May 2016 Craftsman Article
Brothers and Sisters I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day Holiday. Memorial Day is an American Holiday observed on the last day of May. On Memorial Day Americans honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military. In 1961 the IBEW Local 69 contract had five (5) holidays in it. The holidays were New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. It was negotiated for Memorial Day to be added to the 1962 Labor Agreement. Thank God for all the men and women that gave all to their country and the men and women that supported organized labor and fought for the benefits we enjoy today.
On or about Friday, May 6, 2016, a crew from the Graham, Texas, Service Center was performing work on a pole where the conductors were de-energized but, not grounded. The Lineman was told by the Crew Supervisor he did not have to wear his rubber sleeves while performing the job, he would only need his rubber gloves. The Manager of the center drove up on the job and demanded the Lineman put on his sleeves. The Lineman worked the remainder of the day and the following Monday. At the end of the day Monday the Lineman was sent home on crisis suspension. The Crew Supervisor was sent home Tuesday on crisis suspension because, he was on rest time Monday. The Union is waiting on the outcome of the investigation to make the appropriate moves to protect our member. Advise your Crew Supervisors of this incident and ask them to go to our web site at www.ibewlocal69.com and fill out the Representation Form to gain Union representation.
The Union is in the process of scheduling the second quarter meetings with the Company. If you have any concerns regarding safety, work practices, or any other issues that need to be addressed with the Directors of Distribution please relay yours concerns to any of the Union Committee Members. The Committee is as follows; Ross McAuley, James Chapman, Charlie Jackson, Ronnie Killion, Rodney Deleon, Justin Snyder, Don Gray, Joe Marquez, and Bobby Reed.
The saga of the sale of Oncor goes on. Your guess is as good as mine on who the new owners will be. Our attorney stated the sale will continue the rest of the year. Don’t worry be happy, God is in control!
Until next time may God bless you, your family, and our Local Union.