Notes from the IBEW Women's Conference 2000
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by Debbie Ferrer, Judy Litowitz and Billie Washington
“Awe” and “pride” are the words that best describe our feelings about our visit to the IBEW International Office in Washington, DC.
From the outside of the building and from the modern furnishings, the IBEW looks new and fresh. Everyone inside greeted us with big smiles, introduced themselves, and gave us a brief description of the work of their respective sections. There was Construction and Maintenance, Utilities, Research, Human Services (former Local 18 Business Rep Royetta Sanford is the director), and Archives, among many others.
When we got to the Archives and the “museum” reflecting the history of electrical workers and our Union, we could feel the pride and the sense of unity and strength that has brought us to where we are today. There were stories of people and local unions who struggled individually and collectively to bring us to the level of safety and well-being we now enjoy. Local 18 was included in this history.
It was heartwarming to see the theme of the conference, “Equality, Progress, Unity, Justice, Dignity and Respect,” reflected at the International Office as well as right here at Local 18.