I recently had the opportunity to attend the Albany CMS half day off the truck event. It was developed and presented primarily by our Service Reps. and had a different program than many other half day off the truck events. Instead of videos and guest speakers, several task specific hands on demonstrations were developed and shared. There was a ladder safety demonstration, 3 different piping demonstrations, one product demonstration, and a vehicle safety demonstration which highlighted both backing hazards and the location and size of blind spots. Overall it was a very useful program of ways to work safely every day. Congratulations to the group for pulling off a very creative half day off the truck. -Dan Machold
The Eastern Division Text Blasts are up and running. We have had a few minor glitches that have been fixed, but overall seem to be working well. Starting in May we have expanded the LU97 Text Blast to include Central and West union members. Kevin Lyons
PSEG: The membership at the Bethlehem Energy Center started the ten hour weeks this Memorial Day weekend.
We're also starting the summer run season, on the warmer days; extra vigilance is important in getting work done in the safest manner possible.
Brookfield: We'd like to recognize the Eastern Division members that participated in this year's kayak run on the Hoosick River. Every year they work to make it a safe and enjoyable event for the kayaker's that attend.
NYISO: The contract agreement for this group is coming close to finalization.
St Lawrence Gas: As many already know our brothers and sisters in the Massena area at St Lawrence Gas an Embridge company are going through a purchase sale agreement with Liberty Utilities. We've recently met with the company to take a high level look at Liberty and what they're about and look forward to a smooth transition.
'IGNITE': Has been work toward the completion of their membership drive with an event in the Buffalo hall on June 27, 2019. Thank you to all those in every division that expressed interest in joining us. You should be hearing from a committee person with details of the next meeting in your area. -Steve Givney
We have met a number of times to review the Safety Handbook Draft given to us by the Company. We will be meeting 2-3 more times this month including once with the Company to go over changes.
I have discussed with Peter Altenburger the number of Line vacancies we currently have in the East and the probable ones we will have during the Summer. He is researching dates for a possible Helper School in the late Summer early Fall. As soon as any dates are set, we will get the word out.
-Charles Milos, IBEW Local 97, Assistant Business Manager East