Brothers and Sisters, Spring has sprung. The grass is green, the flowers have bloomed, and the spring storms of Texas are inevitable. While working the spring storms, always work as safe as possible and watch your brothers back. Congratulations to the last group of Journeymen to make Troublemen. As a new Troubleman, if there is ever a question in your mind on the work to be performed, never hesitate to call on a brother for advise before making a decision you are not completely comfortable with. If the job is not already dangerous enough the Company is utilizing office personnel to troubleshoot after a storm. We recently had a WDOC Troubleman work a ticket from the WDOC that instructed him to close in a cut out. When the Troubleman closed the cut out to energize the primary, a flash occurred because there was wire down. After investigating the matter it was discovered the work order was turned in by an office worker. The Union has filed a grievance on the matter but, in the meantime watch your back. The Union has pleaded with the Company at our quarterly safety meetings not to send office personnel to work in the field after storms. The Company continues to send unqualified Oncor workers into the field to assist in power restoration after a storm. The Union has told the Company they are playing a dangerous game and will get someone injured or killed if this practice continues. Do not let this be you. Do not trust any work order turned in by an office worker during or after a storm.
I would like to thank everyone that took the time to attend a Unit Meeting this month. The unit meetings are vitally important to the continued success of our organization. At the meetings we can communicate about the work issues that face us on a daily basis, like the Company using office personnel to troubleshoot during and after storms.
I would elaborate on the failure of the NextEra deal except, it is too painful. The word is Berkshire Hathaway could be in the picture or Oncor could be a stand-alone company. The good news is the Hunts are not in the picture to buy Oncor. The bad news is if Oncor is made to be a stand-alone company, the same management that has decided to utilize office people to shoot trouble will still be in charge. At this point I do not know anyone that knows what will happen with Oncor. Please continue to stay focused and work safe so we can go home each day to our families and loved ones.
Until next time may God bless you, your family, and our Local Union.