Important Union Election Information Inside

Volume 65 No.2 • Apr-June 2016

The Fight to Keep .13. Diablo Canyon Open

Dalzell: Competitive Threats .2.

Shop Steward Conferences .3.

Deregulation in Nevada .4.

Local 2376 Merger .5.

Outside Construction .6.

Clay Shoot .7.

Organizing Stewards .9.

Advisory Council .10.

Competitive Challenges .11.

Retirees .14.

Tree Trimmers .16.

Community Fund .18.

Token Bearers .19.

The Union Difference .20.

Keeping Roseville .22. Running

SMUD Rubicon Outlet .25.

Pin Dinners .28.

Union Election Info .34.

IBEW 1245 members Jared Merkle (top) and Judd Van Meter work on a PG&E transmission line in Grass Valley, California. Story on page 12. Photo by John Storey and growing threat of climate change, Those resources enabled us to prepare Friends of the Earth and other anti- for the threats we now face. CALE NDAR nuclear groups have begun a series of Fortunately, we have been building attacks on the continued operation of our political connections in California May 14: Family Soccer Tournament, Diablo Canyon, where 600 of our mem- and Nevada for years, and are currently Fairfield bers are employed in clean-power jobs. building coalitions to fight these battles. The threats are not abstract. They are We have secured a voice in the process May 16: Shop Steward Conference, real, and they are here. They are well- so we can be heard and take a stand for North Bay financed and politically popular, due in what’s right. May 17: Shop Steward Conference, no small part to the wealthy backers Fortunately, we have trained more Sacramento that stand to benefit, at the expense of than 100 organizing stewards over the Competitive the rest of us as both workers and cus- last several years and we have a mobile, May 18: Shop Steward Conference, tomers, and even at the expense of the experienced group of political ground Chico environment. troops. We are ready to deploy on short May 20: Tree Trimmers Electrical Threats: These new threats are emerging on notice and be effective in our impact Hazard Awareness Training, top of the continued threats we have through real strength in numbers. Vacaville fought time and again against employ- And, we are fortunate to have our No longer May 20-21: OSHA 10 class, Vacaville ers trying to take away our hard-fought tried-and-true record of organizing benefits, cut our hard-earned wages, against and standing up to countless May 21: PG&E/IBEW Gas Rodeo, abstract and slash our workforce. prior threats. We have the lessons Livermore We have our work cut out for us. But learned from those experiences. We June 17: Game Night at Raley Field, have talked in the past about the we have been laying the groundwork so know how to fight and how to stick it out competitive threats to our industry we are ready to take on the challenges for as long as it takes. Sacramento Iin the abstract. They are now upon and come out better equipped for the The challenges are tough and they June 21-24: IBEW International us. Major, existential threats are turning future of our industry. are coming at us fast and without warn- Women’s Conference, Phoenix into reality and threatening how power Fortunately, we knew these competi- ing. We don’t get to pick and choose the July 23: Advisory Council, Reno is sourced and transmitted, which is tive threats were coming and we took next challenge, but we will be ready to affecting the outlook for the future of them seriously from the start. Our fight, and fight hard. Sept 19-23: 39th IBEW International the grid. members had the foresight to increase And I am certain that together we will Convention, St. Louis It’s all the more pressing that these our dues in 2008, giving us the resources prevail. We have the resources. We have threats are coming right at us. Direct today to fight multiple battles at once. the unity. We have the vision. attacks to our industry are being waged in California and Nevada. Utility Reporter April – June 2016 In Nevada, Sands Casino owner, bil- Volume 65 No. 2 lionaire Sheldon Adelson, is bankrolling Circulation: 22,800 an effort to deregulate the state’s electric Do It Online industry. At the same time, SolarCity is Business Manager & Executive Editor launching a campaign to grant huge Tom Dalzell subsidies to wealthy rooftop solar cus- ibew1245.com Communications Director tomers, shifting the cost of maintaining Eric Wolfe the grid onto non-solar customers. Yet Managing Editor Rebecca Band we all know rooftop solar customers President need and use the grid, too. We also know Art Freitas rooftop solar pales in comparison to the Executive Board efficiency of utility scale solar. Rachel Ramirez-Hill Anna Bayless-Martinez In California, PUC Commissioner Tom Cornell Mike Florio is suggesting the state test a Mike Cottrell Mike Jessen pilot program deregulating the electric Carl Olguin distribution system. Despite the real Pedro Sandoval Stan Zamora Treasurer Cecelia De La Torre

Unit meeting changes Published quarterly at Unit #3011, Sacramento Regional (Round Table Pizza, 1516 Hwy 99, be meeting at Cabana Mexican Grill, 30 Orange Tree Circle, Vacaville, CA 95687. Official publication of Local Union Gridley). 4340 S 99 Frontage Rd., Stockton CA Transit, has changed its unit meeting 1245, International Brotherhood of date. Effective March 2016, the unit Sheila Lawton, 95215. The meetings will now begin at Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO, P.O. Box meeting will now be held on the third IBEW 1245 Business Rep 4:45pm. The meeting dates will 2547, Vacaville, CA 95696. Thursday of the month, instead of the remain on the first Wednesday of the Unit #1110, Fresno Clerical, has a Periodical postage paid at Vacaville and third Wednesday. The start time will month, with the exception of January, at additional mailing offices. USPS remain at 4:30pm, and the location is new unit meeting location. The meet- when the meeting will take place on No. 654640, ISSN No. 0190-4965. ings will now be held at La Torta inside unchanged (Espanol Restaurant, 5723 Thursday, Jan. 7. POSTMASTER: Please send Form 3579, Folsom Blvd, Sacramento). The Galleria, 2405 Capital St. Ste. 106, Rey Mendoza, Change of Address, and all Sheila Lawton, Fresno, CA. The unit meetings will IBEW 1245 Business Rep correspondence to Utility Reporter, P.O. IBEW 1245 Business Rep continue to take place on the first Box 2547, Vacaville, CA 95696. Tuesday following the first Monday of Unit #3312, Carson City, has changed Single copies $1. Subscription by Unit #3217, City of Redding, has a each month at 5pm. its meeting location. Beginning in arrangement. Have you moved recently? new unit meeting location. Beginning Melissa Becerril, January of 2016, the unit will be meet- Please send complete new address and your Social Security Number (by U.S. in March, 2016, the unit will meet at Unit #1110 Recorder ing at Westside Pour House, 110 W. Mail) to: “Address Change” Angelo’s Pizza Parlor, 1774 California Telegraph, Carson City, NV. The meet- IBEW Local 1245 St, Redding, CA. The meetings will Unit #2317, Antioch, has voted to ings will continue to be held on the P.O. Box 2547 continue to be held on the first move the location of its unit meeting third Thursday of every other month Vacaville, CA 95696. Tuesday of the month at 4:30pm. to Straw Hat Pizza, 6680 Lone Tree at 4:00pm. Our Web Site can be viewed at Sheila Lawton, Way, Brentwood, CA 94513. The meet- Pat Waite, IBEW 1245 Business Rep www.IBEW1245.com. IBEW 1245 Business Rep ing will continue to be held on the sec- Find us on Facebook at ond Wednesday of each month at Unit #2211, City of Oakland, has www.facebook.com/ Unit #4017, City of Gridley, has 5pm. changed its unit meeting location. The IBEWLocal1245 changed their monthly unit meeting Anthony Brown, unit will now meet at Round Table Our phone number is (707) 452-2700. dates. Beginning in March 2016, the IBEW 1245 Business Rep Pizza, 2651-H Blanding Ave, Alameda, unit meeting will move from the first CA. The meetings will continue to take Wednesday of the month to the first Unit #2509, Stockton Clerical, has a place on the third Thursday of each Thursday of the month at 5:15pm. The new unit meeting location and time. month at 4pm. meeting location will remain the same Beginning January 2016, the unit will Al Fortier, IBEW 1245 Business Rep

2 April – June 2016 Setting the Standard: Conferences Help Public- and Private- Sector Shop Stewards Hone Their Skills and Knowledge IBEW Private Sector Stewards Training

Shop Stewards conference attendees outside Weakley Hall in Vacaville.

hop stewards play a pivotal role the need for more, and better qual- when it comes to defending the ity, manufacturing jobs in the United Srights of union members at work. States. The rest of the day-long training IBEW 1245 prides itself on ensuring that featured sessions on shop steward roles our shop stewards receive the training and responsibilities, understanding the and resources they need to be the best contract, legal rights of shop stewards, stewards they can be, and the union grievance handling and possible legal holds periodic conferences and train- issues. The day concluded with an open ings to help the stewards hone and re- discussion where the stewards could ask fresh their skills and knowledge. questions and learn from one another. This February, Local 1245 hosted a Business Rep Sheila Lawton series of day-long conferences for our Ray Thomas contributed to this report. shop stewards in the public and private Photos by John Storey, Ray Thomas and sectors. Forty-four public-sector and Cruz Serna. private-sector stewards attended the Reno shop steward conference on Feb 3, and 89 stewards attended the Vacaville conference on Feb. 5. The agenda cov- ered a wide variety of important rights and laws that shop stewards ought to be Business Manager Tom Dalzell at the familiar with, as well as key skills that Public/Private Sector Stewards Training, can help them service the members and Vacaville Assistant Business Manager Ray Thomas the contract in the most effective way possible. “IBEW 1245 shop stewards are second to none in the representation of mem- bers,” said IBEW Local 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell. “Our shop stew- ards set the standard.” A team of Local 1245 Business Reps, along with Assistant Business Manager Ray Thomas, worked together to de- velop and present an engaging and use- ful curriculum. The conference kicked off with an overview of Weingarten and Garrity Rights, presented by IBEW 1245 Business Rep Sheila Lawton. Business Rep Al Fortier highlighted important shop steward “Do’s” and “Don’ts,” and Business Rep Sam Glero went over the elements of Just Cause. Business Rep Pat Waite presented a session on “What is a Grievance?” and Business Rep Jen- nifer Gray followed it up with a detailed Business Rep Al Fortier description of grievance handling. Business Rep JV Macor discussed the workplace protections enshrined un- der FMLA and CFRA, and Business Rep Charley Souders explained the union’s Duty of Fair Representation under the law. The training also included a pre- sentation on Local 1245’s peer safety program, along with a briefing on the Friedrichs v CTA case (see page 20-21). Additionally, 14 shop stewards from IBEW 1245-represented manufactur- ing employers came together on Feb. 16 in Vacaville for their own shop steward conference. That training was facilitated by Business Rep Cruz Serna and Assis- tant Business Manager Ray Thomas. Lo- cal 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell kicked off the training by emphasizing Public/Private Sector Stewards Training, Reno Utility Reporter 3 NV Energy Crew Drops Gas Main to Make Way for Storm Drain

Photos by John Storey to move out of the way. to clear the path for the storm drain. “First, our welders weld on half pots ust a few feet below ground level lies That’s exactly what occurred in the “We are building an eight-inch steel and spherical pots, and then we tap an intricate maze of pipes and mains area around Rio Poco Rd in Sparks, NV. gas main offset, and we have to do two them, sweep them, stop them and then Jthat twist and turn, carrying every- The City’s storm drain needed to flow rolling 90’s and a swing joint to lower evacuate the main,” Kumle explained. thing from gas to fresh water and waste- into a space that was already occupied by our pipe, so the city of Reno can come “Then we weld on the offset to the dead water. Every so often, these mains will a gas main, so a gas crew from NV Energy through here with an 18-inch storm main and bring it down. Then we re- travel along the same path, and at that was called in to drop the gas main down drain,” according to NVE Working Gas pressurize it after we cut the old main point, one of those pipes is going to have a few feet in two different places, in order Crew Foreman Marty Kumle. out of the way.”

Foreman Marty Kumle turns off a gas line.

Gas welder Troy Callahan cuts the gas line.

Apprentice fitter Michael Kennedy (left) and welder Troy Callahan drill into a pipe. NV Energy welders Troy Callahan (left) and Richard Eisenbeiss weld a cover on a gas pipe in a neighborhood in Sparks, Nevada.

Proposed Ballot Measure Could Open the Door which would give them the ability to leave NV En- to Energy Deregulation & Job Loss in Nevada ergy without having to pay those fees. Sands’ billion- dangerous ballot measure that ity company per service territory. Cur- sino companies, which have aire CEO Sheldon Adelson was just introduced in Nevada rently, NV Energy is the sole authorized recently sought to procure — the 18th richest person A could result in the elimination electric utility provider, serving approxi- power from a source other in the world — has a track of jobs at NV Energy, and may undo the mately 1.3 million customers through- than NV Energy. record of backing political vital regulations that govern the state’s out the state. If the measure is approved The Las Vegas Sands Corp., MGM Re- campaigns and measures that would electric utility market. by voters in November, it would do away sorts International and Wynn Resorts negatively impact working class families “The secretive backers of this measure with the existing policy and leave it to submitted a request to the state’s Public in order to increase his own corporate want voters to believe it’s about ‘energy the Legislature to provide a framework Utilities Commission to leave NV En- profits. choices,’ but in reality, it would help a for other entities to enter Nevada’s en- ergy in 2015 in an effort to find cheaper According to the Nevada Secretary of handful of ultra-wealthy casino mo- ergy market by July of 2023. Given the power elsewhere, and were informed by State, the proposed initiative must re- guls get even richer, at the expense of Nevada Legislature’s track record of de- the PUC that they would have to pay exit ceive 55,234 valid signatures from reg- Nevada’s working families,” said IBEW regulation, the end result of such a dras- fees and additional costs if they choose istered Nevada voters (including at least 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell. tic policy shift could have untold conse- to do so. According to the Las Vegas Re- 13,809 signatures from each of the four “If enacted, this sort of policy would quences for every Nevada resident, and view Journal: petition districts) to qualify for the bal- inevitably result in significant layoffs at will almost certainly lead to job losses at “The fees approved by the commis- lot. The measure can be challenged in NV Energy, and could open the door to NV Energy. sion total $86.9 million for MGM, $15.7 court before it is certified to appear be- large-scale Enron-style deregulation of According to the petition filed with million for Wynn and $23.9 million fore voters in November. the energy industry in Nevada.” the Nevada Secretary of State: for the Sands, plus recurring fees and “If you are approached by someone The proposed measure was intro- “The People of the State of Nevada de- charges to recover certain ongoing costs asking you to sign the petition to qual- duced on Feb. 3, 2016 by a new Political clare that it is the policy of this State that that cannot currently be quantified. The ify this measure for the ballot, please Action Committee that has to yet reveal electricity markets be open and com- exit fees were imposed by the commis- consider the ramifications,” said Dal- any information about its agenda or its petitive … and that economic and regu- sion to protect remaining Nevada Power zell. “The position of Local 1245 is that financial backers. The measure seeks to latory burdens be minimized in order to customers. Nevada Power is part of NV this measure is dangerous and we urge amend the Nevada state constitution in promote competition and choices in the Energy.” members to refrain from signing on to order to allow energy consumers to pro- electric energy market.” The Sands Corp. told the PUC that it.” cure energy from other sources besides While no additional information is the fees “effectively denied” the com- The full text of the petition can be Nevada Energy. readily available about the backers of pany’s plan to leave NV Energy, and it found at http://nvsos.gov/Modules/ Under the existing state law, there this measure, several news reports have would come as no surprise to discover ShowDocument.aspx?documentid= can only be one authorized electric util- linked the measure to three massive ca- that they were behind this new effort 4089. 4 April – June 2016 IBEW Local 2376 Merges with Local 1245

hen the City of Vallejo de- our members voted a couple of weeks clared bankruptcy in 2008, later, and the result was 96% in favor of Wthe city’s municipal workers the merger,” said Brown. “They didn’t and their union, IBEW Local 2376, were make this decision because they’re dis- among the hardest hit. They struggled gruntled, but because we’ve been going for nearly a decade to regain footing in circles for the last 10 years and there without much traction. hasn’t been any progress. But now that “We’ve had a lot of challenges under we are joining up with 1245, it’s going to the bankruptcy,” said Local 2376 Busi- make us so much stronger, and every- ness Manager Eleanor Brown. “Our one is really excited about it.” members haven’t gotten a raise since 2008, and the City keeps telling us that An Asset to Our Local they don’t have the money. We don’t be- Local 2376 represents 221 active em- lieve they’ve been totally forthcoming ployees at the City of Vallejo in every with their financial projections, but we non-management classification, from just haven’t had the resources to chal- clerical workers, to engineers, to build- lenge their fiscal forecast and budget ing inspectors, to water department with our own actuarial.” workers, to dispatchers, to housing de- Brown, a 23-year member of Local partment workers and more. The merg- 2376 who has served as Business Man- er will make the City of Vallejo one of the ager for the past four years, wanted to few “wall-to-wall” properties represent- do what’s best for her members, and so ed by Local 1245. when she was approached by Local 1245 The Vallejo members recently secured Local 1245 Member Wins “Editor’s about the possibility of merging Local a one-year contract with the City, but 2376 in with Local 1245, she took it un- that round of negotiations did not ad- Choice Award” in IBEW International der serious consideration. dress any economic issues, and Brown “Local 1245 is a nationally recognized has faith that with Local 1245’s resourc- Photo Contest local, with lots of strength and political es and Assistant Business Manager Ray influence,” said Brown. “I made the de- Thomas serving as chief negotiator, this BEW Local 1245 member Steve Marcotte was awarded the “Editor’s Choice cision [to start the merger process] sim- next round of negotiations is certain to Award” for his submission to the IBEW’s annual photo contest. The image, taken ply because I know it would mean more be more fruitful. Iat the Sacramento Veterans Day Parade, depicts Local 1245 members and vet- resources at our disposal, as well as “We’re very encouraged by how the erans Pam Pendleton and Walter Carmier, as they share a smile along the parade more strength for us, and also for 1245. negotiation process is going this time route. The union is all about solidarity, and we around, and we’ve only just gotten “Local 1245 showed up to parades all over our jurisdiction to support the mem- are always stronger when we stand to- started. Ray is really knowledgeable and bers who did serve and make sure veterans know the IBEW is a path for veterans to gether.” well-respected in the industry,” said a middle class life,” Marcotte said. Brown took the merger idea to the Brown. “We are definitely looking for- Marcotte’s award-winning photo is above. To see the other winning photos, go to Local 2376 Executive Board, and with ward to having the resources to do our www.ibew.org/media-center/Articles/16Daily/1602/160205_18thIBEWPhoto. their blessing, she invited Local 1245 own fiscal analysis.” leaders to come and speak directly with “We are pleased to welcome our the members of Local 2376. Business brothers and sisters from the City of Manager Tom Dalzell, Assistant Busi- Vallejo to 1245. These hard-working ness Manager Ray Thomas and Business men and women are sure to be an asset Rep Jennifer Gray presented to the 2376 to our Local,” said IBEW 1245 Business membership, and the members were Manager Tom Dalzell. “We are confident able to ask questions and get a better that we can achieve more gains as one sense of the Local that they were con- large and united Local than they would sidering joining. have been able to secure otherwise, and “After listening to the presentation we are committed to working tirelessly and learning about how 1245 would in- to make sure they get the wages and fluence the makeup of our organization, benefits that they deserve.”

Local 2376 Business Manager Eleanor Brown spoke at a recent Advisory Council meeting. Utility Reporter 5 Dispatch Call Counts 2016 Call Counts CABLE LINE EQ FAB JRY SUB Monthly APPR GRDMN SPLICER MAN TECH LMN TECH Totals JANUARY 7 4 5 4 21 30 11 82 FEBRUARY 14 1 4 15 15 13 7 69 MARCH 10 11 19 8 89 65 12 214 Work Outlook APRIL 8 0 9 17 43 47 8 132 Work picture continues to be steady and is expected to remain so through However, there are a couple of ongo- mation that was provided years prior. OSL Shop Steward Training ing grievances that are in the first step We have seen this happen before, and 2016. In addition to the work that has On March 26, Local 1245 held a shop and discovery process, one of which has have no way of reversing these dis- been contracted out through the utili- steward training session, which also a more widespread impact and involves bursements. Members may ask the OSL ties in our jurisdiction, we are also see- included some labor and IBEW 1245 some potential back pay to several rep for a ‘Change of Beneficiary’ card, or ing additional projects — including history and structure. Although we had members. We feel confident that this call the union office for one if needed. large solar, Caltrain electrification, high hoped for a larger turnout, we feel it issue can and will be resolved in the first speed rail and the trailer park modifica- was a success. Based on the feedback couple steps of the process. JATC tion pilot project — which all should from the members who did attend, they On February 29, the California- provide good jobs for our members for all came away with some valuable Safety Books (Update) Nevada JATC opened the apprentice- the next several years. In addition to the information. construction work, we also have mem- As we wait to see the final documents ship application process for a 10-day bers performing inspection services, from CalOSHA on mandatory changes period. During this period, they Organizing to both the High Voltage and Low received over 1,600 requests for applica- locating and support service work In the month of April we signed Voltage safety orders, the joint tions. Approximately 1,300 applications throughout the jurisdiction. Sturgeon Electric California, LLC to the IBEW / NECA Safety commit- were returned and will be evaluated, Since January 2014, Local Outside Line Construction Agreement. tee has begun the process of and scheduling is underway for inter- 1245 has conducted 5,715 We have met with K.W. Emerson, Inc starting the review of the views. Due to the large number of appli- Safety Orientations. These ori- who may sign the Hydro agreement. We Safety Red Book. There is a lot cations, we anticipate the interview entations, done in conjunc- also met with ArborWorks, to discuss of work to do to get this up to process to go on throughout the rest of tion with Code of Excellence signing the master Line Clearance Tree the current FedOSHA the year. The first round of interviews is training, have helped to edu- Trimming agreement. cate the workforce on what’s changes, however seeing the scheduled for May 17 and 18. at stake for not working safe document from CalOSHA will We currently have 330 outside line 2016 Training Schedule Ralph Armstrong by explaining the conse- be key to make sure this Safety apprentices registered in our JATC pro- and Special Events quences. All members are required to Manual is current with the gram and one traveling apprentice in LAWDP Rodeo complete the orientation in order to state requirements. We are out of the lat- our jurisdiction. • – April 30, 2016, Los take a job through dispatch. est edition and have no plans to print • 42 Apprentices are working out of Angeles Our two OSL reps in the field have any more due to the pending changes. If local 1245 • Soccer Tournament – April 30, visited a total of 69 jobsites and have anyone needs a current copy, it is avail- • 248 are working out of 47 2016, Ripon logged approximately 6,000 miles in the able for download on our website at • 4 are working out of 396 • Soccer Tournament – May 14, www.ibew1245.com/outside-line- • 11 are unemployed (37 are techni- 2016, Fairfield last month alone. safety-manual/. cally unemployed, but 26 can’t work) • NSUJL Benefit Rodeo – June 17, Inspection Contractor • We have graduated 11 apprentices to 2016, Clearfield County, PA OSL Safety Oversight journeyman lineman • IBEW 1245 Golf Tournament – Canus Corporation is no longer per- Recently, OSL crews have experi- • We have indentured 0 outside line October 8, 2016, Vacaville forming gas inspection work for PG&E. enced more contractor safety oversight, apprentices • International Lineman’s Rodeo – This change took place at the end of such as crew audits, and a stronger than We currently have an orientation/ October 15, 2016, Bonner Springs, KS March, and had an impact on close to usual push from PG&E and their inspec- climbing class in progress with 20 indi- • First Aid & CPR is the 2nd Saturday 200 IBEW 1245 members who were tors. There are a lot of factors at play, viduals attending, and anticipate all will of every month at the JATC Riverside moved to other contractors that are still and PG&E states that they have been pass the class. and Sacramento facilities. performing the same work. Although we mandated by the PUC for stronger con- expected a smooth transition for these tractor oversight. We know that PG&E is members, it didn’t go without some working on a plan on what this is sup- issues, which we continue to work posed to look like, and we will be work- through. All the agreements are identi- Local 1245 Office Staff Celebrates ing with PG&E to find out what the cal, however some of the processes and parameters are while also trying to types of work are slightly different. We E-Board Member Mike Cottrell understand the mandate a little better. will continue to work with the members he IBEW Local 1245 office staff hosted a luncheon at Weakley Hall on Dec. 30 More to come on this as it becomes and the contractors to resolve any and to celebrate Local 1245 Executive Board member Mike Cottrell, who is retir- available. all issues that may arise. Ting from his job as a Lineman. Cottrell is a 30-year member of Local 1245 who Update Personal Information served two terms as Southern Area member on the Executive Board, and in 2013 he Grievances was elected to a third term in the newly-created seat representing Line Clearance This is just another reminder for all As we have reported in the past, the Tree Trimmers and Outside Construction. IBEW 1245 members to make sure all of Local 1245 Outside Line staff receives Photo by Muriel Moore their personal information is up to date. frequent calls and discovers numerous If a member has changed their place of issues on a weekly basis related to viola- residence or has had a change in marital tions of the agreement. For the most status, it is important to have that infor- part we are successful in getting these mation updated in our system. There is issues resolved in various stages of the a lot of important material that is grievance process, with most being mailed to our members’ residences done in the first step. which they may not receive if their con- tact information is not kept current. Beneficiary information that is not updated following a change in marital status can lead to hardships for a mem- ber’s loved ones. Funds will be given to whoever was named as the beneficiary, and benefits could end up in the hands of the wrong person based on old infor- 6 April – June 2016 Over 300 participate in Nor-Cal IBEW Annual Clay Shoots Give It Your Best Shot

Hilmar photos by Anthony Brown. Dunnigan photos by Chris Hardy. t was a beautiful, sunny day at Rooster Ranch Wings and Clays in Hilmar, where roughly 180 folks participated in the annual Nor-Cal IBEW Clay IShoot, while another 160 took part at Raahauge’s in Dunnigan. IBEW members from several California locals enjoyed a day of challenging sporting clay pairs that put marksmanship to the test. Long-time hunters and expert shots from Bakersfield to Eureka lined up side by side with plenty of novices and first-timers to challenge the courses set up along the rural terrain. Safety was of the utmost importance, and all participants had to attend a mandatory safety briefing prior to the shoot. After a full morning of friendly competition, the shooters and their families settled down in the shade for a delicious lunch. Following lunch, the highly anticipated prize raffle com- menced, and the shooters checked their tickets with anticipation in the hopes of having their number called. The fabulous prizes included many shotguns and hunt- ing rifles, two full-size gun safes, and the grand prize – a coveted Browning over-under 20-gauge, competition- grade shotgun. The top shooters were also announced after lunch, and Local 1245’s very own Bill McKinley, an Electric Crew Foreman at PG&E from Bakersfield, came in first place after shooting an impressive 92 out of a possible 100 at the Hilmar location! Anthony Brown is an IBEW 1245 Business Rep. Bill McKinley

Utility Reporter 7 Staff Organizer Jammi Juarez helped Local 1245 Joins 26th Annual National Meeting lead a workshop of leadership commu- nication styles, and 1245 Organizing of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Steward Lorenso Arciniega served as one of the panelists during an in-depth hirty-seven delegates from IBEW school. I felt a great sense of accom- about how unions have made an impact discussion of LGBTQI issues in the Local 1245 (including Executive plishment seeing these kids come here. in their lives, both personally and pro- union and the workplace. Board members and staff) trav- I know somehow they would appreciate fessionally. The most memorable T “It makes me proud to see the EWMC elled to New York City to participate in what we did for them.” speaker was Sister Robbie Sparks, step up to the plate on the LGBTQ the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus “As union members, we are very for- EWMC President Emeritus. She was issues,” said Martinez. “I was happy to (EWMC) 26th Annual National tunate, so I feel participating in the Day most poignant as she told of her strug- see some of our brothers and sisters Meeting, which took place Jan. 14-17 at of Service was just one of the ways in gles from the civil rights movement, to come up to the stage and share the the Sheraton New York Times Square which we can give back to our commu- workers’ rights, and how her work is struggles that the LGBTQ community Hotel. nities,” said IBEW 1245 Recording never-ending,” said Buchanan. “Both faces on a daily basis at job sites and “As a first-time delegate at this year’s Secretary Rachel Ramirez-Hill, who current EWMC President Keith sometimes within their locals. I know 2016 EWMC Conference in NYC, I was also attended the EWMC conference for Edwards, and IBEW International there is still a lot of work to be done honored to be selected as one of the the first time this year. “I hope that in President Lonnie Stephenson delivered within our locals, but the EWMC has members to represent our Local,” said the future, we will be able to grow vol- an inspirational message of leadership definitely set the bar for IBEW locals to IBEW 1245 member Theresa Buchanan. unteerism within our Local.” and solidarity within the Union that follow.” “Nothing I’ve experienced beforehand The conference featured several brought everyone to their feet.” The conference concluded with an could prepare me for what I was about engaging workshops and notable For many attendees, the most emo- Awards Dinner, where Local 1245 pre- to be a part of.” speakers, including community tional part of the conference took place sented EWMC with a donation for “This has been one of the best con- activists, faith leaders, elected officials, on the second day, when the delegates $10,000. ferences that I have attended. I love the public advocates and several figure- had the opportunity to tour the 9/11 “I wanted to thank IBEW 1245 for giv- way all of our brothers and sisters from heads from the IBEW. Memorial. ing me the honor of attending my first all over the U.S and Canada come International President Lonnie “Being at Ground Zero, where more EWMC Conference. This was truly an together for this conference,” said Stephenson announced his goal to than 2,500 people lost their lives, and amazing experience,” said IBEW 1245 IBEW 1245 Organizing Steward and double the number of Business seeing remnants of what used to be ele- Executive Board Recording Secretary EWMC veteran Rene Cruz Martinez. Managers who attend the EWMC con- vator tags, guns encased in molten Rachel Ramirez-Hill. “I have been to a “The brotherhood and sisterhood is ference and increase the number of cement, and missing person fliers few other conferences on behalf of the definitely felt because everyone treats International Vice Presidents as well. forced me reflect on the importance of Union but this one really stands out each other with respect and everyone is He reminded delegates of how impor- my life,” said Buchanan. “It was heart ahead of the rest.” always so nice to one another.” tant the EWMC is to the IBEW, and breaking to hear accounts from loved “Attending this conference has been The EWMC conference kicked off aspires to make the IBEW more diverse ones of that fateful day, and how their life changing for me in so many ways. with a “Day of Giving,” and all the dele- while also promoting the next genera- lives have forever changed. The tribute The experience not only humbled me, gates spent time volunteering at vari- tion of younger workers. Local 3 made to their fallen comrades but ignited a strong passion and ous locations and charities around New Third District International Vice atop the Freedom Tower is a sentiment renewed belief in the Brother and York. President Don Siegel, a long-time we have for one another – we are more Sisterhood of the IBEW,” said For Buchanan, the community serv- EWMC delegate and supporter, chal- than union members, we are an exten- Buchanan. “I was fortunate to have met ice day was particularly inspiring. lenged delegates to hold their Union sion of family.” so many strong union men and women, “My team’s service project was held leadership accountable for increasing The third day of the conference from all walks of life, and was proud to at St. Joan of Arc Church in the Bronx. diversity in their Locals. Brother Siegel began with elections for the EWMC offi- be among them!” That’s where a group of nearly 25 also reminded delegates that the top cers, Executive Board and Young Tonya Alston contributed to this EWMC volunteers — lead by members leadership of the IBEW should reflect Workers Board. IBEW Local 1245’s own report. of Local 3 — worked tirelessly to paint a its membership. Local 11 Business Office Manager, Tonya Alston, who had large community room in need of a lit- Manager Marvin Kropke spoke to first- previously been serving as an At-Large tle TLC,” said Buchanan. “As the day time delegates at the New Member member of the EWMC Executive concluded, I was able to talk to other Orientation, and issued the same chal- Committee, was elected to serve as its brothers and sisters about how gratify- lenge to them. National Secretary. ing it was to give back to a community “All who spoke had stories to tell That afternoon, IBEW Local 1245 that needed our help, and the lasting impression we’d made in that parish.” “I had the opportunity to volunteer at Operation Exodus, which provides students from surrounding schools with an after school program, tutoring and a place to wait for their parents while they get off work,” said Martinez. “We got to paint three rooms for them while others also did some electrical work. It felt good to complete our tasks, and on our way out, we got to see about Local 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell and IBEW International President Lonnie Rene Cruz Martinez volunteering during 15 kids come into the premises after Stephenson with Local 1245 Executive Board and member delegates. the Day of Giving

