Name - e.m Email - no
Date -- Wednesday, 17 July 2002, at 8:54 a.m. From - memphis 
as an employee for over 30+ years
i have been disappointed in the
union for the last few years,
since Harold left. but for the
last year, the union has made
me proud against. i know Harold
would be proud too. i am not surprized
of J.D because i know him, but i
must say i am happily surprised of
Rick Thompson administration doing
so well. J.D, Rick, Johnnie,Chuck
and the executive board,keep up the
good work. and by the way great 
website. i love you all. i am telling
everybody about this site.



-- Check this box to delete entry 
Name - J.C Email - no email
Date -- Tuesday, 16 July 2002, at 10:02 p.m. From - Shelby County 
The bosses of the gas & water is
Larry Thompson, Ware Stinson,
John Collins, Diana Veazey, Gene
Crawford and Robert Hunter, if you
think you are going to get fair-play
from these person. (FORGET IT) (It
will never happen. This is a great
site. I love you J.D and Rick. I
LOVE THE IBEW>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 


-- Check this box to delete entry 
Name - B.R Email - Private
Date -- Tuesday, 16 July 2002, at 9:41 p.m. From - Memphis 
This is a great website. With all
the good information going across
this site. Please send your website
address to the T.V., radio, newspaper,
City council. Everybody need to 
know about the best website in the
state. Great Great Great Great. 



-- Check this box to delete entry 
Name - Joe Blow Email - email
Date -- Tuesday, 16 July 2002, at 9:11 p.m. From - Memphis 
I am a employee of mlgw, I to believe
the union need to take a good look
at Disribution Support and the gas
Department in general. This wrong
doing has been going on for years. The
treatment in the water department is
almost as bad. A president from the
the outside may be our only hope.
Rick you and J.D need to lobby the
Mayor and council for a president
from outside of memphis. 


the only hope. Rick you and J.D need to ask the
council for help.
lobby the city council help. 
Name - John Jones Date -- Tuesday, 23 July 2002, at 6:27 p.m. From - memphis 
this website is a great day in
memphis. i am in gas distribution
brunswick. thank god for freedom
of speech. thank god for america.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Tuesday, 23 July 2002, at 3:41 p.m. From - Memphis 
We are looking at a guest book, 
where the comments submitted by
individuals, would go to my
personal e-mail first. If the 
comment is not done in a
proffessional manner, this would 
give us the opportunity not to post
that particular comments. This new 
section will be put into place as
soon as possible. Thanks, Rick


Name - Patty Lawton Email - Dlawton600@aol.com
Date -- Monday, 22 July 2002, at 8:08 p.m. From - AToka, Tennessee 
Just checking on the great work that went into the making of this website!! Looks great to me :)


Name - Heather Godsey Email - krazyh0rse@yahoo.com
Date -- Monday, 22 July 2002, at 1:48 a.m. From - Memphis,Tn 
Rick please call around 9:30 if possible.


Name - j.jDate -- Sunday, 21 July 2002, at 1:59 p.m. From - collierville 
i love this website. great job
J>>>>>>> 


Name - James Brown Email - jb2344@yahoo.com
Date -- Sunday, 21 July 2002, at 11:59 a.m. From - Tn 
Not sure If I would agree to some of the comments on this website. 


Name - Big Red Email - no email
Date -- Saturday, 20 July 2002, at 6:37 p.m. From - Arlington 
I to agree with many of the comment
about Larry Thomson, Ware Stinson
and Gene Crawford. These boys are
just wrong when it come to you blacks.
But I do not agree with the comments
that was made about John Collins
and Diana Veazey they are good
people. 

Name - Thomas Kane Email - TK@hotmail.com
Date -- Saturday, 20 July 2002, at 3:22 p.m. 
I really like this website, I wish we would have had this years ago.


Name - Joe Joe Email - no mail
Date -- Saturday, 20 July 2002, at 11:04 a.m. From - Millington 
I, agree with most of the shameful
comments and shameful behavior of
Larry Thompson, Ware Stinson,Gene
Crawford. But from a white prospective
how can you guys let Mr. Herman Morris
and Mr. Dullihunt off the hook. They
are the persons that are really in
charge.We must be very careful how we put our bussiness
over the air. The mayor could get this infor and use 
it as an excuse to sell the company.
If you people be patient. Larry
Thompson, Gene and Stinson will be
retired sooner or later, and that
will be a win win for everybody. 


Name - rick thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Friday, 19 July 2002, at 4:35 p.m. From - Memphis 
This is Rick Thompson, Business
Manager. I am asking all the members
to watch the website for the next
few days, Because I will be putting
some very important issues on
the screen about the Gas Department
shift schedules, overtime, and
views of those employees. Also be on
lookout for a future newsletter.


Name - Donald Email - no e-mail
Date -- Friday, 19 July 2002, at 12:01 a.m. From - memphis 
The gas & water department is 90%
black here at MLGW. There is know
black supervisor. We are treated
like third class employees. Larry
Thompson, Ware Stinson, John Collins
Diana Veazey,Gene Crawford and Robert 
Hunter why do yall hate us so bad. 


Name - Paul Lundy Email - no email
Date -- Thursday, 18 July 2002, at 8:56 p.m. From - Memphis 
I think the Union has a great 
website. I think this union Leader-
ship is the right leadership
at the right time. We are the leaders,
of the future. 


Name - Lee Gipson Email - on email
Date -- Thursday, 18 July 2002, at 6:58 p.m. From - memphis 
Great Website. I thinks this website
is the best thing that ever happen
to Ibew local 1288. This is a 
information highway


Name - Joseph Wilkins Email - no email
Date -- Thursday, 18 July 2002, at 6:36 p.m. From - Memphis 
I think Chart Changes need an upgrade.
I am the new Union steward of area
520210. 


Name - JohnsonDate -- Thursday, 18 July 2002, at 12:49 a.m. From - memphis 
great website. Why is it the president
of the united state has one vice
president and mlgw got ten vice
president. something wrong with
this picture. mlgw got about 40
department heads(mangers)about 20
assistant department(assistant
managers)the public need to know.
they also need to know about those
car allowance. and those bonuses.
once again great website.

Name - cj Email - no email
Date -- Wednesday, 17 July 2002, at 11:54 p.m. From - memphis 
i am glad you have a politcal section.
great website. the information that
was in this section about those
low down bosses at mlgw is correct.
again i love the site, keep up
the good work. J.D johnnie rick
and chuck.


Name - david godsey Email - mgodsey@midsouth.rr.com
Date -- Wednesday, 17 July 2002, at 9:08 p.m. From - memphis tn 
great site! this union has come along way in the last year!and in my opinion were ALOT stronger and MORE united then ever!!!

Name - Email - h770000 @EARTHLINK.NET
Date -- Sunday, 28 July 2002, at 9:33 p.m. From - BSC MLGW/HUBBARD 
Glad someone let me get on the website.Keep up the good work's.You all we here a lot from me now that I got on.Love you all Big D..................................


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Saturday, 27 July 2002, at 12:23 p.m. From - Memphis 
This is your busines manager, on 
saturday at the union hall. Just
wanted to say hello to the greatest
mmembership in the Tenth District.


Name - benDate -- Saturday, 27 July 2002, at 9:03 a.m. From - woodstock 
great website. progress is a 
M_ _ _ _ R.


Name - JeffDate -- Friday, 26 July 2002, at 10:31 p.m. From - Bartlett 
This is the best website in america.
We hear that you are talking about 
changing the website up. Please don't
do that. We love it the way it is.
We may have a real problem if you change 
the site up.Watching this site is
my only mean of relaxing.



Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Friday, 26 July 2002, at 10:05 a.m. From - Memphis 
I would like to encourage everyone
to get out and vote. We want to 
thank these canidates for their
visitation to our Union hall. 
1.Brent Taylor - Congress
2.Randy Wade - Sheriff
3.E. C. Jones - Trustee
We will have a complete list of the 
canidates by August 1, 2002. 
Thanks, Rick 


Name - JanisDate -- Friday, 26 July 2002, at 9:19 a.m. From - memphis 
I am glad for the weekend. Now
we can sit and watch the net
for to whole days. I have been
a union member since 1982. I love
this website. thanks Johnnie,Rick
chuck,J.D. !stay together!


Name - B.B.B. Email - wwytk
Date -- Thursday, 25 July 2002, at 10:26 p.m. From - memphis 
I think the union members should
pressure the union to start doing
charities through the union, not
the company. They will be coming to 
us in a few days. 


Name - Kathy BrooksDate -- Thursday, 25 July 2002, at 9:23 p.m. From - Hamlet, NC 
Haven't seen you all since the
conference. you guys gave us some
good pointers at the meeting in
Chattanooga.Are all of these things really
going on in your company? Well let
me get back to work.


Name - regular guy Email - iambroke.com
Date -- Thursday, 25 July 2002, at 7:41 p.m. From - city 
we have nothing to fear from the truth
the truth has no color,no wealth no corruption
does the management of MLGW have anything to fear!!
this is a great company, we workers built this company together
never forget that!!!never give up,never give in, never never never!!!


Name - JanetDate -- Thursday, 25 July 2002, at 6:13 p.m. From - rossville 
like everybody in my department
i love this website. it give people
away to vent.and to see that they are
not the only ones who are being
harass around the memphis light
and water


Name - Nazarene Email - saviour
Date -- Thursday, 25 July 2002, at 12:42 a.m. From - memphis 
mlgw need to repent. people lifes
are being destroy.


Name - c.c Email - ___- - - - -
Date -- Thursday, 25 July 2002, at 12:19 a.m. From - memphis 
I love our steward meetings. So
much information come out of those
meetings. The union hall feel
like it belongs to the members.
thank you for the hard work that
it took to bring the union hall
back to life.


Name - B.BDate -- Wednesday, 24 July 2002, at 9:46 p.m. From - memphis 
there is know respect from management
in my department, until they want
us to give to charity. you union folks
should take notice of that. you
got my vote. 


Name - j.c Email - no way
Date -- Wednesday, 24 July 2002, at 5:06 p.m. From - memphis 
It is not always about the money,
being treated right is what I want.
Fair treatment is what is not happen
here at the division, atlease in my
department.


Name - JamesDate -- Wednesday, 24 July 2002, at 8:08 a.m. From - memphis 
When you guys first took office
everybody gave yall six month. But
look at the union now. Even I am proud
again. There have been know real
respect from management for sometime
now. But I can see it coming back.
This is good for the union and company. 
If supervisors ever start respecting
the employees this will be a great
campany again. And you can take that
to the bank.


Name - Ronnie Email - want tell
Date -- Wednesday, 24 July 2002, at 7:46 a.m. From - Memphis 
This website gives us hope. Give
us your views on who to vote for
in the election. Me and my family
set and discuss this site. This site
help them unterstand what I go
through each and everyday. Thanks
J.D, Chuck, Johnnie and Rick. There
is alot of problems at mlgw and its
not alway about color. There know respect from 
management. 


Name - ShirleyDate -- Wednesday, 24 July 2002, at 7:45 a.m. From - memphis 
yall are doing a good job. thanks
J.D, Chuck, Rick and Johnnie


Name - SamDate -- Wednesday, 24 July 2002, at 6:48 a.m. From - Bartlett 
Did you guys know, mlgw blocked
your website from being seen at
work. They held your web address
from on the T.V screen until they
block it out at work. I love this
site. Everybody in my area has gone
and bought the internet. This site
is great.


Name - Joan Email - - - - - - - - - 
Date -- Tuesday, 23 July 2002, at 10:18 p.m. From - Millington 
Don't change nothing. I
watch this website more than I
watch t.v. I am a union member
my vote is to leave it the way
it is. The truth is the light.
Love the site.


Name - JaniceDate -- Tuesday, 23 July 2002, at 10:02 p.m. From - Shelby Forest 
This is the best website I have ever 
seen. I agree with Faye. Do not
stop it the way it is now. This
is good. 


Name - Faye Email - no mail
Date -- Tuesday, 23 July 2002, at 9:54 p.m. From - Piperton 
I love this website the way it is.
Please don't change anything. Me
and the employees in my department
get off work and watch this site all
night, and talk about it all day
at work. Please dont change nothing. 


Name - Janice Email - no
Date -- Tuesday, 23 July 2002, at 9:27 p.m. 



Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Tuesday, 23 July 2002, at 3:41 p.m. From - Memphis 
We are looking at a guest book, 
where the comments submitted by
individuals, would go to my
personal e-mail first. If the 
comment is not done in a
proffessional manner, this would 
give us the opportunity not to post
that particular comments. This new 
section will be put into place as
soon as possible. Thanks, Rick

Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Friday, 2 August 2002, at 3:29 p.m. From - memphis 
I can agree with many of the comments
that have been posted on the website
concerning race issues. anyone that 
thinks he or she has a particular
problem concerning any form of 
discrimination whether race, color
creed or disability, procedures have
been put into place for your protection.
The proper course of action is as
follows: The Grievance procedure
along with Federal and States Agencies
(EEOC) and etc. As Business Manager
of this Local, I respect the thoughts
of the writers and agree that race
problems seem to be on the rise and
they need to be dealt with Directly 
and Swiftly. However, I wanted everyone
to know that these Race Problems is not just
one sided. Whether MLGW Management
decisions are right or wrong on who
they choose to run individual
departments, this Local Union cannot
and willnot allow those decisions
to infect our members with disrespect 
for one another. We must all stand
together with a common bond for
one another,to cut out like a cancer,
anything that individually effects
even one of you, especially departments
that concern many members. Always
remember the Union Declaration of the
International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers on 1288's Homepage to stand
for Human Justice, Human Rights, and
Human Security. United We Stand!


Name - joe joeDate -- Thursday, 1 August 2002, at 10:59 p.m. From - memphis 
this is a great website. I am in
the gas department, why do management
hate us so bad. 


Name - TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE Email - HEAVEN
Date -- Thursday, 1 August 2002, at 10:51 p.m. From - ALL AROUND 
YES IT IS TRUE THAT THE GAS DEPARTMENT IS 90% BLACK AND WE HAVE NO BLACK SUPERVISORS. ALSO ALL MUST KNOW THAT MOST OF THE WHITE LEADERS IN GAS ARE LEADING WITH GED'S. TO NAME SOME OF THEM: RICKY RAINES, DOUG ALDERSON, TOM MORGAN, BIN HOLLAND, GENE CRAWFORD, TINKER RHOADS, WALLY KELLET. HOW CAN PEOPLE WHO DON'T EVEN HAVE HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION LEAD THE GAS DEPARTMENT. ONE MUST WONDER DO THEY BELIEVE THAT IF YOU ARE WHITE YOU ARE RIGHT. BLACKS WITH EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE CAN ONLY SET AND WATCH THESE GED RECIPENTS AND PERSONNEL MAKE IT HARDER AND HARDER FOR BLACKS TO ADVANCE AT MLGW. WE MUST PRAY THAT HERMAN TAKE A LONG LOOK AT THE GAS DEPARTMENT AND FIGURE THAT IT;S MANAGEMENT TEAM IS NOT QUALIFIED TO LEAD NOTHING OR NO ONE. 


