Massive Show of Unity As Bargaining Begins for PG&E Clerical NV

Election Guide pages 10–17

Jerry Brown

Volume 59 No.5 • Sept/Oct 2010 Jobs for California .24.

Dalzell: “Don’t Drink the .2. Massive show of unity Kool-Aid”

In Memoriam: .3. Jerry Biedinger as bargaining begins Member Letters .3. for PG&E Clerical A banner with over 2,300 signatures of sup- Blame Bob .4. By Eric Wolfe In opening proposals exchanged in port for the Clerical bargaining committee n a massive show of unity, over June, management called for greater au- provided the backdrop for the start of PG&E Outside Construction .6. 2,300 Local 1245 members signed a thority to take Clerical work away from Clerical negotiations at Weakley Hall in Va- caville on Sept. 8. From left: Jennifer Gray, petition against contracting out and IBEW members and farm it out to con- Tree Trimmers .6. I Graciela Nunez, Lorenso Arciniega, Eileen two-tier wages as the union began ne- tractors. Management also proposed a Purcell, and Tom Dalzell. Boxer v. Fiorina .10. gotiations with Paciﬁ c Gas & Electric for two-tier wage scheme that would slash a new Clerical Agreement. Clerical wages for new members by as member Graciela Nunez, a Service Rep- Brown v. Whitman .12. The vast majority of the signers were much as 30%—in some cases driving resentative at the Fresno Call Center. members in the PG&E Clerical bargain- wages so low that future IBEW Cleri- “Management wants us to throw future Reid v. Angle 14. ing unit, although a few hundred Physi- cal members would be eligible for food IBEW members under the bus, but we cal members could not resist the temp- stamps and welfare programs. don’t accept the idea that this work is Union Sportsmen’s 18. tation to show their support for the “It’s a divide and conquer tactic,” only worth poverty-level wages. It’s hard Alliance Clerical bargaining committee. said Local 1245 Bargaining Committee Continued on page 7

Financial Statement .20. Sylvester Kelley Ad .22. NV Energy pact ratifi ed News briefs Iraqi police Battle still rages over retiree medical shut down the Electrical Util- ity Workers Union in Basra, seized the union’s records and threatened to arrest anyone who protested Jason Hardy, left, and Max Sherwood were the action. The union is headed by presented with the IBEW Life Saving Award Hashmeya Muhsin, the only woman by Local 1245 Business Rep. Sheila Lawton. to lead an Iraqi union. She met with IBEW Local 1245 members during Life Saving Award a U.S. tour several years ago (read about her visit at www.ibew1245. com/news-Almanac/Iraqi_Union_ for MID members Leader_6-27-07.pdf). BEW Local 1245 members Jason Hardy and Max Sherwood have won Four-Day Work Week was the the IBEW Life Saving Award, the rallying cry of thousands of Victori- Retirees picket an NV Energy Board of Directors meeting outside the Peppermill Casino in I an (Australia) electricity workers as Reno on Aug. 5. Many motorists waved in support as the picketers chanted “Shame on NV highest honor bestowed by the Interna- part of a landmark industrial cam- Energy” and “stop corporate greed.” tional union. paign to better bal- y the slimmest of margins Local gaining fi rst got underway, included: Hardy and Sherwood, electric line- ance work and life. 1245 members ratifi ed a three- • Contracting out of union work men in Modesto Irrigation District’s service maintenance department, didn’t A strike by Nigeri- Byear agreement with NV Energy • Closure of a department where an electricity work- after a contentious 13-month contract Clerical work is performed set out to be heroes. But they were quick ers in late August campaign that featured massive mem- • Stripping away basic union protec- to take action when they arrived at a protesting the non- ber resistance to management’s take- tions by turning union members residence in Modesto, CA for a routine payment of wages away proposals. into “at will” employees meter set and found smoke coming out put a damper on In a mail ballot counted on Aug. 12, In addition, union researchers discov- of the house. efforts by President Sherwood attacked the fl ames at Goodluck Jonathan members voted 239 to 216 to accept a ered that NV Energy had entered into the rear of the house using a fi re extin- to improve the na- package that raises wages for both Phys- discussions with a strike-breaking fi rm tion’s power supply. ical and Clerical members but imposes Continued on page 18 guisher off their MID truck. Hardy called pension plan changes that union mem- 911 and banged on a door to get the A new poll says bers had vigorously resisted. Local 1245 shop resident’s attention. Their quick action ED FO 51% of Americans AG R stewards under the G SO alerted the resident to her peril. “Our bargaining committee and N L don’t want to renew age 40 will meet at E I D Brothers Sherwood and Hardy were members at NV Energy showed tremen- H A current tax breaks Weakley Hall on T R U I T able to evacuate the resident and her dous determination in fi ghting off the O for the rich when Sept. 25 to dis- Y

Y they expire; fewer company’s worst proposals,” said Busi- cuss ways to en- I pets from the house prior to the arrival B 5 ergize the union E than one-third sup- ness Manager Tom Dalzell in a letter to 4 of the ﬁ re department. W 2 and increase 1 port continued tax Local 1245 congratulates Brothers members after the vote. L participation by O N breaks for the rich. C O Hardy and Sherwood on their act of Those proposals, ﬁ rst put forward by younger members. A L U N I management in July 2009 when bar- courage and their award. can—with you when possible—to Nothing – nothing at all – is worth important tasks. promote safe work practices and pro- more on the job than you doing your • When your employer tells you some- cedures and a safety culture. job safely. thing that you know isn’t true, stick to • If you are struggling because of the • Work well and with pride. Your jobs your convictions. When they try to economy, we will work with you. We are challenging and important, and divide and conquer, see that for what will make the sacrifices we need to you have much to be proud of. After it is. When they tell you that your make to keep you going, but no more safety, quality is the most important. group can thrive as long as you’re and not forever. If you try to take Make yourself proud and make us willing to throw other union mem- advantage of a temporary downturn proud of you. bers under the bus, recognize that for in the economy to achieve perma- • The union is not a thing apart from what it is. It’s Kool-Aid and it comes nent reductions in wages or benefits, you. It is you. Union staff and officers to a very bad end. Don’t drink it. Don’t drink we will fight you. We expect you to will support your efforts but we can’t I hope that you enjoyed Labor Day make the same sacrifices you ask of do all that needs to be done without with your families, and I salute the hun- the Kool-Aid us. If we are sitting across the table your participation. Our linemen dreds of Local 1245 members on shift s we look at Labor Day in the from employer negotiators who have members are working hard on safety. and service schedules that spent the day rearview mirror, we’d do well to been given generous raises in the Our clerical members at PG&E are working. If we stick together we have A recall its original purpose and past few months, don’t expect us to working hard on attendance issues. the strength to achieve the things we all meaning: to celebrate what working make sacrifices. If we see executive Our young members are working to aspire to: good jobs, safe jobs, secure people have achieved for themselves by salaries soaring, don’t expect us to bring other young members into a jobs. If we don’t stick together, there will uniting together for their common tighten our belts. more active role in the union. Our be very little to celebrate on the Labor good. It’s a message worth remember- • If you are doing well financially, we members at NV Energy, the City of Days to come. ing as we head into a season of chal- will do our best to make it better. We Redding, Sacramento Regional lenges for workers belonging to IBEW expect you to share your success. We Transit, Modesto Irrigation District, APPOIN TMENTS Local 1245. will never be greedy, but we want you the City of Healdsburg –to name a We have seen an unprecedented and to recognize our contributions in the few–are standing up to short-sighted unacceptable number of serious and same manner you recognize your or greedy bosses. And our members fatal accidents on the job. Many of our own – financially. are supporting each other in these NV ENERGY employers, especially in the public sec- • There is nothing that will bring out the fight in us more than an employer 2010 Ballot Committee tor, are facing short-term but significant CALE NDAR Rick Davis, Vickki Lockhart financial difficulties. And we are seeing who is doing well and attacks our a deeply troubling infestation of corpo- members or retirees. We resent greed, SACRAMENTO rate greed in the utility sector, most and will call you out on it. REGIONAL TRANSIT notably by NV Energy and its new offi- To our members, on Labor Day we Sept 16: Financial Seminar, Oakland Ballot 2010 Committee cers. say: Sept 17: Financial Seminar, Bakersfield • Work safely. Nobody should care Ray Adams, Bertrand Alexander, In these trying times, let our employ- Sept 18: Financial Seminar, Fresno more about your safety than you. Not Jeff James, Paul Williams ers understand where we stand: Sept 21: Financial Seminar, Stockton • We will work with you on safety. We your employer. Not your union. Sept 22: Rally at NV Energy, Las Vegas MERCED IRRIGATION will point out all that we see as DISTRICT impediments to safety and fight to Sept 22: Financial Seminar, Concord eradicate them. We will do all that we Sept 23: Financial Seminar, San Mateo 2010 General Negotiating Notice IBEW Committee Sept 25: Financial Seminar, San Jose John J. Ellett, Charley E. Sounders, Convention Sept 25: Financial Seminar, Redding Peter E. Stone, Craig Tatum Al Fortier hired Sept 25: Financial Seminar, Chico The next International Sept 25: Youth Solidarity Conference, MODESTO IRRIGATION as business rep Convention of the IBEW will be DISTRICT held in 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. Vacaville l Fortier, a 19-year member of A passport is required to enter Sept 30: Financial Seminar, Monterey 2010 Negotiating Committee IBEW Local 1245, has been hired Canada and return to the United Oct 2: Financial Seminar, San Luis Rick Behler, Steve Carlson, A to serve the union as a business States. Any Local 1245 member Obispo Mike Gomes, Forrest “Woody” Mouw, representative effective Aug. 16, 2010. Jeff States, Travis Weese who plans to run as a delegate Oct 2: Financial Seminar, Sacramento Fortier became a lineman in 1996 should keep this in mind and pre- Oct 9: Financial Seminar, Santa Rosa 2010 Bargaining Subcommittee and worked in Outside Construction pare accordingly. Kurt Celli, Dale Gumm, David Ferreira, Oct 23: Advisory Council, Reno until 1999. Since then he has worked for Denise Miller, Tony Moore Alameda Municipal Power. He has CITY OF ROSEVILLE served as chair of UtilityReporter Bargaining Committee Unit 2211 (City of September/October 2010 Brian Boyd, Cheril Fowler, Oakland), and also Volume 59 No. 5 Mitch Prather, Rick Thompson, served a term on Circulation: 22,200 Travis Watkins, Doug Willford the Local 1245 Advisory Council Business Manager & Published bi-monthly at 30 Single copies $1. CONFERENCES Orange Tree Circle, Subscription by and was just re- Fortier Executive Editor Tom Dalzell Vacaville, CA 95687. Official arrangement. Have you California Labor Federation elected to that publication of Local Union moved recently? Please Biennial Convention Communications Director position in June. 1245, International send complete new address Art Freitas, Hunter Stern & Managing Editor Brotherhood of Electrical and your Social Security Brother Fortier’s initial assignment Eric Wolfe Workers, AFL-CIO, P.O. Box Number (by U.S. Mail) to: Nevada State AFL-CIO 54th Annual will include representing members at President 2547, Vacaville, CA 95696. “Address Change” Constitutional Convention IBEW Local 1245 Dynegy (formerly served by Bill Brill), Mike Davis Periodical postage paid at P.O. Box 2547 Tom Cornell, Mike Davis, Mirant (formerly served by Joe Executive Board Vacaville and at additional Vacaville, CA 95696. Michelle Ramsey, Rodney Thomas, Art Freitas mailing offices. USPS Osterlund), Port of Oakland (formerly No. 654640, ISSN No. Our Web Site can be viewed Rita Weisshaar Chris Habecker served by Sheila Lawton), and several 0190-4965. at www.IBEW1245.com. Mike Jacobson 2010 Inter-Union Gas Conference public sector properties formerly served Anna Bayless-Martinez POSTMASTER: Please Our phone number is Mike Birkhimer, Lloyd Cargo, by Liz McInnis: Alameda Municipal Tom Cornell send Form 3579, Change of (707) 452-2700. Bryan Carroll, Ron Fort, Power, City of Oakland, AC Transit, and Mike Cottrell Address, and all correspondence to Utility Randy Lassus, Ryan Morris, City of Berkeley. Treasurer Reporter, P.O. Box 2547, Mike Newsome, Mike Scafani Welcome aboard, Al! Cecelia De La Torre Vacaville, CA 95696.

