PG&E Chops More Jobs; Union Bargains

1245

International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers Local 1245, AFL-CIO October 1994 Vol. XLIII No. 10

PG&E chops more jobs; union bargains VRI G&E's latest tive. Patterned on last year's pany voluntarily. McNally. "PG&E says it has downsizing, an- VRI, the new program applies PG&E's decision to slash to cut employees to compete, nounced just be- to employees who are 50 its workforce raises serious but the public is going to fore Labor Day, years old, and who have 15 questions about the come out the big loser." (See will reduce the years of service, as of Sept. company's ability to continue story below). workforce by ap- 30, 1994. providing safe, reliable elec- The reductions will come proximatelyp 2500 people and In addition, PG&E has in- tric service, according to Lo- primarily in Customer En- increase anxiety levels for dicated it could announce this cal 1245 Business Manager ergy Services and Electric those who remain. month a Voluntary Severance Jack McNally. Supply, according to PG&E. In negotiations with Local plan that would provide addi- "They're losing some of However, the VRI offer ap- INSIDE 1245, PG&E has agreed to a tional financial incentives for the most highly-skilled work- plies to bargaining unit mem- Local 1245 & the CPUC Voluntary Retirement Incen- employees to leave the corners in the world," said See PAGE THREE Page 3 Workers testify at public hearings Information Highway Pact Voting is crucial Signed with AT&T CPUC proposal threatens reliability Page 4 Election Day Local 1245 Voters' Guide ompetitive markets in fornia Public Utilities Com- opened a new dimension in Pages 7-14 and utility electricity will jeopar- mission during a series of the current debate over a Retirees Corner dize the future reli- public hearings around the CPUC proposal to restruc- Page 15 restructuring ability and safety of state. ture the state's electric in- electricC service, Local 1245 The public testimony by dustry. Prior to the public ob security and po- members warned the Cali- union electrical workers hearings, the CPUC had CALENDAR litical action are managed to focus the discus- linked more closely sion almost entirely on the October 8 than most workers "Safety and issue of electric rates. But Pin Dinner j Bakersfield, Ca. realize. For utility employ- reliability cost a the testimony of the union ees, the outcome of the workers made clear that a October 11 Nov. 8 election will prob- lot of money. We discussion of rates is mean- Last Day to Register for ably be a bigger factor in either pay for it up ingless without a discussion November Elections their future job security of the corresponding level of in California than any other event dur- front or we'll pay service. October 12 "Safety and reliability cost ing the next four years. for it later." Informational Meeting on The reason is simple: if a lot of money. We either pay Retiree Medical Benefits workers fail to elect John Kent for it up front or we'll pay for Bakersfield, Ca. Kathleen Brown as Napa Unit Chair it later," said Local 1245 mem- See PAGE SIX October 13 See PAGE SIXTEEN Informational Meeting on Retiree Medical Benefits Walnut Creek, Ca. October 14 Pin Dinner Merced, Ca. October 15 Public Sector Stewards Conference Sacramento, Ca. November 3 Pin Dinner Weimar, Ca. November 8 ELECTION DAY BE SURE TO VOTE! November 18 Pin Dinner Fresno, Ca.

Local 1245 members helped swell the turnout for the public hearing in San Jose on the CPUC restructuring proposal.

