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January/February 2004 IBEW Journal L.U. 1381 (uow), HICKSVILLE, NY-During the past two months Local 1381's business staff and Negotiating Committee were busy preparing for negotiations with KeySpan Energy. The rising costs of medical benefits and the state of the economy will make negotiations difficult. On Dec. 15, 2003, Local 1381 met with KeySpan Energy's main Negotiating Committee as a prelude to the 2004 negotiations on an agreement that expires Feb. 13, 2004. At that meeting Local 1381 Bus. Mgr. Barbara P. Musacchio stated: "KeySpan executives have publicly stated that their employees' commitment to customer service distinguished this work force from other energy companies. In order to do that [our members] must earn a wage to reflect the fact that they are KeySpan's greatest assets. They need medical benefits that will keep them healthy and productive. They need contract language that is clear and unambiguous and they need a pension that will secure their future." Barbara P. Musacchio, B.M./F.S. L.U. 1439 (u), ST. LOUIS, MO-Since our last writing, our members have voted for a proposal for group medical plan changes, a pension improvement package and a one-year extension to our existing three-year contract (currently in our first year). We held a joint meeting with all stewards, managers, superintendents and Industrial Relations, explaining these new contract changes to clarify any misunderstandings and discuss proper implementation. Some of our strongest assets I feel are good working relations between union and management. We bargain jointly with five other locals and our operating engineers, which gives us a strength that only solidarity can bring and also strengthens our commitment to one another. It is every union member's job to make sure we strive for efficiency while maintaining and improving our professional edge while working safely. Ken Carroll, P.S. L.U. 1464 (u), KANSAS CITY, MO-On to our next endeavor: Retirees are requested to help with the 2004 political elections to help keep labor friendly officials in power. Please contact the union office at (816) 231-1464. Susan Cowart, R.S. L.U. 1505 (em), WALTHAM, MA-Rep. John Tierney (D-MA), added language to the House defense budget to require the Defense Department to track defense work shipped overseas. The language was removed from the bill while in the Senate-House Conference Committee. Sec. of Defense Rumsfeld threatened to have Pres. Bush veto the entire bill if the language was not dropped. Instead Rumstead is asked to review "existing information," but there is no information to "review," because there is no requirement for any company or the government to track this information. Companies like GE and Raytheon can ship work anywhere and no one in the government knows where the work goes or how many jobs go with it. President Bush referred to Tierney's "Build America" language as "burdensome." How can keeping hard working, tax-paying citizens employed here at home be "burdensome"? We thank Rep. Tierny for his effort and hope that some of his colleagues will have the courage to join him in future efforts to "Build America." Betty LaPointe, P.S. L.U. 1547 (c,em,i,o,t&u), ANCHORAGE, AK-The Alaska Chapter of NECA and IBEW Local 1547 presented the first ever NECA/IBEW Parade of Lights in downtown Anchorage, AK, on Saturday, Nov. 29. More than 1,000 people braved below zero temperatures to watch the NECA/IBEW sponsored event. Parade goers enjoyed spectacular illuminated floats, holiday caroling, refreshments and entertainment. According to IBEW Local 1547 Bus. Mgr. Gary Brooks, "This event is one of many community wide ventures we plan to have with NECA. It's important that people in the general community know that NECA and IBEW are partners, not enemies." Anchorage is one of the few large cities in the country that does not have a major holiday festival. It is clear that the NECA/IBEW Parade of Lights will become the jewel in Anchorage's future celebrations. Melinda Taylor, P.S. |