Brothers and Sisters it is difficult to write this article without writing about the affects and effects of the COVID-19 Virus that has our nation in a precarious position. I realize we are all saturated with information regarding the COVID-19 virus. Hopefully, by the time the Craftsman Article is printed in the last week of May we can go outside in Dallas County without a mask or being fined and jailed if you do not have a mask on.
Many of our members have asked about “hazard pay” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Business Managers in the 7th District of the IBEW had a conference call on April 8, 2020, with International Vice President Steve Speer to discuss the pandemic and what issues are confronting our members due to the virus. There are no Utility Locals in the 7th District receiving “hazard pay”. IBEW Local 69 members at KDFW-TV Fox 4 were offered hazard pay. However, the Company wanted the ability to make unilateral changes to staffing, pay, jurisdiction, and work conditions without being able to file a grievance in exchange for “hazard pay”. I would like to thank the members at Fox 4 for standing united and resolutely telling the Company that our contract is not for sell. Shame on the Company for trying to exploit their employees during this crisis.
The Unfair Labor Practice charge filed by IBEW Local 69 regarding members not receiving union representation in Taylor, Texas, has been closed on compliance. The closing is conditioned upon continued observance of the informal Settlement Agreement. Oncor should have posted a Notice To Employees at the Taylor, Texas, Service Center stating what the employer needed to do to comply with the Agreement. Bottom line, if you are asked to attend a meeting with Management and you believe the discussions could lead to you being disciplined you have the right of union representation. If the Company does not allow you to have a union representative in the meeting call me immediately at 972-965-1382.
OSHA has completed their investigation into the fatality that occurred on November 20, 2019, at CR 1536, 3-miles South of Chico, Texas. Oncor Electric Delivery was cited with four (4) serious violations that totaled $53,976.00 in penalties. The Company now has three (3) options, they can request a meeting with OSHA to negotiate a settlement, agree with the citation, penalties, and correction deadlines, and do not contest, or not agree with the citation, penalties, and/or correction deadlines, to contest the Citation. This was a tragic accident that should have never happened.
Until next time may God continue to bless you, your family, and IBEW Local 69.