2 September/October 2010 Physical is mostly men and they pay wages like they are the primary earners Utility Reporter, IBEW web of the family. Here in Clerical the vast majority are women and they pay like women are Win labor journalism awards either a second class person or not the primary earners of their families (they he IBEW Local 1245 website— November-December 2009 issue, by are the second income) and they get www.ibew1245.com—won sec- Eric Wolfe. away with it! With that they want to put T ond place for Best Website Best Feature Story, First Award, new Clerical employees into poverty Design in national competition spon- “Will Green Jobs Be Good Jobs?”, Got something to share with your fellow wages, what an insult when for the ones sored by the International Labor September-October 2009 issue, by Eric union members? Send signed letters to: in the lofty towers in San Francisco they Communications Association. The site Wolfe. Utility Reporter Letters, IBEW 1245, POB are speaking about being the leading was designed during 2009 by Best Editorial or Column, Second 2547, Vacaville, CA 95696. Please note that Communications Director Eric Wolfe Award, “The $200,000 Complaint,” we cannot print personal attacks or letters utility company—looks like we trying dealing with union politics. Opinions for mediocrity not leadership! and Kathy Kifer of Kifer Graphics. March-April 2009 issue, by Tom Dalzell. expressed in “Letters” are those of the indi- The local union’s newspaper, Utility Saul Miller Award: Best Collective vidual authors and do not necessarily reflect Reporter, also received several awards: Bargaining Story, First Award, “One the views of IBEW Local 1245. Negotiations Best Photograph, Second Award, Bad Dog: Confronting the Problem of “Circuit Reliability”, a photograph of medical Costs,” March-April 2009 will affect members laying cable for issue, by Eric Wolfe. Leading utility, Underground Construction Co. in Saul Miller Award: Best Political management, too Oakland, CA, September-October 2009 Action Story, Third Award, “Fighting or just mediocre? Editor’s note: The following e-mail issue, by Eric Wolfe. Back: IBEW 1245 Blitz Punctures Editor’s note: The following email was sent to concerning Clerical negotiations is reprinted Best News Story, Second Award, for Privatization at City of Redding,” here with the writer’s permission. the union by Kurt and is reproduced here with “Fighting Back: Members, Retirees November-December 2009 issue, by his permission. He requested that his last Anything that drives wages either up name be withheld. Rally to Defend Benefits at NV-Energy,” Eric Wolfe. or down has a direct impact on you, me Just got the company’s Clarification: and each and every American. Non- Clerical Wages Q&A Document. union carpenters earn a very good wage Magalli Languren wins trade grant So are we still interested in being the that is high enough to keep them from leading utility company or just going union. The wages of our manage- agalli Languren has been member who intends to enroll in any mediocre? I have been here long enough ment brothers are in direct relation to awarded the IBEW Local 1245 industrial, technical or trade school, to see us in the “Search of Excellence” the wages of those working for them. M Trade and Vocational School other than correspondence schools, period during the Dick Clarke times and When the wages of the clerical go Grant. The grant provides $500 per year which are accredited by the Accrediting even then PG&E was serious enough down so will the wages of the Support for up to two years of study. Magalli is Commission for Career Schools and about excellence that we never had to Services Supervisors they report to and the daughter of Salvador Languren, Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). consider this. of course the wages of the Support crew foreman for Davey Tree Surgery The deadline for applying for next I think the company’s pay policy to Services Managers will be next. Since Company in Oakland, CA. year’s grant is the first Monday in April, begin with is discriminatory for Clerical that doesn’t show up during negotiations The IBEW Local 1245 Trade and 2011. Details about the 2011 grant employees! I have worked on the they can’t see the impact on their wages Vocational School Grant is offered each process will be announced toward the Physical side for 30 years and only three and since you don’t miss what you don’t year to a child of an IBEW Local 1245 end of 2010 on the IBEW Local 1245 years here so when it comes to pay the see it never sinks in, but it’s real. website. Bruce Weatherly Golf postponed Fairfield, CA Gerald BEW Local 1245’s 24th Annual Perry Biedinger, 57 Zimmerman Golf Tournament, Unit updates I originally scheduled for October 16, Unit 1120, Selma, has temporarily Gerald Biedinger, a T&D 2010 has been postponed until next relocated. The regular location, Sal’s Equipment Operator for PG&E, year. Keep your clubs handy and watch Mexican Restaurant, had a fire and is died Aug. 20, 2010 in a workplace the IBEW website at www.ibew1245. closed for rebuilding. In the meantime, accident. The accident is under com for a new date. Unit 1120 will meet at the Hye Street investigation. See page 8 for more Grill, 2000 High Street, Selma, CA. information. Mike Grill, Business Representative Biedinger, 57, was initiated into the IBEW in 1978. Unit 1112, Bakersfield, had incorrect IBEW Local 1245 extends its information on a recent posting of the condolences to the friends, family Receiving the IBEW Local 1245 Trade and unit meeting schedule. Meetings are and co-workers of Brother Gerald Vocational School Grant is Magalli held at 200 W. Jeffery in Bakersfield. Biedinger. Languren. At left is her mother, Maria; at Bob Dean, Business Representative right is her father, Salvador.

Among those representing IBEW at the California Labor Federation convention where political endorsements were made this summer, from right: Local 1245 Vice President Art Freitas, IBEW Local 1245 Business Rep. Hunter Stern, and Ron Pedro and Tom Mallarky, who represented IBEW Local 595.

Utility Reporter 3 Resort Members reject RT proposals Improvement ocal 1245 members at economy have Sacramento Regional Transit complicated the RT pact ratified L twice rejected settlement offers talks as well as negotiated with the assistance of a other public sector ocal 1245 members at Resort mediator. negotiations over Improvement District #1 unani- The first offer was rejected on a vote the past couple of L mously ratified a three-year of 13-152 on July 19. The second offer years. A major agreement that provides wage increases was rejected 21-137 on Aug. 19. point of contention equal to the Northern California DOL On-going problems in the California at RT is the Business Rep. Sheila Lawton Consumer Price Index. District’s proposal The agreement includes up to 6% for suspending holiday pay. worth of merit increases. “The membership was adamant that The agreement also provides an City of Willits suspending of holiday pay for holidays increase of more than $300 to the was unacceptable,” said Local 1245 employer’s medical premium contribu- pact ratified Business Rep. Sheila Lawton. tion cap, taking it to $1800 a month. embers of Local 1245 at the “The members have been willing to City of Willits unanimously take an additional five “furlough” days M ratified a one-year agreement in place of the five holidays to meet the Members reject Healdsburg pact that leaves most elements of the exist- District’s needs which would allow our ing agreement—including medical ben- members to have more flexibility in the embers of Local 1245 at the The vote was 0 to 38. efits—intact. scheduling of the unpaid days off, but City of Healdsburg rejected a The parties have met several times The new agreement modifies mem- the District felt they absolutely had to M contract proposal in a July 13 since the vote was taken and more bers’ employee contributions to their have some holidays in addition to the 13 vote. meetings are scheduled. PERS retirement from 0% to 8% and furlough days,” Lawton said. The proposal included major take- Negotiating for the union are defers a 3% wage increase until July 1, The District has referred the dispute aways with respect to medical premi- Business Manager Tom Dalzell, Senior 2011. to interest arbitration for final and bind- ums, a 2% increase to PERS contribu- Business Rep. Joe Osterlund, Todd Gerry Campbell served with ing resolution. Local 1245 and the tions for our members, and the elimina- Woolman, Valery Lopez and Ryan Assistant Business Manager Dennis District are currently working on the tion of a basic workweek. Kirchner. Seyfer on the bargaining committee. selection of an arbitrator.

just 20%. rather than investing in economic board? Are we going to focus on dragging Blame Bob Of course there’s been an increase in growth, while bank executives continue public sector workers down and shred- the number of workers covered by to rake in their fat bonuses? It’s Bob, he’s ding their pensions? Or should we The economy is wrecked. People 401(k) and other “defined-contribution” to blame. resolve right now to redefine the debate are mad. Who’s to blame for the plans. But this switch to 401(k) plans Put that way, doesn’t it seem just a lit- so that we can talk about the people who mess we’re in? has left workers worse off. tle nuts to focus so much anger on pub- are really plundering our economy? A recent study by the Social Security lic employees who are just doing their Those who are leading the Some prominent journalists and Administration found that the increase job and want a small nest egg to charge on public sector politicians have decided the culprits are in income from defined-contribution help them survive in retirement? “That durn workers are going for those damn public employees. You accounts—like the 401(k)—doesn’t keep Yes, it’s nuts. But the politi- the jugular vein of mid- know the ones—teachers and munici- up with the decline in old-style defined- cians and commentators who Bob!” dle class America, you pal workers who have the gall to expect benefit benefits. The move to 401(k) attack public employ- can count on that. a modest pension when they retire. plans is a net loser for workers. ees know what they are Questioning the value of Here’s the viewpoint we’re all sup- But people with 401(k) plans are not doing. It’s a two-fer: public sector workers is posed to embrace: the nation’s eco- at the bottom of the heap. No, that posi- you get to demonize just an opening wedge in nomic crisis isn’t the fault of bankers or tion is reserved for the estimated 43% of “big labor” and “big a much larger project: chal- derivative traders or deluded federal California workers employed in jobs government” at the same lenging the very idea of regulators. No, it’s Bob’s fault. that offer no retirement benefits at all. time. The idea is to get the public goods and services, You know Bob. He’s the guy who Many politicians and bloggers and public to focus their anger and ultimately causing teaches your fifth-grade kid, drives the editorial writers have decided it’s very on labels, and to forget people to question the bus you take to work, responds in a important to whip these pension-less the ordinary people legitimacy of govern- hurry when you dial 9-1-1, and tends to workers into a lather about those public behind the labels: the ment itself. your needs if you end up in the hospital. sector workers who will receive a mod- city maintenance workers, If you succeed in making That Bob, he’s a real problem. He has a est monthly check after they retire. Why the electrical workers, the sani- people believe that government pension waiting for him when he retires, is it important to get one group of work- tation workers, the people who is the enemy, you are well on that greedy SOB. ers mad at the other? Because other- hold our communities together. your way to blocking govern- Shall we just string him up now? Or wise those pension-less workers might As Amy Traub noted in The Nation, ment from reforming the banks, regu- should we pause a moment to look at direct their anger in a more productive these tactics deflect attention from the lating Wall Street speculators, and rein- the facts? direction. real culprits: irresponsible Wall Street ing in executives who pay themselves Among the 492,000 retired govern- So here’s how we’re supposed to think traders, whose risky, high-profit busi- big bucks for driving their companies ment workers receiving checks from about the current economy: ness practices brought down the econ- into the ground. When government is California’s Public Employees’ Why are 15 million people out of omy, and the lax regulators who let the enemy, it’s easier for city leaders to Retirement System, the average work? Gee, it must be those public them get away with it. privatize city services and turn over an monthly benefit is $2,188. employee pensions. ever-larger share of the public’s wealth Hmm, not exactly a fortune, but it Why are nearly one-quarter of all US Defining the Debate to unaccountable private companies. still might make you a little jealous if residential mortgages “under water”, It’s all about defining the debate. What And when government is the enemy, it’s you’re one of those people who is facing where 11 million home-owners owe are we going to talk about? The public easier to block public investments that retirement with no pension at all. more on their mortgages than their sector workers who in some cases may create public sector jobs—the jobs that And there’s a lot of pension-less home is worth? Those darn public have a little more than private sector keep our municipal services going. workers these days. Among all workers, employee pensions must have some- workers? Or are we going to talk about It makes the whole ugly political the percentage covered by pensions has thing to do with it! the long, pernicious erosion of pay and mess so much easier to digest. We can fallen by half over the last 30 years, to Why are banks sitting on trillions benefits for working people across the just blame Bob. 4 September/October 2010 add up, and their hostility isn’t really 4.8 percent of G.D.P. to about 6 percent And having invented a crisis, what do about dollars and cents. Instead, it’s of G.D.P. To give you some perspective, Social Security’s attackers want to do? about ideology and posturing. And that’s a significantly smaller increase They don’t propose cutting benefits to underneath it all is ignorance of or than the rise in defense spending since current retirees; invariably the plan is, indifference to the realities of life for 2001, which Washington certainly didn’t instead, to cut benefits many years in the many Americans. consider a crisis, or even a reason to future. So think about it this way: In order About that math: Legally, Social rethink some of the Bush tax cuts. to avoid the possibility of future benefit Security has its own, dedicated funding, So where do claims of crisis come cuts, we must cut future benefits. O.K. via the payroll tax (“FICA” on your pay from? To a large extent they rely on bad- What’s really going on here? statement). But it’s also part of the faith accounting. In particular, they rely Conservatives hate Social Security for broader federal budget. This dual on an exercise in three-card monte in ideological reasons: its success under- accounting means that there are two which the surpluses Social Security has mines their claim that government is ways Social Security could face financial been running for a quarter-century don’t always the problem, never the solution. Attacks on problems. First, that dedicated funding count — because hey, the program does- But they receive crucial support from could prove inadequate, forcing the n’t have any independent existence; it’s Washington insiders, for whom a Social Security program either to cut benefits or to turn just part of the general federal budget — declared willingness to cut Social Security are unfounded to Congress for aid. Second, Social while future Social Security deficits are has long served as a badge of fiscal seri- Security costs could prove unsupport- unacceptable — because hey, the pro- ousness, never mind the arithmetic. This essay by Nobel Prize-winning economist able for the federal budget as a whole. gram has to stand on its own. And neither wing of the anti-Social- Paul Krugman was published August 15, 2010 But neither of these potential prob- It would be easy to dismiss this bait- in the New York Times. Security coalition seems to know or care lems is a clear and present danger. and-switch as obvious nonsense, except about the hardship its favorite propos- ocial Security turned 75 last week. Social Security has been running sur- for one thing: many influential people als would cause. It should have been a joyous occa- pluses for the last quarter-century, — including Alan Simpson, co-chair- The currently fashionable idea of S sion, a time to celebrate a pro- banking those surpluses in a special man of the president’s deficit commis- raising the retirement age even more gram that has brought dignity and account, the so-called trust fund. The sion — are peddling this nonsense. than it will rise under existing law — it decency to the lives of older Americans. program won’t have to turn to Congress has already gone from 65 to 66, it’s But the program is under attack, with for help or cut benefits until or unless scheduled to rise to 67, but now some some Democrats as well as nearly all the trust fund is exhausted, which the Retiree Club are proposing that it go to 70 — is usu- Republicans joining the assault. Rumor program’s actuaries don’t expect to hap- ally justified with assertions that life has it that President Obama’s deficit pen until 2037 — and there’s a signifi- Meeting Schedule expectancy has risen, so people can eas- commission may call for deep benefit cant chance, according to their esti- East Bay Chapter: 2nd Thursday ily work later into life. But that’s only cuts, in particular a sharp rise in the mates, that that day will never come. each month, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 595, true for affluent, white-collar workers — retirement age. Meanwhile, an aging population will 6250 Village Parkway, Dublin, CA the people who need Social Security Social Security’s attackers claim that eventually (over the course of the next San Jose Chapter: 1st Thursday each least. they’re concerned about the program’s 20 years) cause the cost of paying Social month, 10 a.m., at IBEW Local 332, 2125 I’m not just talking about the fact that financial future. But their math doesn’t Security benefits to rise from its current Canoas Garden, San Jose, CA. it’s a lot easier to imagine working until Vacaville/Sacramento Chapter: 2nd you’re 70 if you have a comfortable Wednesday every other month, 10 a.m., office job than if you’re engaged in man- Congratulations newly-retired members at IBEW Local 1245, 30 Orange Tree ual labor. America is becoming an increasingly unequal society — and the The Local 1245 Retirees Club congratulates these recently-retired members of the union. We Circle, Vacaville, CA. invite you to participate in a Retiree Club chapter in Dublin, San Jose, Vacaville, Santa Rosa, or Santa Rosa Chapter: 1st Tuesday growing disparities extend to matters of Merced. If you don’t have a chapter nearby, call the union at 707-452-2718 and find out how each month, 10 a.m., at Coco’s life and death. Life expectancy at age 65 you can help start one! Restaurant, 1501 Farmers Lane, Santa has risen a lot at the top of the income distribution, but much less for lower- James Adams Donna Crittendon James Macias Gary Simuns Rosa. 30 years 28 years 34 years 32 years Merced Chapter: 1st Tuesday each income workers. And remember, the Gridley, CA Yuba City, CA Elk Grove, CA Lodi, CA month, 10 a.m., Merced Senior retirement age is already scheduled to Community, 755 W. 15th Street., rise under current law. Ira Alexander Randolph Cullar Michael Marquis James Smith 11 years 32 years 27 years 32 years Merced. So let’s beat back this unnecessary, Klamath Falls, OR Bakersfield, CA Oakland, CA Oakley, CA Reno/Sparks Chapter: 3rd unfair and — let’s not mince words — Denton Miller Arnold Streetman Wednesday each month, 8:30 a.m., cruel attack on working Americans. Big Robert Anderson Daniel Daly 36 years 30 years Denny’s Restaurant, 205 E. Nugget Ave., cuts in Social Security should not be on 19 years 17 years Valley Springs, CA Redding, CA the table. Merced, CA Petaluma, CA Sparks, NV. William Murray Charles Thornsberry Victor Bacal Robert Faga 33 years 24 years 26, years 32 years San Ramon, CA Nevada City, CA Notice regarding agency fee Newman, CA Pacifica, CA John Perez William Weathers 39 years 31 years Charrise Boykin Robert Fisher Ukiah, CA Stockton, CA payers objection plan 30 years 23 years Any employee who is not a member file an objection with Local 1245 must do Jose Puentes Vesta West Vacaville, CA Salinas, CA of the IBEW and who pays agency fees so in writing, addressed to the Business 38 years 43 years to IBEW Local 1245 pursuant to a union Manager, Local 1245, Post Office Box Arthur Browner James Gerkensmeyer Ukiah, CA Yuba City, CA 37 years 41 years security provision in Local 1245’s col- 2547, Vacaville, California 95696, by cer- Peter Ramirez Howard Willis Atwater, CA Reno, NV lective bargaining agreement has the tified mail. In registering their objections, 33 years 32 years right to object to expenditures of fees objectors must state their name and James Burnett Harvey Gomes Pollock Pines, CA Sacramento, CA for activities which are not reasonably address and that they pay fees to this 12 years 40 years Nathan Ramos Jonnye Wilson related to collective bargaining or Local, and provide their nonmember New Richmond, OH Riverbank, CA 19 years 23 years undertaken to advance the employ- identification number, if known, and their Ripon, CA Grover Beach, CA ment-related interests of employees social security number. Objections must James Campbell Jeffrey Gurule represented by the Local. The agency be postmarked during the month of 25 years 21 years Ricky Ramos fees paid by a fee payer who perfects November preceding the calendar year Lakeport, CA Pittsburg, CA 34 years Congratulations Elk Creek, MO Retirees! an objection will be reduced by an for which the objection will be in effect, or Paula Christian John Kieft amount reflecting the portion of the during the first thirty days after the objec- David Rodgers We want you to 40 years 35 years 36 years stay connected overall expenditures of the Local Union tor commences paying fees to the Local Stockton, CA Vacaville, CA Atascadero, CA that are used for non-chargeable activi- Union as required by a collective bargain- ties. Objections must be made annually ing agreement. Objections must be John Cottonham David Law Jerry Sharp and will be effective for a single calen- renewed annually, during the month of 38 years 31 years 32 years dar year. Each fee payer who wishes to November. Oakland, CA Walnut Creek, CA Murphys, CA to IBEW 1245. Utility Reporter 5 the year. We hope to get early start with Work forecast: good these negotiations. Canus and CSI recently signed a let- By Ron Cochran A meeting was set up for the Pole Test ter of agreement improving health and Treat members on Aug. 28 to review he work picture looks good insurance. and discuss the contracts currently out through the rest of the year. Ballots are currently out for several for a vote. Diablo Canyon Power Plant will contracts due to expire at the end of the T We met with GoodCents’ members be starting an outage later this year year: Davey Pole, Osmose, Martinez and company regarding pre-negotia- which will generate a lot of jobs out of Pole, Republic ITS Pole Treatment, and tions. The contract expires at the end of Hiring Hall. In February 2011 we will Utility Pole Technologies. start the first phase of construction of 50MW of solar work. Local 1245 is sending 17 apprentice linemen from various Local 1245 properties to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas City in October 2010. We are in the processing of finalizing registration and travel details. Invitations went out to shop stewards Local 1245 Senior Assistant Business Manager Ron Cochran, left, shakes hands with Kevin in August inviting them to participate in Biglow, one of the owners of Summit Line, to conclude a new labor agreement negotiated the 1st Annual Y.E.S. Conference. This in Utah. Another line contractor, Probst, was also signed up. In front of the IBEW logo is conference is being led by the delegates Byron Nielsen, business manager of IBEW Local 57. who attended the AFL-CIO Young Campaign School Workers Summit in June. This will be a Contractors sign agreements give-and-take event, designed to gauge Local 1245 continues to sign up addi- electricians approached Local 1245 from The IBEW Local 595 Training Center hosted what our members aged 18-40 think tional Outside contractors. UC Davis. We were able to secure 25 out a two-day class in San Leandro, part of the about the local union and to explore ways California Labor Federation’s Political F. Connolly Company out of San of the 31 employees who fall under those Campaign School. Local 1245 staff in for members to become more active. Bruno signed the Outside Line and San classifications. We submitted a request attendance were (seated from left) A meeting was set up for CSI members Francisco Trolley agreements. Beeler for recognition to PERB on Aug. 27. Elizabeth McInnis and Carl Lamers, and on Aug. 28 to present the new cafeteria Construction out of Browns Valley We also continued our efforts to help (standing left) Ron Cochran. Standing right medical plan that Local 1245 and CSI signed the Outside Line agreement. our sister Local 47 in southern is Local 595 Business Manager Victor Uno. Also attended was Ralph Armstrong (not agreed to. CSI members currently receive INTREN, Inc out of Union, IL signed the California in their attempts to organize pictured). Mark Rolow attending a similar “in-lieu of” benefits; now they will have Outside Line agreement Summit Construction and Probst training in the Los Angeles area. the option to opt in to a medical plan. A group of high voltage lineman and Electric. It was a huge success for all.

