From the trenches
           Reports from your Business Reps

Unit 1 (Electrical Distribution/Transmission/Trouble/Street Lights)—The Underground Work Practices L/M committee is working on construction standards and operating procedures for a 600-amp synthetic switching center. We are also working on High and Low Voltage Cable Testing Procedures, and a complete and standardized tool kit for splicing synthetic cables. Labor members of the committee are: co-chair Barry Poole, Marvin Friesel, Carlos Lopez, John Bondio, Dave Donovan, and John Blondeel-Timmerman. Members with input for this committee can contact the members listed above.

Unit 8 (Clerical)—The Sr. Clerical Realignment became effective Nov. 20. Implementation information has been distributed to the Business Units to expedite the process. Labor and Management will be meeting shortly to renegotiate the Clerical Bid Plan and set parameters for the Clerical Training Review Committee. • We have a new member on our Joint Labor/Management Subcommittee on the Branch Offices: Brenda De Leon from the Van Nuys Branch Office. • We have established a joint L/M work group to deal with items specific to Communication Operators and Sr. COs.

Units 8 and 18 (Clerical/Supervisory & Administrative)—The ergonomics training has temporarily stopped due to the expiration of the ergonomic services contract. Meetings were set for January to evaluate respondents to the Request for Proposal for a new contract. The Owens Valley has its own contract for ergonomic services, and training will begin shortly. • The Clerical Worker Safety Committee has been working on the composition of Safety Group Tours. We are targeting January for two pilot tours. They are tentatively set for one Water Yard and one work area in the JFB. • Nine Clerical Safety Tours are scheduled in CSBU between Dec. 28 and Jan. 28. Our goal during this time is to conduct at least one tour in every CSBU section. Ultimately, each work area will have at least one safety tour each year.

Unit 14 (Transportation)—The Unit is forming a joint L/M committee. It will consist of three representatives from Valley and three from Metro. The Business Rep will be submitting six names to Local 18 President Frank Miramontes and L/M Committee Administrator Jim Barham for approval. The new committee will discuss local issues, work practices, safety and what we need to do as a Unit to remain viable and stay in business. Thanks to all Unit 14 members who helped in the formation of this important committee.

Units 19B and 60 (Mechanical Shops/Generating Station Crafts/FMBG/Waterworks Mechanics)—By the end of the year, General Construction was expected to increase it’s work force to 97. The agreed upon staffing level is 150. DDRs are being discussed for Boilermaker and Asbestos Worker. Also, a roofer and a senior roofer are being hired. • The combined cycle Unit 2 overhaul at Harbor GS is still on schedule, as is Castaic Unit 3. This is in spite of the lack of response by General Electric Co. in machining the rings at Castaic. • Several General Construction employees attended the two-day Safety Peak Performance training and had nothing but good things to say about the class.

Unit 24 (Water Supply)—A committee was formed to discuss concerns by the treatment operators regarding tank cleaning and confined space issues. • Local 18 would like to thank all who have participated in all the L/M committees, including the Worker Safety Committee.

Unit 25 (Gardeners)—IBEW members were saddened by the news of the passing of Union Brother Russell Collins. Russell was hired in 1977 as a Gardener Caretaker. He was initiated into Local 18 in 1984. Our condolences go out to his family. He will be missed.

Unit 26 (Custodians)—As of this writing, Local 18 has filed three grievances regarding overtime issues and Limited Custodians. We will be meeting with Labor Relations and Management to try and resolve these issues at the first level. More information will follow as these issues are resolved.

Unit 50 (Burbank)—The Joint Line apprenticeship committee finished reviewing and revising the apprentice standards. • We are meeting and conferring over reestablishment of the Power Plant Trainee position. This includes curriculum, grading, and establishing pay levels for the position. This is currently an exempt position. The training program will be two years long. We are working on having joint labor/management oversight of the training program. • There was a meeting Dec. 19 with John Nicoll and Ron Davis to discuss the upcoming contract negotiations. • We negotiated a policy that Burbank Water and Power will provide flame-retardent raingear to employees. They will also provide flame-retardent jackets to employees who could be explosed to a flash while on the job. Employees who are not exposed to flash potential will be issued non flame-retardent jackets on a one-time basis. Hats with sunbrellas will also be provided for protection from exposure to the sun. All of these articles of clothing will be uniform, and will bear the new Burbank Water and Power logo.

Unit 52 (Owens Valley)—The joint L/M committees continue to meet and progress on their issues. • The Owens Valley Unit dinner meeting was well attended and successful. • Also, all outstanding grievances were heard and old grievances were addressed.

Unit 52A (Mojave)—The shut-off is still going on and probably will last until March, at which time the Unit meetings will resume.

Unit 53 (Water Quality and Distribution)—We have raised a number of concerns regarding 108 transfers and consolidation of the Water Utility Worker/Water Service Worker. As of this writing, we are still seeking a follow-up meeting with Labor Relations to hear their responses. • CPR training will soon be given to all personnel. • There will be AMP meters, jumper cables and rubber gloves for all trucks that change out water meters to avoid shock hazards. Remember, in case of shock, small or large, call 911 for help or DWP medical if the employee does not want the paramedics to respond. • Training for Distribution Operator Certification has begun; those who are scheduled for training will be notified. Thanks to all Water System committee members for their valuable input during the past year.

Unit 64 (Azusa)—Local 18 would like to thank all of Unit 64 for their support and unity throughout the year, with special thanks to Unit Chairperson Lynn Dent

Unit 65 (County Sanitation District)—The one-man shift is still proceeding in the District. Local 18 is approaching this with safety for personnel as the first concern. We are also concerned about the term “unattended” in regard to Title 8 Boiler Code; OSHA is very strict on competent attendance. Local 18 has contacted OSHA about District staffing plans. • We would like thank Unit Chairperson Jeff Lambert, Tracy Cooper and all the Unit members for their support and input during the past year.