Name - regular guy Email - iambroke.com
Date -- Thursday, 1 August 2002, at 7:31 p.m. From - city 
hey ya'll regular guy here,just wanted 
to drop a line. did you know that all 
companys that fail or go out of business
do so because of bad management!!
now with that said,heres a call to all of 
management,come on you guys don't you know you cannot
make it without us! we do the hands on work we
take all the risk.you cannot turn on power or water or gas 
from that building down town,so stop being sneaky and do the right thing.
togather we can make it good for all of us and our customers! peace ya'll


Name - tonyDate -- Thursday, 1 August 2002, at 6:40 p.m. From - memphis 
i think this is the best website
in the world. thanks IBEW Leaders.
I love you all.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Thursday, 1 August 2002, at 9:48 a.m. From - memphis 
Everybody is asking for the elected
Officials e-mail address. Keep a watch
on this web. I will have all of the
city council members e-mail and 
phones numbers on our political
section on thi web site. 

Name - Jane Email - --- --- --- ---
Date -- Thursday, 1 August 2002, at 8:35 a.m. From - memphis 
Starting now cut-off employees
want be allow to take checks any
longer from customers. Information Center employees
not be working after 7:30 p.m. Customers
Services men want be working after
8:30 p.m. This will do nothing but
make the customers mad. And then
after the city election next year
if the mayor decide to sell mlgw
again, the Memphis community will
be on his side. This looks like the plan.


Name - Bob Email - no email
Date -- Thursday, 1 August 2002, at 8:10 a.m. From - memphis 
even though the gas department is
90% black and management has refused
to ever promote a black supervisor.
Dont look at race as they trying to
make it look. you need to look at
the way they do the Contracts. They
need somebody that will play ball
with them. Look at the Inspectors
and supervisor that are associate
with the contractors. It all about
the money being kept in their little circle.

Name - Joe Email - fair-play.com
Date -- Thursday, 1 August 2002, at 7:51 a.m. From - memphis 
There is no respect for the 
employees in the gas Department
We believe the people responsible
is First and far most is Gene
Crawford, second Larry Thompson,
third Ware Stinson. This seem
to be the tone they have set.


Name - James JJJJJJ Email - no way.com
Date -- Thursday, 1 August 2002, at 7:40 a.m. From - memphis 
Keep your eyes on what's going on 
around MLGW. Look at the changes
very closely. Look at what is happen 
to the Information Center as well
as Customer Service Department.
Top Management is getting MLGW
ready to "SELL" again. I believe
they will be working with the mayor
this time. Other wises why would
Dillihunt be making all these changes 
to up-set the customers. 


Name - JUANDate -- Wednesday, 31 July 2002, at 11:04 p.m. From - THE HOOD 
just send-in a word out to regular guy
RIGHT ON BROTHER!!! come on 1288 lets hear 
from each other, lets tell the truth about how they 
run mlgw,we are city workers and you got peoples making 
thousands of $$$$ yet they don't get in the danger everyday,the most dangerous thing they have to watch is there 
cholestoral!!!


Name - regular guy Email - iambroke.com
Date -- Wednesday, 31 July 2002, at 10:53 p.m. From - city 
hello brothers and sisters!just wanted to say somthing to all the V.P"s 
that are reading these comments (and we know you are!) on the best web-site.
that we all heard that you guys feel you need more then 180,000$a year to be able 
to do your job!well just like you tell us? WHAT HAS CHANGED IN YOUR JOB TO JUSTIFY THIS INCREASE!
matter of fact just what do you do to earn 180,000$-PLUS


Name - Michael JonesDate -- Wednesday, 31 July 2002, at 2:48 p.m. From - Memphis 
I like to encourage all of the 
bargaining unit employees who are
not in the union to join today.
We must unite and fight against
unfair working conditions.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Wednesday, 31 July 2002, at 2:39 p.m. From - Memphis 
I want to inform the membership
that I have sent the Memphis City 
Council and all the Shelby County 
elected officals, the addresses of
our new website and e-mail. We
encourage all IBEW members to continue
posting their veiw points on the site.
That way the elected officals and 
the public can understand your
thought about IBEW and MLGW. 
Thanks, Rick Thompson Business Manager. 


Name - billy godsey Email - brgodsey@yahoo.com
Date -- Wednesday, 31 July 2002, at 11:38 a.m. From - memphis 
This is just testing the guest book.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Monday, 29 July 2002, at 9:06 p.m. From - Memphis 
1.IBEW-1288 Executive Board Meeting
First Tuesday Of Each Month 7:00P.M
2.IBEW-1288 Membership Meeting
First Thursday Of Each Month 7:00P.M
3.IBEW-1288 Steward Meeting
Third Thursday Of Each Month 5:30P.M 
Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Monday, 5 August 2002, at 10:00 a.m. From - Memphis 
Rick Thompson, Business Manager
Just taking time out to say hello
to our life blood, the greatest
membership in the Tenth District 
and the National. Please have a
safe week. Remember safety is IBEW
local 1288's first priority.


Name - Big RedDate -- Sunday, 4 August 2002, at 5:52 p.m. From - memphis 
Mlgw is a good company to
work for. But we do have 
problem.


Name - regular guy Email - iambroke.com
Date -- Sunday, 4 August 2002, at 4:16 p.m. From - city 
to jim from bartlett,you are so right
management's motto is (do as i say not as i do)
management just does not get it,they need us to
succeed.the old line to many cooks spoil the broth!
well its the same here.they act like mlgw and its 
workers are a toy to play with,well its not!you have 
to dig those ditch's and string that wire and climb them poles
and pray to god that nothing go's wrong and nobody gets hurt or dies
and no matter what kind of designer suit you wear or how big your
mlgw car allowence is to buy that luxury car or suv is.we are city workers
public servant's the real emplyees out there that are commeted to serving our 
city and county, that go into danger everyday for 1/4 of what people in high places
make! management worrys about what the customers think about us.well they should worry 
about what we think and how we feel,when will they learn that its not us again'st them
but we are all in this togather,take care of your emplee's and they will take care of you.
peace ya'll

Name - Little John Email - iamproud.net
Date -- Sunday, 4 August 2002, at 4:05 p.m. From - Bartlett 
You people are doing a good job.
keep up the good work. Go local
1288 go. When looking at the union
officers and staff the diversity
look good. Go local 1288888888888
goooooooooooooooooooo.


Name - Susie QDate -- Sunday, 4 August 2002, at 3:15 p.m. From - Memphis 
this is the best web-site in shelby
county. love it love it love it.


Name - Jim Email - ihavemoney.com
Date -- Sunday, 4 August 2002, at 2:29 p.m. From - Bartlett 
i guess we can agree with the meeting
you had with Barbara Richmond.
we are hopeful something good will
come out of it. but if it don't we
want be surprize. managerment do not
feel bad when they treat people
wrong. wrong is what they say wrong
is. and that depends on the persons
they are dealing with at that time. 


Name - JOEDate -- Saturday, 3 August 2002, at 3:47 p.m. From - MEMPHIS 
i believe this is a good away to
talk to your membership. i love
this website.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Friday, 2 August 2002, at 8:06 p.m. From - Memphis 
2 August 2002 6:35 p.m.