resultados mixtos. Continúa siendo un Ex-miembro gran problema que las compañías no takes) makes this issue catastrophic están utilizando disciplina progresiva Former member career-wise for those caught up in this sufre caída fatal en los casos de acusaciones y despidos issue. We have repeatedly informed the Terry Wolff, ex-miembro del Local de empleados por falsificar documen- in fatal fall members about this issue and the con- 1245, falleció el 19 de agosto en un tos de la compañía. El uso erróneo de Former Local 1245 member Terry sequences but the number of cases trágico accidente mientras realizaba un la palabra “falsificación” (cuando en Wolff died in a tragic accident Aug. 19 seems to be increasing. trabajo privado de poda y control de realidad muchas veces estos son while doing a private tree job in Gualala, Asplundh and its subsidiaries, Trees vegetación en Gualala, CA. Wolff cayó 63 errores administrativos) tiene conse- CA. Wolff fell 63 feet and apparently Inc. and Utility Tree Service, have a pies (19 m) y aparentemente murió cuencias catastróficas desde el punto died instantly. He had worked for Davey safety policy called Lifesaving Rules instantáneamente. Había trabajado de vista de la carrera laboral para aque- Tree Surgery 19 years and became a pri- while Davey’s policy is called Critical para Davey Tree Surgery durante 19 llos involucrados en este problema. vate tree work contractor when Davey Violations that completely bypass pro- años, y se convirtió en contratista pri- Repetidamente hemos informado a los lost the PG&E line clearance contract in gressive discipline. First violation of vado de poda y control de vegetación miembros sobre este problema y sus the Fort Bragg/Point Arena area. Wolff Lifesaving Rules calls for termination cuando Davey perdió el contrato de consecuencias, pero el número de was 62 years old and had over 25 years without question and Critical control de vegetación de PG&E en la casos parece ir en aumento. of experience in tree work. Violations are two-day suspension on región de Fort Bragg/Point Arena. Wolff Asplundh y sus compañías sub- the first occurrence with termination tenía 62 años de edad y más de 25 años sidiarias Trees Inc. y Utility Tree Service Northern Area on the second. de experiencia en trabajos de control de tienen una norma de seguridad titulada There has been a major management Southern Area vegetación. Lifesaving Rules (Normas para Salvar shakeup at Davey Tree with three gen- Vidas), mientras que las regulaciones de The union held a Grievance Review eral foremen returning to the bargain- Davey se titulan Critical Violations Committee meeting with Asplundh at Área Norte ing unit. Three account managers were (Violaciones Críticas), las cuales eluden Weakley Hall in Vacaville on Aug. 25. All Se ha llevado a cabo una restruc- demoted to supervisors and at least totalmente la disciplina progresiva. La open 2009 and 2010 grievances were turación importante en Davey Tree, con three supervisors demoted to general primera violación a las normas reviewed—18 in all. The union and lo cual tres capataces generales regre- foremen. The company claims this was Lifesaving Rules lleva al despido sin pre- company settled the majority of these san a la unidad de negociación. Tres done as a cost cutting measure. guntar, y en el caso de Critical Violations grievances. A wrap-up meeting has gerentes de cuentas fueron bajados de The union has met in Grievance acarrea una suspensión de dos días a la been scheduled for September. The categoría a nivel de supervisores, y por Review Committee with Davey Tree primera violación, y el despido a la union expects progressive discipline to lo menos tres supervisores han sido Surgery, Trees Inc. and Asplundh Tree segunda violación. Expert in recent weeks with mixed be adhered to by the company. bajados de categoría a capataces gen- results. Employees accused and termi- The union held a Grievance Review erales. La compañía asegura que estas Área Sur Committee meeting with Trees Inc. at decisiones son medidas que se tomaron nated for falsification of company docu- El sindicato sostuvo una reunión del Weakley Hall in Vacaville on Aug. 23. All para reducir costos. ments (penciling trees) continues to be Comité de Revisión de Quejas con open 2009 and 2010 grievances were a huge problem with companies not El sindicato se reunió en Comité de Asplundh en Weakley Hall en Vacaville reviewed—12 in all. There are quality using progressive discipline. The miss- Revisión de Quejas con Davey Tree el 25 de agosto. Se revisaron todas las use of the word falsification (when in control issues with Trees Inc. in regards Surgery, Trees Inc. y Asplundh Tree fact many times these are clerical mis- continued on page 21 Expert en las últimas semanas, con continued on page 21 6 September/October 2010 cal, they’re going to do it to us next.” PG&E Clerical bargaining begins Community Interest continued from page 1 Women’s and community groups work, it’s skilled work, and we know it’s have shown interest in the PG&E nego- worth more.” tiations because so many members of When bargaining opened on Sept. 8 at the Clerical bargaining unit are women Weakley Hall in Vacaville, a huge banner and minorities. Local 1245 in August displaying the 2,300 signatures hung on was invited to participate in the public the wall directly behind the union ne- comments session of the San Francisco gotiators. Like the thousands of stickers Commission on the Status of Women, and posters distributed throughout the and was also invited to participate in PG&E system by 126 IBEW worksite vol- the Commission’s roundtable forum on unteers, the banner declared members’ gender equity principles. opposition to contracting out and two- Business Manager Tom Dalzell, who tier wages. is personally leading the Clerical nego- “We, the undersigned IBEW 1245 tiations, said the union would have little members, reject PG&E’s attacks on our interest in discussing management’s job security and wage security,” the ban- other proposals as long as contracting ner declared, “and we support our Cleri- out and two-tier wage proposals were cal Bargaining Team as they go to the on the table. table in September 2010.” Displaying their “No Two Tier” stickers at the San Jose Call Center are, from left, Bessie “We’ve spent nearly six decades work- Duterte, Admin Support; Lupe Belmontez, Service Service Rep I; and Kathy Calderon, The union’s bargaining proposal calls ing to achieve a better standard of liv- Admin Support. Photo by Lorenso Arciniega. for preserving wage security and job ing for our Clerical members and we’re security, including “fair and equitable at the captive audience meeting wear- by historical wage discrimination. The not interested in just throwing all of that wages” to help Clerical members sup- ing stickers reading “We Understand Clerical bargaining unit is 74% women away,” Dalzell said. port their families. The union also calls the Company’s Proposal” and “Don’t and 59% persons of color. As the Utility Reporter went to press, for improved work/life balance through Jerk a Clerk,” according to Local 1245 Although this is the first time in de- negotiations were tentatively sched- alternative work schedules, vacation, Bargaining Committee member Lo- cades that Clerical negotiations have uled for two days a week, with the goal and funeral leave, and stresses the im- renso Arciniega. When the company been conducted separately from Physi- of achieving a tentative agreement (also portance of better training and oppor- raised the issue of two-tier wages, cal negotiations, many members of the known as a table agreement) by the end tunities for advancement. union members pointed out that the Physical bargaining unit are paying of October. Any such agreement would company’s proposals threaten job and close attention. be explained in depth to members dur- Don’t Jerk A Clerk wage security, and undermine 58 years “Everything is a precedent for what ing November, with a mail ratification PG&E defended its proposals over of constructive collective bargaining follows, and Benefits bargaining and ballot to be conducted before the end of the summer in a series of brown bag between PG&E and IBEW. Physical negotiations are right around the year. The current Clerical agreement lunches and conference calls with Cleri- Members also pointed out that the the corner,” said Shane Kayser, a line- expires Dec. 31, 2010. cal employees throughout the company. wages proposed by the company would man out of San Carlos. “When it comes Updates on negotiations will be post- In some cases arguing that employees cut wages by as much as 30% for a to bargaining you’ve got to stand to- ed weekly on the Local 1245 website. Al- “don’t understand” the company’s pro- group that has already been battered gether. If the company does it to Cleri- though some information will appear in posals, management defended con- the IBEW section of the PG&E Intranet, tracting out and two-tier wages. But “When it comes to bargaining you’ve got to stand members are encouraged to check the those meetings did not always follow together. If the company does it to Clerical, they’re union’s Internet site— www.ibew1245. the company’s script. com—for the quickest and most com- In San Jose, union members arrived going to do it to us next.” – Shane Kayser, Lineman plete updates.

