Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1095652
41 The first agreement with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Alabama Power is dated Oct. 16, 1940. Born out of a dedication to safety, that cooperation now brings mutual benefit to strategic business decisions, workforce training, our interests in governmental matters and even in working side-by- side to make the communities we serve stronger. Years of work have established mutual respect between management and labor and has earned a reputation as one of the nation's best relationships. IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson refers to our partnership as the "Gold Standard" in the industry, where we truly are a team and work together to ensure both the company and IBEW members are successful. Legacy of Trust Alabama Power and North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) are committed to providing career opportunities to all people – including women, minorities and transitioning military veterans who often face obstacles in the job market – and are working together to expand the Apprentice Readiness Program (ARP) concept into Alabama. ARPs provide fundamental prerequisite education needed for future success in a formal apprenticeship program. This program will also focus on elevating communities, which is central to the way we do business. Without the partnership we have built over many years with labor, we could not fulfill our mission to serve our customers and our communities. ARPs have a proven history of providing a path to good, safe jobs with solid wages and benefits that provide a genuine sense of accomplishment. This includes providing: • Jobs that match the candidates' interests, skills and passions. • Jobs that make communities more vibrant. • Jobs where people of all backgrounds are treated with respect and fairness. Apprentice Readiness Program Company and IBEW leadership at dedication of recently upgraded Varnons Training Center, achieved in partnership with the IBEW and National Utility Industry Training Fund. Scott Moore, Jeff Peoples, Tom Fanning, Lonnie Stephenson, Mark Crosswhite, Casey Shelton.