To all IBEW members,

I would like to share a positive
meeting that took place with 
Barbara Richman Labor Relations 
Manager late Friday afternoon. The
discussion at this meeting was on
trying to formulate a bridge 
between Union and Management to 
focus on what we see as a major 
issue facing all of us, especially 
a mutual respect between one 
another that is desired by this 
Local and Management. Before any of
us can move forward in what we see
as good faith bargaining,their 
needs to be a genuine effort on 
both sides to bring this to a 
reality. I assured Ms. Richman that
this Administration’s office is 
open to Management at any time to 
foster a better relationship. This
Union is asking to be treated 
fairly and our members be given the
respect they so rightly deserve. In
conclusion I spoke to Ms. Richman, 
that I continually speak to our 
members, almost demanding that they
take responsibility for their 
actions and to be model employees. 
But, as I spoke to her on this 
issue, I informed her that 
Management will absolutely have to 
be accountable for their actions to
make this relationship come 
together. Let me make note that Ms.
Richman agreed to this thought 
process. Let me also state that I 
am pleased that this meeting took 
place and hope that we can have 
more positive meetings of this 
nature in the future.
Your Business Manager, 
Rick Thompson

Name - regular guy Email - iambroke.com
Date -- Friday, 2 August 2002, at 5:17 p.m. From - city 
AMEN!!!!!! TO THAT!!!thats why we 
voted for you!!! a stronger union 
makes a better mlgw!come on people
we finely have a way to commuicate
and talk to each other about our work
our union our lives. all we have is 
each other and the union.they are there 
to help us! and to make sure the management
does the right thing!don't be affraid tell
rick or jonnie or chuck.you can right it here
and no-one will know its you.but if somone is treating you
bad or with no respect the union can help,the
laws of the united states of america will protect you.
god bless the U.S.A LOCAL 1288 AND MLGW

Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Friday, 2 August 2002, at 3:29 p.m. From - memphis 
I can agree with many of the comments
that have been posted on the website
concerning race issues. anyone that 
thinks he or she has a particular
problem concerning any form of 
discrimination whether race, color
creed or disability, procedures have
been put into place for your protection.
The proper course of action is as
follows: The Grievance procedure
along with Federal and States Agencies
(EEOC) and etc. As Business Manager
of this Local, I respect the thoughts
of the writers and agree that race
problems seem to be on the rise and
they need to be dealt with Directly 
and Swiftly. However, I wanted everyone
to know that these Race Problems is not just
one sided. Whether MLGW Management
decisions are right or wrong on who
they choose to run individual
departments, this Local Union cannot
and willnot allow those decisions
to infect our members with disrespect 
for one another. We must all stand
together with a common bond for
one another,to cut out like a cancer,
anything that individually effects
even one of you, especially departments
that concern many members. Always
remember the Union Declaration of the
International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers on 1288's Homepage to stand
for Human Justice, Human Rights, and
Human Security. United We Stand!

Name - leakDate -- Thursday, 8 August 2002, at 9:55 a.m. From - shelby county 
This socalled emergency leak
response training is to justify
their action with the overtime. 
This four hour talk that they call
training is to justify their action
when somebody get killed or injury.
The things they will do to justify
their action. 


Name - joe Email - cryforhelp.com
Date -- Thursday, 8 August 2002, at 8:24 a.m. From - Bartlett 
I beleive that management is 
responsible for the fight that took
place on Monday in the electric
dept. Mike was crying out for help
for several months, and management
did nothing to help him, this is 
another example of when management
see a problem they take no action on
the situation.

Name - ed Email - no way
Date -- Thursday, 8 August 2002, at 7:56 a.m. From - memphis 
You boys just got to wait until some
of those guys retire who are making
the decision for the gas department.
You boys should hear how they talk 
when you guys not around. You should
hear the hate and see the egos flies
around.what an ego they got. It got
to affect their health. Nobody can
can hate a people as bad as they 
hate yall,and it not affect their
health. So really you Blacks are
still the real winners.Time is on 
you boys side. 

Name - ANNDate -- Wednesday, 7 August 2002, at 11:12 p.m. From - Memphis 
yall doing a good job at the union hall 
but management dont want fairness.
they must keep us fighting, so
we want pay attention to what
they are doing. thanks, Johnnie
yall help me alot. if it wasn't
for you i would have lost my mine.
i thank god for yall. management
was trying to run me crazy.


Name - Nick Email - no way
Date -- Wednesday, 7 August 2002, at 8:57 p.m. From - Memphis 
There are several things wrong in the
gas department. there is know
respect and there is no real
commitment to safety. and they
have know intention in promoting
any black to Supervisor or above.
How can this happen at MLGW in
year 2002. From what we hear as
long as certain people are here and
in charge there will never be a
black promoted to Supervisor of
above. They just want to treat us
like a mule.


Name - PhillipDate -- Wednesday, 7 August 2002, at 8:37 p.m. From - Memphis 
I couldn't wait to get home to
see this web-site. If the union
continue the way it is now, I will
be a IBEW members forever. Man
you guys found the best way to 
talk to the members. And this is 
the best way for the members to
talk to the union and the campany.


Name - Tom Email - iamhappy.org
Date -- Wednesday, 7 August 2002, at 8:21 p.m. From - shelby county 
This website is looking better
and better everyday. Rick,JD,
Jonnie and Chuck we are proud of 
you all. I agree will Jerry this
is a great site


Name - JERRY Email - TOKNOW.COM
Date -- Wednesday, 7 August 2002, at 8:14 p.m. From - Memphis 
Rick we see that you are living
up to your knowledge is power
theme. This website is great.


Name - LarryDate -- Wednesday, 7 August 2002, at 9:38 a.m. From - Memphis 
Rick in every meeting the first
thing come out of your mouth
is a talk on safety. But from 
what we can see management dont
have know real commitment to
safety. These two second meeting
management is having on safety is
nothing. Everyone know these two
second safety meeting is a show for their
protection not our. We love the
website. (Good job on safety tips.)


Name - Faye Email - standupforyourselve.net
Date -- Wednesday, 7 August 2002, at 12:00 a.m. From - Memphis 
When are you going to put the city 
council phone number and email
address under the Political
Section. At the union meeting you
talk about being responsible and
that's find. But who's going 
to hold management responsible.
Management talk the talk but they 
will never walk the walk. Management
thinks they don't have to answer
to anybody. Love the website. 


Name - unknown Email - love.org
Date -- Tuesday, 6 August 2002, at 11:04 p.m. From - memphis 
We love the comments on the website.
The only reason we are writing 
is to just thank everybody at
the union for everthing. We are
just happy. When we look at the
union now. Everybody no there is a
God some where. We just love your
safety message.


Name - Dana Email - thisisnice.com
Date -- Tuesday, 6 August 2002, at 10:50 p.m. From - Eads 
we have the best union in shelby 
county. for the last past year
I been so proud. i may not retire
now. This last year been so calm,
i haven't been this proud since
1982. by the way i love our 
website.

Name - DavidDate -- Tuesday, 6 August 2002, at 9:59 p.m. From - Cordova 
I watch this website all night
long. WE never turn our computer
off. It make you feel good when
you no you got leaders at the
union hall thanking for you.
Thanks Rick, JD and the rest of
yall.


Name - Robert Email - &&&&&&&@@@@@
Date -- Tuesday, 6 August 2002, at 9:44 p.m. From - Southhaven 
I think Mlgw is the greatest
company in u.s.A. Can we all get
along. Mlgw help me raise all
of my children. Help me buy My
house, 3car and my boat and 
moneys in my pocket. I make 
26plus dollars per hours. I
have no complaint.



Name - Vicki Email - - - - - -- - 
Date -- Tuesday, 6 August 2002, at 9:29 p.m. From - millington 
everybody are talking about these
other department. somebody need
to come over here at shehan
pumping station. it's a mess
over here.


Name - Bo Email - - - - -- - - 
Date -- Tuesday, 6 August 2002, at 9:23 p.m. From - memphis 
this is a great website.


Name - unknownDate -- Tuesday, 6 August 2002, at 11:52 a.m. From - shelby county 
rick it is hard to respect your
wishes and don't call names. when
race is the under lining problem
in these departments. But we will
try to respect your wishes a little
longer. just look at these promotions
in the field jobs. 


Name - Bpb Email - no way
Date -- Tuesday, 6 August 2002, at 9:41 a.m. From - Memphis 
if race was not such a big isue.
mlgw would be a good place to work.
Ro Tan Lee said mlgw is nothing
but a cash cow. race and color practice is
the only times that keeping
mlgw from going from good to great.

Name - JamesDate -- Tuesday, 6 August 2002, at 8:16 a.m. From - Memphis 
This is a nice website. But what
what we want to know is when will we
get the Drop Plan in our pension.
My brother work for the fire
and my sister work for the police
department and they both got the 
drop plan. I can retire in 3 years
people in my department want the
drop plan. 


