The AFL-CIO ■ the California Labor Federation ■ IBEW Local 1245

Vol. 49 • No. 2 February 2000

Unity Is Strength

UtilityRe orter 58 PBEW LOCAL 1245 • AFL CIO

Millionaires IBEW warns DOE that downsizing take aim at has compromised service reliability

working folks ocal 1245 Business Manager Jack Power Outage Study Team in McNally told federal energy regu- Burlingame. L lators last month that utility The budget crunch retards needed workforce reductions contributed to maintenance activity and pressures a spate of power outages last year and utilities to reduce training, McNally warned that it will take a proactive said. public sector to assure electric reliabil- "This puts us on a collision course ity in the dawning era of competitive where reduced maintenance inevita- markets. bly leads to bigger reliability prob- McNally's testimony came in the lems, but with fewer skilled employ- first of three public ees to respond to meetings sponsored by Text of McNally's testimony these emergencies." appears on Page 2 the Department of En- McNally's con- McNally testifies at DOE hearing. ergy last month to ex- cerns were echoed Prop. 25 lets amine recent electric reliability prob- by IBEW officials at subsequent 1.■•=l■E millionaires spend more lems and look for solutions. hearings in New Orleans and New- on political campaigns, "As utilities struggle to stay in some ark, NJ. GRC delayed...again but curbs spending aspect of the electric service busi- James Hunter, president of IBEW by labor unions ness, they will continue to see Local 1900, testified in Newark that The CalifomiaPublicUtilffiesCommission utility staffing levels had declined delayed its decision on the PG&E General downsizing as a quick fix for their Rate Case until Feb. 17. Meanwhile, See Pages 8-9 cost control problems. Unfortu- 34% in New York and 30% in New Commissioner Carl Wood has issued an nately, some regulators are abetting Jersey, two states hard hit by outages alternate proposed decision that would this process by chiseling away at the in 1999. provide additional revenues to PG&E. Vote March 7! utilities' budgets, in effect encourag- Hunter said the IBEW supports See Page 18 ing utilities to adopt bare bones operations," McNally told the DOE Page 17 Of

NCPA votes 53-1 for union Conference on PG&E clerical issues

mployees of the Northern Cali- "The employees felt powerless," said On Saturday, February 26, Clerical union stewards from PG&E fornia Power Agency (NCPA) Local 1245 organizer Junior Ornelas. will gather in Sacramento to examine issues affecting Clerical Evoted overwhelmingly on Jan. 19 "Issues like downsizing, favoritism, a members in the wake of utility restructuring. for representation by IBEW Local lack of respect, and the threat of being Among the issues considered will be Title 19 rights, including 1245. `sold out' in the deregulation frenzy wage protection, rehire rights, "a" rights, the sequence of NCPA, which employs electricians, made them realize that they needed consideration for filling vacancies or bumping another employee, mechanics, instrument and control the collective strength and expertise how to determine job qualifications, and how meter reader jobs fit into the equation. technicians and other classifications, is offered by Local 1245." The conference will also focus on relevant regulatory a consortium of municipalities with Conducting the organizing drive, developments, including the CPUC decision in the PG&E General interests in hydro facilities, steam units along with Ornelas, were Local 1245 Rate Case, PG&E Employee Assistance Program, PG&E benefits, at the Geysers, and gas-fired turbines. Organizer Bill Brill, Business Rep. and personal money management tips. The employees voted 53 to 1 in Roy Runnings, and staffattorney Tom favor of IBEW representation. Dalzell.

Feature Ins California Primary Election Voters' Guide 7-13 Dunkin Point of View Outside Construction Retires 3 Needed: Proactive Public Sector 2 Apprentices Picnic 15

Sierra Pacific Call to Action PG&E General Rate Case The Investigator 5 Prop. 25 Poses Threat 8 Wood's Alternative 18

NTS POINTVVIEW

February 26 PG&E Clerical Conference Reliable service requires Sacramento, CA proactive public sector Stewards Conference & Pin Dinner Eureka, CA By Jack McNally, Business Manager

Stewards Conference & Pin Dinner Salinas, CA The following is excerpted from In 1996, the California Legislature reforms...has lagged behind eco- Jack McNally's testimony to the De- Service Awards enacted AB 1890, the Electric Re- nomic reforms in the electric indus- partment of Energy Power Outage structuring law. Once again, reliabil- try." I suggest a simple reason for Pacifica, CA Study Team, Jan. 20, 2000, in Burlingame. ity was virtually ignored. It was la- this lag: the economic players push- March 18 bor who insisted that language be ing electric restructuring have no Stewards Conference Let's start with the basics. The inserted into the law assuring ad- allegiance to the broader public in- Sacramento, CA fundamental purpose of an electric equate supplies of electric genera- terest. The market is not equipped to system is to provide safe and reliable tion. We took active steps to protect address reliability issues. It will take power. Electric systems also create the consumers' interest in reliable a proactive public sector to safe- Service Awards profits, employ utility workers, and power at a time when no one else guard reliability, and I hope this in- Santa Rosa, CA provide j obs for regulators. But none seemed to even be aware that reli- vestigation by the DOE turns out to March 25 of these other factors matter very ability was a critical issue. be a step in that direction. Stewards Conference much if the system is unable to de- Even with this law now on the So how do we safeguard reliabil- Reno, NV liver power. books, the ISO is -under pressure ity? In the past, utilities brought a This point may seem obvious, from various quarters to modify its flexible approach to maintenance. In March 31 but a lot of people have managed to priorities, which raises the possibil- general, maintenance was performed Service Awards overlook it. In 1994, the California ity that reliability concerns may be as needed, although other spending Napa, CA Public Utilities Commission issued subordinated to the economic inter- priorities would influence the amount its "blue book" proposal for electric ests of various other market players. of resources made available for April 7 restructuring. There wasn't one word Your report notes that "the devel- maintenance in any given year. For Service Awards opment of reliability management the most part utilities had enough Marysville, CA of concern about service reliability. employees to maintain the system and to respond to outages and emergencies in a timely fashion. UtilityReporter But this approach is fading into

APPOIN TMENTS411 February 2000 history, and it will be up to public Vol. 49 No. 2 regulators to insure that it is replaced 1111WAINESTE. UODFI 0314.41CATIONS .45:13C Circulation: 25,300 with something that works at least as well. Reliability is not a theoretical CONFERENCES & CONVENTIONS Business Manager & Published monthly at 3063 Citrus Executive Editor Circle, Walnut Creek, California problem: it is a real problem with real Open World Conference Jack McNally 94598. Official publication of Local consequences. Your own report Hunter Stern Union 1245, International Brother- Millie Phillips Communications Director & documents the scope ofthe problem, hood of Electrical Workers, AFL- Dave Walters Managing Editor citing outages last year in New York, C10, P.O. Box 4790, Walnut Creek, Robin David Eric Wolfe the South-Central states and Chi- CA 94596. Jeff Schlocker President cago. We've had our own experi- Howard Stiefer Periodical postage paid at Walnut IBEW Utility Conference ences with outages here in California. Creek and at additional mailing Jack McNally Clearly a reliability problem ex- Executive Board offices. USPS No. 654640, ISSN No. Howard Stiefer Jim McCauley ists. And I think workforce reduc- Jim McCauley 0190-4965. E. L. "Ed" Mallory tions account for a big part of that Darrel Mitchell Anna Bayless POSTMASTER: Please send Form John Mendoza Chris Habecker problem. In the United States, In- 3579, Change of Address, and all Anna Bayless Kathy F. Tindall correspondence to Utility Reporter, vestor Owned Utilities have Mike Grill John Mendoza downsized the workforce substan- Chris Habecker P.O. Box 4790, Walnut Creek, CA Larry Pierce Treasurer 94596. tially in anticipation ofrestructuring Ray Thomas Michael J. Davis and competition. Between 1990 and 1998, the utility workforce shrunk Coalition of Labor Union Women Single copies $1. Subscription by arrangement. Have you moved recently? Dorothy Fortier Please send complete new address and your Social Security Number (by U.S. by 127,507 electric department em- Kathy Tindall Mail) to: "Address Change", IBEW Local 1245, P.O. Box 4790, Walnut Creek, ployees, almost 27%. In California, CA 94596. Our Web Site can be viewed at www.IBEW1245.com . Our phone number is (925) 933-6060. Page 17

