NOVEMBER 1987 VOLUME =NI NUMBER 11 513 HEADQUARTERS IN WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA UTILITY REPORTER OFFICIAL VOICE.OF IBEW LOCAL UNION 1245 AFL-CIO

Votes split: Physical "Yes'; Clerical 'No' Members at PG&E split their votes in the recent contract ratifica- tion ballotting. Members covered by the Physical contract approved the new three- year contract which called for a 2.75 percent annual wage increase and continuation of current benefits. Clerical members turned down the offer with 813 'yes' votes, and 1004 'no' votes. A total of 3770 clerical members voted represent- ing 48.2 percent of eligible voters. Business Manager Jack McNally said that Clerical members of the PG&E General Bargaining Com- mittee will be called back to the Union Headquarters to resume talks which will be again headed up for the Local Union by Assistant Business Manager Manny Mederos. Mederos said he expects that talks with the Company can get underway in mid-December to address issues that Clerical mem- bers are concerned with. Mike Del Rio, standing, photo upper left, served as election Division; Olivia Mercado, Stockton Division; Darryl Norris, judge of the PG&E Ballot Committee when the 13-member team Sacramento Division; Bernard Smallwood, San Francisco The new Physical contract will go counted ratification ballots at Local Union Headquarters on Division; Steve Worden, Coast Valleys Division; Patrick Gates, into effect on January 1. The final November 16 and 17. The PG&E Clerical Contract was turned Colgate Division; Vida Anderson, San Jose Division; Barry tally on the Physical contract was down, while the Physical Contract passed. Members of the Claybaugh. Humboldt Division; Norma Ricker, North Bay 3812. 'yes'; 2132, 'no.' Forty-eight Ballot Committee included: Robert Parker, De Sabla Division; Division; and Jerry Lee, Drum Division. Assistant Business percent of the eligible 12,389 Jack Prosser, East Bay Division; Russell Shelton, Shasta Manager Ory Owen served as staff coordinator. members voted. "Obviously our Clerical members weren't satisfied with the offer; now we'll go to work to attempt to Dedicated Unionist, Wayne Weaver dies achieve a contract that will be News of the death of former Busi- in the summer of 1986. the gains the Local Union had approved by these members," ness Representative Wayne Weaver, Very involved in Union activities, achieved over the years. McNally said. 59, reached the Union Hall on Fri- he was first initiated into IBEW Weaver is survived by his wife, day, October 30, shortly after he Local 1245 in 1951, and had served Betty and their three daughters passed away. as a Unit Recorder in Avenal, a and a son. Weaver, who left staff last year Shop Steward in Pipe Line Opera- Services were held in Avenal on SMUD following a siege of ill health, suf- tions and was a member of key November 4 where Unionists fered a heart attack earlier that Negotiating Committees and the gathered among the many mour- week, while visiting family and had Advisory Council. ners to pay final tribute to Brother update been hospitalized when major com- For more than 10 years after com- Weaver who had contributed most The Local's Negotiating plications were discovered. ing on Local Union staff in 1966, he of his life to serve a cause he deeply Committee met with SMUD's A highly respected Unionist, chaired both the PG&E and CP Na- believed in. Weaver will be missed by his many, tional Negotiating Committees. newly appointed General many friends throughout the juris- He also served as vice president Manager Richard Byrne on diction. and delegate on the Kern, Inyo, and In Memoriam November 11. Before leaving staff in 1986, he'd Mono counties Central Labor Current problems facing had several bouts with severe high Council. Wayne Weaver the District and various op- blood pressure, but continued to As a Business Representative tions that may be available to maintain his staff commitments. Weaver served members in South- April 7, 1928 SMUD were discussed. Somehow it just didn't seem pos- ern San Joaquin, and portions of The Local informed the sible that Weaver, who'd been on the Mojave desert in Kern County. District that early December staff for 20 years, would not be at An ardent supporter of Union Oct. 30,1987 is the time the Committee the monthly business meeting to ideals, Weaver was very proud of has targeted to begin negotia- contribute his insights and quick tions on a new MOU. assessments when he left for home INITIATIVE PLANS MOVE AHEAD Recognizing the current climate, the Local has ini- • tially proposed limiting talks Court supports Cal-OSHA to ten issues plus a wage proposal. Governor appeals Negotiating Committee (Cal AFL-CIO News S.F.) — The said Governor Deukmejian exceeded members include Senior As- Third District Court of Appeal has his constitutional authority by mis- sistant Business Manager Dar- 2 unanimously decided that Califor- using his line item veto power to rel Mitchell, Business Repre- nia's workers should have their excise $7 million from only the Cal- sentative Gary Mai, Gary Han- own state safety and health pro- OSHA program and not the overall son, Sam Hill, Marilyn Hog- U gram to protect them in the work- department of Industrial Relations aboom, John Platz, Dennis place after all. budget appropriation. Seyfer, Bill Uphoff and Ike 0 In its decision on October 26, That action ultimately left work- Williams. heralded by Cal-OSHA supporters Wayne Weaver, loyal friend, Unionist. everywhere, the three judge panel See PAGE FOUR TM Ili ;isg Milafrir2 Neyhart, Anderson, Nussbaum, Reilly & Freitas, P.C.

THE WEINGARTEN RULE Utility Reporter The right to a Union representative By Rollie Katz in order for Weingarten to apply. In a representative. NOVEMBER 1987 One of the important rights other words, the so-called reasona- A few examples of real cases are VOLUME XXXVI NUMBER 11 Local 1245's private sector mem- ble person would believe that the illustrative. In Weingarten, a union bers have is the right to have a meeting could lead to discipline if he member who worked at a lunch union representative (Shop Stew- or she was in your shoes. counter was interviewed by a store CIRCULATION: 24,500 ard or Business Representative) If you're saying to yourself that detective and her store manager present during an investigatory this sounds like lawyer talk —you're about an allegation that she only interview conducted by manage- probably right. My advice is when paid $1 for $2.98 worth of food (415) 933-6060 ment. The United States Supreme in doubt, ask for a representative. (this was in 1972). The manager Court held in National Labor Rela- The worst thing that can happen is and the detective did not allow the Business Manager tions Board v. J. Weingarten, 420 the boss will say no. Of course, it worker, a Ms. Collins, to have a & Executive Editor U.S. 251, 95 S.Ct. 959, 43 L.Ed2d does not hurt to look at what the union representative even though 171 (1975) that the National Labor courts and the NLRB have said. In she had asked for one several JACK McNALLY Relations Act ("NLRA") grants Weingarten, the Supreme Court times. After they concluded their workers the right to have a repre- approved the NLRB's conclusion interrogation and spoke with Managing Editor sentative with him or her any time that one does not have a right to a another employee to confirm her CAROL BEDSOLE the employee reasonably believes representative for " . . . 'such run- statement, the detective told her that the meeting may lead to discip- of-the mill shop-floor conversations that she had done nothing wrong. line. However, the employee must as, for example, the giving of in- She then "...burst into tears and President ask that a representative be pre- structions or training or needed blurted out that the only thing she rtowara tierer sent — the employer is under no corrections of work techniques. In had ever gotten from the store with- obligation to tell the employee that such cases there cannot be any out paying for it was her free Executive Board he or she has the right to have a reasonable basis for an employee lunch." Weingarten, supra, 420 Ron Blakemore representative. Because the Wein- to fear that any adverse impact U.S. at 255. Apparently, she had garten decision involved the NLRA, may resultfrom the interview, and received free lunches at other Barbara Symons it does not apply to public employ- thus we would then see no reasona- stores in the chain where she had ees. However, as a general proposi- ble basis of his representative.' previously worked in accordance Mike Davis tion, government workers have (citation)" Weingarten, supra, 420 with company policy. However, that been granted the same right by the U.S. at 257-258. (Emphasis policy did not apply to the store she Jim McCauley laws which govern their labor rela- added.) Thus, the key is whether was assigned to at the time of the Kathy F. Tindall tions. Also, your Local 1245 con- as a result of the meeting with the interrogation. The manager and tract may grant you additional boss you may be disciplined. If the detective immediately commenced a Lyman Morrison rights and a faster remedy. boss is simply giving you instruc- second interrogation regarding the In essence, any time your em- tions on how to perform a task you free lunches and again refused Ms. Treasurer ployer wants to interview you as part don't have the right to have a repre- Collins' request for a union repre- of its investigation to determine sentative (and you don't need one). sentative. (No, the moral of this story Ron Field whether you should be disciplined, On the other hand, if the boss is not that there's no such thing as a Published monthly at 3063 you can have a representative (re- wants to ask you some questions free lunch.) The detective concluded Citrus Circle, Walnut Creek, member, you must ask for one). about something that you may not that she owed the company $160. California 94598. Official Your belief that the meeting con- have done, or that you should not The manager told Ms. Collins that publication of Local Union 1245, cerns discipline must be reasonable have done, you have a right to have See NEXT PAGE International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO, PO. Box 4790, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.