Name - Rick Thompson&Jonie Dawson&Chuck Laminack Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Monday, 5 August 2002, at 9:19 p.m. From - Memphis 
Steward Meeting will be Thursday
August 15, 2002 at the IBEW Union
Hall-4000 Clearpool Cr. 5:30p.m
We will be discussing the MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING LANGUAGE. You do not
have to be a steward to attend.
Please make every effort to attend.

Name - jonnie Email - ibewjonnie@BELLSOUTH.NET
Date -- Monday, 5 August 2002, at 4:09 p.m. From - MEMPHIS TN 
TO ALL IBEW MEMBERS***********


PEACE AND LOVE


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.netM
Date -- Monday, 5 August 2002, at 4:08 p.m. From - Memphis 
Rick Thompson, Business Manager
Just wanted to take time out to
say hello to the greatest membership
in the Tenth District and in the 
Nation. Please make safety your
first priority every day.

Name - Billy godsey Email - brgodsey@yahoo.com
Date -- Monday, 5 August 2002, at 3:58 p.m. From - memphis 
this is a great website!

Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 10:14 a.m. From - Memphis 
Good morning to the members of IBEW
Local-1288. This is your Business
Manager, Rick Thompson. I had a
safe weekend, and if you are 
reading our website, that mean you
had a safe weekend as well. Together,
may we have a safe week. Always
remember Safe is IBEW first Priority.
'Always here for you,Rick' 


Name - Susie&VickiDate -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 12:32 a.m. From - Memphis 
WE just got home from our day out at
church. We told our pastor and the
whole church about the way those
guys being treating in the gas department.
My pastor was surprize Herman would
let this go on. We will keep you
guys in our prays. We are going to
take it on ourselves to send a letter
to all the other churches in this
city and ask them to pray for those
gas men. 

Name - Toney, Toney Email - no way
Date -- Sunday, 11 August 2002, at 11:59 p.m. From - Lakeland 
When I see this website. It make me 
feel good. Now I know I am not the
only one having a problem with
these low down people. Now maybe
I can stop looking for another
job and stay on here a little longer
If I can stay here four more years I
can retire.Thank god for this website. 


Name - RoseDate -- Sunday, 11 August 2002, at 11:16 p.m. From - Bartlett 
We love this website. We agree with
everything on this website. My
heart really goes out for the
employees in the gas department.
But please everybody keep those 
comments coming. The whole world
need to know about the wrong doing
at Mlgw. We ask our church to
pray for the gas department today. 


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Sunday, 11 August 2002, at 4:34 p.m. From - Memphis 
This is Your Business Manager,
Rick Thompson, This section is
here for you, to give your comments.
But I would ask that you be nice,
and be very careful about what you
say over this website. Negative
comments as it relate to charities 
please reframe from making. 


Name - doug Email - ???
Date -- Sunday, 11 August 2002, at 12:27 a.m. From - bartlett 
is anybody out there that can spell?
how about a little spell-check on your
computer! its time to pull togather and
support each other,and heres how you do it!
1.stop screwing each other(telling on each other)
2.get out of company charities(donate at church or on your own)
when we donate our money and time,it makes them look good!
3.don't answer the phone after hours,we do the work and they get the credit!
4. support and get active in your union,if we get out of all these little programs 
the company has they will be force to work with the union.
5. do your job right,quit covering for management(they are not your friend)
6. stand up for your rights,we are men and women of honor.

Name - BrandonDate -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 9:23 p.m. From - memphis 
Thank about this; Larry, Ware,Diana
John,(Gene),Rob, Byron is our boss
and are looking out for us. It is
not our fault you Guys boss feels
he got his(Herman)and he is always
out trying to get himself another
"award" It's not our fault he not 
looking out for you guys. He was
appointed by yall mayor. 


Name - J.B Email - J.B.net
Date -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 8:48 p.m. From - Germantown 
You folks need to understand how
power works. If the Blacks start
getting promoted to supervisor in
gas and water well the control
will change hand. Most whites
supervisor got their time in. To
promote blacks at this time would not
be good. The contol of the contracts would
shift hand. And that can not happen
right now. It"s not about color it
is about who going to control the
real moneys. Yall need to understand
power and money. And then you will
understand them.

Name - you must remember Email - do not forget
Date -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 8:32 p.m. From - small town memphis 
Even though management is of the
mine set that they are going to promote
people of our own race. And the 
overtime will be done the way management
see fit. Don't look at the department.
you Boys got a big Boss up top, they
ain't saying nothing. You boys are
looking at the wrong people. It
must be the sign of the times

Name - Willie Email - may not
Date -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 8:12 p.m. From - Cordova 
I think its a bad think for those
boys in gas and water department.
But do we need to put our business
out so everybody can see inside the 
walls of MLGW. This could be 
dangerous. The public do not need
to know our business. Management
need to correct what ever need to
to be corrected so this will stop.
This is starting to worry me. You
can not blame those people in water
and gas for their color. Lest show
some tolerant. (come on now)


Name - J.J Email - understanding
Date -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 7:52 p.m. From - Memphis 
I work at Mlgw for over 14 years
I been watching this website for
a couple days now. I went and check
some of these complaints. I just 
want to keep you boys in my prayers.
I never would have believe it if I
had not check it out myself. What I
found out and the folks that doing
it, I am ashamed myself. Also when
I found out the really reason a
Black was not promoted to supervisor
I am ashamed, this is what give us
a bad name. Believe me everybody is
now like that.


Name - PookieDate -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 7:30 p.m. From - Memphis 
Hi,Guys in the gas & water department
we work down town and had know idea
this were going on. We always knew
management were hard on you guys
in the field. But we had know idea
they were this low down. Thanks,
Rick, JD, Johnnie and Chuck, without
this website we never would have
known. We love this website down
town. My whole department tunes
in for the news about MLGW. I gets
everyone in my family to tune in to 
this site. they can't believe this
goes on in 2002. Great Web-site.


Name - john Email - noway
Date -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 2:10 p.m. From - memphis tn 
is management trying to destroy customer relations
are people going to suffer to get power back on the next day 
what about the week-in when people move and transfur power.
what about gas leaks at night,
heat in the winter,are we a 24hour company?
maybe its time to call the city council
or mike flimming or the memphis flier
theres a old saying 

if theres nothing wrong with your ship and its sinking
get rid of the captain. 

bad management can destroy a great company!

Name - regular guy Email - iambroke.com
Date -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 1:53 p.m. From - city 
hey ya'll in the gas dept.lets hear
some names!you know they are watching
this site! lets call it like it is and
maybe they will be ashamed of them self's
and wwith all there family friends and co-workers 
is what they do,lets see if they run to church on
sunday and pray for forgivness!if you turn your back 
and say nothing it makes them fill its allright.peace ya'll


Name - JaneDate -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 1:04 p.m. From - Memphis 
Mlgw pay good money and have
great benefits. But they make
you pay for all of that by 
treating you like S_ _ T.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 12:20 p.m. From - Memphis 
This is your Business Manager,
Rick Thompson Saturday afternoon
at the union hall, wishing the
great membership in America
a wonderful day and thank you
for your support.


Name - James Email - get a long
Date -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 10:30 a.m. From - Memphis 
How did things get to the point
in the gas and water department
where the management people,
above supervisor hate us so bad.
We are wondering At what point 
did they decide that they were
not going to promote Blacks to the
level of Supervisor or above.


Name - Lisa Email - no way
Date -- Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 12:14 a.m. From - Bartlett 
I did some investigation after
seeing all of these bad comments on
this website. And all my God alot
of these charges is truth. I
thought you Blacks were out of line
with those comments for the past
few weeks. But my God I found out
that alot of those comments is
truth. MY God My God. You People
need to hire an attorney. MY God
My God. Help is need. 