1245 LABOR AT LARGE

Workers here and abroad Rolling the union on. LW Willie's Solidarity: state's prevailing wage law. Country singer Willie Nelson Another would erode public October 1994 canceled a concert at the Cha- employee pensions. Volume XLIII teau Ste. Michelle winery Ea' Deaths in China: Number 10 near Seattle after learning At Circulation: 26,100 about a seven-year boycott of least 38 people were killed the company by the United and 160 injured when a tex- (510) 933-6060 Farm Workers of Washing- tile factory in China's Quianshan industrial zone Business Manager ton State, Labor Notes reported. "Willie has a passion collapsed on June 17. Press & Executive Editor reports said that it took sev- Jack McNally for farmers and farm workers and their families and eral days to free people President trapped in the rubble. Those Howard Stiefer doesn't cross picket lines," said Nelson's publicist. trapped in the rubble had Executive Board been ordered to go into the Jim McCauley Ila" Trouble to the North: building to rescue cotton and Ron Blakemore Ballot measures target orga- equipment after the building E. L. "Ed" Mallory nized workers in Oregon in had been gutted in a fire. Michael J. Davis this fall's election. One mea- YES ON PROPOSITION 186! Kathy F. Tindall sure seeks to repeal the L NAFTA Shafta Contin- ues: Remember the labor Members of SEIU Local 250 demonstrated recently in favor of Andrew G. Dudley Proposition 186, California's Health Security Act. Treasurer "side agreement" that was Chuck Davis supposed to protect workers Attention from the effects of the North plaints that workers were Family and Medical Leave Communications Director fired for trying to organize at Act are ignoring the law. The Eric Wolfe American Free Trade Agree- members! ment (NAFTA)? Well, under Honeywell and General Elec- law requires companies with the terms of the side agree- tric plants in Mexico, Labor 15 or more employees to give Published monthly at 3063 Cit- Have you witnessed Notes reported. But the La- workers 12 weeks unpaid rus Circle, Walnut Creek, Cali- ment, the Labor Department any instances of PG&E has agreed to hear corn- bor Department hearings will leave for childbirth, adoption, fornia 94598. Official publica- sacrificing quality of be in Washington, practically or illness in the family. tion of Local Union 1245, Inter- guaranteeing that the fired national Brotherhood of Elec- service or compromis- Anitude:TheAmerican ing safety in order to workers will not be able to trical Workers, AFL-CIO, P.O. attend. The rules limit testi- Management Association of- Box 4790, Walnut Creek, CA reduce costs? fers a one-day, "100% guaran- If so, you may be able mony to 10 minutes and do 94596. not allow the complaining teed" seminar on "How to to help in the battle unions to ask questions. Legally Fire Employees With Second Class postage paid at against utility "deregu- Attitude Problems," Labor Walnut Creek and at additional lation." fee Fantasy Land: At the Notes reported. Upon mailing offices. USPS No. Please contact same time, the Labor Depart- completion of the $139 ses- 654640, ISSN No. 0190-4965. Hunter Stern at the ment is spending taxpayers' sion, students get a "certifi- Local 1245 Walnut money on a US-Mexico- cate of completion-a perfect POSTMASTER: Please send Creek office: Canada academic conference reminder of your valuable Form 3579, Change of Ad- on labor-management coop- training achievement that's dress, and all correspondence eration. Says Teamsters suitable for framing." to Utility Reporter, P.O. Box (510) 933-6060 President Ron Carey: 4790, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. "They're bringing professors Ea' Drivers Strike: Pony to Washington to discuss Express drivers in numerous Single copies 10 cents, sub- some fantasy land where cities are on strike in their scription $1.20 annually. Arbitrator issues finding management cooperates continuing fight for union with workers, but they won't recognition. The company is On Oct. 3 Arbitrator Walter 30-day period, during which facing more than 120 NLRB Have you moved lately? If so, Kintz issued a preliminary de- the parties are instructed to listen to testimony from real please send your complete new live workers who are being charges for violating federal cision in Arbitration Case No. attempt to agree upon an ap- labor law. One driver was address and your social secu- 201. propriate remedy. Local 1245 fired by US corporations in rity number to the Utility Re- Mexico for organizing for a assigned to a 340-mile deliv- In this case, Local 1245 and PG&E will jointly con- ery after he had already porter, P.O. Box 4790, Walnut challenged on several tact Kintz for for clarification living wage." Creek, CA 94596. worked 24 hours straight. grounds PG&E's displace- of his finding, and then will Law Ignored: A survey When he fell asleep and drove ment of approximately 395 meet as directed. by the University of Califor- over a 40-foot embankment, Physical Division employees If the parties cannot agree nia has found that 40% of 300 Pony Express suspended in early 1994. on an appropriate remedy, employers covered by the him for five days. In his preliminary decision, the case goes back to Kintz Kintz informed the parties for his decision on a remedy. taht he has found a violation As more information be- Gregg Jacobson dies in accident of the labor agreement. Spe- comes available about ICntz's Local 1245 member son, Ca. on Aug. 22. cifically, Kintz found that decision, the union will post Gregg Jacobson was fatally Fellow crew members PG&E improperly gave Sec- it on the electronic bulletin injured by electricial con- performed CPR at the site tion 206.6 options to employ- board. Updates, when avail- tact while performing line until emergency personnel ees with options under Sec- able, can also be obtained clearance tree trimming in arrived. tion 206.3. from the union's toll-free in- proximity to a 230kv trans- BrotherJacobson was 45 Kintz remanded the case formation number: 1-800-227- mission line near Ander- years old. to PG&E and Local 1245 for a 5607