Local 1245 delegates at the Awards Dinner 8 April – June 2016 gram. As the seasoned Stewards shared IBEW Local 1245’s Organizing their favorite experiences from the pre- vious year, the new Stewards listened in Stewards Spread the Activism Bug rapt attention, and were clearly excited to be a part of such a groundbreaking f enthusiasm is contagious, then a doubt that once the activism bug ards has changed my life. I’ve been able program. we’ve got an epidemic breaking out starts spreading, there’s no stopping it. to grow in ways that I didn’t expect,” “It’s a wonderful feeling when you at IBEW Local 1245. Organizing Steward Logan Jonas, said Jonas. “I am a better person for hav- I know you’re becoming involved in As the 2016 class of IBEW 1245 who works as a Night Cable Splicer for ing the opportunity to be involved and something for a greater purpose, and Organizing Stewards filed into Weakley PG&E in San Francisco, has definitely give back to the hard-working people of that’s what we stand for!” said new Hall for their first meeting and orienta- caught the organizing bug, and says his this union and this country.” Organizing Steward Ashley Boles, who tion on Jan. 22, their enthusiasm and favorite part of the program is being Of the 70 members who make up this works at the PG&E Fresno call center. positive energy was palpable. The num- able to effect positive change for his co- year’s Organizing Steward army, about “Being able to experience solidarity and ber of Organizing Stewards has nearly workers and others. half are returning from last year, while doubled since last year, proving without “Being a part of the Organizing Stew- the other half are newcomers to the pro- continued on page 15

The 2016 class of Local 1245 Organizing Stewards

Answering the Call: Local 1245 Organizing Stewards help boost union membership at Indiana manufacturing plant hen our brothers and sisters the memory of that experience has fact that the union contract will be Business Manager Jerry Wagner in to in Indiana asked for assis- made some of the senior workers hesi- expiring in March of 2017. help with this particular case. W tance building their mem- tant to join the union. But we didn’t let Through the one-on-one conversa- By identifying the issues that mat- bership at a local manufacturing plant, that deter us. We joined up with dozens tions we had with the workers, our 1245 tered to the workers and explaining how Local 1245 answered the call. of other IBEW organizers from across team quickly identified several work- the union could help them, our blitz In mid-February, a team of Local the country, along with the team from place safety issues at the plant. Rene team was able to sign up 52 new mem- 1245 Organizing Stewards, comprised of Local 1424, and launched an aggressive and Lorae had an extremely eye-open- bers in a week, bringing the Local from Miguel Pagan, Rene Cruz-Martinez, door-to-door blitz, with the goal of talk- ing conversation with one female 38% membership up to a solid 48%. We Lorenso Arciniega, Lorae Andreason ing to every Faurecia worker about the worker who had been run over by a fork left an additional 72 membership appli- and myself, Nilda Garcia, flew to Indi- benefits of union membership. lift at the workplace. She was still limp- cations for local stewards to collect, ana to help IBEW Local 1424 grow its As Organizing Stewards, we’ve been ing and had never received worker’s which, once collected, would push union membership at Faurecia, a man- trained on what it takes to be the “boots compensation, so we pulled Local 1424 continued on page 15 ufacturing company that makes vehicle on the ground” for this type of cam- exhaust systems. paign, so we focused on having as many The company employs 870 workers face-to-face conversations as we possi- at its Indiana plant, many of whom are bly could. We started with 513 homes to native Spanish-speakers. Local 1424 visit, and by end of the first day, we had represents the workers at Faurecia, but already knocked on 90% of those doors. since Indiana is a “Right to Work” state By the time we completed the blitz, and Faurecia is an open shop, the union every house had been visited at least has struggled to build and maintain a twice. strong membership base. When we We worked tirelessly every day, from arrived, only 356 of the workers were early morning to late in the evening, to dues-paying members, which meant we get those conversations going and edu- had more than 500 opportunities to sign cate the workers. Many of them didn’t non-members up to be a part of the even know about the union, or what it union. meant to join. We had to explain how Back in 1989, the company and the important it was to be an active mem- union engaged in a year-long strike, and ber of the union, especially given the

Local 1245 organizer Jammi Juarez with IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson and 9th District IVP John O’Rourke. Local 1245 Commended for Excellence in Organizing or the third year in a row, Local 1245 has received the IBEW International “Henry Miller Award” for excellence in organizing. Additionally, Local 1245 Fstaff organizer Jammi Juarez was awarded the “Above and Beyond” award at this year’s 9th District Progress Meeting. The award gives her accolades for her “ongoing commitment to organizing, and thereby, furthering the purposes for The Local 1245 Organizing Stewards with International Organizer Lynn Arwood (center). which the IBEW was instituted.” Utility Reporter 9 Linemen Share Highlights from Suriname Trip at Advisory Council Meeting

hen IBEW 1245 linemen SMUD Lineman Carl Kheen. came home with 150 new Facebook Samson Wilson, James Scott In addition to providing critical skills friends,” said Wilson. “They still ask me W and Carl Kheen travelled to and safety training, the linemen from questions, because they want to know the small South American country Local 1245 also brought along a ship- more. They are excited to learn … and Suriname in the Fall of 2015, they ping container filled with safety equip- that’s a real testament to what Brady weren’t sure what they would ment they had collected, including Hansen has built down there.” encounter. They had heard from local 77 climbing gear, boots, traffic control flags “I cried when I left. I miss those guys, member Brady Hansen, the founder of and eye protection. Tools and equip- and I can’t wait to go back,” said Kheen. the Suriname American Brotherhood ment are incredibly scarce for the “I just want to say thank you to the Initiative, so they had some sense of the Surinamese linemen, and they were union and everyone who supported us. challenges that Surinamese linemen clearly grateful for the donated items. It was a very humbling experience.” face. They knew that they would be pro- “The amount of material that we “What I really enjoyed was coming viding potentially life-saving skills and were able to donate and take down back home and seeing how many mem- training, but they didn’t realize exactly there, and the looks on their faces when bers from Outside Line wanted to ask James Scott how impactful the trip would be until they saw all of the stuff we brought, it me about Suriname. They wanted to they were there. was just amazing,” said NV Energy line- know what they could do [to support mote this. It’s made people proud to be As honored guests at the Local 1245 man Samson Wilson. the Surinamese linemen], and if they part of a union that’s giving back, not Advisory Council meeting in January, While the donations were plentiful, could maybe be part of this program just in our own communities, but also in the three linemen took the opportunity they weren’t quite enough to provide for next time,” said Scott. “Tom Dalzell has third world countries that they’ve never to share their heartfelt stories and every lineman in Suriname, and the done a great thing by helping to pro- even heard of.” express their gratitude to the union for Local 1245 trainers ended up donating making the trip possible. some of their own belongings as well. “What a great experience! I was able “I gave away all my personal stuff,” to share my knowledge, and I also said Kheen. “My boots, my clothes, even learned a lot from the guys down there,” my actual climbing belt that I climbed Outside Lineman James Scott told the with for 13 years, I left that for a brother Local 1245 Advisory Council. “They’re down there.” smart people, and it was great to see The trip itself only lasted two weeks, how resourceful they are.” but the linemen from Local 1245 have “Safety is so important, so to have found that the experience continues to this chance to be able to keep our broth- be a part of their everyday lives at home. ers safe down there, and teach them “With social media and Facebook, basic things … and then to see that light I’m able to stay in contact with the go on for them, it means a lot,” said friends I made down there. I think I

ADVISORRYY COUNCIL Samson Wilson Carl Kheen Labor Federation Leader Explains Importance of Friedrichs Case at Advisory Council hen Local 1245 Business plaintiffs] what we will see in California unions in California. Tom has always of the union movement.” Manager Tom Dalzell invited is a move by the anti-worker corpora- been there as a leader for me and for our “Of the thousand-plus local unions W California Labor Federation tions to do away with all union shops, Executive Council as a whole,” said in California, I think 1245 is just about leader Art Pulaski to address the Local both in the public sector and also in the Pulaski. “He’ll wait to the right moment the best,” said Pulaski. “Tom, I want to 1245 leadership at the January Advisory private sector,” Pulaski continued. “This and then offer his words of wisdom in to thank you for your guidance in the bat- Council meeting, Pulaski answered the is an attack on workers that would affect help to move mountains and shape tles that we fight every day, not just on call. all of us in California. That’s why we’re opinions, so we make the right deci- behalf of your members, but of all work- “Art has always been a good and loyal asking you to remain vigilant and sup- sions in terms of how we lead the future ing people in California.” longtime friend to local 1245, and has port us in this fight.” supported us in the many competitive A few weeks after the Advisory challenges that we face.” Dalzell told the Council meeting, Supreme Court Justice Advisory Council. “I’ve asked him to Antonin Scalia passed away, leaving the come here today to talk about a big Court split 4-4 on the Friedrichs case. challenge we’re facing in the public sec- While most in the Labor Movement tor, with a case that’s pending in the consider this to be a temporary Supreme Court that’s part of the corpo- reprieve, Local 1245 is still heeding rate agenda to dismantle unions.” Pulaski’s request to remain vigilant (see Pulaski took the time to explain the “Update on the Friedrichs v. CTA court case to the Advisory Council and Supreme Court Case” page 21 and detail exactly what’s at stake. “IBEW 1245 Launches Public Sector “The Supreme Court is about to Member-to-Member Education Drive decide on a case called Friedrichs vs CTA on the Union Difference” page 20). … and the decision that the Supreme Pulaski also took advantage of the Court will make will determine whether opportunity to share his sentiments every public union in California and about Local 1245’s leadership. across the nation will still have the right “Tom is not just a leader of this great to have an agency shop. That’s the very local union, he is also a Vice President of essence of this case,” Pulaski explained. the California Labor Federation, which “If [the Court rules in favor of the is a federation of a thousand local 10 April – June 2016 From Smart Cities to SolarCity Confronting Competitive Challenges

Joseph reviewed the 40-year history some of these opportunities, and of energy deregulation, and how it has instead, we’re seeing a heavily distorted effected the generation, and then the load pattern (known colloquially as the transmission, and now the distribution “duck curve”) caused by policies that of power. Factors like direct access and prioritize developers over customers. Community Choice Aggregation, along “If we step back and look at [these Marc Joseph, Attorney Snuller Price, Energy & Environmental with third-party developers like Solar technological opportunities] from the Economics City, are already chipping away at interest of the customer, rather than the he energy sector is changing at a union-provided power distribution, but interest of a particular type of devel- they fit in a least-cost-best fit — where rapid pace, and with these Joseph explained how the union is tak- oper, we could come up with a must the utilities don’t have to buy them, but T changes come an assortment of ing action, both through legislative more holistic, much better solution,” want to buy them because they make new and unique competitive challenges advocacy as well as through the PG&E Ramsay continued. “And the utility and sense from a cost-effectiveness stand- that have the potential to seriously General Rate Case, in order to prevent its workforce would have a much bigger point — you have stranded assets, with impact IBEW 1245 members and their more deleterious impacts to Local 1245 role than people are anticipating, increasing customer rates, wasted jobs. members and jobs. because it would make sense.” investments in new technology, and As part of Local 1245’s ongoing effort The members had some insightful This notion struck a chord with many higher costs passed on to ratepayers.” to keep members abreast of these takeaways from Joseph’s presentation. of the members, especially those who changes, the union hosted a special “Deregulation and solar are not all work at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power We’re on the Same Team two-day seminar that detailed the most bad. It’s the current pace of de-regulation Plant. The members who attended the sem- significant competitive challenges con- that is the problem,” remarked PG&E “At power plants we hear about the inar left with a far better understanding fronting our members, including System Operator Josh Alpine. “It threat- ‘duck curve,’ but it is not set in stone,” of the challenges ahead and what’s at Renewable Portfolio Standards, net ens to harm communities, our liveli- said Diablo Canyon Operator Jeremy stake, and came up with some insightful energy metering, microgrids, techno- hood. We’re not against renewables, but Winn. “Things can be done. We have the solutions to move forward in the right logical advancements, the future of gas we need a thoughtful transition.” power to have an impact.” direction. and coal, threats to the Diablo Canyon “While solar is a good thing, we have nuclear power plant, battery storage, Opportunities for Growth Feeding the Duck to let everyone know how it will affect public-private partnerships, and Few people in the utility industry Susan Kennedy, formerly the com- jobs, our communities, our future, the changes to energy regulations, includ- know more about the technological missioner of the California Public Utility gap between poverty and wealth. Misin- ing deregulation efforts in Nevada and advancements being made to the Grid Commission and now head of a micro- formation is a problem we need to com- regulation reform in New York state. than Stewart Ramsay. Ramsay is the for- grid and battery storage company, bat,” said NV Energy member Michelle More than two dozen members came mer Vice President of Asset Management delved into more detail about the “duck Benuzzi. “We need to educate, starting at together at Weakley Hall to learn about & Electric Transmission at PG&E, and has curve.” She noted that the backward home, with our kids, our parents and the full gamut of issues, listen to a panel a wealth of technology expertise that he’s cycle of generation and distribution has grandparents, the people we work with… of expert speakers, ask questions, and chosen to share with Local 1245. resulted in grid instability, and pointed and we have to get out there and hold come up with suggested plans for action. Ramsay explained how some techno- out that the conditions we are seeing officials to what they promised.” logical advances, including Intelligent today – commodity prices falling, cus- “The electrical industry is changing, Change is Inevitable Load Management and Smart Cities, tomer rates increasing and over-genera- and changing fast. Jobs could be in Labor Attorney Marc Joseph kicked present unique opportunities for growth tion – are precisely the same conditions jeopardy. But IBEW 1245 is fighting to off the seminar with a detailed discus- for both the utility companies and the that preceded the California energy cri- keep our jobs,” said PG&E lineman sion about the market forces that are workforce. He also outlined how utilities sis of 1999, and she explained how new Brian Anderson. “Our members need to seeking to undermine the vertically- can utilize technological advances to policy mandates related to energy stor- understand the impacts of CCAs, PURB integrated, full-service utility model. adapt different forms of storage, from age are continuing to “feed the duck.” 1000, Solar City, battery systems, EVs Joseph has represented Local 1245 and transmission systems to tanked water “What happens when you put in and the possible closure of Diablo other IBEW locals for more than 20 heaters, so that they can become more place all these policy initiatives but Canyon Power Plant or any plant. We years, and is perhaps one of the most efficient. But California is missing out on don’t rationalize them to figure out how have to embrace new technology. knowledgeable thought leaders on the Everyone hates change, but we have to topic of utility market changes. get involved in politics and expand “We are in a time of unprecedented PG&E’s solar choice program. It’s a time challenge to jobs of every member of where the company and the union have IBEW Local 1245. The challenge didn’t to work together to fight Goldman start yesterday, and it won’t be resolved Sachs, Solar City, and Elon Musk as one. tomorrow. The threat is part of a series We are on the same team.” of events, with several key moments,” Powerpoint presentations and videos said Joseph. “Change is inevitable, but from the seminar can be found online at change that is damaging to the IBEW is www.ibew1245.com/competitive-chal- not inevitable.” lenges-resources. Stewart Ramsay, Vanry & Associates Susan Kennedy, Advanced Microgrid Solutions

Dan Richard, California Aaron Johnson, PG&E Vice David Marcus, Energy Tom Jones, PG&E Director of Strategic High-Speed Rail Authority President of Customer Consultant Hunter Stern, IBEW 1245 Initiatives Energy Solutions Utility Reporter 11 Helicopters Assist GC Crew With Transmission Job in Grass Valley

fter a crew from PG&E’s Tower de- care of this type of work since [last] spring, partment installed a new tower all throughout the Valley and up here in the Anear Lake of the Pines in the Grass foothills. We’ve been working on this par- Valley area, a GC Transmission crew from ticular job for the past couple of months. the North Valley was sent out to lift the We call jobs like this NERC jobs, where conductors on the tower to a new cage ex- there are ground clearance violations, and tension in order to correct a ground clear- we come in to lift the wire up.” ance violation. The crew was also tasked NERC stands for the North American with installing new insulators and hard- Electric Reliability Corporation, the non- ware, as well as re-tensioning the wire, profit entity that oversees and regulates which became too tight when it was lifted. electric grid reliability in the US, Canada The job utilized two helicopters – one to and Mexico. When a NERC aircraft identi- pick the wire, and the other to carry mem- fies a violation, the company is notified, bers of the crew. and crews like Madigan’s are dispatched to “We do this quite a bit,” said crew mem- correct the issue. ber Jason Madigan. “We’ve been taking Photos by John Storey

12 April – June 2016 Local 1245 Doubles Down to Keep Diablo Canyon Power Plant Open G&E’s Diablo Canyon Nuclear of quality jobs and revenue. More than state’s rapidly changing electricity sup- union is engaging directly with several Power Plant has been under as- 1,500 workers — including 600 IBEW ply. If Diablo Canyon were to close, the state agencies, the State Lands Commis- Psault for years from a variety of 1245 members — are employed at Diab- sudden loss of the 2,240 MW produced sion, the Coastal Commission, the State state and federal agencies, as well as a lo Canyon, making it the largest creator there would inevitably cause a signifi - Water Board and the CPUC as part of our handful of committed opponents. Last of jobs in the San Luis Obispo area. The cant increase in greenhouse gas emis- ongoing fi ght to keep the plant open. We year, IBEW 1245 succeeded in fending plant’s operation tax base helps fund ev- sions to replace this baseline power. have also met directly with the Gover- off a legal effort seeking to close the erything from public safety to schools, We saw this occur when the San Onofre nor and his aides, as well as members plant, but the threats to Diablo Canyon’s and plays a key role in the economic Nuclear plant in southern California of these Commissions, to lobby for the continued operation have continued to stability of the region. was fi rst curtailed and then shut down continued operation of Diablo Canyon. mount, and IBEW Local 1245 remains Diablo Canyon is also a vital part of several years ago. The Grid operators Additionally, Local 1245 is organiz- steadfastly committed to do everything California’s clean energy future. As the had to fi nd replacement power, which ing locally in San Luis Obispo County in its power to keep the plant up and largest generator of local, greenhouse- ended up coming from fossil fuel gen- to build a broad coalition of labor, com- running. gas-free power in the state, Diablo eration sourced mostly from older, munity and environmental advocacy Diablo Canyon is one of the biggest Canyon provides much of the critical dirtier plants that were forced back and support around Diablo Canyon. economic drivers in San Luis Obispo baseline power that California needs into production. County, and thousands of residents and to meet its Climate Action goals, which Keeping Diablo Canyon open is fun- www.keepdiablocanyonopen.com businesses depend on it as a key source is particularly important given the damental to IBEW Local 1245. The

General Negotiations Local 1245 Commence at PG&E On March 18, IBEW Local 1245 Members and and PG&E launched general nego- tiations with the initial exchange of Supporters Rally bargaining proposals. Although Lo- cal 1245 has not generally posted for Diablo Canyon the original proposals at the onset of Photos by John Storey general negotiations in the past (and ore than 100 IBEW 1245 mem- to step back and refocus our efforts on and Construction Trades Council, its in fact, has only done so one time in bers and supporters descend- what is needed … because 2,240 mega- leader, Robbie Hunter, joined the rally the last fi ve rounds of bargaining), Med on the State Capitol on watts of baseload power generation, to underscore the plant’s important his- the union has decided to post the April 4 to deliver an important message well, you just don’t create that overnight. tory as well as its fl awless safety record. full proposals this year, in order to — Keep Diablo Canyon Power Plant We need a thoughtful, well-planned sys- “When Enron was playing games back keep members informed and en- Open. A busload of Local 1245 members tem to bring on new megawatts of gen- in 2000 [during California’s energy cri- sure that this round of bargaining is who work at Diablo Canyon traveled up eration.” sis] … it was Diablo Canyon that kept as transparent as possible. View the to Sacramento for the rally, where they Kevin Garduno, an operator at Diablo the lights on and kept our industry and Company’s proposals at bit.ly/PGE were joined by elected offi cials, union Canyon who recently became the head economy moving,” said Hunter. “It’s got initialproposalsMarch182016. View leaders, Local 1245 Organizing Stew- of the union’s campaign to keep the the most perfect record — not just of a the Union’s proposals at bit.ly/1245 ards, union staff and supporters. plant open, took a moment to address nuclear power plant, but of ANY genera- initialproposalsMarch182016. Local 1245 Business Manager Tom the safety concerns that some mem- tion plant in the United States.” “It is our position that all issues Dalzell carried home the message that bers of the public have when they think Hunter was not the only notable state that affect a limited number of the next generation of Californians are about nuclear power. leader who spoke at the rally. Several members should be addressed in ad relying on Diablo Canyon in a multitude “I never have even one second of members of the California Legislature hoc negotiations, and that includes of ways, both environmental and fi nan- hesitation when also came out to electric and gas service crews, two- cial. I’m driving into the voice their support man rubber-gloving and sick leave “I’ve got two really good reasons to plant, because I for Diablo Canyon. in the call centers,” said IBEW 1245 keep Diablo Canyon open — Anna and know my brothers “[Diablo Can- Business Manager Tom Dalzell. James Lyman,” Dalzell said, recognizing and sisters at Diablo yon] is part of our “This has been our stance for quite Diablo Canyon employee Adam Lyman’s Canyon are the best future. It meets all some time, and we will continue to two children, who came to the rally with operators in the na- the goals of renew- maintain that position as general their parents. “Diablo Canyon is the tion,” Garduno said. able energy in our negotiations move forward. It is our largest private employer in the county, “They keep us safe state, and it’s also intention NOT to negotiate these is- paying over $20 million in property tax- every single day. part of our water sues as proposed by the Company, es. The schools and public services in They follow all the Local 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell infrastructure,” said and instead reserve them for the rel- San Luis Obispo all depend on the jobs precautions, poli- Assemblymember evant ad hoc committees.” at Diablo Canyon.” cies and procedures that are in place to Devon Mathis (R- Visalia). “I’m going to The general negotiations com- “We recognize that greenhouse gas keep the plant safe, reliable and running do everything in my power to keep you menced after members voted down emissions are a problem, and we want at all times.” guys open and keep you working.” two letter agreements, 16-07 and 16- to be part of the solution,” said IBEW Representatives from other local “Thank you so much for being out 08, related to gas and electric service 9th District International Vice President unions also joined the rally. John Mader, here, fi ghting and making a statement at crews. John O’Rourke. “All we’re asking for is to president of ESC-IFPTE local 20, which the state Capitol … I’m proud to stand Letter Agreement 16-07 extend the plant’s lease through 2024- represents 350 engineers and designers with you,” Assemblymember Adam (Electric Service Crew) 25, which would give us the opportunity that work at Diablo Canyon, as well as Gray (D- Merced) told the crowd of sup- A total of 907 ballots were mailed, the scientists who work at the Environ- porters. “California needs clean energy and 494 ballots were returned. mental Protection Agency (EPA), em- and green jobs, and we’ve got both here YES: 149 (30.2%) phasized the fact that the nation’s top [at Diablo Canyon]. We should be talk- NO: 344 (69.6%) environmental experts are advocating ing about building more, not taking BLANK: 1 (0.2%) for nuclear power as a clean and safe al- away what we’ve got.” ternative to dirty fossil fuels. This summer, the State Lands Com- Letter Agreement 16-08 “This fi ght isn’t just about union jobs. mission will decide whether or not to (Gas First Responder Crew) This fi ght is about our planet,” said renew PG&E’s current license that al- A total of 808 ballots were mailed, Mader. “If you care about the environ- lows Diablo Canyon to remain in opera- and 325 were returned. ment and about taking care of our plan- tion, and Local 1245 intends to continue YES: 114 (35.1%) et, then you keep this plant open!” speaking out and lobbying the members NO: 211 (64.9%) of the Commission to make sure they BLANK: 0 Part of Our Future understand the critical role that Diablo Visit our website www.ibew1245.com/ Although IBEW Local 1245 is not an Canyon plays in both our economy and DCPP employee Adam Lyman with his wife pge for updates on negotiations. and children, James and Anna offi cial member of the State Building well as our clean energy future. Utility Reporter 13 Yerington Retirees Support Holiday Meal for the Less Fortunate embers of the Yerington Retirees Club presented their Mannual Holiday donation of $250 to the Yerington Vineyard Fellowship, to support the annual holiday dinner for the less fortunate in Yerington. The community organization serves a full dinner to around 500 people and gifts for Reno/Sparks Retirees children as well. Pictured from left: IBEW Local 1245 retirees TBird and Walt Plett, Support Meals on Wheels Yerington Vineyard Fellowship Director Pete Focha, and retiree Alyce Reese. he IBEW 1245 Reno/Sparks Retirees Club chapter donated $600 in club funds plus an additional $250 in matching union funds to the local Meals on TWheels program in Washoe County. Pictured from left: Local 1245 retirees Rod Thomas, Bud Gray, Jim Lappin, Cyril Escallier, Vickie Borst and Ron Borst, and Washoe County Senior Services Administrative Assistant Leslie Williams.

