Business Managers Report - October

I apologize for not being able to make this month’s meeting however; negotiations with Entergy has taken precedent.

 

We have concluded all of our Solidarity Picnics for the year, all were well attended and I want to thank those involved for all their hard work organizing the picnics.

 

There will be a rally this Saturday starting at 10:30am at the Dunkirk Pier - 6 Lake Shore Drive West. I would ask that all members attend to show our support in the re-powering efforts.

 

We held a rally in Oswego in an effort to convince Entergy to re-fuel the Fitzpatrick Nuclear plant -- between 1500-1600 were in attendance.

 

Given all we have going on with Entergy and NRG it has become more important that we have an e-mail address (other than work) that we can send notifications to. So please take the time to visit our website and either enter or update your e-mail address.

 

We have reached a tentative agreement with Entergy that was voted on this week and which has passed with a count of 147 Yes votes and 29 No votes.

 

The Company has announced they will be deciding the re-fuel issue by the end of the month and have yet to give a response as to what is needed in order to keep the plant open.

 

I was informed today that James Rabb (Director of Employee & Labor Relations) will be retiring as of November 30, 2015. Though we have not always agreed we were able to resolve many issues. I wish him and his family the best.

 

I did have an opportunity to speak with Dean Seavers (President, National Grid US). I was able to discuss our concerns related to Contractors, Staffing levels, Budget constraints, Morale Etc. I was encouraged by the Jurisdictional Model that Dean is moving ahead with which will allow for greater agility and local decision making.

 

We have given the Gas agreement back to the Company and let them know our concerns about staffing levels and contractors. They will be sending a revised proposal.

 

We should have the reliability study by the end of the month at which time we can schedule time to meet with the Company in order to move forward.

 

In the meantime local staff has worked out an agreement to start sending members to the Oswego plant.

 

We have an agreement with NYISO that calls for a 3 year term 2.5% GWI each year and rest time language. It received a 100% approval rating by the membership.Also it was refreshing to have a company come to the table with a straight forward honest approach.

 

We had an incident where a member was servicing an appliance at a residence and an explosion occurred. The rep. and homeowner did receive injuries however; are doing OK. An investigation is ongoing.

 

Lastly and most important-- Brothers and Sisters we are facing some very trying times and many challenges remain in front of us now more than ever we need to stick together and fight the fight by showing our SOLIDARITY!!