2 Utility Reporter October 1994 LOCAL AT LARGE POINT OF VIEW

IBEW unions taking active role in debate over utility restructuring

Jack McNally, IBEW 1245 Business Manager

ince the Califor- date. Some of the other par- nia Public Utili- ties have not. We played a ties Commission significant role in the re- (CPUC) an- cent passage of a resolu- nounced its re- tion in the California Legis- structuring pro- lature (ACR 143) that iden- posalS in April the California tified several key issues that Coalition of Utility Employ- must be resolved before AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland displays new stamp. ees (CUE) has been ex- adoption of either retail tremely busy filing com- wheeling or performance- ments, testifying at full based ratemaking. Commemorative stamp panel hearings and filing re- CUE, with others, has ad- ply comments. vocated a policy alternative honors George Meany CUE is a coalition of local to retail wheeling: the cre- unions who represent util- ation of an independent dis- he late AFL-CIO largest civilian employers ity employees in California. patching pool for electric mony pointing out short- President George in the United States, to It includes IBEW Locals 18, power. We believe this pool coming in the proposed re- Meany has been recognize George 47, 465, 659, 1245, UWUA approach would have the structuring of electric ser- honored by the US Meany," said Joe Mahon Local 246, ESC-MEBA, and least harmful impact on util- vice. T of the Postal Service. "No Post Office with a com- the Engineers and Archi- ity employees. The pool In addition to the public memorative stamp. individual has done more tects located in Southern concept is gaining credibil- hearings, which run Meany was the first to advance the solidarity California. ity and support among sev- through November, the president of the merged and the commitment of There are five investor- eral parties involved in this CPUC has scheduled an- American Federal of La- American labor." owned electric utilities in issue. other "full panel" hearing bor and Congress of In- CurrentAFL-CIO Presi- California directly regulated CUE has taken other for Oct. 24 in San Diego. It dustrial Organizations dent Lane Kirkland said by the CPUC who would be steps designed to steer this is expected that the CPUC (AFL-CIO). He retired in that Meany provided liv- affected by the CPUC's re- issue in the most construc- will make a decision some- 1979. The stamp, issued ing proof "of how much structuring proposal: Pa- tive direction. Our coalition time between the general Aug. 16, marks the cen- difference one person, cific Power and Lighting, has presented testimony election (Nov. 8) and the tennial of Meany's birth. armed with his qualities, Sierra Pacific Power, Pacific that an environmental im- end of January. "It is an honor for the can really make in the Gas and Electric, Southern pact report must be pre- No matter what the CPUC Postal Service, one of the course of human events." California Edison and San pared before retail wheel- decides, the California Leg- Diego Gas and Electric. ing can be adopted. CUE islature will become the Two major schools of has also worked with other next arena for this impor- thought have emerged in parties to insure that testi- tant debate. I believe most PG&E chops more jobs the debate over restructur- mony on this issue is pre- of the 1995 legislative year From PAGE ONE sentative no later than Nov. ing: retail wheeling (some- sented by a diverse array of will be taken up with utility bers throughout the com- 21, 1994. times called direct access interests. regulation issues. Through pany, so it is not clear how An eligible employee who or bilateral contracts) and And CUE has protected CUE, Local 1245 will con- well the remaining employ- elects VRI may revoke his or transmission grid pooling. its option to pursue litiga- tinue to play an influential ees will match up with the her decision by properly no- The approach that is ulti- tion with respect to retail role as our state legislators positions the company tifying the company on or mately adopted will have a wheeling, should that be- try to figure out what to do wishes to retain. before Nov. 28, 1994. large impact on all electric come necessary. with this political hot po- As with last year's As with last year's pro- utilities--regardless of In addition, CUE is cur- tato. downsizing, it will be many gram, the early retirement whether they are public or rently addressing the pro- Whatever the final out- months before the impacts penalty will be waived for investor-owned and regard- posal for performance- come of this restructuring, of this downsizing are fully those who take the new VRI. less of whether they are based ratemaking to make we can be sure it will affect known-creating widespread In addition, VRI participants regulated by the CPUC. Ob- sure that our safe and reli. our members and signifi- uncertainties for employees. will receive an additional viously this means that most able transmission and dis- cantly influence the debate Disputes may arise concern- three years of credited ser- Local 1245 members will tribution system is not com- in other states as well. ing specific applications of the vice for purposes of calculat- feel the effects of restruc- promised. Local 1245, as part of labor agreement, which ing their pension benefit. turing--regardless of Individual members of CUE, will do everything would require additional talks The union conducted nu- whether you are employed this union have also played possible to protect the in- between the parties. merous retirement planning by a public or investor- an important role in the re- terests of all of our mem- seminars in late September Nov. 21 VRI Deadline owned utility. structuring debate. As the bers. We are the people who and early October to assist Our coalition, CUE, has CPUC conducts public for almost a century have To participate in the VRI, members in gathering the been recognized as a major hearings in various cities, provided excellent service eligible employees must information they need to player in the proceedings our members have been to the public. If intelligent complete and sign the VRI make a decision regarding before the CPUC. We have attending in large numbers. heads prevail we can con- enrollment and waiver and VRI. The union encourages been invited as a panelist in Many of our members have tinue to do so in the century release forms provided by the members to be fully informed all full panel hearings to presented thoughtful testi- to come. company. The completed before making a decision to forms must be returned to a accept VRI or Voluntary Sev- designated company repre- erance.