prenticeship for Corrosion Mechanic, union did request that discussions over PG&E Gas T&R Update then the Corrosion Mechanics would be establishing an apprenticeship for Cor- journeymen, and their wages would be rosion Mechanic would occur by early n July 15, the Gas T&R Ad Hoc added duties, the company offered adjusted. 2011, and the company agreed with our Committee met with PG&E $.29 per hour to the Gas Control Techs, The company was not interested in statement. Other than the Corrosion Omanagement. PG&E was repre- to bring the Gas Control tech up to the our proposal for Field Meterperson. No Mechanic Apprenticeship, the union sented by Bill Hayes, Karen Roth, Sarah Gas System Maintenance Gas Control change in the job description, and no told the company we had no interest in Speakman, and Steve Rayburn. PG&E Tech wage rate. The company claimed wage adjustment. the company proposal, and the union said that because of other issues such that the Gas Control Tech wages are 15% For all of these proposals the compa- would pursue the Business Manager’s the accelerated gas leak survey, repair- above market. ny also wanted the union to withdraw 2 grievances over clearances, and CPUC ing thousands of gas leaks, and changes The company proposed additional Business Manager’s grievances over gas audits. in leadership, the company had delayed duties for M&C Mechanic, such as: clearances, and CPUC Audits. Your Gas T&R Committee urges that responding to the union committee’s writing and holding clearances, data The union countered the company members prepare for general negotia- proposal for 17 months. PG&E then re- collection, reading alarms, change bat- proposal 3 times, ﬁrst proposing an tions in 2011. We need our members to sponded to our proposals from Febru- teries, and may be required to work on across the board wage adjustment for attend unit meetings and send in pro- ary 2009. electrical and electronic equipment. For all Gas T&R employees, but the com- posals for negotiations for Gas T&R. If PG&E’s proposal on July 16 rejected these added duties the company did not pany rejected every proposal that your we are united then we will have a better the Gas Control Tech Crew Leader, say- offer any wage adjustment for M&C Me- committee made at the negotiating chance at the negotiating table. Thanks ing this position was not needed, and chanic. The company claimed that the table. Countless times the company for your continued support. that non-traditional supervisor could M&C Mechanic wages were 15% above stated that Gas T&R wages are 15% TO perform the duties that we proposed. market 16% over their market survey. The union Gas T&R Ad Hoc Committee The company proposed that the Gas The company proposed that the reminded the company that the “mar- Mike Scafani Control Tech job description would in- company and union would meet dur- ket” included non-union utilities in the Barry McDonald clude SCADA, Clearances, maintain, ing 2011 to discuss establishing a Cor- Southern states of the U.S. The com- Mark Bailey operate, and troubleshoot CNG and rosion Mechanic Apprenticeship. No pany said because of high costs in Cali- Bryan Carroll LNG systems, supervising training, and Change in the job description. No wage fornia, the company would allow wages Jim Carter mentoring employees in lower classiﬁ- adjustment for Corrosion Mechanic. to be 6% over market, which actually Kevin Center cations, as a lead man, and to provide The company said that if the parties means that Gas T&R wages are between Jon Creecy support during CPUC audits. For these were successful in establishing an ap- 9% and 10% over their “market.” The Darryl Norris Utility Reporter 7 apprentices, we can’t point the finger at self confidence. And the work does, in what action would the union take to anybody but ourselves.” fact, require personalities strong correct the behavior? What body within The underlying concept of the Hold enough to exert effective leadership, the union would have authority to take the Pull program, these linemen say, is which helps explain why foreman tradi- action? Will employers view any such that we have to take responsibility for tionally have great authority, and why union action as interference in manage- our own safety and we apprentices some- ment’s right to administer discipline? have to police our- times have to endure What if an over-eager apprentice selves. “How many times have colorful descriptions of invokes “hold the pull” just because he “We’ve got to count you looked up and said, their shortcomings. thinks he knows a better way to do the on ourselves, we have ‘I should say something “As an apprentice I job? How do we make sure that a fore- to look out for each right now but I assume was taught to shut up man’s legitimate authority is not under- other, we have to speak that guy knows what and listen to my fore- mined? Will employers discipline Linemen take responsibility up when we see some- he’s doing?’” man,” said Mike employees who hold up a job for safety thing not going right,” – Mike Gomes Gomes, a 10-year line- reasons? Fortier said. man who now runs The lineman-to-lineman working It’s up to us crews at Modesto group will have these and other issues Difficult Circumstances Irrigation District. “When you make to ponder as they finalize the program By Eric Wolfe No one was disputing the difficult journeyman level all of a sudden you go and get ready to take it into the field. It’s up to us. circumstances under which linework is from (being) a guy who doesn’t know The group, led by Local 1245 Business We will have to be responsible for our performed today. Those circumstances anything to a guy that’s supposed to be Rep. Ralph Armstrong, who chairs the own safety in the field if we want to put include aging infrastructure, a dispro- teaching somebody else.” union’s Safety Committee, includes Art a stop to a rising tide of workplace acci- portionately large share of new line- The challenge, Gomes said, is to Aguilar, Bob Springer, Willie Bouzek, dents that have taken the lives of 10 men, and young apprentices who change the culture so that it’s accept- Dane Moore, Eli Escamilla, John Kent, Local 1245 linemen in the past seven belong to a “distracted” generation. able for anyone to speak up when some- Mike Gomes, Richard Lane, and Tom years. Those circumstances also thing doesn’t look right. Burke, as well as two linemen who were That was the message include companies that are “How many times have you looked subsequently hired as union business delivered on Sept. 1 to trying to do more with up and said, ‘I should say something representatives: Al Fortier and Mark about five dozen line- less, and that some- right now but I assume that guy knows Rolow. men from various times preach safety what he’s doing?’” “We all know this employers who gath- without really under- Gomes asked as a few is a dangerous job,” ered at Weakley Hall in “We need to assume that standing what it takes linemen in the room Advisory Council Vacaville to put the fin- to make a job safe. nodded their heads, we will be the next fatality member and PG&E ishing touches on the But none of these remembering such or somebody on our crew Troubleman Dan union’s Lineman-to- circumstances can be experiences. The will be the next fatality Mayo told the group. Lineman safety program. allowed to derail our own responsibility to do unless we do something “We need to assume The program has come efforts to rethink safety and to something, Gomes that we will be the together around a basic concept today to stop that.” take steps to better protect each said, “falls on us. As a next fatality or some- already familiar to most linemen: Hold – Dan Mayo other in the field. union, as a brother- body on our crew will the Pull. “The point of the matter is we are hood, this is our be the next fatality “It means whenever something does- here where we are now, and we have to responsibility.” unless we do something today to stop n’t seem right, stop what you’re doing, do something about it,” said Fortier. There were questions in the room that. We have to stop that from happen- assess the situation, figure out what’s PG&E Line Foreman Willie Bouzek about how the program would work. If a ing today, right now. We’re the only ones wrong, and then proceed once you’ve put the current problem in historical particular lineman is a chronic offender who can do it. The company can’t do determined everything’s safe,” explained perspective for the five dozen linemen of safe work practices, for example, that for us.” Al Fortier, a former lineman at Alameda gathered at Weakley Hall on Sept. 1. Municipal Power and now a Local 1245 “In the 1890s, one of every two line- business representative. “It empowers men would lose their life on the job,” each and every crew member to speak Bouzek said. “There was a need for peo- Fatality under investigation up when they see something not going ple to band together to decide about the right and to take part in the process to By Ralph Armstrong fate of their own safety.” completed digging the first three pole make sure everything goes safely.” Out of that need, the IBEW was erald “Jerry” Biedinger, a T&D holes and had positioned the Highway Fortier is one of ten Local 1245 mem- organized. While conditions have vastly Equipment Operator with 33 Digger for the fourth hole, which was to bers working on the Lineman-to- improved over the last century, no one G years of Company experience, be the inter-set pole, mid-span in a 17kV Lineman safety program, with the goal should be content to rest on their lau- was fatally injured on August 20th at circuit. Jerry raised the digger boom into of sharing it with members in the field. rels. Resting on our laurels has given us approximately 12:00 noon while work- the position to dig the hole. While raising They hope to get all lineworkers to hit 10 fatalities in seven years. ing in a rural area near the city of the boom into the air, the boom con- the reset button and take a fresh look at Tuolumne. The initial investigation tacted one phase of the single phase how they conduct themselves on the job. indicates that Jerry sustained an electri- 17kV line. The circuit remained ener- “This is our local, this is our work, it’s Tough Sell cal contact while operating a Highway gized, thus energizing the vehicle at line our trade, it’s our responsibility to make Trying to change attitudes and Digger. voltage. For some unknown reason, Jerry sure we do the job safe,” said Fortier. behavior is a tough sell in a line of work Jerry was working alone and was made contact with the ground and the “We can’t point the finger at the com- that tends to attract physically coura- assigned to dig four pole holes for a new vehicle at the same time. Jerry was found pany, we can’t point the finger at the geous individuals with a large dose of business construction project. Jerry had continued on page 19

Local 1245 linemen were at Weakley Hall on Sept. 1 to put the finishing touches on “Hold the Pull”, the union’s new lineman-to-lineman safety program. 8 September/October 2010 Utility Reporter 9 Boxer vs. Fiorina They both can punch. But which one is in our corner?

Fiorina: This CEO has left disaster in her wake

As CEO at Hewlett Packard: • Fiorina opposed the HIRE Act that was From those with first-hand signed into law in March 2010. The HIRE experience of Carly Fiorina: • Fiorina axed 28,000 jobs. Act creates jobs by investing in transportation and providing tax credits to small busi- “Her fatal failing was her inability to win • Fiorina terminated the company’s profit- nesses that hire more workers. the respect of HP employees, which stemmed sharing plan for employees. from her inability to trust, empower and moti- • Fiorina defended overseas tax shelters she vate these employees.” • Fiorina presided over a 55% decline in the used to keep Hewlett-Packard from having company’s stock value. to pay corporate taxes to the United States. Former HP Board Director • Fiorina grabbed onto a $42 million golden “We left billions of dollars of cash overseas, David W. Packard parachute when she was fired by the HP because of the differences in tax rates.” “She is reviled, despised and unwelcome in Board of Directors. Carly Fiorina, Milwaukee, WI, 4/16/08 the company. The vast majority of HP people • Fiorina defended moving jobs overseas, wouldn’t follow her to a new restaurant…” Since leaving Hewlett Packard: sometimes called “off-shoring.” Fiorina called it “right-shoring.” Investor’s Business HP employee, • Fiorina opposed the 2009 economic recov- Daily, 1/8/04 quoted in Forbes magazine ery package that saved or created 150,000 “[Fiorina is] a consummate self-promoter. California jobs, extended unemployment • Fiorina exploits the political process to Fiorina was busy pontificating on the lecture assistance, and expanded job training pro- advance her career, but until she decided to circuit and posing for magazine covers while grams. run for office she seldom even bothered to vote. her company floundered.”

CNBC Portfolio.com, “The Worst CEOs of All Time”

“[Fiorina is] devoid of the imagination, humility and empathy that are the hallmarks of true leaders.”

Michael Malone, editor-at-large at Forbes.com

10 September/October 2010 Boxer has our back

As U.S. Senator for California: • Boxer supports extending unemployment Memorable Quotes: compensation. She understands that helping • Boxer supports the Employee Free Choice “If we turn our back on the people of this workers who lose their jobs is not only the Act, which would empower workers, not country who need to work for a living, we right thing to do, it also helps boost our slug- employers, to choose the method of organiz- shouldn`t be here, to be honest, because that has gish economy. ing a union. to be an essential part of what we do to protect • Boxer supports clean energy investments. the country, from the standpoint of defense, • Boxer supports premium pay for overtime She supported the American Recovery and protect workers and make sure they have jobs.” work. She opposed the Bush Administration Reinvestment Act, which included more than when it tried to eliminate overtime premium Barbara Boxer, from WikiQuotes $80 billion in clean energy investments. And she pay for millions of workers. successfully advocated for $17.5 million from “I will not support tax breaks for billionaires • Boxer supports justice for workers who are the Obama Administration to advance new and millionaires.” cheated out of their pay. She fought for the clean-energy technologies in California transit Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to ensure that vic- systems. Barbara Boxer, August 17, 2010 tims of wage discrimination can seek justice. • Boxer wants to end tax subsidies for US • Boxer supports the right to join a union. companies that ship production overseas. From those with first-hand When the National Labor Relations Board sup- experience of Barbara Boxer: • Boxer supports cutting taxes for the middle ported efforts to reclassify some workers as class. She supported the 2009 American “She’s a great senator. I’ve known her since “supervisors” – the effect of which was to Recovery and Reinvestment Act., which con- 1974. I recently sent her an email thanking her deny them the right to join a union –Boxer tained $288 billion in tax cuts and credits, and for everything she’s done for our union. She’s supported overturning this decision. gave 98% of American working families and always come through any time we’ve called on • Boxer supports collective bargaining. She individuals a tax cut. The Wall Street Journal her. She’s always there when we need her.” supported giving workers for the concluded that the stimulus bill was the largest Sam Tamimi, former Senior Assistant Business Transportation Security Administration the tax cut in history. Manager, IBEW Local 1245 same collective bargaining rights as other federal workers. She supported legislation to allow public safety officers the right to collectively bargain. “She has supported everything we • Boxer supports Fair Pay protections. She is a long-time supporter of the Davis-Bacon Act, do. She takes care of the working which requires that workers on federal contracts be paid the local prevailing wage, and person, that is her main concern. she has fought repeated efforts to allow federal contractors to skimp on paying their As a Congressman she takes care workers.

