June 2016 Craftsman Article

Brothers and Sisters summer is upon us. Things are heating up so let’s take a little extra time to cool off and hydrate. The kids are out of school so be on the lookout while driving. If you are scheduling a summer vacation with the family, always remember you have precious cargo.

By the time you receive this article you will probably be making plans for the Fourth of July. I wish everyone a safe and fun filled Fourth. Please take time to reflect on the birth of our nation. The men and women of the colonies organized and fought for their beliefs and a new way of life. Everything worth having is worth fighting for. Never forget, what we enjoy today in our country and with our Union was not a gift. Men and Women through the years have fought and worked diligently to achieve the benefits we enjoy today. Do not forget to talk with your Crew Supervisors and DOTs about joining us in our efforts to secure better wages, hours, and working conditions.

The Union and Company are still working on the back pay award for Troubleman James Henry. The latest member that won his job back through arbitration has yet to receive his back pay. However, the parties continue to work toward making Mr. Henry whole, per the arbitration award.

The Union and Company has scheduled the second quarter meeting for Friday, July 8, 2016. The Company has had difficulties scheduling the meetings in the actual quarter it is supposed to be in. If you have any safety concerns or job related issues that need to be addressed with the Distribution Directors of Oncor, at this quarterly meeting, make one or more of the following Union Committee Members aware of the issue that needs to be discussed.

The Union Committee Members are as follows; Ross McAuley, James Chapman, Charlie Jackson, Ronnie Killion, Rodney Deleon, Don Gray, Joe Marquez, Justin Snyder, and Bobby Reed. If you have any concerns that need to be addressed you can always email the union office or call me.

The following is a schedule for our July Unit Meetings;

 

Tuesday – July 5 – Waco – 5 pm – Hampton Inn – 4259 N Hwy I-35

Wednesday – July 6 – Salado – 5 pm – Holiday Inn – 1991 N Stagecoach Rd.

Thursday – July 7 – Athens – 5 pm - Holiday Inn & Suites – 1119 E Tyler St.

 

Tuesday – July 12 – Brownwood – 5 pm – Holiday Inn Express – 504 W Commerce

Wednesday – July 13 – Snyder – 5 pm – Holiday Inn – 1305 Coliseum Dr.

Thursday – July 14 – Odessa – 6:30 – Elegante Hotel – 5200 E University

 

Tuesday – July 19 – Wichita Falls – 5 pm – Oyster Bar – 4214 Kell Blvd.

Wednesday – July 20 – Bonham – 5 pm – VFW Hall #4852

Thursday – July 21 – Lewisville – 5 pm – Select Inn – 200 N Stemmons Frwy.

 

Tuesday – July 26 – Dallas – 5 pm – 1408 N Washington

Thursday – July 28 – Ft. Worth – 5 pm – Oyster Bar – 4750 Bryant Irvin Rd.

 

I look forward to seeing everyone that can make a meeting in July.

Until next time may God bless you, your family, our local union, and the United States of America.

Posted on July 5, 2016 .

Craftsman - May 2016

                                    May 2016 Craftsman Article

 

Brothers and Sisters I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day Holiday. Memorial Day is an American Holiday observed on the last day of May. On Memorial Day Americans honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military. In 1961 the IBEW Local 69 contract had five (5) holidays in it. The holidays were New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. It was negotiated for Memorial Day to be added to the 1962 Labor Agreement. Thank God for all the men and women that gave all to their country and the men and women that supported organized labor and fought for the benefits we enjoy today.

On or about Friday, May 6, 2016, a crew from the Graham, Texas, Service Center was performing work on a pole where the conductors were de-energized but, not grounded. The Lineman was told by the Crew Supervisor he did not have to wear his rubber sleeves while performing the job, he would only need his rubber gloves. The Manager of the center drove up on the job and demanded the Lineman put on his sleeves. The Lineman worked the remainder of the day and the following Monday. At the end of the day Monday the Lineman was sent home on crisis suspension. The Crew Supervisor was sent home Tuesday on crisis suspension because, he was on rest time Monday. The Union is waiting on the outcome of the investigation to make the appropriate moves to protect our member. Advise your Crew Supervisors of this incident and ask them to go to our web site at www.ibewlocal69.com and fill out the Representation Form to gain Union representation.

The Union is in the process of scheduling the second quarter meetings with the Company. If you have any concerns regarding safety, work practices, or any other issues that need to be addressed with the Directors of Distribution please relay yours concerns to any of the Union Committee Members. The Committee is as follows;  Ross McAuley, James Chapman, Charlie Jackson, Ronnie Killion, Rodney Deleon, Justin Snyder, Don Gray, Joe Marquez, and Bobby Reed.

The saga of the sale of Oncor goes on. Your guess is as good as mine on who the new owners will be. Our attorney stated the sale will continue the rest of the year. Don’t worry be happy, God is in control!

Until next time may God bless you, your family, and our Local Union.

Posted on June 7, 2016 .