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December 2003 IBEW Journal

Bankrupt Mirant

L.U. 1900 (u), WASHINGTON, DC--Our brothers and sisters at Mirant Mid-Atlantic are currently working under the companys implemented "Terms and Conditions of Employment" since Aug.10, 2003. That was Mirants last, best and final offer. Local 1900 has filed NLRB charges with the intent of getting Mirant back to the negotiating table to obtain a fair contract. Mirant has filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11.

Our members at Frederick Gas Company in the "physical" group ratified their contract July 31, 2003. Contract negotiations for the "clerical" group members will commence early in October 2003.

The PEPCO contract does not expire until May 31, 2004. Those negotiations should begin in the spring of 2004.

Exec. Board member Joseph E. Hawkins was recently appointed business representative for Local 1900 by Bus. Mgr. John A. Coleman.

Joe Hawkins, B.R.

Tremendous Victory

Local 1924 Bro. Don Scandaliato and others walking the line for a fair wage increase. Local union members eventually got an increase they could accept (3 percent).

L.U. 1924 (mo&u), FERNANDINA BEACH, FL--The NLRB has made a decision in favor of Local 1924 regarding an unfair labor practice one of our companies committed over three years ago. The company can no longer change rules on the job and refuse to bargain. Of course the company will appeal, but we say "bring it on, we know we are right!" To read the details, see our Web site at www.angelfire.com/un/ibew1924.

Things are going very well for our members at our other properties also. While they enjoy the wages and benefits of their jobs, they have not forgotten that those good wages, benefits and conditions are the direct result of past victories and sacrifices of union members before them. I am especially proud of how they will stand together to protect any member wronged.

David Carroll, Pres.

Jambalaya Organizing

Local 2286 Bus. Mgr. Randy Albin serves  Cajun jambalaya at a dinner for Jasper- Newton CO-OP employees and their family members.

L.U. 2286 (o&u), BEAUMONT, TX--The Line, Service and Right-of-Way employees of Jasper-Newton CO-OP voted 28 to 21 in September to be represented by IBEW Local 2286. The employees contacted Wade Tyson, organizer for Local Union 479, who contacted Bus. Mgr. Randy Albin. After an initial meeting in late July, 80 percent had signed cards and the NLRB petition was filed August 1.

The CO-OP launched an aggressive anti-union campaign with captive audience meetings, films and fliers, etc. The employees remained focused on the issues that prompted them to contact us. Those issues included changes to working conditions, along with threats of more negative changes. There were 49 eligible voters, and all voted.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003, the employees and their families were treated to a true Cajun Jambalaya dinner, cooked by Bus. Mgr. Albin and his wife, Sheila. The dinner produced questions, answers and comments about the union, along with good old-fashioned family fun.

Kitty Prouse, P.S.