Reno/Sparks Retirees Present Donation to Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation BEW 1245 Reno/Sparks Retirees Club members (from left) Rod Thomas, Cyril Reno/Sparks Retirees Present Escallier, Jim Lappin and Ron Borst (far right) presented a donation for $250 to INorthern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation rep Lisa Shaffer (holding check) Donation to Ronald McDonald House on Dec. 29, 2015. he IBEW 1245 Reno/ Sparks Retiree club Tchapter presented a Congratulations newly-retired members $250 donation to the local Ronald McDonald house on The Local 1245 Retirees Club congratulates these recently-retired members of the union. We invite you to participate in a Retiree Club chapter in Dublin, San Jose, Dec. 29, 2015. Santa Rosa, Merced, Reno, Yerington, Carson City or Winnemucca. If you don’t “We hope you know that have a chapter nearby, call the union at 707-452-2718 and find out how you can this money goes a long way help start one! in keeping families close dur- Robert Allustiarti Brenda Batchelor Chester Booker Jay Clapsadle Matthew Dorricott ing critical times. It may 34 years 18 years 30 years 13 years 29 years seem small, but your group Fresno, CA Stockton, CA Fresno, CA Vacaville, CA Oakley, CA has now provided about 25 Donna Ambeau Kenneth Bennett Carolyn Boyd Paul Cleary Jr. Charles nights for a family (or sev- From left: Ronald McDonald House CEO Marty Ozer with 47 years 25 years 30 years 18 years Dougherty Oakland, CA San Luis Obispo, Oakland, CA American Canyon, 36 years eral) to stay here at the IBEW 1245 retiree club members Rod Thomas, Rita Weisshaar, Jim Lappin, Cyril Escallier and Ron Borst. James Anderson CA Patrick Boyle CA Grants Pass, OR House,” Rachel Gattuso, 25 years 31 years Salvacion Collins Douglas Dover Ronald McDonald House Marketing and Communications Manager wrote in a San Luis Obispo, Janice Bergh Atascadero, CA 32 years 38 years CA 35 years thank you message to the union retirees. “When there are myriad concerns San Jose, CA James Bradley Daly City, CA Tracy, CA swirling through a parent’s mind, we believe that where to stay and how to pay for Duane Andrade 38 years Ulysses 26 years Mary Billingsley Cottonwood, CA Steven Drew it just shouldn’t be one.” Crittendon Jr. Santa Maria, CA 45 years 41 years Santa Cruz, CA Jack Brown 35 years Castro Valley, CA Michael Androski 15 years Elk Grove, CA 11 years Louise Bilteau Alvin Texas Richard Duarte Lani Cubillo Martinez, CA 22 years 38 years Gary Bryant 7 years Madras, OR Santa Rosa, CA Retirees Clubs meeting changes George Arabia 29 years San Francisco, CA New Meeting Location and Date Meeting Schedule Change for 38 years Kim Biondo South Lake Suzanne Duffy Fresno, CA Tahoe, CA John Dare for Yerington Retirees Club The Carson City Retirees Club The 34 years 36 years 25 years Barney Avilla Santa Maria, CA Richard Burke Grants Pass, OR IBEW 1245 Yerington Retirees Club IBEW 1245 Carson City Retirees Club Santa Cruz, CA 41 years 29 years Suanne Dunn Chapter has a new meeting location. chapter has changed its meeting Santa Rosa, CA Randy Bishop Soquel, CA Frank De Maria 19 years 15 years Starting on February 24th, 2016, the schedule. Instead of meeting every 32 years Lavonda Bailey Manton, CA Mark Buscher San Jose, CA Napa, CA club will meet at Pioneer Crossing month, the club will now meet four 30 years 36 years James Blake Robert Edie Yerington (11 North Main Street, times per year (January, April, August Fairfield, CA Atascadero, CA Darrell Diggs 44 years 19 years 38 years Yerington, NV 89447) in the Branding and October) on the 4th Thursday at Raul Barron Paso Robles, CA Patrick Byrne Santa Maria, CA 31 years 21 years Sacramento, CA Iron Restaurant Meeting Room. The 9am. The meeting place will remain Bakersfield, CA Allen Bolding Pittsburg, CA David Dobrenen Dennis Elvey meetings will now take place on the the same (Grandma Hattie’s Esther Barth 13 years Louis Changaris 39 years 36 years 4th Wednesday of each month at Restaurant, 2811 S. Carson St., 16 years Winslow, AZ 36 years Bakersfield, CA Oregon City, OR 10:30am. Carson City, NV). Fresno, CA Cynthia Bolling Modesto, CA Joseph Doll Ruben Espinosa Tom “T” Bird, Esther Barth Martinez Jeffery Charleston 31 years 22 years Stockton, CA Hollister, CA Yerington Retirees Club 16 years 32 years 37 years Fresno, CA Sacramento, CA Madera, CA continued on next page 14 April – June 2016 Vincent Grimes Kirk Hazel Anthony Hostetter Donna Johnson Craig Lindblom Robert Morales James Poplin Granville Retirees, from page 14 7 years 43 years 30 years 36 years 34 years 30 years 20 years Runderson Ruth Evangelo Daniel Furtado San Jose, CA Salinas, CA Grass Valley, CA Clovis, CA Oakley, CA Santa Clara, CA Suisun City, CA 30 years 33 years 30 years Eugene Johnson Fresno, CA Nipomo, CA Madera, CA Brian Grunloh Brian Heafey Russell Houston James Loer Joseph Morgan Gary Powell 32 years 30 years 37 years 41 years 43 years 35 years 31 years Terry Rupp Randy Evins John Gaffney Stockton, CA San Mateo, CA Nipomo, CA Auburn, CA Rocklin, CA Oakley, CA Sonora, CA 24 years 41 years 39 years Kevin Jones Diane Morris Kelseyville, CA Chico, CA Modesto, CA Gary Hackett Mark Hedlund Jason Hughes Fredrick Lopez Gary Prieto 14 years 25 years 36 years Janice Rutledge Gary Finks Donald Garrett 36 years 39 years 42 years Arroyo Grande, Igo, CA 31 years Nipomo, CA Florence, AZ Hayward, CA Yerlington, NV Brentwood, CA 38 years 33 years 45 years CA Rocklin, CA Danville, CA Vallejo, CA Ruben Lopez Barry Matthew Hagen Julia Heitman David Ide Steven Jones Muhamedcani Michele Pugh Deborah Saiz- Dennis Flint Harry Geivet Jr. 35 years 31 years 24 years 37 years 35 years 39 years 35 years Pinson 32 years Auberry, CA 19 years Tuolumne, CA Modesto, CA Dunnigan, CA Loleta, CA Union City, CA Atascadero, CA 41 years Wellington, NV Shafter, CA Jeffrey Lynn Jerry Hahn Donald Hendrix Steve Ingerson Donald Jorgensen David Muro David Pyle San Luis Obispo, Frank Flores Judy Glaspie 31 years CA 41 years 29 years 12 years 38 years 42 years 38 years 41 years 9 years Dayton, NV Burlingame, CA Auberry, CA Benicia, CA Fresno, CA San Martin, CA Bakersfield, CA Clovis, CA Oakland, CA Anthony Santos Valeran Patricia Markwith Dan Musick 30 years Chris Hansen Michael Hendrix Ramona Jacks Alan Franck Clifford Good Kloppenburg 35 years 14 years Lloyd Reyes Lago Vista Texas 39 years 22 years 25 years 36 years 44 years 32 years Fresno, CA Placerville, CA 38 years Coarsegold, CA Oakdale, CA Barstow, CA Gregory Sassano Concord, CA Livermore, CA North Fork, CA Clovis, CA Leonard Martin Debra Nelson 34 years Jeffrey Fung Terry Griffith Gary Hartig Shelley Hinojos Carl Jackson John Krebs 35 years 7 years Richard Rodgers Fresno, CA 37 years 32 years 33 years 39 years 40 years 36 years Yuba City, CA San Jose, CA 39 years San Jose, CA Stockton, CA Los Osos, CA Hanford, CA Richmond, CA Roseville, CA Oakhurst, CA George Savala Michael McBroom Kerry Noh 38 years Dennis La 39 years 21 years Chris Salinas, CA ille to watch the Organizing Stewards Chapelle Oroville, CA Oakland, CA Rosenstrauch Stewards, from page 9 30 years Robert Schoening get sworn in at the quarterly Advisory Michael David O'Connor 42 years 49 years be a part of something so exciting just San Francisco, CA 13 years Martinez, CA Council meeting on Jan. 23. He told the McCullough Millbrae, CA gives me a delightful feeling.” Aaron Lampkin 25 years Arroyo Grande, Local 1245 Advisory Council that he 22 years CA Mardo Roybal William Secord The action-packed day-long orienta- Fl River Mls, CA 37 years brings up the Organizing Steward pro- San Francisco, CA 37 years tion included a crash course on Organiz- Randolph Meek John O'Sullivan Benicia, CA Quincy, CA gram frequently, and uses it as a key Odell Landers Jr. Jr. ing Stewardship, including expectations 44 years example whenever he’s asked about the 37 years Brentwood, CA 23 years Robert Rudek II John Segesman and responsibilities, as well as member Lower Lake, CA Petaluma, CA 17 years 31 years best way to get members – particularly Barstow, CA engagement strategies and tactics to set Joseph Lapenna Lori Melesurgo Nora Owens Grass Valley, CA younger members — to be more active 37 years 34 years 3 years the Stewards up for success. The training continued on page 29 in their unions. He believes it to be the Stockton, CA San Jose, CA Hillsboro, OR session also featured group activities, beacon by which all other unions Charles Miner breakout sessions, sing-alongs and a Lyle Larson Michael Parsons Congratulations Retirees! should follow when developing their 32 years 36 years 40 years special movie screening. Novato, CA own member engagement programs. San Jose, CA Fresno, CA We want you to The Organizing Steward Orientation “I’ve talked about the 1245 Organiz- Cornell Lee Michael Minoggi Mark Perales STAY CONNECTED Planning Committee – comprised of 39 years ing Steward model as being the way to 35 years 37 years seasoned Organizing Stewards Samson San Francisco, CA Soquel, CA Oakley, CA build the heart and the muscle of the Wilson, Nilda Garcia, PJ Saenz and Ray Lewis Jr. Timothy Monahan Richard Perry union,” said Pulaski. “It’s how you build Rachel Ramirez-Hill, along with Staff 8 years 36 years 32 years bargaining power … and also political Clovis, CA San Jose, CA Placerville, CA to IBEW 1245. Organizers Jammi Juarez, Eileen Purcell power, which is so essential.” and Fred Ross — worked together to At the Organizing Steward orienta- organize the training for the new class tion, Dalzell spoke candidly about the The Call, from page 9 Donathan. “They taught me a lot to use of Organizing Stewards. intrinsic value that the Organizing Stew- in future campaigns. Their work ethic, “Being tasked with helping plan the ards bring to Local 1245. Local 1424 up to 55% membership at knowledge and love for this organiza- orientation and induction was exhila- “You make us proud,” Dalzell told the the plant. tion should be recognized, so I wanted rating!” said Wilson, an NV Energy line- room full of Organizing Stewards. “You “The Indiana Blitz showed me that to thank the Local for the opportunity to man who has been involved with the are carrying on the finest tradition of even in a ‘Right to Work’ state, union work with these fine young workers.” Organizing Steward program since its the Labor Movement. You have changed values can prevail,” said Local 1245 “Thank you to Local 1245! Your assis- inception. Serving on the Planning who we are as a union, and you will con- Organizing Steward Miguel Pagan. “Our tance and help cannot be measured, Committee made him realize just how tinue to do so. I thank you from the bot- message was simple: ‘You don’t always and we have all commented on how committed IBEW 1245 is to the Organiz- tom of my heart.” get what you deserve… but you will get much we have learned from you and the ing Stewards, and he walked away with what you negotiate.’” other organizers,” said IBEW Regional “an even greater appreciation of what it The Year Ahead The workers were glad to have us Organizing Coordinator Lynn Arwood. takes to organize” such a program. 2016 is already shaping up to be an there, and our 1245 team identified “We changed minds, got the workers in The Heart and Muscle action-packed year for the Organizing seven Spanish-speaking workers who the plant talking about the IBEW, and Stewards. Between leadership develop- now want to become shop stewards. started a movement. The work here is of the Union ment trainings, the contract campaign Lorenso put together a Spanish mem- not done, but together we made a differ- IBEW 1245’s one-of-a-kind Organiz- at PG&E, solidarity activities, political bership welcome packet, to make sure ence.” ing Steward program is the brainchild of and legislative endeavors, and member the Local had the resources for these As always, I am grateful for our union IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom outreach around the Friedrichs v. CTA employees after we left. We also shared and for our Organizing Steward pro- Dalzell, who came up with the idea in Supreme Court case, the Stewards cer- many ideas with Local 1424 about gram. We are so lucky to have great lead- 2009 as a way to encourage younger tainly have their work cut out for them. member engagement based on the ership and the vision of our Business members to become more involved And they don’t mind it in the least. In activities that our Local does, like com- Manager, Tom Dalzell. We accom- with the union. The program has fact, they embrace each and every munity service, soccer tournaments, plished so much, not only for Local evolved over the years, and now, the opportunity to get involved. bowling events and other recreational 1424, but for also for the International inter-generational, hands-on Organiz- “To belong to a union and not be activities. IBEW. If we were able to bring union ing Steward approach is gaining repute active would be choosing to not act on It was a satisfying experience know- membership at Faurecia up 10% in five throughout the Labor Movement. Local your own behalf,” said Jonas. “When ing that we made a difference and we days, we can just imagine what they’ll 1245 has been recognized by the working people stand together, it helped our IBEW brothers and sisters. accomplish by March of 2017! National AFL-CIO, the California Labor improves the quality of our work and Securing a union majority at a manufac- I always ask my co-workers if they Federation and several local labor coun- our lives.” turing facility in a “Right to Work” state can picture working for a company cils for its outstanding work in the field “I know that I will get memorable per- is a huge deal, and we have received lots without a union, collective bargaining, of member engagement and leadership sonable experiences and fulfillment that of gracious appreciation and thanks safety or job security. I absolutely can, development. I can’t receive anywhere else,” said Boles. from the other organizers we worked and that is why I chose to get involved “The best organizing model is the “I know that I will gain the experience with in Indiana. with the union. This experience has 1245 model,” said Art Pulaski, leader of and knowledge to create more of an “I am a new organizer and got to solidified my commitment to the union the California Labor Federation, an interpersonal experience with my peers work with each one of [the Local 1245 even more. We are working people umbrella group of 1,200 unions repre- in regards to them really gaining a under- Organizing Stewards]. I had never done standing together! senting upwards of two million mem- standing of what we as a union stand for house calling before, and they went Nilda Garcia is an IBEW 1245 Organ- bers across California. … and memories to last a lifetime with above and beyond to help me,” said izing Steward who works at the PG&E Pulaski made a special trip to Vacav- my IBEW brothers and sisters.” IBEW Kentucky Lead Organizer Chad Sacramento Contact Center. Utility Reporter 15 Promotions are an issue in some base), and a “meet and confer” is needed areas and not others, based on educa- in order to resolve this ongoing issue. tion/knowledge of our members about their rights under the contract as well as North Central Area Tree Safety Summit Proves under case law. We helped with the pro- motions of two employees that had the Asplundh Tree to be Resounding Success time and experience for the next NV Energy requested to cut back two crews last month. The majority of the issues, both in terms of accrual and advancement, despite the fact that nei- North Area crews had been sent to Carson City, and granting vacation time. The last two ther employee possessed a class “B” Our recent “Keep the Clearance” Tree two crews were sent to Eastern Nevada. years have been tough for the license. Top management has been Trimmer Safety Summit was a great suc- Work just opened up on the South Lake Companies, with more and more trees preaching to us in labor-management cess, and based on the feedback we’ve Tahoe border. We only have a few minor needing attention, compounded by the meetings that progression may be based gotten during field and yard visits, it issues going on at the present time. Now fact that the Companies did not hire on the class “B” licenses. made a notable impact with the mem- that we have a shop steward and safety enough people to do the work. This year The contract is silent in terms of the bership. The keynote speaker, Dr. Bell, continued on page 33 is like the last two only more so, and the transfer of crews within 60 miles (home was insightful and engaging. He was Companies must hire more people given high marks for his presentation by (which they are doing). It is challenging those that attended, and definitely because the new hires need to be Local 1245 Health & Safety made a lasting impression. There have trained, and naturally there will be been numerous requests to have him some culling. Committee Member Spurs come back. Almost all of the tree contractors Frontier Communications to have been hiring new employees, some South Area at the urging of the utility, because they IBEW 1245 is doing an excellent job Develop Active Shooter Policy expect to trim many more trees com- in promoting safety to this group, and pared last year. The contractors are they certainly need all the help they can BEW 1245 Health and Safety Communications is ushering in a new expected to stay on schedule and have get based on the accident rate in their Committee member Dan Boschee policy with required training for all been told that if they are unable to do trade. Management is pushing back on I was not sure what he was going to 18,600 employees in nine states. The so, the utility will bring in subcontrac- the training based on their production learn when he attended a class entitled overall goal of the active shooter policy tors and the prime contractors will have quotas. Three area members attended “Surviving the Active Shooter,” at a is to produce a means to respond to to pay the bill. the “Keep the Clearance” safety training National Safety Council meeting. But threats at Frontier locations and The hiring has had a negative effect in Vacaville on April 14th, and another when the class concluded, Boschee knew heighten awareness on how to stay safe on production, and has put more pres- one attended a great seminar in Santa he had to bring the information back to in the rare event an incident may hap- sure on those with experience and qual- Barbara that was put by a world- his employer and his fellow union mem- pen. Thanks to a collaborative effort ifications to maintain production. There renowned arborist. bers at Frontier Communications. from rank-and-file IBEW members and is little time for training and no com- Attendance at union meetings in one Ten minutes into the class, IBEW Frontier supervisors, a positive step has pensation for the training. Some crew unit has been very high in comparison Local 82 Safety instructor Paul Chaney, been made to address a potential threat. foremen have been counseled by man- to another units. It runs about 30% of wearing a full business suit, made a star- On April 9, Boschee and three other agement for being tough on the new the area’s membership, or about 28 tling point when he produced eight sim- members of the Local 1245 Health and hires, most likely due to frustration and members on average. ulated weapons that had been con- Safety committee will travel to the Spring production pressure. There is a lot of misinformation and cealed in his clothing, and pointed out National Safety Council Labor Division Most tree contractors are working insecurity about their jobs based on the that the only exit in the room was a sin- and IBEW safety caucus to find informa- four-day, ten-hour schedules with many group’s demographics and culture, and gle door behind the audience. tion that will benefit their employers and mandating a fifth mandatory day. In members are still having issues regard- Boschee realized just how important fellow union members. The committee some cases, yards that usually vote ing the state’s mandate of three days off it is to have a plan in place in the off members include Carlos Rodriguez against 4X10 schedules have voted yes, for sick leave. We have educated them chance that something like that could (Utility Tree Service), Al White (PG&E), which indicates they understand the on what the law states, as well as the happen at work, so introduced the Mike Gomes (Modesto Irrigation predicament the companies are in and exemptions associated with the law. information to the members of the District), IBEW 1245 Senior Assistant they are willing to help out. This issue will be discussed during the Frontier safety committee, which he Business Manager Ralph Armstrong and We are still hearing about vacation next round of negotiations. chairs. Now, two years later, Frontier Business Representative Rich Lane.

La Cumbre de Seguridad de los podadores de árboles fue un rotundo éxito Área Norte La contratación ha tenido un efecto Los dos últimos años han sido difíciles por un arborista de renombre mundial. negativo en la producción, y ha puesto para las compañías, pues más y más La asistencia a las reuniones del Nuestra reciente Cumbre de más presión sobre los empleados con árboles requieren atención, agravado sindicato de una unidad ha sido muy Seguridad de los podadores de árboles experiencia y calificaciones para por el hecho de que las compañías no alta en comparación con otras “Mantenga la distancia” fue un gran sostener la producción. Hay poco contratan suficiente gente para hacer el unidades. En ella participan alrededor éxito, y en base a los comentarios que tiempo disponible para la capacitación trabajo. Este año es como los dos últi- del 30% de los miembros del área, es hemos recibido durante las visitas al y no se recibe ninguna compensación mos, solo que peor, y las compañías decir, alrededor de 28 miembros en campo y a los patios, tuvo un impacto por la capacitación. La gerencia ha deben contratar a más personas (lo cual promedio. importante sobre los miembros. El amonestado a algunos capataces de las están haciendo). Es un reto porque los Hay una gran cantidad de informa- orador principal, el Dr. Bell, fue reve- cuadrillas por ser demasiado exigentes nuevos empleados deben recibir capac- ción errónea y también existe inseguri- lador y mantuvo la atención de los asis- con los nuevos empleados, muy proba- itación y, naturalmente, habrá que hacer dad sobre sus empleos originados por la tentes, quienes salieron muy satisfechos blemente debido a la frustración y a la algunos sacrificios. cultura y composición demográfica del de la presentación. Sin duda causó un presión por cumplir con la producción. grupo, y algunos miembros continúan gran impacto. Hemos recibido La mayoría de los contratistas de Área Sur teniendo problemas en relación con el numerosas solicitudes para que regrese. árboles están trabajando en horarios de El IBEW 1245 está haciendo un exce- mandato del estado de tres días libres Casi todos los contratistas de árboles cuatro días, diez horas y muchos están lente trabajo en la promoción de la por licencia por enfermedad. Los han estado contratando nuevos obligando a trabajar un quinto día seguridad en este grupo, y sin duda hemos educado sobre lo que dice la ley, empleados, algunos, a instancias de las obligatorio. En algunos casos, los patios necesitan toda la ayuda que puedan así como sobre las excepciones asoci- empresas de servicio público, ya que que generalmente votan en contra de obtener sobre la base de la tasa de acci- adas con la ley. Este tema será discutido esperan podar muchos más árboles en los horarios 4 x 10 han votado sí, lo que dentes en este tipo de oficios. La geren- en la próxima ronda de negociaciones. comparación con el año pasado. Se indica que entienden las dificultades cia está demorando la capacitación en Los ascensos son un problema en espera que los contratistas cumplan con que enfrentan las compañías y están función de sus cuotas de producción. algunas áreas y no en otras, dependi- el programa previsto y se les ha infor- dispuestos a ayudar. Tres miembros de la zona asistieron a la endo de la educación y el conocimiento mado que si no lo pueden cumplir, la Todavía estamos recibiendo reclamos capacitación de seguridad “Mantener la de nuestros miembros acerca de sus empresa de servicio público traerá a sobre problemas de vacaciones, tanto en distancia” en Vacaville el 14 de abril, y derechos descritos en el contrato, así subcontratistas y los contratistas princi- términos de vacaciones acumuladas otro miembro asistió a un excelente como en virtud de la jurisprudencia. pales tendrán que pagar dichos costos. como en conceder días de vacaciones. seminario en Santa Bárbara organizado continúa en la página 33 16 April – June 2016 advice regarding potential negative needed the medication; however, they Court of Appeal Says Insurance effects of the treatment not being found there was indeed a doctor- authorized. King v. CompParters, how- patient relationship between Dr. Company Workers’ Compensation ever, changed that. Here, Mr. King suf- Sharma and Mr. King. While the court Doctors Owe Duties to Injured Workers fered a back injury, and subsequent did not go further, it did say there may depression caused by the pain. His have been a duty for Dr. Sharma to warn octors reviewing treatment send the proposed treatment to physician prescribed him clonazepom Mr. King of the potential side effects of requests on behalf of insurance Utilization Review (UR). UR involved (“Klonopin”) in order to treat the stopping the medication immediately. Dcompanies in workers’ com- the insurance company sending the depression in 2011. When UR became This is still a developing area of the pensation cases may now be held civilly request to doctors hired to review the effective in 2013, the insurance carrier law, but it is good news for injured liable if their recommendations fall proposed treatment and your medical sent the request for this medication to workers as now the UR doctor has a below the standard of care required of records. These doctors could be from Dr. Naresh Sharma, an anesthesiologist, doctor-patient relationship with them. doctors. In the past, these doctors anywhere and of any specialty, and for review. Dr. Sharma determined the Like in the King case, it could potentially argued they owed no duty of care to the without any knowledge of the patient’s medication was not medically neces- open up liability to UR doctors who injured workers. However, the recent medical history. sary. Therefore, the insurance company wrongfully deny medication or treat- appellate court decision of King v. If the doctor denied the medication, stopped paying for the drug, and Mr. ment. If you have further questions CompPartners[1] held these doctors do it could be appealed only through King had to stop immediately. Typically regarding workers’ compensation, do indeed owe a duty of care. Independent Medical Review (IMR). when you stop a psychotropic drug not hesitate to contact Mastagni By way of background, in 2013, the IMR is administered by Maximus, which such as Klonopin, you must be weaned Holstedt, A.P.C. California legislature made widespread assigns a doctor to review the denial. off. Mr. King had to stop immediately, About the author: Gerald D. Latasa is changes to the workers’ compensation Neither the injured worker nor his or causing four seizures and further physi- an associate in the Workers’ Compensa- system. Among these was the introduc- her attorney ever knows the identity of cal injuries. tion Department of Mastagni Hosltedt, tion of the Independent Medical these doctors. If IMR agrees with the UR King sued CompPartners and Dr. APC. His practice focuses on all aspects of Review system. Previously, if the work- doctor and upholds the denial, it effec- Sharma on several grounds including workers’ compensation litigation, ers’ compensation insurance carrier tively ends any further appeal. negligence. The defendants in this case including 132(a) penalties, serious and denied treatment recommended by Until recently, neither the UR nor felt the proper remedy was IMR, and willful misconduct actions, and repre- your doctor, you or your attorney were IMR doctors were under any obligation therefore wanted the case dismissed senting injured workers before the Work- able to take the issue before the admin- or duty to the injured workers who was entirely. The Fourth District Court of ers’ Compensation Appeals Board. istrative judge. With the change, how- seeking treatment. These doctors were Appeal found IMR was the exclusive [1] King v. COMPPARTNERS, INC., Cal: Court ever, the insurance companies would under no obligation to provide any appeal method for whether or not he of Appeal, 4th Appellate Dist., 2nd Div. 2016

IBEW 1245 Joins International Society of Arboriculture Western Chapter Tree Climbing Competition hree members from IBEW 1245 my personal favorite, the work climb. cult targets. across the street from where the event — Mike Garner, Jose Pedro • Work climb: Climbers are placed 55 ft • Aerial rescue: A life-sized weighted took place in Chase Palm Park. T Paredes, and I, Rosario Garcia — up at the top of the tree with a bucket dummy is placed in a tree, and the Two full days of hard work took place showed that line clearance tree trim- lift, and have to move down through climber must assess the situation to get this great event underway. mers from Local 1245 know how to do several stations. At the first station, and bring the dummy back to ground Thursday and Friday were the set-up their job at this year’s International climbers have to ring the bell with a safely within five minutes. days, and Saturday was the first day of Society of Arboriculture (ISA) western handsaw. At the next station, they • Secured footlock: The climber starts competition. 30 climbers from all over chapter tree climbing competition in touch a bell with a hand saw and on ground and climbs 50’ straight up the western chapter of the ISA came to Santa Barbara. I’m so very thankful and throw sticks at a target on ground. a rope as quickly as possible using a compete for the title. The top five com- grateful to the IBEW 1245 Executive Then they move to a pole pruner sta- secured double footlock. petitors from Saturday competed in Board, the Keep the Clearance peer tion, followed by a limb walk where • Secured speed climb: Similar to the Sunday’s master challenge, vying to be safety committee and the union as a they cannot move the limb too far footlock, except the climber climbs crowned winner of the Western chapter whole for sponsoring our participation. down or a buzzer will sound, and the tree to the height of 50’ as fast as and advance on to the international I would also like to thank the Local 1245 then the final descent to the base of possible. competition, which is being held in staff that attended the competition, the tree where they rappel down onto These events took lots of time and Houston, Texas this year. Abel Sanchez and John Kent. It was a a target, all in under five minutes. energy to set up. We went up more than Our experience gave us the knowl- pleasure to have you there with us. • Throw ball toss: Targets are set up in 60 feet to set up friction devices and edge of how an event like this is run, and As volunteers, we arrived two days different crotches of tree. Competi- ropes atop trees, along with cow bells at we hope to host a similar event for the before the competition began to help to tors must toss a throw ball and braid each tree station for the competitors to members of our great union, IBEW 1245. set up several events, including the rope all the way through to the ring to signify the station is complete. Rosario Garcia is a line clearance tree belayed speed climb, aerial rescue, ground in under six minutes, and From the tree tops, we got to appreciate trimmer at Trees Inc and 7-year member throw line toss, secured foot lock, and they earn more points for more diffi- a great view of the ocean, which was just of IBEW 1245.

Utility Reporter 17 Roseville Unit Presents Community Fund Donation to Bayside Military Care Package Campaign

Unit #3513, Roseville, presented a $250 donation from the Local 1245 Community Fund to the Bayside Military Care Package Campaign. Members Mike Barton and Dennis Ehrebberger, along with Business Rep Jennifer Gray, Unit #1122, Merced Irrigation District, presented the check donated $350 to the Atwater Police on Dec. 8 and also participated in the Athletic League (PAL) afterschool assembling of care program. packages for active military service men The Reno/Sparks Retirees Club and women who were deployed over the Chapter donated $250 to each of the holidays. following four organizations: Veteran’s Guest House, Washoe County Senior Services/Meals on Wheels, Northern NV Children’s Cancer Foundation and Ronald McDonald House. Unit #3711, Novato/Marin, donated Unit #4911, General Membership, Carson City Retirees Club donated $500 to the Whistlestop/Marin Senior donated $500 to the American Legion $250 to NAMI (National Alliance of Unit #1123, Merced, donated $200 to Coordinating Council. Post 509 in Fresno. Mental Illness). the Merced County Food Bank, $100 to the American Cancer Society and $200 Unit #3714, Ukiah, donated $250 East Bay Retirees Club donated $250 to Unit #1217, Templeton, donated $250 to the Boys & Girls Club of Merced. to Willits Senior Center and $250 to the Guide Dogs for the Blind and $250 to to the Paso Robles Girls Softball League. Willits Boosters. St.Jude Children Research. Unit #1218, Lompoc, donated $250 to Unit #2511, Stockton, donated $200 to the Lompoc High School Girls Soccer Unit #3715, Lake County, donated Unit #1513, Santa Cruz, donated $500 to the Ed Stewart American Legion Hall to Program and $250 to Brice Fabing Bikes $500 to the Upper Lake High School’s the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz. replace their sign. 4 Kids. Mock Trial team. Unit #2318, Richmond, donated $250.00 Unit #5232, North Lake Tahoe, Unit #1219, Hollister, donated $500 Unit #3812, Vacaville, donated $250 to the Richmond Emergency Food Pantry. donated $250 to the U-8 Falcons Soccer to Chamberlain’s Children Center in to the Disabled American Veterans League and $350 in matching funds to Hollister. Post 84 and $250 to Wheelers for the Unit #2510, Manteca, donated $150 to the Snowfest Bunco Bash. Wounded of California. Manteca VFW, $175 to Second Harvest Unit #1221, Buellton, donated $500 to Food Bank and $175 to Love, Inc. Unit #1215, San Luis Obispo/Pismo Domestic Violence Solutions in Santa Unit #3813, Placerville, donated $500 to Beach, donated $500 to Ride-On/Vets Barbara. Casa El Dorado Child Advocacy group. Unit #2518, Modesto Irrigation District, Express Transportation. donated $300 to Modesto Girls Softball Unit #2311, Oakland Physical, donated Unit #4014, Frontier, donated $250 to League and $200 to New Dimensions Unit #2509, Stockton Clerical, donated $250 to the Alameda County Food Bank Elk Grove Longhorns Youth Baseball Foster Family Agency. $200 to the Owl Project. and $250 to the Hercules High School Team and $250 to Elk Grove Food JV Basketball Team. Bank. Unit #3316, Fallon, donated $500 to the Unit #3712, Santa Rosa, donated $250 Out of Egypt Food Pantry. to the Roseland Youth Center. Unit #2316, Concord, donated $500 to Unit #4419, Redding/Davey & Utility St Jude’s Children Hospital. Tree, donated $250 to Good News Unit #4716, Concord/Davey Tree, Unit #4014, Frontier, donated $100 to Rescue Mission and $250 to Western donated $500 to the California Fly Fisher the American Cancer Society Relay for Unit #2317, Antioch, donated $250 to Service Workers Association. Unlimited. Life. the American Legion in Antioch.

Unit #2518, Modesto Irrigation Fresno Physical Unit #1111 Supports Boys and Girls Club of Del Rey District, donated $250 to New Dimensions Foster Family Agency and $250 to Modesto Gospel Mission.

Unit #3012, USBR/CVO, donated $250 to Mustard Seed School and $250 to Wounded Warrior Project.

Unit #3311, Reno, donated $250 to Mrs. Evelyn Mount’s food pantry. open space Unit #3313, Yerington, donated $250 to the Boys & Girls Club of Mason Valley and $250 to the Josh Farler Helping Hands Project.

Unit #3318, Elko, donated $500 the Great Basin Children’s Advocacy Center.

Unit #3611, Marysville, donated $500 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Unit #1111, Fresno Physical, presented a $500 donation from the Community Fund to the Boys and Girls Club of Del Rey last fall. This Post 948 in Marysville. photo depicts some of the younger children who have benefitted from the donation. 18 April – June 2016 T HE TOKEN BEARERS

By Mike Cottrell

The next installment in the lineman’s novel by Local 1245 Executive Board member Mike Cottrell.