• Boxer supports increasing the minimum of people in the state. I wage. For 10 years, she was a leader in the effort to increase the minimum wage to wholeheartedly support her.” reduce the wage stagnation that was affect- Frank Saxsenmeier, former Assistant Business Manager, IBE W Local 1245 ing 13 million workers.

United States Senators can use their power to help ordinary working families— or to help the rich get richer. But how can you tell whether a candidate is going to protect you, or protect Wall Street? The best way is to look at their records.

Utility Reporter 11

BROWN WALL STREET WHITMAN Jerry WWW.WALLSTREETWHITMAN.COM A lifetime ghting for working families BREAKING NEWS Meg Whitman’s Plan for Jobs: GOVERNOR 2010

WORKERS’ RIGHTS Layoff and » Established the right to collectively bargain for teachers, school employees and other state workers (SB 160, 1975) » Established the right to collectively bargain for firefighters, Downsize police and other local government workers (AB 1693, 1981) Whitman Plans a Hostile Takeover UNION » Gave farmworkers the right to join unions and bargain Attempt of California. ,5+69:,+ collectively (SB 1, 1975) Special Report: The centerpiece of Meg Whitman’s plan GOOD WAGES for California is cutting 40,000 state jobs or 10% of the state’s workforce. QThe Truth About » Strengthened the state’s equal pay law (SB 1051, 1976) (San Francisco Chronicle, Sept. 23, 2009) Whitman’s Goldman » Required the University of California to pay prevailing Whitman says she’s a “huge fan” of Sachs Past For more than wage on construction projects (SB 394, 1975). increasing H-1B visas to foreign workers Whitman teamed up with to take U.S. jobs. Wall Street giant Goldman WORKER SAFETY Sachs to make nearly $2 mil- 40 years, Under Whitman, nearly 40% of eBay’s Meg Whitman’s » Signed a law to protect workers from toxic substances Hostile Takeover Attempt: lion by cashing in on perks workforce was sent overseas. available only to wealthy Jerry Brown has in the workplace (SB 1874, 1980). $59 million and counting... (Associated Press, March 20, 2008) clients. Congress has since supported working made what Meg did illegal. STRENGTHENING THE SAFETY NET (Sacramento Bee, families. » Increased unemployment benefits for laid off workers MEG WHITMAN December 31, 2009) (AB 91, 1975). On the issues 1)+

» ;%8', Increased workers’ compensation for those who were QProﬁting QOVERTIME PAY AND MEAL BREAKS injured on the job (SB 469, 1975; AB 467, 1976; AB 3028, 1978). from Loss Meg said: It’s time to take Q Whitman Vows to Block Despite driving away the 8-hour day and Health Care Reform STANDING UP TO LARGE CORPORATIONS eBay’s share and guaranteed meal Whitman said she would undo » F ought large corporations who exploit their workers, winning price down by breaks. (Whitman speech, President Obama’s health care 43% before she Commonwealth Club, February 16, 2010) settlements for construction workers and others whose rights reforms and instead protect left the compa- have been violated (www.ag.ca.gov) insurance company proﬁts. ny, Meg used a CEO perk to QRETIREMENT (Los Angeles Times, March 31, 2010) make more than $500 million Whitman proposes cutting worker in stock options. (Fortune, March 16,

pensions, while leaving CEO golden 2009, Securities and Exchange Commission, parachutes untouched. QCashing In On Job Layoffs: eBay ﬁlings, 2003-2008) All in a Day’s Work for Whitman

QUNIONS As head of eBay, Meg was behind Whitman plans a full frontal assault layoffs that boosted corporate QFlying High in Style on union workers’ jobs, wages and profits, but put From 2002 to 2007, Whitman pensions. (SF Chronicle. Public employee unions in workers out on charged eBay more than $3.2 Whitman’s crosshairs, March 15, 2010) the street. She million to fly in a cor porate made millions. jet. (eBay reports filed with Securities and QCUTTING WAGES (NBC Bay Area, Exchange Commission, 2003-2008) Whitman keynotes anti-union “ABC” February 17, 2010) conference to fight Project Labor For more information: WORKING FAMILIES FOR Jerry BROWN ,GOVERNOR 2010 , Agreements. (Whitman speech, Associated Builders and Contractors, September 18, 2009) WALLSTREETWHITMAN.COM For more information: www.CaliforniaLabor.org jg/tng39521/cwa/afl-cio Paid for by the California Labor Federation. Not authorized by a candidate or committee controlled by a candidate. jg/tng39521/cwa/afl-cio

12 September/October 2010 BROWN WALL STREET WHITMAN Jerry WWW.WALLSTREETWHITMAN.COM A lifetime ghting for working families BREAKING NEWS Meg Whitman’s Plan for Jobs: GOVERNOR 2010

pensions, while leaving CEO golden 2009, Securities and Exchange Commission, parachutes untouched. QCashing In On Job Layoffs: eBay ﬁlings, 2003-2008) All in a Day’s Work for Whitman

Utility Reporter 13 United States Senate: Nevada

Reid gets results for Nevada A key question in any political race is this: Can the candidate deliver?

Nevadans are currently represented by the American Recovery most powerful person in the U.S. Senate: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. His record and Reinvestment Act: speaks for itself. Reid gets results for the Senator Reid led the Senate in passing this working men and women of Nevada. vital legislation, bringing more than $1.5 billion to Nevada to create or save roughly Protection Against 34,000 jobs in the state—including putting teachers back in classrooms and police officers Wage Discrimination: back on the street. It contained money for new electric transmission lines. It gave a tax The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, signed into cut to almost a million working Nevadans, law in 2009, restored longstanding brought relief for middle-class families hit by protections for workers who faced wage the Alternative Minimum Tax, and brought tax discrimination. Senator Reid stood tall for breaks and other relief for small businesses hit equal treatment on the job. hard by the recession. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office reported that this Project Labor legislation raised the gross domestic product, lowered the unemployment rate, and Agreements: increased the number of full-time-equivalent Project Labor Agreements generally mean jobs in the U.S. by 2 million to 4.8 million more money for workers on federal compared to what would have occurred projects. When President Obama’s without the bill. Executive Order encouraging the use of Project Labor Agreements came under attack in the Senate, Senator Reid Consumer Protection: successfully defended it. Senator Reid supported key legislation that imposes restrictions on credit card companies, including when companies can increase annual percentage interest rates retroactively on an existing balance. It restricts the ability of credit card companies to change the terms of an account after it Senator Reid led... bringing has been established. more than $1.5 billion to Nevada Unemployment to create or save roughly 34,000 Insurance: Senator Reid has consistently supported the jobs in the state... extension of unemployment insurance benefits to workers during this prolonged, painful economic downturn.

14 September/October 2010 Angle: No help here Sharron Angle makes one thing very clear to the working people of Nevada: “Don’t expect any help from me.”

Insurance Reform: Medicare and Social When the Nevada Assembly passed a bill Security: requiring insurance companies to cover cancer Angle said she believes in “phasing out” Medicare Sharron screenings. Angle was one of only two votes against it. Her attitude toward defending the and Social Security, and has referred to people public good was well summed up in this receiving those benefits as “welfare recipients.” In revealing remark: “I’m not going to have any May of this year, she indicated that she would not Angle: more babies, but I sure get to pay for it on my compromise on the issue of privatizing these vital insurance. Those are the kinds of things we want programs, declaring: “Are we going to privatize? to get rid of.” That’s not up for grabs.” no kind Financial Fraud: Economic Development: When the Nevada Legislature voted to make it Incredibly, Angle does not think it’s a US Senator’s job to help with Nevada’s economic development. of leader illegal to lie to investors about how well their investments would do and wanted to make She says this: “People ask me what are you going mortgage brokers register with the state, Angle to do to develop jobs in your state? Well, that’s stood up for Big Banks and lenders. Only 3 not my job as a US Senator to bring industry to the for legislators voted against stronger laws governing state. That’s the Lt. Gov’s job. That’s your state mortgage lenders. Angle was one of them. senator’s and Assemblyman’s job. That’s your secretary of state’s job.” Nevada. Wall Street Reform: Second Amendment We all know what happened on Wall Street. Shady, secretive deals ended up destroying the Remedies: assets of millions of working Americans and Does Angle even believe in our system of created a financial crisis that cost more than 8 democratic elections? She recently said, “I hope million jobs. But Angle sees it differently. She the vote will be the cure for the Harry Reid says “too much regulation” caused the crisis and problems,” and suggested that “Second that we need to give Wall Street even more Amendment remedies” might be needed if Reid is power. She believes the same big banks that re-elected. Second Amendment remedies? Does caused the collapse and took government Angle really believe that Americans are ready to bailouts should be allowed to give huge bonuses start shooting our political leaders if we don’t get to their executives. our way at the ballot box?

“People ask me what are you going to do to develop jobs in your state? Well, that’s not my job as a US Senator to bring industry to the state.”

Utility Reporter 15 CALIFORNIA IBEW Local 1245 Endorsements General Election: November 2, 2010 6WDWH&RQVWLWXWLRQDO2I¿FHV &DOLIRUQLD6WDWH6HQDWH &DOLIRUQLD6WDWH$VVHPEO\ OFFICE ENDORSEMENT DISTRICT ENDORSEMENT DISTRICT ENDORSEMENT DISTRICT ENDORSEMENT

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer 2 Noreen Evans 1 Wes Chesbro 41 Julia Brownley Governor Jerry Brown 4 Lathe Gill 2 No Endorsement 42 Mike Feuer Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom 6 Darrell Steinberg 3 Mickey Harrington 43 Mike Gatto 8 Leland Yee 4 Dennis Campanale 44 Anthony Portantino Attorney General Kamala Harris 10 Ellen Corbett 5 Richard Pan 45 Gil Cedillo Secretary of State Debra Bowen 12 Anna Caballero 6 Jared Huffman 46 John A. Pérez Treasurer Bill Lockyer 14 Larry Johnson 7 Michael Allen 47 Holly Mitchell Controller John Chiang 16 Michael Rubio 8 Mariko Yamada 48 Mike Davis Superintendent of 18 Carter Pope 9 Roger Dickinson 49 Mike Eng Public Instruction Tom Torlakson 20 Alex Padilla 10 Alyson Huber 50 Ricardo Lara Insurance 22 Kevin DeLeon 11 Susan Bonilla 51 Steven Bradford Commissioner Dave Jones 24 Ed Hernandez 12 Fiona Ma 52 Isadore Hall Board of Equalization: 26 Curren Price 13 Tom Ammiano 53 Betsy Butler District 1 Betty Yee 28 Jenny Oropeza 14 Nancy Skinner 54 Bonnie Lowenthal 30 No Endorsement 15 Joan Buchanan 55 Warren Furutani District 2 Chris Parker 32 Gloria Negrete McLeod 16 Sandré Swanson 56 Tony Mendoza District 3 No Endorsement 34 Lou Correa 17 Cathleen Galgiani 57 Roger Hernandez District 4 Jerome Horton 36 Paul Clay 18 Mary Hayashi 58 Charles Calderon 38 No Endorsement 19 Jerry Hill 59 Darcel Woods 3URSRVLWLRQV DOVRVHHSDJH 40 No Endorsement 20 Bob Wieckowski 60 Greg Fritchle 21 Rich Gordon 61 Norma Torres PROP. IBEW RECOMMENDATION PROP. IBEW RECOMMENDATION 22 Paul Fong 62 Wilmer Amina Carter 19 Legalize Marijuana Neutral23 Suspend Air Pollution Control Laws (AB 32) No 23 Nora Campos 63 Renea Wickman 20 Redistrict Congressional Districts No 24 Repeal Corporate Tax Loopholes Yes24 Jim Beall 64 Jose Medina 21 VLF Surcharge for State Parks Yes 25 Majority Vote Budget Yes25 No Endorsement 65 Carl Wood 26 No Endorsement 66 Douglas Dye 22 Prohibit the State from Taking 26 Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for Fees No Local Funds Neutral27 Eliminate Commission on Redistricting Yes 27 Bill Monning 67 Rosalind Freeman 28 Luis Alejo 68 Phu Nguyen 865HSUHVHQWDWLYHVLQ&RQJUHVV 29 Michael Esswein 69 Jose Solorio 30 Fran Florez 70 Melissa Fox DISTRICT ENDORSEMENT DISTRICT ENDORSEMENT DISTRICT ENDORSEMENT 31 Henry Perea 71 Gary Kephart 32 No Endorsement 72 Esiquio Uballe 1 Mike Thompson 19 No Endorsement 37 Laura Richardson 33 Hilda Zacarias 73 Judy Jones 2 No Endorsement 20 Jim Costa 38 Grace Napolitano 34 Esmeralda Castro 74 Crystal Crawford 3 Ami Bera 21 No Endorsement 39 Linda Sanchez 35 Das Williams 75 No Endorsement 4 Clint Curtis 22 No Endorsement 40 Christina Avalos 36 Linda Jones 76 Toni Atkins 5 Doris Matsui 23 Lois Capps 41 Patrick Meagher 37 Dual: Ferial Masry / Jeff Gorell 77 Mark Hanson 6 Lynn Woolsey 24 Tim Allison 42 No Endorsement 38 Diana Shaw 78 Marty Block 7 George Miller 25 Jacquese Conaway 43 Joe Baca 39 Felipe Fuentes 79 Ben Hueso 8 Nancy Pelosi 26 Russ Warner 44 Bill Hedrick 40 Bob Blumenﬁeld 80 V. Manuel Perez 9 Barbara Lee 27 Brad Sherman 45 Steve Pougnet 10 John Garamendi 28 Howard Berman 46 Ken Arnold 11 Jerry McNerney 29 Adam Schiff 47 Loretta Sanchez Register! 12 Jackie Speier 30 Henry Waxman 48 Beth Krom 13 Fortney “Pete” Stark 31 Xavier Becerra 49 No Endorsement If you’re a ﬁrst time voter, or have changed your name, address or political party 14 Anna Eshoo 32 Judy Chu 50 Francine Busby since you last voted, you need to register. There’s still time! Registration dead- 15 Mike Honda 33 Karen Bass 51 Bob Filner line for the November 2nd General Election is October 18, 2010. For more info, 16 Zoe Lofgren 34 Lucille Roybal-Allard 52 No Endorsement call (800) 345-8683. Or you can start the process on-line by going to www.rock- 17 Sam Farr 35 Maxine Waters 53 Susan Davis thevote.com/rtv_voter_registration.html. 18 Dennis Cardoza 36 Jane Harman 16 September/October 2010 NEVADA IBEW Local 1245 Endorsements: Nevada

