,Very Best Wishes of the Season to All! The UTILITY Gas, Electric, Water, Clerical and Construction Workers REPORTER Official Publication of I. B. E. W. Local Union 1245, A. F. of L., 1918 Grove Street, Oakland 12, Calif. VOL II—No. 8 OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA December, 1954 Organized Labor Good For America Milhe "From its very foundation, the organized labor moyement in this country pr oved itself good for the country. Its members, given a decent wage and decent hours, were good citi- zens. They built homes and churches and schools. They paid taxes and fought wars and helped to create the nation we are so proud of." Thus did J. Scott Milne, president of the IBEW, describe organized Here are members of the crews at Santa Maria who hive labor's contribution to America in an address a fortnight ago before the through labor and Imanagement befriended "Butch." If you look closely, you'll see the happy Labor-Management School of the University of San Francisco. trying to understand I Dne another pup right in the center of the picture. and work together, tha t our indus- Labor unions were born, Milne trial peace anti prospe rity are to said, because—to cite just a few has been at stake, organized labor come." instances—garment workers, whole has been in the thick of the battle Milne pointed to t he growing Dog's Best Friend Man families of them, labored 12, 15 —has stood, up and been counted instances where labor-i management and sometimes 18 hours a day to on the side of right and justice cooperation is working and to its By G. W. MORAN, Bus. Rep., Well, "Butch" really enjoyed life take home a wage of $2 or $3 a and the people," Milne declared. development in the e ectrical in- Coast Valleys Division for a while, but then he contracted week butcher workmen were Labor recognized early the dustry and noted tha t what has and eye infection. One of the Line- paid "less than a cent apiece to Skinny, dick and hungry, "Butch" threat of Hitler and Mussolini and been Wine can be do iae in other men took him to a Veterinarian butcher a cow—with all the dan- showed up at the new headquar- when war came against them it industries and is belt g done by and had him doctored. The men on ger and unpleasantness involved." ters of the Santa Maria Line Crews contributed mightily, in men and many. the crews paid the bill. Now a few weeks ago. Obviously a stray, In San Francisco, Milne said, in goods of war. Milne urged his a udience, as "Butch" has his own private Health "Butch" appeared to be a perfect street car drivers received $2 a And he added: "The fight which students of labor-man igement re- and Welfare Plan, in addition to Stranger to a bath! day for 12 hours work—even their organized labor has put up against lations, to get into ' the fight— all the food he can eat! horses• were rested after eight communism .. . has been no nega- the fight for better labDor-manage- "What kind of a dog is this?" It has often been said that man's hours in the harness. And linemen tive battle—it has been a positive ment cooperation am industrial asked one of the Linemen. No one best friend is his dog. He always worked long hours for as little as one. For while it spoke out against peace, with a subseq uent better could agree. So, a couple of the remains the same, no matter if 10 cents an hour, with safety con- communism with its voice, it struck future for this A m erica we hardier brothers volunteered to you are rich or poor, peasant or ditions so bad that one out of out against it in deeds." love."—(Reprinted fro n San Fran.. give "Butch" his first bath. Lo and prince, thief or judge. The good every two was killed each year In the future, Milne said, "it is cisco LABOR.) Behold! "Butch" turned out to be members in Santa Maria have and no insurance company would a Collie ptip! proved, by their loving care of insure an electrical worker at any "Chow-down" was immediately "Butch," that man can also be premium. N piped and "Butch" ate his first dog's _hest. friend! _ _ ut out of the conditions came •L R.B• ORDERS ELECTION! ON square meal in a long time. The The reward for the Line Crew- labor unions that b rought decent Line Crewmen passed the hat, men comes from the vigorous bark- wages and hours and working con- CITIZENS UTILITIES PROPE RTIES raised a fund for the pup, and ing and tail-wagging- of "Butch" ditions, not just for union people "Butch" began to enjoy life. After when they come to work in the but for all working people. Just as we go to press, the National Labor Relati ons Board a few weeks of this kind of care, morning. His sad-eyed look at But labor went on from there, has announced that a Representation Election will 1 he became a healthy, active dog night, when all depart, is real proof )e held for Milne said. It fought for child la- again, that there stands a friend! employees of Citizens Utilities Company. The elect on will be • bor laws, for better schools, free held within 30 days of December 14th, the date of the NLRB textbooks and compulsory educa- tion laws. It led the fight for in- directive. spection of factories, mines and The Bargaining Unit, as defined by the Board, b ricludes all Morgan is New AFL Commentator workshops and compulsory sani- employees in the Plant, Traffic, Commercial and A ccounting tary conditions. It fought for re- Departments. Excluded are Supervisors, Chief Ope rators and AFL President George Meany announced this month that Edward P. duction of hours of labor, for the Morgan, famous newscaster, will serve as commentator on the AFL's establishment of workmen's com- the Manager's confidential secretary. radio news program beginning January 3rd. pensation . . The election may be conducted by mailed ballot although The new program will be heard "live" at 7 p.m. Pacific time, Monday "In every legislative battle where through Friday, on more than 175 stations affiliated with the American no information has yet been released on that poin t. the good of the common people Broadcasting Company. Citizens Utilities is the first telephone company to be or- Schedule for California stations the "cold war" in preparation for ganized by Local 1245. The organizational drive was con- is as follows: his new duties. He is a famous ducted by employes of the company, working with Bus. Rep. Bakersfield KMPC foreign correspondent, serving for Andy Bredsteen, Labor Los Angeles KABC nine years with the United Press Al. M. Hansen. Sacramento KFBK in many parts of the world. Mor- Publisher, Mourned San Diego KCBQ gan also worked with Edward R. The death of Andrew H. Bred- San Francisco KGO Murrow on the "Thi'S I Believe" steen, widely known California Massie Returns to PG&E Employment San Bernardino KITO special radio series. He conducted labor publisher, came as a shock to Indio KREO the TV show "Chronoscope" and his many friends this