Second Class postage paid at Walnut Creek and at additional Legal Questions ? mailing offices. USPS No. 654640, ISSN No. 0190-4965.

POSTMASTER: Please send Form Contact IBEW Local 1245's 3579, Change of Address, and all correspondence to Utility Legal Service Plan Reporter, PO. Box 4790, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. In California In Nevada Single copies 10 cents, subscription S 1.20 annually. (800) 652-1569 (702) 358-1086 w1 f...„-Gcrit

2 IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987 CP EMI'

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she should consider the matter a ally, all three were disciplined — private one between her and the King and Mulford were fired, IBEW 1245 Business Manager company and asked her to not dis- Cochran was suspended. cuss it with anyone. She had the The Supreme Court upheld the good sense to ignore his request as NLRB's decision that the employer she spoke to her union. It filed an violated the NLRA. The NLRB found unfair labor practice charge with the that Ms. King believed that she may NLRB. That charge eventually ended be disciplined and therefore was up before the Supreme Court and led entitled to a union representative. to the Weingarten decision. As men- It also found that she was fired for Cal-OSHA initiative; tioned above, the Court upheld the exercising her right to have a repre- NLRB's decision that the employer sentative and that her two repre- violated the NLRA by denying her sentatives were disciplined for at- possibly a life request. The NLRB had also deter- tempting to carry out their duties mined that she had not violated as union representatives. Company policy. Yes, this was the It can't be that simple, you are or death matter old NLRB — the pre-Reagan NLRB. saying. You are right. First, as The veto of Cal/OSHA by Governor George Deukmejian has dealt a Another example of when an noted above, you must have a severe blow to working people in this state. The takeover by Federal employee is entitled to a represen- reasonable belief that the interview OSHA reduces the level of protection for all non-public employees. tative is International Ladies Gar- may lead to discipline. Second, you The reduced levels cut across standards involving safety regulations ment Workers Union v. Quality must ask for a representative. How- and health hazards. Manufacturing Company, 420 ever, if you do, the employer may If the Governor's veto prevails, Local 1245 and other IBEW locals U.S. 276, 95 S.Ct. 972, 43 L.Ed2d refuse your request with justifying will get a good dose of what the change means with respect to how 189 (1975), a case decided the its refusal to you. Furthermore, the electrical work is performed. same day as Weingarten. The em- employer can decide to not inter- A year ago, the utilities in the state of California, with PG&E leading, ployer's conduct in this case was view you if you want a representa- petitioned the Standards Board of Cal/OSHA to allow the barehand nothing short of outrageous. (What tive and proceed with an investiga- method on high voltage and to raise the voltage limits for rubber would you expect in a garment fac- tion without talking to you. Also, gloving primary. Under Cal/OSHA, the barehand method and the use of tory in the south?) In this case, the the employer does not have to bar- rubber gloves on voltages over 5,000 volts were not permitted. The employer not only fired an employee gain with your representative al- utilities and the local unions were participating in Cal/OSHA facilitated for refusing to meet with its Presi- though the representative certainly advisory committee meetings to discuss the proposed changes. dent without a representative, but may advise you and attempt to When the Governor announced his intention to defund Cal/OSHA, it also disciplined the worker's two clarify facts — the representative many of the Cal/OSHA employees began to leave, including the union representatives for trying to does not have to be a bump on a log. personnel who were coordinating the high-voltage hearings. As a represent her! The worker who was So, what's the remedy? Well, the result, the high-voltage activity came to a halt. In July, Cal/OSHA was the subject of the interview, a Ms. Reagan Board has done it again. At in fact defunded and Federal OSHA took over responsibility in the King, had spoken to the boss, along one time the law was that an em- private sector. ployee who was disciplined and with two co-workers, to complain Under the federal rules, high-voltage barehand method is permis- about the piecework pay system. denied her or his Weingarten rights sible, and also the rubber-gloving of high voltage primary is permissible would be reinstated. However, the After the meeting ended on an ac- to the limit of what the rubber gloves can stand. This means the rimonious note, Ms. King returned rule now is that the employee will utilities are, in essence, free from government regulation. to the shop floor. Later in the day only be reinstated if the NLRB con- While all of this has been going on during most of this year, law suits cludes that the employee was fired Ms. King turned off the machine were filed to prevent Governor Deukmejian from abolishing the state for exercising her or his Weingar- she operated and talked with some plan. So far, all have failed except for one case. This case was before other employees. When one of the ten right. If there is some other the California Appeals Court, which has ruled that the Governor reason, the employer will only be bosses told Ms. King to resume cannot abolish an agency established by the legislature. The Governor subject to a cease and desist order work she told her to mind her own has appealed this case to the California Supreme Court, with no time business. The boss then ordered that tells the employer not to do it table for a decision. Ms. King to report to the Company again. The NLRB's general counsel, The abolition of Cal/OSHA is of great concern to labor. As a result, the President's office. Ms. King asked on behalf of the Union and its mem- Executive Council of the California Labor Federation has adopted a bers, must prove that the employee her union "chair lady", a Ms. Mul- resolution to institute a drive to qualify an initiative to place on the was fired for exercising his or her ford, to represent her. The Presi- November 1988 ballot a proposition to restore Cal/OSHA. dent ordered Ms. Mulford back to Weingarten rights. In other words, Signature gathering will begin in the very near future as there is a time work and ordered Ms. King into his the Reagan NLRB has taken away table that has to be followed. Local 1245 will be actively involved in the the hammer the NLRB had previ- office. Both refused. Ms. Mulford support of this drive and members will be asked to sign the initiative. ously used to enforce your Weingar- was suspended a few days later. Ms. Many of our members have, or will be, exposed to greater risks and King was again ordered to the Pres- ten rights. Of course, if an em- less enforcement on matters of safety and health at the work place if ident's office. This time she asked ployer were to deny some other Governor Deukmejian's action is allowed to stand. the "assistant chair lady", Ms. employee her or his Weingarten Our public employee members continue to be covered by Cal/OSHA, Cochran, to join her. To make a rights, during the life of a cease and as they are exempt from Federal OSHA. However, the service and long story not quite so long, there desist order, it will be in contempt response have been greatly reduced, as the budgets and manpower was a repeat performance. Eventu- and subject to a fine. have been greatly reduced. In our industry, many of our members are subject to extreme 1 hazards and risks on the job. Cal/OSHA standards have helped to CHANGE OF ADDRESS minimize some of these hazards and risks. This action by this If you have just moved, or are about to move, please complete this form to insure your Governor has to be reversed. For some of our members, it may well be continued receipt of all Union mail. Send completed form and your mailing label from the a matter of life and death. front page to: UTILITY REPORTER P.O. Box 4790 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 In Unity,