Chapter 20 California desert 1959/ Tragedies recalled / The token passed down

e had no monkey on his back but he thought about it a lot for the rest the hooker away from him with his screams for having to stand up at a funeral of his days and that night in Fowler with the teller he heard the fore- and lie about their death to make the family feel good about a stupid way to die Hcast but chose to ignore the conclusion as a lucky guess gone wrong. so the brothers could go on learning what it was and management allowing it He was after all the heir to the token and he would have to pass it on anyway for the sake of everyone’s dollar. But he did because he had the damn token and someday so he sat about to figure who to hand it over to. All the fun he had with gave the promise to Sky the way Sky gave the promise to build it to the union them, one he might choose could not possibly say no and after a good satu- it would someday become for Henry when he was killed by it in 1896 in the na- ration of booze and another sweet girl they may even share he would award tion’s capital. the token and be done with it and the curse and gratuities would be for some He would stand up and tell some story about the dead man sometimes made other to deal with and no longer his to bring the crowds in with and lure them up if he didn’t know him, and the others said nothing because he had the token with his tales of the trade to celebrate the life of the great one who lay in his and it was his to carry. The drudgery of the tale was his to soften the blow and grave in the nation’s capital overseeing it all, or the other who lay in his grave bust grave sod for a hero in death. Pass the hat brothers and send some cash near Houston. But it must be the right lineman, better to do the duty of it than over to the family and move the body beneath and carry the torch and token even he had done, to better position the mighty arms of labor to strengthen forward for the betterment of us all. Find the demon in the sky and fight it fare still further against the grip and greed of the higher power of management that until it is conquered by understanding and knowledge not yet fully known and always waited to deplete them into submission and to deliberate to destroy the worse not sponsored into programs carved by the industry and laid on the plat- brotherhood. ter of common knowledge to hold by the death grip. Playing with fire to bring On the Kansas City cutover he met the kid and he was a nervous one that its power down to earth and slow the work long enough to lessen the statistics had been out in Hobbs right after the war with Curly and just couldn’t take any of the things superiority over us. It was not a fair fight and in those early years more of it, all those orders from his sister’s husband so he broke away and went most dues went to the widows for death benefits because of ignorance, greed on the move with Sky Rocket to learn of the craft and the token. Curly wanted and manliness being set forth as more important than conquering it with him to stay with him at South Western Power and settle down and the call of knowledge and implementing the safety goods and engineering that lay on the the tramp in Sky and Fancy sold him over to the road and Pinky the grunt that table but did not find its way through the fog of negotiations near soon enough. had also served under Henry was to steal him and the Pep away into the trav- The devil mocked his every step and he waited for his own demise, but drank eling rascals of the road never to settle in their entire lives but once in a while and sang and danced his way past it and dodged it more than once and ignored stopping to catch their breath at a power company and swearing they were the teller’s remarks. through with the road but a couple years was all they could ever stand and off It was a cold morning on the high desert when he woke and found the win- they would go again. Road whores chasing the wind and the money, dragging dow open allowing the stiff brisk wind to enter and he drug himself over to the kids and women along, pulling the trailers and chasing their hot dreams it and slammed it hard and the blond young girl jumped and he said “Good and cold beer straight to hell like a bunch of rented mules caught in their free- mornin’ lassie, Fancy finds you the best thing since buttered toast and would dom and dreary dazed dreams of home. not trade you for one right now with homemade preserves of fresh strawber- Separating on their own but still moving to places in Minnesota for the high ries.” She grinned and washed her mouth with the whiskey from the bottle and lines and silos in Wyoming building power to a new cold war age, opting some- gave him another hot round and he paid her well and promised to meet up with times for the ground to have a change from the belt and hooks soothing on the her at the same place after work and she left with the good hard cash and said ground like a turkey buzzard on a shit wagon catching breath to fly again and she’d be there. to meet again on a job to wail in delight at the new child one had. Going hungry He was rid of it now. He gave it away last night to the head scratcher and gave from time to time and calling each other for a few dollars to hit a job and pay all the conditions and they were sober when the deal was struck and he told the dobby to do it all again and a few would save and build a dream home on a it to Buddy the way Sky had told it to him and “Yeah since you knew Sky too piece of ground but most would just go from place to place and even to the ends it should be easier for you to understand the territory it carries, the good and of the earth just to be free and tell some smart son of a bitch to shove his job up the bad, all of it and you’ll know when to give it over in the winter of your life his ass just to see the look on his face on his way to the next job. too, after it has drug you down and worried you to death just like it has me.” But when eyes were closed under the shade of hope and the burden of the sun But Buddy was proud to have it and did not see it as the burden Fancy warned sank into their backs for the long haul of labor, by god they were free to roam him it might become. Rather a grand gift to expand on and carry the gravity of standing straight and walking proud to the very end. Spending their days car- it on to the brothers. He would be the traveler of time and space for its grand rying the banner that their women did not fully understand to their graves like purpose. It would not drag him down, he would employ it to do great things paupers still proud and afraid to die for the sake of leaving the freedom they and carry it in his left front pocket just like Fancy, Sky, and Henry had done and knew behind. Looking back in regret and wishing that if they had known bet- would feel them with him because of the token’s very presence. ter, like some men maybe they would have done something different. All the It was in the early morning when he told him he should go and he slipped out while sure they would and could not have for the sake of the road and the free- the door and left them together and felt good about all of it, the deal and the dom to have the everlasting war between themselves and those too greedy to token, but the last part was not a good thing. He felt guilty about that part, but share the good fortune of retirement and health care for them and their fami- swore he would make it up to her. Fancy was the last one to leave the room and lies. Knowing in some strange and peculiar way what they did and sacrificed went out to the high line. The damn Fortune teller of all things on his mind. now would eventually lead to something better for a new breed of line hand. Buddy had it now and didn’t see what the big deal was; he would carry it forward “But the cutover in Kansas City in the early fifties now that was just too damn and gladly take the toll. It would have been the Pep’s but the accident stopped much,” thought Fancy and it was all he could do to get up there and tell a good that, broken feet may never go up again and being a narrowback was a curse lady that her husband had perished in a pole fire after he got it together in some anyway. Nobody knew yet Pep would make the comeback but the token would awkward and confused way that no one on the crew could decipher, or care to never be his to worry about he was passed over and the head scratcher came to for the sake of a creed not to let it leave where it happened. He dreamt there was the alter of labor to carry the token and the dream to shove forward for the com- no K.C. cutover and those deaths did not happen and woke in fright and scared ing generation of linemen to come up through the effort of the brotherhood. continued in next issue Copyright Mike Cottrell, “The Token Bearers” 2003-2016. All rights reserved to the author, Mike Cottrell. Published serially, with permission, by IBEW Local 1245 in the Utility Reporter. Utility Reporter 19 IBEW 1245 member Kristen Schiavone shares how the Union saved her family from bankruptcy.

IBEW 1245 public sector members discuss the union difference. IBEW 1245 Launches Public Sector Member-to-Member Education Drive on the “Union Difference”

hy pay dues when I can have you believe the so-called ‘Right word. private-sector workers are guaranteed enjoy all the benefits of To Work’ movement is about preserv- “Representation!” she said. “And the under the law. “W the union contract with- ing your right to choose to be union knowledge that you can dial my number out spending a dime?” or not. But you already have a choice,” at any hour and know I will have your A Voice in Politics This is just one of the tough questions Local 1245 Assistant Business Manager back.” If the plaintiffs in the Friedrichs case that 60 IBEW 1245 public sector mem- Ray Thomas stressed at the meeting. “In prevail, members would be required to ber-leaders tackled as they prepared to the public sector, under current law, you The Union Difference “opt in” rather than “opting out” of mak- launch a new member-to-member edu- choose to be union, just as the majority Member after member shared an- ing political contributions on an annual cational drive to push back against the of your co-workers choose to be union. ecdotes about the difference that the basis. At IBEW Local 1245, numbers growing attacks against public sector Agency Shop provisions are a choice. union makes in their everyday lives. A contribute just $5 per member per year unions. You and your coworkers already choose voice at work, job security, good wages, into the political fund. Any member The member-leaders, who work at whether or not to have Agency Shop the ability to provide for their families, who does not want to participate in the 33 different Local 1245-represented provisions within your bargaining units. insurance, a secure retirement, free time political fund can request a refund of public sector employers, came togeth- Friedrichs is not about choice. It’s about to spend with family, training, safety, their $5 contribution. er for a special meeting on March 4 to destroying unions and taking away your respect, solidarity and stability were A common question that often comes gear up for the two-month, member- voice at the workplace.” among the benefits of unionization that up at the workplace is “Why does the driven campaign. The effort is part of The recent death of Supreme Court the members identified. union engage in politics in the first the union’s response to a pending U.S. Justice Scalia presents a temporary re- Kristen Schiavone, an IBEW 1245 place?” The fact is, unions need to have Supreme Court case, Friedrichs v CTA, prieve in the Friedrichs case, but US Su- member at Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric a voice in politics in order to protect which sought to drastically undercut preme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Cooperative, told the story of how the workers’ rights and interests. public sector unions. retains the right to hold the case over union-negotiated medical insurance Business Representative Randy Os- to be re-argued once a new justice has plan saved her family from bankruptcy born, who represents IBEW 1245 work- Friedrichs v CTA: The been nominated and confirmed. when her husband received a cancer di- ers in the ‘Right to Work’ state of Nevada, agnosis. explained why unions need to raise their Threat to Public Sector Why Pay Dues? “We paid $10 for crutches,” she re- political voice. Workplace Rights “I have always felt that teamwork is called. “The rest was covered by insur- “Last year, the Nevada state legislature what keeps us safe at work. We count on ance.” and governor sought to eliminate the The plaintiffs in the Friedrichs case — each other to look out for each other’s Another union brother recounted that eight-hour work day, remove prevailing a group of nine teachers from southern back so we can go home safe each day,” before he secured a union job, he never wage rules, and further weaken unions,” California — were backed by the Cen- said SMUD senior employee and IBEW saw his young kids due to long and un- said Osborn. “IBEW 1245 members, our ter for Individual Rights (CIR), which is 1245 veteran Don Hurdle. “Paying dues predictable working hours. Others re- retirees and our paid lobbyists pushed funded by anti-union corporate inter- is just an extension of me doing my part called working without a union, and the back.” ests, including Charles & David Koch, to help the team. I would never think of stark difference in wages, benefits and “In 2012, the attack on labor was the billionaire brothers who funded having another crew member doing my working conditions. brought to California. We fought Prop Wisconsin governor Scott Walker and part of the job and me being able to get But the union difference isn’t just an- 32 tooth and nail, and rallied Labor to his strategy to wipe out Wisconsin’s credit for a job well done… and I would ecdotal; there’s a wealth of data to back preserve our way of life,” IBEW 1245 Or- public sector unions. Their goal is to never expect another member to pay it up. In so-called “Right to Work” states ganizer Jammi Juarez recalled. “If Prop overturn 40 years of legal precedent my share so I can boast about how good where public sector workers do not have 32 had passed, we would have been se- and do away with agency shops, fair my benefits, pay and retirement are.” union representation, workers earn, on verely crippled. Here we are preparing share fees and automatic dues deduc- Hurdle’s Business Rep, Sam Glero, un- average, $5,071 less than workers in free for the next battle in this war on Labor tions, effectively transforming every derscored the value of union represen- bargaining states. They are 31% more and the middle class.” state into a so-called ‘Right to Work’ tation when he held up the bright yellow likely to lack decent health insurance, IBEW International organizer Rick state. Without those funding mecha- SMUD contract, listing the negotiated and are 13% more likely to live in pov- Thompson reminded the group that nisms, unions would be weakened and protections and benefits that workers erty. Public sector workers are exempt anti-union interests often use cultural- would have fewer resources to engage enjoy. from most wage-and-hour laws, and ly-charged wedge issues to divide and in bargaining, representation and or- Local 1245 Business Rep Sheila Law- public sector unions play a critical role distract us from the core issue of work- ganizing. ton summed up the benefits of being in ensuring that these civil servants ers’ rights. “[The backers of Friedrichs] would a dues-paying union member in one have the same sort of protections that “Whether we are Republicans or 20 April – June 2016 Update on the Friedrichs v. CTA Supreme Court Case ollowing the unexpected passing of Supreme Court FJustice Antonin Scalia in February, an impending crisis for the American labor movement has been temporarily averted. Jus- Tami McCollum, Truckee Donner PUD tice Scalia, who is no friend of or- ganized labor, was expected to be the critical swing vote in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, which is a case that would deter- mine whether public sector unions can continue to require “fair share” IBEW 1245 members Don Hurdle (left) & Kim Camatti of SMUD fees from non-members for the rights and benefi ts provided from collective bargaining. Learn more about the case at ibew1245.com/ faqs-friedrichs-v-california-teach- ers-association/. Those who were hoping that Scalia would split from the conser- vative bloc of the Court and vote to uphold nearly 40 years of legal precedent allowing contractual fair share agreements were sorely dis- appointed by the hostile tone he Assistant Business Manager Ray Thomas took toward the union’s position during oral arguments. Democrats, we are all union brothers Without his vote, the Court is- and sisters,” said Thompson. “Our indi- sued a 4-4 ruling in late March, vidual beliefs often differ, but we have which serves to affi rm the decision common interests: our rights in the of the lower 9th Circuit Court. Be- workplace and our right to be union. cause the 9th Circuit ruled in favor That’s what we are fi ghting for. We have of the California Teachers Associa- to bring the conversation back to the tion, public sector unions will con- brotherhood and the fi ght for a voice tinue to enjoy the unimpeded right and respect.” to collect dues from their member- Member by Member ship as if the Friedrichs case had never reached the Supreme Court’s The 60 member-leaders mapped out docket. the steps they will take to conduct one- However, the case could still be on-one conversations with each of the reargued in front of a full bench 2,400 public sector 1245 members over once a new justice has been ap- the next two months. Their fi rst step was pointed by the President and con- to identify on-site volunteers to help fi rmed by Congress, in which case them go department by department, it will likely be a while before we member by member, to talk about the know the fi nal outcome of the case, union difference and the importance of given the entrenched and bitter sticking with the union no matter what partisanship that exists within the the Court decides. They took assign- halls of Congress. Congressional ments, including making presentations Republicans have already declared at unit meetings, posting fl yers on union that they will oppose any and all of bulletin boards, and brainstorming ad- President Obama’s nominees to the ditional ways to convey the importance Supreme Court, no matter the po- of union membership. They set a goal to litical consequences. Presumably, generate more than 120 photos of their this stalemate could continue until co-workers with statements of why they a new president has been elected. support the union. “Although public sector unions IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom dodged a bullet, the anti-union Dalzell celebrated the effort saying, forces are continuing their at- “This is the strength of our Union – our tacks aimed at destroying the labor members leading the charge and orga- movement,” noted the IBEW 1245 nizing. We will continue to educate and Organizing team. “These attacks defend our members and their right to are happening in state legislatures, maintain their strong Union and their the courts and through their well- hard earned wages, benefi ts and work- funded propaganda war to infl u- ing conditions.” ence public opinion.” For ongoing updates on the campaign, Now is not the time to sit back fl yers, Q&A, articles and more photos, and breathe easy; we need to be visit www.ibew1245.com/friedrichs. If ever-vigilant in reminding friends, you would like to add your picture and family, and colleagues of the ben- message to the campaign, email Rebec- efi ts of being union strong! ca Band at [email protected]. Alex Pacheco is the staff Eileen Purcell is staff attorney at IBEW 1245. organizer at IBEW 1245. Utility Reporter 21

Keeping J Roseville

Running

B

Senior Operator Technician Dave Nipper mans the power plant’s control room. Sewer Maintenance Lead Worker Joe Lightle digs a trench with a backhoe in order to replace a faulty sewer.

Utility workers Brendan Gossic and Kevin Ryan install a cleanout outside a home in Roseville. he city of Roseville is located the sprinkler system at Cooks Collision on o about 20 miles northeast of Sacra- Taylor Rd. needed fixing, a five-man crew mento, and many of its residents from the City of Roseville was dispatched Tdrive into the state capitol on a to rectify the problem. daily basis. But Roseville is more than just “The City does all its own backflow test- Wastewater collections a commuter community. As the largest ing in-house,” said Senior Water Distribu- worker Jason city in Placer County, Roseville is a mini- tion Worker Dave Boisa, noting that the Pizzato operates metropolis of sorts, with a wealth of local City does 5,000 of these tests each year. In this case, the customer had a the Vector truck businesses, retail establishments and one “This one didn’t pass its annual inspection, s during a sewer replacement job. of the largest auto malls in the country. so it had to be repaired.” Business tends to run smoothly in the The owner of the property had the city, and that’s thanks in large part to the choice to either call a private contractor hard-working City of Roseville employ- to do the repair, or ask the City to handle ees, members of IBEW Local 1245. These the job. According to Boisa, choosing to dedicated men and women work day-in use City workers saved the property owner and day-out to make sure that the ‘guts’ of around $1,000, since the City gets a better the city—including the power plant, water rate on parts and never marks them up. Ad- IBEW 1245 mains and sewer system—are safe and op- ditionally, since the City workers conduct members from erational. And whenever something is out the inspections, they know precisely what I Roseville Water of order, Local 1245 members are on call to the problem is, they’re able to handle the Distribution, left to right; Casey make the necessary repairs. repairs quickly and correctly. B. Smith, Brett The crew, comprised of members from Coleman, and Quickly and Correctly the meter backflow division as well as the Todd Braden. When the water valve that connects up to water construction division, went to work 22 April – June 2016 Photos by John Storey

Water distribution workers Matt Kaluza (right) and Joel Cabezuela tighten bolts on a new water valve.

Below: Wastewater collections S worker Cody Wilbanks checks a trench for pipes during a sewer replacement job.

U Senior Water Distribution Worker David Boisa closes the new valve. on the fire backflow. One of the water we’re coming in and replacing all of it, the valves needed to be replaced, and the other whole service. We’re also going to clean out needed to be repaired, but the men made the main so they won’t have any trouble.” short work of the task. Once the parts were This type of problem is quite common, in place, they tested and flushed the sys- and Lightle and his wastewater crew do W tem, and promptly brought the valves back these sorts of repairs every day, repairing online so that the Cooks Collision sprinkler and replacing sewer system segments one system was once again operational. by one. In this case, the customer had a sewer back-up, and called the City to get it “Call Us First. We’re Free.” straightened out. Not all of the jobs the City workers do “A while back, the City actually sent out a are commercial. They also tend to quite a bulletin in these older neighborhoods that few residential issues, particularly pertain- says ‘Call us first. We’re free.’ Otherwise, a ing to the city’s aging sewer system. In the plumber is going to gouge them for a few older neighborhoods, the sewer lines are hundred bucks,” Lightle explained. between 60 and 100 years old, and as time passes, the lines and mains shift and sag, More Opportunities which can cause a number of issues. On the other side of town, another group

“Here outside this residence on High- of Local 1245 members work diligently to IBEW member

land Street, they have a giant sagging belly keep the City’s power plant up and run- Chad Brown replaces a tuft of in their sewer line, and it’s causing pooling, ning. Each member has a critical job, grass after the which is disrupting the flow,” said Sewer whether it’s running the control room, cleanout install

Maintenance Lead Worker Joe Lightle, who making repairs on the maintenance deck is complete

has worked for the city for 23 years. “So continued on next page Utility Reporter 23 Roseville continued from previous page or keeping the materials stocked in the warehouse. “It’s a good place to learn, and good people to work with,” said Mechanic Guadalupe Oseguera, who started work- ing at the plant just a few months ago. “They have more opportunities here. You can grow with the company, and they treat everybody fairly.” A lot of the work at the plant involves testing, checking and re-checking the machinery to make sure it’s in tip-top condition. “We verify that the equipment is sound, we look for visible abnormalities, and we check the oil levels,” said Power Plant Technician Kurtis Bomgardner, who is responsible for keeping tabs on several parts of the plant, including the air ejectors, battery chargers and meter deck. “We’re required to check it twice a day, and if there’s any sort of issue, then we will check three or four times a day.” Pride in the Work Power Plant Technician Kurtis Bomgardner conducts a visual inspection of the machinery at the Roseville power plant. Most of these members aren’t just em- ployed by the City, they also live there, able utilities. and many of them grew up there, which “My favorite part of this job is be- makes their work even more meaning- ing able to provide protected, qual- ful. ity domestic drinking water,” said “I’ve lived in the City my whole life— Utility Maintenance Worker Mike 47 years living in the City, 15 years work- Barton. ing for the City,” Boisa said with a note There’s no doubt that the rest of of pride in his voice. the City’s residents are grateful for They appreciate the fact that the work that fact as well. they do means that their friends and Rebecca Band is communication neighbors have access to safe and reli- organizer at IBEW 1245.

Operator Technician George Bognar tests water samples at the power plant. Mechanic Guadalupe Oseguera rebuilds a pump in the power plant maintenance room.

Electric Utility Technician Brett Dietz checks the back-up batteries at the power plant. Materials Technician Kathy Aguilera uses a fork lift to transport equipment at the power plant. 24 April – June 2016 Blast from the Past SMUD crew relies on mule pack to complete Rubicon Outlet Modification project

n this day and age, it’s hard to imag- The goal of the project was to increase ine going to work in a location with- the minimum flow volume from Rubi- Iout any electricity, roads, cars or con Dam into the Rubicon River in or- running water, and the idea of relying der to comply with a new hydropower li- on pack mules to get a job done seems cense issued by the Federal Energy Reg- pretty antiquated. But for the IBEW ulatory Commission (FERC). The SMUD 1245 members who took part in the crew was tasked with installing a larger Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s valve and piping at the outlet in order to Rubicon Outlet Modification last fall, provide for the higher minimum flows. that sort of “blast from the past” was The first four days involved meticu- precisely what they experienced for the lous set-up and preparation, including duration of the project. de-watering the site (with assistance The Rubicon Dam is located within from wildlife experts who were brought the federally-protected Desolation Wil- in to relocate the fish that live there), derness area, and the US Forest Service constructing a jib crane, removing the has extremely restrictive rules when it old pipe supports, conduit, control cab- comes to the use of vehicles and me- inets and PV arrays, and grouting new chanical equipment in the wilderness. pipe support anchors. On the fifth day, This made transporting the 14 crew the 2,300 lb. valve and 1,900 lb. tee were members from SMUD and all of their set into place with helicopter assistance. tools and supplies in to the worksite The crew was then able to install control exceptionally challenging. The team equipment, torque the bolts and route utilized helicopters to reach the wilder- the wiring for the flow meter and actua- ness border, but once they were there, tor. Once everything was in place and they had to rely on a pack mule outfit testing confirmed that all was function- to move everyone and everything to the ing correctly, the final step involved re- worksite location. watering the site, and ensuring that the “The logistics of getting all of the area was left just as it was when the crew materials and people and tools in with arrived. mule teams and helicopters was a good The Crew: testament to how much thought went into planning for this job,” said SMUD Tom Caudell, Hydro Mechanic Fore- Hydro Electric Crew Foreman Bill Mat- man thews. “It was pretty incredible. Every- Dave Thom, Plant Mechanic body had to remember every little thing Bradley “Eric” Snyder, Plant Me- that we would need – down to the last chanic nut and bolt – to have a successful end Jeremy Devlin, Plant Mechanic result. It’s not like we could just go out to the hardware store; it was a helicopter William “Bill” Mathews, Hydro Elec- and a mule ride away if you forget some- tric ForemanMark Hopson, Electrician thing.” Mike Cason, Electrician Since getting to and from the work- Joe Astronomo, Material Specialist II site was no small feat, the entire crew camped out at the Rubicon Outlet, Jacob Walker, Hydro Stationary Engi- neer Foreman which is located about eight miles away from Loon Lake, for the entire 10-day Scott Rikalo, Hydro Stationary Engi- project. Pack mules were constantly neer II bringing in fresh supplies and hauling Aureliano “Will” Perez, Utility Worker away waste and tools throughout the Steve Fackler, Hydro Field Technician course of the project. A total of 125 pack mule loads carrying as much as 150 lbs. Ty Burlison, Electrician Apprentice at a time came and went during the job. Mike MacDonald, Telecom Technician Utility Reporter 25 Members Approve New Agreement at New Agreements Ratified Frontier Communications Elk Grove at City of Redding

fter months of dedicated effort involved he IBEW 1245 members in the fill vacant positions at their discretion, and hard work, the IBEW 1245 • Improved Gloves and Work boots Electric and Maintenance Units but the union wanted to take it off the ANegotiating Committee mem- language with provisions for $125 Tat the City of Redding voted to table. We compromised by agreeing to bers of Frontier Communications (un- re-builds in odd years and $275 to- approve new agreements in late Janu- address it in ad hoc. der the Elk Grove Agreement) reached a wards new boots in even years along ary. The final vote tally for the Electric For those Electric and Maintenance Table Agreement with the company in with language for new hires to be al- unit ratification was 40-13, and the members who have the PARS benefit November of 2015, and the IBEW 1245 lowed $125 towards boot purchase if Maintenance unit voted 67-39 to ratify (supplemental retirement benefits) members at Frontier voted 25–6 to ap- hired in an odd numbered year their agreement. we agreed that upon approval of this prove the new agreement in December. The Electric agreement will be in ef- agreement by City Council (or such The new, three-year agreement in- • Improved language and additional fect until September of 2017. Members later date as determined by the City), cludes: certification opportunities under will see a 5% increase effective Jan 31, members will receive notice of their the Certification Differential section • General Wage Increases of 2.5% on 2016, followed by a 4.5% increase in option to either continue to maintain 11/30/15, 2.5% on 9/29/16 and 2% on • Increased attendance occurrences July of 2016, and a 4.5% increase in Jan- the PARS by picking up the normal 9/28/17 from 5 to 6 uary of 2017. The union also secured an cost, which is currently set at 3.99% for additional 1% for seven classifications Electric and 3.86% for Maintenance • Medical employee contributions • Improved Paid Meal Language in- at the Redding Power Plant, as well as (pre-tax), or freeze any further accrual cluding a simplified system allow- • Maintain the 24% employee share improvements to the boot allowance. of the benefit. Unfortunately, the PARS ing for an “in lieu” of dollar amount of the PPO plan for 2016, 2017 & The union and city agreed to address benefit amounts to a significant un- system streamlining administrative 2018 other ongoing concerns surrounding funded liability for the City — over 14% costs and avoiding issues with reim- the meals language and the Working of base wage for Maintenance and 15% • Maintain 24% employee share of bursement amounts being scruti- Foreman (line) testing requirement in for Electric — and the cost made any the EPO plan for 2017 with a slight nized. increase in 2017 to 25% and again ad hoc negotiations. discussion around wages almost im- in 2018 to 26% Special thanks to our negotiat- The Maintenance agreement will possible, so we were put in a position of ing committee, comprised of Fron- also be in effect until September of 2017. having to deal with it at the table in or- • Maintain 24% employee share tier members Bill Bryan, Trevor File, Members will see a 4% increase effec- der to move forward with negotiations. of the Kaiser plan for 2017 with a Kenny Lawson and Ryan Stewart, and tive Jan. 31, 2016, followed by 3.5% in Special thanks to the members of the slight increase in 2017 to 25% and IBEW 1245 Assistant Business Man- January of 2017. The union also secured bargaining committees: again in 2018 to 26% ager Ray Thomas, improvements to Maintenance Bargaining Committee • Additional language related to re- as well as the bal- the mechanics’ Dominic McCurtain open medical the negotiations of lot committee, tool allowance, Randy Amaral medical plans in 2017 if necessary to which consisted and agreed to ad Chris Fleming address possible Affordable Care Act of Frontier mem- hoc negotiations John Moore excise tax issues bers Bryan Cole- to discuss the Dave Williams Darryl Hughart • Dental remains at 25% with no in- man and James qualifications for crease for the term Medeiros, along the Working Su- Electric Bargaining Committee • Improvements to Standby language with IBEW 1245 pervisor classifi- Ben Goehring raising compensation from $50 to $60. staffer Peggy Pro- cation. The City Jeff Torres schold. wished to remove Paul Snyder • Improvements to Temporary Up- JV Macor, it from the Pre-Bid Ken Nachman grade language IBEW 1245 process (which is Rob Barber • Improved Overnight Trip language Business Rep driven by senior- Sheila Lawton, and compensation at $50 for all days ity) and simply IBEW 1245 Business Rep

New Agreement Ratified at 1245 Members at City of Ukiah Port of Oakland Unanimously Ratify New Agreement

n Feb. 10, IBEW 1245 members ees would be eligible to use the funds he IBEW 1245 members at the 9/19/2019. ratified the Tentative Agree- after six months) City of Ukiah unanimously rati- • Term date will be 9/19/2015 to ment that was reached with the fied a Table Agreement with the O • Unit members will be able to purchase T 9/18/2018. Port of Oakland on Feb. 3. The final vote computers, laptops, mobile phones, City on Jan. 14, 2016. The vote tally was • Incumbent employees will have an tally was 20-4. tablets through June 30, 2017. After 12-0 in support of the agreement with opportunity to take advantage of City The two-year agreement will be in ef- that date, approval required based on 100% member turnout. medical contribution or remain on fect from January 1, 2016 to December need for training course After a few months of forward moving 31, 2017. It includes General Wage In- and positive negotiations with the City, their current FLEX dollar amounts. creases of 4% effective Jan. 1, 2016, 2% • 100% reimbursement for cost of an- our negotiating committee — consisting New hires will fall under the new effective July 1, 2016, 2% effective July 1, nual dues for one professional soci- of Jim Lozano, Ben Keffeler and Rodney medical contribution amount. 2017. Additionally, the Port of Oakland ety or association/organization per Huffman and Business Representative member • New language to explore medical has agreed to proceed as judiciously as JV Macor — presented the membership cost savings collectively. possible to binding arbitration on the • Promoted or retiring members shall with a YES recommendation for a Table applicability of the “Me Too Clause” to- be paid the balance of their Merit Pay Agreement that had very desirable im- • Improved language related to resi- ward the 4% wage increase received by premium in a lump sum provements. dency while on-call/stand by. other labor organizations from July 1, • Free parking for employees at 530 Wa- First and foremost was the restoration 2015 to December 31, 2015. ter Street garage of the 5% takeaway in base wages that The full Table Agreement can be The new agreement also includes the occurred in 2013, along with two suc- seen at ibew1245.com/wp-content/ following: • In exchange for 5% increase in wages, cessive general wage increases as part of uploads/2016/01/Ukiah-Table-Agree- additional duties were added to job a three year agreement. ment-1-14-16.pdf. • Language to allow stewards time off description for Airport Duty Manager without loss of pay to investigate Key features include the following: We want to thank committee mem- Serving on the Negotiating Commit- bers and brothers Lozano, Keffeler and grievance issues • 5% restoration back to 9/19/2015. tee were bargaining unit members Dion Huffman for all their hard work and ef- • A professional development fund of Bailey, Ken Taylor, and Eddie Villasenor. • 5% general wage increase 9/19/2016 fort. $1100 per year (probationary employ- Al Fortier, IBEW 1245 Business Rep and 2.5% general wage increase on JV Macor, IBEW 1245 Business Rep 26 April – June 2016 New Agreement Members Approve New Ratifi ed at City of Agreement at City of Berkeley

n Dec. 9, 2015, the IBEW 1245 Roseville members at the City of Berke- fter four months of bargaining, MOU. Oley unanimously ratifi ed the IBEW 1245 and the City of Ros- The agreement also includes an- Tentative Agreement for a new contract Aeville reached a tentative agree- nual Cafeteria Plan increases. On Dec. reached between the union and the City From left: Negotiating Committee members ment on December 17, 2015. The IBEW 1, 2016, the Cafeteria Plan maximum of Berkeley. The two-year agreement Phil Rayment and Greg Marwick 1245 bargaining committee recom- will increase to $1,296 (+$24); on Dec. 1, contains a 2% COLA for each year. There mended a “Yes” vote for ratifi cation by 2017 Cafeteria Plan maximum will go up is an additional 1% wage increase in the erage provided in City plans. Previously, the membership, and the members at to $1,321 (+$25); and on Dec. 1, 2018 the second year in exchange for a 1.25% employees were only allowed to vest the City of Roseville overwhelmingly Cafeteria Plan maximum will increase contribution to CalPERS on the employ- into City sponsored medical plans. The approved the new agreement on De- to $1347 (+$26).Other highlights of the er side. Negotiating Committee also achieved cember 29, 2015. The fi nal vote count agreement include: Other enhancements to the existing improved promotional language for was 114-5. The City Council met on Jan. • Enhanced Standby Pay contract include an additional 3% wage promotions within the unit, and an in- 6, 2016 and unanimously approved the • Increased Class A certifi cations for increase for longevity pay after 25 years creased tool allowance from $300 to MOU. Water Distribution & Wastewater (6 of service, and increased life insurance $500 annually. The three-year agreement (January to 8) from $50,000 to $100,000 (exchanged The Negotiating Committee for IBEW 1, 2016 – December 31, 2018) includes • Increased meal allowance (from$16 for reduction in annual dental clean- 1245 consisted of Business Representa- General Salary Increases of 2% in Janu- to $20) ings from 4 to 3). The City and the union tive and Chief Negotiator Al Fortier, and ary of 2016, 2.6% (35 hour PLT exchange) also agreed to provide retiree medical bargaining unit members Greg Mar- in January of 2017 and 2% in January • Salary alignment to previously Y – coverage in non-City sponsored plans, wick, Phil Rayment and Chris Kaldunski. 2018. The January 2016 general wage rated classifi cations equal to the monetary value of the cov- Al Fortier, IBEW 1245 Business Rep increase thirty three classifi cations will • Enhanced vacation use for proba- receive Labor Market Adjustment (LMA) tionary employees salary increases giving these 33 classifi - The IBEW 1245 bargaining committee Members Ratify New Agreement at Bella cations an 11% increase average LMA. overwhelmingly recommended a “Yes” For new employees hired January 1, vote for ratifi cation by the membership. Vista Water District 2016 and thereafter, there will be new Special thanks to the IBEW 1245 Bar- salary step schedule with approximately gaining Committee, which was com- he IBEW 1245 members at Bella Vista Water District have ratifi ed a two-year 2.5% wage progressions. Nine classifi - prised of City of Roseville members agreement. 18 ballots were cast, and the fi nal vote tally was 11-7. The agree- cations will have an approximate 10% Mike Barton, Jeff Beaubier, Jimmy Bell, Tment contains the following terms: reduction in the top salary step based Brian Boyd and Gary Kidder, as well as • Two-year term from date of IBEW member ratifi cation on the LMA. All classifi cations will re- myself and IBEW 1245 Assistant Busi- ceive general wage increases, including ness Manager Ray Thomas. • General wage increases: all step progressions, each year of the Jennifer Gray, IBEW 1245 Business Rep • 2.76%, effective fi rst normal business day following member ratifi cation • 2.76% on September 26, 2016 • Article 10.5 CTO: Reducing CTO over 12 months Members Ratify Agreement at • Increased boot allowance • Improved upgrade language Yuba County Water Agency All other MOU terms and conditions will stay in full force and effect through term BEW 1245 members at the Yuba County Water Agency ratifi ed a new agreement of the successor agreement. on Friday, Dec. 18. A total of 22 ballots were cast, and the fi nal vote tally was Sheila Lawton, IBEW 1245 Business Rep I20-2. The agreement contains the following terms: • Three-year term from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018 • General wage increases: • 3% effective the fi rst day of the fi rst full pay period after Jan. 1, 2016 • 2.25% effective July 1, 2016 • 3.25% effective July 1, 2017 • Agency agreed to Agency shop language • Increase in retiree medical premium cap • Negotiated 12-hour shift language • Birthday holiday converted to fl oating holiday • Improved remote reporting language Sheila Lawton, IBEW 1245 Business Rep

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IBEW 1245 members at Yuba City Water Agency Utility Reporter 27 45 Years Front row, from left: Richard East Bay Landa and Gregory Thomas. Back row: SERVICE February 19, 2016 Business Manager Tom AWARDS Dalzell.