October 1994 Utility Reporter 3 LOCAL AT LARGE

Local 1245 Union to help build information superhighway ocal 1245 will pro- AT&T NETCON, Inc. last nications network being con- Pacific Bell to perform the newspaper vide workers for month. structed in several areas of construction. The project is construction of an Under the terms of the California over the next five expected to employ at least takes first information super- agreement, Local 1245 will to seven years by Pacific Bell. 3,000 union members over highway in Califor- dispatch workers to put in AT&T NETCON, Inc., a the course of the project. he Utility Reporter nia under the terms duct work and substructures wholly-owned subsidiary of Jobs will range from entry- received a first ofL an agreement reached with for a state-of-the-art commu- AT&T, is under contract with level positions to heavy equip- place award from ment operators operating T the International backhoes, trenchers and bor- Labor Communications ing machines. Workers will Association (ILCA) for be dispatched through the news coverage of the 1993 union's Walnut Creek head- downsizing at Pacific Gas quarters in northern Califor- and Electric. nia, and through the south- "To Leave or Not to ern dispatch office in River- Leave: That is the Ques- side. tion" won first place in the The agreement, concluded "Unique Performance" Sept. 12, capped months of category, which is de- bargaining between Local signed to recognize "un- 1245 and AT&T NETCON. usual journalistic effort." Work is expected to begin The article appeared in the this month in the San Diego September 1993 issue of and Los Angeles areas. the Utility Reporter. In addition to union wages, The Utility Reporter the agreement provides also captured the presti- INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY AGREEMENT Representing IBEW in negotiating the new labor agreement for the California information medical, vision, and dental gious Saul Miller Journal- benefits, with the employer ism Award-in a contest superhighway are (counter-clockwise, from right) International Rep. Bill Davis, Business Rep. Art Murray, Business Manager Jack McNally, Business Rep. Richard Dunkin, and picking up the entire pre- jointly sponsored by the International Rep. Charlie Silvernale. Representing AT&T NETCON are Valerie Koalkowski, mium. The agreement also AFL-CIO and the ILCA- Ed Furlong, Bob Webber, Joe Kaspick, Tim Lawrence and Mike Lundy. (Photo: Eric Wolfe) provides pension benefits. for its overall reporting last year on the North Ameri- can Free Trade Agree- Bargaining roundup: new pacts deliver wage gains ment (NAFTA) . ocal 1245 members ap- Roger Unruh and Business ment operator, machinist/ payments. The ILCA competition plied their collective Rep. Ron Van Dyke. mechanic and utilityman. Bargaining for the union featured 1,483 entries in strength to achieve A new three-year agree- A three-year agreement were Tony Frazier and Busi- various categories by 166 wage and benefit im- ment with the Tri-Dam with CP National Corpora- ness Rep. Ron Van Dyke. member publications L Project provements at various em- provides 3% general tion, Needles District, pro- The same provisions were throughout the nation. wage increases on March 1 vides 3.5% wage increases on bargained in anew three-year Commenting on the ployers over the last several months. of 1994, 1995, and 1996. May 1, 1994 and 1995, and a agreement with Alltel Ne- downsizing story, the The agreement made im- 3% vada judges wrote: An agreement with Wash- wage increase on May 1, in Elko. Representing ington Water and Power provements in sick leave and 1996. The agreement also the union in the bargaining "The Utility Reporter covering gas workers in included a requirement for increases severance pay from were Mary Peterson, Sondra tackles a vital question for South Lake Tahoe provided Class A Driver's License in 20 weeks to 25 weeks after 25 Reynolds, Chuck Stout and many senior workers a wage hike of 5% effective the job descriptions of equip- years and increases per diem Business Rep. John Stralla. today...to take early retire- July 1, 1994 and an additional ment or not... 5% in the following year. "The union assembled The pact creates a new clas- Are you moving? Let your union know! as much information as it sification: utilityman/locator. could..interviewed mem- Bargaining for the union, Are you moving? Let us the Local 1245 members who porter faster-by notifying bers who were taking VRI which represents six employ- know your new address! has recently moved, the post the union directly of your and those who were not. It ees, were Dave Rust and Busi- Restructuring at PG&E office will eventually tell us. new address. held seminars on financial ness Rep. John Stralla. has produced many relo- But you can speed the pro- If you've moved recently, planning. It warned not to cations. If you are one of cess-and get your Utility Re- please return this form: listen to management's A one-year agreement with layoff rumors. It told the City of Fallon provided a 3.2% wage increase for em- Name where to go for help in ployees in the electric and planning the future." water departments effective "Other unions facing Social Security Number similar management ac- July 1, 1994. tions," the judges wrote, Bargaining for the union were Allen Dodson, Sherry OLD Address "would do well to see what Burns, Edwin McBroom and Local 1245 has provided Business Rep. John Stralla. for its readers." City, State, Zip Business Manager A new two-year agreement Jack McNally is executive with Lindmore Irrigation District provided a 2.5% gen- NEW Address editor of the Utility Re- eral wage increase on Sept. porter. Communications 1, with an additional 2.5% in- Director Eric Wolfe serves crease on Sept. 1, 1995. Bar- City State, Zip as managing editor. gaining for the union were

4 Utility Reporter October 1994 LOCAL AT LARGE

Wilson appointees are the problem Ergonomics standard in jeopardy ATTENTION proposed Cal- OSHA ergonom- INDIVIDUALS EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS ics standard in- OR ASBESTOS-CONTAINING tended to protect It now appears that the Stan- PRODUCTS workers from re- dards Board will be adopting a AND petitive motion INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES WHICH injuriesA has been watered standard designed to minimize any down to the point where it is inconvenience to the employer MAY BE SUED BY THOSE EXPOSED TO virtually useless. ASBESTOS-CONTAINING PRODUCTS Union representatives, in- rather than minimizing injury to cluding representatives of Lo- A class action lawsuit, Ahearn v. Fibreboard Corp., C.A. cal 1245, have worked for workers. No. 6:93cv526 (E.D. Tex.) and a Global SettlementAgree- years to get the Cal-OSHA ment, have been filed in U.S. District Court in Tyler, Standards Board to adopt an Texas. If approved, this class action and settlement will ergonomics standard. The resolve all future asbestos-related personal injury claims process has moved at a snail's ers in the same industry to The current activity to es- against Fibreboard and its predecessors, including pace because Gov. Pete Wil- follow or disregard repetitive tablish an ergonomics stan- PABCO, as well as third-party claims arising out of such son has stacked the Stan- motion injuries based on their dard is mandated by Assem- claims. dards Board with appointees claimed profit margin. If an bly Bill 100. That bill states who are hostile to imposing employer claimed that impos- that the Standards Board A class action, Continental Casualty Co. v. Rudd, C.A. No. any costs on business-even ing corrective measures must take appropriate action 6:94cv458 (E.D. Tex.) was also filed against two defen- when the health and safety of would cause undue hardship, "to minimize the instance of dant classes seeking approval of a settlement entered California workers are di- including economic hard- injury from repetitive mo- into between Fibreboard and certain of its insurers to rectly threatened. ship, the employer could just tion." settle all liabilities and obligations of the insurers under The standard to be consid- choose to ignore the stan- However, it now appears insurance policies they issued to Fibreboard. ered by the Standards Board dard. that the Standards Board will on Nov. 17 in San Diego bears • If you, a member of your family, or someone for whom "Triggers" Weakened be adopting a standard de- the unmistakeable imprint of signed to minimize any in- you have legal responsibility was exposed, directly or big business. It includes a The proposed standard convenience to the employer indirectly, to asbestos or asbestos-containing prod provision that allows employ- also weakens the "triggers" rather than minimizing injury ucts; or ers to ignore the standard if thatwould force the employer to workers. • If you are a person or entity which may be sued by they can demonstrate undue to adopt corrective measures. individuals exposed to asbestos or asbestos-contain financial hardship. In earlier versions of the pro- "This is the kind of ing products; "This is the first time that posed standard, a report by a rulemaking we can continue cost issues have entered the worker of a perceived risk to expect if Wilson is re- Call: 1-800-792-2000 for more information about these safety arena in such a de- required an examination of elected," said Business Man- class actions and your rights...evenif you are not suffer- structive manner," said Lo- the worksite. The latest ver- ager Jack McNally. ing from any symptoms of injury. cal 1245 Business Rep. Landis sion of the standard, how- "If he gains another term, Marttila. ever, requires a worker to be working people will continue Local 1245 members may contact the union hall at The language as proposed injured in some form to trig- to have an enemy occupying 1-510-933-6060. Ask for Landis Marttila or Tom would allow different employ- ger a worksite analysis. the highest state office." Dalzell. Local 1245, Asplundh Tree resolve 'portability' issue splundh Tree Expert ority in bargaining with union Co. and Local 1245 tree contractors. have tentatively On Aug. 30 Business Man- agreed to the resolu- agerJack McNally and Brent A Asplundh, president of tion of the issue of "portability" of seniority. Asplundh Tree Expert Co., "Portability" is an issue came to a tentative agree- whenever one union contrac- ment in San Francisco on tor replaces another union portability of seniority for contractor on a PG&E tree purposes of determining va- trimming contract. Typically cation. Asplundh is the first the new contractor will hire of the union tree contractors the union tree trimmers for- to take this step. merly employed by the pre- Bargaining with Asplundh vious contractor. on other issues is still in However, in going to work progress, according to Busi- for the new contractor, the ness Rep. Landis Marttila. union tree trimmers are Local 1245 has about 250 stripped of their seniority. members working for Local 1245 has made correct- Asplundh in various counties ing this situation a high pri- in northern California Local 1245 tree trimmers in the San Mateo yard of Asplundh Tree Co. (Photo: Landis Marttila).

