About Us and Our History

 
IBEW Local Union 2199 began to represent the Technical and Office Clerical employees at Iroquois Gas Corporation in 1966, following an election with the incumbent union, District 50 of the United Mine Workers.
 
Since 1966, there have been six Presidents / Business Managers:
  • Ed Lillis (1966-1968)
  • Bryce Dailly (1968-1972)
  • Chris Greco (1972-1978)
  • William McMahon (1978-2010)
  • Julie Cosenza (2010-2012)
  • Deborah Thur (2012-2014)
  • Denita Mungro(2014-2016)
  • April Finch (2016-present)

Many brothers and sisters have worked very hard for our Local as officers and Executive Board members; however, they are too numerous to list.

The IBEW International Office also has provided our Local with great leadership and assistance from their International Representatives.  Over the years, the following people have been assigned to assist us: John Daley, Ed Jasper, Jack McDermott, Mike Flanagan, Mike Welsh and currently Julie Cosenza. Many of the benefits we enjoy today are thanks to the guidance of these individuals.

In 1974, the company reorganized and all the wholly owned subsidiaries (Iroquois Gas, Pennsylvania Gas, etc.) took the name we recognize today, National Fuel Gas Company.

We have negotiated many contracts with the union since our founding in 1966.  Most have resulted in two or three year agreements without major difficulties. In 1975, a six-week strike was necessary to negotiate a two-year agreement.  However, many of the underlying issues were tabled until the next negotiation.  Therefore, a 19-week strike was needed in 1977. Since that time, we have been fortunate to achieve contract agreements without work interruptions.

Thanks for stopping by ibewlocal2199.com and thank you for your continued support.

 
History of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
 
The IBEW represents approximately 750,000 active members and retirees 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.
 
As union members, we bargain collectively with our employers over wages, benefits, and rights.
 
Most of us have very limited bargaining power as one person, but as a group, we are strong. And, with a good negotiated contract, we have legal protections we would not have otherwise.