ELMIRA, NY- June 2, 2008 – George “Rick” Saltsman, business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 139, announced Monday the union doubled its contribution to United Way of the Southern Tier.

“As gas prices rise and drive up the cost of food and energy bills, it is now more important for us to unite and lend our hands to those who live each day teetering on the edge of economic hardship,” Saltsman said during the press conference. “The IBEW’s contribution to United Way of the Southern Tier will go towards helping local people – our neighbors – and to bring about lasting change for this community.”

In 2007 United Way of the Southern Tier raised a record-setting $4,404,899 and provides funding to a network of 100 human service programs administered by 57 agency partners.

The relationship the IBEW has with United Way is somewhat unique within this region. Because tradesmen in the construction industry have multiple employers and move from project to project, their unions do not tend to set up an employee-based contribution. But IBEW worked with its members and came up with a work contract that includes a contribution to United Way.

Whenever IBEW work on a job, the employers agree to pay a donation to the United Way for each employee for every hour he or she works. This is made possible by the support of the Southern Tier Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association who partner with IBEW.

The previous donation was set at 5 cents per hour for each employee which generated about $20,000 to $25,000 annually for United Way of the Southern Tier. However, the IBEW’s 250 members recently negotiated a new contract and doubled their contribution to 10 cents per hour. The new contract went into effect June 1.

“This is really simple to do,” Saltzman said. “We hope to lead by example and encourage other unions to consider setting up similar investments within the community.”

"Support from organized labor is key in both traditional and non-traditional workplace campaigns," said Steve Hughes, vice-president of Resource Development for United Way of the Southern Tier. "IBEW Local 139 has been a strong supporter of United Way and we are grateful. We encourage other trade unions to help us advance the common good and partner with us.”

About United Way of the Southern Tier

United Way of the Southern Tier (www.uwst.org) is a locally managed non-profit organization focused on effectively mobilizing the caring power of our community to help people improve their lives. United Way of the Southern Tier is the largest non-governmental provider of funding for health and human services in Chemung and Steuben Counties.

About International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 750,000 members who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government.  The IBEW has members in both the United States and Canada and stands out among the American unions in the AFL-CIO because it is among the largest and has members in so many skilled occupations.