From the trenches
           Reports from your Business Reps

Unit 1 (Electrical Distribution/Transmission/Trouble/Street Lights)—The Lineman’s Rodeo was a big success. Be sure to see the photo spread.

Unit 2 (Electric Station Operators)— We finally have convinced management that there is a need for cell phones for the SSOs. Because this is one of the few classes that works alone, this was an obvious measure to improve safety and performance. Operators should have received their phones by now; if not, they will be coming soon. Remember that these are tools and are to be treated as such. In other words, the phones fall under the same language in the MOU as any other tool. • On a different note, we are still trying to figure out what the holdup is for hiring another class of trainees. We have been told many times that it has been approved, but then we are told that it is sitting on someone’s desk. It seems that no action has been taken.

Unit 6 (Warehouse/Stores)—Our last unit meeting was a dinner meeting, and we had a great turnout. We had a good discussion about working conditions at some of the facilities, and we are planning to tour some of them in the near future.

Unit 8 (Clerical)—The Sr. Clerical realignment is in the process of being finalized. Soon information will be sent out to all Sr. Clerks, Sr. Clerk Typists and Sr. Clerk Stenographers. Additionally, the Department and the Union will jointly conduct informational meetings. There are many rumors flying, so please wait until you get the official information before asking questions. • We will be entering into negotiations over the clerical bid plan within the next few weeks. Our intent is to break it apart to make it more relevant. We need representatives from different classifications to make sure all interests are met. Please call Annemarie or Shawn if you are interested in participating.• The Developing Management Skills for Secretaries, Administrative Assistants and Support Staff Training Class has been receiving rave reviews. Now it will be offered to the entire clerical series; however, it is first come, first serve. If interested, contact Lorenda Jamison, Training Coordinator, at 367-0211. This is an excellent opportunity. Take advantage of it. • The CSR exam will be open for filing soon; get your application ready!

Units 8 and 18 (Clerical/Supervisory & Administrative)—Training is one of the keys to success. We have been working closely with the Department to identify members’ needs. So far, we have been successful in providing the following training: Developing Management Skills for Secretaries, Administrative Assistants and Support Staff; Mutual Gains Bargaining; Workplace Ergonomics; and How to Deliver Exceptional Customer Service. • The next phase of the ergonomics training will begin July 27 and will include Power Distribution, Bulk Power, and Generation. If you are in one of these Business Units and wish to participate as a “trainer” in your work area, please contact Annemarie. • The next issues to be tackled by the Clerical Worker Safety Committee are how to set up clerical worker safety groups (and conduct safety tours) and violence in the workplace (including domestic violence). We currently have two vacancies on this committee. Please call Annemarie or Shawn to volunteer.

Unit 9 (Steam Generation)— We are currently working on the new training program for steam plant personnel. Now that management has realized that the plants are a viable source of income, they have decided that they need well-trained people to operate and maintain them. We have set up a joint L/M committee to oversee all aspects of training, including ongoing journey level training. With the plan to repower the plants, it is imperative that all of our members are well trained to face the challenges of the future. Rest assured that the development of the training will not be done in a vacuum; your input is needed to make sure we have the best possible training program. • We are also moving forward on getting plant committees back to meeting on a regular basis. Each plant has selected committee members who will meet as follows (all meetings are on crew one day shift schedule): Haynes, first Monday; Harbor, second Monday; Scattergood, second Wednesday; Valley first Friday. All meetings are at 12:30. Unit 14 (Transportation)—Appropriate personnel for crane operation is still being researched. The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is exploring the Certification of Crane Operators. • The type of crane involved in most accidents is the Mobile Crane. Most common causes of crane accidents include instability due to unsecured loads, exceeding load capacity, and working on ground that is too soft or not level. Lack of communication and faulty electrical contacts are also common accident causes. • Local 18 and management are preparing to establish a joint L/M committee with representatives from Metro and Valley to discuss and resolve local issues.