October 1994 Utility Reporter 5 1994 GENERAL ELECTION

Election Day and Mission Possible: Get Out the Vote on Nov. 8 utility restructuring Many people understand ence. Sometimes changing now! Your efforts today can From PAGE ONE that working people get the just one vote per precinct can alter the shape of legislation California's next governor, we short end of the stick from change the result of an elec- enacted in 1995 and 1996. will have four more years of elected officials. But many of tion. Contact you rAFL-C10 Cen- Pete Wilson's anti-labor policies these same people don't Central Labor Councils in tral Labor Council (CLC) and and appointments. bother to vote.They think their California and Nevada are offer to help with phone can- What does this mean for utility employees? vote doesn't make a differ- conducting get-out-the-vote vassing and get-out-the vote Think about the recent ence. campaigns and they need efforts. Call up and volunteer downsizings at PG&E. These But it does make a differ- volunteers to sign up right today. downsizings didn't happen by accident. They are a direct response to recent efforts by the California Public Utilities Com- Alameda County CLC Marysville CLC San Francisco CLC mission to create "competitive 7992 Capwell Drive 1010 "I" Street 660 Howard St., 3rd floor markets" in electricity. Oakland, CA 94621 Marysville, CA 95901 San Francisco, CA 94105 The CPUC is doing every- 510/632-4242 916/743-7321 415/543-2699 thing in its power to cut electric rates for big business. Even if Butte-Glenn Counties CLC Merced-Mariposa Counties San Joaquin & Calaveras this means higher rates for residential consumers, layoffs for 210 W. 6th St. CLC Counties CLC utility employees, and the dete- Chico, CA 95926 557 West Main St. #206 121 East Vine Street rioration of electric service. 916/343-9474 Merced, CA 95340 Stockton, CA 95202 It's no big secret why the 209/722-3636 209/948-5526 CPUC is taking this course of Contra Costa County CLC action: all the current members 525 Green Street Monterey County CLC San Mateo County CLC of the CPUC were appointed by Martinez, CA 94553 1145 North Main Street 1153 Chess Drive #200 Gov. Pete Wilson and his pre- 510/228-0161 Salinas, CA 93906 Foster City, CA 94404 decessor, George Deukmejian. They intentionally picked 778 Hawthorne Street 415/572-8848 people who would side with big Five Counties CLC Monterey, CA 93940 business-no matter what the 900 Locust Street, Rm. 7 408/757-3094 Santa Cruz County CLC consequences for the rest of us. Redding, CA 96001 517 Mission St. #B The terms of some of these 916/241-0319 Napa & Solano Counties Santa Cruz, CA 95060 CPUC commissioners will ex- CLC 408/459-0415 pire during the next four years.If Fresno & Madera Counties 404 Nebraska St. Pete Wilson is re-elected as gov- CLC Vallejo, CA 94590 ernor, these commissioners will South Bay CLC be replaced by others just as 1645 "E" Street #102 707/557-5036 2101 Almaden Road #101 bad- or worse. Fresno, CA 93706 San Jose, CA 95125 But it doesn't have to be that 209/228-8597 Northern Nevada CLC 408/266-3790 way. 1150 Terminal Way Democratic candidate Humboldt & Del Norte Reno, NV 89502 Sonoma, Mendocino, & Kathleen Brown has expressed Counties CLC 702/323-0390 Lake Counties CLC deep concerns about the 1707 "K" Street 1700 Corby Ave., Suite C CPUC's restructuring proposal Eureka, CA 95501 and its impact on consumers, Northeastern Nevada CLC Santa Rosa, CA 95407 utility employees, and the fu- 707/445-1245 P.O. Box 2936 707/576-1677 ture quality and reliability of Elko, NV 89801 electric service. Kathleen Kern, lnyo & Mono 702/738-5743 Stanislaus & Tuolumne Brown would make very differ- Counties CLC Counties CLC ent appointments to the CPUC 200 West Jeffrey Street Sacramento CLC 1340 Lone Palm Avenue than Pete Wilson, which would Bakrsfield, CA 93305 2840 El Centro Road #111 Modesto, CA 95351 result in different policies com- 805/324-6451 Sacramento, CA 95833 209/523-8079 ing out of the CPUC. 916/927-9772 For utility employees, it could mean the difference between Los Angeles County Tri Counties CLC job security and layoffs, the dif- Federation of Labor San Bernardino & 21 South Des Caminos Ave. ference between wage stability 2130 W. 9th St. Riverside Counties CLC Ventura, CA 93003 and wage degradation. Los Angeles, CA 90006 1074 La Cadena Dr., Suite 1 805/641-3712 Don't be fooled by the TV (213) 381-5611 Riverside, CA 92501 ads. Pete Wilson has nothing 909/825-7871 Tulare-King Counties CLC but contempt for working Marin County CLC 319 North Church people. In 1992 alone he vetoed 819 A street, #27 San Diego-Imperial 35 bills sponsored by the Cali- Visalia, CA 93279 fornia AFL-CIO. San Rafael, CA 94901 Counties CLC 209/732-8963 It's time we made a change in 415/454-2593 4265 Fairmount Ave. Sacramento.Vote for Kathleen San Diego, CA 92105 Brown to be our next governor. 619/283-5411