month. Bro. Charles Massie, our pop- have expressed their gratitude for ular business representative in the the fine representation Charlie has Porterville KTIP a half-hour' Sunda? news review "Andy," who has published and Stockton Division, has wound up given them. He has been honored Barstow KWTC called "The World Today." printed 15 labor papers in North- nearly two years as a union repre- at a number of social gatherings Blythe KYOR Mr. Morgan has resigned as Di- ern California for many years, was sentative and is returning to work during the past couple of weeks. All California programs will be rector of News for the CBS net- only 44 years old at the time of his with the PG&E at year's end. Fellow members of the business heard from 7 to 7:15 p.m. work in order to accept the AFL death. He is survived by his widow, staff paid their tributes to Charlie "Mr. Morgan has established an assignment. Connie, and four children. Massie is expecting to return to early this month at the union outstanding reputation for work as a lineman in the Bakers- objet- Meantime, Harry Flannery, who The editors of the UTILITY RE- headquarters. Brother Massie was tive news field area of San reporting and keen anal- has been conducting the AFL's PORTER join with thousands of presented with a gleaming new ysis Joaquin Division, of national and international news program for several months, others in paying our final tribute Toastmaster as a token of the events," where he first declared Mr. Meany. will return to his regular duties to the memory of this outstanding esteem in which he is held by all., Morgan is currently in Europe, as editor of the News-Reporter, friend of the trade union move- started his work gathering background data aboutweekly publication of the AFL. ment. as a union rep- Duties in the Stockton Division resentative. After have been taken over by Bus. Rep. More than a year Al Hansen, who is well known to of, service in San many members in that area. Joaquin, he was The Wives and Local 1245 transferred to the Stockton Division Massie Can a wife and mother AFFORD surely has a direct interest in HOW the aims and purposes of employee Charles early this year. MUCH money -her husband is earn- to be indifferent to her husband's organization. We'd like to straight- Members from all parts of the Union affiliation? Should she en- ing, as well as in how he can en some of these issues out. divisions served by Brother Massie courage his membership and par- INCREASE those earnings. When Junior goes through an- ticipation in the activities of his Local 1245 is now endeavoring to other pair of shoes the money you union? Is that union membership achieve 100 per cent organization set aside for that new bedspread helpful in terms of meeting today's of the employees so that we may must be used. Or, if the family car In This Issue costs of living? These questions strengthen our collective bargain- develops motor trouble the new Season's Greetings Page 2 are bothering a good many wives ing position with the utility com- living room chair you wanted sud- Your Social Security 2 of members of Local 1245 these panies. One of the reasons an em- denly becomes a, "some day" item. Gilroy-Hollister Unit 2 days, according to reports which ployee frequently advances for re- At times like these you begin to Editors Confer 3 come into the business office. fusing to join the union is opposi- think of the means to increase your Oldtimer Retires 3 In most families the wife is tion at home. income. Valley Unit Program 3 charged with the responsibility of If this is so, it must be caused In the "good old days" of small Bus. Manager's Report ft 4 s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g the income to by misinformation about the union employers, with personalized rela- Name Review Corn a 4 over the needs of her family. She or a lack of understanding as to (Continued on Page Three) Salinas Clerical 4 YEAR

PAGE 2 THE UTILITY REPORTER December. 1954

...‘i,,,,‘,.,,,,7,, ,,, ,, The Coast Valleys Research and .. 0 , ---41,- UTILITY ., Nzrzow- Education Corner :!,,,,. . REPORTER Joint Meeting RONALD T. WEAKLEY Editor About 130 good unl on men THE NEW SOCIAL SECURITY LAW (Part 2) GEORGE L. RICE ..... . . . Associate Editor turned out on December 1st for Following our discussion in last month's issue regarding the recent Editorial Board: Frank D. Gilleran, President; George Wagner, a bang-up meeting of Coast Val- 'changes in the Social Security Act, we wish now to present the benefit Grace M. Baker, Herbert C. Macy, Frank Dillon, Howard H. Hill, leys members of Local 1245. De- structure for survivors of a deceased worker, as provided by these Marvin Wagner, Ray D. Reynolds. spite driving rains, and the compe- changes. Published monthly at 1918 Grove street, Oakland 12, Calif., by Local Union tition of TV boxing matches, many 1245 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, A. F. of L. drove 50 miles or more to attend. ° Here are samples of benefits the survivors of workers at various Entered as second-class matter January 22, 1954, at the post office of wage levels will receive: Oakland, California, under the Act of March 3, 1879. Theme of the meeting was the POSTMASTER: Please send Form 3579, Change of Address, to 1918 Grove St., "state of the union" reports given Average Monthly Widow and Widow and Widow and Oakland 12, California. by the officers. President Frank Wage Was: One Child Two Three

Subscription price . . $1.20 per year. Single copies, 10 cents, Gilleran reviewed the progress of $200 $117.80 $157.10 $160.00 the local union and stressed the 250 132.80 177.20 200.00 ,61FP-..2P 0 ® need for complete organization. He 300 147.80 197.10 200:00 also urged those in attendance to 350 162.80 200.00 200.00 stress to their fellow members the i•eetinfd benefits of full participation of all Since the MAXIMUM total payrrient to a surviving family is $200 individual members in the affairs a month, or 80 per cent of the worker's average monthly wage, which- As the old year draws to a close, it is fitting that we pause of the union. ever is LESS, it is obvious that most families will require additional income. The time to start planning for that is NOW. to take stock of our manym benefits. Perhaps the greatest Business Manager Ron Weakley Here is the amount of life insurance or savings you will require to benefit we all enjoy is the comradeship of our friends and pointed out the external dangers supplement the survivor's insurance. These figures are based on savings fellow workers. now facing our union. Brother which earn a moderate rate of interest of about 21/2 per cent. The Christmas season is a happy time, yet happy in a Weakley asked for the under- standing and support of the mem- To provide: Requires about: quiet and thought-provoking way. The constant sound of bers in the