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IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987 3 Hal -HEALTH AND SAFETY

Cal-OSHA workshop Business Manager Jack McNally authorizing an Executive Board announced at press time that dele- proposal to contribute to the initia- gates from the Local Union were set tive campaign. Total campaign costs to attend two California State AFL- are expected to run well over $2 CIO Federation workshops de- million to restore Cal-OSHA. Labor signed to train participants in or- groups decided to move ahead with ganizing for the Cal-OSHA ballot the initiative despite an October initiative campaign. ruling by the Third District Court of Six hundred thousand signa- Appeal which affirmed on the 26th tures must be collected to place the that workers in California should initiative on the November 1988 have their own health and safety General election ballot. program. The process for gathering signa- Business Manager McNally tures is set to begin in December in pointed out that an appeals process order to place the measure on the could be long and drawn out, and November 1988 ballot. that it is important to move ahead Local Union members were asked with the initiative to help protect at October Unit Meetings to consider workers as fast as possible. Conflicting seat belt Court supports Cal-OSHA findings reported Conflicting reports have been crash reports, rather than on a few From PAGE ONE circulating regarding lap belt safety isolated reports. These reports place protection under Cal-OSHA to shift responsibility for worker in vehicles. clearly indicate that occupants are for only public employees and safety and health protection to fed- Recently one of our members on better protected by wearing safety transferred private sector protec- eral jurisdiction, the court states, the PLO Southern Area Joint Griev- belts than by traveling unre- tion to federal OSHA, a clearly in- "...repeal of existing statutes by ance Committee, citing a National strained, in both the front and rear ferior program. fiscal strangulation in the budget Transportation Safety Board report, seats of cars, and regardless of the The court charged that the Gov- bill is an extraordinary and constitu- brought up the possibility of in- type of belt system used. ernor may not, by using the budget tionally suspect mode of procedure." creased severity of injury, or risk of For example, one study con- procedure and his veto power over Ron Rinaldi, director of the De- death in the event of an accident ducted using data from North individual items, repeal an existing partment of Industrial Relations, when using lap belts only, which are Carolina traffic crash data files program, in this case, Cal-OSHA, who was named in the suit, had the lone restraints in some trucks, reviewed crash reports involving over which the legislature has contended that federal law gave the and rear passenger seats. more than 200,000 rear seat occu- power and authority. Governor power to withdraw state At the time of the meeting, the pants. That study found that rear The suit was brought by Califor- participation and that he only had group decided as an interim meas- seat occupants using lap belts were nia Rural Legal Assistance and exercised his prerogative to do so ure to continue lap belt use due to 41 to 49 percent more likely to California State Employees Associ- when he terminated Cal-OSHA. both State law, and PG&E Com- avoid serious injury or death than ation, Local 1000 of the Service The Appellate Court rejected that pany policy, while referring the those who did not use those belts. Employees, The California Labor argument, saying: "Federal law does issue to the Joint IBEW, and Other safety groups agree with federation joined the two groups by not give unilateral power to the Gov- Company Health and Safety Com- NHTSA's position on the value of filing an amicus curiae, or "friend ernor to terminate Cal-OSHA." mittee for further consideration. lap belts. The Insurance Institute of the court" brief. In addressing the question of sep- Subsequent findings indicated for Highway Safety responded to On Tuesday, the Governor an- aration of powers, the court held that the NTSB report was mislead- the NTSB study with a statement nounced that he will appeal the that the California Constitution ing, and that a lap belt was indeed that motorists are better off with a ruling to the state supreme Court, gave the legislature that authority better than no safety restraint at all. lap belt than no belt at all. a court dominated by his own to make laws, and pointed out that Review of the NTSB report by the The NTHSA did agree that some- appointees. "the attempted exercise of a legisla- National Highway Traffic Safety times safety belts can cause injury Despite its current make-up, only tive power not conferred upon the Administration cites that the to car occupants, but said that two weeks ago the State's highest Governor is a nullity." Board's study was based on an given all the statistics on crash court declared in the Harbor case Robert Abascal, attorney for extremely small data base which data, anyone traveling by car is that the Governor misused his veto CRLA, observed, "What this suit is does not give a true picture of safety better off wearing a seat belt than power by selectively trimming really about is the separation of belt performance. The NTSB study traveling unprotected. The NHTSA money from a welfare program. powers. The governor has usurped looked only at 26 cases in which indicated that front and rear seat It is widely believed that the deci- the legislature's prerogative by legis- rear seat lap belts did not work. It passengers, whether children or sion heavily influenced the Appeals lating through the blue pencil." looked only at frontal crashes and adults, using either lap belts or lap Court ruling and gives hope to Cal- State President Pro Tem David A. failed to consider side collisions and seat belt combinations would OSHA supporters that a favorable Roberti bolstered that view, calling and roll over crashes in which belts be better protected than someone decision will come from the high the decision "a victory for constitu- are particularly effective. Moreover, not wearing belts. court on the Governor's appeal. tional checks and balances. The the Board looked only at injuries The NHTSA report encouraged The opinion, written by Justice court found that no governor has caused by the belts and ignored medical personnel to devote spe- Coleman Blease and concurred in the right to refuse to enforce laws situations such as ejections which cific attention to crash injuries that by Justices Robert K. Puglia and he doesn't care about without a are generally fatal and are pre- may be difficult to diagnose, be- Keith F. Sparks, goes on to describe vote of the legislature." vented by belt usage. cause safety belts are "so effective the Governor's budget cutting ac- On the Assembly side, Speaker NHTSA studies of thousands of in preventing immediate fatalities tion as a "novel method of lawmak- Willie Brown said he looks for the crash reports clearly show that a and obvious injury." ing" and asserts that it is fair to state to act quickly because "federal person riding in the rear seat of a That combination lap and shoul- expect the budget to provide the occupational safety standards and motor vehicle has a much better der belts, provide greater protec- money to meet expenses required enforcement of those standards sim- chance of avoiding serious injury or tion than lap belts alone was by existing law. "We do not perceive ply are inadequate when compared death by wearing a safety belt. pointed out. NHTSA did stress this novel method of lawmaking to with those of California." NHTSA has compiled five com- however, that didn't necessarily have been intended by the adop- Meanwhile, as the Supreme Court prehensive studies, all of which mean that combination lap and tions of the budget system. A pre- considers the Governor's appeal, indicate that safety belts — includ- shoulder belts should be required supposition of the budget system is the California Labor federation is ing lap belts — are very effective in in the rear seat of all cars. The that expenses required by existing moving ahead with its campaign to reducing the risk of death or NHTSA is currently reviewing law will be met" the opinion said. restore Cal-OSHA through a ballot serious injury in a vehicle crash. information and has been In somewhat stronger language, proposition and a vote of the These studies are based on large petitioned by a child passenger referring to the Governor's attempt people. data bases covering thousands of See NEXT PAGE 4 IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987

Business Manager McNally attends AFL-C10 convention; calls for delegate support of Cal-OSHA resolution Business Manager Jack McNally proval on its initiative." was one of the California delegates McNally told the convention par- at the recent national AFL-CIO con- ticipants, "Electric workers have vention who spoke supporting a participated for many years in the resolution to call for restoration of development of safety and health the Cal-OSHA program. standards that were established McNally outlined the actions in long before Cal-OSHA. Deukme- the state which have been underta- jian's veto wiped out major protec- ken to restore the program following tive standards for work on high Governor Deukmejian's blue pencil- voltage lines." ling of the entire Cal-OSHA program. In other action at the convention, The resolution was approved sup- the International Brotherhood of porting "the initiative campaign of Teamsters was reaffiliated with the the California Labor Federation and AFL-CIO after a 30 years' absence. reestablish Cal-OSHA; and to call on Official reaffiliation date was affiliates to give every measure of November 1. Teamster president assistance to the California Federa- Jackie Presser was elected to the tion in its battle to win voter ap- AFL-CIO executive council.