35 Years Front row, from 40 Years left: Dennis From left: Finnegan and Al (Dalzell ), Wilson White. Back row, Kung and his from left: Jerry wife. Debaca and Archimedes Gatan.

35 Years Front row, from left: Maria Salas 30 Years and David From left: Mark Palmer. Back row, Tkachenko, Lou from left: Carlos Mennel, and Tot Castrillo, Crystal Nguyen. Chaney, and Michele Chin.

Vega, Carlos Vazquez, Jose Shiner, Robert Christine Thomas, Patrick Kozakiewicz, Jerzy honorees Winters, Cedric Vernon, Thomas Silva, John Huynh, Hoa Thompson, Ryan Lee, Rose Young, Robert Williams, Dennis Su, Tuan C. Jackson, Holly Thornton, Russell Leonetti, Ariel Wilson, Jermaine Thomas, Sr., Jeffery Johnson, Jahmar Tran, Peter Lopez, Arturo Lacombe Jr., Webster, Claude 55 Years 20 Years Yaughn, Kip Tobar, Fredy Killam, Jason Wilkerson, Maurice Lopez, Joan Jackson Zamora, Nora Ton, Quy Peper, William Altamirano, Ruben Knight, Elizabeth Wilkins Jr, Curtis Luttrell, Joeseph Larson, Lyle Ulloa, Nick Zabb-Parmley, 25 Years Bassett, Billie Lebby, Damian Magtoto, Kenneth Lee, Susie Vong, Vinh O. Leung, Ching Valerie Alvarado, Dorlene Bradley, Renaldo 15 Years Martinez Jr, Albert 50 Years Llacuna, Theresa Wade, Sonji Aponte, Carlos Breaux, Samantha Acosta Jr., Linder, Fred Baulwin, JL MacDula, Joseph Wendling, Lyle McMahon, Jesse Barajas, Abel Brown, Teresa Bienvenid Lopez, Rodrigo 5 Years Sondersen, GK Morgan, Joseph Wico, Josefino Meagher, Ryan Boyd, Michael Buenrostro, Jose Allen, Debbie Luis, Mark Adams, Seth Olson, Paul Yuen, Michael Meza, Andrew Calibjo, Sean Coleman, Robert Amo, Ian Mahoney Sr, Joshua Agurcia, Fredy 45 Years Palmer, David Cheung, John Mansell, Britton Moore, Roy Pang, Cheuk Dante, Bobby Ashworth, Crystal Alvarez, Salvador Garrett, Donald Datu, Raymond Martin, Edward Partee, Steve Pena, Ernest Drennon, Alice Austin, Kimberly 10 Years Barton, Tom Landa, Richard Davis, James Martinez, Jason Ramirez Enriguez, Salas, Maria Duterte, Blesida Bascara, Reynaldo Alino III, Ignacio I Batiste, Raymond Ruiz, Daniel Fazio, Philip Mendiola, Joseph Jose Sanchez, Mark Gaona, Juan Borris Jr., Mike Anderson, Daniel Benjamin Jr, James Sander, John Fortier, Alfred Morris, Andre Reeves, Christopher Secrest, Robert Gutierrez, Simon Brown, Daryl Aranha, Kaya Bibeau, Nicholas Thomas, Gregory Galvan, Raul Murray, Michael Rego, Michael Tancioco Jr, Ramon Hall, Dean Calderon, Ernest Asuelo, Brandon Blaine, Richard Walker, Steve Hamilton, Jim Norris, Ryan Riley, Brian Valdez, Mark Isherwood, James Cereca Jr., Robert Balderston, Mark Brasier, Cameron Williams, Charles Heal, Coleen Osti, Anthony Vasarhely, Joseph Keawkalaya, Commerford, David Barton Jr, Jeff Captain, Tammie Robertson, Trevor Williams, Eugene Hernandez, Virgilio Veronica De Leon, Daniel Benutto, Jorge Pederson, Jason Carmody, Thomas Rodriguez, Jerame Wan, Edith Isleta, Oscar Peeters, Sheldon White, Alfred Kelly, Paula Doolan, Justin Black, Joe Castor, Joseph Rojas, Arturo 40 Years Lennear, Anthony Kidd, Gary Ebalo, Roderick Boles, Dyanel Penh, Po Chavez, Jose Rootring, Ben Lorenzo, Hernando Perez, Nicholas Burns, Jacquelin Kilmer, Stephen Escobedo, Marisela Buenaflor, Marlin Cloy, Ayanna Rose, Dylan 30 Years Martin, Randall Peyrucain, Ben Fernando, Erlinda Lewis, Jeffrey Flores, Vincent Camarillo, Marco Contreras, Michael Ru, Michael Bernardo, Daniel McAfee-Evans, Phillips, Michael Guerrero, Diane Madison, Clayborn Gore, Agnes Cannon, Robert Cruz, Joel Clark, Lavera Clara Ramos Jr, Rubio, Jared Jackson, Carl Manalo, Richard Hanlon, Leila Chen, John Culcasi, Salvatore Dunn, Albert Mellor, Scott Archimedes Schafer, Tyler Kriletich, Matthew Martinez, Jose Hosford, Brent Chiapero, Michael Dance, Brandon Finnerty, Martin Morgan, Cheryln Reed, Ryan Schimpf, Steven Kung, Wilson McCluskey, Michael Hutchison, Robert Clark, James Davison, Mark Garcia, Dennis Padilla, Jose Rickner, Kenneth Schneider, Robert Stella, Nicholas Melvin, Mark Ibarra, Nicholas Conley, Daniel Detamore, Jeffery Huntington, Pastor, Steven Molina, Derek Janca, Mark Cowell, Ryan Ringbom, Michael Diaz, Linda Serna, Richard Lawrence Patchen, Gary Moore, Erik Latigue, Le Roy Cudd, Michael Robinson, Darren Doss, Darryl Silva, Matt 35 Years Kappadahl, Edward Perez, Rene Morales, Danny Madden, Curtis Currier, Jason Rocha, Kathleen Duran, Jason Stroup, Travis Adams Jr., John Kinard, Eltanalia Pinnell, Barry Morgan, Darryl Magana, Mark Daniels, David Rodriguez, Mitchel Ebding, Brian Stumpf, Eric Allen, Gerald Kwok, William Quave Jr., Louis Naton, Ross Marino Sr., Ricky Danner, Maxwell Romero, Renan Escamilla, Salvador Sylva, Nathaniel Andreoli Jr., Sam Lew, Stanley Rambis, Randall Navellier, Guy Marsden, Carol Dezordo, Victoria Saephan, Liew Fischer, Mark Theide, Michael Breazeale, Stephen Lopez, Roy Rasmussen, Debra Rattanasack, Roney Martin, Glenn Dyer, Gary Chiam Friend, John Tolley, Jacob Butler, Pier Mcwilliams, Kevin Rice, Timothy Rodriguez, Nava, Maria Ellis, Gerald Saetern, Moung Gemzsi, Joseph Villasenor, Eduardo Campiotti, Alex Sagapolu, David Mennel, Louis Riedmuller III, Bernardin Ochoa, Antonio Endriga, Edward Goree, Foster Vincent, Bryan Castrillo, Carlos Mitchell, Barry Charles Rodriguez, Eric Oliveira, Susie Farhang, Ahmad Schaaf, Cisco Green, Robert Walker, Josh Chaney, Crystal Nguyen, Tot V. Rigley, Robert Sattler, Darcelle Otten, Andrew Forsse, Kevin Shim, Haneo Griffin, Tanesha Washington, Chin, Michele O’Shea, Michael Rodriquez, Agustin Serrano, Rogelio Penalba Jr., Garcia, Hector Showaker, Zachary Harris, Benjamin Dalzell, Thomas Ridler, Jonathan Sailors, Kenneth Tanti, Steve Marcelino Gatlin, Lashaa Smith, Felicia Houston, Joshua Brittany Debaca, Jerry Sanchez, Michael Sandoval, Jose Tejada, Jaime Reardon, Timothy Gomez, Robert Smith, Rachelle Isleta, Karl Wepking, Finnegan, Dennis Sweeney, David Simon, Rodney Troga, Ronald Rogers, Michael Gonzalez, Jose Sorrell, Gary Jefferson, Teska Christopher Gatan, Archimedes Tiscareno, Alan Smith, Darrell Turner, Gordon Ryker, Dan Hampton, Earl Stephens, Sean Keawkalaya, Wichai Yabut, Xehia Katich, John Tkachenko, Mark Sprecher, Andrew Urbina, Francisco Sales, Christopher Hardy Jr, Thomas Thomas, Adam Keyser, Shane Yankee, Lee Kiernan, Kevin Watkins, Kenneth Thompson, Andrea Valerio, Michael Shem, Joseph Houdashelt, Thomas, Andrew Kopp, John Yu, Guo

28 April – June 2016 25 Years Front row, from left: Clara McAfee-Evans, Alfred Fortier, and Dorlene 20 Years Front row, from left: Teresa Brown, Blesida Duterte, and Darcelle Sattler. Alvarado. Back row, from left: Robert Young, Carlos Vega, Scott Mellor, and Louis Quave. Back row, from left: Simon Gutierrez, Derek Molina, Erik Moore, and Darryl Morgan.

15 Years Front row, from 10 Years left: Robet Shiner and Sonji Wade. Front row, from Back row, from left: Moung left: Michael Yuen Saetern, Graciela and Vinh Vong. Mejia, and Liew Chiam Saephan. Back row, from left: Daniel Conley, Kevin Forsse, and Fred Linder.

10 Years Front row, from left: Cisco Schaaf, Victoria Dezordo, and Sean 5 Years Stephens. Back row, from left: From left: John Peter Tran, Friend and Britton Mansell, Thomas and Jeff Barton. Carmody.

Photos by John Storey Louis Tinsley Michael Walters Kenneth Williams Retirees, from page 15 25 years 37 years 37 years Bradford Beatrice Antioch, CA Vacaville, CA Antioch, CA Congratulations on your service! Simmons Sywassink Lynette Warren 41 years Jinnie Tom Lars Wingereid 2 years 12 years Hayward, CA Galt, CA 36 years 33 years Walnut Creek, CA Wellington, NV Bakersfield, CA Lance Smith Mary Tam Chris Torreano Jack Weaver 11 years 11 years Kathy Winterly 19 years 44 years Redding, CA Cupertino, CA 20 years Vallejo, CA Clovis, CA Ridgecrest, CA Sharon Stagner Issac Taylor Ronald Troga Steven Webb 5 Years 37 years 12 years 20 years 26 years Steven Wong Redding, CA Berkeley, CA Walnut Creek, CA Mokelumne Hill, 36 years Front row, from CA Suisun City, CA Kathy Stamatis Gregory Thomas Stephen Tucker left: Rose Lee and 33 years 45 years Douglas Wheeler 37 years 28 years Stephanie Ayanna Cloy. Eureka, CA Dixon, CA Fresno, CA Woodham Back row, from Tracy, CA Mc Stamps Pamela Thomas 35 years left: Jason Duran, Jack Tyler Ronald White 31 years 32 years Stockton, CA Roy Moore, and 46 years 41 years Pittsburg, CA Antioch, CA Richard Serna. Benicia, CA Oakland, CA George Wright Jr. Robert Stout Regina Thomas Teresita Villegas Debra Williams 15 years 39 years 21 years 26 years 12 years Reed Point Chico, CA Santa Rosa, CA Tracy, CA Auburn, CA Montana Theodore Strack Anntionette Tims Richard Walls Donald Williams Edward Zickowski 42 years 38 years 40 years 10 years 36 years Fremont, CA Antioch, CA Magalia, CA Bakersfield, CA Vacaville, CA Utility Reporter 29 45 Years From left: Vice President Anna Stockton Bayless-Martinez, 45-year member SERVICE January 22, 2016 Glennda McCluskey and Treasurer AWARDS Cecelia De La Torre.

35 Years Front row, from left: Cynthia Camille and 30 Years Front row, from left: Thomas Patterson and 25 years Front row, from left: Joe Hidalgo and Nadine Jose Astronomo. Back row, from left: James Harrison, Michaela McGloiry. Back row, from left: (Freitas) and Bob Evans. Back row, from left: Anthony Ginter, Michael Executive Board President Art Freitas, and James Clifton. Melich (guest of Glennda McClosky, 45 year member). Metrovich, and Ruben Soto.

20 years Front row, from left: Carol Perry and Adriane McBride. Back row, from left: Victor Torres and Esteban Madrid.

15 years Front row, from left: Vanessa Ricci 15 years Front row, from left: Jolean French and Photos by and Catherine Teel. Back row, from left: Pedro Kimberley Lockheart. Back row, from left: Christine Torres, John Storey Rodriguez and Pamela Richardson. Martha Ortega, and Martha Rodriguez.

Ratkovich, Peter Kalin, Scott Wallace, Lisa Foronda, Alanrey Rivas, Guillermo Cavan, Joel Brandon Rivera, Deniece Linn, Daniel Wanner, Howard Gormley, Timothy Robirds, Garald Chapman, Martin Miller, Erik honorees Sanderson, Lockhart, Shane Williams, Lonnie Haas, Anthony Romero, Karen Chavez, Anthony Milton, Simeon Stephen Lockheart, Wood, Jennifer Hampton, Timothy Ross, Michael Christman, Nathan Moore, Jeff Ruffin, Kenneth Youngblood, Larry Singleton, Rebecca Kimberly Haran, Shane Ruiz, Miguel Cottrell, Matt Murphy, Eric 45 Years Spaman, Mike Zimmer, James Thompson, Phil Long, Cheri Hernandez, Jesse Salazar, Jason Dempsey, Mark Oliver, Noel McCloskey, Glennda 10 Years Thomas, Philippe Torres, Victor Lopez, Alfred Aguilar, Francisco Higginbotham Sr, Schmid, Jeff Desilveira, Manuel Oneill, Nicholas Swindell, Raymond Lowther, Curtis Donald Diaz, Javier Vandenberghe, Valenti, Michael Albertoni, Frederic Sherwood, Max Oswald Jr, Jamie 20 Years Vazquez, Carlos Ma, Diane Hogue, Daniel Showaker, Jacob Dobales, Patricia Pacheco, Jeffrey Allen Alcala, Petra Alcantor, Robert Williams, Sue Martinez, Aurona Houser, Brian Siegfried, John Edlund, Terence Pimental, Richard 40 Years Vernier, Richard Anderson, Robert Anderson, Teresa Reyes, Chris Willis, Ryan McCreery, Daniel Jamison, Mark Simpson, Kim Ellis, Alexander Podesto, Anthony Walters, Bradley Brasuell, Michelle Austin, Steve McGee, Michael Jason, Frank Singh, Akiesh Evans, William Quackenbush, Braswell, David Avina, Juan McKiernan, Jenkins, Frank Soria, Raul Friend, John Kevin 35 Years Brown, Timothy 15 Years Barlow, Dejeunne 25 Years William Johnson, Bryon Soto, Raul Garcia Verdin, Reavis, Rex Astronomo, Jose Agee, Jim Burns, Donald Adams, Rachael Battig, Raphael Mitchell, Syretta Jones, Kristoffer Stapleton, Travis Cesar Reese, Rome Banuelos, Pascual Alvarez, Editha Carter, Mark Amezcua, Juan Beckham, Brian Moore, Joshua Keener, John Stevenson, Garcia, Corey Rin, Sophia Beck, Peter Bandley, Teddy Cooper, Ronondo Araujo, Salvador Behler, Richard Morris, James Kelly, David Tamecia Garcia, Robert Risen, Mark Camille, Cynthia Berrios, Robert Cross, Diane Avelar-Nelson, Berrios, Wilbur Nelson, John King, Richard Tablit III, Matthew Garnica, Luis Root Sr, Robert Clifton, James Crowhurst, James Debock, Jeffery Sylvia Bledsoe, Paul Nunes, Jeff Kissoon, Gerald Teague, Tracey Gillio, Delilah Samuel, John Denning, Thomas Delucchi, Daniel Fillmore, Christoph Bradley, Adam Brooks, Debra Oliva, Mary Knackstedt, Alvin Terry, Marcellus Goehring, Chester Sattler, Steven Frantz, Mike Dodgion Jr., Roy Freeman, Jason Cisneros, Jorge Brum, Michael Ordez, Raquel Krause, Harry Tolbert, Tracy Goforth, Rebecca Schneringer, Mark Harrison, James Drake, Brett Fuentes, Jennifer Clark, Linda Calcagno, Nolan Ortega, Martha La Torre, Vincent Tullar, William Gonzales, Kevin Segura Jr., Nicolas Hockaday, Kenneth Estlin, Kim Haggerty- Coley, Steve Cannon Jr, William Ortega, Pedro Lee, James Valiquette, Ruth Gross, Brandon Shahan, Travis Knox, Thomas Evans, Jadine Machado, Terry Crane, Glenn Cantrell, Benjiman Pender, Van Lee, Jeffrey Vaughan, Joseph Gust, Scott Silva, Steven Martin, Woodie Ginter, Anthony Henderson, Willie Diebner, Bill Perez, Joey Canty, Constance Lee, Terry Guzman, Gerardo Sparrey, Kyle Price, Irene Gonzales, Brian Hightower III, Eggert, Robert Castaneda, Angel Velasquez, Tom Pitchford, Melissa Lofing, Randy Willett, Gabriel Harris, Joel Steele, Rodney Turney, Martin Green-Collins, William Embrey, David Pruett, Kevin Castellanos, Byron Lomeli, Adrian Hensley, Lauren I Sweeney, Marceda Juanita Ivy, Martin Ferreira, Jason Chavez, Antonio Williams, Anthony Quezon, David Lopez, Cynthia Williams, Lawdell Hernandez, Tiffany Sybesma, Derek 30 Years Hidalgo, Joe Johnson, Christine Franco, Ricardo Ricci, Vanessa Christensen, Lucas, David Hoag, Jett Tyson, Wendell Allen, David Jauregui, John Jones, Ralph French, Jolean Richardson, Jeremy Mason, Erik Keoveunxay, Vann Jr, Mark Allen, Michele Lehnertz, James Joseph, Sara Goncalves, Pamela Cottonham, Jesse McDaniel, Anthony 5 Years Phouthai Verma, Nawal Christenson, Eric Lyle, Jon Larsen, David Matthew Rodriguez, Martha Davis, Donnie McEwen, Timothy Arrington, Jill Knaggs, Nicholas Wallace, Greg Culcasi, Sal Metrovich, Michael Madriz, Esteban Goncalves, Rodriguez, Pedro Davis, Jeffrey McGrew, Scott Atchoukeu, Lang, Nicholas Ward, Stephen Cuneo, Rory Meyer, Edward Mangabay, Stephanie Salgado, Cruz De Velbiss, Mark Medlin II, Flaubert Lindsey, Thomas Washington, Daniels, John Morris, James Rebecca Gonzales, Kristyl Schweiger, Jesse Ditta, Shakil Raymond Austin, Mitchell Lo, Lisa Brittany Devalle, Clay Nobrega, Dwayne Maydahl, Veronica Gray, Sherrie Serrano, Sigfredo Domecq, Allen Moore, Tony Bagley, Thomas Machado, Daniel Wertz, James Fletes, Jose Pedersen, Peter Mcbride, Adriane Guerra-Orona, Soto, Raul Dorado, Philip Munoz, David Barnes, Harold Marez-Samaniego, White, Gloria Howerton, Larry Reyes, Winfred McGettigan, Alicia Spires, Vallaree Early, Alan Nawabi, Wais Baxter, Steven Esther Wigt, John Leonard, Mark Ritzema, Martinus Matthew Guerrero, Andrea Stapleton, Thomas Edwards, Darryl Ornelas, Joseph Bell, Matthew Martinez, Sergio Woods, Jackie Lisa, Richard Soto, Ruben Molina, Derek Gutierrez, Teczon, Arlene Eichman, Mark Ott, Nathanael Blevins, Mark Martinez, Zachary Worley, Steven McGloiry, Michaela Spence, Staci Munoz, Jacquelyn Stephanie Teel, Catherine Escoto-Cruz, Padilla, Felicia Bracy, Monica McCurdy, Matt Wright, Peter Moore, Patricia Stevens, Regina Ochoa, Alfonso Hardin, Donald Torres, Christine Enrique Patten, Tyler Branstetter, Phillip McDannald, Ybiernas, Rolando Patterson, Thomas Terra, Randy Ochoa, Hector Harris, Bianca Trogdon, Jacob Esquivel, Jose Quiroz, Ruben Cadena Jr, Mario Matthew Yepez, Ismael Pires, Manuel Tiemeyer, John Olsen, Robert Harris, Suzette Vernon, Gail Faus, Bryan Ramos, Thomas Cardona, Harold McDonald, David Zambrano, Rhinehart, Jeff Waldron, Richard Perry, Carol Jordan, Anthony Waite, Steven Flores, Jennifer Reidt, Eric Carroll, Ryan McMahon, Francisco

30 April – June 2016 10 years 5 years From left: Karen Romero, Anthony From left: (Bayless- Williams, Ruth Martinez), Terence Valiquette, and Edlund, (De La Recording Secretary Torre), and Rachel Ramirez-Hill. (Ramirez-Hill).

5 years 5 years Front row, from left: Front row, from left: Sophia Rin, Marceda Matthew Bell, Sweeney, and Phouthai Patricia Dobales. Keoveunxay, and Back row, from left: Brandon McMahon. Phouthai Back row, from left: Keoveunxay, Esther Kevin Quackenbush, Marex-Samaniego, Derek Sybesma, Anthony Chavez, Steven Worley and Tiffany Steven Silva, and Hernandez. William Evans.

Congratulations on your service!

30 years Merced From left: Business Manager Tom Dalzell with 30 year members Patricia Moore and SERVICE January 29, 2016 Nathan Johnson. AWARDS Photos by John Storey

25 years Front row, from left: Josephine Bagnasco, Sheryl Phillips, and Jane Riddiough (Silva). Back row, from left: Tanya Marquez, Craig Tatum, and Debbie Gilliam. 15 years From left: William Van Vliet, Vera 20 years From left: Glenn Conley, Brenda Lee, and Haena, and Keith Lyle. Eric Scott.

Davenport, Richards, Brian Diaz, Roberto honorees Derrick Rigby, Steven Dioszegi, Stephen Congratulations on your service! Davis, John Rojas, Gabriel Dutra, Jayson Duval, Travis Saldivar, Adrian Dutra, Nathan 40 Years Phillips, Sheryl Fields, Ryan Fitzgerald, Drew Sanders, Cody Fitzhenry, Silva, Jane Gilliam, Shelly Garcia, Billy Schuppert, Justin Christopher Knox, Gerald Gonzalez, Gustavo Tatum, Craig Garcia, Sonya Serpa, Michael Ford, Jamie Maire, Mark Haena, Vera Green, Jerry Singh, Anilesh Galvan, Juan Lopes, Doug 20 Years Henderson, Joshua Slade, Jeremy Gonsalves, 30 Years Lyle, Keith Beck, Barton Inman, Jess Sobotta, Dustin Nicholas Johnson, Nathan Stone, Peter Blakey, Aaron Kaiser, Brant Souders, Charley Grimes, Curtis Lema, Greg Tanachion, John Cheatwood Jr., Klikna, Josh Souza, Matthew Hines, James Malone, John Van Vliet, William Lenz, Michael Hopkins, Brandon Moore, Patricia John Wells, Michelle Sturtevant Jr, Conley, Glenn McKain, Richard Wynter Hulsey, Whatley Jr., Carl White, John McNeill, Derek Christopher Wichas, Patricia Ellett, John Turner, Richard Haley, Israel Mize, Laura Winchester, Mark Lupian, Reynaldo Henson, Aaron 10 Years Moreno Sr., Wortham, Cory McCulloch, Jason 25 Years Lee, Brenda Acree, Matthew Antonio Zamarripa, Miguel Pearson, David Moules, Steve Sandlin, Jason Bagnasco, Olguin, Carl Birdsong, Charles Bledsoe, Rory Murillo, Luis Sargenti V, William Josephine Sandoval, Ruperto Frates, Robert Bockowski, Joshua Navarro, Jose 5 Years Swilley, Greg Scott, Eric Gilliam, Debbie Brazil, Nicholas Nickles, Nathan Arreguin, Johel Tannehill, Kyle Haskett, Tom Carpenter, Kevin Olesen, Bryon Boere, James Thornsberry, Hernandez, Martin 15 Years Chavez, Sergio Orlando, Lawrence Bowman, James Kasey 10 and 5 years Front row, from left: Sonya Garcia and Marquez, Tanya Arredondo, Joel Clark, Graciela Peirce, Clint Coelho, Ryan Walls, Matthew Rory Bledsoe. Back row, from left: Curtis Grimes, Dustin Martin, Blair Escobedo, Robert Curnow, Jared Plaa, Benjamin Del Dotto, Jeffrey Wells, Jonathon Sobotta, and John Davis. Utility Reporter 31 40 Years From left: Business Manager Tom Dalzell, Thomas Redding Perez, and Senior Assistant SERVICE February 5, 2016 Business Manager Bob AWARDS Dean.

30 Years Front row, from 35 Years left: Richard Front row, from Hansen and left: Kristina Assistant McGie and Business Gregory Lynch. Manager Ray Back row, from Thomas. Back left: Michael row, from left: Anderson, Paul Dave Vandermeer Schargus, and and Robert Mark Bailey. Ingram.

Photos by John Storey

25 Years Congratulations Front row, from left: Jefferey Torres and Mike on your service! Chadwick. Back row, from left: 20 Years From left: Kellem Kirk and Ahren Aitchison Alan Keeney. and Mark Chumley.

15 Years From left: Erick Ruste, Michael Collver, and Greg Gordon.

10 Years From left: David Hoertling, Virginia Farr, and John Townsend. 5 Years Front row, from left: Patrick Severin, Austin Statz, and Tod 5 Years Waite. Back row, from left: Kyle From left: Ballard, Patricia Jonathan Breedlove, and Kenyon, Michael Justin Watkins. Criss, and Dale Galli.