)HGHUDO3DUWLVDQ2I¿FHV Harry Reid U.S. Senate No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 35 (Washoe) Shelley Berkley Congress Dist. 1 Harry Schiffman State Assembly Dist. 36 (Esmeralda) Dina Titus Congress Dist. 3 Marcus Conklin State Assembly Dist. 37 No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 38 (Washoe) 6WDWHZLGH3DUWLVDQ2I¿FHV Joetta Brown State Assembly Dist. 39 (Douglas) Robin Williamson State Assembly Dist. 40 (Washoe) Rory Reid Governor Paul Aizley State Assembly Dist. 41 Jessica Sferrazza Lt. Governor No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 42 Ross Miller Sec. of State Kate Marshal State Treasurerl Kim Wallin State Controller &RXQW\3DUWLVDQ2I¿FHV Catherine Cortez Masto Attorney General Chris Giunchigliani Clark County Commission Dist. E No Endorsement Clark County Commission Dist. F 6WDWH3DUWLVDQ2I¿FHV No Endorsement Clark County Commission Dist. G David Roger Clark County District Attorney Mo Denis State Senate Dist. 2 Clark Roger Whomes Washoe District Attorney Joyce Woodhouse State Senate Dist. 5 Clark Michele W. Shafe County Assessor Mark Manendo State Senate Dist. 7 Clark Diana Alba Clark County Clerk Tammy Peterson State Senate Dist. 8 Clark No Endorsement County Treasurer Benny Yerushalmi State Senate Dist. 9 Clark Deborah Conway County Recorder Ruben Kihuen State Senate Dist. 10 Clark John Cahill Public Administrator Aaron Ford State Senate Dist. 12 Clark Sheila Leslie State Senate Dist. 1 Washoe Allison Edwards State Senate Dist. 2 Washoe 6WDWH1RQ3DUWLVDQ2I¿FHV No Endorsement State Senate Dist. 4 Washoe Gloria Sturman Dist. Court Judge Dept 26 Kevin Ranft Capital District Nancy Allf Dist. Court Judge Dept. 27 Marilyn Kirkpatrick State Assembly Dist. 1 Ronald Israel Dist. Court Judge Dept. 28 No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 2 Susan Scann Dist. Court Judge Dept. 29 Peggy Pierce State Assembly Dist. 3 Michael Davidson Dist. Court Judge Dept. 30 Gerald Mackin State Assembly Dist. 4 Josh Kunis Dist. Court Judge Dept. 31 Marilyn Dondero Loop State Assembly Dist. 5 Rob Bare Dist. Court Judge Dept. 32 Harvey Munford State Assembly Dist. 6 No Endorsement Dist. Court Judge Family Div. Dept. A No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 7 No Endorsement Dist. Court Judge Family Div. Dept. B Jason Frierson State Assembly Dist. 8 Denise Pifer Dist. Court Judge Family Div. Dept. C No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 9 No Endorsement Dist. Court Judge Family Div. Dept. D Joseph Hogan State Assembly Dist. 10 Charles Hoskin Dist. Court Judge Family Div. Dept. E Olivia Diaz State Assembly Dist. 11 William Gonzalez Dist. Court Judge Family Div. Dept. F James Ohrenschall State Assembly Dist. 12 Vincent Ochoa Dist. Court Judge Family Div. Dept. S Lou DeSalvio State Assembly Dist. 13 Terrance Marren Dist. Court Judge Family Div. Dept. T Maggie Carlton State Assembly Dist. 14 Joseph Sciscento Justice of the Peace, Las Vegas Dept 2 Elliot Anderson State Assembly Dist. 15 Anthony Abbatangelo Justice of the Peace, Las Vegas Dept 3 John Oceguera State Assembly Dist. 16 Melissa Saragosa Justice of the Peace, Las Vegas Dept 4 Kelvin Atkinson State Assembly Dist. 17 Kristine Kuzemka Justice of the Peace, Las Vegas Dept 6 Richard Carrillo State Assembly Dist. 18 Karen Haron-Bennett Justice of the Peace, Las Vegas Dept 7 Steven Brooks State Assembly Dist. 19 Joe Bonaventure Justice of the Peace, Las Vegas Dept 9 No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 20 Melanie Tobiasson Andress Justice of the Peace, Las Vegas Dept 10 Ellen Spiegel State Assembly Dist. 21 Suzan Baucum Justice of the Peace, Las Vegas Dept 13 No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 22 Conrad Hafen Justice of the Peace, Las Vegas Dept 14 No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 23 Stanton Colton Justice of the Peace, Searchlight David Bobzien State Assembly Dist. 24 (Washoe) No Endorsement St. Board of Education 2

Robert Townsend State Assembly Dist. 25 (Washoe) No Endorsement St. Board of Education 5 IT. ON DEPENDED JOB YOUR AS IF VOTE Angie Taylor State Assembly Dist. 26 (Washoe) No Endorsement St. Board of Education 6 Teresa Benitez-Thompson State Assembly Dist. 27 (Washoe) No Endorsement St. Board of Education 10 (Washoe) No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 28 Kevin Page St University Regent Dist. 3 April Mastroluca State Assembly Dist. 29 No Endorsement St University Regent Dist. 6 Debbie Smith State Assembly Dist. 30 (Washoe) Raymond Rawson St University Regent Dist. 7 Richard Daly State Assembly Dist. 31 (Washoe) No Endorsement St University Regent Dist. 8 (Washoe) No Endorsement State Assembly Dist. 32 (Washoe) No Endorsement St University Regent Dist. 11 (Washoe) Mike McFarland State Assembly Dist. 33 (Elko) Dwayne Chesnut St University Regent Dist. 12 William Horne State Assembly Dist. 34 James Dean Leavitt St University Regent Dist. 13

Utility Reporter 17 NV Energy continued from page 1 year two of the agreement, and a general wage increase of 2% in year three. in Minnesota, suggesting the company The agreement also improved the company’s earlier proposal by Video coverage was deadly serious about stripping away including the following in calculating the Cash Balance Retirement Local 1245’s campaign for justice at NV Energy is union protections that Local 1245 had Plan: base pay (including rest period), incentive pay, out-of-town documented in several videos, which can be viewed negotiated for members over the past 65 pay, upgrade pay, shift premium, and overtime pay. at: www.ibew1245.com/video-files/videos.html. years. The union’s campaign benefitted from an outpouring of support It took practically an act of war to per- by current and retired members—too many to name them all—but suade management to retreat from these especially by: draconian attacks on members’ jobs • Troubleman Mike Grimm, who took a leave of absence from the and livelihood. Last November about company to work on the contract campaign 600 IBEW members and supporters ral- lied in Reno to protest the company’s • Advisory Council member Michelle Ramsey, who helped orga- take-away campaign, and around 400 nize many of the union’s actions took part in a picket at the company’s • Retiree Micki Baryol, who created a dynamic retiree website to Reno headquarters—the first picket in keep everyone informed about the contract campaign, and the 65 years of collective bargaining at the continuing campaign for retiree medical benefits company. • Retiree Rita Weisshaar, who helped with logistics on several ac- Nevada political leaders, including tions and represented the union at the picket and rally in New Senator Harry Reid, worked behind the York City scenes in an effort to get NV Energy to moderate its position. • Retiree Club officers Ron Borst and Tom Bird, who spoke at ral- The union logged thousands of visitors on its Shame on lies, gave interviews to the media, and organized retired mem- NV Energy website and collected over 6,000 friends on its In February of this year the union Shame on NV Energy Facebook page. This much we knew. took the battle to NV Energy’s corpo- bers into the hard-charging Reno Chapter of the Local 1245 Re- But it was quite a surprise to learn that our message had rate headquarters in Las Vegas, rally- tirees Club made it all the way to the Ukraine, as this photo illustrates. ing 300 strong and putting up a picket that attracted widespread TV coverage. In March the union organized about 200 pickets outside of a New York City Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Clay Shoot restaurant where NV Energy was being feted at a banquet. IBEW members compete with other unionists Smaller but equally energetic actions targeted NV Energy in Reno during K. Maybe IBEW Local 1245 members didn’t take top honors in an earlier contract ratification vote in the clay shoot sponsored by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance May—over 80% of members voted “no” Oin Reno on Aug. 15. But when you’re standing under a blue —and during Public Utility Commis- sky, in the company of union brothers, practicing your shooting skills sion rate hearings in July. A small con- and having fun, winning is almost beside the point. tingent even showed up on short notice “The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance is really a great organization,” said to picket an NV Energy Board of Direc- Dana Moler, a Line Trainer for NV Energy in Reno who participated in tors meeting at the Peppermill Casino in the shoot. “It’s active in keeping hunting and fishing and shooting open Reno on Aug. 5. to all. They’re really supportive of the unions and the middle class.” Members of the religious community Representing Local 1245 in the shoot, along with Moler, were supported the union’s contract cam- Andy Pinochi, Line Foreman in Carson City; Blaine Pinochi, Andy’s paign with a full-page newspaper ad last 12-year-old grandson; and Kyle Hermanson, Apprentice Lineman in Dana Moler takes aim. Christmas, and the union sponsored Carson City. They were joined by about 40 other members of various several hard-hitting newspaper and ra- unions in the area, including Elevator Constructors, Ironworkers, and dio ads as well. Communications Workers. While the IBEW members didn’t take home any prizes in the shoot- BATTLE CONTINUES: RETIREE MEDICAL ing competition, they made out like bandits in the raffle, according to And the ad campaign continues. The Moler. Hermanson won a Model 870 shotgun and Blaine Pinochi won vote to ratify the contract closed the a Lincoln buzz box welder. book on several areas of dispute, but it More than six million active and retired labor union members did not resolve a heated battle over re- hunt, fish, and spend time together with tiree medical benefits. NV Energy still their families in the outdoors, making them insists on shifting the costs of medi- North America’s single largest unified com- Andy and Blaine Pinochi: a family tradition of shooting. cal premiums onto the backs of retired munity of sportsmen and women, accord- Twelve-year-old Blaine won a Lincoln buzz box welder in members. Several full-page newspaper ing to the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. The the raffle. ads published statewide over the sum- group’s stated purpose is to energize these mer threw a bright light on the utility’s union sportsmen and women to become [LEFT] Apprentice Kyle Hermanson won a Model 870 shotgun in the raffle. war against its retired workers, and the involved in “expanding and improving fish union has announced plans to continue and wildlife habitat and affordable access to the campaign into the fall. In August, the quality places to hunt and fish for all, now and in the future.” Local 1245 Executive Board approved an “They’ve got a really great message. It’s more about shooters and additional $500,000 to finance it. hunters than the guns and ammo manufacturers,” Moler said. “It’s “It should be very clear to everyone about keeping areas open, not privatizing land, making it available. that Local 1245 members at NV Energy They’re listening to us.” were willing to fight very hard over the When Senator Harry Reid dropped by the shoot to greet the union past 13 months to defend their rights members, he made time to talk with NV Energy Troubleman Mike and their standard of living, and will Grimm about the union’s on-going dispute with the utility over retiree continue to do so going forward,” said medical benefits and other issues. Dalzell. “Reid was pretty attentive about what we still have to do,” said Mol- The new three-year agreement, which er. “We have a lot of work to do for the retirees.” took effect upon ratification, provides a The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance will sponsor a Trap and Pistol Andy Pinochi, Line Foreman in Carson City; Blaine Pinochi, Andy’s 12-year-old grandson; Dana Moler, Lines general wage increase of 2.5% immedi- Shoot in the Las Vegas area on Oct. 9. You can contact the Alliance Trainer in Reno; and Kyle Hermanson, Apprentice Lineman ately, a lump sum payment of 2% during at 1-877-USA-2211 or visit the website at www.unionsportsmen.org/. in Carson City. 18 September/October 2010 California Propositions: IBEW 1245 Recommends