2 Utility. hen Richard Dunkin retired said Dunkin did his job by the book. from the Local 1245 staff on "He ran his area the way the contract W Jan. 7, he left a legacy that called for. He made sure all the jobs linemen can appreciate: he protected were run by the contract." their work. Although best known for his work Dunkin Dunkin, who worked out of the in Outside Construction, Dunkin held union's Southern Dispatch office in other union assignments early in his Riverside, Ca., has represented Local career. He was first hired by Business protected 1245 members in Outside Construc- Manager L.L. Mitchell in September tion since the late 1980s. A major part of 1976 and assigned to the Diablo of his responsibility was defending District of the East Bay Division of linemen's linemen's work, whether against en- Pacific Gas & Electric, where he rep- Dunkin retired Jan. 7, 2000 croachment by non-union forces or resented Physical and Clerical em- jurisdictional disputes within the ployees as well as the steam generation work IBEW. power plants in the East Bay Division. "Over the years he's worked very After a year he returned to PG&E, hard to protect the jurisdiction for the but was brought back to the union At PG&E he served as a steward and linemen," said Business Manager Jack staff by Business Manager Jack on the Division Joint Grievance Com- McNally. "That's an on-going and McNally in 1986. Dunkin was as- mittee. very tough job, protecting the signed to the Kern and King Districts With a ready smile and husky laugh, linemen's work." of PG&E's San Joaquin Division, as Dunkin stood out in a crowd. He was Jeff Johnstone, Advisory Council well as Pipeline Operations in a master of one-liners, but it took member for Outside Construction, Kettleman, Hinkley and Topock, more than wit to master an assign- Davey Tree in San Joaquin and Kern ment as large as Outside Construc- Districts, Lindmore Irrigation Dis- tion. trict, and CP National in Needles. "You only have one guy taking care Dunkin hired on at PG&E in 1967, of more than 500 people in a large shortly after serving a four-year stint as geographical area," said Johnstone. 1999 an inflight refueling specialist for the "It's a big job." tETIRENIENT PARTY Air Force's Strategic Air Command. But it was a job that Dunkin put his RICHARD DUNKIN heart into, according to Johnstone. "He cared about the members and made the extra effort to take care of Dunkin was honored at a farewell party the members. He always did an excel- at the dispatch office in Riverside, Ca., lent job for the hands." where he worked as Outside Similar sentiments were expressed Construction Business Rep. for over a decade. The cake featured—what would by McNally. you expect?—construction equipment. "I think he's done one hell of a job over the years for Outside Construc- tion. Dunkin was a long-time friend. I'm going to miss him," McNally said.

-0 0 F1 u P s!

Members honor Dunkin at retirement party in Riverside.

February 2000 3 4 utility privatization ofthepowersector police raidedherresidence.Other wife ofajuniorengineer,said press reports.VandanaChugh, employees, accordingtoIndian measures adoptedagainstthe were angeredbyoppressive would leadtolossofjobs. hospitals, banksandgovernment the stategovernmentcalledin were arrested. how privatizationoftheindustry month aftermountingamassive Uttar Pradeshwerearrestedlast workers intheIndianstateof houses fourtimesaday. constables hadenteredtheir families ofthestriking offices. failures hitwatersupplysystems, army engineerstorunthepower villages inIndia'smostpopulous plunged hundredsoftownsand the periodtheywereout. free nearly7,000otherswho reinstate thetwo-thousand after thetwopartiesexamined agreed topostponeafinal to privatizethepowerindustry. power workers strikers' wivesclaimedthat some stations asfrequentelectricity state intodarkness.Atonepoint strikers wouldbepaidinfullfor strikers whowerefiredandto decision onprivatizationuntil day strikeafterthegovernment strike toprotestgovernmentplans Thousands of had workedinotherIndian strike inIndia states. Thegovernmentagreedto Workers fearedthat Thousands ofelectrical At itsheight,thestrike The partiesagreedthatthe Strikers andtheirfamilies The unioncalledoffthe10- joined toexpressbroadconcerns bers. have beensenttocommitteemem- than 20,000postcardsandletters Jan. 26onan8-3vote.Morethan ment, theirbiggestlobbyingeffort to spend$14millionormoreonthe ronment. USbusinessgroupsplan tion ofChina'sworkersandenvi- priced Chinese-madegoodsintothe pact couldincreasetheflowoflow- must improvelaborstandardsbefore recent holidayseason,management Montgomery County(Md.)Hous- O numbers. reversing alongtrendofdeclining membership increasedto16.48mil- 1 in supportofthemeasure,andmore cannot beignored." gress. "Theseurgentlyfeltconcerns eryday lives,"AFL-CIOchiefJohn American FreeTradeAgreement campaign topassthetradeagree- as wellleadingtogreaterexploita- U.S. market,costingAmericanjobs, mal TradeRelationsstatus.Atrade China, tellinglawmakersthatChina cial WorkersLocal1994 during the organizing withFoodand Commer- ing OpportunityCommission were overall membershiphasincreased, from 1998.Thismarksthesecond lion workersin1999,up265,000 30,000 Californianssignedpetitions Cesar ChavezpassedtheCalifornia ing thelateFarmWorkersPresident drive tocreateapaidholidayhonor- Sweeney saidinthelettertoCon- about howglobalizationaffectsev- since thepassageof1993North Congress grantsitpermanentNor- straight yearthatorganizedlabor's Senate AppropriationsCommittee (NAFTA). "InSeattle,manyvoices Cesar, SeattleandIrishfightin'sweatshops C 0 ' . CheerThis: MembershipIncreases: Chavez Holiday: has urgedCongresstoreject million-member AFL-CIO that beganinSeattle,the13- a tradeagreementwith ontinuing thefair-tradebattle Asworkersatthe Astatewide Union N.Y., soughtavoiceatwork10 union representation. pervisors fromwishingeachother vote precludedemployeesandsu- workers signedauthorization cards. work whenthetownvoluntarily AFSCME Local880,workersin AFL-CIO reported.Workingwith work asfull-timeemployees—for workers wereperformingthesame union. Yetthesebusdrivers,me- municipal workerswereseasonal years ago,thetownclaimed ees registereda51-2tallyinfavorof racked upa91-11win,whilethe good cheer.TheOfficeofProfes- huge annualbonuses—spurredthe even whilehigher-upsweregiven county budgetforpayincreases— being toldtherewasnoroominthe violated theirneutralityagreement policies oftheWorldTradeOrganization. granted unionrecognition aftermost December finallywontheir voiceat low& wagesandnobenefits,the chanics, sanitation,clericalandother employees andnoteligibletojoina That action,coupledwithyearsof good cheer,theAFL-CIOreported. by claimingthattheupcomingunion IBEW memberswereamongthe50,000tradeunionistsinSeattletoprotest 500 part-timeworkersinHempstead, Service LaborandTradeEmploy- sional andTechnicalEmployees 177 workerstovotethemselvessome Full-Time Rights: Whensome airing afive-partcableTVseriesthat profiles principals,teachersandsup- which includesseveralAFTlocals the well-beingofourstudentsisin- "We wanteveryone...toknowthat port personnel,partofaneffortto Coalition ofPublicSchool 1101 new policy.NotreDames announce- bearing theschool'slogomustrec- manufacturers thatproduceitems nouncing Jan.19thatallapparel the anti-sweatshopmovement,an- Administrators andTeamsterslocals. unions, ElectricalWorkers,Machin- as wellAFSCME,buildingtrades ate, andchairmanofthecoalition, eration ofTeachers,anAFTaffili- Elliott, presidentoftheDetroitFed- employees inthecityspublicschools. ment followstheUniversity ofCali- dent/faculty/administration anti- organize orfacebeingbarredfrom ognize therightsoftheirworkersto The UniversityofNotreDamejoined 10 ists, OperatingEngineers,School our unionmembers,"saidJohn extricably linkedtothewell-beingof similar changeinitspolicies. fornia sJan.5announcement ofa sweatshop taskforcedevelopedthe future licensingarrangements.Astu- showcase thecrucialworkofunion ■ ° MakingtheLink: IrishFightin'Sweatshops: Detroit's Unions 4 St ICONVAt ;14 $1,W 3 %.1 . 00- is JeUJOd Aq10.10a tion fromthesupervisoror the CityofAnaheimandvarious Human Resources. reviewing anywrittendocumenta- are HenkelsMcCoy,Par,Sturgeon, Edison, SanDiegoGasandElectric, A busy insouthernCalifornia is partofthegrievance,aswell Together theyinterviewanyonewho a memberofcompanymanagement. investigation arises,Purse!meetswith tract, whetheritbeasenioritybypass placement projectintheverynear Edison embarksonalargepolere- expected toincreasemarkedlywhen Diversified, andHotLine. other utilities. fornia forSouthernCalifornia says Purse!."Justiceshouldprevail." in abidsituationortermination," in theimplementationofcon- vada-based SierraPacificPower. future. struction inSouthernCaliforniais Sierra Outside Constructionhands ances involvingemployeesatNe- can make. Troubleman Purselmakesmarkasinvestigator a Local1245investigatorforgriev- the differenceaunioninvestigation W When theneedforagrievance The workloadforOutsideCon- Among thecontractorsatwork "I believethereshouldbejustice Since 1992,Purselhasservedas The CaliforniaPrimary t contract workinSouthernCali- Construction handsperforming presentthereare978Outside hen done inagrievance, Troubleman JimPurselknows VOTE! P itcomestoseeingjustice March 7 ac ific the Teledateagreementspresently tainty overwhethertheCalifornia been slowedprimarilybytheuncer- contracting atSierraPacificPower. northern jurisdiction,whichincludes rent GeneralRateCase.Adecision appropriate revenuelevelinthecur- award PacificGas&Electrican Public UtilitiesCommissionwill Jim Purse! members cangetafairhearing. uncovering allrelevantfactssothat under theunioncontract.Thatmeans employs over150peopleatvarious Construction handsworkinginthe in thatcaseisexpectedonFeb.17. state OutsideConstructionworkhas corded fullandequalprotection any memberwithagrievanceisac- entities, includingTCIandRCN. Wednesday afterthestaffmeeting.Unitmeeting begins at4:45 Morro Bayunitschedule update encouraged toattend. chairman isHarmonRider.Meetingsareheldthe second p.m. MeetingsareatDorn'sRestaurant.Allmembers are Unit 1222,MorroBay, Communications workunder In thenorthernportionof Pursel's jobistomakesurethat There arecurrently89Outside LOCAL 12 unit meetinginformationisasfollows:Unit job representingthemembersin tion andisnowworkingonasenior- Purse! alsoservvesonthefullJoint San BernardinoatParElectricContracting. Outside Constructionhandsgatherforaquickforeman'smeetingat6:30a.m.in the rightsofourmembersatSierra has alreadyinvestigatedatermina- His trainee,JohnEast,acontrolroom another responsibility:trainingsome- Grievance Committee in 1977. District. HehiredonatSierraPacific Pacific Power. it isarealcontributiontoprotecting of theworkisbehindscenes,but Business Rep.RayThomas."Alot grievance process,"saidLocal1245 ity bypassonabid. operator attheTracypowerplant, one elseintheartofinvestigating. Business Rep.DanLockwood In additiontobeinginvestigator, Recently Purselhastakenon Pursel isbasedintheCarson "Jim hasdoneanoutstanding FOREMAN'S MEETING Division atOroville/ Wyandotte IrrigationDistrict Wyandotte will receivewageincreasesof began Oct.25,alsoproduced Irrigation Dist. "cost-of-living" adjustments years inanagreementthat pact approved provided forretirees. union-represented employees of 3%ayearforallthreeyears for WaterDivisionemployees comparable PG&Epositions. keeps thematparitywith 3% ayearforthenextthree Oroville- were MartyCosta,John the bargainingcommittee health insurancepackage agreement, visionanddental lowers theretirementagefor of theagreement. Osburn. along withBusinessRep. Jack Graham andGayVenson, insurance willbeaddedtothe from 57-1/2to55years. Employees inthePower The negotiations,which Under thetermsof In addition,theagreement Representing Local1245on February 2000