making and carrying $ 50 a month for 20 years $ 9,500 Christmas carols, coming from radio, TV and records, induces out of decisions required to pro- 50 a month for 30 years 14,000 a kind of melancholia and yet, not an unhappy kind. tect the best interests of the mem- 100 a month for 20 years 19,000 We all have special memories which flood upon us at this bership. His report also covered 100 a month for 30 years 28,000 season of the year. It may be that first bicycle we ever re- such matters as the "compulsory 37.50 a month for a young wife's lifetime 9,500 open shop" laws, now on the stat- 75.00 a month for wife's lifetime 19,000 ceived, or the first Christmas that Mom was gone. For many ute books of 17 states, craft raid- Assuming you are a typical American wage earner, your average of us, it may even be the depression-born Christmas when ing of industrial unions, and the earnings of $300 a month would give your wife and two children the collective bargaining picture in there were no gifts, nor ,even a gaily decorated tree. But even following benefits: $197.10 a month until the first child reached age 18, other utilities. that kind of Christmas had its benefits, for often we discov- then,147.80 a month until the second child reached 18, then NOTHING ered the true meaning of the phrase "Love thy neighbor as Singled out for special condem- until the widow became 65, at which time she would get $78.90—at the thyself." nation was Otto E. Never, general present rates. Our society may well be more materialistic today than a president of the State Building If your wife is now about 34, and you want to assure her $50 a generation or more ago. But at this one season of the year, Trades Council. Bus, Mgr. Weak- month for 30 years, you would need about $14,000 in insurance to meet ley assured the gathering that the the gap between family needs and the Social Security tignefits. This we can all enjoy the special feeling that comes from giving, threats of Never against Local would then assure your widow of regular income during the period of rather than receiving. It may be that all we have to give is 1245 and the MEW would be met no S. S. payments, before she became 65 years of age. a kind word, a helping hand or a cheery nod. But even this is with solid resistance at both local The average breadwinner, however, has only about $6,000 -of life enough for it proves our interest in the welfare of others. union and International levels. insurance—and that may be spread over several members of the family. Never's recent threat to press for Of course, an actual insurance policy may be substituted for in many The age-old ideal, "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward public power, in an attack on the Men" is more of a reality this year than for many years past. ways. The ownership of a home, or income-producing property, for ex- PG&E, was viewed as a grab for ample. And, in the case of most members of Local 1245, death benefit Yet, we still have American men imprisoned in Communist short-term employment at the ex- and pension plans have conversion features which will give added pro- • dungeons; our fighting forces must stand ready to keep the pense of our members and their tection to a widow. - peace in many lands; and, here at home, we still have hungry jobs, rather than as concern for The cold, hard facts are these: Under present living Costs, a widow the development of natural re- _ families who need our helping hand. We have worthwhile with two children would need about $250 per month to meet moderate community projects which suffer for lack of adequate par- sources and power. living costs. A woman with one child would require about $192.50 a , ticipation. The technological advancements month, and With three children, about $297.50. You, the breadwinner, in the industry and, the resultant will have to make provision for the extra protection. It just isn't there, Thus, the realization of our many personal benefits must impact on the Manpower and pro- as yet, in Social Security benefits. "be tempered by thoughts of those who are less fortunate. ductivity of PG&E were given spe- Analyze your own savings plan or life insurance coverage. Then, it's We can do something about these things. Each of us, in his cial mention in connection with up to you to make your own decision with respect to providing an ade- own way, can do a little more to make this a better world to future bargaining sessions. (See quate income for your family, just in case you should meet an early death. live in. Every helping hand we extend will pay dividends— B. M.'s Report on Page 4.) both ways. Asst. Bus. Mgr. L. L. Mitchell Our prayers, no matter what our faith, are helpful too, elaborated on several points raised if only in terms of personal benefaction. The Prince of Peace, by Weakley and disclosed details Gilroy-Hollister MORE GOOD THAN I of our organizing drive. Mitchell whose one thousand nine hundred and fifty-fourth birthday discussed the need for membership we celebrate this season, is still with us, in spirit. We can all education and the program now Unit Formed BAD IN UNIONS benefit by joining Him, to help make His age-old dream of being prepared by the business of- Pictured here are some of the Palestine, Texas—"There are far fice of our union. members of our newly-formed unit more good things accomplished by ' Peace on Earth come true. number 1514 in the Gilroy-Hollister unions than bad ones," the Pales- Southern Area Executive Board area of Coast Valleys Division. The Member Marvin Wagner greeted unit was officially formed on No- tine Herald Press said in an edi- twit to Sirmic &Ile the gathering and expressed his vember 12. torial. "Generalization regarding appreciation for the visit of the The initial meeting was presided unions is a fault of thinking that The United States Chamber of Commerce is going all out local union officers. Bus. Rep. Ger- over by Bus. Rep. Gerry Moran, divides the people throughout ry Moran served as informal chair- who called for nomination and America." . in its fight against labor unions. In the November issue of man for the evening. election of unit officers. Brother the U.S. Chamber official publication, which bears the ques , Terence P. Drew was chosen Unit The Herald Press said that legiti- The unit officers and committee- mate unions are "as necessary to - tionable title of "Economic Intelligence," there is a sharp men are to be congratulated for Chairman; William Bengard, Vice- Chairman; Gordon S. Hunter, Re- the American economy as is capital attack not only upon labor but on collective bargaining. the excellent arrangements ' and corder; Charles Weddell and Clar- or government. Big industries, it This is what the U.S. Chamber says: "The purpose of col- the fine conduct of their meeting. ence Pritten, Executive Commit- pointed