Huntsville, Joe Wheeler utilities deny claims of union discrimination during Sandy response (update)

[Omaha Steve]

31. Statement from IBEW President Ed Hill on Hurricane Sandy Clean Up

For Immediate Release

Nov. 2, 2012

Statement from IBEW President Ed Hill on Hurricane Sandy Clean Up

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thousands of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers members are working around the clock to restore power and clean up the damage left in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Many have traveled hundreds of miles from more than a dozen states to help with the effort, risking their own personal safety to get affected communities back online.

It is the policy of this union and the companies we represent to welcome assistance during major natural disasters – regardless of union status.

There have been reports that a nonunion crew was turned away from work in New Jersey. At this stage, it is not clear who is alleged to have turned the crew away and the company that employs the affected workers has denied the claim. IBEW local leaders in New Jersey have reiterated what has been the long standing record of our union –in times of crisis all help is welcome and we pull together with everyone to meet the needs of the public. We have communicated this to the office of New Jersey Governor Christie as well.

It is unfortunate that at a time when skilled line workers are working around the clock to help devastated communities, sketchy reports should cast a pall over these efforts. The real story is that our members and others are working side by side to help people in New Jersey and all affected states get their power back and recover from the effects of the storm.

The IBEW will continue to give it our all, working with anyone who shares our commitment to safety and service to ensure relief for the people of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 725,000 members who work in a wide variety of fields, including manufacturing, utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.