To all delegates to the International Convention in San Diego,
I’m Lee Hooper the current president of IBEW Local 2042 and former Senior General Chairman of IBEW System Council No.11. I have been an IBEW member since our inception into the IBEW 36 years ago. I’m pleased to author this letter on behalf of IBEW Local 2042 with the unanimous support of the Local’s Executive Board. We are proud to offer our endorsement of Russ Shewchuk for the position of International Vice President, First District.
As our elected delegate to the International Convention, I have a big responsibility to ensure our Local and for that matter System Council No. 11 continues to receive the best representation possible as has been provided in the last 4 years.
We firmly believe that Russ represents the very best of leadership: someone who respects where we have come from, understands where we stand today, and has the vision and determination to lead us confidently into the future for the IBEW.
The IBEW’s past has been built by dedicated leaders and members who understood the importance of solidarity, service, and standing together. Sadly, this all changed in 2017. Our servicing representative was far removed from the Railway on many occasions. Other sectors were prioritized and we were left with little or no support other than our own internal Council resources. This was never more apparent that this was going to continue when the Council service representative announced his pending retirement, we were then asked to provide names to the First District for a capable replacement. Once our internal process had determined two candidates their names were forwarded to the First District for consideration. There was never a call from the former IVP or his staff as to what the outcome of the selection process was. I think all of us understand that a servicing representative should be familiar with the trade he is assigned to provide support for.
When Russ put his name forward as a candidate he immediately reached out to the Council to discuss his platform and his mission for the IBEW. He held zoom meetings listening to our concerns and local issues across the country. He made a firm commitment that he would attempt to address the items of concern. The incumbent and his staff appeared to take the Council as of little concern to them as no one reached out at any time to take the same opportunities that were available with a simple request.
Once Russ was elected IVP in May 2022 he took little time in addressing the Council’s critical issues. This action has left System Council with what I see as the best possible representation since 2017. The First District is now back as a partner and our Local’s service rep allows us autonomy with the necessary checks for financial and IBEW policy adherence.
Just recently our Local along with the other CP Local’s in the Council have gone through the longest strike by any bargaining unit’s history in CP Rail’s 146-year existence. Every step of the way Russ ensured the First District and any other support services were available during the 85-day Labour disruption. We truly believe that Russ recognizes the sacrifices and achievements that have shaped our organization. He respects our history and the people who came before us, while understanding that respecting the past also means building that future.
It is based on the last 4 years of Russ’ partnership with our Local that we are committed to see him reelected to continue his mission to make the IBEW better and brighter for all members.
In Solidarity
Lee Hooper,
President
IBEW Local 2042