out, cannot deal with , lective bargaining is to destroy individual bargaining, to teemen. thousands of persons who work for them on an individual basis. create a labor monopoly. This enables the labor leader con- Two old confirmed bachelors sat Meetings IN ill alternate between sciously to withhold labor from work, to p .aralyze a company, talking. Their -talk drifted from Gilroy and Hollister each month. "The unions which speak for the an industry, or a whole community, and to insist upon terms politics and finally got around to Initial meeting was held at the mass of men who work make suitable to himself and perhaps his followers." cooking. Said one: Milias Hotel, a landmark in Gilroy. American mass production possible "I got one of the cookery books All General Construction brothers Destroy collective bargaining and bring back individual under the democratic system," the once, but I never could do nothing in the area are cordially invited to newspaper declared. "So it is im- bargaining, that's the U.S._ Chamber's philosophy. That's with it." attend the meetings of Unit 1514, possible to think and be truly anti- why it would smash the unions. Yet, what is individual bar- "Too much fancy work in it, according to Chairman Drew. union. gaining? Ever try bargaining individually with the boss for eh?" We congratulate these members "You said it! Every one of them on the formation of the unit and "Let's have less generalization a raise in wages, for better working conditions, or for a wel- recipes began the same way— extend our best wishes for many about labor unions. There are far fare plan? There is_no such thing as individual bargaining, `Take a clean dish'—and that set- productive and enjoyable meetings more good things accomplished by of course. Without collective bargaining there is only the tled me." in the months ahead. unions than bad ones." decision of the employer and it is final. No individual work- man has- even the slightest economic influence by himself. Only when working people organize in unions do they gain economic power sufficient to force employers to bargain and on occasion, to grant concessions. It is the union, not the individual, which has won the present splendid standard of living Tor the working people of America. In the years to come, the unions will make still more prog- ress for their members, but the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has always opposed all social and economic gains for the common people, will not like it.

Pictured here, on left, are the newly elected officers of Gilroy-Hollister Unit 1514. Some of the members in attendance at the nomination and election meeting are shown in the t right-hand portion of the photo. • December, 1954 THE UTILITY REPORTER PAGE 3 Fresno— THE WIVES AND LOCAL UNION 1245 Round and Ocut (Continued from P..ge One) 1245 was selected as bargaining Another Valley tionships with the boss, rt was pos- representative: Government offi- sible to bargain individually for a cials are elected by a simple ma- jority OF THOSE WHO CAST Highly interesting statement UNUSUAL "FUNERAL" Oldtkner Retires wage increase when you needed THEIR VOTES; a union must be printej, on the cover of the union One of our brothers who retired The Basque Hotel in Fresno was more money. Today, with huge cor- selected by a majority OF THOSE agreement between the I.B.E.W. from the San Diego Gas and Elec- the scene of a party given for porations employing thousands of ELIGIBLE TO CAST A VOTE. This and the Alabama Power Company: tric Company conducted a most un- Brother F. B. Hoover early this workers, such relationships are un- thinkable. Thus, collective bargain- legal requirement certainly makes -"There can be no operating con- usual "funeral" last month. Bro. month. Hoover is due for retire- ing—the process of chosen repre 7 for a more democratic selection dition which justified our employees Guy Neal, a 44-year employe of ment at the end of the year. sentatives bargaining on behalf of than is required to elect a con- taking the slightest chance in per- the company, held graveside serv- Brother Hoover, born in Mon- hundreds or thousands of workers gressman! forming their work. We want them ices at which his friends helped tague, Texas in 1899, commenced —enters the picture. Members of Local 1245 elect their always to take the safe way, even him bury his alarm clock and lunch working for the PG&E Company officers each two years by secret, though our service may suffer pai,l! We bet there are many, many Collective bargaining is really mail ballot. The officers chosen are thereby, or our costs be increased." utility workers who would like to just the extension of the basic prin- then guided in the administration The statement appears over the hold that kind of funeral! We hope ciples and practices of democracy of the union's affairs by recom- Signature of J. M. Barry, an official Bro. Neal enjoys sleeping late into industry. The prime objective mendations of the members who of the Alabama Power Company. every morning—and doesn't get too of bargaining is to secure the fat from eating hot lunches each equitable distribution of the pro- attend the 90 unit meetings which GILLERAN SPEAKS day! ceeds of production. The participa- are conducted each month in all The 130 members in attendance tion of all concerned — workers, sections of our jurisdiction. This is ARE YOU THE 1? union representatives and manage- the place for each member to par- at the Coast Valleys Joint meeting, One out of four of you readers held in Salinas on December 1st, ment—is necessary for the success- ticipate in the formulation of policy will some day have cancer. And a ful operation of this process. and program for his union. Nat- met President Frank Gilleran for quarter of you will die needlessly the first time. Pres. Gilleran ex- The presentation of demands for urally, only those who attend meet- because, with present knowledge, iAgs can make their voices heard. pressed his gratification for the you could be saved—IF the disease improved wages and related bene- large turnout. Members had trav- fits requires a great deal of eco- Members who stay at home, or non- could be detected in time. members who have not yet joined eled from all sections of the Divi- So reports the California Division nomic research before the process sion to attend the meeting. of negotiating can begin. Any de- the union, will have their wages, of the American Cancer Society in working conditions and general Bro. Joe Grain and the refresh- a recent statement. They urge mand, to be deserving of real con- sideration, must be _substantiated welfare determined to a large ex- ment committee of the Salinas unit 'every man and woman to watch tent by their fellow employees who served sandwiches, pickles, olives, by facts and figures. As our econ- for the "7 danger