Name - Janis Email - can't tell
Date -- Friday, 9 August 2002, at 11:41 p.m. From - Bartlett 



Name - LindaDate -- Friday, 9 August 2002, at 10:30 p.m. From - Memphis 
I like to challenge every employee
that clip on this website to ask
their pastor and all the people
in their church to tune in to
this site and ask all of them
to keep the employees in the gas
department at MLGW in their prayers.
I been working at MLGW for over
twenty years and I can't believe
this type of things can go on in 2002
with with Herman Morris being President.


Name - susie&vicki Email - love&hope.com
Date -- Friday, 9 August 2002, at 9:51 p.m. From - memphis 
As we look at this website, our
hearts goes out for the black 
employees in the gas department,
how can Herman allow these employees
to be treated like this. We will
ask our Pastor to watch this site
and pray for these employees
and we will pray for them also.
This is a great website.


Name - MarkDate -- Friday, 9 August 2002, at 9:41 p.m. From - memphis 
How long will us employees in
the gas department have to live
with the disrespect and them
talking down on us. And them 
feeling like us blacks not qualify
to be supervisor or above. How 
long. Blacks are men too.


Name - C.C Email - none
Date -- Friday, 9 August 2002, at 9:31 p.m. From - Memphis 
This is a great web-site. Our 
department thinks that yall are
doing a good job. Thanks, Rick,
JD Johnnie and Chuck.

Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Friday, 9 August 2002, at 8:10 p.m. From - Memphis 
This is your Business Manager,
Rick Thompson. Hopefully, Everyone
had a safe week, and will have a
safe weekend. I am at the union 
hall and getting ready to leave.
Looking forward to talking to you
Monday.


Name - rockin the boat Email - none
Date -- Friday, 9 August 2002, at 4:51 p.m. From - everywhere 
If everyone worked together, we would reach new goals.
It's all about getting along, and taken care of our family at home.
Everyone have a blessed weekend.


Name - joeDate -- Thursday, 8 August 2002, at 10:48 p.m. From - memphis 
Tommy Dunagan is a cold hearted
son of a gun. Make sure you 
guys be careful. He is very tricky.

Name - unknown Email - no
Date -- Thursday, 8 August 2002, at 10:34 p.m. From - memphis 
I really loved that gas fitter
department. But harassment for
us white guys were more than I 
could handle. I really didn't 
want to leave that area. 
Everybody wanted to look the other
way because the supervisor was
black. 


Name - jones Email - no way
Date -- Thursday, 8 August 2002, at 10:15 p.m. From - memphis 
this is a good web-page


Name - PhillipDate -- Wednesday, 7 August 2002, at 8:37 p.m. From - Memphis 
I couldn't wait to get home to
see this web-site. If the union
continue the way it is now, I will
be a IBEW members forever. Man
you guys found the best way to 
talk to the members. And this is 
the best way for the members to
talk to the union and the campany.

Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Thursday, 15 August 2002, at 10:31 a.m. From - Memphis 
Re: Emergency Leak Response.
I attended the 7:30a.m. Gas Leak
And Migration patterns class, held
yesterday August 14,2002. The class
was conducted by Mr. Ron Six of the
Aegis Insurance Company. I found
this instruction to be very
informative and well prepared.


Name - DorothyDate -- Thursday, 15 August 2002, at 12:04 a.m. From - Bolton 
My friends in the gas department
tells me this is really happening.
Just remember, what goes around
come around. The brotherhood and
sisterhood is with you. But I hear
Jimmy is going to get one of those two
General Forman Jobs and they are talking
about giving one too one of you black.


Name - Love Email - unknown
Date -- Wednesday, 14 August 2002, at 11:45 p.m. From - Memphis 
This Website is like a information
center. This is the best call center
in the state.We has know idea this
was going on. Management is cold
cold cold. Thanks, Johnnie and JD
and Rick. Hold yall head up Gas 
MEN, we are with yall in heart. 


Name - JaneDate -- Wednesday, 14 August 2002, at 8:56 a.m. From - memphis 
My heart goes out for you guys
in gas, but give the process a
chance to work. you really can't
say it not going to work until
you try it. Dianna is a good person



Name - Bo Email - no email
Date -- Wednesday, 14 August 2002, at 3:40 a.m. From - memphis 
I been up all night thinking about
all those good words. That I have
heard over and over for the last
20 or so years. But we always come
up short. We get forgotten. Every=
body know they don't intent to do 
us right in the gas department. This
is the same old talk with some of
the same old people and a few different
ones. Be watchful, that all I got to say.


Name - JanisDate -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 9:01 p.m. From - Millington 
We just love you guys at the
Union Hall. Great website.
Don't change a thing.


Name - Bobby Email - no way
Date -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 8:58 p.m. From - memphis 
Come back in 30 days and tell us
what have all this talk brought
us.When they want the problems to
be over with. Management can stop it. 
My hold department just love this
website.


Name - James, James Email - Hope
Date -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 8:50 p.m. From - Bartlett 
Dealing in gas, Just be careful.
I been in gas for 19 years. I
hope this is a break through.
Just be careful. 


Name - SusieDate -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 8:24 p.m. From - Memphis 
We have been praying for you guys.
We belive God can fit this thang.
Have faith. Our hold church is 
praying for you gas guys. Keeps 
the faith.


Name - Bid Red Email - This is a trick .com
Date -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 8:19 p.m. From - Memphis 
I agree with Joe the overtime is
a small thing. A year will have passed
and there will be no agreement on
the stand-by and overtime. These
people have made us promises before
All they want is for yall to settle
us down. They don't intent to do us
right. These people hate us in gas.
Don't you all build yall hope up.
Action speaks louder than words.
Why want they do something in good faith.

Name - JoeDate -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 8:00 p.m. From - Memphis 
Union leaders we feel you. But so
far this is nothing but talk. They
have already promoted this man to
supervisor. They have basely said
there is know black qualified to
be promoted even though employees are
90% Black . I will be willing to bet
you that they screw us in gas department
on the stand-by and overtime. We
have seen this trick before. They
could have brought that overtime to
that meeting in good faith. But they
brought nothing . So Rick, JD, Jonhnnie,
Chuck be carful. Yall will be coming
to us in a few days saying management
had no good intention. We have seen 
this before. This is a great website.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 6:16 p.m. From - Memphis 
To the employees of the gas department.
For sometime there has been dismay
and troubling concerns about unfairness,
equal treatment and respect in this
area. Myself, being disrespected
from the very top(management),I do
understand how it feels from your
perspective. On Friday, August 9, 2002
the concerns came up in a meeting
with management. Those in attendance
were Jonnie Dawson, assistant Business
Manager, Chuck Laminack, assistant 
Business, J.D Cox IBEW President
Dianna Veazey, Manager, Barbara
Richman, Labor Relation, Gene Crawford,
Assistant Manager, Wayne Shannon,
Labor Ralation. I am hopeful that this
is a step in the right direction, in
which only time will tell. Dianna
Veazey stated that she wanted to reach
out to those men and women to find a
commom goals to reach for. She went
on to state that our relationship must
be brought back together, with employees
communicating their needs and management
listening. Ms Veazey showed a desire
to build this department, making it
a area where the employees can be proud
of themselves and having mutual respect 
for one another. Let me say hopefully
the first step has been achieved. But
the end result will be in how management
works with this office and how management
move to correct the past, and how
those employees are treated in the future.
Believe me Rick Thompson, Business
Manager and J.D Cox, President we
will not stop pursuit of this problem
until it is resolved. Remember there
is know worse FAILURE than a FAILURE
that don't try. Thanks, "Rick" 

Name - ditch digger Email - dumptruck.com
Date -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 5:24 p.m. From - mempho 
heres a call out to Herman,your people
are hurting!i know you are reading these 
comments.herman we put alot of faith in you!
can't you see your people are hurting mostly in gas and water
Mr herman do you know what the men just below you are doing behind your back?
in the end the buck stop's with you.don't just be a figure-head for the same-old same-old
mr herman do you know what makes greatness,its made when just one person stands up
and say's NO-MORE it all changes here and now.whats wrong with doing the right thing?
we built this city on our back's we built this company too!!mr herman we all beleave your a good man!
but we also beleave you could be a great man!!!
some of those guys below you thought that you got their job!!!
SHOW THEM WHY YOU GOT IT!!!
GOD BLESS THE USA,MLGW,1288


Name - Jeanette Email - no
Date -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 10:51 a.m. From - memphis 
I think this is a great website.