6 Utility Reporter October 1994 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * IBEW Local 1245 Union Voters' Guide Pages 7-14 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Local 1245 Member, Change is all around us: downsizings, are most likely to be competition, restructuring...and the list goes on. our allies on We face very real threats. These problems will important workplace affect Local 1245 members at all of our issues. Please give employers. The outcome of the Nov. 8 elections these endorsements will determine how many allies we have in the your careful Kathleen Brown, Democratic state legislature as we try to protect our consideration when candidate for governor, and Jack livelihoods. casting your vote on McNally More than anything else, we need a new Nov. 8. governor. The current governor is in the hip Also please volunteer to help your county's pocket of big business. His appointments to state Central Labor Council get out the vote. Your agencies and courts, including the California council's phone number is listed on page 6. Public Utilities Commission, have hurt us badly. We need someone whose loyalty is to the average In Unity, citizen. That is why your vote really means something this year. Our union by-laws require the Local 1245 Executive Board to evaluate candidates for Jack McNally, elected office and to recommend the ones who Business Manager

United States Senator Governor Dianne Feinstein (D) Kathleen Brown (D)

Lieutenant Governor State Attorney General Gray Davis (D) Tom Umberg (D) Secretary of State Tony Miller (D) Superintendent of Public Instruction (non-partisan office) State Insurance Commissioner Delaine Eastin Art Torres (D) State Controller State Treasurer Kathleen Connell (D) Phil Angelides (D)

You Can Make the Difference. Vote Nov. 8th!

October 1994 Utility Reporter 7 * Local 1245 Voter Guide *

Dianne Feinstein for US Senate ianne Feinstein law last year. Feinstein showed her has served in the Feinstein also co-spon- support for education re- Senate less than sored the Hatch Act Re- form by backing the re- two years, but al- form Amendments of cently-passed Goals 2000 ready she has 1993. This bill restored to act, a measure to write into proven to be an effective Federal civilian employ- law six national education advocate for working ees their right to volun- goals and establish tests people. tarily participate, as pri- and standards for elemen- Feinstein bucked the po- vate citizens, in the tary and secondary stu- litical tide and sided with nation's political process. dents. labor in voting against the The bill also protects these Feinstein showed lead- North American Free employees from improper ership on the jobs issue by Trade Agreement political solicitations. introducing a measure to (NAFTA). Feinstein took Feinstein recently intro- target defense conversion the position that NAFTA duced the Harassment funds to communities did not contain adequate Free Workplace Act, a bill most hurt by military protections for workers in to expand laws against spending cutbacks. She Mexico and would lead sexual harassment in the also introduced a measure to the loss of US jobs. workplace. The bill seeks to authorize funds for small Feinstein cosponsored to expand Title VII of the business defense conver- Dianne Feinstein the Family and Medical Civil Rights Act of 1964 to sion, which will create or Leave Act of 1993, which include companies and maintain 400,000 jobs. provides workers up to businesses with fewer In a very short period of Endorsed 12 weeks of unpaid leave than 15 employees. The time Feinstein has estab- for family or temporary law currently applies only lished herself as a re- By Your Union! medical emergencies. to companies and busi- spected voice in the US This bill, strongly backed nesses with more than 15 Senate. Let's keep her by labor, was signed into workers. there. Kathleen Brown for Governor athleen Brown billion general obligation savings from cuts in school has built her eco- bond dedicated tore-build- administrative spending. nomic strategy ing California infrastruc- Brown calls for a New around the goal ture. Jobs Tax Credit to provide of creating one Brown declares that Cali- tax incentives for business millionK jobs in California. fornia must compete in the that create full-time jobs On the first day of her global market for environ- paying between $17,600 administration, Brown de- mental goods and services, and $60,000 annually. clares, she will issue an ex- now estimated to be over Brown says the key to ecutive order to appoint a $200 billion. implementing these and Jobs General and require She calls for the creation other economic develop- all state agencies to refocus of an advanced transpor- ment programs is not new their activities on job cre- tation manufacturing and taxes but "new leader- ation and economic expan- labor training network in ship." And as State Trea- sion. California so the state can surer, she has already Browns proposes the cre- be a global leader in trans- proven her considerable ation of a Growth Program portation manufacturing. skills in the area of eco- to provide loans to small Brown calls for the cre- nomic leadership. business, seed capital for ation of a "Job Ready" pro- The president of the Kathleen Brown emerging technology, and gram to provide children National Association of minority and women- with the skills to compete State Treasurers called owned businesses; loan in the 21st Century. In part- Brown "an innovative fis- guarantees for environ- nership with businesses cal manager" andCity and Endorsed mental companies and en- and community colleges, State newspaper named By Your Union! trepreneurs; and funds for high schools would de- Brown as "the most valu- community reinvestment velop job training pro- able public official" in in depressed or economi- grams and arrange after- America at the state level. cally disadvantaged areas. school apprenticeships. California needs the Brown pledges to issue, She proposes to fund the leadership of Kathleen with voter approval, a $1 Job Ready program with Brown.