5 enlietAl s!Putrl

IBEW Local 1245 & Merrill Lynch present: at Retirement Planning Seminars Life )r,-(;-\ -5•?), Local 1245 in conjunction with Merrill Lynch is pleased to offer free retirement planning seminars for Local 1245 members and their families. The one-hour seminars will feature an overview of retirement planning issues by a representative from Merrill Lynch. Topics will include: changes to early retirement options and pension; how to structure your 401(k) plan, which funds to choose at what age; PG&E common stock outlook; what to expect with interest rates and the economy; how to reduce risk before retirement; how to handle stock market volatility. There is no obligation to purchase any services from Merrill Lynch, although Merrill Lynch representatives will be available to schedule individual consultations for anyone wishing to do so. Invitations and return registration cards will be mailed to members aged 45 and over, although all members are welcome to attend. If you didn't receive an invitation but plan to attend, please register in advance by calling the union hall at 925-933-6060. For directions, call the phone number for the hosting hotel.

Castroville/Monterey Chico March 10, Friday, 7:30 p.m. March 18, Saturday, 2:00 p.m. "Flexible hours sounds good. Put me down for any shift you're NOT here." IBEW Local 234 hall Masonic Lodge 10300 Merritt 1110 W. East Ave. Castroville, CA 530-893-1276 San Luis Obispo San Jose March 11, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. March 23, Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Best Western Holiday Inn 214 Madonna Rd. 282 Almaden Blvd. 805-544-4410 408-998-0400 Stockton Walnut Creek March 15, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. March 23, Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Radisson IBEW Union Hall 2323 Grand Canal 3063 Citrus Circle "They think because they do all the work, they're entitled to some of my 209-957-9090 925-933-6060 profits." Bakersfield Ukiah Ejto © 1999, UCS March 17, Friday, 7:30 p.m. March 24, Friday, 7:30 p.m. W Doubletree Discovery Inn "Let's see, what shall I be 'highly 3100 Camino Del Rio Ct. 1340 N. State St. motivated' about today?" 661-323-7111 707-462-8873 Fresno Santa Rosa/Rohnert March 18, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Park Ramada Inn March 25, Saturday, 9 a.m. 'CT 1 // Mc, 324 East Shaw Ave. Hilton _ 559-224-4040 3555 Roundbarn Blvd. 61 Santa Rosa, CA Redding 707-523-7555 (( , March 18, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. 6 ( - Holiday Inn , , f , 1900 Hilltop Dr. (\j1 530-221-7500 01999 UCS "Do they put up signs that say 'Do not feed the moose'? No! Do they put up signs that say 'Do not feed the foxes'? No!..."

6 UtilityReporter

IBEW LOCAL 1245

UNION VOTER GUIDE

Dear Local 1245 Member,

The California Primary Election has rolled around early this year: March 7. Union members cannot afford to be caught off-guard! This year's Primary ballot contains a proposition that would seriously erode the ability of working people to participate effectively in the democratic process. Proposition 25 seeks to drastically curtail what unions can spend on elections, while expanding the influence of the extremely wealthy. Anti-worker extremists tried to silence workers with Proposition 226 in 1998. They didn't succeed. Together, we fought back and won that election, setting the stage for the election of a pro-labor governor. These successful efforts have greatly expanded our influence in the halls of government. Look at the results: Restoration of overtime pay. New workplace safety protections. Sick days to care for family members who are ill. Prevailing wage protections. And, perhaps most significantly, our political influence helped install two members of the California Public Utilities Commission who understand and support the needs of utility workers. We can't rest on our laurels. Check out the ballot propositions, check out the union endorsements. Then make an informed choice on March 7.

In Unity, CONTENTS

PROPOSITION 25 PG. 8-9 qiJodt tAiLLIA.1 CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS PG. 10 PROPOSITION ENDORSEMENTS PG. 11 Jack McNally US PRESIDENT PG. 12 Business Manager PROPOSITION 21 PG. 13

February 2000 7 Millionaires take aim at working families .again Ihell anti-labor extremists who tried tto silence working families two years ago with Proposition 226 are back on the warpath. Proposition 25, which appears on the bait in the March 7th California Primary, would severely limit the amount of money donated by labor unions to political candidates. At the same time it increases the amount of money that can be donated Prop. 25 lets by corporate executives and their family members. millionaires spend more Corporations currently outspend union on political campaigns by about an 11-1 on political campaigns, margin, and Proposition 25 is designed to help the wealthy keep that massive but curbs spending advantage in political elections. Proposition 25 is being called by labor unions "campaign finance reform," but what it really seeks to do is deform the political process by expanding the advantage enjoyed by those with big bucks. You only have to look at who is backing Proposition 25 to see that campaign finance reform is not the real agenda. Proposition 25 is backed by millionaire businessman Ron Unz. The proposition would enshrine the right of millionaires to