signals" which dp attend union meetings. donuts, coffee and "the works" to might indicate the presence of omy grows and becomes more com- This is where you wives and the gang after the meeting. Several cancer. plex new areas of bargaining •are mothers come in. We'd like to have lucky members won attendance They are: (1) Any sore that does F. B. HOOVER opened. Negotiating for such gains you direct your questions about awardi, such as turkeys, a fifth of not heal; (2) A lump or thickening as a -guaranteed annual wage or in June, 1929. He has been a fa- any aspect of the union which puz- you-know-what, case of beer and a in the breast or elsewhere; (3) Un- comprehensive medical - and dental miliar figure around the properties zles you to our headquarters. We bottle of vintage wine. usual bleeding or discharge; (4) benefit plans requires the services ever since. will do our best to give you honest Any change in a wart or mole; of experts. Obviously, these func- OAKLAND STEWARD RETIRES An active church worker in his and complete - answers. On the (5) Persistent indigestion or diffi- tions cannot be undertaken by one Bro. Ben Buck, First Operator community, Hoover also likes to other hand, if the claim that "op- culty in swallowing; (6) Persistent individual worker because of the tinker with cars—and is known as position at home" keeps employees and Shop Steward at Station "L" hoarseness or cough; (7) Any cost and time requirements. The a good carpenter as well. from joining the union or attend- in Oakland, is retiring this month change in normal bowel habits. union, financed by the members' after more than 25 years of com- Master of Ceremonies at the Re- ing meetings is not true, we'd like The Society points out that these dues payments, is able to hire pany service. tirement Party was L. R. Stubble- trained people to perform spe- to know that too. symptoms may not mean cancer— field. Bro. Hoover was presented his Bro. Buck has always been a firm cialized tasks. We hope you will encourage but they should always mean a trip 25-year service pin and a leather believer in a trade union. He was your bread winner to take his to your doctor. wallet, gifts from the PG&E, by The only means of achieving among the first to join an organi- these gains today are through col- rightful place in the union. He is UNION SMOKES H. W. Herman. A fine Sealy Postur- zation called the Maintenance and lective action—the action of many your direct representative in the A. F. of L. Tobacco Workers pedic mattress set, the gift of his Operators Union many years ago. workers banded together into a constant struggle to make ends Union issued a report on the major many friends, was presented by When the IBEW organized the- union. But a union, just as any meet. And the union, in turn, is cigarette brands this month. Ac- T. G. Hill. And just to keep on with PG&E, Bro. Buck again was one other service organization, must be the organization of his fellow em- cording to the union, Viceroy, presentations, H. F. "Stiny" Har- of the first to join and has always supported and maintained. The ployees which is best equipped to Lucky Strike, Chesterfield, L.M.'s, ris presented him his "old" tools. been a solid union supporter. larger the percentage of the total perform the difficult task of col- Philip Morris, Old Gold, Raleigh Happy Birthday was sung by The brothers at Station "L" re- group participating, the stronger lective bargaining. and Kools are all union made. Harry Shirley, accompanied on the port that the place just won't be becomes the union and the greater A partially organized union can- Major brands which are NON- piano by Bus. Rep. Scott Wads- the same without Bro. Buck. But- the benefits for all. This, in essence, not realize its maximum potential UNION include Camel, Cavalier worth, who serves the San Joaquin - they all join in wishing him the is the means of true collective of strength in dealing with an em- and Winston. Division. best of everything in whatever he action. ployer. A 100 per cent organization SANTA ROSA CLERICAL The 72 friends present at the Chooses to do. We are reasonably sure that any- of all eligible workers, on the other Bus. Reps. Elmer Bushby and party reported a wonderful evening The replacement shop steward one who will be affected by the hand, is a strong and effective bar- Fred Lucas journeyed to Santa —and a rousing send-off for Bro. for B.ro. Buck has not, as yet, been sharing of the product of his-labor gaining agency. And it takes a Rosa on' Dec. 17th (Pearl Harbor Hoover. - announced. will wish to be able to help deter- strong, intelligently administered Day!) to meet with more than a The Editors of UTILITY RE- mine the nature of the distrilnftion. agency to enable you to purchase S.D. DAY DEC. 15th dozen Clerical employes of PG&E. PORTER hope that Bro. Hoover This is where a union is most Junior's shoes AND that new bed- Chairman Walt Morris, Belmont The session was devdted to explana- will enjoy many happy years of effective. spread. 'Whether you realize it or Unit 1512, reports that his group tions of the Clerical contract and a retirement. The union is the voice of all the not, you wives are a vital factor in observed "Safe Driving Day" a bit series of tluestions and answers workers presenting their claims the operation of your husbands' early this year. A fine safetyfilm, concerning the administration of for a rising standard of living, and union. "And Then There Were Four" was Local 1245. BLS Reports for , job and wage protection, shown to members at the Novem- The group in Santa Rosa is very through representatives of their ber meeting by Mr. Clarence Asp- interested in organizing their own own choosing. Local 1245, formed lund. The members enjoyed the unit—and in expanding our mem- Utilities Safer by employees of the utility com- picture—and left the meeting more bership among the Clerical em- Not too many years ago, many Valley Units panies in Northern California, was resolved than ever to observe safe ployes in North Bay Division. electric and gas utility workers selected by - driving practices. Good Luck! the workers to perform could not obtain any form of life these functions. insurance, due to the unusual haz- Consider for a moment, if you, ards of the trades. This picture, Report Progress will, the manner in which Local Santa Barbara— fortunately, has changed consider- Ken Barnes, in reporting for ably for the better as the industry SMUD, announces the return to has expanded. duty of several members who had The U. S. Department of Labor Fire Alarm Operator LABOR EDITORS CONFER ON been hospitalized or ill at home. ref:port, "Work Injuries in the Among the returnees are Bros. United States, 1953," contains some Exam Soon in Oakland Bob Bacon, Leo Stanley, Lloyd heartening data. The report dis, Applications are being accepted COMING PRESS BATTLES