Western Division Report

Do your daily screening call! It protects you, your family and your coworkers - 1-833-986-1441

 

I would like to thank the membership for everything you have done and everything you have had to endure this past year. It has not been easy for anyone, not for you, not for your family and not for your National Grid family. I would like to thank everyone for treating everyone with patience, respect and kindness. Remember we are a Brotherhood and Sisterhood. Stay united and support each other.

Please make sure you are doing your daily call in for screening and whatever you do, don't come onto the property if you have any symptoms. Do your call in and let the nurse direct you. The vaccines are becoming more and more available and we are working to move our members up on the priority list to get vaccinated.

 

We are working on the following Substations (Chairman Bill Vincent), Line (Chairman Jim Card), Operating Engineers (Chairman Jim Murty) and Welders. I have sent emails to all the department stewards. Please share any information with them that you would like to be considered.

 

We are working with the company to put another trainer on for the Line department in the West. This person will help with Line training but also be able to do some standalone training. We plan on interviewing those who fully qualify per the MOA.

 

We are working to finalize a training MOA for the Cable department. We will keep you informed.

 

Before you sign up please request from the company the rules on how you get paid. The reason is that per the company you need to work the day before and the day after to be paid the holiday. The union has a grievance on this because we don't agree. We believe it is a contractual benefit. Just be aware.

 

I would like to remind our members that when you have a member-on-member problem call the union hall. Give us an opportunity to resolve the issue. It seems like members in some cases call ethics and I believe that call should be a union member’s last resort. Management they are not your friends and they are required to report anything you tell them. I understand that you will not get along with everyone but we must as a brotherhood and sisterhood be able to count on and trust each other at work. I grew up on salty language but I am telling you there is a line drawn in the sand and do not to cross it. Do not personally attack any member verbally or physically. Do not threaten, harass or create a hostile work environment for any of our members. If you need help call 716-662-2324.

 

Respectfully,

Jim Murty

IBEW Local 97

Assistant Business Manager West