Business Managers Report
December 2011
I attended an organizing conference the week of November 14th and as discussed at the International Convention a strong emphasis has been put on organizing efforts. Each local will be charged with upholding their obligation under the constitution to make every effort to organize. The International will dedicate a “lead” organizer from the Syracuse area.
We have made major inroads on the issue of upgrading transmission. We meet with Governor Cuomo’s Deputy Secretary for Policy Management Jim Malatras.
At a recent meeting we updated the Utility Council, which represents over 14,000 IBEW Utility workers, on our progress made on transmission upgrades. At that meeting Mike Malek from Local 2032 was elected as the new Chairperson and Mike Lutz from Local 966 was elected the Secretary/Treasurer. I wish them the best of luck in their new roles.
I received notification from the National Labor Relations Board of their decision to dismiss charges that had been filed by one of our members claiming that the Local had discriminated against him.
I also received notification from the Schenectady City Court that they found in favor of the Executive Board’s decision to impose a $500 fine against a member after a previous trial board hearing.
In both cases the member still has the right to an appeal.
BROOKFIELD
We continue to work on the pension funding issue.
I was notified on Friday that we won the Paul Byrne arbitration and he will be reinstated with back pay.
CONSTELLATION
We continue to monitor the merger with Exelon.
Grievances have been filed on issues that we feel are retaliatory after the strike.
We have provided the company with the figures for 120 cash balance members so that monies can be deposited into their accounts.
We have signed an agreement to provide for an extra $20.00 per day (above the IRS per diem) for shared services.
ENTERGY
We will focus on the security guard negotiations after the first of the year.
NATIONAL GRID
We held a Stations/Relay meeting in an attempt to reach an agreement. The grievances have been filed, however, we will continue to try and reach a resolve.
I attended a ½ day off the truck safety meeting in Syracuse. Member Tim Collins, who lost both of his arms, spoke about the importance of good communication and staying focused.
The company held meetings with Local 97 members to get feedback on the “employee experience at National Grid”.
I meet with the Work Support and Work Completion groups in Syracuse to discuss concerns over the “pecking order” for storms.
PSE&G
I spoke with Bill Thompson regarding the turnover issue and he was unwilling to correct the situation. We will file a grievance.
SERVICE EMPLOYEES
We were notified that they are going to layoff one employee after the first of the year.
TOWN OF WORCESTER
We have had discussion with the town regarding negotiations and expect that we will have a short list of proposals.
Theodore J. Skerpon
President/Business Manager 12/13/11