Up to December 29th for the posi- Bowles and Basil Clark of the closes that- employees of privately tion of Fire Alarm Operator, City operating department, and Orsin The big job for labor editors in by Prof. Fred Breier of the Univer- owned gas and electric utilities had Winn, W. Redington, D. Emery the coming year, it is generally sity of San Francisco, Mrs. Helen an injury-frequency rate of 9.9, of Oakland. Applicants must file and Fred Turk of the clerical agreed, is to lead the fight against Nelson of the California Division while those employed by state or in person at Room 323, City Hall, must have lived in California for group. the fraudulent "Right to Work" of Labor Statistics and Research, municipally owned utilities -sus- All the sick members were re- measures which will be proposed in and Miss Phillis Beattie, Informa- tained a rate of 15.5. (Injury- at least one year, and not have ported as pleased to receive "get many states. This was the con- tion Chief, U.S. Bureau of Labor frequency rate is the average reached their 60th birthday. ' Salary range for the position is well" cards from members of our sensus of some 75 labor editors, Statistics, Western Region. Adap- number of disabling work injuries $415-$445 per month. Duties in- SMUD unit. newspaper advisory committeemen tation of economic data to the for each million employee-hour elude operation and testing of fire r Bus. Rep. Al Hansen announces and specialists who attended the every-day needs of the labor editor e IOr • alarm, telephone, and signal sys- the success of an organizing meet- Fifth Annual Labor Press Con- was the central theme of these dis- mere fraction of the injury-fre- ing with the tree trimmers em- ference late last month. cussions. quency rate common among utili- tems; record and report keeping, and related work. ployed by SMUD. Several men The AFL editors debated at Joe DeSilva, Business Manager ties a generation ago—when one Minimum qualifications needed joined Local 1245 at the initial length the most effective means of of Retail Clerks Local 770, Los out of every two linemen, for in- are graduation from high school meeting and all the others have presenting the story of the "Com- Angeles, and Leonard Shane, ad- stance, suffered injury or death. and four years of experience in indicated their intention of joining pulsory Open Shop" battle to their vertising agency executive, dis- The average utility worker who the electrical trades, one of which in the immediate future. readers. Several arguments pro and cussed the role of television in suffered disabling injuries lost 18Q - Members employed by Sacra- con, prepared by the experts from communicating with union mem- work days per case. But only 1.7 must have involved construction, U.C.L.A., were analyzed by the bers. operation and maintenance of tele- mento City Lines have combined per , cent of workers injured suf- graph, telephone, or fire alarm their unit with the SMUD group. group. Most agreed that the prin- Local 770 has sponsored a weekly fered death or permanent total equipment. Joint meetings are now being held cipal arguments which can be most TV show in Los Angeles for several disability, while 94.4 per cent sus- effectively used in exposing the years. Many The fire alarm operators and for members of these units. The members of that union tained temporary total disability. other employees of the Oakland City of Lodi Unit advises that they Union-busting proposals relate to are convinced that TV is the out- The remaining 3.9 per cent sus- the economic benefits for employ- Department of Electricity are rep- are now meeting jointly with the standing present-day medium for tained permanent partial disability. resented Local 1245. Lodi members who are employed ers and the misleading title, "right union public relations. The docu- The data was gathered from 141 by to work." by PG&E. mentary series, "Without Fear," privately-owned gas and electric The Citizens Utilities organizing Amusing "sidelight of the confer- sponsored by the California Ma- utilities which employ 379,875 ence was the presentation of Rob- drive is nearly completed, accord- chinists, AFL, was cited as an out- workers; 87 state and locally Vets' Job Rights ert S. Ash, Alameda County Labor Washington (PAI)—The Depart- ing to reports from the far north. standing example of what unions owned utilities reported for 15,533 All the eligible employees but nine Council Secretary, who acted the can effectively do with the me- employees. ment of Labor has just completed part of a Chamber of Commerce dium of TV. a new Handbook on veterans' re- have joined Local 1245. They are spokesman. Ash, long-time AFL The conference was jointly spon- Ed Warren and Dr. Art Carstens employment rights. The Handbook now eagerly awaiting the decision spokesman, did an excellent job of sored by the State A. F. of L., un- and members of their staff. answers some 476 questions about of the National Labor Relations pointing up the vicious type of der direction of President Thomas Bus. Mgr. Ron Weakley, Asst. veterans' joir rights and the text Board regarding the representa- propaganda used by some manage- Pitts and Research Director John Bus. Mgr. L. L. Mitchell and Re- of all re-employment rights stat- tion election. Meantime, a com- ment interests in their attempts F. Henning, and the Institute of search . Director Geo. L. Rice, all of utes now in effect. It sells for 40 mittee of Citizens Utilities' "em- to stifle labor unions. Industrial Relations of U.C.L.A. Local 1245, participated in the cents at the Government Printing ployees is progressing rapidly in Special presentations were given The college was represented by Dr. conference. Office. the drafting of contract proposals. PAGE 4 THE UTILITY REPORTER December, 1954 youR Business Manager's By RONALD T. WEAKLEY REPORT An interesting address was given price cuts and wage increases in tremendous, and its impact on the before the New England Bank those industries where technolog- working people has been widely Management Conference in Bos- ical progress is rapid. This, he noted. With a rapidly expanding ton, Mass., on October 29th. The points out, will be necessary to population and work force, produc- speaker was the distinguished Har- increase consumer buying because tion is being increased with a re- vard professor, Dr. Sumner H. the general price level shows no duction of human labor. Slichter, who spoke about "Pros- drop, despite increases in the over- In our own union, and in our pective Changes in the Economic all efficiency of industry. employers' operations, we - see pro- Trend." From Dr. Siichter's analysis, we duction and labor balances being would deduce that the balance changed every day. Our answer In his address, Dr. Slichter re- necessary for a stable economy is must be to seek productivity in- viewed