Monday, November 16, 2020
Veterans Day - I would like to start off by thanking every Veteran but a special thanks to our members that have served in our great American Armed Forces. It is because of you that all Americans enjoy the freedoms we have. Veterans day is celebrated on the same day every year. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. I want to thank every Veteran that served in a time of war or in a time of peace. It is because of your service that we can rest assured knowing that every Veteran put God and Country first so we can live in freedom. Thank You and God Bless every one of our Veterans!
Thanksgiving - I would also like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I know the world is a crazy place to live in right now but I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel. This is a time to be thankful for everything we have. Please enjoy your time with your family over the holiday.
Safety Day of Reflection - The Union and the Company have been going around doing a safety day of reflection. I would like to say that I have to believe that it is important to take time to reflect on safety. I have tried to make as many meetings as possible but some dates the company had as many as 6 meetings scheduled in a day all over the Western Division.
The key thing to take away from these meetings is that we can help determine our safety future. Safety is about you, your coworker and your family. Make sure that we are doing everything we can to work safely.
The tailboard is the perfect way to start the job safely. Make sure everyone is involved and understands the task. This is a perfect time to teach those in progression about the task at hand. Those in progression it is ok to ask questions, we have all been in your shoes don't be afraid to ask something you don't know or don't understand. Everyone has the right to a Safety Stop when you’re not sure about the task, stop.
We seem to feel pressure from others or place pressure on ourselves. There is no reason to rush your work, never take shortcuts. Here at National Grid we deal with outages that some call emergencies. There is no job so important that we cannot do it safely. If it takes more time to do it correctly and safely then that is the best you can do. Make sure you and your crew members don't lose focus. Communication is a key factor in working safely.
COVID - The numbers are going up and as of the day I am writing this most of Erie County are in orange. Please social distance, wear your mask and be careful for yourself your coworkers and your family.
Respectfully,
Jim Murty
IBEW Local 97
Assistant Business Manager West
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