IBEW Local 465
Imperial Irrigation
District
Unit Chair
IID UNIT OFFICERS (2007-2010):
Unit Chair:
Vice Chair: Jeffrey Zinn
Recording Secretary: Paul Kovacic
Executive Committee: Lupe Estala
Darryl
Dees
Frank Silva
(fourth committee seat open)
Executive Board Member: Jeffrey Zinn
IBEW Local 465
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I.B.E.W. LOCAL UNION 465 IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT AUGUST 2010 UPDATE IBEW WEB SITE: IBEW 465.org |
AUGUST UNIT MEETINGS:
Monthly Unit Meetings will be held at the Imperial Dam on August 17th, beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the Conference Room; at the La Quinta Headquarters on August 18th in the Board Room beginning at 2:30 p.m. and in El Centro at the El Centro Moose Lodge on August 19th beginning at 4:00 p.m. Plan on attending one of these meetings for the latest update on Union Business at IID. As usual, Officers or Board Members of the I.I.D.E.A. are not permitted to attend any meetings.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
We have had three meetings where we have presented our
proposals and discussed them in detail.
We are concentrating on Benefits at this point as they are more time
sensitive. Once that agreement is
reached and ratified by the membership, serious discussions on wages will
follow. We expect an offer on the Benefit package at our August 26th
meeting.
ISSUES AND GRIEVANCES
We will be going to a Board Hearing for an employee recently terminated for inappropriate conduct. The Union is investigating a “change in working conditions” for Substation Electricians who have been told to perform substation switching. Since this is a change in job duties it requires negotiation before implementation. The Union is also investigating why the “Shoe Reimbursement” program is delayed again this year. The Union has received the filing for the 4% wage dispute from the Superior Court. (Court document is on our web site) Our Attorney expects a preliminary hearing before a Judge to determine merit within the next two months. The District will be meeting with the D.O.L. on August 19th to appeal their ruling on the Power Troubleshooters “Vehicle Take Home Policy” our Union has been trying to put in this program as we have on other properties, but until the D.O.L. issue is resolved, they remain resistant.
I.I.D.E.A. STATUS
Since the I.I.D.E.A. has been clearly displaced as the “Employee Representative” and their charges ignored by the State PERB, their role on property has been reduced to “ticket seller” status. In the past, we have made numerous attempts to join forces in a unifying effort at representing employees. Those attempts were always dismissed by their leadership for unknown reasons. Lately, those leaders have made overtures to investigate some sort of relationship with us. We will again explore that possibility since it is clearly in the best interest of all bargaining unit employees.
REP. PAUL KOVACIC’S REPORT
The IID is a good place to work, especially in these
uncertain economic times. But it can be better, especially once all the
employees are on board with the Union. I
would like to welcome all my new brothers and sisters who have joined in recent
months. As a Union member you have
become part of an organization that is truly committed to enhancing your future
on District property. Now is not the time to sit and relax, so
help us in bringing the remaining nonmember employees to enhance our bargaining
power. Have a say in your future and
get involved by attending a meeting or joining the LAC. I can
be reached at 1-760-315-7403. Be safe and stay hydrated.
BINDING CONTRACT STATUS
The Union has reviewed and signed the proposed document since its ratification by our members. That agreement will now be forwarded to the Board of Directors for approval and implementation. We expect that approval to come at the August 10th Board Meeting.
IBEW ORGANIZING AWARD
At the recent IBEW Progress Meeting, Local 465 was presented by International President Ed Hill and
International Vice President Mike Mowery the IBEW’s “ABOVE AND
BEYOND AWARD” for our work on IID property. This award was presented before 300 delegates
and followed by a standing ovation. It
will be shared with all the Officers, Stewards, and members who worked so hard
and tirelessly on behalf of District employees.
Nice to know those efforts are
appreciated.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While we have made great strides, a lot or work still needs
to be done. In the future, with all employees committed to an Agency Shop on
property I envision a more permanent role in the Valley with our own Office and
a full time Representative. We will
never tire in our pursuit of fairness for bargaining unit employees and will
not quit until our contract is improved with sections that clearly demonstrate
a District committed to its employees. That concept would include seniority for
all promotions and transfers, outside contractor protection for District
employees, Arbitration for all disputes, and competitive wages and benefits
consummate with the 5th largest Utility in the State. Seems
improbable, unreasonable or far fetched?
Its not, just look at the other
Utilities in California: PG&E, Edison and SDG&E. Their members all enjoy these benefits and
District employees can also. We will get
there with your help. “BUT,
THAT’S JUST MY OPINION!!!”