At convention were former IBEW International president Charles Pillard, left, and new president, John J. Barry.

Teamster president Jackie Presser. John Henning, Sec. Treas., California State Fed. Conflicting seat belt findings reported

From PAGE FOUR protection group to begin rule restraint, lap belts are effective in making on this issue. NHTSA is reducing the risk of serious injury considering the NTSB report in and fatality. Some of the studies this matter and additional data to which allowed us to reach this Business Manager Jack McNally was appointed a delegate to the recent AFL-CIO convention by IBEW International president, John J. Barry. determine whether to grant the conclusion are: protection group's petition and • A study of Maryland crashes begin rule making. As an agency of from 1981-1984. This study esti- the U.S. Department of Transpor- mated an effectiveness in reducing tation, NHTSA is responsible for incapacitating injury of 23% to administering the federal govern- 59%, depending on crash severity ment's auto safety programs, and occupant age. Calendar including safety standards, vehicle • A study of crashes in Alberta, recalls, working with the states to Canada from 1978 to 1980. This November December improve traffic law enforcement, study estimated an effectiveness in and encouraging safe driving reducing major or fatal injury of 20 Safety Committee 18 Safety Committee practices. The NTSB is an indepen- 41% for occupants age 15 and 23 Executive Board 18 Executive Board dent Federal agency which con- above. 23 Ad Staff Meeting 24 Trustees ducts accident investigations and • An agency analyses of the 25 Trustees makes recommendations to the National Crash Severity Study and 30 Staff Meeting January Department of Transportation. National Accident Sampling Sys- 5 Ad Staff Meeting "We want to continue to encour- tem data for the time period 1977- December 8 Trustees age all our members to use seat 1984. This analysis estimated an 5 Nevada— 16 L.U. Safety Committee belts. Buckling up at home, and at effectiveness in reducing fatality of Shop Stewards, 22 Trustees work can help save lives and pre- 39% and an effectiveness in reduc- Pin Dinner 23 Executive Board vent countless injuries," Assistant ing fatality and overnight hospitali- 5 Golf Tournament, 26 Ad Staff Meeting Business Manager Ron Fitzsim- zation of 57%. San Mateo 28 PG&E Title 8 Meeting mons said. • A study performed on data from 10 Trustees Rear Seat Lap Belts the Fatal Accident Reporting Sys- 12 Sacramento, Based on numerous studies tem from 1975-1984. This study Shop Stewards conducted by NHTSA, as well as estimated a fatality reducing other researchers, the agency effectiveness of 14-24% for rear believes that compared to no seat lap belts. IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987 5

Strikemakers & strikebreakers

Sidney Lens

The history of American labor has been a turbulent one. Tens of thousands As part of its ongoing effort to keep our membership and the public aware of people have been arrested, injured, or even killed in strikes that have of the serious issues now confronting the labor movement, the Local Union pitted employees against management and often government, and purchased six copies of Len's book for donation to Northern California inflamed the public. What could cause workers to leave theirjobs andjoin public libraries. We will reprint selections from Len's book in the Utility the picket line, risking their livelihood and sometimes their lives? How are Reporter over the next several months. strikes carried out? How are strikes broken? From the book Strikemakers and Strikebreakers by Sidney Lens. Sidney Lens, well-known writer and longtime union official, explores Copyright (c) 1985 by Sidney Lens. Published by arrangement with Lodestar this history of strikes, from the formation of the first labor unions to the Books, a division of E.P. Dutton. Available from your local bookstore or for present day in his book STRIKEMAKERS & STRIKEBREAKERS (E.P. $13.95 plus $1.50 shipping and handling from Lodestar Books, 2 Park Dutton, New York, 1985). Avenue, New York, NY 10016. B read and Roses

