Friday, October 1, 2021
Article XXIII update; Local 97 is currently scheduling meetings for the Welder and Station Article XXIII's. I will continue to update everyone on the others as things develop.
 
As everyone knows we have begun having meetings again, I want to thank all the members who have attended for their patience and help with keeping any exposure to others at a minimum. As flu season approaches, please be diligent in following the safe practices and processes in place, for your safety and that of your brothers and sisters.
 
As always, should any member have a question, an issue or concern please contact your steward or if they are unavailable, call the hall directly.
 
Steve Givney
IBEW Local 97
Assistant Business Manager East
 
Article XXIII for Substations has begun with the appointed committee members.
 
Also, everyone bidding posted job openings, please make sure that the department posting the job has contacted you with a detailed explanation as to why you meet or don't meet the qualifications for the posting. There have been discrepancies in the past, and we need to know when they occur. WORK SAFE!
 
William Vincent
 
Fall is right upon us and the leaves will be changing soon. This change also brings a reminder of other changes we should make. This is the perfect time to replace your smoke detector batteries. It is also a good time to check the batteries in all your test equipment. We often overlook small items like our Fluke meters and a low battery can give us false readings. It is also a time that we turn the heat back on. The future of heat is ever-changing and many people are choosing electric heating options. We will be seeing increased anxiety when their power is out. Other than that, fall is some of the best weather in the Northeast. Enjoy what is left before the winter sets in.
 
We are starting to meet in person again for union meetings. We will continue to monitor the situation and ask for your patience as we navigate the current health concerns.
 
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact your steward, and if you need further assistance contact the hall. Stay safe and stay healthy.
 
Bill Maloney
Business Representative
 
Business Representative
 
 
Liberty Utilities:
  • Scheduled a Union/Management meeting for October 7th. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please forward them to your steward.
  • Still trying to obtain the new contract book from the Company. The Company keeps telling me that they are still working on it.
 
PSEG:
  • As you all know by now the Company has announced the new owners of the plant, ARCLight Energy Partners. Local 97 will be working with ARCLight in the future to ensure a smooth transition to the new owners.
  • Attended the 2022 medical cost meeting with the Company:
  • Some dates to remember:
  • October 11th-24th will be the period that PSEG will be sending out information to employees regarding open enrollment. This information will be available through MyPSEGconnect.
  • October 25th - November 5th will be open enrollment
  • BEC employees must enroll during this period in order for your benefits to transfer to ARCLight when they take ownership.
 
  • Attended Safety Council Meeting. I expressed the Union's desire to continue this Council once ARCLight takes ownership. The Company agreed.
  • Due to the end of the Business Continuity Period, the following COVID 19 Pandemic Agreements have ended:
  • COVID 19 Bargaining Unit Work from Home Protocol
  • COVID 19 Sequestration Plan
  • COVID 19 Temporary Bereavement Leave
 
  • The Fossil Ten Hour Work Schedule Agreement has been extended until December 31, 2021.
  • Please follow all COVID protocol, in order to stay safe during this continued pandemic.
 
Brookfield:
  • There are several vacancies throughout the Company. I am working with the Company to fill these vacancies.
  • There has been a lot of turnover this past year. Having many new employees, there is an increased Safety concerns across the Company. Make sure you take the extra time to review your JSP's and go over the hazards for the day. Do not put yourself or anyone else in a position that they are not trained in. If anyone has a question, stop the job and review your barriers.
  • We are reviewing several HSSE Procedures with the Company.
  • The Company has abolished a Relay position in Watertown and created a Mechanic Machinist Position in its place.
 
Organizing Committee:
  •   Had a Committee meeting in September.
  •   Reviewed our list of potential workers to organize.
  •   Working on updating the information we hand out to potential targets.
  •   We are in the process of setting up social media for ad campaigns and a place for potential members to learn about Local 97.
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RENEW Committee:
  • Had a Committee meeting in September.
  • Working on setting up a social media platform to keep members informed of upcoming events and other information regarding the RENEW Committee.
  • Working on a couple of fall events to try to get our members and families together, outside of work. Keep an eye out for flyers and possible social media for information.
  • If anyone would be interested in joining your local division's subcommittee, please contact a RENEW committee member or your local Union hall.
 
As always, be Safe
Don Netto
Business Representative

 

Found In: 
Eastern Division