Proposition 19 Legalize Proposition 23 Suspend Air Proposition 27 Eliminate selected from applicant pool picked by Marijuana Pollution Control Laws (AB Commission on Redistricting government auditors. It consolidates authority for establishing state 32) Assembly, Senate, and Board of Equalization district boundaries with elected state representatives responsible for drawing congressional districts. It provides that voters will have the Proposition 27 eliminates the 14- authority to reject district boundary Proposition 20 Redistrict Proposition 23 is financed by billion- member redistricting commission maps approved by the Legislature. Congressional Districts aire oil tycoons and oil companies. It would gut California’s landmark envi- ronmental law and undermine pro- Safety Report, from page 8 It is important to all that these issues grams that are creating thousands of near the rear of the vehicle by a third are corrected and until they are all haz- new clean energy jobs in the state. party who called emergency services. ards will need to be mitigated either by John Mendoza, Mike Saner and I were changes in procedures, policies or the on the scene until 9:30pm the night of use of additional PPE and as always if A bizarre redistricting scheme con- Proposition 24 Repeal the accident as it was made safe for the the hazards are present it is everyone’s cocted and financed by Charles Munger Corporate Tax Loopholes investigation process. The company has responsibility to not perform any work Jr., son of billionaire and Wall Street formed an accident investigation team that would lead to injury. Please refer to player Charles Munger Sr. Proposition which includes 2 members from our your workplace postings for additional 20 would give power over redistricting bargaining unit. This accident investiga- information on this. of California’s congressional districts to tion team began the investigation Fed OSHA Standard a panel of 14 randomly selected volun- process on Aug. 21 and it is on-going. teers—who must, by law, have no expe- on Cranes and Derricks Proposition 24, the Tax Fairness Act, rience in government or real-life redis- Near Miss ends $1.3 billion in special tax loopholes The Fed OSHA standard has been tricting. for big corporations; ensures that a few While getting ready to pull old poles, released with a 2011 implementation big corporations pay their fair share of crew had boom out and heard a thud on date. There are several questions and concerns pertaining to this standard Proposition 21 VLF Surcharge state taxes at a time when state is mak- the ground. Evidently a large shackle ing drastic budget cuts to public which had been affixed to the upper which are warranted. CalOSHA is 1 of 17 for State Park schools, health care and public safety. part of the underside of the boom had states that currently have a crane stan- fallen off its holding eye. After some dard in place; however, the new Fed brief investigation, it was revealed that standard has some things in it that are Proposition 25 Majority Vote the straight pin use in the shackle had a significantly different than CalOSHA. Budget missing cotter pin. Luckily no personnel Some of the differences which will were injured. need to be addressed by CalOSHA are the use of digger derricks. CalOSHA has California Parks are in peril and face Accident Reporting irreparable damage. Proposition 21 a full exemption for digger derricks establishes a vehicle license surcharge A gas employee working on a service where the new standard will only to help fund state parks and wildlife valve at a residence received minor exempt while working on power poles. programs. Surcharged vehicles will have burns to his hand. Gas tech working on So if this equipment is being used to set Changes the legislative vote require- free admission to all state parks. a call of leaking gas determined collar pad mount transformers or in substa- ment necessary to pass the state budget Proposition 21 creates a trust fund on the regulator was the source of the tions or lifting material the exemption and spending bills related to the budget within the state treasury and money leak. The regulator had to be moved in would not be applicable. Two more from two-thirds to a simple majority. available will be used only for operation order to tighten the collar. While moving issues are the capacity requirements Provides that if the Legislature fails to and maintenance of park facilities, the regulator, it made contact with the and the rigger training requirement. pass a budget bill by June 15, all mem- wildlife and natural resource conserva- metal siding of the house, and the ambi- Currently under CalOSHA 5006.1 the bers of the Legislature will permanently tion, outreach and public education. ent gas ignited, creating a flash in the requirements are anything that has a forfeit any reimbursement for salary area of the technician’s hands. After T lifting capacity greater than 14,999 lbs and expenses for every day until the day Man was called, it was determined that or a boom length greater than 25’. The the Legislature passes a budget bill. Proposition 22 Prohibit the the siding of the house was energized at new fed standard impacts cranes with a 120 volts, due to faulty wiring, and/or capacity greater than 1 ton and the rig- State from Taking Local Funds Proposition 26 Two-Thirds lack of ground. The siding work was ger certification will be new. recent, which may have had a bearing. For work in Nevada this new stan- Vote Requirement for Fees Employee was wearing FR shirt, which dard will have an immediate impact. is not required for this work. For California, unless you work for a government agency there should be a Safety Concerns at DCPP little bit of a lag until they address these Over the last couple of months we new requirements which will eventu- have been dealing with a couple of ally need to happen. More updates on Oil, tobacco, and alcohol compa- safety concerns that have been brought this as they become available. nies provided virtually all the funding up at Diablo Canyon Power Plant. These A copy of the regulatory text is avail- for this measure, with the goal of shift- concerns have been centered on able at: http://www.osha.gov/doc/ ing onto taxpayers the burden of pay- Confined Space program, First Aid CPR cranesreg.pdf ing for the damage these companies requirements and the eye wash/drench Until the date of publication, the full cause. Proposition 26 redefines pay- shower requirements while working rule, including the preamble, can be ments for harm to the environment or around chemicals. The company has found at http://www.ofr. gov/inspec- public health as tax increases and acknowledged that some of these con- tion.aspx. After publication, the rule imposes a 2/3 voter requirement to cerns are warranted and is developing can be found at the Federal Register or enact such fees. an action plan to correct these issues. at www.osha.gov. Utility Reporter 19 We conducted our audit in accordance with audit- In our opinion, the accompanying financial state- INDEPENDENT ing standards generally accepted in the United States ments referred to above present fairly, in all material of America. Those standards require that we plan and respects, the cash basis transactions of Local No. 1245 perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance for the year ended DECEMBER 31, 2009 and the finan- AUDITOR’S about whether the financial statements are free of cial position- cash basis at DECEMBER 31, 2009 in material misstatement. An audit includes examining, accordance with the basis of accounting as noted REPORT on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and above. disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also Our audit was conducted for the purpose of form- To the Officers and Members or the International includes assessing the accounting principles used and ing an opinion on the basic financial statements taken Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 1245 significant estimates made by management, as well as as a whole. The accompanying supplemental informa- Vacaville, California evaluating the overall financial statement presenta- tion (shown on Pages 9 to 22 [in original report]) is pre- tion. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable sented for the purposes of additional analysis and is We have audited the accompanying statement of basis for our opinion. not a required part of the basic financial statements. Financial Position arising from cash transactions as of As described in Note 1, these financial statements Such information has been subjected to the auditing December 31, 2009 and the related Statement of Cash are prepared on the cash basis of accounting, which is procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial Receipts and Disbursements of the International a comprehensive basis of accounting other than statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 1245 for accounting principles generally accepted in the material respects in relation to the financial state- the year then ended. These financial statements are United States of America. Accordingly, the accompa- ments taken as a whole. the responsibility of the Local’s management. Our nying statements are not intended to present financial DALMAS ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION responsibility is to express an opinion on these finan- position and results of operations in conformity with San Bruno, California cial statements based on our audit. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. March 22, 2010