the most congested part of town, with the toilet in the hallway, rented for $4 a It is we who plowed the prairies; week. According to a U.S. Senate report, a normal family of five had to have two built the cities where they trade; members working in order to exist. Most families had to take in boarders to Dug the mines and built the workshops; add a pittance to their income. endless miles of railroad laid; "Often," one witness told a congressional committee, "the children went hungry. There were days when only bread and water kept them alive." Walter Now we stand, outcast and starving, Weyl, an adviser to former President Theodore Roosevelt, reported that he 'mid the wonders we have made; had "rarely seen in any American city so many shivering men without But the Union makes us strong. overcoats as I have seen in the cloth-producing town of Lawrence." Of every 1,000 infants, 172 died before the age of one. Company profits were quite from "Solidarity Forever," the union song written by Ralph Chaplin good. Dividends of the largest company, American Woolen, were twice as high in 1911 as in 1902. The strike began after a new law reduced the work schedule for women he first decade and a half of this century was called the Progressive and children from 56 hours a week to 54, and the companies refused to pay Era. After a long period of class conflict, there was an awakening of the workers for those 2 hours. Thus, what was supposed to be an T conscience in America. Writers like Ida Tarbell, Lincoln Steffens, and improvement in the textile worker's conditions turned out to be, in effect, 2 Upton Sinclair — known as muckrakers — exposed corruption in industry hours' cut in pay. Two years earlier, when weekly hours had been reduced and government. from 58 to 56, the operatives had been paid the same amount for the shorter Twenty-five states enacted legislation limiting the workday, and tens of workweek. This time, however, shorter hours meant less pay. thousands of working people won a reduction of hours through their unions. On January 11, as the pay envelopes were being passed around at the Everett Hours of labor for skilled workers fell, by and large, to 49 a week, and for the Cotton Mill, Polish weavers counted their money and began shouting "Not unskilled to 56. Thirty-eight states passed laws setting age limits and hours of enough pay, not enough pay." Company men who spoke Polish tried to explain work for children. Thirty-five introduced workmen's compensation bills to that since they had worked only 54 hours, they were entitled to only 54 hours' provide payments for employees injured in industrial accidents. Such rights pay. But the women were not appeased — their paychecks were 32 cents short. did not exist before. They sat at their machines and refused to work. Still, a seamy side existed in the Progressive Era alongside its sunnier y nightfall the 1,750 operatives had determined they wouldn't go back one. There was a bedlam of strikes, antiunion campaigns, picket line unless they got the 32 cents. The same decision was arrived at by 100 murders, abuse of immigrants, and other downright cruelty. Nothing, for B workers at a second mill. The next morning, the fury spread from one instance, could have matched the harshness displayed against hard-rock mill to another. Italian workers at American Woolen's Washington mill miners and smeltery workers in the Colorado Rockies. During their fifteen- shouted that they had been cheated out of "four loaves of bread," and roamed month strike at Cripple Creek, Colorado, in 1903-04, 42 men were killed, from room to room shutting off electricity, cutting belts, smashing light 112 wounded, 1,345 held in bull pens for many months without the right of bulbs, and threatening those who would not leave their machines. "Better to habeas corpus, and 773 forcibly deported out of the area. General Sherman starve fighting," they shouted, "than to starve working." Bell, whose state troops were being paid by the employers refused to obey a By 1 1 :30 A.M. the mill was shut. From the Washington mill, the strikers, judge's order to release prisoners being held illegally. "To hell with the with Italian and American flags flying, marched to another and then still Constitution!" he cried. "We're not following the Constitution!" another mill, repeating the process and inflicting damage. A few workers were As late as 1910, 2 million children were still working. Their average pay in hurt, six strikers were arrested, various machinery was smashed, and the clothing industry was $2 a week, and in the glass and silk industries less windows were broken. But despite the violence, there were ten thousand men, than $3 a week. Conditions in the workshops were often horrible. In 1914, women, and children on strike. thirty-five thousand were killed on the job and seven hundred thousand Unions were weak in Lawrence. The AFL's United Textile Workers of injured. "At least one-half of these deaths were preventable," said the America had a small local union of skilled mulespinners. There were also government Commission on Industrial Relations. nine independent unions, representing better-paid English-speaking omen in particular worked in gloomy, stench-ridden sweatshops, craftsmen. The Industrial Workers of the World Local 20 claimed a thousand with inadequate ventilation, heat, or other conveniences. At one of members, of whom only three hundred had paid their dues. In an industry W these sweatshops, the Triangle Shirtwaist Company on New York with thirty-two thousand workers, the total number of union members City's East Side, 147 Jewish and Italian immigrant women met their death before the strike was amazingly small. And none of the unions, including in 1911 as fire consumed their three-story factory. They found themselves the IWW, had played a role in initiating the strike. It was spontaneous. unable to break through steel doors their employer had locked to prevent Once the work stoppage began, the strikers realized they needed help — to them from going to the toilet too often. Many jumped to their death. form picket lines, deal with the press, raise money for relief, call out workers Lawrence, Massachusetts, an industrial city thirty miles north of Boston, from other factories, conduct mass meetings. Sam Gompers of the AFL was had a population of eighty-six thousand in 1912 and was known as the worsted not particularly sympathetic to the strike. The local AFL affiliate not only center of the world. It was a one-industry town, made up of twelve woolen and refused to permit its skilled craftsmen to join the stoppage but actively tried cotton mills, with thirty-two thousand workers, most of them immigrants to keep them on the job, in the hope that the employers would then recognize from Italy, French Canada, Poland, Russia, Lithuania, Syria, and twenty other and deal with the AFL. Its leader called the strikers anarchists. Thus with no countries. With their children, these immigrants comprised 86,percent of the help to be expected from the AFL, the strikers, meeting at the Franco- population. Belgian Hall, voted to send a telegram to Joseph J. "Smiling Joe" Ettor, a Wages, even by 1912 levels, were exceptionally poor. For 56 hours of work a member of the IWW executive board, asking him to come to Lawrence and week, the average pay was $8.76. Half of that went for rent. A five-room flat in help them. 6 IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987 Ettor's first order of business was to form a strike committee. Four York City. A week later, 126 more emaciated children were shipped out, most workers were elected by each of the fourteen largest ethnic groups, forming of them to New York City, 35 to Barre, Vermont. The exodus raised tempers, the committee of fifty-six that ran the strike. "Never before," noted the New pro and con, everywhere. Fashionable Beacon Hill ladies predicted that such York Sun, "has a strike of such magnitude succeeded in uniting in one children in time would become "veritable breeders of anarchy." By and large, unflinching, unyielding, determined, and united army as large and diverse however, the exodus brought immense support and publicity for the strikers a number of human beings." throughout the country, and hostility toward the woolen corporations. he main job of the committee was the organization of large-scale On February 22, Lawrence's police chief announced that no more children picketing. Thousands of strikers and friends walked in front of the would be allowed to leave. Seven tots who were headed to Connecticut that day T mills twenty-four hours a day, carrying placards with messages such were placed in a paddy wagon and taken to a police station, and their parents as DON'T BE A SCAB and calling on friends to join them. One of the picket were told the city would provide for them. signs expressed the view of women workers: WE WANT BREAD AND ROSES TOO. The climax came two days later when two hundred children were scheduled On January 29, the companies tried to reopen their mills. The strikers to depart for Philadelphia. Most parents withdrew their children out of fear the formed a massive picket line. Though there was some violence, Joe Ettor, police would hold them, just as they had done before. But forty at the head of the line, constantly urged his followers to avoid confron- young- 4 sters and their parents did show up. Police and tation. When the police stopped the marchers on the main militia barred the way, and when the children, lined street, Ettor led them into side streets. Nonetheless an up two by two, began to walk to the train, the police ugly mood built up, some strikers throwing stones began swinging their clubs left and right. Mothers and at streetcars carrying scabs. The New York Times children were dragged to a military truck and clubbed still reported: Real Labor War Now in Lawrence. again. Thirty adults and youngsters were arrested on the charge In the evening, police set up barricades. of "congregation"; fourteen children were sent to the city farm by the Strikers threw chunks of coal and snowballs juvenile courts. at the police. After a police sergeant was hit, News of the event sent shock waves throughout the nation. "It's he ordered the police to draw their guns. One an outrage," said America's leading literary figure, William Dean policeman, identified by nineteen strikers as Howells. Progressive U.S. senators joined the chorus demanding an Oscar Benoit, fired and killed an Italian strik- investigation of events in Lawrence, and such well known figures as er named Anna Lo Pizzo. The government Mrs. William Howard Taft, wife of the president, journeyed to the strike claimed that Lo Pizzo was killed by two union scene to observe matters for themselves. Scores of reporters and writers sympathizers, and seized Ettor and fellow came to the textile city to make their own estimate. Wobbly Arturo Giovannitti as accessories — even Under the prodding of Victor Berger of Milwaukee, a Socialist member though neither of them had been anywhere near of the House of Representatives, Congress ordered a probe. The Strike the picket line that evening. The two strike Committee in Lawrence sent sixteen adolescents to the preliminary hear- leaders were held in jail for the next eight months. ing, to give the strikers' side of the story. One of the high points of the hear- The mill owners and the authorities evidently ing was the testimony of Camella Teoli, age fourteen, who told how she was believed that the strike would collapse once its leaders recruited for a job at the American Woolen Mill even though she had were jailed. But this was not the case. When the then been under the legal age — fourteen. On her second week at the courts refused to grant bail for Ettor and Giovan- job, her hair got caught in a machine and "pulled the scalp off." nitti, IWW leader Bill Haywood came to Law- She had been in the hospital seven months, she said, and rence to take charge of the strike, assisted was still under treatment. Why did she strike? she was by a team of other national officers. asked. "Because I didn't get enough to eat at home," Meanwhile, martial law was im- Camella replied. posed by the city government, The negative publicity from the hearings in Wash- twelve more militia companies ington, as well as the fact that order were piling were called in, street gather- up, finally forced the corporations to give in. After ings of three or more were for- nine and a half weeks of the strike, William Wood of bidden, and Colonel E. LeRoy American Woolen finally agreed to wage increases Sweetser became, for all of 5 to 21 percent. The 21 percent went to the practical purposes, the rul- lowest paid workers, who received 91/2 cents an er of Lawrence. The town's hour. Other improvements included time and a mill district soon resem- quarter for overtime, a pledge to reinstate all bled a city awaiting war. strikers, and of course the 54-hour week. Arrests, teargassing, and On March 14, when fifteen thousand workers harassment skyrocketed. met to ratify the agreement, Big Bill Haywood Even nonstrikers were i told them "you have demonstrated that there is a driven from the street. common interest in the working class that can An eighteen-year-old bring all its members together." The meeting Syrian boy, member of ended with the singing of the "Internationale." the strikers' drum and There was one piece of unfinished business bugle corps, was bay- for the strikers — Ettor and Giovannitti were oneted to death by mi- still in jail. As the ratification meeting ad- litiamen as he tried to journed, the strikers agreed to focus all their run away from them. efforts on freeing them. An Ettor-Giovannitti During this time a Defense Committee was formed. On May 1, sensational develop- five thousand Lawrence textile workers ment occurred which marched past the prison where the two IWW which won consider- members were being held. They carried a able public support banner: IF ETTOR AND GIOVANNITTI ARE TO DIE. for the strikers. On TWENTY MILLION WORKING MEN WILL KNOW February 5, the Ita- THE REASON WHY. Protest meetings were lian Socialist Feder- held not only in America, but in Germany, ation in New York Sweden, Italy, and France, where some offered to place chil- proposed a boycott of American woolen dren of Lawrence's goods and a strike against ships headed strikers in fos- for the United States. Giovannitti was ter homes, so they nominated in three districts of Italy for could be better fed the Italian Chamber of Deputies. and housed during n September 30, as the trial of the the stoppage. On two men was to begin, twelve February 10, 119 0 thousand textile workers walked children, ages 4 out of the mills in a twenty-four-hour to fourteen, ac- protest strike. The police again clubbed companied by 4 strikers and arrested some, and the women, made companies Hired fifteen hundred. their way from Haywood had to threaten another gen- Lawrence to eral strike to get them reinstated. Grand Central The trial lasted fifty-eight days. Both Station in New men were acquitted. IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987 7

