Craftsman Article April 2016
Brothers and Sisters I would like to thank everyone that took the time to attend a unit meeting in April. The Unit Meetings allow us to come together and discuss issues and concerns that we have in the work place. Many times work related issues go under the radar because members feel intimidated or believe their concerns only affect them. The Unit Meetings are a great avenue to communicate what goes on in the real world. After this round of unit meetings it is obvious the Company is not calling the entire on call crew for call outs. This means we must negotiate stand by pay in the future. If you become aware of a call out that the entire crew is not called out to work, please send me an email with the facts (ie) Date, Service Center, Employees, how many hours worked etc. etc.
At the Unit Meetings there were plenty of discussions regarding the sale of Oncor. Most of you have probably read that the Hunt’s want a do over at the PUC. The Hunt’s are trying to change the terms of the agreement reached at the PUC a month ago. The Hunt’s filed a formal request for a rehearing. The PUC staff filed a statement that the Hunt’s separate application for a rate setting procedure failed to meet legal requirements necessary to allow the sale to go forward. EFH has until June 30th to pull the plug on the deal.
President, Ross McAuley and I went to the Utility Conference at the end of March. We were able to talk with the union leadership from Florida Power, which is one of the companies owned by NextEra. We exchanged contracts and had healthy conversations. The one thing I have not found in the contract given to me is a DOT position or one similar. Talking to other union leaders in the utility industry I have been unable to find companies with a DOT position or one similar. Oncor has expanded the position of DOTs to reduce bargaining unit members. A Distribution Operations Technician, at Oncor Electric Delivery, is a glorified Troubleshooter. If you have not talked to the DOTs at your service center about filling out a Representation Form on our web site at www.ibewlocal69.com, please take time to do so.
On May 8th we will celebrate Mother’s Day. Do not forget to go see her, call her, to thank her for everything. If you have lost your mom say a prayer that day for having the Mother you had, I believe she is listening.
Until next time may God bless you, your family, and our Local Union.