representing the employees and looking forward to working together with management in this new relationship."

FULL story at link.