Outside Line Apprentices gather for 'All Hands' Da

By Linda M. Honn, JATC Office Manager, Huntington Beach The third annual All Hands' Day direction for the new class-year since for the California-Nevada Training many of the men work in remote Trust. The Trust was established in areas and rarely see each other ex- 1971 and since 1972 has operated cept for this annual gathering. As under the direction of Bill old acquaintances are renewed, new Brockmann. The teaching staff ones are made. New apprentices currently is comprised of six capa- especially are welcomed aboard. ble and dedicated instructors. Class sessions were held during Frank Lazard is in charge of the the morning and afternoon at Ran- Northern school located in West cho Santiago College in Garden Sacramento. The Southern school Grove, where apprentices gained is based in Garden Grove where clear directions on expectations of Russ Cridland is resident instruc- the program during their appren- tor assisted by Don Ankney, Mike ticeship period. IBEW Local 1245 Springer, Tim Sozio, and Don Hol- Assistant Business Manager Ron ler who recently joined the staff. Fitzsimmons and Business Repre- Large group of apprentices attended the day-long program. Brockmann first established All sentative Curt Peterson were Hands' Day as a means of bringing among the JATC committee mem- all 103 indentured apprentices from bers who addressed the group. both states together with the staff The day finished with class pic- and committee representatives. The tures, and as goodbyes were said, day provides an excellent opportu- all concluded it had been a mean- nity for and exchange of ideas and ingful day.

Director Bill Brockmann welcomes apprentices.

Business Representative Curt Peterson addresses the participants.

Pole climbing demonstrations.

The work picture...

Assistant Business Manager Ron Pole climbing demonstrations. in Northern and Southern Fitzsimmons prepares to speak to California for Outside Line group.

Reports from the Northern office indicate the work has picked up with 183 members assigned to crews. The figure doubled over the previous month.

In Southern California work is pretty stable with approximately 800 members assigned to crews.

Classroom studies were part of the day's activities.

8 IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987

Scholarship contest announced

Al Sandoval Memorial Competitive Scholarship Trade and Vocational School Grant The purpose of this contest is to provide a grant in aid for scholarships to The purpose of these grants is to provide aid to the children of members to colleges and junior colleges, thereby making financial assistance toward the attain a trade or technical education. attainment of a higher education. 1. The grants will be as follows: 1. The grant will be as follows: $500 per year, for up to two years for two candidates, as long as a passing $500 per year, up to four (4) years, as long as a "C" (2.0) average is main- grade is maintained, and a parent maintains membership in good standing tained, and a parent maintains membership in good standing in Local in Local Union 1245. Union 1245. 2. In order to be a candidate in this contest, you must be a son or daughter, 2. In order to be a candidate in this contest, you must be a son or daughter, natural, legally adopted, or a legal ward of a member of Local Union 1245. You natural, legally adopted, or a legal ward of a member of Local Union 1245. must also be a high school student who has graduated or is graduating in You must also be a high school student who has graduated or is graduating 1988. A copy of your diploma or a letter from your high school stating that you in 1988. A copy of your diploma or a letter from your high school stating that will graduate in 1988 must be attached to your scholarship application. you will graduate in 1988 must be attached to your application. Additionally, 3. The scholarship grant will be made only to that candidate who intends to a letter of recommendation from your vocational teacher, department head, enroll full time in any college certified by their State Department of Educa- or school principal must accompany the application. tion and accredited by the local accrediting association. 3. Applications may be secured by addressing the Recording Secretary of Local 4. Applications may be secured by addressing the Recording 'Secretary of Union 1245, by calling the Union office, or by using the form printed below. Local Union 1245, or by calling the Union office, or by using the form 4. The grant will be made only to a candidate who intends to enroll full time in printed below. any industrial, technical or trade school, other than correspondence 5. Checks will be paid directly to the college upon presentation of tuition bills schools, which are accredited by the National Association of Trade and to the Local Union. Technical Schools or the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools. 6. All applications shall be accompanied by a written essay, not to exceed five 5. Applications must be mailed to IBEW, Local Union 1245, P.O. Box 4790, hundred (500) words, on the subject designated by the Executive Board. Walnut Creek, CA 94596, by registered mail or certified mail only, and be 7. Essays should be submitted on 81/2" by 11" paper, on one side, preferably postmarked no later than the first Monday of April of each year. typed and double spaced, with applicant's written signature at the conclu- 6. Two names will be drawn by the Judge of the Competitive Scholarship sion of the essay. Contest from those submitting applications. These two will be recipients of Applications and essays must be mailed to IBEW Local Union 1245, P.O. 8. the grants. Box 4790, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, by registered or certified mail only, and 7. Checks will be paid directly to the school upon presentation of tuition bills to be postmarked no later than thefirst Monday in March of each year. 9. Each year the scholarship shall be presented at the Advisory Council meeting the Local Union. in May; the judge and a guest and the recipient and parents shall be invited, 8. Presentation of awards will be made to recipients at the unit meeting nearest at Local Union expense, to present and receive the scholarship award. his/her residence following the drawing. 10. A suitable trophy or plaque shall be purchased by the Local Union, at a cost not to exceed $75, to be presented to the scholarship recipient. NOTE: THE TOPIC FOR THE 1988 AL SANDOVAL MEMORIAL COMPETITIVE APPLICATION FOR THE LOCAL 1245 "HOW TO IMPROVE LABOR'S IMAGE IN THE EDUCA- SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY IS TRADE & VOCATIONAL SCHOOL GRANT TION SYSTEM AND PROMOTE A POSITIVE OUTLOOK CONCERNING LABOR." FOR MEMBERS' CHILDREN ENROLLING IN The following two questions are to be answered in the essay: TECHNICAL, INDUSTRIAL, OR TRADE SCHOOLS 1. What have you seen and learned about labor during your school years? 2. What do you think should have been taught? Sponsored by Local Union 1245 P.O. Box 4790 International Brotherhood of Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO (415) 933-6060 APPLICATION FOR THE AL SANDOVAL MEMORIAL COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATE INFORMATION Sponsored by CANDIDATE'S LOCAL UNION 1245 NAME BIRTH DATE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS, AFL-CIO ADDRESS CITY P.O. Telephone Box 4790 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (415) 933-6060 STATE ZIP PHONE( ) DATE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION DATE

