L.U.
949 (t&u), BURNSVILLE, MNLocal 949 hosted 24 stewards at this years Stewards
Training Seminar March 21-22. The Local was assisted by Int. Reps. Mary Harrigan
and Jim Dahlberg. Basic information was given regarding a stewards
responsibilities and rights. Procedures for handling grievances and dealing with
management on a variety of issues were discussed. On Friday, Keith Norton (FMCS),
Bob Weisenberger (BMS) and Marlin Osthus (NLRB) gave individual presentations
and conducted a question-and-answer panel. Saturday mornings presentation
focusing on the FMLA was given by Labor Attorney Connie Howard. As in the past,
we received very positive comments from the stewards in attendance. In addition
to receiving excellent information, stewards have the opportunity to ask
questions and discuss their individual situations with other stewards from Local
949s 42 contracts and 71 bargaining units.
Bus. Mgr. Vince Guertin is involved with initial contract negotiations for
two groups of employees at Xcel Energy, the "radiation protection" specialists
and the engineers. Negotiations are progressing slowly. Bus. Rep./Legislative
Liaison Gary Thomforde continues to be active in the legislative process
regarding the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant. Local 949 represents 330
employees at PINGP.
L.U. 953 (catv,em,lctt,o,spa&u), EAU CLAIRE, WIIn 2001, the Wisconsin Public
Service Commission approved the plans from American Transmission Company to
build a 345 kilovolt line from Duluth, MN, to Wausau, WI.
This line would carry enough power for 400,000 homes and was estimated to
cost approximately $165 million. In November 2002, American Transmission Company
announced that the project would cost $295 million more because of stricter
environmental standards, higher land costs, and a two-year delay in the project.
After that announcement of increased costs, the PSC reopened the case,
soliciting public comment on how to conduct a new review. In mid-April 2003, the
commission outlined the scope of the review and decided to accept testimony on
the following: Cost estimates for the line and four other higher voltage
transmission line alternatives. Other options that would provide power
generation and transmission for more reliable power to Wisconsin. A cost-benefit
analysis as to whether the Duluth to Wausau line is still the best choice. A
pre-hearing conference was scheduled in May with hearings likely to start in
late summer 2003.
The Local 953 Golf Outing is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2003, at the
Chippewa Valley Golf Club in Menomonie, WI. It will be a shotgun start at 9 a.m.
The cost is $40 per person, which includes, golf cart, food, beverages and
prizes. Watch for the sign-up card in your 953 newsletter.
This fall will be exceptionally busy with approximately 18 contracts up for
negotiations and at least three first time contracts for newly organized
companies.
L.U. 1007 (t&u), EDMONTON, AB, CANADAThe local was host to the annual Dave
Jillings Memorial Golf Tournament at the Victoria golf course in June. Bro.
Jillings served as our business manager from 1966 to 1977, and passed away while
in office.
In March 2003 Bros. Bud Love and Dale Southwood attended the IBEW Utility
Conference in New Orleans and came away with a greater understanding of problems
affecting other locals in North America regarding health care, working
conditions, negotiations, etc. Bus. Mgr. Jerry Larson and Bros. Mark Grabill and
Roger Elias attended the Western Canada Utility Conference in Victoria, BC, in
February.
The local hosted its annual Officers Reception on March 21 at the Santa
Maria Goretti Centre. It was a great success, with most of the locals shop
stewards, past and present business managers, presidents and vice presidents in
attendance.
L.U. 1049 (lctt,o,&u), LONG ISLAND, NYThis past April was a very busy one
for our Community Affairs Committee. On April 6 they volunteered at the annual
MS Walk at Old Westbury Gardens. Also, on April 27 they had a team of volunteers
for the annual March of Dimes walk-a-thon.
Prior to the events, volunteers assisted in loading trucks with all of the
necessary supplies. On the day of the walk, volunteers directed traffic and
staffed a checkpoint at which they distributed food and water to all of the
walkers. Breakfast and lunch was provided for all Local 1049 walkers and
volunteers at the Union Hall. Thanks to all of our volunteers.
Our Organizing Committee members have been very active with the ongoing
campaign at Cablevision. They recently held an information meeting for the
employees of Cablevision that was well attended. Authorization cards are
continually being signed. If you see a Cablevision Technician in the field, stop
and talk to him or her about the benefits of being a member of Local 1049.
A committee co-chaired by Pres. Robert Porfert and Asst. Bus. Mgr. John
Gilbert has been established to review our bylaws, to make sure they are in
compliance with the IBEW Constitution and to recognize the changes that have
taken place in our industry. The committee will recommend changes as necessary
to reach our goals.
Our Food Pantry continues to run low. Please bring non-perishable food to the
General Meeting on the third Tuesday of the month.
Local 1116 certified rescuers include, standing
left to right, Don Petty, Allen Weant, Bill Christ, Jim Woodward, Bob Weppler,
Mike Cain and Greg Wildman and kneeling, Mike Elias, Eric Harris and Don
Carlisle.
L.U. 1116 (em,lctt&u), TUCSON, AZTen Local 1116 linemen spent two weeks
working on transmission tower rescues at the Tucson Electric Power (TEP)-Ken
Saville Training Center in Tucson.
Ropes That Rescue, Ltd. and TEP combined to provide an OSHA required tower
rescue program that will complement the required pole top rescue, vault and
bucket rescues already in place. Linemen covered basic knot tying, harnesses,
rigging essentials, math, physics, ropes in the classroom, hands-on practice
rescues from boom and bucket trucks and two different styles of towers. All
aspects of rescues were covered, from solo to two-man, multipoint, rappelling,
ground assisted, structured base from towers, conductors and lathog.
A film crew taped the entire training session to provide a DVD for future
training at this and other sites. A live mock rescue situation was staged in a
345 kV line with a stranded person 90 feet above the ground. All the training
and practice paid off, as the group was successful in getting their
certifications. Congratulations to all. Thanks to Bros. Bill Christ and Jim
Woodward for their assistance and to the vendors who provided equipment for this
venture.
Related Articles
Stewards Training Seminar hosted by Local
949.
Local 1116 certified rescuers include, standing
left to right, Don Petty, Allen Weant, Bill Christ, Jim Woodward, Bob Weppler,
Mike Cain and Greg Wildman and kneeling, Mike Elias, Eric Harris and Don
Carlisle.
