LEADERSHIP UPDATE
DECEMBER 13, 2016
Correspondence
- Approved necessary expenses to send an additional two delegates to the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus 27th Annual Leadership Conference in Anaheim, CA.
- Labor-Management Council of N.E. Wisconsin Winter Seminar, January 17, 2017, Green Bay, WI. Approved necessary expenses to send up to two delegates to conference.
- Wisconsin Association of Retired Americans – Thank-you for support of recently held Power Luncheon.
- Labor Division, National Safety Council – Thank-you for donation of merchandise used for raffle prizes. Funds raised were donated to a local charity.
Mileage & Expenses
Reviewed.
Lost Time
Reviewed.
Financial Report
Report for November reviewed and approved.
Old Business
None.
New Business
- Service Recognition – Approved $300 ea. to L.U. 2150 office staff employees and L.U. 2150 Recording Secretary in recognition of their work for L.U. 2150.
Business Manager's Report – M. Follett
- Will be replacing some computer equipment prior to the end of 2016. Cost of replacements will be within the amount approved in the 2016 list of Standing Bills.
- L.U. 2150 (along with other IBEW locals) presented testimony at an NRC public meeting in Washington, DC. The proposed rule-making could result in prohibiting unions from arbitrating access decisions. NEI requested expedited rule-making which the commissioners denied. The commissioners, however, will look at the rule-making process and will decide whether or not to go into rule-making within the next few months. Attorneys for IBEW locals will be discussing an upcoming meeting with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
- PBNP:
- The new Emergency Response Organization (ERO) organizational chart went into effect December 5. Still need to work out some issues (e.g., on-call/number of qualified employees, etc.).
- Attended the IBEW Nuclear Conference in Phoenix, AZ, and had the opportunity to visit one of the two FLEX equipment facilities. The sites house equipment that can be transported to various plants in the case of an emergency (beyond design basis). The equipment is staged and is ready to move within 24 hours of receiving notification of the need for the equipment. These sites/equipment are in addition to modifications made at all nuclear plants as a result of the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident.
- Lineco – Attended Board of Trustees meeting. After reviewing the amount of money in the fund, months in reserve, etc., the trustees approved an increase of $.25/hr. in Lineco effective January 1, 2018. In addition, the trustees agreed to raise the rate for utilities participating in Lineco from 25% to 30% higher than the construction rate.
- Line Clearance - L.U. 2150 is in discussions with line clearance employers regarding inclusion of the 2017 and 2018 increases through an extension to the recent contract, which would be voted on by members in the near future.
- Line Construction – Construction members will be voting before the end of the year on a 3-year extension to the Line Construction Contracts.
- SPX Negotiations – The process has begun for selecting the local’s bargaining committee. Committee members should be identified by the end of 2016, with the first bargaining committee meeting held in January.
- We Energies Negotiations – All utility Unit Chairs will participate in the upcoming negotiations along with the Business Agents involved in servicing We Energies. As such, the local’s bargaining committee composition will remain as in previous years. The committee will begin meeting monthly to discuss strategy, communication to/from members, etc.
- We Energies Line Mechanic Retention Bonus – Hope to know the company’s proposal for the remainder of the contract term in the next few business days.
- Thanks to those of you that registered on the website. Please sign up on www.ibewlocal2150.org. The new website replaced the old “Interchange” website for communications for SPX and We Energies 2017 negotiations. In addition, the We Energies bargaining committee plans to use the website to get contract negotiations requests instead of sending out a postcard to each member.
President’s Report – B. Stone
- Solidarity Committee/Membership Engagement Committee – Due to the similarities of the two committees and committee composition, the decision was made to merge the groups. The newly combined committee met Wednesday. As the two committees have been funded differently, it was decided that funding would continue (Solidarity funds raised would continue to fund solidarity efforts (e.g., grants, hardship awards, etc.) and funding of engagement activities would continue to be funded through L.U. 2150 general funds approved by the Executive Board and membership).
- On track to meet the Member Engagement Committee’s goal of 10% of membership registered before 1/1/17.
Vice President/Safety Liaison – J. Zauner
- Was impressed with interest shown by new Line Mechanic apprentices when a co-worker relayed Business Rep P. Hartgerink’s severe accident and the importance of remaining diligent with regard to safety while working and keeping mind on task.
Good of the Union
- 2016 Membership Appreciation Meetings – Letter will be sent to International requesting approval of up to $15,000 to be used for 2016 Membership Appreciation Meetings.
- Best wishes to all members for a safe and happy holiday season!