8 triiiit y spend whatever amount they wish on their contained in Proposition 25 had been the In short, Proposition 25 would increase own campaigns. Millionaires like Ron law in 1998, AFL-CIO union doantions to the advantage that corporations already Unz, for example. the Gray Davis campaign would have been enjoy over working people when it comes Unz has spent his own money running reduced from $7,375,000 to $3,034,000; to political spending. And the brute fact is for office and creating divisive "wedge" Additional millions donated to other this: in today's media-dominated issues before. So far, voters have not statewide and state legislative candidates campaigns, candidates with money are judged him suitable for office. also would have been significantly generally able to squash candidates How convenient that he now has a ballot reduced. without money. proposition that would preserve his money Proposition 25 says local and The extremists tried to silence working advantage while curtailing one of the international unions count as one families with Proposition 226 in 1998—and major economic forces that stands in his organization for the purposes of campaign we buried them. Now they have launched a way: the power of working families united contributions. Members of two local new attack on us: Proposition 25. through their unions. unions in neighboring communities could Don't let this phony piece of "campaign Proposition 25 isn't reform at all: it's a not both support their pro-worker elected finance reform" see the light of day. Join weapon aimed at unions. representative. But corporate executives other union members and working people who can afford large individual across the state in sending Proposition 25 Why are wealthy business people so to the trash heap. interested in curbing labor's power? No contributions could increase their big surprise here: it's all about money. donations. That's where it belongs. Political spending by unions was a big factor in the election of Gov. Gray Davis and solid pro-worker majorities in the California Assembly and Senate. Labor's political efforts in 1998 produced the historic legislative gains of 1999, including: ♦ Restoration of the daily overtime premium, which had been killed by former Gov. Pete Wilson. ♦ The Basic Utility Service Protection Act, which protects customer service and jobs in the natural gas sector. ♦ Sick Days for Family Care, which allows a worker with paid sick leave to use half of it to care for an ill family member. ♦ Protection Against Age Discrimination, a new law giving older workers more protection against discrimination than they previously had. ♦ Health and Safety, an extremely important law that strengthens workplace safety protections. ♦ Prevailing Wages, a new law protects wage standards in construction. ♦ Apprenticeship, a law that strengthens apprenticeship standards. None of these achievements would have been possible without a Democratic governor. And labor unions were the major factor in electing the current Democratic governor. If the campaign contribution limits VOTER

Candidates for Office and Ballot Prop

DariaJ. Frommer 31. HildaSolis CALIFORNIA 43. U.S. T. Julian C. Dixon 44.E3arryGordon PRESIDENT T. Lucille Roybal-Allard ASSEMBLY 45.JackieGoldberg 34.Grace Flores Napolitano 46.Gil Cedillo Yes Proposition 1A - 35.MaxineWaters 47.HerbWesson Al Gore 48.Roderick (Roc0Wright This amendment to the 35. Jane Harman District the product of negotiatl 37.Juanita Millender- 1. VirginiaStrom-Martin 49.GlaiaRomgro including Native Americ Mcanaicl 50.MarcoAntonioFirebaugh Senator John Burton, G 2. Virgil Parks expands Indian gaming U.S. 38.GerrieSchipske a Benjamin Waschafter 51.Jerome E. Horton operate 2,000 slot mac 39.No Endorsement 4. NoEndorsement 52.CartWashington tribes to share a portior SENATOR 53.George Nakano non-gaming tribes. Trib 40.No Endorsement 5. John Molina (Write In) health and safety stand 41.Open 6. Dual: Frank Egger 54.Alan Lowenthal employment standards' as federal standards. 42.Joe Baca JackGibson 55.JennyOropeza Dianne Feinstein 43.NoEndorsement 7. Patricia(Pat)Wiggins 56.Sally Havice Yes Proposition 12 - 44.Ron Oden a Helen M.Thomson 57.Edward (Ed) Chavez 45.Ted Crisell 9. Darrell Steinberg 58.ThomasM. Calderon & coastal protec U.S. 46.LorettaSanchez 10.DebraGravert 50. Meline Dolores Hall Authorizes $2.1 billion 1 47.Jim Keysor 11.JoeCanciamilla 03. JeffA. Duhamel Bonds for the purposes CONGRESS Gloria Negrete McLeod enhancement, improver 48.Peter Kouvelis 12.Kevin Shelley 61. protection of parks, rea 49.SusanA. Davis 13.CaroleMigden 62.John Longville and wildlife, lake, river s 50.Bob Hiner 63.ScottT. Stop District 14.Dion LouiseAroner 64.Jose Medina 1 MikeThompson 51. NoEndorsement 15.Greg Rolen Yes Proposition 13 65.Ray R. Quinto 2 Stan Morgan 52.Craig Barkacs 16.WilmaChan water 66.Bill Estenger 3. Bob Kent 17. Dual: Barbara Matthews Authorizes $1.97 billion 4. MarkA. Norberg Tom Mantes 67.Andy Hilbert for various water progrs 5. Roberti. Matsui 18.Ellen M. Corbett 68.Tina Louise Leine water standards compli 60 LouCorrea conservation, and flood 6. LynnWoolsey CALIFORNIA 19.Lou Papan Supporters, in addition; 20.JohnA. Dutra 70.Merritt Lori McKeon districts. 7. George Miller SENATE a Nancy Pelosi 21.JoeSintian 71.Bea Foster 9. Barbara Lee 22.EaineAlquist 72.Gangaclharappa Yes Proposition 14 - Nanjunclappa 10.Ellen O. Tauscher District 23.Manny Diaz construction 73.Robert D. VVilberg 11.NoEndorsement 1. Thomas(Tom)Romero 24.RebeccaCohn Authorizes a $350 milli( 74.No Endorsement 12.Tom Lantos 3. John L. Burton 25.No Endorsement fund construction and r 75.NoEndorsement facilities. Supported by 13.Fortney (Pete) Stark 5. Michael J . Machado 26.DennisCardoza 76.Christine Kehoe agencies. 14.AnnaG. Eschoo 7. Tom Toriakson 27.Fred Keeley 28.Simon Salinas 77.Todd Keegan 15.Mike Honda 9. Don Perata Yes Proposition 15 - 16.ZoeLofgren 11. Byron Sher 29.Lite Reid 7a HowardWayne 79. JuanVargas laboratories 17.No Endorsement 13. JchnVasoonoelbs 30.Dean Rorez 18.GaryA. Condit 15. NoEndorsement 31.Sarah Reyes JoeyAcuna, Jr Authorizes $220 million T. Virginia R. Gurrola for the construction, ren 19.Dan Rosenberg 17. No Endorsement costs of forensic labors 20.No Endorsement 19. Daniel R. Gonzales 33.Abel Maldonado agencies. Supported b 21.Open 21. ScottVVilcirnan 34.Robert (Bob) Conaway enforcement agencies. 22.LoisCapps 23. Wally Knox 35.Hannah-Beth Jackson V Yes Proposition 16 - NoEndorsement 23.Michael Case 25. Richard E. (Dick) Floyd homes 24.Brad Sherman 27. Betty Kamette 37. Dual: Roz McGrath Jon Sharkey 0 Authorizes $50 million i 25.No Endorsement 29. Steve Herfert for designing and consi 26.Howard L. Berman 31. Mike Rayburn 33. Jon M. Lauritzen completing a renovatioi 27.Adam Sall 33. Jack Roberts 39.TonyCardenas Yountville. A recent stuff homes for veterans whc 23. Janice M. Nelson 35. Steve Ray 40.Bob Hertzberg forms of dementia disei 29. HenryA. Waxman 37. MarkWatton 41.TonyVazquez E Veterans of Foreign Wa 33. Xavier Becerra 39. DedeAlpert 42 Paul Koretz