Name - James James Email - love .com
Date -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 12:41 a.m. From - Millington 
We need to slow down and think about
what we are doing. If we don't watch
out. we all going to get mess up.
Management you guys messed this 
thing up. please straighten it up.
Lest stop this thing before it go
to far. We need to work together.
Its going to take all of us. 


Name - Ba yDate -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 12:12 a.m. From - Bartlett 
Believe me if Herman,Larry or Ware
wanted to stop this mess, they
could. They know these men are 
being disrespected and degraded.
The vice presidents has to sign
off on all promotion. So all of
them know what is going on. They
just do not give a d_ m.

Name - Big C Big C Email - wrong doing.con
Date -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 11:42 p.m. From - Memphis 
I have worked at Mlgw for over
33 years. the way they treat certain
groups of people is the way it have
always been. Not promoting blacks
in the water and gas department is
nothing new. If you check the 
record this is the way things always
been. Everybody want to act like
they don't know what's going on.


Name - joe pulbicDate -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 11:29 p.m. From - memphis 
The reason the TVA contract is wanting to be
cancell is MLGW can not be sold as
long as we got the contract with TVA.
They are telling you that they want
to shop for lower rates. But TVA
got the lowest rates any where.
It is all about selling MLGW. Just
keep your eyes open and watch. 


Name - want say Email - know way
Date -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 11:07 p.m. From - shelby county 
My boy friend is in the water
department and he said it is so
bad over there. He said in the 
water and gas department it is six
hundred black employees and management
said their not one qualify to be
supervisor. We heard alot of this 
kind of talk in the 50's and 60's.


Name - Louise Email - lou.com
Date -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 10:53 p.m. From - memphis 
I have investigation this mess and
most of what you people is saying is
right about what going on in the
gas department. But what is it you 
people want to correct this situation.
We do not need our business in the 
public. let try to work this thing
out quickly.


Name - morganDate -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 10:43 p.m. From - memphis 
can we all get along.


Name - unknown Email - unknown
Date -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 10:37 p.m. From - unknown 
How can we get in tough with
Dr. Richman and Maxine Thomas
this wrong doing is unbearable.
This company do not believe in
equal opportunity. gas department
do not. MLGW MLGW MLGW MLGW MLGW.
they need to be invited to the
pray service to.


Name - Tommy lee Email - no way
Date -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 10:18 p.m. From - Memphis 
Several Groups of us is trying to
get together so we can plan to have
a pray service in front of Mlgw
at 220 S.main. We need to pray for
the guys in the gas department. we
are also being told to pray for the
men in the water department. We 
feel so bad for these guys. we
will have some of their children
out there with us.

Name - JoeDate -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 8:49 p.m. From - memphis 
Those management people in gas is
never going to give us the respect
that they know we should have. Thank about
about it. They dont even look at
us as men.They do not think we 
should be promoted so our family
can live good.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 1:47 p.m. From - Memphis 
Let me make a few observation in
regards to the comments section.
First, I will ask everyone making
comments to try to control their
emotions and keep their views to
facts. I would encourage every
member to present their thoughts and
concerns, but do so with professionalism 
Your Union is always here to service
you. "RICK"


Name - Bill Email - brgodsey@yahoo.com
Date -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 1:34 p.m. From - memphis 
This is a great website, it changes everyday with more information .
Thank you for visiting.
Have a Great Day!


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Monday, 12 August 2002, at 10:14 a.m. From - Memphis 
Good morning to the members of IBEW
Local-1288. This is your Business
Manager, Rick Thompson. I had a
safe weekend, and if you are 
reading our website, that mean you
had a safe weekend as well. Together,
may we have a safe week. Always
remember Safe is IBEW first Priority.
'Always here for you,Rick' 

Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth
Date -- Saturday, 17 August 2002, at 6:48 p.m. From - Memphis 
Several members have requested
to have a steward Training class
during the day for those stewards
and members who work the night
shifts. Notify the union Hall if
you are interested. Thanks, Rick


Name - DorisDate -- Saturday, 17 August 2002, at 12:59 a.m. From - Lakeland 
We love our union. We love our
website. We think Rick is the best
business manager we have had in
20 years. We think J.D Cox is the
best President the union have had
in 20 years. We love yall boys. 
Keep up the good work.


Name - Nick And Bob Email - Love Love
Date -- Saturday, 17 August 2002, at 12:08 a.m. From - Memphis 
I love this website. This is the
best information system in the
world. Thanks, Rick, JD, Johnnie
and Chuck. My Department said
they love all of yall.


Name - JoanDate -- Friday, 16 August 2002, at 11:43 p.m. From - Memphis 
This is a great website. You guys
in the gas department we are 
praying for you all. Again this
is a great site. Do not change
a thing.

Name - Big D Email - Here He Come's
Date -- Friday, 16 August 2002, at 10:28 p.m. From - Next Door 
Just a line or two to let the guy's in the gas and water department know that the team is right around the corner,and that we all stand together with them,and not just behind them.This thing is bigger than anyone could imagine.There's only one thing for us as Union Members have to do is (Stand our ground as men and women)and let no one or nothing move us.This is a process we're going through and all we have to do is be ready. LOVE ALL of YOU .Signed BIG D......


Name - billy godsey Email - brgodsey@yahoo.com
Date -- Friday, 16 August 2002, at 8:31 p.m. From - memphis 
This is a great website, make sure to check out the new Stewards pictures!!!
http://www.ibewlocal1288.com/august15.htm


Name - loren and kelly Email - work it out
Date -- Friday, 16 August 2002, at 9:09 a.m. From - Millington 
we have our problems-but mlgw
is still a good job.we will get
this thing worked out in gas and
water. This not to down play the
problems. 


Name - CarolDate -- Friday, 16 August 2002, at 8:33 a.m. From - Memphis 
I think MLGW is a great place
to work.


Name - Queen Email - Queen.com
Date -- Friday, 16 August 2002, at 12:39 a.m. From - Memphis 
We just found out That Rev James
Netters and Bishop Graves is the
Big Shots at Memphis Light, Gas
and Water Company. This bring knew
Light to the situation. You gas boys
help is on the way. Prayer changes
things. We passed flyers out in the
neighborhood with the website address
on it letting people know whats
happening at MLGW.


Name - DEBRADate -- Thursday, 15 August 2002, at 11:43 p.m. From - Memphis 
We said a pray for you gas men. Hold
your head up because we are proud
of you all. You all will be hearing
from us soon.


Name - Trent Ward - - - - - Email - no email - - - - - 
Date -- Thursday, 15 August 2002, at 10:29 p.m. From - Memphis - - -- - - - - - - - 
This steward Meeting tonight, is 
the best ever. I learn a lot about
the M. O .U.. This Union is on the
move.