8 Utility Reporter October 1994 ************ * Local 1245 Voter Guide * * * * * * * * * * *

Gray Davis for Lt. Governor t the 1993 State spearheaded an innova- amount to public schools Economic Sum- tive program to invest in defiance of the mit in Los An- state employee pension Governor's veto of a por- geles, Control- funds in building afford- tion of the Proposition 98 ler Gray Davis able housing for first-time funds approved by the unveiledA a seven-point home buyers. This effort, Legislature. economic revitalization begun in 1992, has put And when a state bud- plan for California. The more than 8,000 construc- get was not passed for a blueprint included a pro- tion workers back to work month after it was due in posal to require busi- and will ultimately build 1990, Davis refused to is- nesses to guarantee the 5,000 new homes sue paychecks to legisla- creation of new jobs in throughout the state. tors and state constitu- exchange for tax breaks. The project is also prov- tional officers--including The proposal says a lot ing to be a profitable in- himself--until the budget about how Davis would vestment for the pension was enacted. perform as Lt. Governor. fund, with returns of 20%. Davis has also champi- He would make economic As Controller, Davis de- oned efforts to crack development a top prior- fended education. During down on Medi-Cal fraud, ity, but would seek to in- the 1990-91 fiscal year, expose misuse of public Gray Davis sure that economic devel- Davis joined the funds, and to aggressively opment does not come at Superintendant of Public pursue parents who are the expense of workers. Instruction to challenge delinquent in making / Endorsed His record as Control- then-Gov. George child support payments. ler demonstrates that Deukmejian's attempt to Davis has the strength By Your Union! Davis is a man of action. reduce state funding to of character to make a As a member of the public education. Davis great Lt. Governor. His Ca1PERS Board of Direc- continued to pay the full record of public service tors, Controller Davis Proposition 98 funding proves it. Tony Miller: Secretary of State ony Miller has the Miller has proposed Secretary of State, Miller experience making the Secretary of has worked hard to find needed to make State office non-partisan new ways to increase the Secretary of to insure that its tradition voter participation. He State's office an of fairness and impartial- helped pioneer registra- "honestT broker" of de- ity is backed up by law. tion-by-mail and vote-by- mocracy. Miller believes democ- mail, and is now working The Secretary of State is racy can be improved to implement the Federal responsible for insuring through campaign fi- "Motor Voter" Act in Cali- that elections in Califor- nance reform. He sup- fornia, which can help nia are conducted in a fair ports a proposal that bring many more people and efficient manner. would take lobbyists out into the democratic pro- Miller has demonstrated of the business of making cess. through years of service and arranging campaign Miller believes that that he has the experience contributions. streamlining government and commitment needed Miller also understands and slashing red tape can to run fair and honest elec- that accurate information help create new jobs in tions. is another important ele- California. He has pro- Before assuming his cur- ment in any democracy. posed the elimination of rent position of Acting That's why he supports the $800 small business Tony Miller Secretary of State, Miller the passage of a "truth in start-up tax as one step served as Chief Deputy advertising" law. Such a toward encouraging job Secretary of State from law would require those creation. / Endorsed 1981 to 1994.He served as who run ads for or against Miller, a native of Chief Legal Counsel to the ballot initiatives to declare Plumas County, has al- By Your Union! Secretary of State from up-front the names of the ready demonstrated the 1976 to 1981 and was one industries and organiza- capacity, the commitment of the original members tions that are actually pay- and the experience to do of the Fair Political Prac- ing for the ads. the job. He deserves our tices Commission in 1975. As the current Acting support. October 1994 Utility Reporter 9 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Local 1245