10 Utility Reporter and Ballot Propositions Endorsed by

IFORNIA 43. DarioJ. Frommer 44. E3arryGordon Ballot Proposition EMBLY 45. Jackie Goldberg 46. Gil Cedillo Yes Proposition 1A - Gambling Yes Proposition 17 - Lotteries: 47. HerbWesson 48. Roderick (Rod) Wright This amendment to the California Constitution was Charitable raffles the product of negotiations among various parties, aStrom-Martin 49. Gioia Romero including Native American tribes, labor unions, Amends the Constitution to permit the Le authorize private non-profit organizations 'arks MarcoAntonio Firebaugh Senator John Burton, Gov. Davis and others. It expands Indian gaming to permit each tribe to charitable raffles to fund their work,provic least 90% of the receipts of the raffle go TiinWirtschaftgr 51. Jerome E. Horton operate 2,000 slot machines. It requires gaming beneficial or charitable purposes in Califo 52. CariWashington tribes to share a portion of gaming proceeds with dorsement Supported by State Sheriffs Association, 53. George Nakano non-gaming tribes. Tribes must adopt workplace Vlolina (Write In) health and safety standards and non-discrimination in of Commerce and non-profit organization Frank Egger 54, Alan Lowenthal employment standards that are at least as stringent ibson 55. JennyOropeza as federal standards. Proposition 18 - Murder: Sp( a (Pat) VViggins Sally Ha\Ace circumstances M. Thomson 57. Edward (Ed) Chavez Yes Proposition 12 - Bond: Parks, water (No recommendation) I Steinberg 58. Thomas M. Calderon & coastal protection 'Gravert 9. Meline Dolores Hall Authorizes $2.1 billion in State General Obligation Yes Proposition 19 - Peace officE 3nciamilla 60. Jeff A. Duhamel Bonds for the purposes of financing acquistion, 61. Gbria Negrete McLeod enhancement, improvement, and restoration and Shelley protection of parks, recreational, cultural,historic, fish No Proposition 20 - State Lotter )Migden 62. John Longville and wildlife, lake, river and coastal resources. Cardenas Textbook Act ouiseAroner 63. ScottT. Stotz Provides that 50% of any increase beyon Bolen 64. Jose Medina Yes Proposition 13 - Bond: Safe drinking of Lottery revenues allocated in 1997-98 Chan 66. Ray R. Quint° water and community college education shall b( Barbara Matthews 66. Bill Estenger for the purchase of instructional material. Authorizes $1.97 billion in General Obligation Bonds unions and administrators generally oppo lontes 67. Andy Hubert for various water programs, including safe drinking placement of restrictions on state funding fl. Corbett 68. Tina Louise I aine water standards compliance programs, water lottery funding is unrestricted. It is availab purpose at the local district level. LouCorrea conservation, and flood protection projects. Pan Supporters, in addition to labor, include various water 70. Merritt Lori McKeon districts. . Dutra Proposition 21 - Juvenile crir nitian 71. Bea Foster Alquist 72. Gangadharappa Yes Proposition 14 - Bond: Public library See story on Page 13. ✓Diaz Nanjundappa construction 73. Robert D. Wilberg ;caCohn Authorizes a $350 million General Obligation Bond to Proposition 22 - Limit on ma Jorsement 74. No EndorDament fund construction and renovation of public library 3Cardoza 75. No Endorsement facilities. Supported by various local government Provides that only a marriage between a r agencies. woman is valid or recognized in California beley 76. Christine Kehoe divisive, wedge-issue measure and an inti 'Salinas 77. Todd Keegan how people choose to live their private liv Yes Proposition 15 - Bond: Forensic )id 78. HowardWayne brez 79. JuanVargas laboratories No Proposition 23 - None of the Reyes aa JoeyAcuna, Jr. Authorizes $220 million in General Obligation Bonds ballot option for the construction, renovation and infrastructure 3R. Gurrola costs of forensic laboratories of law enforcement laldonado agencies. Supported by state and local law Proposition 24 - Reapportior t (Bob) Conaway enforcement agencies. Removed from ballot by Stab Ih-BethJackson V Yes Proposition 16 - Bond: Veterans' Supreme Court Jorsement homes Roz McGrath iarkey 0 Authorizes $50 million in General Obligation Bonds for designing and constructing veterans' homes and NO! Proposition 25 - Election . Lauritzen completing a renovation of the Veterans' Home at campaigns, phony reform Cardenas Yountville. A recent study identified the need for homes for veterans who are suffering from various ertzberg forms of dementia disease. Supported by the See story on Pages 8-9. azquez E Veterans of Foreign Wars. oretz sitions Endorsed by IBEW Local 1245

Ballot Propositions

Gambling Yes Proposition 17 - Lotteries: Yes Proposition 26 - School facilities, California Constitution was Charitable raffles bonds & local majority vote Ins among various parties, Ln tribes, labor unions, Amends the Constitution to permit the Legislature to Amends the California Constitution to reduce from 2/3 )v. Davis and others. It authorize private non-profit organizations to hold to a simplemajority the voter approval required for o permit each tribe to charitable raffles to fund their work, provided that at school districts, community college districts, and ines. It requires gaming least 90% of the receipts of the raffle go directly to county offices of education to incur bonded of gaming proceeds with beneficial or charitable purposes in California. indebtedness for constructing, reconstructing, Supported by State Sheriffs Association, Chamber s must adopt workplace rehabilitating or replacing school facilities. Supported -ds and non-discrimination in of Commerce and non-profit organizations. by teachers, education advocates and numerous lat are at least as stringent businesses who are concerned that decades of underfunding have left California with inadequate Proposition 18 - Murder: Special school facilities. circumstances Bond: Parks, water (No recommendation) No Proposition 27 - Elections, term ion limits, Congressional candidates State General Obligation Yes Proposition 19 - Peace officers of financing acquistion, ent, and restoration and No Proposition 28 - Repeal of tobacco rational, cultural,historic, fish No Proposition 20 - State Lottery: surtax enacted by Proposition 10 Id coastal resources. Cardenas Textbook Act This measure, sponsored by the owner of Cigarettes Provides that 50% of any increase beyond the 34% Cheaper, repeals the fifty cents per pack tax on Bond: Safe drinking of Lottery revenues allocated in 1997-98 to K-12 cigarettes enacted by voters who approved and community college education shall be allocated Proposition 10 in 1998. Eliminates funding for early for the purchase of instructional material. Education childhood developmetn and smoking prevention In General Obligation Bonds unions and administrators generally oppose programs. ns, including safe drinking placement of restrictions on state funding. State nce programs, water lottery funding is unrestricted. It is available for any Protection projects. purpose at the local district level. Proposition 29 - 1998 Indian Gaming D labor, include various water Compact No Proposition 21 - Juvenile crime No Recommendation Bond: Public library See story on Page 13. Yes Proposition 30 - Insurance claims, practices, civil remedies No Proposition 22 - Limit on marriage i General Obligation Bond to This is a referendum measure requesting voters to novation of public library approve or disapprove SB 1237. The legislation was Provides that only a marriage between a man and a 'arious local government one of two bills which restored third party bad faith woman is valid or recognized in California. This is a lawsuits against insurance companies. Proposition 30 divisive, wedge-issue measure and an intrusion into was placed on the ballot by insurance companies and how people choose to live their private lives. business organizations who favor a "No" vote in order Bond: Forensic to overturn SB 1237. Consumer and labor groups No Proposition 23 - None of the above favor a "Yes" vote, arguing that the legislation is necessary to assure prompt payment of claims to n General Obligation Bonds ballot option individuals who are injured due to the negligence of vation and infrastructure another. ries of law enforcement state and local law Proposition 24 - Reapportionment. Removed from ballot by State Yes Proposition 31 - Insurance claims, civil remedies amendments Bond: Veterans' Supreme Court This referendum measure requests the voters to approve or disapprove AB 1309. This measure was General Obligation Bonds placed on the ballot by the same parties that placed cting veterans' homes and NO! Proposition 25 - Election Propositon 30 on the ballot. Once again, it is conserva- of the Veterans' Home at campaigns, phony reform tive business groups who urge a "No" position. The identified the need for consumer groups and unions which urge a "Yes" are suffering from various position on Proposition 30 also urge a "Yes" position

. e. Supported by the See story on Pages 8-9. on Proposition 31.

February 2000 11 Al Gore: the record

Better Schools. Gore supports hiring 100,000 new teachers nationwide and helping school districts fund school repairs and new construction. He opposes moving funding out of public schools to pay for private school tuition. (1992 AFL-CIO Voting Record) Higher Wages. Gore has worked to raise the minimum wage in 1977, 1988, 1989, and 1996. He supports another increase to $6.15. (AFL-CIO Voting Record; AP 3/27/99) A Secure Retirement. Gore supports setting aside more than 2/3 of the budget surplus to ensure that Social Security and Medicare are strong years into the future. He supports adding prescription drug benefits. Throughout his career, he has worked for better pensions protections. (Washington Post 1/20/99) A Stronger Voice for Workers. Gore opposes "right to work" laws that would weaken your union's ability to negotiate a stronger contract. He is against efforts to limit your union's ability to support better laws for workers. (KIRO-TV 9/8/98; Newsday 3/20/98)

Al Gore has been endorsed by ■ The AFL-CIO ■ The California Labor Federation ■ IBEW Local 1245

It's a fact: No other candidate has scored better on the issues that matter to working families than Vice President Al Gore. Vote March 7.