I hereby make application to enter the Competitive Scholarship Contest spon- ADDRESS OF HIGH SCHOOL sored by Local Union 1245, IBEW, AFL-CIO: WHAT SCHOOL DO YOU EXPECTTO ATTEND? NAME DATE OF BIRTH (Last) (First) (Initial) WHERE IS IT LOCATED? ADDRESS (Street) (City) WHAT TRADE OR CRAFT WILL YOU BE STUDYING? PHONE( (State) (Zip) WHYTHIS PARTICULAR SKILL? NAME OF PARENT COMPANY

WORK LOCATION CANDIDATE'S SIGNATURE DATE

I GRADUATED OR WILL GRADUATE FROM STATEMENT OF MEMBER/PARENT HIGH SCHOOL IN NAME OF MEMBER/PARENT WHICH IS LOCATED AT EMPLOYER LOCATION I EXPECT TO ATTEND COLLEGE OR SCHOOL I certify that I am a member in good standing of IBEW Local Union 1245, that the Candidate LOCATION named above, is my (Candidate's Signature) , and that the Candidate will graduate from high school during the This is to certify that the above named candidate is currently enrolled as a student at term ending , 1988. and has or will be graduating in

, 1988. Signature of Member/Parent Union Card No.

(Official's Signature and Position) This is to certify that the above named Candidate is currently enrolled as a student This is to certify that I am a member in good standing of Local Union 1245, IBEW, and the at and has or will be candidate, whose name is signed to this application is my graduating in , 1988. and graduated during the term ending , 1988.

Official's Signature and Position (Parent's Signature and Card Number)

IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987 9 PGT Clerical proposals PGT Physical to vote readied

By George Stavros contract. Past and present PGT and The Pacific Gas Transmission PG&E contracts for both clerical Company Clerical Bargaining Com- and physical workers were closely mittee met for the first time on examined for ways to achieve unity Thursday, October 22, at the Head- with other workers and adapt new quarters of Local 1245 in Walnut ideas and goals. The Committee Creek. Committee members Pam briefly interrupted its work to hear McKean, George Stavros, Debbie a report from Business Representa- Tracey, Charlie Valentino, San Fran- tive Art Murray, newly assigned to cisco, and Sue DeFoe and Jolene the PGT physical unit, on recent Fifield from Spokane went on a brief bargaining activities with PGT and tour of the building conducted by PG&E as well as details of the Staff Attorney Tom Dalzell and also proposed contracts. met Local 1245 staff including During the afternoon, the Com- Business Manager Jack McNally. mittee broke up into two working Immediately after the tour, the groups to discuss and analyze some committee began work on a prop- of the more complicated issues of the osed contract for PGT clerical work- contract. Afterwards, the entire ers. Working closely with Dalzell, Committee met again to discuss and they reviewed current and past approve changes recommended by employment of clerical workers at the working groups. At the conclu- PGT. A major accomplishment was sion of Friday's meeting, major prog- the development of common goals ress had been made. Committee with Spokane workers whose par- members expressed satisfaction ticular needs were ably voiced by that the contract taking shape A tentative agreement has been reached at PGT Physical and will be going out DeFoe and Fifield. Much of Thurs- would directly address the goals and for a vote sometime in December or January. Participating on the Negotiating day was spent analyzing wages, job needs of the bargaining unit mem- Committee were Paul Hathaway, Business Representative Art Murray, Mark classifications, working conditions bership and merit their approval. Latta, Archie Taylor, Senior Assistant Business Manager Darrel Mitchell, and and benefits at PGT and determin- On Monday, October 26, the last ing how a fair and equitable unity day of the Committee's contract Frank Locati. Not pictured is Les Banta. can be achieved. formulation meetings, resolution On Friday, the Committee began of details and a few major issues the difficult work of organizing the were discussed. ideas and goals discussed on Meeting with the Company will Members ratify TCI contract Thursday into the framework of a be sometime in January. IBEW members at Tele-Com- Company's offer were the elimina- munications, Inc. of Nevada voted tion of all references to double time, to accept a one year offer, following and the reduction of paid holidays an initial rejection of the contract. from 12 to nine. After four bargaining sessions, The Company's offer did provide the Company submitted what they for a wage increase of 4 percent to characterized as their last, best and the three technical classifications, final offer to the Local Union on and 5.5 percent to all clerical class- October 12. ifications. By a vote of 29 to 0, the offer was This year's bargaining was com- rejected. On October 21, the parties plicated by the Company's inten- returned to the bargaining table tion to exchange the Reno TCI sys- with counseling from the Federal tem to the Times-Mirror Company Mediation and Conciliation Service. for the Times-Mirror Phoenix The Company would not with- Arizona System as soon as their draw their take aways. respective franchises are obtained. The PGT Clerical Bargaining Committee includes, L-R, Sue DeFoe, Spokane; Debbie A ratification meeting was held Participating on the negotiating Tracey, San Francisco; George Stavros, San Francisco; Tom Dalzell, Staff Attorney; on October 26 in Reno to vote on team, along with Assistant Busi- Pam McKean, San Francisco; Charlie Valentino; San Francisco, and Jolene Fifield, the Company's one year offer where ness Manager Ory Owen were Mike Spokane. the members voted to accept the Cason, Bill Wilkinson, Nancy offer at this time. Miraglia, and Craig Miraglia. ARBITRATION SET The major issues involved in the Tentative agreement reached at WAPA Business Representative Rich schedule. $1.00 to $2.00 per hour for employ- looks like the Congress will override Hafner reports that on September 7. Provides for an increase from ees performing "Live Line Mainte- President's 2 percent and agree on 17, after a total of three weeks of 15% to 20% for aerial patrol. nance". 3 percent, which would be effective bargaining, the Government Coor- 8. Provides for the accrual rate of 15. Provides for cooperation on January 17, 1988. dinating Council #1, and the $4.25 per month to a maximum of the impact of employees when Issues that will be going to Western Area Power Administra- $180.00 and $90.00 for boots. contracting out. arbitration are: the duration of the tion reached a bargaining table a- 9. Provides for final and binding 16. Tightens up noon meal time agreement, a joint survey to be paid greement. impasse arbitration ie.: no ap- from 2 hours to 1 hour from entitle- for by Western; which utility Major conditions agree to include proval process by the Adminis- ment. companies to include in the survey; the following items: trator of Western. 17. Provides that Western will how many, and guidelines for 1. Provides for an employee 10. Provides for a Western Wide serve notice to the Union before company comparisons. assistance program. O&M Safety Committee, one par- filing an Unfair Labor Practice. On November 16 the arbitration 2. Provides for a joint semi- ticipant from each area. A negotiability appeal has been hearing got underway in Denver, annual newsletter. 11. Provides for one representa- filed with the Federal Labor Rela- Colorado before Arbitrator John 3. Provides language in contract tive for the Western Safety Steering tions Board to determine negotiabil- Abbernathy of Lake Oswego, Ore- for four 10-hour days, subject to Committee. ity of our proposals to provide for a gon. Following a decision from the Union approval on a voluntary basis. 12. Provides for G.C.C.#1 to get $100,000 accidental death and dis- arbitrator, ratification will be held 4. Provides for entry level rates at accident investigation report. memberment policy, and a supple- by the respective groups. Hafner 96% for 6 months. 13. Provides that two rank and mental medical policy, both to be stated that everyone is hoping 5. Provides language defining file employees may be used as paid for by Western, Hafner said. everything will be concluded by "Live Line Maintenance Work". technical advisors on accident in- He indicated that it has not yet mid-January following this tough 6. Deletes three classifications no vestigations. been determined if the pay cap will set of negotiations. longer applicable from wage 14. Provides for a premium of be 2 or 3 percent, but said that it 10 IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987 Public Sector Shop Stewards meet at 3rd annual conference

