09/06/2026
FROM THE DESK OF PRESIDENT KELLY
A Monthly Message from Tom Kelly, President/Business Manager, IBEW Local 827.
“Communication, accountability, and solidarity are the foundation of a strong Local. Each month I’ll share updates on the work we’re doing, the challenges we’re addressing, and the opportunities ahead.”
Brothers and Sisters,
As we begin September, we close the door on the summer and a very busy month of August. We hope you enjoyed some well earned vacation with the people you love.
August ended with the company notifying Local 827 of a surplus in many locations and across many titles. Verizon is offering an EISP to identified titles in identified locations. The volunteer period for the EISP is September 3 with an off payroll date of October 10. We hope that this EISP allows Members who are prepared to leave to have the opportunity to do so on their best terms.
Whether you are considering taking the EISP or if you are just beginning your career you should meet with John Italiano from Scarborough Alliance to create a plan for your financial future. Working with John to provide a roadmap to a successful future begins today.
We had IBEW Training Representatives come to headquarters and give Code of Excellence and New Officer Training to our Officers, Business Agents and Chief Stewards. I think everyone walked away with a better perspective on these jobs and best practices for doing them.
The IBEW media department from Washington DC sent a crew to visit our headquarters, interview some of our officers and film some of our Members at work to show the communication sector of the IBEW. Great job by everyone showing the best of Local 827 and showing the world why we’re the best in the industry.
We met with Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo to discuss legislation creating pathways for fiber in new construction developments. Fiber is the best alternative for providing the people of New Jersey access to broadband and they deserve to have access to it.
We also discussed soaring healthcare costs with the Assemblyman and representatives from the NJ AFL CIO. This is a national issue and we’re looking for ways we can work with other groups to pressure legislators to provide relief. We’ll pass on information as it becomes available.
We are reopening the lobby of our building to be used as the primary entranceway. Due to some space restraints we had converted it to a mailing room. Thanks to the staff at headquarters for rearranging things to make this work. It allows us to show off our beautiful building to visitors again. Hopefully, all the rearranging will be done shortly.
We are hosting our first virtual statewide Steward meeting this week and we’re excited to provide the Stewards with real time information directly from headquarters.
These are extremely challenging times with much of our industry in state of transition. Completely changing management teams, new CEOs, corporate takeovers are all occurring with companies we’re dealing with and your representatives are juggling it all.
I’d like to thank International 3rd District Vice President Frank Muia for coming to headquarters and administering the oath to myself, Pat Glover and Glenn Yeary and the other Business Agents and Officers who retook the oath. Being sworn in as the President/Business is an extremely humbling experience and I take that oath very seriously, having my wife and some of my Union Brothers there who have been with me on this journey was especially rewarding.
