 | Local 145
CELEBRATES 75 YEARS
On March 31, 1913, IBEW Local 485 was chartered in Rock Island.
On March 21, 1917, IBEW Local 635 was chartered in Davenport.
A bitter rivalry developed between the two locals.
Seldom were workers sent into their neighboring local to work. |
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THE BEGINNING OF LOCAL 145
Due to this rivalry, and financial problems experienced by both locals, Mr. Hans Johnson was sent by the IBEW International Office to assist in developing a solution.
On April 27, 1925, Local 485 and Local 635 were amalgamated into the present day IBEW Local 145.
There were 18 charter members and on May 1, 1925, A.E. Winterbottom was elected the first president of the local.
The consolidation of the two unions proved so strong that
today IBEW Local 145 boasts a membership of 1,110. |
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APPRENTICES
In the early years, apprentices worked as truck drivers
delivering materials and learning the terminology of
the trade. If they survived, they were awarded a paid
apprenticeship.There was no formal schooling or training
and the apprenticeship lasted four years.
Today, the IBEW Local 145 invests $400,000 annually
in training our apprentices and journeymen. |  |
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UNION BENEFITS
In the 1920's, Journeymen earned $40.00 per week
and apprentices made $6.00 per week. Tools were
crude and work conditions were dangerous and
backbreaking.
The greatest strength Local 145 possessed was the
dedication of its members and officers, working to
improve the conditions under which electricians
worked and the benefits they received for their efforts.
Today, Local 145 members enjoy health and
retirement benefits,safer conditions on the job,
shorter work weeks,guarantees of work at any age,
and protection for their families.
The Local 145 will continue to seek a higher
standard of living, to reduce the hours of daily labor,
to secure adequate pay for our work, to strive to
organize all workers in the industry, and to improve
the intellectual and social conditions of our members
and their families. |
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THREE GENERATIONS
OF LOCAL 145
The Winterbottom name has become
synonymous with the IBEW Local 145.
The Winterbottom family has had a Local 145
member in its midst for three generations,
and the fourth, eleven-year-old Bobby
Winterbottom, seems eager to follow in their
footsteps.
A.E. Winterbottom was elected the first
president of the local on May 1, 1925, and
his brother, R.J. Winterbottom, was elected
secretary on July 12, 1927.
R.J. also held the presidential office, as did
his son and current member, John.John's son,
John Jr., is also a Local 145 member.
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LIFE SAVING AWARD
Safety and first-aid training have paid off for
Local 145 members.
Seven individuals have saved the lives of their
coworkers in work site accidents.
Their heroism has been immortalized on a plaque
which reads:
IBEW LIFE SAVING AWARD
is awarded with appreciation and pride to:
Ron Jordan 9/3/69
Ralph Henningsen 3/9/73
Opie Brown 7/26/78
John Johnson 7/26/78
Ronald Jeffries 6/17/80
Gary Hughes 6/17/80
Cassandra Brown 12/2/88
The greatest service to mankind is the saving of a
human life. The above named members of this local
union, with presence of mind, prompt action and
genuine concern for a fellow man did perform this
service on the date specified. All members of the
IBEW join in expressing sincere gratitude. |
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