|
Columbia Basin Electric
Cooperative
Recent negotiations have concluded, and the package was
ratified by the membership accepting a three-year term of
agreement. Modifications made to the agreement include: Cost
sharing for dental premiums, upgrade to “working foreman”
for overtime assignments when two journeymen are on
assignment, 2008 general wage increase five percent, 2009
general wage increase three and one-half percent, and 2010
general wage increase three and one-half percent. Local 125
appreciates the professionalism demonstrated throughout the
process and the membership’s ability to remain focused on
the total package during bargaining.
Clatskanie PUD
Clatskanie PUD’s vacancy for a journeyman lineman remains
with the possibility of other openings in the near future.
It has not been determined if these will be full time or
temporary. The District has added a new bargaining unit
classification of Journeyman Wireman which has been
successfully filled. Many changes appear to be on the
horizon for the District as it analyzes business needs.
Members are encouraged to stay focused on their
responsibilities and continue providing excellent service
safely and efficiently to the customers.
Harney Electric Cooperative
In many areas, management tries to ensure that there is
consistency between bargaining-unit and non-represented
personnel. The District is seeing an increase in “Workers
Comp” claims. As our membership approaches each job, it is
important that we take into account body positioning. In no
case have we been told to hurry our work. Members are
reminded to utilize safe work practices at all times when
approaching each job. Pre-job tailboards are essential and
must be completely understood by all parties involved;
communication and listening is key. The Local appreciates
management’s willingness to discuss the issues as they
surface.
Klickitat PUD
Members ratified the proposed package. Traditional sick
leave and vacation was moved to Personal Time Off (PTO). A
Joint Labor and Management Committee has been established in
order to propel good working relationships and a Joint
Hiring Committee has been re-established. General wage
increases for a three year term of agreement are: Effective
April 1, 2008, four percent, October 1, 2008, one percent,
April 1, 2009, three and one-half percent, and April 1,
2010, three and one-half percent. The District and Local 125
were able to resolve the pending grievance regarding job
awards prior to the scheduled arbitration. Both parties
worked collaboratively towards the best resolution to
satisfy all parties. Members are reminded to educate
themselves on each section of the Collective Bargaining
Agreement (CBA). By taking the time to know what you have,
you will have a better understanding of issues when they
arise.
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative
As we change from season to season, one thing must remain
constant: our approach to safety. It is important that we
communicate any incident which takes place, vehicle
incidents included. Communications from the Cooperative have
included a future implementation of an automated metering
system. Members potentially impacted by the implementation
are encouraged to obtain new skills in order to maintain
employment. It is important that you are looking forward and
realize that as technology advances, so must we. As changes
occur with new management in place it is important that the
membership remains professional. Several issues have
surfaced regarding the misapplication of summer hours as it
applies to specific work groups as defined in the current
Collective Bargaining Agreement. Local 125 encourages
members to remain united as one and not to be influenced by
our own convenience.
Pacific Power
We continue bargaining with the company in efforts to secure
our members’ retirement and medical benefits. Protecting
these benefits is a priority for our negotiating committee.
For updates on negotiations, please make certain that you
are talking with your district’s representative. Remember,
we must stay focused on the big picture and not be
sidetracked by other issues. Negotiations will resume and
are scheduled for May 16 and 17, 2008.
All members are asked to continue conducting themselves
professionally. In the event that an incident occurs at
work, make certain that you are being honest and forthright.
Inevitably, there will be a better outcome. Thank you to our
members who are standing up, being accountable, and doing
the right thing ever day.
Many safety incidents continue to occur. Please communicate
with one another in order to educate each person of the
importance of approaching each job as safely as possible. We
are all in it together.
Tillamook PUD
Members are asked to stay focused on their job duties. The
implementation of automated metering is impacting some
members. If you are affected, focus on the big picture.
Maintaining employment over the long-term is more important
than a short-term temporary project. Local 125 is working
with the PUD in order to resolve minor issues. As with many
employers, the District is experiencing an above average
retirement number; however, the District is hiring several
individuals into entry-level positions in order to prepare
them for apprenticeships.
Umatilla Electric Cooperative
Negotiations have started. The Cooperative has put some
proposals on the table, which may upset members.
Negotiations is a process, and we are prepared to work
through it. It doesn’t matter where we begin; stay focused
on the end result. If you have questions about negotiations,
please talk with a representative from the Negotiating
Committee. All members are asked to remain continually
focused on performing their job duties safely and
efficiently.
Safety
Are we consistently doing the right thing? Do we utilize
proper Personal Protective Equipment for each application?
Have you ever taken the time to ask yourself, “Do I take
short-cuts? Do I have an it’s never going to happen to me,
attitude”? Who really owns our safe work practices? The
answer is we do; it is up to each and every one of us to
approach each job in the safest manner possible. Having
proper communication during the pre-job tailboard and
throughout the job is essential in order for all of us to go
home each night; we owe it to one another.
At times we may
see something that really doesn’t seem right, but are you
willing to ask the question? Many of us think that by asking
a question or being questioned is an attempt to discredit
one another. In the electrical industry this is not the
case. We are faced with tough decisions daily. It is
important to know that we are all in it together, as one
team. Many times we have all heard of the importance of
standing at the plate, this is one of those times. No one
else can do it for you, if you want to make the change you
are the only one that can do so.
How many times do
we drive in excess of the posted speed limit and only when
we are caught do we show remorse? Consequences are part of
our everyday life, right? Do we accept the violation and
learn from it or do we say, “They singled me out” and “I
don’t deserve this.” We have a choice to accept the
consequence or not. A citation for exceeding the speed limit
can be mitigated down, and we pay the appropriate fine. Do
we ever get a second chance in our industry? Consequences
for failure to adhere to a safety policy can be much more
than paying the fine. It may be your life or one of your
co-workers lives.
Many discussions
have taken place on safety. Who is responsible for it? We
all know the answer, and we all have the ability to make a
difference. It is not something we owe to any company; it is
something we owe to one another. If we are doing it by the
book, no supervisor will ever have the ability to ask why?
If we choose to take short-cuts, maybe it will be your
spouse, child, or co-workers asking “why.” Why didn’t we say
something?
As we approach
each situation we must ask ourselves, are we doing the right
thing, are we holding ourselves and our co-workers
accountable? In the event we had an opportunity to say
something and didn’t, are we willing to look ourselves in
the mirror and accept our failure? Hopefully, we will be be
proud knowing that we had the opportunity to make a
difference, which resulted in our co-workers’ ability to
return home to their families, and we did it. Let’s be
assured we are standing at the plate and got the job done
safely.
|
