Business Managers Report
March 2011
GENERAL
- In light of the growing concerns in Wisconsin the International Executive Council created the IBEW Unity Fund. The IBEW International is dedicating $100,000.00 to the fund and is asking local unions from across the IBEW who can do so, to contribute to this dedicated fund, to help provide those on the front lines with the resource needed to tell the world the truth of what is going on. If you wish to individually contribute to the fund, please visit our website at www.ibewlocal97.org for further information.
- We continue to address the issue of the Champlain Hudson Power Project which would delivery 1000 megawatts of power to New York City from Canada. In recent developments New Jersey has introduced an option to provide 650 megawatts of power to New York City. We are meeting with politicians to question them on how they can support such projects given the fact that we have more than enough generation within New York State to provide power down state as long as congestion areas are addressed.
BROOKFIELD
- We have scheduled a meeting for April 4th to address the regional operator issue.
- May 10th has been set for the upgrade arbitration.
CONSTELLATION
- We have secured four days in May and nine days in June for contract negotiations.
- Solidarity meetings continue and have gotten the attention of the company.
ENTERGY
- A meeting with the company was held on February 23rd to discuss benefits and the issue of converting unused, unpaid sick time into service credit towards retirement.
NATIONAL GRID
- Due to some recent developments I need to remind everyone of the importance of the proper use of company equipment (cell phones) and property (poles, cross arms).
- I have been notified that with the recent changes to the Fitness For Duty policy all covered employees that are absent from work for over thirty (30) days will be required to take the pre-employment drug test upon returning to work.
- Met with Diane Kogut to address issues with the underground department.
- Met with the company regarding the DLC and informed them that this group may be better served if it were one distribution group. We discussed the concerns of the type of work being provided and overtime issues.
- Discussion is still taking place regarding the filling of the Safety Advocates for Gas and the possibility of having Field Coordinators/Inspectors to oversee the contractors.
- We will be meeting on March 14th to discuss phase two of the Stations/Relay Flex agreement.
- Met with the Benefits Committee to address the SPD’s (Summary Plan Descriptions) and issues over the administration of sick pay, step therapy and dosing restraints.
- Due to the restructuring the 97c talks have been put on hold so that we can re-evaluate the need for an extension.
- The company has also approached us to discuss the possibility of reviving the home agent program for the Accounts Processing department.
NRG
- We have concluded negotiations with NRG and have ratified (140 yes and 35 no) a 2 year agreement that calls for a 2.5% general wage increase each year and a $1,000.00 ratification bonus, along with a increase to the LTD (Long Term Disability) plan and the continuation of premium cost sharing for retirees and a increase of shift differential. Also included is the creation of a regional workforce along with job mobility between the Huntley and Dunkirk plants and a Voluntary Separation Program.
PSE&G
- Met with the company on February 28th to discuss the decline of represented jobs and increase of management jobs. The company will look at what work we can perform in house in lieu of contractors.
Theodore J. Skerpon
President/Business Manager 03/08/11