Dennis, Russ Gordon, Greg Carlton, Michael Phillips, Alan Criss, Michael McCausland, David honorees Ellis, Craig Hamilton, Dustin Chapman, Corey Seguin, Michael Cummins, Tyler McGregor, David Elwood, Brandon Jereb, Peter Daisley, Antonio Sexton, Joshua Davidson, Brian Miller, Kely Gilbert, Scott Johnson, Jeff Dolz, Kevin Stacy, Sean Doers, Scott Monath, Jared 40 Years 30 Years 25 Years Horton, David Lommen, Anthony Farr, Virginia Townsend, John Fritz, Jacob Nelson, Cabeb Jetton, Ben Reginato, Aaron Fisher, Benjamin Turner, Joel Galli, Dale Pearson, Luke Perez, Thomas Cummins, Rodney Benda, Tod Johnson, Jeffrey Ruste, Erick Wallace, Vernon Hoertling, David German, Dale Pruitt Jr, McArthure Bostick, Earnest Keeney, Alan Schinstock, Randy Wierzbicki, Joseph Hansen, Richard Hubbard, Steve Goulart, Robert Salkeld, David Chadwick, Mike Kirk, Kellem Smith, Joe Jones, Russ Yingling, David Haggard, Gregory 35 Years Hiser, Mark Severin, Patrick Chumley, Mark Lopez, Keith Trimble, Jason Landingham, Henry, William Ingram, Robert Silveria, Michael Anderson, Michael Cox, Scott Mason, Laine Warner, Jacob Maura 5 Years Hubbell, Ben McDonald, Tom Packard, Robert Smith, Jeffrey Bailey, Mark Overman, Kenneth Weber, Walter Larsen, Mark Alton, Robert Kauffman, Kevin Torres, Jeffrey Smith, Luke Lynch, Gregory Moffett, Michael Lee Jr, Stephen Ballard, Kyle Kenyon, Jonathan Statz, Austin McGie, Kristina Ross, William 15 Years 10 Years MacMillan, Daniel Borjon, Atalie Lamanuzzi, Kyle Stewart, Michael Netzloff, Matthew Rutledge, Frank 20 Years Bagwell, Todd Angulo, Julio Marundee, Kevin Breedlove, Patricia Lohman, Grant Aitchison, Ahren Bloom, Karen Baldrige, Maty, Mark Brooks, James Lonsinger, Waite, Tod Perales, Tim Thomas, Raymond Andrade, Shawn Collver, Michael Christopher Moore, Dan Brouillette, Aron Christopher Watkins, Justin Schargus, Paul Vandermeer, Dave Begley, Clint Foster, Troy Binger, Donald Myers, Donald Brown, Gregory Mansfield, Rahman White, Josh Tuomala II, Edward Wimer, Greg Capfer, Steven Gerrard, Randy Bishop, Casey Owen, David Carlson, Skyler McCartin, Ryan Young, Kevin

32 April – June 2016 Árboles, de la página 16 tenemos un delegado sindical y un del- están trabajando en Fresno ayudando a que debe ser abordado. egado de seguridad que cubren el sis- Trees Inc., así como en el área de Ayudamos en el ascenso de dos emplea- tema, todo funciona mejor. Sonora ayudando a Utility Tree. La dos que tenían el tiempo y la experien- Área Sur Centro mayor parte de su trabajo es trabajo de cia para pasar al siguiente nivel, a pesar Davey Tree confiabilidad. Pacific Coast Tree Expert de que ninguno de los empleados Esperamos tener la última reunión La compañía ha regresado y está ayu- poseía una licencia clase “B”. La alta del Comité de Revisión de Quejas en Mountain Enterprise dando a Utility Tree en el área de gerencia nos ha estado diciendo en las mayo de 2016. Estamos a la espera de la Las cuadrillas de Liberty Energy y Mariposa y en la División de Yosemite. reuniones entre el sindicato y la geren- ejecución de la capacitación especial- PG&E han estado muy ocupadas con La próxima semana nos reuniremos con cia que los ascensos pueden estar basa- izada de Davey en la división Central todo el trabajo que se ha programado. el propietario, y entregaremos más dos en las licencias clase “B”. Coast. Esta capacitación estará enfo- La mayoría de las cuadrillas están dis- paquetes del sindicato. El contrato no dice nada en cuanto a cada en trabajos de proyectos pesados, persas por todo el sistema. Liberty Trees Inc. la transferencia de cuadrillas dentro de tales como el FPT y trabajos de confia- Energy tuvo un par de días de nieve por La compañía está contratando un área de 60 millas (sede principal), y bilidad. Hemos iniciado un proceso de lo que el trabajo estuvo un poco aje- nuevos empleados en todo el área de se necesita una reunión para discutir queja en la división Pole Test & Treat en treado. San Joaquin, desde Fresno hasta este problema. representación de dos miembros que Stockton. Todos los empleados de la consideran que fueron despedidos sin Mowbray – SMUD/PG&E Área Norte Centro compañía están trabajando en horario causa, y estamos en las primeras etapas Todavía tenemos algunos problemas 5/10, y sábados voluntarios. Estamos Asplundh Tree de este proceso. En el este de la Bahía, pendientes que discutir con la com- planificando llevar a cabo la próxima NV Energy solicitó reducir dos las cuadrillas han sido enviadas a otras pañía. La compañía contrató nuevo per- reunión del Comité de Revisión de cuadrillas el mes pasado. La mayoría de áreas para realizar trabajos en Oakland sonal en SMUD; hay un montón de Quejas a principios de mayo para discu- las cuadrillas habían sido enviadas a y Napa. caras nuevas en el patio. Hemos ido per- Carson City, y dos cuadrillas fueron diendo trabajadores que se están tir todos los asuntos pendientes a lo enviadas al este de Nevada. Acaban de Mario’s Tree mudando para trabajar en otros esta- largo del sistema. comenzar unos trabajos en el límite sur La compañía también está con- dos. Este es un reto para todos los con- Utility Tree Service de Lake Tahoe. Actualmente solo hay tratando nuevos empleados, y están tratistas y mantener una fuerza laboral La compañía también está con- algunos problemas menores. Ahora que trabajando 10 horas al día. Actualmente calificada en California es un problema tratando nuevos empleados para man- tenerse al día con el trabajo progra- mado, la mayoría de las áreas votaron Trees, from page 16 has been scheduled. Most crews are holding the next GRC in early May to para no trabajar días de 10 horas, por lo scattered all over the system. Liberty discuss all open matters system-wide. que están pidiendo a los empleados tra- steward appointed covering the system, Energy had a few snow days so work was Utility Tree Service bajar 9 horas diarias. Todas las things are starting to run more a little hectic to say the least. smoothly. The Company is also hiring new cuadrillas de la zona de Sonora están Mowbray – SMUD/PG&E employees, to keep up with scheduled trabajando en la División San Jose, ya Davey Tree We still have a few outstanding issues work, most areas voted no on 10-hour que presentan retrasos en el programa We expect to secure the final GRC in with the Company to discuss. The days, so they are asking employees to previsto. May 2016. We are waiting for Davey’s Company hired new personnel at work 9 hour days. All crews from the Windy Tree specialized training implementation in Sonora area are working in San Jose SMUD; lots of new faces in the yard. We La empresa trajo a Loggers Unlimited Central Coast Division. This training is Division because they are behind have been losing workers who are leav- para ayudarles en Jamestown y to be for heavy project type work, such schedule. ing to work in other states. This is chal- Pinedale. as FPT and reliability type work. We lenging for all the Contractors and have initiated a grievance in Pole Test & Windy Tree maintaining a skilled work force in The Company brought in Loggers Wright Tree Treat Division for two members who California is an issue that needs to be La compañía está pidiendo al sindi- feel they were wrongfully terminated Unlimited to help them in Jamestown addressed. and Pinedale. cato ayuda para contratar nuevos and we are in the early stages of this empleados y para que le envíen can- process. In the East Bay, crews have South Central Area Wright Tree didatos. Están haciendo grandes esfuer- been sent to other areas to perform Pacific Coast Tree Expert The Company is asking the Union for zos y se están retrasando en el pro- work in Oakland and Napa. The Company is back helping Utility help to hire new employees and to send grama. Mario’s Tree Tree in the Mariposa area and Yosemite them people. They are struggling and La compañía comenzó a concen- The company is also hiring new Division. We are meeting with the owner are falling behind schedule. trarse en las metas de producción en employees, and they are working 10- next week, and will be handing out The Company started focusing on SMUD. Los miembros están hour days. They are currently working in more Union packets. production goals at SMUD. Members empezando a sentir la presión, y no les are starting to feel the pressure, and are agrada esta táctica. Algunos miembros Fresno helping Trees Inc as well as in the Trees Inc. Sonora area helping Utility Tree. Most of not caring for this tactic. Some mem- han decidido cambiarse de compañía. their work is reliability work. The Company is hiring new employ- bers have decided to change to another En el sur de la Bahía, la compañía ees throughout the San Joaquin area, Company. In the South Bay, the todavía está contratando empleados. Mountain Enterprise from Fresno to Stockton. The Company Company is still in hiring mode. Anyone Cualquier persona en busca de trabajo Liberty Energy and PG&E crews have has all employees working 5/10’s, and looking for work should contact Chuck debe ponerse en contacto con Chuck been very busy with all the work that voluntary Saturdays. We are planning on Ritter at Wright Tree Service. Ritter en Wright Tree Service.

Line clearance tree trimmers with Business Manager Tom Dalzell at the ‘Keep the Clearance’ Peer Safety Summit on March 11. Photo by John Storey Utility Reporter 33 IBEW 1245 2016 Union Election Information

Candidates for Local Union Office

Held: Executive Board Served at the Union: mittees Served at the Candidates for Vice President 2015– Scholarship Commit- Union: Lead/spokes- to present; Central tee. Other Activities person for the follow- Executive Board Area Executive Board, on Behalf of the ing PG&E negotiating 1997 to 2015; Unit Union: Electrical committees: 2007 Recorder #2510, 2012 Workers Minority Post-Retirement Med- President and Delegate to present; Unit Vice Caucus 2014, 2015, ical Negotiations Chairperson #2511, 2016; Delegate to (RPOA), 2005 Wage to the International 2009 to 2012; Unit Coalition of Black Reopener; 2002 Gen- Convention of the IBEW Chairperson #2511, 1996 to 2003; Unit Trade Unionists Convention, 2014, 2015. eral Negotiations; 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, Recorder #2511, 1986–1996. Committees 2011, 2014, 2015. Subcommittee on Total Served at the Union: Clerical Title 18 Com- Rachel Ramirez-Hill Compensation; and Meter Reader Negotia- Travis Carlson mittee—1995, Wage Bargaining Commit- tions 1982–2001, Lead/spokesperson for tee—1996, IBEW/PG&E Employee Initiated into IBEW November 2008. Classi- the following PG&E 94-53 Committees Initiated into IBEW Involvement Committee, Prop 226 and fication: Customer (1994–2001): PG&E 94-53 Committees: August 2002. Classifi- Prop 9 Committee, Safety Walk Around Service Representa- ISTS Committee; Electric Meter Commit- cation: Gas Service Committee, GRC Committee, Stockton tive. Shop Steward: tee; SAP Accounting Committee. Lead Representative. Shop Division + CRC Labor Management 1991– 2011 to present. Local spokesperson for Ad Hoc Negotiations on Steward: 2011 to Pres- 2000, Systemwide IBEW/PG&E Safety Union Offices Held: High Cost of Living Areas (2002), System ent. Local Union Walk Around 2004, Area 4/5 Clerical Labor Executive Board Operators (2005), and Electric Control Offices Held: Unit Management, Clerical Negotiations 2010, Recording Secretary Center Consolidation (2006), Lead/ Chairman #3811, Benefit Negotiations 2011–12, Prop 32 2015 to present; Exec- spokesperson for the following negotia- Advisory Council — Committee, CSO Labor Management utive Board Central tions: AC Transit 1982, 1985; Alameda Sacramento Division of PG&E and Calibra- Committee, Sr Service Rep Training Com- Area 07/2015 to 07/2015; Unit Recorder Bureau of Electricity 1982; Charter Com- tion and Testing. Committees Served at the mittee. Activities On Behalf Of Union: Unit 2511 2011 to present; Clerical at Large munications 1997, 2000; Citizens Utilities Union: Veterans Committee 2016. Other Shop Steward Conferences; Women’s for the Central Area Advisory Council 2013– of California 1999; City of Berkeley 1999; Activities on Behalf of the Union: No on 32 Leadership Conferences; IBEW Women’s 2015. Committees Served at the Union: City of Chico 1983; City of Gridley 2001; Campaign (door to door canvassing). Conferences; IBEW 9th District Progress Attendance Management Initiative for City of Healdsburg 1981–2006; City of Oak- Meeting; IBEW Utility Conferences; IBEW CCO 2012; CCO Labor Management Com- land 1999; City of Santa Clara 1999, 2005; Arthur “Art” Freitas Gas Conferences; National CLUW Mem- mittee 2011–2013; CSO Labor Management City of Ukiah 2002; Glenn-Colusa Irriga- Committee 2013 to present; Organizing Initiated into IBEW ber CLUW Conventions/National Execu- tion District 1983; GoodCents 2007; Steward 2012 to present; Prop 32/30 Cam- September 1984. tive Board Meetings; Stockton Central Merced Irrigation District 1983, 2006; paign; Worked as IBEW organizer in follow- Classification: Retired Labor Council; IBEW International Con- NECA Outside Line Construction 2003, ing campaigns: California AD16, Louisiana Electric Foreman’s vention 2001, 2006, 2011; EWMC Member 2006; Nevada Irrigation District 1984, 1987; Senate, CA District 7 Campaign Coalition of Clerk. Shop Steward: and Conference 2012–2016; New Oroville Wyandote Irrigation District 1983; Labor Union Women (CLUW) Central Cali- 1985–2005; Local Employee Orientations; Western LAMPAC Pacific Gas Transmission 1999, 2002; Sacra- fornia Chapter Vice President and Alternate Union Offices Held: 2015/2016; National LAMPAC 2016. mento Regional Transit 1983, 1986; Sonic for National Executive Board 2013 to pres- Vice President Local Cable 1985, 1988; TransCanada 2004; Tur- ent. Other Activities on Behalf of the Union: 1245 Executive Board lock Irrigation District 2001–2014; Welling- Justin “J Dooley” Doolan Women’s Leadership Conferences; IBEW 2004–2015; President Local 1245 Executive ton Power 2006. Other Activities on Behalf Initiated into IBEW Gas Conference; IBEW Women’s Confer- Board 2015–present. Committees Served of the Union: Delegate to IBEW Interna- August 2001. Classifi- ence; IBEW Utility Conference; Shop Stew- at the Union: Petty Cash Ad Hoc; GRC tional Convention 2006, 2011; Delegate to cation: Lineman. ard and Organizing Steward Conferences; Communication Team; Election Board Ninth District Progress Meeting 2004, Committees Served at National CLUW Member; CLUW Conven- 1998; Election Board Judge 2001; Area 3 2006–2016; Delegate to IBEW Utility Con- the Union: Counting tions and National Executive Board Meet- CMO Labor Management Co-Chairman ference 1982, 2006–2016; Delegate to IBEW Committee for Tenta- ings; San Joaquin Calaveras County Central 1998–2005 and 2013–Present; General Construction Conference, 2002–2015; Del- tive Agreement 15/30, Labor Council Delegate; North Valley Labor Negotiations Committee 2003; Exhibit 16 egate to IBEW Organizing Conference, September, 2015. Federation Delegate; California Labor Fed- Contracting Committee; Unit #1513 2002–2016; Delegate to National Safety eration Delegate; EWMC Member and Chairman 1994–2005. Other Activities on Council Annual Conference 1986 (Drug Conference 2016; IBEW 9th District Behalf of the Union: Santa Cruz Monterey Testing), Vice President, California State Progress Meeting 2015, 2016; Union New Labor Council Delegate; IBEW Interna- Robert “Rob” Thomas Federation of Labor 2007–present; Vice Member Experience Co-facilitator 2015. tional Convention Delegate 2006, 2011. Initiated into IBEW: August 2003. Classifi- President, State Association of Electrical cation: Electric Crew Foreman. Shop Workers 2006–present. Union Chair, West- Dane “Big Dawg” Moore Steward: 2007–Present. Local Union Business Manager/ ern LAMPAC 2013–present, Represented Offices Held:. Napa-Vallejo Unit Chair Financial Secretary and Local 1245 in PG&E Arbitrations Case Initiated into IBEW January 1979. Classifi- 2009–2012. Committees Served at the Numbers 94 through 267 (1983–2007). cation: Electric Crew Foreman. Local Union Union: Hold The Pull Committee 2014– Delegate to the International Represented Local 1245 before the Council Offices Held: Unit Chairman Unit 2318 Present. Other Activities on Behalf of the for Industrial Relations of the Electrical 2011–present. Committees Served at the Union: Delegate to Solano County Central Convention of the IBEW Contracting Industry in May 1992, Novem- Union: Hold The Pull 2010–present; IBEW labor Council 2009. Salt for IBEW LU 340. ber 1993, November 1995, May 1998, 1245 Health and Safety 2011–present. November 1999, August 2000, May 2003, Tom Dalzell and November 2006, Represented Local Recording Secretary Initiated into IBEW April 1981. Classifica- 1245 in arbitrations with employers other Vice President tion: Business Manager/Financial Secre- than PG&E including AC Transit (1982, tary. Local Union Offices Held: Business 1982, 1983, 1996, 1997); Arbor Tree (1994, Cloudell Douglas Jr. Representative/Staff Attorney (1981–1983), 1994); Asplundh Tree (1987, 1996); Citizens Anna Bayless-Martinez Initiated into IBEW May 2006. Classifica- Assistant Business Manager/Staff Attorney Utilities of California (1982, 1983, 1983, Initiated into IBEW August 1980. Classifi- tion: Lineman. Shop Steward: Yes. Local (1983–2001); Senior Assistant Business 1984, 1998, 2001), Alameda Bureau of Elec- cation: Retired PG&E Sr. Service Rep. Shop Union Offices Held: East Bay Division of Manager (2001–2006); Business Manager/ tricity (1994), City of Berkeley (1989, 1991, Steward: 1987–2015. Local Union Offices PG&E Advisory Council. Committees Financial Secretary (2006–present). Com- 1998); City of Fallon (1994); City of Healds- 34 April – June 2016 Candidates for Local Union Office burg (1989); City of Oakland (1986); City of Treasurer to the PG&E Contact Center Operations tral Labor Council Conference (Seattle, Redding (1984, 1985, 1985, 1993, 1993, (CCO) Attendance Management Commit- Washington); 03/2013 Attended the 2013 1995, 1996), Group W Santa Maria (1988); tee (Phase 2); 02/2011 Young Workers Bay IBEW 1245 Leadership Development Con- Concord Cable TV (1993); Monterey Penin- Ruben Altamirano Area Leadership & Development Training ference (Vacaville, CA); 01/2013 Panelist/ sula TV Cable (1987, 1989, 1995); CP Planning Committee; 02/2011–present Speaker/Delegate to the IBEW Electrical Initiated into IBEW June 1996. National Needles (1986, 1991); Davey Tree IBEW Local 1245 Social Media Committee; Workers Minority Caucus (Houston, Texas); (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1993, 1996, 01/2011 PG&E Contact Center Operations 09/2012 Organizer/ Recruiter for the No on 1996); Lynch Communications (1983); Cecelia De La Torre (CCO) Attendance Management Commit- Prop 32 campaign at the South Bay Labor Merced Irrigation District (1986, 1991, Initiated into IBEW tee; 09/2010 PG&E Wellness Program Com- Council (San Jose, CA); 09/2012 Appointed 1992, 1997, 2006); Mt. Wheeler Power September 1987. mittee; 08/2010 Planning Committee for as Chair of the Education and Develop- (1997); Pacific Gas Transmission (1991, Classification: Oper- initial IBEW Local 1245 Youth Conference; ment committee for the AFL-CIO National 2000); Pacific Tree (1986); Sacramento ating Clerk. Shop 06/2010–06/2013 IBEW 1245 Youth Young Workers Advisory Council (YWAC) Municipal Utility District (1981, 1985, 1986, Steward: 1987 to pres- Engaged for Solidarity (Y.E.S.) Committee; (Washington, D.C.); 09/2012 Co-Author of 1988, 1988, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1990, 1991, ent. Local Union 11/2009–01/2011 PG&E Clerical Bargaining the “Young Workers Resolution” that was 1995, 2001, 2003); Sacramento Regional Offices Held: Execu- Committee; 09/2008 Contact Center Oper- endorsed unanimously at the Alaska State Transit (1983, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, tive Board Treasurer ations (CCO) Shift Swap Committee; Federation (Anchorage, AK); 08/2012 Co- 1998, 2000); Shasta Dam Area PUD (1986, 2004 to present; Unit 02/2004–2005 PG&E Business Transforma- Organized the AFL-CIO Young Worker 1988), Sierra Pacific (1982, 1984, 1986, Chairperson #2511 2002 to present; Unit tion Committee Contact Center Operations Leadership Institute training session 1997, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2004), Sonic Cable Recording Secretary #2511 2000 to 2002. (CCO). Other Activities on Behalf of the (Washington, D.C.); 07/2012 Co-Author of (1990), South San Joaquin Irrigation Dis- Committees Served on behalf of the Union: 04/2016 Participated in the 2016 the “Young Workers Resolution” that was trict (2001), State Cable (1985); Truckee- Union: Benefits Committee 2003 to pres- Comprehensive Negotiating Union Con- endorsed unanimously at the Biannual Donner PUD (1983, 1995, 2004); United ent; Corporate Clerical Committee 2015 to tracts Seminar (Vacaville, CA); 03/2016 Par- California State Federation Conference States Bureau of Reclamation (1987, 1989); present; Negotiations Committee Clerical ticipated in the 2016 IBEW Local 1245 Util- (San Francisco, CA); 07/2012 Delegate to Western Area Power Agency (1984, 1987, 2010; Negotiations Committee Benefits ity Procurement Conference (Vacaville, the Biannual California State Federation 1998, 2000, 2001), Represented Local 1245 2008–2009 & 2011–2012; Negotiations CA); 02/2016 Initiated the formation of the Biannual (San Francisco, CA); 07/2012 Del- before the Public Utilities Commission of Committee Wages & Benefits 2005; Con- San Ramon Bishop Ranch Clerical Local egate to the 9th District IBEW Progress the State of California in Utility Employee tact Center of the Future Committee 2007 Labor Management meeting. (San Ramon, meeting (San Francisco, CA); 06/2012 Discount Investigation (1984), PG&E Gen- to 2008; Labor Management Committee CA); 02/2016 Supported IBEW Local 1424’s Attended IBEW International Member to eral Rate Cases (1983, 1986, 1989, 1992, Credit & Records Center 1997 to 2008; Union membership development blitz in Member training Session (Vacaville, CA); 1995, and 1998), and Utility Diversity Position Evaluation Committee 2001; Columbus, Indiana; 02/2016 Participated 03/2012 Co-Hosted a Intergenerational Investigation (2001), Represented Local Overtime Committee CRC 2001; Safety in the 2016 in-depth Organizing Steward assembly at the California State Legislation 1245 in the California Supreme Court in Walk Around Committee. Other Activities training titled: “Telling your story” (Vacav- Conference (Sacramento, CA); 09/2011 Met IBEW Local 1245 vs. City of Gridley (1983) on Behalf of the Union: San ille, CA); 01/2016 Sworn in as a 2016 Organ- with and introduced the 25th United States and in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal in Joaquin/Calaveras County Central Labor izing Steward for IBEW Local 1245 (Vacav- Secretary of Labor, Hilda Lucia Solis at the IBEW Local 1245 vs. Skinner (1990) and Council 2007 to present; SJC CLC Execu- ille, CA); 01/2016 Participated in the 2016 AFL-CIO Next Up Young Workers Summit. IBEW vs. Nuclear Regulatory Commission tive Board Member & Trustee 2011 to pres- Organizing Steward Training Session (Minneapolis, Minnesota); 03/2012 Dele- (1992). Represented Local 1245 in approxi- ent; Coalition of Labor Union Women (Vacaville, CA); 01/2016 Panelist/Speaker/ gate to the California State Federation Leg- mately 150 proceedings before the (CLUW) Delegate 2004 to present; CLUW Delegate at the IBEW Electrical Workers islation Conference (Sacramento, CA); National Labor Relations Board, Electrical National Executive Board Union Delegate Minority Caucus (New York NY); Monthly 03/2012 Coordinator of the 2012 IBEW Workers Minority Caucus Leadership 2009 to present; CLUW Rules Committee Participated in the Tele-Town Hall meet- 1245 Unit Chair & Unit Recorder Confer- Award 2012; California Labor Federation Co-Chairperson 2013; Women of Labor ings for IBEW 1245 Shop Stewards at PG&E; ence (Vacaville, CA); 01/2012 Panelist/ Solidarity in Labor’s Campaigns Award Conference 2011; Electrical Workers 10/2015 Represented IBEW 1245 at the Speaker/Delegate at the IBEW Electrical 2014; Organizing Award Sacramento Cen- Minority Caucus (EWMC) Delegate & 2015 IBEW 77 CSR Conference Workers Minority Caucus (Oakland, CA); tral Labor Council 2015; Contra Costa Member; Labor Council for Latin Ameri- (Wenatchee, WA); 09/2015 Took part in the 12/2011 Attended the IBEW 1245 Calpine County Central Labor Council Movement can Advancement Member 2004–2005; Member to Member outreach Blitz (Reno, Workers Filing and Rally (San Francisco, Builders Award 2015; IBEW 9th District IBEW International Convention Delegate NV); 07/2015 Participated in the GOTV for CA); 09/2011 Attended the 38th IBEW Henry Miller Award 2014, 2015, 2016. 2006 & 2011; IBEW 9th District Progress PG&E Ratification vote (Southern Region of International Convention (Vancouver, Meetings; IBEW Utility Conferences Dele- IBEW 1245); 06/2015 Took part in the Spe- British Columbia, Canada); 09/2011 Co- gate; IBEW International Gas Conference cial Election through San Jose CLC (San Author of the “Engaging Young Workers Darryl Norris 2009; IBEW National Women’s Confer- Jose, CA); 05/2015 Delegate to the 2015 Resolution” that was endorsed unani- mously at the 38th IBEW International Initiated into IBEW ences; California Labor Federation Bi- Seminar with former Secretary of Labor Convention (Vancouver, Canada); 09/2011 August 1970. Classifi- Annual Convention 2012’ North Valley under President Bill Clinton, Robert Reich Appointed as Shop Steward for IBEW Local cation: Retired Service Labor Federation Convention & Confer- (Berkeley, CA); 04/2015 Participated in the 1245; 09/2011 Met with and introduced the Mechanic. Former ences Delegate; Labor’s Joint Legislative George Miller & D Taylor training session Business Representa- Conferences; Lobby Day Washington DC (Vacaville, CA); 01/2015 Panelist/Speaker/ tive Local 1245. Shop & Sacramento CA; Grievance Resolution Delegate at the IBEW Electrical Workers Please note: Steward: 1978–1999. Workshop 2008; FCMS Health Care Semi- Minority Caucus (Atlanta, GA); 02/2014 Local Union Offices nar 2010; Precinct Walking, Rally’s & Organized IBEW 1245 Unit 1511 participa- • If you have moved, please Held: Chairman of Phone Banking; Leadership Conferences, tion in the 11th Annual National “Go Red” update your address with the Unit 3811, 1985–1999; Advisory Council Shop Steward training. Day for Women event (San Jose, CA); Union or you may not receive a Sacramento Division 1985–1987. Commit- 10/2013 Organized and lead a team of 25 ballot. tees Served at the Union: Member Gas Southern Area IBEW 1245 members in the local Diabetes Serviceman Interim Committee 1986; Walk-A-Thon that raised more than $2500 • Ballots will be mailed to mem- Member Sacramento Division Labor-Man- Executive Board (San Jose, CA); 08/2013 Participated in the bers on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. agement 1983–1995; Member Sacramento Net Roots Nation Youth Caucus (San Jose, Division 4-10 Committee 1988; IBEW Local CA); 08/2013 Delegate to the 2013 Net • Ballots will be counted on 1245 Ballot Committee 1989, 1992; IBEW Jesus Lorenso Arciniega Roots Nation Conference ( San Jose, CA); Tuesday, June 28, 2016. To be Local 1245 Election Committee 1987; Initiated into IBEW 07/2013 Took part in the Nora Campos Re- counted, ballots must be Sacramento Division Safety Committee November 2001. Clas- Election campaign at the South Bay Labor received at the ballot post office 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990; Inter-Union sification: Operating Council (San Jose, CA); 05/2013 Assisted in box by 10:00 am on Tuesday, June Gas Conference Steering Committee Mem- Clerk. Shop Steward: the creation of the IBEW Local 1245 Com- ber 2010–2011; Delegate Sacramento Cen- 2011 to present. Com- munity Fund Program (Vacaville, CA); 28, 2016. 04/2013 Panelist/Speaker/Delegate to the tral Labor Council 2002–2011. Other Activi- mittees Served at the • If you have not received your bal- ties on Behalf of the Union: IBEW Local Union: 02/2016 Union California State Federation Legislation lots by Friday, June 10, 2016 1245 Business Representative for Vacaville, membership develop- Conference (Sacramento, CA); 04/2013 Sacramento, Woodland, Rio Vista, Davis, ment in Columbus, Attended the IBEW 1245 Leadership Devel- please call the Election phone at Placerville, Sacramento Regional Transit Indiana; 01/2016 Appointed to Organizing opment meeting with the State of Califor- 707-452-2779 or send an e-mail and TransCanada Pipelines; Attended Cali- Steward; 11/2013 Appointed to the PG&E nia Attorney General, Kamala Devi Harris. to the Election e-mail address – fornia AFL-CIO Summer School 1985; Shop New Customer Service Training Redesign (San Francisco, CA); 04/2013 Attended the [email protected] Steward Conferences 1981, 1982, 1984, Committee; 05/2013 IBEW Local 1245 IBEW 1245 Leadership Development 1986–1990, 1994; 2010 IBEW 9th District Community Fund Program Development Luncheon with former U.S. presidential Your message should include Progress Meeting; Delegate to the Inter- Committee; 03/2013 Appointed to the advisor to Bill Clinton and White House your full name, phone number, Union Gas Conference 2007–2011; IBEW PG&E Contact Center Operations (CCO) Deputy Chief of Staff during the second mailing address and either your Local 1245 Member for Transit Cooperative Rewards and Recognition Committee; Clinton administration, Maria Echaveste. member ID number or the last 4 Research Program, Washington D.C. 2006– 09/2012 Appointed to the PG&E Contact (San Francisco, CA); 03/2013 Facilitated digits of your Social Security 2009; Delegate to the IBEW International Center Operations (CCO) Wide Labor Man- Educational Sessions at the United States number. Convention, Vancouver B.C. agement Committee; 09/2012 Appointed Western Region State Federation and Cen- Utility Reporter 35 Candidates for Local Union Office