IBEW Local 1245 presented an in- testing was discussed by the staff formation-packed one-day training attorney Tom Dalzell and Gary Hen- conference for Public Sector Shop derson, Ph.D, and Martha Harkey, Stewards at Woodlake Inn in Sac- Ph.D, of U.C. Davis. ramento in mid October. Coordinated by Senior Assistant Assistant Business Manager Ron Business Manager Darrel Mitchell, Fitzsimmons reviewed Cal-OSHA the program got underway with status, and Business Representa- Business Manager Jack McNally tive Pete Dutton highlighted Fed- welcoming the members. McNally eral Sector action of importance to later brought members up to date our members. on legislative actions that impact During the afternoon both the the Union. scientific and legal basis of drug

Business Manager Jack McNally Assistant Business Manager Ron Fitzsimmons.

Staff Attorney Tom Dalzell, left, discussing drug testing issues with Shop Steward.

Stewards registering for all-day session.

AT THE CONFERENCE Participants at the recent Public Sector Shop Stewards Training Conference included: Mike Cronin, John Fritchman, Wilfred Nunez Mike Light, Jim Milstead, Joe Kropholler, Steve Mayberry, James Johnson, Gerald Linville, Ron Simpson, Ted Weber, Susan C. David, Bill Uphoff, Bill Wallace, John Trunnell, Beverly Johnson, Michael Powers, Mike McGovern, Gary Hanson, Ed Slown, Sam Bologna, Jess Piceno, Joe Vienna, Jack Carrillo, Larry Frazier, Richard A. Pender, Ed Myall, John Buckhorn, Barry A. Verdermolen, Ken Raven, Dave Pittman, Forrest Davisson, Thomas R. Santos, Chester A. Wright, Robert Gonzales, Steve Ahern

Gary Henderson, Ph.D. Martha Harkey, Ph.D, U.C. Davis. Contract Approved at City of Oakland

Stewards at conference.

City of Oakland Bargaining Committee from left to right are Jim Mahoney, Ron Davis, Ed Myall, Bob Gaze, and John Hendry. Business Representative Frank Saxsenmeier reports that City of Oakland members ratified a one year agreement during the first week of October. The agreement is for one year effective July 1, 1987 through June 30, 1988. Highlights of the agreement provides for a 4% general wage increase retroactive to July 1 with additional floating holidays and vacation. State Disability Insurance has been integrated with sick leave provided by the City without cost to the employees. Improvement in the Vision Care program, and other minor language changes were also made. Unit Meeting Change New meeting place: Unit 1111, Fresno Cedar Lanes, Cedarland Shields, Fresno Stewards at conference.

IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987 11

Positive Discipline detailed at Shop Steward Conferences The Local Union has been review- Bay, San Francisco, and General ing all elements of the newly insti- Office have reviewed Positive Dis- tuted PG&E Positive Discipline pro- cipline at scheduled conferences. It cedures at Shop Steward Confer- is projected that by the end of Jan- ences. uary, Positive Discipline will have To date, Shop Stewards in Hum- been discussed at all Shop Steward boldt, Sacramento. Stockton, East Conferences in the jurisdiction. Participants at the recent Sacramento Shop Stewards Conference included: Billy Wallace, William Tomlinson, Ronald Greenwood, Sabrina Bruno, Arlene Cook, Dick Sutter, D.L. Parmenter, John B. Cox, Danny L. Jackson, Sam Nakashima, Gretchen Conn, Frank E. Elliott, Marji A. Blough, Dan Rasmussen, and Christine Lay.

.A1=11Ri ANEW Unit 2412 Vundraiser

Participants at the recent Humboldt Shop Stewards Conference included: Chuck Stockham, B. Reynolds, Dave Furtado, Rod Trunnell, Jerry Anderson, Barry Jensen, Aileen Koppenberg, Casey J. Maret, John A. Mitchell, John Grant, Barney Curtice, and Barry Claybaugh. Heartfelt thanks

Oct. 4, 1987 Jack McNally San Francisco Unit 2412 Chairman Rudy Woodford, and his family; son, Maurice, IBEW 1245 Business Manager daughter, Monique, and wife, Jackie, model handsome Tee-shirts and sweatshirts P.O. Box 4790 that the Unit is selling to raise funds for Unit activities. To order, please fill out the Walnut Creek, CA 94596 form, and mail to the Local Union headquarters where Business Representative Ed Caruso will process the orders for the San Francisco Unit. Dear Mr. McNally, I would like to thank PG&E and IBEW Local 1245 for their cooperation and effort in helping me recover and return to work. On August 27, 1986 I was hit SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL UNION by a drunk driver while riding my motorcycle and my right leg was amputated four inches above the knee. Because of the accident, I was unable to return to BUY YOUR my job as a Gas Serviceman in Sacramento. Through the efforts of Wayne Greer, IBEW Business Representative, and Earl Rhodes, Sacramento Gas Superinten- IBEW LOCAL UNION 1245 LOGO SHIRTS dent and others, an agreement was worked out so that I was able to return to Order Form: work as a Service Operator in Woodland. There are many others who helped in Name: this process who are too numerous to mention, but I thank all of those people for their support and help. Address . I would also like to give a special thanks to the Gas Service Department in Sacramento. The assistance given my family, the donations, the visits while I Phone Number: Zip . was in the hospital, and the help I received during the seven months I was off was tremendous. They collected a large cash donation, installed a wood stove Crew Sweatshirt $13.00 Hooded Sweatshirt $17.00 T-Shirt $7 00— White Only and delivered over three cords of wood. We were never without any help when we needed it. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have friends such S M L XL $14.00 S M L XL $18.00 S M L XL $28.00 2XL as these to help in times of crisis. 2XL 2XL Even though I am not able to mention everyone who helped us during this difficult period, we haven't forgotten who you are and we are thankful for your caring and assistance. Thank You. Indicate size and color choice. UNIT 2412 FUNDRAISER Colors: Lt. Blue — B • Mike and Carol Davis Lt. Gray— G

Make Checks Payable to: Ed Caruso

Send Orders To: SHIRTS—Business Representative Ed Caruso P.O. Box 4790 Walnut Creek, CA 94596

12 IBEW 1245 UTILITY REPORTER/NOVEMBER 1987