12 UtilityReporter VOTER

Proposition 21: Pete Wilson comes back to haunt our future

he March 7 ballot will carry yet another piece of former gover- nor Pete Wilson's mischief: Proposition 21 would make vandalism Prop. 21, the "Gang Violence with damage as low as $400 a felony. and Juvenile Crime Prevention Youth could face a minimum of a year Initiative." This costly, unnecessary overhaul of the juvenile justice system levels a body-blow at in jail and thousands of dollars in fines the next generation we need to organize. for writing graffiti or etching their The California Labor Federation, the San Fran- cisco Labor Council, the California Federation of names in wet cement. Teachers, the California Faculty Assn., the Cali- fornia Teachers Assn., IBEW Local 1245 and other labor organizations have taken a stand against Proposition 21. "Prop. 21 represents a conscious decision not ♦ Make vandalism with damage as low as Though the initiative plays to racist fears, ac- to make a commitment to our own future," said $400 a felony. Youth could face a minimum of a tual rates of youth crime are falling nationwide. ILWU International President Brian McWilliams. year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines for California' s juvenile felony arrest rate dropped by When Pete Wilson couldn't get the legislature writing graffiti or etching their names in wet almost 30%, and juvenile homicide arrests dropped to pass his juvenile justice program in 1998, he re- cement; by more than half between 1991 and 1998, ac- packaged it as an initiative and raised close to $1 ♦ Institute the death penalty for certain "gang- cording to the state Department of Justice. And million to pay signature-gatherers. Wealthy cor- related" offenses, bump misdemeanors commit- state law already allows people as young as 14 to porations ponied up big bucks to help: Unocal put ted by suspected gang members up to felonies, and be tried as adults for certain violent crimes. in $50,000, Chevron put in $25,000, Arco put in give police broad powers to wiretap possible gang "Where laws similar to Prop. 21 have been $20,000. members; and enacted—in Texas, for example—they've done noth- Prop. 21 includes provisions which would: ♦ Slam youth of color hardest. ing to deter juvenile crime," said California Fed- ♦ Make it easier to try 14- and 15-year-olds as "Gang profiling is nothing but racist stereotyping eration of Teachers President Mary Bergan. "Send- adults and throw them in adult jails; of Chicano/Latino and black kids," said Carlos ing kids to prison is sending them to the wrong ♦ Weaken rules that seal juvenile court records Montes of AFSCME 1108 in Los Angeles. Al- kind of school, one where they're more likely to so young people can get a "fresh start" if they ready 86% of the wards of the California Youth learn criminal strategies than workplace strate- make mistakes; Authority are youth of color. gies," she said. But since 1984, California has built 21 prisons and just one university campus. With its hefty price tag and no provision for raising money, Prop. 21 will only continue to siphon funds from "Where laws similar to Prop. 21 have services to prisons. "This measure will result in major net costs to been enacted—in Texas, for example— the state of at least hundreds of millions of dollars they've done nothing to deter juvenile annually and one-time costs of at least several hundreds ofmillions of dollars," reported the non- crime. Sending kids to prison is partisan Legislative Analyst's Office. Local gov- sending them to the wrong kind of ernments face annual costs in the tens of millions, according to the LAO. school, one where they're more likely Information in this article was supplied by the Ad-Hoc to learn criminal strategies than Labor Committee Against 21. workplace strategies." Mary Bergen, President California Federation of Teachers Vote NO

February 2000 13 ■

San Jose chapter re-elects officers

By Ow Owen t their January meeting, Local Make a Date... 1245 retirees elected officers to Alead the San Jose Chapter this East Bay Chapter: meets 2nd year. Thursday each month, 10 a.m., at Richard Murphy was re-elected as Local 1245 headquarters, 3063 President, Watie Anthney was re- Citrus Circle, Walnut Creek, CA. elected as Vice President, and Percy San Jose Chapter: meets 1st Rome re-elected as Recording Sec- Thursday each month, 10 a.m., at retary. Local 332, 1870 Stone Ave., San Local 1245 retirees Jack Hill and Jose. Watie Anthney have also been elected officers with the Congress of Cali- fornia Seniors. Jack Hill was elected as Vice President of Region IV and Telemarket scam Watie Anthney was elected as Mem- NOCKAONOPALKI LABOR CARTOONS Kt 99 rr" IL/VALL SOLIDARITY BOIA/BILBARIOOLIS targeted seniors ber of the State Board of Directors tirtrii;ZR from Region IV. LA9612ReVaneopotiovia. All of our San Jose officers are The American Association of Re- active members of the Santa Clara ship of Local 1245 as Business Rep- ers' unions. These wealthy interests tired Persons (AARP ) and Public County Federation of Retired Union resentative. still want to make it virtually impos- Citizen have intervened in the bank- Members (FORUM). Watie Local 1245 members and retirees sible for workers and their unions to ruptcy proceedings of a Canadian- Anthney was again elected as Vice can be assured that your retirees have participate in our political process. based telemarketing scam artist who President of FORUM and was ex- not forgotten from where we came, They advocate elimination of Social targeted seniors in the United States, tremely active in the annual Senior that the struggles of workers and our Security and replacing Medicare with Public Citizen News reported. Concerns Rally and Barbecue. Watie seniors are paramount in our thoughts Medical Savings Accounts, which Operating mainly from Canada, advised our San Jose retirees that this and actions. their companies sell. James Blair Down trained phone year's rally will be held on April 8. We will walk the picket lines with Working people and seniors can- solicitors to persuade American se- Among the invited guests are politi- you, we will vote with and for you at not sit idly by. We must continue niors to spend their savings on tick- cians and political candidates from the ballot box, we will attend and organizing both workers and seniors ets in foreign sweepstakes and lot- all parties, who will be given an participate at governmental meetings to participate in the political process. teries, in violation ofUS law. Phone opportunity to speak and answer to protect and defend the vital inter- If you have any doubt, please review operators were instructed to obtain questions from the seniors. ests of working people and all our the recent Sanitary workers conflict personal information on their po- Brother Jack Hill advised the retir- citizens. with the City of New York and its tential victims, then use the infor- ees at our last meeting that he has as Please remember, the same wealthy mayor. mation to win their trust. Down many monthly meetings represent- extremists who supported anti- Keep the faith! made sure his employees got the ing seniors and Local 1245 retirees worker Proposition 226 have not Orville Owen is retired Assistant Busi- victims' credit card numbers, mak- as he had while serving the member- given up their goal to silence work- ness Manager. Local 1245. ing it easier to get their money. On occasion Down would send out small "winnings" to his unsus- pecting victims, encouraging them to spend more. Net profits from Down's scheme have been estiamted Members of the East Bay at $200 million. Chapter met with staff Downs' operation used many liaison Karen Kiley during the Chapter's regular names, including "Golden Oppor- monthly meeting in tunity," "International Winner's January at union Registry Centers," and "Galaxie headquarters in Walnut Creek. Marketing, Inc." If you believe you have had deal- ings with one of Downs' scam operations, call Alison Van Horn of Public Citizen at (202) 588-1000.

14 UtilityReporter Apprentice gathering helps build camaraderie

he California-Nevada Joint Apprentice Training Committee held its Second Annual All Hands Day Apprentice Picnic at Lake Gregory T Park in Crestline, Ca. last summer. "All apprentices from our jurisdiction and their families were invited to attend this gathering to meet one another, along with members of our committee and office staff," said Chris Larson, director of the program. The park's lakeside location featured swimming, waterslides, boating, and fishing. Festivities included food and refreshments, followed by raffle prizes for the apprentices and their children. Toys and games were purchased by the JATC for the children, and prizes raffled to the apprentices were donated by the contractors, according to Larson. These included insignia jackets, tools, and miscellaneous equipment. "The annual gathering has proven to be a great success, encouraging our apprentices to get to know one another and help build camaraderie amongst those in our industry," said Larson. "We plan to continue this event and hope to improve upon it each year."

February 2000 15

Clinton unveils pay equity initiative

resident Clinton announced a ■ Provide employers with the Act"introduced by Sen. Tom 0 WREN $27 million Equal Pay Initiative necessary assistance to assess and Daschle (D-S.D.) and Rep. Rosa ^WORKERS° p in his budget for Fiscal Year improve their pay policies; DeLauro (D-Conn.), to strengthen 2001 and urged prompt passage of ■ Continue to educate the public laws prohibiting wage discrimina- IIISTORT the Paycheck Fairness Act to com- on the importance of equal pay; and tion. This legislation includes a new General Investigator bat unfair pay practices against ■ Strengthen industry partner- data collection provision; increased women. ships to help women retain jobs and penalties under the Equal Pay Act In 1885 the women delegates to the The initiative earmarks $10 mil- progress in the workforce. (EPA); a non-retaliation provision; Knights of Labor convention asked lion for training over 1,000 staff Clinton also called on Congress to and a provision for increased train- for and got a committee on women's work. Committee members compiled members of the Equal Employment pass the "The Paycheck Fairness ing, research, and a pay equity award. figures on women's wages. At the Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 1886 convention, all 16 female how to identify and respond to wage delegates were named to a permanent department on women's discrimination. This would be the Nueivomomon LABOR CARTOONS-NOV 99 WWW.SOLDARITY.CON/HWARTOONS work, to inquire into "the abuses to first such training since EEOC as- *eel(' which our sex is subjected by ' sumed responsibility for the Equal 01191 unscrupulous employers," and to A . Pay Act in 1978, according to a agitate for equal pay for equal work OF COURSE, and for abolition of child labor. White House statement. f SOME PAY Leonora Barry, a hosiery worker, The Initiative also provides $17 - A%k• / was elected General Investigator. IS MORE EQUAL million for the Department of Labor (1.0a /AO ' „ THAN OTHERS. to: An Irish immigrant and the sole ■ Train women in non-traditional support of her two sons, Barry carried jobs, such as the high technology on a four-year investigation into the conditions faced by female and child industry; wage-earners, the first ever ■ Expand access to high-quality conducted by a union. Her efforts led to passage of a state factory employment-related information and inspection law in Pennsylvania. career guidance through the One- Stop Career Center delivery system; ■ Fund projects to increase women's participation in non-traditional apprenticeships; Good advice on combating sexual harassment