25th United States Secretary of Labor, Hilda Held: Southern Area Northern Area Union: Electrical Workers Minority Cau- Lucia Solis at the AFL-CIO Next Up Young Executive Board. Unit cus. IBEW 9th District Progress Meeting. Workers Summit. (Minneapolis, Min- Chair for Fresno & Executive Board nesota); 09/2011 Speaker/Facilitator/Dele- Selma & Co-Chair for Outside Construction and gate at the AFL-CIO Next Up Young Workers Selma. Committees Summit (Minneapolis, Minnesota); Served at the Union: Marcos Luna Tree Trimming Companies 07/2011 Participant at the Next Generation Hold the Pull Com- Initiated into IBEW May 1997. Executive Board Bay Area 1st Leadership and Organizing mittee member, Training (San Jose, CA); 06/2011 Participant Organizing Steward, 2 Ivan Pereda at the Leadership Development workshop Ballot Committees. Other Activities on Mike Cottrell at Stanford University with Professor Clay Behalf of the Union: Delegate to the IBEW Initiated into IBEW January 2010. Initiated into IBEW December 1985. Carson, the Executive Director of Martin International Convention. Leadership Luther King Jr. Institute for Research and Development Conferences 2013. EWMC Steven “The Enforcer” Segale Education. (Stanford, CA); 05/2011 Dele- member. Delegate to EWMC Caucus Con- Initiated into IBEW gate to the IBEW Local 77 Seattle Washing- ferences 2012–2014 and 2016. Delegate to June 1984. Classifica- ton Call Center Summit (Seattle, Washing- the 9th District Progress Conferences. Del- Candidates for tion: as Crew Leader– ton); 04/2011 Team Leader/Organizer egate to the California State Federation Arc. Shop Steward: against the State of Florida Legislative Legislation Conference (Sacramento, CA) Advisory Council 1999–present. Com- attempt to privatize and eliminate auto- 2015 and 2016. IBEW International Gas mittees Served at the matic payroll deductions for Union dues Conference 2016. Attended IBEW 1245 Union: Gas Line of San Joaquin (SB830) (Jacksonville, FL.) Met with Mayor Leadership Training Facilitated by Former Progression 2013– John Peyton regarding proposed fiscals Secretary of Labor Robert Reich 2014 and Division of PG&E 2014; Gas Line of Pro- cuts and implication on city residents. Tes- 2015. Attended Panetta Leadership Semi- gression Oversight 2014–present. Other tified on behalf of Florida Residents at nar 2015. Safety presentations on behalf of Activities on Behalf of the Union: Delegate hearings with the Florida State Council on Hold the Pull. Worked on the “No on 32”, Daniel Mayo to North Bay Labor Council 2009–2013; the Status of Women. Co-Organized a city 15 for 15 campaigns. Initiated into IBEW June 1975. Delegate to Inter-Union Gas Conference wide protest against the closure of the only 2014, 2015. Low Income Hospital facility in Jack- Coast Valleys sonville, FL; 04/2011 IBEW 1245 Point Central Area Organizer for WE ARE ONE/Day of Action Executive Board Northeastern Area Division of PG&E Rally in San Jose, Santa Cruz and Salinas, Executive Board CA; 01/2011–08/2014 Appointed by IBEW Bryan “Goob” Anderson International President Ed Hill as IBEW Oni Brown Initiated into IBEW Young Worker representative for the Amer- Initiated into IBEW January 2010. Thomas “Tom” Cornell ican Federation of Labor- Congress of January 1997. Classifi- Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO) Initiated into IBEW cation: Journeyman National Young Workers Advisory Council Gary Maschio July 1990. Classifica- Lineman. Shop Stew- tion: Senior Relay ard: 2008–present. (Washington, DC); 01/2011 Attended the Initiated into IBEW Technician; System Committees Served at IBEW 1245 Leadership Development meet- November 1980. Clas- Protection at NV the Union: Keep Dia- ing with United States Secretary of Labor, sification: Critical Energy Reno, NV. blo Open 2016. Other Robert Reich. (Berkeley, CA); 01/2011 Dele- Facility Technician. Shop Steward: 1998– Activities on Behalf of gate to the Electrical Workers Minority Cau- Shop Steward: 1986 to cus (Washington, D.C.); 11/2010 Elected to present; Local Union the Union: Benefits Trainer. present. Local Union Offices Held: Member attend IBEW Local 1245 Young Workers Offices Held: San Leadership & Development Training; of Advisory Council June 2004–June 2006, Francisco Division of Executive Board Member June 2006–pre- Richard “Dick” Danieli 10/2010–10/2013 Elected to the Union Plus PG&E and General National Future Leaders Mentorship Pro- sent. Committees Served at the Union: Initiated into IBEW: Office of PG&E Advisory Council. Com- Negotiating Committee, Sierra Pacific March 2003. Classifi- gram, Partnered with IBEW 9th District mittees Served at the Union: PG&E Gen- International Representative Keith Power Company/NV Energy and Local cation: Transmission eral Negotiating Committee (Physical) 1245 collective bargaining in 1997, 2002, Troubleman. Shop Edwards; 08/2010 Attended PG&E Quar- 2011–2012, 2014, 2015–2016. Labor Man- terly Benefits Meeting on behalf of IBEW 2005–2007, 2009–2010, 2013–present. Steward 2007–pre- agement 1996 to present. Ad Hoc Commit- Joint Benefits Committee 1998–2012; sent. Other Activities Local 1245; 06/2010 Delegate to the AFL- tees: Building Department-Work Nor- CIO Next Up Young Workers Summit Labor Management Committee 2012 to on Behalf of the mally Preformed, Automatic Progression present. Other Activities on Behalf of the Union: Safety Stew- (Washington, D.C.); 02/2010 Attended & Lines of Progression, Technician Train- Shame on NV Energy Home Office Picket Union: Delegate of the Northern Nevada ard, Steward Recruit- ing Program, CFT Training Program. Other Central Labor Council, Delegate of the ment, HTP speaking engagements with (Las Vegas, Nevada); 11/2009 Attended Activities on Behalf of the Union: PG&E Shame on NV Energy Picket (Reno, AFL-CIO COPE convention, Delegate PG&E Apprentices. Business Transformation Representing IBEW Utility Conference, Delegate IBEW Nevada). Member of the following: Electri- IBEW 1245 Members Best Interests, 2005– cal Workers Minority Caucus (Interna- 9th District Progress Meetings. Appointed Diablo Canyon Nuclear 2006, Worked on “No on 32” Campaign to investigate two (2) post termination tional), Electrical Workers Minority Cau- Precinct Walking and Phone Banking. cus’s RENEW collective (International), grievances. Attended Rocky Mountain Generating Station Labor Council for Latin American Labor School 1998, 2000. Attended Con- Advancement (LCLAA) (National), Carl “CO” Olguin tract Pricing Seminar, Vacaville. Ronald Greenlee Pride@Work (National), Delegate to the Initiated into IBEW Initiated into IBEW March 1991. South Bay Labor Council (SBLC), NAACP April 1996. Classifica- General Construction (National), Alumni of the AFL-CIO National tion: Distribution Gas of PG&E At-Large Young Workers Advisory Council (YWAC). System Operator. California Gas Transmission Shop Steward: 2010 to Executive Board James (Jim) “Hammer” Hayes present. Local Union Offices Held: Central Janelle Bucci Initiated into IBEW: Harold Blackshire Jr. October 1984. Classifi- Area Executive Board– Initiated into IBEW cation: Mechanic-Rig- Current. Other Activi- Initiated into IBEW June 2006. March 2013. Classifi- ger. Shop Steward: ties on Behalf of the Union: Organizing cation: Senior Main- tenance Assistant. 1998–present. Local Steward; Executive Board Member of Elec- Stan Zamora Union Offices Held: trical Workers Minorities Caucus (EWMC) Shop Steward: May Unit Chair. Commit- Solano Chapter; Shop Steward Confer- Initiated into IBEW: 2015 to present. Local tees Served at the ence; New Employee Orientations; Dele- October 1985. Classi- Union Offices Held: Union: 2013–2016 gate to Central Valley Labor Council (CLC); fication: Miscella- Unit 1311 Chairman. Advisory Council. P.G&E General Bargain- EWMC Member and Conference 2013– neous Equipment Committees Served at ing Committee 2002–2003. Diablo Canyon present; IBEW Utility Conference; Califor- Operator. Shop Stew- the Union: Maintenance Assistant Train- Outage Bargaining Committee 1996–2002. nia Distribution Energy Future Confer- ard 2014–present. ing Committee: From 11/15 to Current; ence; Negotiation Training; Political and Local Union Offices Benefits Committee from 08/15 to cur- Organizing campaigns representing IBEW Held: Executive rent. Other Activities on Behalf of the Pedro “Pete” Sandoval Jr. Local 1245, including assisting Teamsters Board, PG&E. General Union: Negotiating Committee Training Initiated into IBEW: June 1976. Classifica- with Taylor Farms and Olam; IBEW Local Construction at Large. Committees Served 03/16; Steward Training 08/15; Quarterly tion: Electrical Crew Foreman. Shop Stew- 1245 Endorsed Candidate Precinct Walk, at the Union: Scholarship Committee Labor Management Meetings 05/15 to ard: 2003–present. Local Union Offices Redding, CA. 2015. Other Activities on Behalf of the current. 36 April – June 2016 Candidates for Local Union Office

City of Santa Clara and Willits, City of Ukiah and RID district #1, the Union: California Distributed Energy Shelter Cove from Feb 2012 to May of 2015. Keith Hopp Future Conference; Future Negotiators San Jose Division of PG&E Class. Initiated into IBEW December 1983. Jim Walpole Tyler Jones Initiated into IBEW February 1984. North Bay Division of James Noonkester Initiated into IBEW November 2010. PG&E, City of Healdsburg, Initiated into IBEW October 2003. Shasta Division of PG&E, City of Ukiah, Tony Varni City of Redding, City of Tree Trimmers Companies and City of Willits Initiated into IBEW January 2002. Shasta Lake, and Bella Vista Water District Brian Battilocchi Alameda/Contra Costa Daniel Novella Initiated into IBEW July 2005. Transit District and East Initiated into IBEW May 2006. Bay Municipalities Calem Colgate Manuel Cortez Initiated into IBEW August 1997. Joseph “Joe” Stockel Initiated into IBEW March 2003. No Valid Nominations Initiated into IBEW August 1986. Classifi- Paul Snyder cation: Equipment Operator. Shop Stew- Rosario “RO” Garcia East Bay Division of PG&E Initiated into IBEW November 2002. ard: April 2004 to 2012. Local Union Offices Held: Chairman and Recorder Initiated into IBEW Vacaville Unit 3812: 2010–2012; Napa Unit November 2009. Clas- Matt Ortolano NV Energy, TMWA, City of 3716: 2013 to present. Activities on Behalf sification: Top Climber. Local Union Initiated into IBEW March 2005. Fernley, Truckee Donner of the Union: Area 6 IBEW Safety Walk- around 2004–2010. Offices Held: Unit PUD, Mt Wheeler Power, Recorder 2011–pre- San Francisco Division Inc., Lassen Municipal sent. Committees of PG&E and General Sacramento Division Served at the Union: Utility District and Wells Rec of PG&E KTC Peer-to-Peer Office of PG&E Committee 2015–present. Other Activities No Valid Nominations on Behalf of the Union: Organizing Stew- Michelle Benuzzi ard 2012–present; Delegate to Western Logan Jonas Initiated into IBEW June 2001. Sacramento Municipal Chapter I.S.A Tree Climbing Competition Initiated into IBEW February 2006. 2016; Delegate to E.W.M.C in Texas 2013. Utility District and Stockton Division of PG&E Casey Kelley City of Lodi Michael Garner Initiated into IBEW May 1999. Initiated into IBEW May 2014. Kristofer Hardman Marcus T. Crumble Jonathan McCue James Hanlon Initiated into IBEW August 2004. Initiated into IBEW Initiated into IBEW October 2005. May 2003. Classifica- Initiated into IBEW tion: High Voltage April 2002. Classifica- Robert Harty tion: Foreman. Shop Charles Sala Substation Electri- Initiated into IBEW December 1985. cian. Committees Steward: 2003–pre- Initiated into IBEW March 2001. Served at the Union: sent. Local Union SMUD Advisory Offices Held: Unit 4726 Sacramento Regional Samson Lee Wilson Council. Recording Secretary. Other Activities on Transit District Initiated into IBEW: Behalf of the Union: January 2004. Classifi- USBR, Western Area Safety Shop Steward November 2015–Pre- Lauren Bartlett cation: Journeyman sent; Safety Shop Steward Training. Lineman. Shop Stew- Power Administration Initiated into IBEW July 1992. ard June 2014–present. Luis Mendez Local Union Offices Lawrence “Larry” Torres TransCanada Held: Advisory Coun- Initiated into IBEW July 2009. cil (Interim-current). Initiated into IBEW January 1985. No Valid Nominations Committees Served at Ricardo Montes the Union: NV Energy Negotiating Com- Frontier Communications mittee last 4 negotiations. Joint Labor- Initiated into IBEW June 2011. Humboldt Division Management Committee NV Energy 2013– of PG&E And Resort present. Other Activities on Behalf of the Trevor File Jose “JP” Paredes Union: Nevada AFL-CIO Delegate. Organ- Initiated into IBEW July 2008. Improvement District #1 izing Steward (Inaugural Class). Initiated into IBEW August 2012. Classifi- Ken Lawson William Goodman De Sabla Division of PG&E cation: Foreman. Local Initiated into IBEW June 2006. Union Offices Held: Initiated into IBEW November 1990. Unit Chairman Unit Sandi Busse General Construction 4726. Committees Ward “Sonny” Hollesen Served at the Union: Initiated into IBEW March 2011. of PG&E–At-Large Secretary for the Keep Initiated into IBEW the Clearance Peer to May 1984. Classifica- Peer Committee 4/30/2013–present. tion: Distribution Line Drum Division of PG&E, Freddy Alvarez Technician (DLT). Plumas Sierra Rec Initiated into IBEW August 2012. Shop Steward: 1996 to Steve Speak present. Local Union and City of Roseville Initiated into IBEW Offices Held: Unit No Valid Nominations Luke Bogart May 1997. Local Chair Unit 3111– Initiated into IBEW Union Offices Held: Eureka. Other Activi- November 2005. Clas- Unit Recorder Unit ties on Behalf of the Union: Attended the Colgate Division of PG&E, sification: Lineman. 4714; Unit Chairman Dec 1994 Rally for “Stop the Layoff’s” at Yuba County Water Agency, Shop Steward: August Unit 4714. Commit- CPUC Headquarters in San Francisco, 2015–Present. Local tees Served at the attended the 2004 9th District Progress and City of Gridley Union Offices Held: Union: Safety Stew- meeting in Seattle, Wa., volunteered for the Unit Chairman, Gen- ard; Keep The Clear- 2012 “No on 32” precinct walks in Sacra- eral Construction of ance Safety Committee 2015 to present. mento, Business Rep for North Coast PG&E Mark Anderson PG&E At Large Advi- Other Activities on Behalf of the Union: district and Public Properties for City of Initiated into IBEW December 1979. sory Council. Other Activities on Behalf of 2001 Leadership Conference. Utility Reporter 37 Candidates for Local Union Office

Clerical-At-Large of Outside Construction City of Vallejo and Greater 02/2004–2005 PG&E Business Transforma- tion Committee Contact Center Operations PG&E–Northern Area Vallejo Recreation District (CCO). Other Activities on Behalf of the Robert “Bubba” Avery Advisory Council Union: 04/2016 Participated in the 2016 Comprehensive Negotiating Union Con- Donchele “Desiree” Soper Initiated into IBEW August 1974. Classifi- cation: Journeyman Lineman. Shop Stew- tracts Seminar (Vacaville, CA); 03/2016 Par- Initiated into IBEW ard: 2000–2006; Local Union Offices Held: Marcus Adams ticipated in the 2016 IBEW Local 1245 Utility January 2006. Classifi- Procurement Conference (Vacaville, CA); Outside Construction Advisory Council; Initiated into IBEW April 2003. cation: Senior Service Committees Served at the Union: Injured 02/2016 Initiated the formation of the San Representative (SSR) Workers Fund 2006 to present. Other Ramon Bishop Ranch Clerical Local Labor at the Sacramento Activities on behalf of the Union; Judge, Kenneth McKay Management meeting. (San Ramon, CA); Contact Center. Shop Lineman’s Rodeo 6 years. Initiated into IBEW August 2010. 02/2016 Supported IBEW Local 1424’s Steward: 2009–Pre- Union membership development blitz in sent. Local Union Columbus, Indiana; 02/2016 Participated in Offices Held: Local Gary Hughes Delegate: Western Area the 2016 in-depth Organizing Steward train- unit Chair. Committees Served at the Initiated into IBEW Power Association, ing titled: “Telling your story” (Vacaville, Union: Recording Secretary for the Electri- August 1967. Classifi- CA); 01/2016 Sworn in as a 2016 Organizing cal Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) in cation: M&C Mech- Government Coordinating Steward for IBEW Local 1245 (Vacaville, CA); Solano County. Other Activities on Behalf anic/Utility Inspector. Council 1(GCC-1) 01/2016 Participated in the 2016 Organizing of the Union: Delegate to the Sacramento Shop Steward: 1974– Steward Training Session (Vacaville, CA); Central Labor Council, New Employee 1989. Local Union 01/2016 Panelist/Speaker/ Delegate at the Orientation meetings. SSR representative Offices Held: Unit Sam Glero IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus on the SSR Role & Responsibilities Com- Chair, Unit Vice-Chair, (New York NY); Monthly Participated in the Initiated into IBEW December 1978. mittee. Labor Management Meetings for Unit Secretary. Com- Tele-Town Hall meetings for IBEW 1245 #2740 Sacramento Call Center. Guest mittees Served at the Union: Various Com- Shop Stewards at PG&E; 10/2015 Repre- speaker at the coalition of Labor Union mittees as Local 1245 Business Rep 1989– sented IBEW 1245 at the 2015 IBEW 77 CSR Women Conference (CLUW) 2014– 2015. 2005. Other Activities on Behalf of the Candidates for Conference (Wenatchee, WA); 09/2015 Took Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Con- Union: IBEW Local 1245 Business Repre- part in the Member to Member outreach vention. IBEW Utility Conference. IBEW sentative 1989–2005; Various Conventions, Delegate to the Blitz (Reno, NV); 07/2015 Participated in the Women’s Conference; Organizing Steward Committees, Labor Councils and Training. GOTV for PG&E Ratification vote (Southern 2013–present; IBEW 1245 Sacramento International Region of IBEW 1245); 06/2015 Took part in Charity Bowl; Worked on IBEW 1245 Cam- City of Lompoc the Special Election through San Jose CLC paigns in Wisconsin, Ohio, California. (San Jose, CA); 05/2015 Delegate to the 2015 Convention of Seminar with former Secretary of Labor Clerical-At-Large Gary Silbaugh under President Bill Clinton, Robert Reich the IBEW (Berkeley, CA); 04/2015 Participated in the of PG&E–Central Area Initiated into IBEW: George Miller & D Taylor training session January 2013. Shop (Vacaville, CA); 01/2015 Panelist/Speaker/ Steward: January Bryan “Goob” Anderson Delegate at the IBEW Electrical Workers 2013–Present. Local Kelly Gibbs Initiated into IBEW Minority Caucus (Atlanta, GA); 02/2014 Union Offices Held: Initiated into the February 1997. Classi- Organized IBEW 1245 Unit 1511 participa- Recorder. Commit- IBEW: December fication: Journeyman tion in the 11th Annual National “Go Red” tees Served at the 2003. Lineman. Shop Stew- Day for Women event (San Jose, CA); Union: Negotiating ard: 2008–present. 10/2013 Organized and lead a team of 25 Committee 2013 & Committees Served at IBEW 1245 members in the local Diabetes 2015. Other Activities on Behalf of the the Union: Keep Dia- Walk-A-Thon that raised more than $2500 Union: Attended Ad Council meetings. blo Open 2016. Other (San Jose, CA); 08/2013 Participated in the Activities on Behalf of Net Roots Nation Youth Caucus (San Jose, Manufacturing the Union: Benefits Trainer. CA); 08/2013 Delegate to the 2013 Net Roots Nation Conference ( San Jose, CA); 07/2013 Clerical-At-Large Took part in the Nora Campos Re-Election Jim Baker Jesus Lorenso Arciniega campaign at the South Bay Labor Council of PG&E–Southern Area Initiated into IBEW Initiated into IBEW January 2014. (San Jose, CA); 05/2013 Assisted in the cre- November 2001. Clas- ation of the IBEW Local 1245 Community Renelle Hayes sification: Operating Fund Program (Vacaville, CA); 04/2013 Pan- Todd Shiels Clerk. Shop Steward: elist/Speaker/Delegate to the California Initiated into IBEW December 1990. Initiated into IBEW January 2014. 2011 to present. Com- State Federation Legislation Conference mittees Served at the (Sacramento, CA); 04/2013 Attended the Irrigation Districts (Merced Generation including Union: 02/2016 Union IBEW 1245 Leadership Development meet- ID, Turlock ID, Lindmore ID, membership develop- ing with the State of California Attorney Dynergy, Foster-Wheeler, ment in Columbus, General, Kamala Devi Harris. (San Fran- Paradise ID, South Feather Indiana; 01/2016 Appointed to Organizing cisco, CA); 04/2013 Attended the IBEW 1245 GenOn, NCPA, NRG and Steward; 11/2013 Appointed to the PG&E Leadership Development Luncheon with Power and Water Agency, Tri-Dam Project New Customer Service Training Redesign former U.S. presidential advisor to Bill Clin- Modesto Id and South Committee; 05/2013 IBEW Local 1245 ton and White House Deputy Chief of Staff No Valid Nominations Community Fund Program Development during the second Clinton administration, Joaquin ID) Committee; 03/2013 Appointed to the Maria Echaveste. (San Francisco, CA); Materials Distribution PG&E Contact Center Operations (CCO) 03/2013 Facilitated Educational Sessions at Craig Keith (Tater) Tatum Rewards and Recognition Committee; the United States Western Region State Fed- Department of PG&E 09/2012 Appointed to the PG&E Contact eration and Central Labor Council Confer- Initiated into IBEW: Center Operations (CCO) Wide Labor Man- ence (Seattle, Washington); 03/2013 April 30, 1991. Classi- agement Committee; 09/2012 Appointed to Attended the 2013 IBEW 1245 Leadership fication: Heavy Michael Hunt the PG&E Contact Center Operations (CCO) Development Conference (Vacaville, CA); Equipment Operator Initiated into IBEW Attendance Management Committee 01/2013 Panelist/Speaker/Delegate to the II. Shop Steward January 1986. Classifi- (Phase 2); 02/2011 Young Workers Bay Area IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus 2007–present. Local cation: Lead Driver. Leadership & Development Training Plan- (Houston, Texas); 09/2012 Organizer/ Union Offices Held: Shop Steward: 1986 to ning Committee; 02/2011–present IBEW Recruiter for the No on Prop 32 campaign at Irrigation District present. Local Union Local 1245 Social Media Committee; the South Bay Labor Council (San Jose, CA); Advisory Council Offices Held: Material 01/2011 PG&E Contact Center Operations 09/2012 Appointed as Chair of the Educa- 2014–present. Organizing Steward. Distribution Depart- (CCO) Attendance Management Commit- tion and Development committee for the Cochairman Lead Steward. Committees ment of PG&E Advi- tee; 09/2010 PG&E Wellness Program Com- AFL-CIO National Young Workers Advisory Served at the Union: Negotiating Commit- sory Council. Com- mittee; 08/2010 Planning Committee for Council (YWAC) (Washington, D.C.); tee 2005–present. Other Activities on mittees Served at the Union: Raingear Pro- initial IBEW Local 1245 Youth Conference; 09/2012 Co-Author of the “Young Workers Behalf of the Union: Delegate and Board curement Approval. 06/2010–06/2013 IBEW 1245 Youth Resolution” that was endorsed unanimously Member for the Merced and Mariposa Engaged for Solidarity (Y.E.S.) Committee; at the Alaska State Federation (Anchorage, Central Labor Council. Organizing Stew- Steven Mayfield 11/2009–01/2011 PG&E Clerical Bargaining AK); 08/2012 Co-Organized the AFL-CIO ard. Union Yes dinner. IBEW Utilities con- Committee; 09/2008 Contact Center Opera- Young Worker Leadership Institute training vention in Chicago, IL. Initiated into IBEW April 1993. tions (CCO) Shift Swap Committee; session (Washington, D.C.); 07/2012 Co- 38 April – June 2016 Candidates for Local Union Office

Author of the “Young Workers Resolution” Shame on NV Energy Home Office Picket sification: Lineman. Committee 2003 to that was endorsed unanimously at the (Las Vegas, Nevada); 11/2009 Attended Shop Steward: August present; Corporate Biannual California State Federation Con- Shame on NV Energy Picket (Reno, 2015–Present. Local Clerical Committee ference (San Francisco, CA); 07/2012 Dele- Nevada). Member of the following: Electri- Union Offices Held: 2015 to present; Nego- gate to the Biannual California State Feder- cal Workers Minority Caucus (Interna- Unit Chairman, Gen- tiations Committee ation Biannual (San Francisco, CA); 07/2012 tional), Electrical Workers Minority Cau- eral Construction of Clerical 2010; Negotia- Delegate to the 9th District IBEW Progress cus’s RENEW collective (International), PG&E At Large Advi- tions Committee Ben- meeting (San Francisco, CA); 06/2012 Labor Council for Latin American Advance- sory Council. Other efits 2008–2009 & Attended IBEW International Member to ment (LCLAA) (National), Pride@Work Activities on Behalf of 2011–2012; Negotia- Member training Session (Vacaville, CA); (National), Delegate to the South Bay Labor the Union: California Distributed Energy tions Committee Wages & Benefits 2005; 03/2012 Co-Hosted a Intergenerational Council (SBLC), NAACP (National), Alumni Future Conference; Future Negotiators Contact Center of the Future Committee assembly at the California State Legislation of the AFL-CIO National Young Workers Class. 2007 to 2008; Labor Management Commit- Conference (Sacramento, CA); 09/2011 Met Advisory Council (YWAC). tee Credit & Records Center 1997 to 2008; with and introduced the 25th United States Stanley Boone Position Evaluation Committee 2001; Over- Secretary of Labor, Hilda Lucia Solis at the David Barnard time Committee CRC 2001; Safety Walk AFL-CIO Next Up Young Workers Summit. Initiated into IBEW September 1985. Around Committee. Other Activities on (Minneapolis, Minnesota); 03/2012 Dele- Initiated into IBEW December 2004. Behalf of the Union: San Joaquin/Calaveras gate to the California State Federation Leg- Eleanor Brown County Central Labor Council 2007 to pres- islation Conference (Sacramento, CA); ent; SJC CLC Executive Board Member & Glen Barnard Initiated into IBEW 03/2012 Coordinator of the 2012 IBEW 1245 Trustee 2011 to present; Coalition of Labor Initiated into IBEW November 2009. March 1993.Classifica- Unit Chair & Unit Recorder Conference Union Women (CLUW) Delegate 2004 to tion: Retired. Shop (Vacaville, CA); 01/2012 Panelist/Speak- present; CLUW National Executive Board Steward: 2005–2007. er/Delegate at the IBEW Electrical Workers Lauren Bartlett Union Delegate 2009 to present; CLUW Local Union Offices: Minority Caucus (Oakland, CA); 12/2011 Initiated into IBEW July 1992. Rules Committee Co-Chairperson 2013; Executive Board Mem- Attended the IBEW 1245 Calpine Workers Women of Labor Conference 2011; Electri- ber at large; E-Board Filing and Rally (San Francisco, CA); cal Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) Del- Michael L. Barton Vice President; Presi- 09/2011 Attended the 38th IBEW Interna- egate & Member; Labor Council for Latin Initiated into IBEW dent B/M. Commit- tional Convention (Vancouver, British American Advancement Member 2004– April 1999. Shop tees Served at the Union: Bankruptcy Com- Columbia, Canada); 09/2011 Co-Author of 2005; IBEW International Convention Del- Steward 2013–pre- mittee/Negotiations 2007–2010. Other the “Engaging Young Workers Resolution” egate 2006 & 2011; IBEW 9th District sent. Local Union Activities on Behalf of the Union: Delegate that was endorsed unanimously at the 38th Progress Meetings; IBEW Utility Confer- Offices Held: Unit to Napa Solano Labor Council; Calif. Labor IBEW International Convention (Vancou- ences Delegate; IBEW International Gas Chair, Unit Vice Chair; Federation; Coalition of Labor Union ver, Canada); 09/2011 Appointed as Shop Conference 2009; IBEW National Women’s Unit Sergeant-at- Women; IBEW Convention Delegate 2011. Steward for IBEW Local 1245; 09/2011 Met Conferences; California Labor Federation Arms. Committees with and introduced the 25th United States Bi-Annual Convention 2012’ North Valley Served at the Union: Secretary of Labor, Hilda Lucia Solis at the Janelle Bucci Labor Federation Convention & Confer- Bargaining Committee City of Roseville AFL-CIO Next Up Young Workers Summit. ences Delegate; Labor’s Joint Legislative 2013, 2015. Friedrichs Shop Steward 2016. Initiated into IBEW (Minneapolis, Minnesota); 09/2011 Speak- March 2013. Classifi- Conferences; Lobby Day Washington DC & er/Facilitator/Delegate at the AFL-CIO Next cation: Senior Mainte- Sacramento CA; Grievance Resolution Up Young Workers Summit (Minneapolis, Anna Bayless-Martinez nance Assistant. Shop Workshop 2008; FCMS Health Care Semi- Minnesota); 07/2011 Participant at the Next Initiated into IBEW Steward: May 2015 to nar 2010; Precinct Walking, Rally’s & Phone Generation Bay Area 1st Leadership and August 1980. Classifi- present. Local Union Banking. Organizing Training (San Jose, CA); 06/2011 cation: Retired PG&E Offices Held: Unit Participant at the Leadership Development Sr. Service Rep. Shop 1311 Chairman. Com- Cloudell Douglas Jr. workshop at Stanford University with Pro- Steward: 1987–2015. mittees Served at the fessor Clay Carson, the Executive Director Local Union Offices Union: Maintenance Assistant Training Initiated into IBEW of Martin Luther King Jr. Institute for Held: Executive Board Committee: From 11/15 to Current; Bene- May 2006. Classifica- Research and Education. (Stanford, CA); Vice President 2015– fits Committee from 08/15 to Current. tion: Lineman. Shop 05/2011 Delegate to the IBEW Local 77 present; Central Area Other Activities on Behalf of the Union: Steward: Yes. Local Seattle Washington Call Center Summit Executive Board, 1997 to 2015; Unit Negotiating Committee Training 03/16; Union Offices Held: (Seattle, Washington); 04/2011 Team Recorder #2510, 2012 to present; Unit Vice Steward Training 08/15; Quarterly Labor East Bay Division of Leader/Organizer against the State of Chairperson #2511, 2009 to 2012; Unit Management Meetings 05/15 to current. PG&E Advisory Coun- Florida Legislative attempt to privatize and Chairperson #2511, 1996 to 2003; Unit cil. Committees eliminate automatic payroll deductions for Served at the Union: Recorder #2511, 1986–1996. Committees Sandi Busse Union dues (SB830) (Jacksonville, FL.) Met Served at the Union: Clerical Title 18 Com- Scholarship Committee. Other Activities with Mayor John Peyton regarding pro- mittee—1995, Wage Bargaining Commit- Initiated into IBEW March 2011. on Behalf of the Union: Electrical Workers posed fiscals cuts and implication on city tee—1996, IBEW/PG&E Employee Minority Caucus 2014, 2015, 2016; Dele- residents. Testified on behalf of Florida Res- Involvement Committee, Prop 226 and Manuel Cordeiro gate to Coalition of Black Trade Unionists idents at hearings with the Florida State Prop 9 Committee, Safety Walk Around Convention, 2014, 2015. Initiated into IBEW May 2004. Council on the Status of Women. Co-Orga- Committee, GRC Committee, Stockton nized a city wide protest against the closure Division + CRC Labor Management 1991– Rodrigo Flores of the only Low Income Hospital facility in 2000, System-wide IBEW/PG&E Safety Mike Cottrell Jacksonville, FL; 04/2011 IBEW 1245 Point Initiated into IBEW September 1999. Walk Around 2004, Area 4/5 Clerical Labor Initiated into IBEW December 1985. Organizer for WE ARE ONE/Day of Action Management, Clerical Negotiations 2010, Rally in San Jose, Santa Cruz and Salinas, Benefit Negotiations 2011–12, Prop 32 Dorothy Fortier CA; 01/2011–08/2014 Appointed by IBEW Committee, CSO Labor Management Richard “Dick” Danieli International President Ed Hill as IBEW Committee, Sr Service Rep Training Com- Initiated into IBEW: Initiated into IBEW Young Worker representative for the Ameri- mittee. Activities On Behalf Of Union: March 2003. Classifi- May 1975. Classifica- can Federation of Labor - Congress of Shop Steward Conferences; Women’s cation: Transmission tions Held: Sr. Assis- Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO) National Leadership Conferences; IBEW Women’s Troubleman. Shop tant Business Man- Young Workers Advisory Council (Washing- Conferences; IBEW 9th District Progress Steward 2007 to pres- ager, 2010–2013, Assis- ton, DC); 01/2011 Attended the IBEW 1245 Meeting; IBEW Utility Conferences; IBEW ent. Other Activities tant Business Man- Leadership Development meeting with Gas Conferences; National CLUW Mem- on Behalf of the ager, 1987–2010, Busi- United States Secretary of Labor, Robert ber CLUW Conventions/National Execu- Union: Safety Stew- ness Representative, Reich. (Berkeley, CA); 01/2011 Delegate to tive Board Meetings; Stockton Central ard, Steward Recruit- 1979–1987, Adminis- the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Labor Council; IBEW International Con- ment, HTP speaking engagements with trative Assistant 1977–1979, Secretary, (Washington, D.C.); 11/2010 Elected to vention 2001, 2006, 2011; EWMC Member PG&E Apprentices. 1975–1977. Committees Served on behalf attend IBEW Local 1245 Young Workers And Conference 2012– 2016; New of the Union: PG&E Benefits and Quarterly Leadership & Development Training; Benefits Committee, 1998–2012; PG&E Employee Orientations; Western LAMPAC Cecelia De La Torre 10/2010–10/2013 Elected to the Union Plus 2015/2016; National LAMPAC 2016. Workforce Health & Productivity Commit- National Future Leaders Mentorship Pro- Initiated into IBEW September 1987. Clas- tee, 2010–2011; PG&E Benefit Education gram, Partnered with IBEW 9th District sification: Operating Clerk. Shop Steward: Committee, 2002, 2008, 2011; PG&E Local International Representative Keith Elvira Bernal 1987 to present. Local Union Offices Held: 1245 Return to Work Representative, 2011; Edwards; 08/2010 Attended PG&E Quar- Initiated into IBEW August 2007. Executive Board Treasurer 2004 to present; PG&E Retiree Benefit Negotiations, 2005; terly Benefits Meeting on behalf of IBEW Unit Chairperson #2511 2002 to present; PG&E Medical Benefit Vendor Selection Local 1245; 06/2010 Delegate to the AFL- Unit Recording Secretary #2511 2000 to Committee, 2005; PG&E Benefit Appeals CIO Next Up Young Workers Summit Luke Bogart 2002. Committees Served at the Union: Process Committee, 2002; PG&E Medicare (Washington, D.C.); 02/2010 Attended Initiated into IBEW November 2005. Clas- Committees Served on in Union: Benefits Supplemental Plan (MSP) and Retiree Utility Reporter 39 Candidates for Local Union Office