the 10-month period from being upset by increased produc- creases for a reduced work force. the first of this year and reported tivity. without compensation to . the The basis for this is due to both that personal incomes, which con- consumers and the workmen af- the overall increase in efficiency The photographer played a dirty trick on us! The two stitute consumer buying power, fected. on a company-wide scale and in- attractive gals are barely visible, over the shoulders of the and industrial production had both The First International Automa- equities which result from changes men. Anyway, these members are active with the Salinas remained at about the same levels tion Exposition was held recently in specific operations and classifi- Clerical unit. as in the preceding year. He in New York City. Automation cations. pointed out that this static position machines which perform the work When we go beyond the confines of total output and total expendi- of human beings were exhibited. of our jurisdiction and look to the ture is unusual in the American The Exposition management offi- national economy, which vitally economy, cially defined automation as "the affects every one of us, we must SALINAS CLERICAL GEARED Looking to the future, Dr. Slich- substitution Of mechanical, hy seek another answer. ter sees an expansion in produc- pneumatic, electrical and-draulic, The only logical answer appears tion, rather than a reduction, and electronic devices for human or- to be a reduction in the hours of TO TOTAL ORGANIZATION cites various factors which would gans of observation, decision and work in order to spread the avail- Brother Milton Shaw, Salinas completely satisfied with the pro- seem to support his case. effort, so as to increase productiv- able work force. This would oper- Clerical Unit Chairman, advises us visions now in force. When he gets down to purchas- ity, control quality and reduce ate to reduce unemployment and that the Unit Executive Commit- As one of the members points ing power in relation to expanded cost." to maintain consumer purchasing tee has been meeting frequently out, "Total organization means a production, he sees the need for Progress in this field has been power. ' The fact that we are a to map plans for total organiza- concerted action by all—not just a healthier nation and that we live tion of all clerical employees in the few voices calling in the wilderness. longer compounds the problem. Division headquarters. The Coast We may not be able to set the Some have suggested another al- Valleys organizational program is world- on fire, but, by lighting our MEMORANDUM TO: ternative, that of earlier retire- now under way as a part of the candle in concert with all the ment. local union's organizational cam- others, we will be heard. Organized labor sees the 8-hour paign which kicked off this month. "Stop and think," she continued, day and the week becom- Clerical members in Salinas be- "Management does not grant con- Organizing Committees ing outmoded in modern industrial lieve that their fellow workers all cessions to the few, but it will society. The immediate future of yield to the deniands of zeal." (Editor's Note: The article below was prepared by Ed White, Sub-station Operator over the PG&E System would like in East Bay Division, and long active in union affairs. While it is mainly addressed. our country will bring a new age to have a job bidding procedure, Bus. Rep. Moran reports that an -to Clerical organizing groups, it is pertinent reading material for every member who in machines and we must gear our added attraction of the organiza- is detormined to help strengthen our union.) similar to that now in use for the It may be helpful to point out, during our organizing drive, that people to it or we will have real physical forces. Best way to attain tional meetings, many of which are working people have only had the legal right to organize into unions trouble. this goal, they point out, is to join held in Bro. Shaw's home, is the While we cannot and should not during 'recent years. Collective bargaining with employers is a relatively Local Union 1245, to participate in tasty pie, cake and coffee sessions resist mechanization, which is so new activity for workers. the unit meetings, and let your which are provided by Mrs. Shaw. vital to progress, we feel that the In June, 1935, the Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act) was voice be heard. The failure on the first consideration is its effects on passed by the U. S. Congress. In April, 1937, this Act was unexpectedly part of many clerical employes to human beings—particularly those declared Constitutional by the U. S. Supreme Court — a real boon for do just this, they believe, leads who are members of our union. workers. The preamble of this important law states, in part . . . . management to believe they are We call upon industry to seriously Stone, James on "by encouraging the practice and procedure of collective bargaining and by protecting the exercise by workers of full freedom of association, consider this problem and to plan self-organization and designation of representatives of their own now for providing a just share of the profits accruing from mechan- choosing." Gil Barthold Retires ization and increased productivity. Rev. Committee The need for unionization had present high level of wages and been expressed very effectively conditions. • Brothers Russell Stone, Moss many years before the NLRB be- It is well known that Physical Salinas Landing Steam Plant, and Ed. came,the law of the land. The late workers set about organizing a James, Ukiah Electric Department, Chief Justice Wm. Howard Taft, Union immediately after approval were named' as Union members to of the U.S. 'Supreme Court, in a of the Wagner Act. They were Veteran Succumbs the System Review Committee this decision in 1921 defined the need beset, however, with a serious ob- Brother Chester F. Abbott, mem- week. They will assume the respon- for unions as clearly as it has ever stacle—the Company Union. It took ber of Salinas Unit 1211 who re- sibilities of this assignment in been expressed: "they (Labor four years-1937 to 1941—for bona tired from PG&E less than a month January. Unions) were organized out of the fide Unions to clear the properties ago, passed away last week. Bro. Both Stone and James were necessity of the situation. A single of Company unions. It took another Abbott, who had just reached his members of the Union's System employee was helpless in dealing three years before unions became 65th year, was retired on Novem- Negotiating Committee for the with an employer. He was depen- established on the PG&E System ber 17, 1954. PG&E bargaining sessions during dent ordinarily on his daily wage and the first contract was nego- A native-born Californian, Bro. the past year. They