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORK- Total receipts and balance 24,155 International portion of receipts: ERS LOCAL NO. 1245 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSI- “A” members’ per capita 370,213 TION ARISING FROM CASH TRANSACTIONS December 31, Disbursements: “BA” members’ per capita 2,266,317 2009 Hunter Stern - Stockton Chamber 26 Initiation fees 61,345 Mike Grill - Senator Dan Flores fund raiser 250 D.B.A.F. fees 454 Assets Monterey Bay CLC 500 Reinstatement fees 4,787 General Fund: Landis Martilla - San Mateo Cope dinner 350 Agency fees 19,428 2,722,544 Bank of the West - checking accounts 116,971 Alameda Cope dinner: Total receipts 22,442,254 Bank of the West - money market 1,216,847 1,333,818 Dorothy Fortier 200 Cash funds 5,350 Total balance and receipts 27,212,713 Bernard Smallwood 200 Lula Washington 200 Investments: Disbursements, per Page 15 of Shiela Lawton 200 Merrill Lynch Institutional Money Fund 8,157 Schedule of Disbursements 17,507,282 San Mateo CLC Cope 300 Merrill Lynch-CMA Money Fund 1,018,701 Bill Brill So Bay Cope Dinner 125 Cash and investments balance, December 31, -Mutual Funds 3,874,078 Friends of Pat Eklund for City Council 400 2009, Details in Statement of Financial -Common Stocks 833,521 Position arising from cash transactions 9,705,431 -Preferred Stocks 243,244 Hunter Stern - Cope Dinner 135 Capitol Web Works - report filing fee 65 Bank of the West-Short term Treasury Portfolio 1,422,732 Affiliation fees: Friends of Calvin Doham Committee 500 Franklin Income Fund 965,830 International Brotherhood Elect Gracious Palmer to City of Shasta Lake Council 250 Total General Fund 9,705,431 of Electrical Workers 2,885,000 Committee to re - elect Tom Collins 500 Political Donation Fund- checking account 19,684 Santa Clara C.L.C. 8,580 No. Bay Labor Cope 270 Total Current Assets 9,725,115 Alameda C.L.C. 11,520 Total disbursements 4,471 Kern / Inyo / Mono 1,350 200 shares PG&E common stock - at cost 3,388 Nevada State Electrical Association 840 Loan receivables-Energy Workers Center, Inc. 911,155 Cash balance, December 31, 2009 19,684 Sacramento C.L.C. 9,600 San Francisco C.L.C 12,930 Fixed assets, (Note 1): The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial State Association of Electrical Workers 538,698 Automobiles (39) at cost 1,075,544 statement. Contra Costa C.L.C. 9,900 Less: allowance for depreciation 563,943 511,601 Marin County C.L.C. 5,373 Furniture and office equipment - at cost640,874 EXHIBIT C INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELEC- San Joaquin and Calaveras C.L.C. 5,238 Less: Allowance for depreciation 412,427 228,447 TRICAL WORKERS LOCAL NO. 1245 STATEMENT OF CASH Butte-Glenn C.L.C. 1,500 Total Assets 11,379,706 RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS UNRESTRICTED NET Napa-Solano C.L.C. 1,926 ASSETS For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 Fresno-Madera C.L.C. 5,400 Merced-Mariposa C.L.C. 1,481 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Cash and investments balance, Stanislaus-Tuolumne C.L.C. 1,116 Liabilities: beginning December 31, 2008 4,770,459 Marysville C.L.C. 1,200 IBEW per capita portion of December Humboldt-Del Norte C.L.C. 603 receipts to forward 233,730 Receipts: Five Counties C.L.C. 852 Vacation payable 689,675 Local Union portion of receipts: Monterey County C.L.C. 3,630 Current Liabilities 923,405 “A” members’ dues 315,627 Government Coordinating Council 600 “BA” members’ dues 15,787,423 San Mateo C.L.C. 3,900 Net Assets: Joint Executive Conference-N.C. Electrical Workers 100 Unrestricted 10,436,617 Initiation fees 31,140 Reinstatement fees 976 Tri Counties C.L.C. 3,120 Temporarily restricted - Maritime Trades Post Council 600 Political Donation Fund 19,684 10,456,301 Agency fees 132,672 Working dues 1,783,385 Northern Nevada C.L.C. 1,650 Forum - Alameda Retired Members 60 Total Liabilities and Net Assets 11,379,706 Hiring hall dues 881,775 Congress of Ca - Seniors 125 Retiree’s club dues 23,832 18,956,830 The accompanying notes are an integral part of this finan- TCC-4 383 3,517,275 cial statement. Reimbursements to General Fund: Interest and investment income 532,118 INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL Staff expenses: WORKERS LOCAL NO. 1245 STATEMENT OF CASH Salaries 5,590,050 Refunds and reimbursements: RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS POLITICAL DONATION Expenses 293,803 FUND TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED For the Year Ended Union Shopper 9,947 Automobile expenses 109,837 December 31, 2009 Other receipts 36,013 Auto Purchases 423,321 Fitness plan 176 Cash balance, December 31, 2008 6,391 Energy Workers Inc. improvement loan payments: 6,417,187 Principal 93,450 Research and Education: Receipts: Interest 37,787 Subscriptions and publications 18,632 Portion of Local Union dues directly Grievance settlement 40,764 Scholarship fund 2,500 deposited to this fund 17,764 Automobiles sales 12,801 762,880 21,132 20 September/October 2010 Office salaries: Clerical 374 374 U.S. income tax withheld (923,800) Administration office salaries 288,243 CGT 196 196 FICA withheld (407,143) Bargaining unit salaries 594,942 T-Men 2,660 2,660 California income tax withheld (336,278) 883,185 EFS 635 635 SDI withheld (47,531) Meter Readers 30 30 U.S. income tax forward 923,800 Office expenses: Lines of Progression 193 193 FICA forward 407,143 Rent 300,000 Ad Hoc 970 970 California income tax forward 336,278 Telephone 92,224 WRC 9,436 5,713 15,149 SDI forward 47,531 Postage mail service and meter expense 70,167 PSEA 120 120 Print room/printing 94,670 Exhibit XVI 5,174 5,174 Local Union’s portion: Supplies 18,368 Benefits 111,319 111,319 FICA 407,570 Equipment maintenance 8,896 Negotiations 2,141 2,141 California Unemployment 23,306 Data processing 13,581 Neg. Gen. Contract Committee 47 47 U.S.Unemployment 3,577 Equipment rental 29,212 Service crew 1,457 1,457 434,453 Utility reporter 94,401 Gas T&D 3,982 3,982 Employee benefits: Miscellaneous 43,699 CRP 32 32 Bank charges 7,790 Health and Welfare plans 1,647,248 Helicopter 1,439 1,439 Group life insurance 171,114 Furniture and equipment purchases 128,721 Misc. Physical 45 45 Pension plan 990,974 Storage 3,100 Barehand 494 494 Other costs, pension plans 23,721 904,829 Diablo Canyon 37 37 2,833,057 System Operator . 385 385 Salaries Paid 10,099 213,746 223,845 or Reimbursed Expenses Total Other disbursements: Legal fees 185,553 Committee salaries and expenses: Membership expenses: Hall rentals 92,913 Executive Board meetings 9,387 26,941 36,328 Supplies - Intl. 4,673 Workmen’s compensation insurance 57,619 Executive Board Trial 808 808 Supplies - Local 11,168 Advisory Council 9,498 35,842 45,340 Membership fees 7,092 Refunds 11,296 Trustee Committee 6,750 5,166 11,916 Flowers/donations 545 PRD fees 22,586 Review Committee 947 2,080 3,027 Union Shopper 16,179 Payroll Deduction 76 Safety Committee 18,675 6,062 24,737 Lineman Rodeo 488 Miscellaneous taxes 3,959 Shop Steward expenses 538 11,800 12,338 Golf tournament 7,169 Insurance - auto 47,672 Other conferences 18,305 83,272 101,577 47,314 Insurance - bond 546 Labor Management 8,578 8,578 Insurance - travel 1,018 Organizing 4,157 4,157 Membership benefits: Insurance - professional liability 33,814 Grievance/FF/LIC 5,385 5,385 Group life insurance 93,111 Audit fees 32,800 64,100 190,091 254,191 Unit drawing award 650 Charitable donations 5,550 Individual drawing award 550 Miscellaneous fees 1,135 Various Other Committees: Service award dinners 157,615 Solar Loan made to Energy Workers 350,000 Lineman’s Safety Conf. 7,699 27,789 35,488 Social fund 13,400 Injured Workers Fund 40,764 Outside Line 5,166 6,623 11,789 265,326 Consulting fees 107,147 Davey Tree 3,785 3,362 7,147 994,448 Retirees 239 239 Payroll taxes: Central Labor 445 445 Employee portion: Total Disbursements 17,507,282 City of Healdsburg 82 82 SMUD 272 272 Apprenticeship committee 145 145 for Sept. 25 has been generating ambas regiones se están recla- Joint Grievance 104 104 Former member, Regional Transit 2,912 3,637 6,549 from page 6 positive feedback among members mando derechos de antigüedad. Training Staff 135 135 in line clearance tree trimming. to audits of work completed in veg- El sindicato sostuvo una reunión Wendy Trees 59 59 Ron Cochran, Junior Ornelas and etation control. Technicians are del Comité de Revisión de Quejas Frontier committee 3,330 715 4,045 Carl Lamers contributed to this signing off work that has not been con Davey Tree en Weakley Hall en WAPA 22 22 report. Joint Apprenticeship 5,529 5,529 completed. The company takes a Vacaville el 17 de agosto. Se revis- City of Alameda 6,091 151 6,242 hard line on these types of infrac- aron todas las quejas de 2010, 12 en City of Roseville 115 115 tions. The company informed the Ex-miembro, from page 6 total. Llegamos a acuerdos satisfac- Training Membership 165 165 union of a drop in forecasted work, quejas pendientes de 2009 y 2010, torios en la mayoría de los casos. La SF Muni 64 64 compañía nos informó que la Outside Line Conference 1,542 1,542 and implemented layoffs in Fresno un total de 18. El sindicato y la situación de trabajo ha mejorado Paradise ID 21 21 and San Joaquin Divisions. The compañía resolvieron la mayoría Dynegy 10,832 4,524 15,356 union informed the company de estas quejas. Se programó una en las Divisiones de Central Coast y Bella Vista 23 23 bumping rights are being requested reunión final en septiembre. El Los Padres. Los Padres está traba- Trees Inc. 854 854 in both areas. sindicato espera que la compañía jando siete días a la semana. Ha City of Oakland 603 603 aumentado el trabajo en las Osmose Neg. 20 20 The union held a Grievance siga una política de disciplina pro- Divisiones de Oakland y Diablo. Mirant Power Plant 26 26 Review Committee meeting with gresiva. NV Energy 429,632 130,511 560,143 Davey Tree at Weakley Hall in El sindicato sostuvo una reunión Estas cuadrillas están ahora traba- A.C. Transit 2,567 169 2,736 Vacaville on Aug. 17. All open 2010 del Comité de Revisión de Quejas jando en turnos de 10 horas. No. Calif. Power Agency 1,634 158 1,792 grievances were discussed—12 in con Trees Inc. en Weakley Hall en También ha aumentado el trabajo Truckee Meadows 15,561 1,088 16,649 all. We reached satisfactory settle- Vacaville el 23 de agosto. Se revis- en la División Sierra y las cuadrillas Peer Volunteer program 3,431 3,431 están trabajando en turnos de 10 Asplund 325 325 ments in the majority of these aron todas las quejas pendientes de City of Santa Clara 353 325 678 cases. The company informed us 2009 y 2010, un total de 12. Existen horas. Todavía estamos en la tem- Modesto I.D. 1,836 1,836 the work picture has picked up in problemas de control de calidad porada de incendios, así que por Truckee Donner 805 1,384 2,189 Central Coast and Los Padres con Trees Inc. en lo que se refiere a favor ¡lleven todo su equipo a su So. Feather River 28 28 sitio de trabajo! City of Berkeley 25 25 Divisions. Los Padres is working las auditorías de trabajos comple- Turlock I.D. 324 324 seven days a week. Work has picked tados en control de vegetación. Los Para finalizar, la Conferencia de City of Redding 10,860 10,860 up in Oakland and Diablo técnicos están dando por finaliza- la Juventud Comprometida con la Plumas Sierra Rural 7,796 2,373 10,169 Divisions. These crews are on 10- dos trabajos que no han sido com- Solidaridad (Youth Engaged for City of Ukiah 270 270 hours shifts. Work has also picked pletados. La compañía es muy Solidarity) programada para el 25 Trans Canada 2,160 2,160 up in Sierra Division and crews are estricta con este tipo de infrac- de septiembre ha estado City of Fenley 239 239 generando comentarios positivos City of Gridley . 105 105 now working 10-hour shifts. We are ciones. La compañía informó al 498,163 212,877 711,040 still in fire season so please take all sindicato que se pronostica una entre los miembros de poda de your gear to your work site! reducción de los trabajos futuros, y árboles en líneas eléctricas. PG&E Negotiation Committees: Finally, the Youth Engaged for realizó despidos en las Divisiones Ron Cochran, Junior Ornelas y Carl Departmental: Solidarity Conference (Youth de Fresno y San Joaquin. El sindi- Lamers contribuyeron a este Arbitration 663 76,196 76,859 Meal Committee 107 107 Engaged for Solidarity) scheduled cato informó a la compañía que en informe. Utility Reporter 21 Pastor calls out NV Energy The following Op-Ed by the Rev. Neal Anderson appeared July 13, 2010 in the Reno Gazette Journal and on-line at RGJ.com. V Energy’s request for a rate reduction will surely be wel- comed by all Nevadans, whose utility rates are the highest Nof the mountain states. One might even mistake the utility’s action as corporate generosity. But recent events show that NV Energy is not a good corporate citizen. In fact, NV Energy has reduced service to customers, stripped promised benefi ts away from employees and retirees and lavished extravagant bonuses on top executives. Electric service is not a luxury. It is a public necessity. That is why it has been regulated since the 1930s. Under our laws, investor- owned utilities like NV Energy are allowed to operate as monopo- lies. In return for this privilege, they are expected to provide service at affordable rates. They also are expected to plan ahead for future electric needs and hire and train the skilled workers needed to deliver electric service. The relationship between utility and citizen is known as a “regulatory compact.” Our civil and religious traditions tell us that such compacts may not be lightly dismissed. Citizens need utilities to act responsibly and ethically. In fact, we require it. Many of our religious traditions teach us the importance of covenants — the promises we make. These covenants are not necessarily un- changeable, and if they are to be modifi ed, it must be done in good faith keeping the needs of all in mind. Unfortunately, NV Energy seems to have lost sight of what it means to be a responsible and ethical corporate citizen. It has lost sight of what it means to be in covenant with its employees and customers.Even as it holds out the promise of a rate reduction, it is preparing rate increases that will wipe out much of the supposed reduction. In addition, it has reduced service by closing all of its customer service offi ces outside Las Vegas, sacrifi ced reliability by downsizing its workforce and arbitrarily stripped away benefi ts promised to its employees and retirees. By these actions, NV Energy is betraying Nevadans in two very specifi c ways. • By closing local offi ces and consolidating or eliminating crews, NV Energy is making service less convenient for some and less reliable for all. Emergency response time is longer when crews are located farther away. • By stripping away benefi ts from its employees, NV Energy not only betrays promises it made to them over many decades, it betrays our future. Part of the utility’s responsibility is to assure a qualifi ed workforce to provide the reliable service that Nevadans will need in the decades to come. Instead of honoring its commitments, NV Ener- gy has turned its back on its workers. The utility won’t have trouble attracting top executives looking to make a quick buck, but it may have trouble attracting qualifi ed workers who are looking to make an honest living. The Public Utilities Commission should grant NV Energy its rate reduction. And it should make the company live up to its respon- sibilities before ever granting it another rate increase. The Rev. Neal T. Anderson is minister at the Unitarian- Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada and a member of the Nevada Clergy Association.

22 September/October 2010 A major issue in the 13-month bargaining with NV Energy was the company’s resistance to making improvements in Clerical wages. In the agreement that was ratiﬁed in August, Clerical members received wage increases. Local 1245’s campaign to pressure the company to raise wages included this full- page ad that appeared in Nevada’s major newspapers in July. The ad was easy to read in its original full-sized newspaper format, but the type is a bit small here, so we’ve recreated some of the text below to make it easier to read.

arah S., customer service representative for NV Energy and a sin- Sgle mother of two, is trying to celebrate her son Isaiah’s seventh birthday this week. However, there’s been little to celebrate since current CEO Michael Yackira joined NV Energy in 2003, the same year Isaiah was born. While Michael Yackira hits the jackpot year after year — making $4.5 million last year alone — Sarah and her family have not seen a wage increase since Isa- iah was one year old. NV Energy workers like Sarah and her two boys are not the only people living through Yackira’s seven years of bad luck. With Yackira as CEO, NV Energy now charges Nevadans the highest electricity rates of any mountain state while it continuously cuts crucial customer service. NV Energy charges us more and gives us less even while it reported $180 million in proﬁts last year and pocketed $134 million in federal bailout cash.

Save 15%* on AT&T Wireless Go union and start saving 15%* on AT&T wireless monthly service plans, including iPhone® plans. In addition to saving money, you’ll be using the only national unionized wireless carrier.

I Visit your local AT&T store Just bring this ad and union

you, visit UnionPlus.org/ATT.

I Online @ UnionPlus.org/ATT P on phones.

The Union Plus FAN# is 3508840.

* tiderC approval and new two-year service agreement required. Other conditions and restrictions apply.

Utility Reporter 23 YOURYOUR UNION DID THE RESEARCH

+++ UNION ENDORSED NowNow +++ YOUYOU decide JERRYJERRY BROWNBRO WN MEG WHITMAN

CALIFORNIA JOBS?JOBS? Jerry Brown:Brown: Meg Whitman: » CreatedCreated 1.9 million jobs as Governor.Governornor.. » As CEO, outsourcedoutsourced nearly 40% of eBay’seBay’s (LA TIMES, 8/11/10) workforce.workforce. (ANNUAL REPORTSREPORTS OF THE SEC, 2003-08) » Will create a half-million clean energy jobs » PlansPlans toto cutcut 40,00040,000 statestate jobsjobs. and rebuild our crumbling infrastructure.infrastructure. (WWWWWW.MEGMEG20102010.COMCOM) (WWW.JERRYBROWNJERRYBROWN.ORG) » Opposes California high-speed rail. » Supports California high-speed rail and (CONTRA COSTACOSTA TIMES, 7/8/10) the 450,000 jobs it would create.create. (CONTRA COSTACOSTA TIMES, 7/8/10) WAGESWWAAGES & OVERTIMEOVERTIME PAY?PPAAAY?Y? » WonWon millions in back pay for workers who » WouldWould eliminate daily overtime were denied fair wages. pay and guaranteed meal breaks.breaks. (PEOPLE V. INTERWALLINTERWALL 2008; PEOPLE V. CHARLES EVLETH, 2010) (WHITMAN SPEECH, COMMONWEALTHCOMMONWEALTH CLUB, 2/16/10) » Signed bills to require PrPrevailingevailing WWageage » Opposes Project Labor Agreements. be paid on public jobs. (WHITMAN SPEECH, ASSOCIATEDASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND (SB 394, 1975; AB 114, 1977) CONTRACTORS, 9/18/09)

WORKERS’WORKERS’ RIGHTSRIGHTS & BENEFITS?BENEFITS? » Gave over a million workers the right » PProposed r o p o s e d eliminating collective to collectively bargain for better bargaining rights for state employees. wages. (SB 160, 1975; AB 1693, 1981; SB 839, 1977) (WHITMAN INTERVIEW, NBC LOS ANGELES, 7/18/10) » Improved unemployment insurance » Seeks to eliminate deﬁned-beneﬁt and workers’ compensation.compensation. pension plans. (LA TIMES, 4/23/10) (AB 467, 1976; AB 91, 1975)

MAIN STREETSTREET OR WALLWALL STREET?STREET?

» Fought WallWall StreetStreet and sued banks » Made millions throughthrough now-illegal and lenders to stop home loan abuse. insider deals withwith disgraceddisgraced WallWall StreetStreet (NEW YORK TIMES, 9/17/09; BLOOMBERG NEWS, 10/6/08) ggiantiant GGoldmanoldman SSachsachs. (SACRAMENTO BEEBEE, 12/31/09) » Cracked down on corporations that » Proﬁted on mortgage-backed securities violated the rights of workers. that contributed to a half-million (PEOPLE V. PACIFISTAFFPPACIFISTACIFISTACIFISTAFFAFF INC., 2007; PEOPLE V. CONAPAAPA, 2009) California families losing their homes. (CALIFORNIA WATCHWATCH, 4/14/10)

JERRYJERRY BROBROWN:WN: A lifetimelliiifffeettiime ghtingggghhttiinngggf forffo or workingworrkkinngggf familiesffaamilliieess GOVERNORGOVERNOR 20102010 ForFor moremore informationinformation visit www.CaliforniaLabor.orgwww.CaliforniaLabor.org & www.WallStreetWhitman.comwww..WWallStreetWhitman.com jg/tng39521/cwa/afl-ciojg/tng39521/cwa/a/afl-cioafl-cio