From the trenches...
Reports from your Business Reps
Units 2 and 19 (Electric Station Operators, ESM/Elect. Mechanics)—We are working to resolve seniority conflicts brought about by the Department initiative to cross-train mechanics and operators. While we are not against cross-training in principle, it is important to implement it in a way that respects the rights of workers in both classes. One likely solution is the creation of Substation Electrician class for cross-trained operators and mechanics.
Unit 3 (Testers)—Final touches are being put on an agreement for 9/80 schedule for fleet mechanics. This will be a strictly voluntary option. We’ve been working on this for a long time, and we’re glad to see it finally coming to fruition.
Unit 6 (Warehouse/Stores)—The DWP’s Public Relations Office is proposing to contract out work that could be done more economically by Local 18 members. The work involves the mail processing and delivery functions. The Union is investigating and will file a grievance if required to stop these activities from being contracted out to vendors. We are seeking to reconvene the L/M Committee for our Unit’s issues.
Units 8 and 18 (Clerical/Supervisory & Administrative)—On June 9, 10 employees of the Customer Service Business Unit selected by the Joint Labor/Management Clerical Safety Committee went through a four-hour ergonomics “train the trainer” program. Other personnel in the business unit are attending a basic one-hour ergonomics training program. This was the kickoff of our ergonomic program. Look for training to come to your area soon.
A Joint Labor/Management Committee will be established to revamp the current bid plan to be more pertinent. If you are interested in being on this committee, or if you have an idea about the bid plan, fax us at (213) 739-6937. Include your name, classification, work location and work phone.
Next Clerical Unit Meeting is July 13, 6 pm at the Local 18 Union Hall.
If you are interested in having a site meeting at your location, contact our office at (213) 387-8274.
Unit 9 (Steam Generation)——A big “attaboy” (or “attagirl”) for everyone who helped get Valley Generating Station back on line.
Unit 12 (Supervisors)—A number of issues have arisen about jurisdiction, seniority and “convenience filling” of positions by lower-paid employees; in some instances, the department is putting engineers in positions that should be filled from within our ranks.
Unit 14 (Transportation)—We are working on a modified customer service guarantee committee to continue to be the provider of choice. Also looking to hire 4-6 limited Equipment Operators and approximately 10 emergency Heavy Duty Truck Operators.
Units 15/20 (Pasadena)—On June 9 there was a special meeting of the Deregulation Council Committee to deal with “privatizing” Pasadena’s billing. We are keeping a close watch.
Unit 17 (Field Units, Cust. Serv.)—Management has agreed that those CFRs who wish to be cross-trained in office duties will be trained and put in a rotation for office work. Let your supervisor know if you are interested.
Units 19B and 60—These units will be meeting together on the fourth Tuesday of each month, at 4:30 pm, at the Union Hall. Unit 19B now consists of the Mechanical Shops, Crafts at the Generating Stations and FMBG. Unit 60 consists of Waterworks Mechanics and Welders in Water.
Unit 24 (Water Supply)—We are waiting for a grievance to be resolved to get back on 9/80 work schedules. Management and Labor are working together on this issue.
Unit 25 (Gardeners)—The Union has filed a grievance over work being performed at various locations by jail labor. Brush clearance work around the system that is not being done by Local 18 members is also being grieved. It is our work, we want it. Over the last four years the Landscaping Unit has been cut over 50%. We are demanding that positions be back filled to previous levels.
Unit 26 (Custodians)—NEW MEETING LOCATION, DAY AND TIME. In order to give the bulk of Custodians a chance to attend a Unit 26 meeting, the meeting for July will be held at the GOB, Cafeteria Patio area, Level “A,” Wednesday, July 7, 2:30 and 4 pm. There will be two meetings to give both the day and swing shift members equal access. The Union is assisting management in determining what areas of the DWP need to be back filled immediately with Local 18 Custodians. Those areas where the “Team Cleaning” concept can be implemented are receiving priority. This is good news; it will mean more jobs and promotional opportunities at various locations within the system.
Unit 53 (Water Quality and Distribution)—All Water Districts are having their productivity luncheons on a regular basis, due to their hard work and good planning.
Unit 64 (Azusa)—We are working with the City Manager to try and resolve the issue of using part-time workers to perform bargaining unit work.
Unit 65 (County Sanitation District)—Ballots for a new five-year contract with a Cost-of-Living formula along with language changes were counted. The vote was to accept.