are well idr the maintenance of himself and tiated. Abbott had spent his entire lifetime equipped for their new duties due family. If the employer refused to Unfortunately, the Physical in the Salinas Valley. He was to their knowledge of the union pay him the wage that he thought workers were divided. About 60 widely known in the community, contract. fair, he was nevertheless unable to per cent organized into IBEW, A. having been active in a number of Leaving the Committee are leave the employ and resist arbi- F. of Li. and 40 per cent organized civic and fraternal organizations. Brothers Ray Michael, East Bay trary and unfair treatment. Union into the UWUA, CIO. Abbott is survived by his widow, Division, and Leonard Gehringer, was essential to give laborers op-: Mrs. Ruth Abbott, who resides in Coast Valleys Division. Michael PortanitY to deal on terms of In 1950, a contest was held be- Pictured here, with his working Salinas; and by daughters Mrs. has served for more than 2 years equality with their employer. They tween the rival factions to deter- equipment, is Brother Gilbert mine which union was to be sole Thomas Storm and Mrs. Andrew and Gehringer has about a year of -united to exert influence upon him Barthold, Senior Service Operator Christensen. He also is mourned by service. and to leave him in a body in order collective bargaining represents- in Stockton, who is due for retire- two brothers. The union is especially grateful by this inconvenience to induce him tive. The IBEW won the election, ment at year's end. The members of Local 1245 ex- to these two men for the fine work to make better_ terms with them. but the UWUA was not satisfied. tend deepest sympathy to Mrs. Ab- Brother Barthold's picture has they have performed while serving They were withholding their labor A second system-wide election was bott and the family of our -late appeared before now in the UTIL- on the Committee. They have given of economic value to make him pay held in 1952, and the IBEW won Brother Chester Abbott. ITY REPORTER. He was chosen as most generously of their time and what they thought it was worth. againag . • Steward of the Month more than energy, and have argued for the The right to combine for such a Prior to 1952, the Clerical forces a year ago, on the basis of his out- representatives of our own choos- union's position on a number of lawful purpose has in many years were also divided. CIO held bar- ing, for collective bargaining with standing contributions to the prog- highly important top-level griev- not been denied by any Court." gaining rights in East Bay-and S.F. ress of our union. Needless to say, our employer, is a right that cli- ances. The Wagner Act assured labor of Divisions, while IBEW represented every union member in the area maxed more than a century of The System Review Committee this right which "has not in many the Clerical workers in Shasta, will be sorry to see Gil leave. struggle by working people. Let's is the final step of our grievance years been denied by any Court" Colgate, Humboldt, Sacramento However, Bro. Gil has plenty of procedure with the PG&E. Griev- for the first time in our history. and Coast Valleys Divisions. The you and I never cease to bring home to all the importance of our things planned for his "retired ance cases sent up from the Divi- When the Act was amended by System-wide Clerical election was basic, lawful right to organize. days." First of all, he's just a bride- sional levels are resolved by this passage of the Taft-Hartley, se- held in 1952. IBEW received more groom, as those things go. Gil, long It is only by organizing every Committee, or, failing agreement, rious restrictions were enacted, but votes than CIO—but not a me known as a confirmed bachelor, employe in the bargaining unit that the cases are prepared for a Board the right to•organize still remains jority of all votes cast. In the run- was married in 1951 to the charm- we can gain the wages and work- of Arbitration. in effect. off election that followed, IBEW ing Martha Spicer. So, one might ing conditions we are entitled to. We have to keep in mind the Local 1245 won by a substantial say, the marriage is just getting Let's get together and do that job. three principal groups of Cleiical majority. started. The Devil was always challeng- employes whom we are to organ- In looking back, we see that the And a host of hunting lodge, rod ing St. Peter to a game of base- ize—those who are willing to ride Physical workers of PG&E have and gun club and rifle club mem ball, but St. Peter never took him free, those who are afraid of the taken full advantage of the legal berships is certain to keep Gil busy. up, Finally, the Dodgers, the Giants boss, and those who are simply in- right to organize. They have built He is an ardent duck hunter and and the Yanks all went to heaven. different. The union-minded Cleri- a strong union and have aided the really knows where to find them So naturally St. Peter called up cal employes, of course, have Clerical workers in obtaining such when the average hunter isn't hav- the Devil. joined us long ago. It will be help- gains as elimination of sex and ing any luck. "Now I'll play you that game of ful to explain to the unorganized area differentials, general wage in- Gil is still president of the Rob- baseball," he said. the basic legal right, set forth creases and many more benefits. erts Island Rifle Club, and has been "You'll lose," said the Devil. above, which gave us the impetuslWe know that the Clerical workers for more than 30 years. "You'll lose." to organize both Physical and won the NLRB election—but many Bro. Barthold has worked for "What makes you so sure we'll Clerical workers—and to attain the have shown little willingness to lose?" PG&E* and its predecessor com- join and help build their union. - panies, for 42 years. His entire ca- "Because," laughed the Devil, In areas where organizing has reer has been in the Gas Depart- "we got all the umpires down here!" been tried by home contacts, there ment, where, for the past 12 years, (From Phone Workers' Bulletin, has been a considerable degree of he has been "THE" Senior Service IBEW Local 399.) success. Therefore, let's you and I Operator. of the Physical and the Clerical The UTILITY REPORTER is es- In 1791 Philadelphia carpenters membership utilize this method in pecially proud to again have the struck unsuccessfully in May for a ALL areas of our lurisdiction. In opportunity to congratulate Bro. '10-hour.day and additional pay for this manner, we will complete our Gilbert Barthold. This time we say, f overtime. This was the first re- organization drive. "Yeah—they're putting in some "Best of everything to you and corded strike of workers in the The right to organize and select more automatic substations:" I your bride in the days ahead;" biulding trades.