Optional Plan (ROP), 2002–2003; PG&E IBEW Utility Conference Delegate 1998, 401K Savings Plan, 2000, PG&E Pension 1999, 2001, 2012; IBEW AMPS Training in Kent Griffiths Jammi (Angeles) Juarez Education, 2002; PG&E P/T Employee Buffalo, NY 2011; IBEW Local 77’s 5th Initiated into IBEW September 1985. Benefits, 1996, 1998; PG&E Clerical Bar- Annual CSR/Call Center Summit Speaker Initiated into IBEW: gaining Committees: General Negotia- in Seattle 2011; IBEW 9th District Women’s May 2006. Classifica- tions, 2009–2010; Wage Subcommittee, Conference and Progress Meeting delegate Michael “Mike” Grill tion: Organizer/Busi- 2010, Workforce Issues Subcommittee, 1998; IBEW 9th District Women’s Confer- Initiated into IBEW: ness Representative. 2010; Non-Productive Time Subcommit- ence Workshop Leader 1996; Electrical February 11, 1981. Shop Steward: 2010. tee, 2010; Training Subcommittee, 2010; Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) Confer- Classification: Retired Local Union Offices Call Center Attendance Management ence delegate 1991–2016; EWMC At-Large L.U. 1245 Business Held: Unit Vice Chair, 2010, 2011; Call Center of the Future Executive Committee Member 1992–1993; Representative. Shop Unit Recording Secre- (CCOTF) Steering, 2008, 2009; Lines of EWMC Secretary-Treasurer 1993–2012; Steward: 1993–1998. tary. Committees Progression, 2000–2006; Position Evalua- EWMC Vice President 2012–2013; Single Committees Served at Served at the Union: Contact Center Atten- tion, 1989–2013; Consolidation, 2000; Call Payer (Medicare for All) Committee, 2011, the Union: Review dance Improvement Committee, Letter Center Labor/Management, 1995–2001; 2012, 2013; Benefit Conference in San Committee 1996– Agreement 13-01-PG&E 2012, Contact Call Center Scheduling, 1996–2005; Cus- Antonio, TX 2011; Benefit Conference in 1998; PG&E General Bargaining Commit- Center Rewards and Recognition Commit- tomer Service Records Backlog and Las Vegas, NV 2011; Coalition of Labor tee 1996. PG&E Hiring Hall Committee tee 2013. Other Activities on Behalf of the Records, 1995–1999; Customer Service Union Women (CLUW) Convention dele- 1995. Oversaw Gas Service Hiring Hall Union: Organizing Steward 2013, Delegate Cash Handling, 1999; Call Quality Moni- gate, 2015; CLUW California State VP training and Dispatch in San Ramon. to the IBEW Electrical Minority Worker toring, 1997–2000 and 2002; New Cus- 2006–2009; CLUW National Executive Other Activities on Behalf of the Union: 2016, IBEW RENEW Conference 2015, AFL- tomer Connection, 2001–2003; Operating Board Member 1996–2006; CLUW Women Delegate to Fresno and Merced Central CIO NextUp Conference 2015, Delegate to Clerical Joint Pole, 1996–1998; Omaha Call in Leadership Co-Chair 2001–2008; CLUW Labor Councils 2003–2016. Attended sev- the IBEW Electrical Minority Worker 2015, Center Study, 1998; Sr. Service Representa- Constitution Committee Co-Chair 2007, eral Utility conferences and the Minority IBEW 1245 Sacramento Regional Organiz- tive Training, 2003–2005; Customer Serv- 2009; AFL-CIO State Legislative Confer- Caucus conference in Houston, TX. ing Committee Member 2012–2014, Dele- ice Representative Training, 2002–2005; Sr. ence Credentials Committee Chair 2008; gate to the IBEW Electrical Minority Service Representative Technical Training, AFL-CIO Women’s Leadership Conference Worker 2014, IBEW Utility Conference San 1997; Silent (Remote) Call Monitoring, 1997, 2000; AFL-CIO Western Region CLC Brian Hall Diego CA. 2013, IBEW 1245 Leadership 1995–1997; P/T Employee Issues 1995– Conference 1999; AFL-CIO Full Participa- Initiated into IBEW April 2002. Development Conference Vacaville, CA. 1997; Call Center Employee Development, tion Conference 1998; CA State Demo- 2013, Delegate to the IBEW Electrical 1997; West Sacramento Customer Billing cratic Congressional Campaign Commit- Robert Harty Minority Worker Caucus Houston, TX. Center, 1996–1997; Call Center Overtime, tee Workshop in San Francisco, 2015; CA 2013, Delegate to IBEW 9th District 1996; Job Bidding, 1996; Call Center Per- Works Health Care Coalition 2005; CA Initiated into IBEW December 1985. Progress Meeting San Francisco, CA. 2012, formance Standards, 1996; SF/GO Engi- State Federation of Labor Health Care Delegate to the IBEW Electrical Worker neering and Planning Negotiations, 1999; Steering Committee 2003; CA State Feder- James (Jim) “Hammer” Hayes Minority Caucus Oakland, CA. 2012, IBEW 1245 Delegate to the Sacramento Central Help Desk Study Review, 1996; Fortier Page ation of Labor Women’s Conference 1999; Initiated into IBEW: Labor Council 2010, IBEW 1245 Young 2 of 3; Business System Replacement Proj- CA State Federation of Labor and CLC October 1984. Classi- Workers Conference (Y.E.S.) Youth ect (BSRP) Payroll Issues, 1995–1996; San Conference 1997, 1999; Legislative Confer- fication: Mechanic- Engaged for Solidarity 2010. Other Activi- Francisco/GO Design Drafting and Repro- ence 2011; Work and Family Labor Project Rigger. Shop Steward: ties on Behalf of the Union: Received the graphics, 1995–1996; Call Center Tele- Committee 1998; Summer Institute for 1998–present. Local IBEW 9th District Organizer’s Award: phone Initiatives (Call Answering), 1995– Union Women Conference Planning Com- Union Offices Held: “Above and Beyond” 2016, Lead the Organ- 1996; Measure, Bill, Collect, Print, Mail and mittee 1998; A Philip Randolph Institute Unit Chair. Commit- izing Drive at PG&E CCFA Unit 2015, Lead Payment, 1995–1996; Customer Service (APRI) Conference delegate 1996–2001, tees Served at the the Organizing Drive at PG&E Gas Distri- Correspondence Management, 1995– 2005; APRI California Chapter Conference Union: Advisory bution Operators 2015, Assisted the Organ- 1996; Call and Credit Center Labor Man- delegate 2005; APRI State Executive Board Council 2013–2016; PG&E General Bar- izing Drive at PG&E System Operators agement, 1994–1995; Video Display Termi- 1997; Coalition of Black Trade Unionists gaining Committee 2002–2003. Diablo 2015, Assisted the Organizing Drive at nal, 1991–1997; CES Coordinating, 1997; (CBTU) Convention delegate 1996–2002, Canyon Outage Bargaining Committee Assisted the Organizing Drive at the Other Committees: PG&E Physical/Cleri- 2005, 2011; CBTU Seattle Chapter Confer- 1996–2002. cal Job Bidding Subcommittee, 2008; ence Panelist–2002; Congressional Black Sunoptics Plant 2014–2015, Assisted the PG&E Labor and Communications, 2007, Caucus Political Education and Leader- Organizing Drive at the Greenlee Manufac- 2008; PG&E Alternate Dispute Resolution ship Institute Boot Camp 2003; Alameda Renelle Hayes turing Plant 2014, IBEW 1245 Leadership (ADR) Committee, 2007–2008; PG&E Alter- Central Labor Council (ACLC) Campaign Initiated into IBEW December 1990. Training facilitated by former White House nate Work Schedules (AWS), 2007; PG&E School 2012; ACLC President 1999–2009; Chief of Staff, Maria Echaveste and Califor- AMI Impact Negotiations, 2005; PG&E ACLC Executive Committee Member Joe Herries nia Attorney General Kamala Harris 2013, Meter Reader Title 8, 2002–2005; PG&E 1984–2009; ACLC delegate 1979–2009; Co-Organizer for 2nd Annual IBEW 1245 Wage-Opener Negotiations, 2005; PG&E ACLC Bylaw Review Committee 2007; Initiated into IBEW July 1984. Sacramento Regional Charity Bowl Bene- General Negotiations, 1990, 1993, 2003; ACLC Unionist of the Year 2003; ACLC Port fitting the Boys and Girls Club of Sacra- General Office Building Department, of Oakland Organizing Committee 2001; Daniel Howard mento 2013, Sacramento Lead Recruiter 1995–1996; City of Healdsburg 1978–1980; Working Group Board of Directors (CA for Earth Day 2013, Attended the AFL-CIO Initiated into IBEW July 2008. City of Oakland 1995–1996; Contra Costa Working/We Do The Work) 1997–2000; Worker’s Bill of Rights-Stand for America County Video Display Task Force 1990– Working Group Personnel Committee (CA Rally Philadelphia, PA. 2012, IBEW 1245 1993; PG&E Video Display Terminal Safety Working/We Do The Work) 1999–2000 Dale Ingram Organizer, Wisconsin Governor Recall Scott Walker–2012, Co-Organized 1st Committee 1994; Pacific Service Employee Education: Successful completion of Initiated into IBEW Annual IBEW 1245 Sacramento Regional Association (PSEA) Organizing and Nego- numerous specialized labor relations March 2003. Classifi- Charity Bowl Benefitting Shriner’s Hospital tiations, 2007. Other activities on behalf of courses and certified training programs.. cation: Journeyman 2012, Attended IBEW Appreciation Dinner the Union: Local 1245 Al Sandoval Scholar- Lineman. ship Judge, 2014, 2015; Local 1245 with Governor Jerry Brown 2012, IBEW Employee Retirement Plan Trustee 2009– Kelly Gibbs 1245 Organizer, Ohio SB5 Issue 2 (Bill 2013; Local 1245 Unit Officer Conference Initiated into IBEW: Restricting Collective Bargaining Rights for Co-Coordinator 2012; Local 1245 Retire- December 2003. Workers), Member to Future Member Sup- ment Seminar Coordinator 2005–2013; port for Calpine Organizing 2011, IBEW Local 1245 Registrar 2008–2009; Local 1245 1245 Organizer, Wisconsin Senate District Leadership Conference (Unit Officer) 10 Recall 2011, Attended IBEW 1245 Lead- Coordinator 1996, 1999, 2002, 2004; IBEW Logan Jonas ership Training Facilitated by Stanford His- International Convention Delegate 1978, Initiated into IBEW February 2006. tory Professor Clay Carson the director of 1982, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and the Martin Luther King Jr. Institute for 2011; IBEW International Convention Ser- Research and Education 2011, IBEW 1245 geant at Arms (1996); IBEW 3rd District Angelica Jones Organizer, Florida Legislative Attempt to Progress Meeting Speaker in Pittsburg, PA Initiated into IBEW: Privatize and Eliminate Automatic Payroll 2012; IBEW 4th District Progress Meeting Samuel Glero June 1980. Classifica- Deductions for Union Dues (SB 830) 2011, Speaker in Oregon, OH 2012; IBEW 9th Initiated into IBEW December 1978. tion: Accounting Organizer for AFL-CIO We Are One Rally District Progress Meeting Speaker in San Clerk. Shop Steward: Sacramento 2011, Attended IBEW 1245 Francisco, CA 2012; IBEW 9th District April 2015 to present. Leadership Training Facilitated by Former Progress Meeting delegate 2002, 2005, Donald Green Local Union Offices Secretary of Labor Robert Reich 2011, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016; IBEW Initiated into IBEW September 2000. Held: Committees Organizer for California Gubernatorial National Women’s Conference Workshop Served at the Union: Election Assigned to Sacramento Central Leader and Panelist, 1997, 2000, 2004, Other Activities on Labor Council 2010, IBEW 1245 Organizer 2012; IBEW Women’s IBEW Conference Ronald Greenlee Behalf of the Union: L.U. 1245 EWMC for National Union of Healthcare Workers Delegate 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016; Initiated into IBEW March 1991. Leadership Conference 2016 in New York. Campaign (Kaiser Campaign) 2010. 40 April – June 2016 Candidates for Local Union Office

the coalition of Labor Union Women Con- Gary Kidder Anthony Montalvo Elane Robbins ference (CLUW) 2014–2015. Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Convention. Initiated into IBEW November 2009. Initiated into IBEW July 1984. Initiated into IBEW: February 1980. Classi- IBEW Utility Conference. IBEW Women’s fication: Electric Crew Foreman. Shop Conference; Organizing Steward 2013–pre- Steward: No. Local Union Offices Held: James “Jim” Kliewer Carl “CO” Olguin sent; IBEW 1245 Sacramento Charity Bowl; Committees Served at the Union: 2014: Worked on IBEW 1245 Campaigns in Wis- Initiated into IBEW Initiated into IBEW Alternate to Reno meeting Executive consin, Ohio, California. April 1984. Classifica- April 1996. Classifica- Board. Other Activities on Behalf of the tion: Lead Gas Service tion: Distribution Gas Union: Women Building America Confer- Representative. Shop System Operator. ence 2012, 2014, 2015. IBEW 1245 Luis Sotomayor Steward: 2008 to pres- Shop Steward: 2010 Women’s Conference 2014. ent. Offices held on to present. Local Initiated into IBEW October 2003. behalf of the Union; Union Offices Held: Unit Chair for 2316. Central Area Execu- Mark Rodin Vickie St. Martin tive Board–Current. Initiated into IBEW March 2005. Initiated into IBEW May 1992. Other Activities on Behalf of the Union: Keith Lyle Organizing Steward; Executive Board Michael Ruiz Initiated into IBEW November 2001. Clas- Member of Electrical Workers Minorities Julia Steffen sification: Operation Clerk. Shop Steward: Caucus (EWMC) Solano Chapter; Shop Initiated into IBEW September 2008. Initiated into IBEW September 1983. 2013 to present. Local Union Offices Held: Steward Conference; New Employee Ori- Unit Chairman. entations; Delegate to Central Valley John Samuel Labor Council (CLC); EWMC Member Hunter Stern and Conference 2013–present; IBEW Initiated into IBEW August 2011. Initiated into IBEW: Gary Maschio Utility Conference; California Distribu- September 1994. Initiated into IBEW tion Energy Future Conference; Negotia- Pedro “Pete” Sandoval Jr. Classification: Busi- November 1980. tion Training; Political and Organizing ness Representative. Initiated into IBEW: Classification: Criti- campaigns representing IBEW Local Local Union Offices June 1976. Classifica- cal Facility Techni- 1245, including assisting Teamsters with Held: Committees tion: Electrical Crew cian. Shop Steward: Taylor Farms and Olam; IBEW Local 1245 Served at the Union: Foreman. Shop Stew- 1986 to present. Local Endorsed Candidate Precinct Walk, Red- City of Santa Clara ard: 2003–present. Union Offices Held: ding, CA. General Bargaining Local Union Offices San Francisco Divi- Committee 2014. Foster-Wheeler General Held: Southern Area sion of PG&E and Bargaining Committee 2003, 2007, 2011, Ricardo Orozco Executive Board. Unit General Office of PG&E Advisory Council. 2014. IBEW-PG&E 2002 General Bargain- Chair for Fresno & Committees Served at the Union: PG&E Initiated into IBEW September 2012. ing General Construction Subcommittee; Selma & Co-Chair for Selma. Committees General Negotiating Committee (Physi- IBEW North American Energy Services Served at the Union: Hold the Pull Com- cal) 2011–2012, 2014, 2015–2016. Labor General Bargaining Committee 2005. Michael Patterson mittee member, Organizing Steward, 2 Management 1996 to present. Ad Hoc IBEW-PG&E Joint Apprenticeship and Ballot Committees. Other Activities on Committees: Building Department-Work Initiated into IBEW March 2002. Training Committee 1996–2004. IBEW- Behalf of the Union: Delegate to the IBEW Normally Preformed, Automatic Progres- PG&E. Steam Plant Divestiture Committee International Convention. Leadership sion & Lines of Progression, Technician 1997–2002. Other Activities on Behalf of Rachel Ramirez-Hill Development Conferences 2013. EWMC Training Program, CFT Training Program. the Union: LU 1245 Response to Commu- member. Delegate to EWMC Caucus Con- Other Activities on Behalf of the Union: Initiated into IBEW nity Choice Aggregation; Diablo Canyon ferences 2012–2014 and 2016. Delegate to PG&E Business Transformation Repre- November 2008. Power Plant outreach; Multiple presenta- the 9th District Progress Conferences. Del- senting IBEW 1245 Members Best Inter- Classification: Cus- tions to City Councils, County Boards of egate to the California State Federation ests, 2005–2006, Worked on “No on 32” tomer Service Repre- Supervisors, State Legislative Committees, Legislation Conference (Sacramento, CA) Campaign Precinct Walking and Phone sentative. Shop Stew- California Public Utilities Committee, 2015 and 2016. IBEW International Gas Banking. ard: 2011 to present. other public agencies. Served as IBEW Conference 2016. Attended IBEW 1245 Local Union Offices Registrar responsible for the review and Leadership Training Facilitated by Former Held: Executive endorsement of candidates, promoting Secretary of Labor Robert Reich 2014 and Carson McAtee Board Recording Sec- those who pledge to support LU 1245 2015. Attended Panetta Leadership Semi- Initiated into IBEW September 2011. retary 2015 to present; Executive Board friendly legislation and policies. Repre- nar 2015. Safety presentations on behalf of Central Area 07/2015 to 07/2015; Unit sented LU 1245 at numerous IBEW, Cali- Hold the Pull. Worked on the “No on 32”, Recorder Unit 2511 2011 to present; Cler- fornia Labor Federation conventions and Jose “Rey” Mendoza 15 for 15 campaigns. ical at Large for the Central Area Advi- Work Force Development conferences. I Initiated into IBEW: sory Council 2013–2015. Committees currently serve as the Secretary-Treasurer October 2007. Classifi- Served at the Union: Attendance Man- Brad Schuback of the North Valley Labor Federation (San cation: IBEW Business agement Initiative for CCO 2012; CCO Initiated into IBEW March 1986. Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties) Representative. Shop Labor Management Committee 2011– and as a member of the Executive Com- Steward: March 2011– 2013; CSO Labor Management Commit- mittee of the Alameda Labor Council. I June 2014. Commit- tee 2013 to present; Organizing Steward Bonnie Sivisend also serve as a delegate to the Contra tees Served at the 2012 to present; Prop 32/30 Campaign; Initiated into IBEW March 1977. Costa, Monterey Bay, San Francisco, San Union: Clerical Bar- Worked as IBEW organizer in following Mateo, and South Bay Labor Councils. gaining Committee campaigns: California AD16, Louisiana Currently serve as a member of the Marin 2014 PG&E Contact Center Operations Senate, CA District 7. Campaign Coali- Ronald Smith County Workforce Development Board. Rewards & Recognition Committee 2013. tion of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Initiated into IBEW June 2005. Other Activities on Behalf of the Union: Central California Chapter Vice Presi- Fresno Central Labor Council Executive dent and Alternate for National Execu- Ryan Stewart Board Member and Delegate, Attended the tive Board 2013 to present. Other Activi- Donchele “Desiree” Soper Initiated into IBEW May 1999. California Labor Federation Joint Legisla- ties on Behalf of the Union: Women’s Initiated into IBEW tive Conference 2015 & 2016, Delegate to Leadership Conferences; IBEW Gas Con- January 2006. Classifi- the IBEW Electric Workers Minority Caucus ference; IBEW Women’s Conference; cation: Senior Service Joseph “Joe” Stockel Conference 2015, Participated in Get out IBEW Utility Conference; Shop Steward Representative (SSR) Initiated into IBEW August 1986. Classifi- the Vote efforts for the Primary and General and Organizing Steward Conferences; at the Sacramento cation: Equipment Operator. Shop Stew- Elections of 2014, Delegate to the California National CLUW Member; CLUW Con- Contact Center. Shop ard: April 2004 to 2012. Local Union Labor Federation COPE Convention ventions and National Executive Board Steward: 2009–Pre- Offices Held: Chairman and Recorder 4/2014, Delegate to the IBEW RENEW Con- Meetings; San Joaquin Calaveras County sent. Local Union Vacaville Unit 3812: 2010–2012; Napa Unit ference 9/2013, Fresno Regional Organiz- Central Labor Council Delegate; North Offices Held: Local 3716: 2013 to present. Activities on Behalf ing Committee 2013/2014, Organizer for Valley Labor Federation Delegate; Cali- unit Chair. Committees Served at the of the Union: Area 6 IBEW Safety Walk- 1st Annual IBEW 1245 Fresno Regional fornia Labor Federation Delegate; Union: Recording Secretary for the Electri- around 2004–2010. Charity Bowl 2014, Worked on Our Walmart EWMC Member and Conference 2016; cal Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) in Campaign 2013, Worked on Fresno No on IBEW 9th District Progress Meeting Solano County. Other Activities on Behalf Measure G Campaign 2013, Recruiter for 2015,2016; Union New Member Experi- of the Union: Delegate to the Sacramento Jennifer Threlfall Fresno Area Earth Day 2013, Worked on NO ence Co-facilitator 2015. Central Labor Council, New Employee Ori- Initiated into IBEW December 2011. on Proposition 32 Campaign 2012, Partici- entation meetings. SSR representative on pated in organizing effort with NUHW and Wrenn Rittenhouse the SSR Role & Responsibilities Committee. Jaime I. Tinoco Kaiser Employees 2010, Youth Engaged for Labor Management Meetings for #2740 Solidarity 2010. Initiated into IBEW February 1989. Sacramento Call Center. Guest speaker at Initiated into IBEW February 2014. Classifi- Utility Reporter 41 Candidates for Local Union Office cation: Retired Line- ber 2015–2016. Shop Steward 1988–2005 man City of Lompoc, and 2013–2016. City of Lompoc Leadership Samson Lee Wilson Stan Zamora Current: Business Training, Boise Idaho 2012. LU 1245 Lead- Initiated into IBEW: Initiated into IBEW: Representative. Shop ership Conference 2013. EWMC Delegate January 2004. Classifi- October 1985. Classi- Steward: 1988–2005, 2014,2015, EWMC Central Coast President; cation: Journeyman fication: Miscella- IBEW Steward 2014– City of Lompoc Labor-Management Team Lineman. Shop Stew- neous Equipment 2015. Local Union 1990–2005 and 2013–2016; UFW Training in ard 2004-Present. Operator. Shop Stew- Offices Held: Advisory La Paz, CA 1979. Migrant Education Lead- Local Union Offices ard-2014-Present. Council Member ership Summer Camp 1978. Marched with Held: Advisory Coun- Local Union Offices 2014–2016. Safety Steward 2014–2016. Cesar Chavez for Flower Growers Organiz- cil - current). Com- Held: Executive Organizing Steward 2014–2016. Unit Chair ing Drive 1974–1975. NO on 32; NO on G. mittees Served at the Board, PG&E. General 2014–2015. Committees Served at the Union: NV Energy Negotiating Commit- Construction at Large. Committees Served Union: City of Lompoc Chief Steward 2014– tee-last 4 negotiations. Joint Labor-Man- at the Union: Scholarship Committee 2015. Led Organizing Campaign for City of Terrus Washington agement Committee NV Energy 2013-Pre- 2015. Other Activities on Behalf of the Lompoc 2014–present. Vets-to-Vets Mem- Initiated into IBEW January 2004. sent. Other Activities on Behalf of the Union: Electrical Workers Minority Cau- ber 2014–2016. Central Tri-Counties Labor Union: Nevada AFL-CIO Delegate. cus. IBEW 9th District Progress Meeting. Council Delegate 2013–2015. City of Lom- National IBEW Utility Conference Dele- poc Negotiations Committee Member Andrew West gate; Organizing Steward–Inaugural class. 2014–2015: Ad Hoc Committee Member. Initiated into IBEW January 2004. Please learn about Other Activities on Behalf of the Union: the candidates, City of Lompoc Safety Committee Member Philip Wiltens 1990–2005/2014–2016. City of Lompoc Kyle Whitman Apprentice JAP Committee Review Mem- Initiated into IBEW April 2002. Initiated into IBEW April 2009. and VOTE!

In Memoriam: Jeff Johnstone

e regret to announce that longtime IBEW Local 1245 I don’t know who they were. He was always welcome in every Wmember and former Business Rep Jeff Johnstone yard we went to visit, and he always did the best he could for passed away at the age of 68. the members.” W Brother Johnstone was initiated into the IBEW in 1968. He Johnstone became sick with throat cancer in 2012, but all worked for several Local 1245-represented Outside Line contrac- who knew him during that time were amazed at his commit- tors during the 90s before joining the Local 1245 union staff as an ment and desire to keep fighting. Outside Line Rep in the Riverside office (prior to Local 47 assum- “His spirit was incredible,” said former Local 1245 staffer ing the representation of the southern part of the state). Corrine Jo Mascarenas. “Instead of being bitter and angry “He was a great worker, intelligent, and a good union man,” about the things that he could not do anymore, he joyfully recalled Local 1245 Rep Mark Rolow. embraced what he still could do.” “He worked long and hard, and fought for every one of the “Everyone thought the world of him,” said former 1245 members he represented. He was always upbeat, and always had staffer Rich Duncan, who had met Johnstone on a project my back,” said Local 1245 Dispatcher Gina Britt. “He was a good in Lancaster in 1986 and served as his supervisor for several guy, and a great role model of what a union brother should be. years. “He ran a pretty good job, and everyone wanted him as He was such a good boss and friend, and I was very sad to hear a foreman.” [of his passing].” “Jeff was a true blue unionist. He had a sharp sense of hu- “When I was a brand new rep, Jeff took me under his wing as mor and knew the line construction industry and world as though I was son. He taught me the ropes,” said former Business well as anyone,” said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom Dal- Rep. Roy Duncan. “He was a great guy, and if he had any enemies, zell. “He made me laugh and made me proud.”

w For more obituaries, visit our website: www.ibew1245.com/obituaries. To submit a death notice, email [email protected]. 42 April – June 2016 Bob Choate, middle, on a PG&E bargaining committee in the early 1980s. At right is committee member Larry Pierce, who was hired onto the Local 1245 staff about the same time as Choate. Bob Choate Loved the work, loved the union

Choate at the 2011 IBEW Convention in Bob Choate loved line work. Even Roger Stalcup called him “that T-man Vancouver, British Columbia. when he was just starting out as a PG&E from Concord who’s big enough to burn groundman in the mid-1960s, he avoid- diesel.” Choate was mostly a gentle gi- years on the union staff, Dalzell pro- ed taking sick leave because he was ant, but his size could be a factor when moted him to Senior Assistant Business afraid he might miss something new. it came to keeping order at meetings. Manager. When Choate decided to retire Choate, who died suddenly on March Disagreements over contract proposals in 2011, Dalzell persuaded him to stay 1 at the age of 70, gave the next 40 years could get heated. The presence of Cho- on long enough to assist with negotiat- of his life to the trade, first as a lineman ate, along with “Big Ed” Caruso, helped ing one more Physical Agreement with for PG&E and later as a union represen- keep the discussion focused, according PG&E. tative. He earned widespread respect to Tamimi. One measure of the respect that Cho- for his knowledge of line work, but even But you don’t get far on size alone, and ate commanded among his peers was more so for his commitment to his Choate quickly established himself as an the election for delegate to the IBEW peers. expert on PG&E’s line department, and a International Convention. Out of more “There is nothing he wouldn’t do for a strong advocate for the union members than 60 candidates in 2011, Choate fin- union brother or sister,” said IBEW 1245 who worked in it. Having come “out of ished third. In 2006 he finished second. Business Manager Tom Dalzell. “He the tools” Choate understood the sys- He was also elected as a delegate in 1991. gave his all to Local 1245, and we are tem, knew the contract and spared no Choate wasn’t just a serious student of better for it.” effort when it came to enforcing it. the line craft; he was a serious student of Choate worked for nearly three years ness Representatives Sam Tamimi and “He had a strong work ethic. He had the union craft. He held 14 Labor Stud- in General Construction at PG&E, then Joe Valentino, who schooled him on a strong desire to represent members,” ies Certificates from the University of moved over to Division, working in Rich- union mechanics. But Choate didn’t McNally said at the time of Choate’s re- California Berkeley, from 1977 to 1992, mond, Walnut Creek and then Concord, need a lot of coaching on the principles tirement from the union staff, in 2011. and eight AFL-CIO certificates in indus- where he was a foreman. He served on of unionism and solidarity. When Valen- “He was a very energetic guy and did a trial relations and contract negotiations two bargaining committees in the early tino died suddenly in 1993, Choate sat lot of work. You’d ask him to do some- from 1980 to 1992. 1980s, and his grasp of union principles with him all night. thing and he’d get with it.” Choate was initiated into IBEW in and his commitment to the cause im- People looked up to Choate, and it As a business representative Cho- June of 1965, a member of Unit 2316 in pressed then-Business Manager Jack wasn’t just because of his expertise. ate established himself as the union’s Concord/Walnut Creek. Choate served McNally, who hired him as a business Choate was a big man who towered over resident expert on call-out procedures, as a shop steward from 1976 until he representative in 1984. the crowd in any room. When Choate and in the late 1990s McNally promoted became a member of the union’s staff in Choate’s early mentors included Busi- was hired onto the union staff, the late Choate to assistant business manager, a 1984. He represented members in Uki- position he contin- ah, Ft. Bragg, Eureka and Geysers Power ued to hold under Plant from 1984 to 1998, and during the Business Managers same period represented members at Perry Zimmerman Davey Tree in the North Bay. and Tom Dalzell. He served on the union’s general bar- Being an assistant gaining committee at PG&E in 1979, business manager 1981, 1983, 2003, 2006 and 2011. posed a new set of Choate once said his knowledge of challenges. He had the job came from the job itself and the more responsibil- crews he worked with. He never went ity for bargaining, to apprentice school; he just practiced including nego-climbing on his lunch break. “The more tiations at Dia-I practiced, the more lunches I didn’t blo Canyon Power eat,” he said in 2011. Plant, and became “GC, when you hired on in those days, involved in arbitra- if you were accepted by the crew they tions. He also took took care of you. We had boomer line- on responsibility for men on the crew who did the teaching, the Joint Appren- then you had the other linemen who’d ticeship Training take care of you—if they liked you. Of Program and served course if you weren’t worth a s**t they’d two stints as the run you off,” Choate said. union’s top official Nobody ever ran Choate off. He was in the PG&E griev- a lineman, and a union brother, to the ance procedure. end. In Choate’s last Choate is survived by his wife, Jane. Choate with Roger Stalcup in the 1970’s Utility Reporter 43 ©2016 by IBEW Local 1245. Produced by Tom Christopher. Permission is hereby granted to other unions to reproduce this poster, so long as this copyright statement is included. 44 April – June 2016