Unfinished Business:
CPTC and Bonneville Power Administration to resume bargaining over the benefit offset issue.

Most members would like to see management at least attempt to negotiate the Benefit offset in good faith.

BPA/CPTC arbitration date for Benefit Offset August 2008.

 

Hood River Electric Cooperative
Members have ratified new three agreement, no new business.

 

City of Cascade locks
Members received a 4.34% annual wage increase. New 2008 wage rate 34.45.

 

Wasco Electric Cooperative
Negotiations progressing, hope to have package to the members.

 

Northern Wasco PUD
Gabe Red Cloud (Shop Steward) pursuing management on how it plans to implement the new Federal OSHA ruling concerning PPE.

 

Skamania PUD:
Members are concerned about the lack of proper communication equipment. What they are using is inadequate for some of the remote locations the crews have to work from.

 

Avista
La Grande crew reviewing their agreement in preparations for upcoming negotiations. 

Grievances:
Several new grievances have been filed over inadequate accommodations/lodging during the recent storms. (3rd step joint grievance board)

Annual Employee (temp) directing apprentices switching on the system during storm, operators were available.  (3rd step joint grievance board) 

New Business:
All units in Local Union 125 are instructed to hold a regular Unit meeting in May; each unit is to hold these meeting even if your Business Representative is not in attendance. The nomination of Officers for this years election shall be conducted under a special order of business one half hour after opening the meeting.

Good of the Union:
BPA, as well as most Utilities in the NW are looking for Lineman, Substation Operators and Electricians.

Retirement news: the Pension benefit fund for ‘A’ members has increased to $4.50 per month per covered year 20 yr minimum immediately retirement/age 62+.