To the Delegates, Officers, and Members of the First District,
Since I became Business Manager of Local 1620, our local has had the privilege of working closely with Russ and his team at the First District Office. The support, guidance, and accessibility they have provided have helped strengthen our local union and have given us the confidence to pursue new opportunities that benefit our members.
It quickly became clear to us that Russ had a vision for the IBEW in Canada—one built on cooperation, mobility, organizing, and ensuring that IBEW members are performing IBEW work. Local 1620 was proud to become part of that vision.
Over the past several years, we have seen transmission line projects from coast to coast increasingly being performed by IBEW members. We have also witnessed local unions working together like never before, sharing resources, supporting one another, and focusing on a common objective of ensuring that work which belongs with the IBEW is performed by IBEW members.
For many years, our union watched significant transmission projects being completed by non-union contractors. Every one of those projects represented lost opportunities for our members and for the IBEW across Canada. Today, we believe that trend is beginning to change.
One of the most encouraging developments has been the response from the industry itself. Through discussions with both unionized and non-unionized contractors, we have seen growing recognition of the IBEW’s leadership, its increased presence on major transmission projects, and its ability to provide a skilled, mobile workforce across Canada.
Most importantly, contractors who once had little interest in the IBEW are now approaching local unions to learn how they can become part of our organization. One non-union contractor told us that this level of mobility was something the industry had needed for years and that it made becoming an IBEW contractor a realistic and practical option.
From an organizing perspective, Local 1620 believes this has been one of the most significant shifts we have seen in years. Rather than spending all our efforts trying to convince contractors to meet with us, we are increasingly having contractors reach out to us because they see value in being part of the IBEW.
Innovation is rarely without challenges. However, if we are unwilling to adapt to the changing needs of our industry, we risk standing still while others move ahead. Russ has demonstrated the leadership to challenge long-held assumptions and pursue innovative ideas that strengthen the IBEW for everyone.
Local 1620 believes that Russ’s leadership has strengthened cooperation between local unions, increased employment opportunities for our members, improved workforce mobility across Canada, created new organizing opportunities, and provided greater stability in the working careers of IBEW members.
For these reasons, the executive board of IBEW Local 1620 and I are proud to endorse Russ Shewchuk for re-election as International Vice President of the First District. We believe his leadership has positioned the IBEW for continued growth, and we look forward to continuing to work together to build an even stronger IBEW across Canada.
In Solidarity,
Steven Stewart
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
IBEW Local 1620