Name - Scheryl Williams Email - no email
Date -- Thursday, 15 August 2002, at 10:22 p.m. From - Memphis 
I love my job in the gas department.
I love this website.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Thursday, 15 August 2002, at 10:31 a.m. From - Memphis 
Re: Emergency Leak Response.
I attended the 7:30a.m. Gas Leak
And Migration patterns class, held
yesterday August 14,2002. The class
was conducted by Mr. Ron Six of the
Aegis Insurance Company. I found
this instruction to be very
informative and well prepared.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 6:16 p.m. From - Memphis 
To the employees of the gas department.
For sometime there has been dismay
and troubling concerns about unfairness,
equal treatment and respect in this
area. Myself, being disrespected
from the very top(management),I do
understand how it feels from your
perspective. On Friday, August 9, 2002
the concerns came up in a meeting
with management. Those in attendance
were Jonnie Dawson, assistant Business
Manager, Chuck Laminack, assistant 
Business, J.D Cox IBEW President
Dianna Veazey, Manager, Barbara
Richman, Labor Relation, Gene Crawford,
Assistant Manager, Wayne Shannon,
Labor Ralation. I am hopeful that this
is a step in the right direction, in
which only time will tell. Dianna
Veazey stated that she wanted to reach
out to those men and women to find a
commom goals to reach for. She went
on to state that our relationship must
be brought back together, with employees
communicating their needs and management
listening. Ms Veazey showed a desire
to build this department, making it
a area where the employees can be proud
of themselves and having mutual respect 
for one another. Let me say hopefully
the first step has been achieved. But
the end result will be in how management
works with this office and how management
move to correct the past, and how
those employees are treated in the future.
Believe me Rick Thompson, Business
Manager and J.D Cox, President we
will not stop pursuit of this problem
until it is resolved. Remember there
is know worse FAILURE than a FAILURE
that don't try. Thanks, "Rick" 

Name - worry Email - worry.com
Date -- Tuesday, 20 August 2002, at 7:06 p.m. From - bartlett 
i am trying to be nice on the
website but you be careful in
those gas meeting. we been dealing
with this for years. i hope fairness
can be worked out. remember we
been dealing with this for years.
this new to you, but its old to us.
be careful. remember who you dealing with. 


Name - Die heart union member Email - life for
Date -- Tuesday, 20 August 2002, at 6:44 p.m. From - memphis 
Man i think the steward meeting
was so wonderful. i learned so
much. the language was made so
clear. i learned so much. i will
never miss another steward meeting.
i just can't believe the things
that came out. you guys handle
yourselves so well. Rick broke
the language down so clear. thanks,
rick-chuck-johnnie. i came back and
told my hold department.

Name - The HammerDate -- Tuesday, 20 August 2002, at 3:51 p.m. From - Memphis 
The Hammer invites all union Members to
the September meeting. I get longly
with the same 300 or so members
showing up at the meeting. I 
would like to see us break the 
record and see 700 or so members
show up. I love this Union. I Love
this website.



Name - the hammerDate -- Tuesday, 20 August 2002, at 2:46 p.m. From - memphis 
The Union has grown since Rick and
Staff took over the union.we have close to 1500 members now but on union night we barley have 30 members show up.KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.UNITED WE STAND.Lets stand together on union nights.Looking foward to seeing everyone SEPT. 05 @ 7:00pm. 


Name - big c Email - cw38127@aol.com
Date -- Tuesday, 20 August 2002, at 2:24 p.m. From - memphis 
this is a union. keep up the great work.I got your back.And I know you got mine. ,


Name - ScottDate -- Tuesday, 20 August 2002, at 12:05 a.m. From - Eads 
We ready to get our overtime problems
over. Yall doing alot of talking
and it sounds good. But when is
something going to happen. It will
be a year before long. Water is
almost finish.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Monday, 19 August 2002, at 10:37 p.m. From - Memphis 
This letter is the second in a series,
regarding problems with-in the Gas
Distribution Department. This morning
from 8:00 am. thru 12:00 noon, a 
meeting was held between this Union,
its leadership and Management. those
attending along with myself for the
Union were Jonnie Dawson Assistant
Business Manager, J.D. Cox President
and Chuck Laminack, Sr. Assistant
Business Manager. Those in attendance
for Management was Diana Veasey,
Manager of Gas Distribution, and 
Gene Crawford Assistant Manager of
Gas Distribution. Also in attendance
was Labor Relations Manager Barbara
Richman. The purpose of this meeting
was to clarify the concerns facing
Gas Distribution and its employees.
Many concerns came out of this meeting.
Ms. Veasey offered some insight, as
much of the context revolved around
Conflict Resolution. Let me state,
that Ms. Veasey and Mr. Crawford
also, discussed some sensitive issues
concerning race. The next meeting
scheduled is September 5, 2002. At
this meeting the concerns will be
prioritized and clarified. The
assessment of today's meeting, it
was rated from a 1 to 10. The result
was a 9. I think we can all agree
that working together is harder, but
as long as the end justifies the
means, it will not be in vain. Stay
with us on this important agenda.
Thanks, Rick 



Name - Big D. Email - Outside Looking In Again
Date -- Monday, 19 August 2002, at 9:29 p.m. From - Next To U.............. 
To Rick,J.D.,Jonnie and Chuck,You
Guy's and Jonnie keep up the good
job that you all are doing.WE in the
field are coming together i can see
just by how many people are coming 
back to work the next day talking
about the WEB SITE!We even have NON
UNION people talking about joining
the union now!But we can't let our
guard's down,divide and concord is
around the corner!People,all we have
to do is,Standup and be {Men and Women}.
If you are going to 'Talk the Talk'
then standup and 'Walk the Walk'....


Signing Off Now ! Big D.......

Name - Feel goodDate -- Monday, 19 August 2002, at 9:20 p.m. From - Memphis 
This is a find website. Thank 
god I am a IBEW union member.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth.net
Date -- Monday, 19 August 2002, at 2:44 p.m. From - Memphis 
THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BY UNION MEMBERS!!!



1. What exactly is Barbara Richman’s
function as Labor Relations 
Manager?

A. As a Management employee, can
she be neutral in a dispute? 

2. What is the difference between 
Article 6 (Non-Discrimination) 
of the Memorandum of Understanding 
and the Equal Employment Compliance 
Department? Do they work together 
or independent of one another?

I will answer these questions in a 
few days. I think that these questions 
are good ones and should have answers.
Thanks, Rick

Name - Call me Bless Email - Bless,com
Date -- Monday, 19 August 2002, at 8:08 a.m. From - Shelby County 
Thought for today: 
For the Lord is good; his mercy
is everlasting; and his truth
endureth to all generations. 
Psalm: 100:5


Name - Mean Green Email - Green Back
Date -- Sunday, 18 August 2002, at 7:08 p.m. From - Memphis 
I love this website. Don't change
a thing. I love it. I love it. I
love it. 


Name - unknown Email - goodcompany.com
Date -- Sunday, 18 August 2002, at 4:37 p.m. From - Bartlett,Tennessee 
I really do not see another company
anywhere that I would rather work.
MLG&W is a nice place to work.
Before you put our business in the
street. Everybody please think about
that.There is not a campany in this 
country that do not have some problems
But I do not see a problem at our campany
that can not be worked out. Think
about that. 

Name - RonDate -- Sunday, 18 August 2002, at 12:20 p.m. From - Memphis 
We are going to pray for you Gas
and water boys. We got to stick
together.We will pray for you boys
at church this morning,


Name - GeeDate -- Sunday, 18 August 2002, at 10:25 a.m. From - memphis 
The employees has gotten more 
attention at the administration
offices now than we ever have.
We believe this is mainly because
of Chuck and Johnnie. We have
never got attention before now.
We love this website. 


Name - Billy Godsey Email - brgodsey@yahoo.com
Date -- Saturday, 17 August 2002, at 8:15 p.m. From - Memphis 
I just surfed the site, and everything looks great.


Name - Rick Thompson Email - ibewrick@bellsouth
Date -- Saturday, 17 August 2002, at 6:48 p.m. From - Memphis 
Several members have requested
to have a steward Training class
during the day for those stewards
and members who work the night
shifts. Notify the union Hall if
you are interested. Thanks, Rick