Unit 17 (Customer Service Field Units)—On June 22, we conducted the first Customer Service Business Unit Joint tour. The safety tour group (pictured at left) consisted of Clerical representative, Judy Litowitz, along with Nance Walker Bonnelli (Metro Field Investigations Supervisor), and Gus Corona (Local 18 Bus. Rep). We visited with Mike Wickham (Field Investigations). This was a very informative tour. Judy was able to bring a different perspective out to the field and brought up some safety issues that might have gone unnoticed by someone who encounters theses situations on a daily basis. We hope to continue using this type of tour. Other possibilities include bringing someone from the field into an office environment, or even going as far as have safety group members participating in tours outside their business units.

Units 19B and 60 (Mechanical Shops/Generating Station Crafts/FMBG/Waterworks Mechanics)—Unit meetings for July and August have been cancelled. The next Unit meeting will be Sept. 26, 4:30 pm, at the Hall.

Unit 24 (Water Supply)—Water Quality and Operations Worker Safety Groups attended a one-day follow-up class in June. • We will be forming a L/M subcommittee to discuss the Distribution Operator Certification and the need for training for those workers who need to take the test.

Unit 25 (Gardeners)—On June 12, Labor and Management conducted a Worker Safety Tour. Vincent Martinez (Gardener Caretaker), Gus Corona (Local 18 Bus. Rep) and Al Sosa (Facility Maintenance Superintendent) made up the tour group. We caught up with Oswaldo Burbano at the Sylmar Converter Station and with Philip Gilmartin at the Truesdale Yard. The reason for these tours is to get input from the membership in order to make the workplace safer. When a tour comes to your worksite, take advantage of the opportunity. Raise your concerns and talk about your ideas on how to make your job safer. These tours are your chance to make a difference.

Unit 26 (Custodians)—Once again, you have demonstrated that by joining together you can make management take notice and listen to your concerns. When management tried to reduce your overtime, and backed away from an agreement they made to hire permanent employees, your refusal to work any OT sent the clear message that you are a force to be dealt with. Because of your united action, management saw the error of its ways and agreed to hire six more permanent custodians. That won’t fill all the current vacant positions, but it is a big step in the right direction. Congratulations on a job well done.

Unit 28 (Reprographics/Print Shop)— The L/M committee is currently working on finding out how they can better serve their customers and market their services. An open house has been scheduled for July 25 – 27. All customers will be able to meet the Reprographic & Print Shop Staff and the staff will demonstrate what type of work their machines can produce.

Unit 50 (Burbank)—Tyler Long, Brian Mellon and Mike Campbell (left to right) received their certificates from the International along with a trophy from Local 18 for successfully completing the Line Apprentice Program in Burbank. Congratulations and keep up the good work. • Ballots are out for the VEBA board. They have to be returned to the Union Hall by July 18. • Investigation into the Electrician’s Survey continues. • A grievance has been filed over the Intrusive Pole Inspection Contract. Management went ahead with the contract in spite of Local 18’s objection.

Unit 52 (Owens Valley)—The Pin Presentation, which was to take place at the June meeting, had to be postponed because of insufficient notification. It will take place Aug. 23 before the 6:30 Unit meeting in Big Pine. If you have an IBEW service pin coming for 25 or more years, please notify the Union Hall or call Unit Chair Kevin McDonough at (760) 878-3018

Unit 53 (Water Quality and Distribution)—The L/M subcommittee for Water Service Worker-Water Utility Worker class consolidation is still studying the issues and discussing concerns. Labor and management committee members are trying to be sure that WSW’s in all Water Districts are kept abreast of class consolidation plans as they develop. • A Gateperson training program is being developed. Look for more on this soon. Unit 55 (Communications)—The Unit dinner meeting is scheduled for July 19, 4:30 pm, at the Hall. RSVP if you plan to attend. Unit 64 (Azusa)—Negotiations are continuing and both management and the Union have proposals on the table. Your negotiating committee is doing a great job.

Unit 65 (County Sanitation District)—The One-Man Shift L/M Committee is continuing to study the issue.