On September 27, the PEI Labour Board approved the merger of IBEW Locals 1928 and 1432. We welcome the approximately 200 outside contstruction members from 1432 who will now stand under the 1928 banner. These members work for Maritime Electric, City of Summerside, and University of PEI.
     Other than a change of Local number, we plan to maintain "business-as-usual" for our PEI members as much as possible. We will maintain an office at the union hall in Charlottetown (though it will not be staffed 8 hours a day) and regular unit meetings. Several PEI members will attend shop steward school on October 7 and 8 in Truro. Business Manager Jeff Richardson, who lives in central Nova Scotia, will be over to the Island regularly. He has been taking over many of the responsibilities from past Business Manager, Brother Ray McBride, who is looking forward to finally being able to retire. We would like to thank Ray, and also Marlene in the Local 1432 office, for their many years of service to the Local and their patience during the merger process.
     On the same day, the PEI Labour Board also approved the merger of inside construction members from Local 1432 under the banner of Local 625; that Local's office is also located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
     Note that Maritime Electric negotiations begin the first week in November.