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March 2004 IBEW Journal L.U. 41 (em,es,i,se&spa), BUFFALO, NYLocal 41 and the Buffalo Building Trades worked diligently to sign three project labor agreements (PLAs) recently: the Buffalo Schools project, Erie County Courthouse and Buffalo Life Sciences project at Roswell. These projects will guarantee many work hours for our members. The PLAs have also helped in signing seven new contractors, which employ Local 41 members today. These PLAs require completion of a 10-hour (minimum) OSHA class to work on these projects. More than 400 Local 41 journeymen, apprentices and communication workers have completed the 10-hour OSHA training. NECA contractors offer ongoing classes and we urge everyone to get trained. We have completed the first year of the new Residential Apprenticeship. Currently, eight apprentices are working for various contractors. We have 92 inside apprentices and 30 communication trainees in the classroom and on the job. Remember: When an apprentice is working under your guidance, its your responsibility to train in a safe manner. Organizing at Local 41 is not just up to the organizer. Everyone in the office and out in the field has a responsibility to help organize. The last 10 years of organizing have helped us control the job market. Please do your part and help us any way you can. Be strongstand united. Charles P. Moore, P.S.
L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CAIt is with great sadness that we report the passing of Bro. Bill Sanchez, who was employed as a troubleman with Southern California Edison. Our condolences go to his family and friends. On Jan. 1, 2004, all Local 47 represented employees at SCE received a general wage increase of 3.5 percent. Linemen-type classifications received an additional 2 percent. Separate negotiations resulted in substation electricians receiving a 4.85 percent wage increase. Benefits bargaining will soon begin. A policy-council was convened to get proposals for negotiations. Fortunately, SCE has returned to profitability and has started to pay dividends to its stockholders. Unfortunately, health care is a major issue in most union bargaining. Grocery workers in Southern California have been on strike/locked-out for four months over health care. Our members are supporting their efforts by joining picket lines. A Memorandum of Understanding was ratified for our members at Anaheim. There was a general wage increase of 3.5 percent. Linemen-type classifications received an additional 2 percent. Improvements were made to shift pay. The Part-time Unit at Anaheim received a 3.5 percent wage increase. Both contracts have wage re-openers for 2005. Negotiations will soon commence with the City of Riverside and Asplundh Tree Expert Company. Live Safe, Live Well, Work Union. Stan Stosel, P.S. L.U. 77 (lctt,mt,o,t&u), SEATTLE, WAThe Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) finished a $40 million power line in the Puget Sound area. The Kangley-Echo Lake line went into full operation on Dec. 31, 2003. The growth in the Puget Sound area has increased demand on the transmission system and necessitated upgrades. The Kangleys-Echo Lake line stretches nine miles through the Cedar River Watershed, connecting the generating plants east of the Cascades to Seattle and the citys northern suburbs. Our signatory contractor, Henkles-McCoy, was the successful bidder for the job. Congratulations to those who worked on and completed this important project. Three new contracts are opening up in the Southwest: Grays Harbor PUD, including the Grays Harbor Engineers, Wahkiakum PUD and the City of McCleary Police, The negotiating committees are in place and are ready to meet with the employers. State legislators started with their work on Jan. 12, 2004. We will continue to have a strong presence, especially on PERS matters as well as working to get a journeyman lineman placed on the Governors Electrical Board. Winter storms have been plentiful. The Mutual Aid performed by all our brothers and sisters has been greatly appreciated, especially by customers and ratepayers. Work safe! Sylvia Hanson, P.S. L.U. 99 (govt&i), PROVIDENCE, RIAt this writing we are still booming on the work front, with only 2 percent to 3 percent unemployment overall. The 2003 childrens Christmas party was unfortunately hampered by foul weather. However, at the union meeting many of the toys were picked up by our brothers and sisters and the remainder went out to a local charity organization. Thanks to Jimmy Brown for planning the event and playing Santa. Also thanks to members who served during 2003 on the many Local 99 boards, trusts and committees. Your dedication and commitment fuel the engine of the IBEWwithout you we would surely be stalled. Joe Walsh, P.S. L.U. 125 (lctt,o&u), PORTLAND, ORWith 11 of our 44 contracts open or opening the first part of the new year, things are busy to say the least. Health care increases of 30 percent a year continue to put our employers in a bind. At this writing the largest open contract is with Portland General Electric. The union and company exchanged proposals Oct. 31 and negotiations began in mid-November, with a contract expiration date of Feb. 29. As of now, the issues with PGE are pension, medical, retiree medical and sick leave sellback, and the company seems to be dragging its feet in part because of ties to Enron. No company people at the table have enough horsepower to make a decision. Its always well get back to you. We hope things will get done before the contract expires. PGE is currently in the process of being sold to Oregon Electric Utility Company. Oregon Electric is a newly formed entity financially backed by investment funds managed by the Texas Pacific Group, one of the nations leading private equity investment firms. Byron F. Babka, B.R. |