exual harassment remains a per- The guide is a comprehensive book ceeds benefit the work of 9to5, a sistent workplace problem that on sexual harassment that speaks non-profit organization dedicated to S harms union members and chal- directly to union members and lead- ending all forms of workplace dis- lenges union activists. ers, offering facts, strategies and real- crimination. A new tool for fighting back is life stories with a focus on solutions. now available: the expanded, up- The book includes an entire chapter dated edition of "The 9to5 Guide to devoted specifically to ways for Combating Sexual Harassment." unions to press management to take As a leading full-time officer of the Knights of Labor, Barry served as a The guide, by Ellen Bravo and action, educate members and handle kind of business agent as well as Ellen Cassedy, is a product of 9to5, conflicts between members. investigator. She assisted existing Knights locals, and helped establish National Association of Working Also included is a model anti-dis- VOTE two cooperative shirt factories. In an Women, the labor organization that crimination clause for union con- 11-month period in 1888, she received has pioneered women's rights in the tracts, up-to-date legal information 537 requests for her to help women organize, and visited nearly 100 cities workplace. and examples of training exercises March 7 and towns. On her speaking tours AFL-CIO President John that stress the central role men can she advocated industrial training for Sweeney has recommended the play in creating a harassment-free women, state factory inspection laws and laws prohibiting child labor. guide to "everyone who wants to workplace. help create a fair workplace." To order, call (414) 274-0925. Pro-

16 Utility Reporter IBEW warns downsizing has compromised reliability

From Page 1 consists of 19 federal, state and aca- spread out among multiple institu- port failed to explicitly connect the demic experts organized by the De- tions, including utilities, independent problem of "aging infrastructure" to federal reliability standards based on partment of Energy to investigate system operators, independent power utility workforce reductions. performance. He also recommended power outages last year in New En- producers, and others. The Study Team's report seemed minimum staffing levels for the criti- gland, New York City, Long Island, The Study Team also came close reluctant to face the implications of its cal, skilled jobs in generating, trans- NY, New Jersey, and Chicago. to acknowledging what Local 1245 own findings, namely that electric mission and distribution, and qualifi- The Study Team acknowledged that and other utility unions have been restructuring has so far failed to de- cation standards for linemen, power utility restructuring itself has contrib- saying for years: that utility liver on the promise of less regulatory plant operators and other major j obs. uted to the reliability problem, noting downsizing has jeopardized reliabil- bureaucracy and increased efficiency The Power Outage Study Team that "reliability managment" has been ity. of service. Instead, electric markets are "In anticipation of competitive giving birth to a new generation of markets," the Study Team noted in its regulatory bureaucracies at the state report to the DOE, "some utilities and federal level, while reliability has have adopted a strategy ofcost cutting eroded to the point that it is now the that involves reduced spending on subject of a federal investigation. reliability." The report further noted The IBEW proposed two areas that "aging infrastructure and increased where the Study Team could make a demand for power have strained many positive contribution to reliability. transmission and distribution systems McNally urged the DOE to confront to the point of interrupting service" the issue of who will be responsible and that regulatory policies do not for training power plant operators provide adequate incentives for utili- now that utilities are getting out of the 0 ties "to maintain and upgrade facilities generation business. And Hunter of to provide an acceptable level of reli- Local 1900 recommended federal re- ability." liability standards based on perfor- Members of the Power Outage Study Team listen to testimony by Local 1245 Despite these conclusions, the re- mance. Business Manager Jack McNally.

POINTyVIEW

McNally testifies: reliable service requires proactive public sector

10 From Page 2 chasing existing power plants from while they're fighting for survival in sooner or later it's going to become utilities who have been directed to a highly competitive market place? an important regulatory issue. Hope- the workforce was shrunk from divest these plants. Several of these These concerns about training are fully some public authority will ac- 38,907 electric depal tment employ- independent plants across the nation not limited to power plant opera- cept responsibility for dealing with ees to 32,154 employees, a reduc- have been in operation for a few tions. As utilities struggle to stay in these issues before the erosion of tion of 17%. At PG&E specifically, years now. some aspect of the electric service infrastructure and shortages of skilled there are 135 fewer line workers How have these independent pro- business, they will continue to see personnel provoke a major crisis. today than there were in 1974. ducers acquired the skilled person- downsizing as a quick fix for their Let's all remember that if and Your own report points to nel needed to operate and maintain cost control problems. Unfortu- when a crisis comes, it will be con- workforce reductions as the likely their plants? They certainly haven't nately, some regulators are abetting sumers who are hurt. Our members source of recent problems. For ex- developed any kind of systematic this process by chiseling away at the interact with these consumers every ample, you say with respect to one training program to prepare for the utilities' budgets, in effect encourag- day. There's a good reason why utility system: "Transmission and dis- future. They have managed to get ing utilities to adopt bare bones op- utility unions have taken the lead in tribution maintenance expenditures along by pirating personnel from the erations. Not only does this retard defending the customer's interest: declined over time and became inad- regulated utilities. This has reduced needed maintenance activity, it pres- when the lights go out, we're the equate." Sounds like a workforce costs for those particular operators. sures utilities to reduce training This ones who bear the brunt of the cus- reduction problem. But we all know there's no free puts us on a collision course where tomers' anger. It's not a pleasant There is another component to lunch. Who is going to train the reduced maintenance inevitably experience. Our members want to reliability that must be dealt with as power plant operators of the future? leads to bigger reliability problems, provide service, and they're trained the era of deregulation proceeds– Not the utilities—they're being prod- but with fewer skilled employees to to provide service, but it will take and that is the issue of training. ded to leave the generation business. respond to these emergencies. forward-looking public policy to Independent developers are How much are the independent pro- Training, like system mainte- make sure we have the resources to building new power plants or pur- ducers prepared to spend for training nance, is a key reliability issue. And get the job done.

February 2000 17 PUBLIC

Wood's alternate focuses on reliability Wood: Proposed Decision would cut 'muscle & bone'

In January, CPUC Commissioner of activity that provide safe and reli- date data. Carl Wood offered an Alternate to the able service. PG&E must be a partner • I would not disallow capital ex- Proposed Decision by the Adminis- with us in getting to good decisions. penditures that PG&E has already trative Law Judge in Pacific Gas & Finding balance in this case is very made and the revenue necessary to Electric's General Rate Case. Re- printed here are excerpts from the difficult. It is difficult because PG&E support these investments, which are statement Commissioner Wood made asked for too much in the first place, intended to increase capacity and reli- when releasing his Alternate decision. over a billion dollars a year in extra ability, and respond to new business revenue. It is difficult because prob- in the robust California economy. I am offering an Alternate Decision lems that developed over a number of • I would continue accruals for that differs in a number of respects years have affected the record, and it funding decommissioning the Diablo from the Proposed Decision. The dif- requires a lot of work to sort out the Canyon Nuclear Power Plant at a ferences are rooted in my own experi- conflicting claims about the reason- slightly reduced level, rather than elimi- ence and my philosophy with regard able costs to support reliable service by nating such funding altogether. to the provision of essential services by the utility. It is difficult because for • I would expand funding for test- public utilities. We are not dealing years there has been a disparity being appliances for carbon monoxide with words and numbers on paper. tween authorized revenues to support on customer premises rather than cut- We are dealing with real programs and utility activities on the one hand, and ting this program. The recent tragedy real people. actual expenditures by PG&E on the in Oakland points to the risks of The role of the CPUC is to oversee other. It is difficult because the pro- doing otherwise. the provision of services that we all cess of electric restructuring has • I would not eliminate over $30 recognize as necessary to modern life. changed the accounting and reporting million in salaries and expenses for Commissioner Carl In performing that role, we strike a systems for utilities in ways that are employees directly involved with cus- Wood, a former utility creative balance among the interests of almost impossible to describe. tomer service and meter reading. worker, was appointed a multitude of people who together I have examined each of the issues in I am proposing to reduce PG&E's to the CPUC last summer make up the public interest. They detail, and agree with much of the requested revenue increase by over include ratepayers, both large and Proposed Decision. At the same time, $610 million annually. Nevertheless, by Gov. Gray Davis, with small, investors, managers and em- I am convinced that in several areas its I would provide sufficient revenues to strong backing from ployees of utility companies. Our de- knife has cut too deeply into muscle pay for real programs and activities Local 1245. cisions have a profound impact on the and bone. I would authorize PG&E that assure safe, reliable service for environment and on the economy of to recover approximately $150 mil- Northern California. The effect of our state, which depend utterly on a lion dollars more in annual electric the larger reductions proposed by reliable and safe supply of electricity revenues and $27 million more in gas thePD is to risk literally being penny- and natural gas. We need to find an revenues than does the PD. wise and pound-foolish. The differ- customers who are affected by PG&E's appropriate balance between custom- Specific issues on which I differ ence between my proposal and the failure to meet the standards. This ers' need for safe and reliable service include: proposed decision is about 8 cents a will give Northern California con- and PG&E's need for authorized rev- • I would set spending on vegeta- day for the average residential consumers a sense that they can expect enues sufficient to support the levels tion management based on up-to- sumer. The likelihood and conse- adequate service from PG&E and that quences of system failure are much they will be recompensed if they do greater if we force PG&E to cut cor- not receive it. ners. I have tried to be tough but fair with PG&E on revenues. We need to get the balance right, I am convinced that in several areas its knife has I want to put procedures in place not merely vindicate the postures of cut too deeply into muscle and bone. I would that will provide us with assurance the litigants in a contest. It will be that we are getting what we pay for in authorize PG&E to recover approximately $150 necessary to re-evaluate in another gen- our electric and gas rates. In the con- eral rate case many of the issues which million dollars more in annual electric revenues tentious areas of vegetation manage- are before us in this case. I am confi- and $27 million more in gas revenues than does ment and capital additions, I am pro- dent that we will know more in the posing mechanisms to assure that the PD I would set spending on vegetation Year 2001 about the real needs of moneys earmarked for those programs PG&E and its customers than we did management based on up-to-date data ... I would are in fact spent on those programs. In in 1996-97, when this case was being not eliminate over $30 million in salaries and addition, I am proposing that a Qual- put together. I have given it my best ity Assurance Program be adopted to expenses for employees directly involved with effort in this Alternate, but I know assure that PG&E offers excellent cus- that in the future we can do better at customer service and meter reading. tomer service, along with a system of getting the information we need to automatic compensatory rebates for make good decisions.

18 UtilityReporter By the Local 1245 Safety Committee

Disaster preparedness

ny time is a good time to check All supplies should be stored in a and update our emergency dry area that is easily accessible when A supplies...especially in earth- neeeded. quake country. All family members should know We need to make sure they are in where these supplies are stored. A good condition should they be list of phone numbers and people to needed. Check the expiration dates contact can also prove extremely on foods. Check the power level of useful, especially to younger mem- your flashlight batteries (or what- bers of the household. ever light source you intend to use). Today's families are often spread Cal-OSHA gains more punch And what is the condition of your all over during the day—with work- medical supply kit? Ifyou don't have ing parents and kids in various a good first aid kit, now would be a schools. A special place should be he California Department of In- methods, operations, or processes in good time to get one...before the designated for all family members to dustrial Relations' Division of use at the workplace. next Big One hits. go to if a disaster occurs. T Occupational Safety and Health The new law also increases the (Cal-OSHA) has been gearing up to maximum penalty for a failure-to- carry out Assembly Bill 1127, which abate violation from $7,000 to was signed into law last autumn by $15,000 a day. Failure to abate exists Gov. Davis. when evidence obtained by Cal- Make a check list "AB 1127 will greatly increase the OSHA demonstrates that the em- effectiveness of Cal-OSHA' s en- ployer failed to correct a previously ost all accidents could be work plan. Go over this with all forcement efforts, and in doing so, cited violation by a specified date. avoided if we made a simple personnel involved. increase the safety and health protec- Another feature of the new law is m check list before starting a job. You should also have an emer- tions afforded to California's work- the deletion of a longstanding statu- It doesn't really matter what job it gency plan in place. ers," said Cal-OSHA Chief John tory exemption for government enti- is. Large or small, simple or compli- Remember, if you're in doubt or Howard. ties from imposition of Cal-OSHA cated, if we apply a common sense have bad feelings about the job, stop Major changes include an increase civil penalties, including failure-to- check list we can reduce the chance what you're doing. Check your list in the maximum statutory civil pen- abate penalties, meaning that gov- of injury, damage or death. again. You might have to add more alty fora serious violation from $7,000 ernment employers must now gener- Research what you will be doing to your list until you feel good about to $25,000. A serious violation ex- ally conform to the same safety stan- and come up with a check list and a the job. ists if there is substantial probability dards as other employers. that death or serious physical harm The new law increases the crimi- could result from a violation, includ- nal penalties for certain Cal-OSHA ing exposures exceeding the permis- violations. This increases the fines sible exposure limit or conditions and prison terms that a court may that exist from practices, means, impose. worried about our safety program...That's the new Correction: It wasn't Poe after all assistant foreman." Some sharp-eyed reader noticed in the January issue of Utility Reporter, page 8, that we wrongly attributed authorship of "A Tale of Two Cities" to Edgar Allen Poe. The author of that classic work was Charles Dickens. OK, so this proves we'll never get that job as Literary Critic at the New York Times. At least we know that George Bush is Current members of the Local 1245 Safety Committee are: Stoney Burke, Alameda Power & Telecommunications; Keith Hopp, Pacific Gas & Electric; Ralph Muraca, City governor of Kentucky. of Santa Clara; Mark Rose, Davey Tree; Al White, Pacific Gas & Electric; Rod Wright, Modesto Irrigation District; and Assistant Business Manager Art Murray.

February 2000 19 Frederick Douglass

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without the thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both mental and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without demand."

rederick Douglass—editor, orator, abolitionist, suffering a broken right hand he continued the lecture resister—was one of America's greatest moral leaders. tour. His relentless campaign against slavery won the After publishing his first autobiography, which respect of Presidents, provoked physical attacks by revealed his true identity, he was forced to flee to Great pro-slavery mobs, and earned him a place in the Britain to avoid being captured and returned to his pantheon of genuine American heron. master in the American South. While on board the Douglass was born into slavery on the eastern shore of Cambria, pro-slavery passengers threatened to throw Maryland about 1818. His first intimation that there him overboard when he attempted to deliver an was life beyond slavery came when his Aunt Jenny and abolitionist speech. Uncle Noah escaped to freedom. British admirers raised the money to buy Douglass As a field hand he suffered many lashings under his freedom and in 1847 he returned to America a Edward Covey, the "slave breaker." The lashings stopped free man. Within months he began publishing The after the 17-year-old slave engaged in a fight with Covey. North Star. Two years later Douglass was jailed in a failed escape Douglass attended the attempt, but in September of 1838 he escaped north by first Women's Rights train and boat. When he heard abolitionists William Convention at Seneca Black History Month Lloyd Garrison and Wendell Phillips speak in 1839, Falls, NY in 1848 and Douglass found his mission in life. Soon Douglass began became a lifelong advocate for women's voting rights. his career as one of the most effective and popular During the 1850s Douglass served as "station orators of the anti-slavery movement. master" of the Rochester, NY terminus of the In August of 1841 Douglass, still a fugitive slave, was Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves flee to invited to address an anti-slavery convention in freedom. Nantucket, Mass. In attendance was William Lloyd In February of` 1858, John Brown stayed at Garrison, probably the most famous and gifted Douglass's home in Rochester while perfecting his abolitionist of that time. Garrison, euphoric on hearing plans to provoke a slave revolt. A year later,when Douglass speak, later wrote: Brown's famous raid at Harper Ferry ended in disaster, "I shall never forget his first speech at the convention— Douglass was forced to flee to Canada under suspicion the extraordinary emotion it excited in my own mind— of being a Brown accomplice. Again he found the powerful impression it created upon [the crowd] sanctuary in England, but soon returned to America completely taken by surprise—the applause which where, with the outbreak of the Civil War, he became followed from the beginning to the end of his felicitous an agent for the US Government, recruiting black remarks. I think I never hated slavery so intensely as at soldiers into the Union Army. that moment; certainly, my perception of the enormous In 1865 he was personally greeted by President outrage which is inflicted by it...was rendered far more Abraham Lincoln at the Inauguration Ball. Following clear than ever." the President's assassination, Mrs. Lincoln presented Douglass was an activist as well as an orator. In 1841 Douglass with the martyred president's walking stick. he was forcibly ejected from an Eastern Railroad train In later years Douglass was nominated for Vice- for refusing to ride in a "Jim Crow" car. His act of President of the US by the Equal Rights Party, served defiance would echo down through the decades and in a variety of government posts, including US serve as a precedent for the bus boycotts and sit-ins of Marshall for the District of Columbia and Minister to the 20th century civil rights movement. Haiti. It was Douglass's gift to inspire and motivate. However, But Douglass, who died in 1895, is remembered best his oratory provoked and enraged supporters of slavery. not for the posts he held but for the passion, courage In 1843, on one of his many lecture tours, he was and intelligence he brought to the causes he attacked by a pro-slavery mob at Pendleton, Ind. Despite championed.

20 UtilityReporter