United States Senate ENDORSEME1 Dianne Feinstein (D) 44. Steve Clute (D) United States 45. Brett Williamson (D) House of Representatives 46. Michael Farber (D) Governor District 47. Gary Kingsbury (D) 1. Dan Hamburg (D) 48. Andrei Leschick (D) Kathleen Brown (D) 2. Mary Jacobs (D) 49. Lynn A. Schenk (D) 3. Vic Fazio (D) 50. Bob Filner (D) 4. Katie Hirning (D) 51. Rita K. Tamerius (D) Lieutenant Governor 5. Robert Matsui (D) 52. Janet M. Gastil (D) 6. Lynn Woolsey (D) Gray Davis (D) 7. George Miller (D) California State Senate 8. Open (D) District Secretary of State No Endorsement (R) 9. Ronald V. Dellums (D) 2. Mike Thompson (D) 10. Ellen Schwartz (D) 4. Michael H. McGowan (D) Tony Miller (D) 11. Randy A. Perry (D) 6. Leroy F. Greene (D) 12. Tom Lantos (D) 8. No Endorsement Treasurer 13. Fortney (Pete) Stark (D) 10. Bill Lockyer (D) 14. Open (D) 12. Dan McCorquodale (D) 14. Open Phil Angelides (D) No Endorsement (R) 15. Norm Mineta (D) 16. Jim Costa (D) 16. Zoe Lofgren (D) 18. Jack O'Connell (D) Con troller 17. No Endorsement 20. Herschel Rosenthal (D) 18. Gary A. Condit (D) 22. Richard G. Polanco (D) Kathleen Connell (D) 19. Rick Lehman (D) 24. Hilda Solis (D) 20. No Endorsement 26. Diane E. Watson (D) 21. John L. Evans (D) 28. Ralph C. Dills (D) Attorney General 22. Walter Holden Capps (D) 30. Charles M. Calderon (D) 23. Kevin Ready (D) 32. Ruben S. Ayala (D) Tom Umberg (D) 24. Anthony C. Beilensen (D) 34. Donna L. Chessen (D) 25. James H. Gilmartin (D) 36. Kay Ceniceros (D) 26. Howard L. Berman (D) 38. William A. Craven (R) Supt. of Public Instruction 27. Doug Kahn (D) 40. Steve Peace (D) 28. Tommy Randle (D) Delaine Eastin (NP) 29. Henry A. Waxman (D) California State Assembly 30. Xavier Becerra (D) District Insurance Commissioner 31. Matthew G. Martinez (D) 1. Dan Hauser (D) 32. Julian C. Dixon (D) 2. James Bainbridge (D) Art Torres (D) 33. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D) 3. Jim Chapman (D) 34. No Endorsement 4. Charles W. Fish (D) 35. Maxine Waters (D) 5. Joan Barry (D) Board of Equalization 36. Jane Harman (D) 6. Kerry Mazzoni (D) 37. Walter R. Tucker III (D) 7. Valerie Brown (D) Dist. 1: Johan Klehs (D) 38. Peter Mathews (D) 8. Thomas M. Hannigan (D) Dist. 2: Robert Presley (D) 39. R. 0. (Bob) Davis (D) 9. Phillip Isenberg (D) Dist. 3: Ernest Dronenburg, Jr. (R) 40. Donald (Don) M. Rusk (D) 10. T. Kathleen Wishnick (D) Dist. 4: Brad Sherman (D) 41. Ed Tessier (D) 11. Bob Campbell (D) 42. George E. Brown, Jr. (D) 12. John L. Burton (D) 43. Mark A. Takano (D) 13. Willie L. Brown, Jr. (D)

10 Utility Reporter October 1994 • ter Guide * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ■ITS BY IBEW LOCAL 1245 4. Tom Bates (D) 63. Richard Edwards (D) 72. Allan L. Dollison (D) 5. Open 64. Roberta (Bobbi) Meyer (D) 73. Lee Walker (D) 6. Barbara Lee (D) 65. Richard Sondoval (D) 74. Poppy DeMarco Dennis (D) 7. Michael Machado (D) 66. David Hendrick (D) 75. Katherine Wodehouse (D) S. Michael Sweeney (D) 67. Jonathan Woolf-Willis (D) 76. Susan A. Davis (D) 9. Jackie Speier (D) 68. Iry Pickier (D) 77. Tom Connolly (D) D. Liz Figueroa (D) 69. Mike Metzler (D) 78. Deirdre (Dede) Alpert (D) 1. Byron D. Sher (D) 70. Jim Toledano (D) 79. Denise Moreno Ducheny (D) 2. John Vasconcellos (D) 71. Jeanne Costales (D) 80. Julie Bornstein (D) 3. Dominic L. Cortese (D) 4. Ed Foglia (D) 0: Democrat Open: The Calif. AFL-CIO and Local 1245 take no position for or against 5. Margaret E. Snyder (D) R: Republican the candidates, but other local unions may endorse or oppose. 6. Sal Cannella (D) NP: Non-partisan office No Endorsement: No union support for these candidates. 7. Bill Monning (D) B. Lily Cervantes (D) CALIFORNIA BALLOT PROPOSITIONS 9. Michael E. O'Hare (D) D. Bryn Allison Batrich (D) Proposition 181: the $1 billion Passenger and Clean YES 1. Cruz M. Bustamante (D) Air Bond Act of 1994 2. Jack Keally (D) 3. John B. Ashbaugh (D) Proposition 182: the California Housing and Jobs YES 4. Timothy G. Hauk (D) Bond Investment Act 5. Mindy Lorenz (D) 6. James L. Hutchins (D) Proposition 183: combines some recall elections YES 7. Dorothy S. Maron (D) with regular elections S. Josh A. Arce (D) 9. Richard Katz (D) Proposition 184: the so-called "three strikes" NO 0. Barbara Friedman (D) initiative 1. Sheila James Kuehl (D) 2. Wally Knox (D) Proposition 185: imposes an additional 4% sales tax (No Recommendation) 3. Adam Schiff (D) on gasoline for transit and highway construction 4. Bruce Philpott (D) Antonio Villaraigosa (D) Proposition 186: the single-payer health plan YES Louis Caldera (D) initiative Kevin Murray (D) Proposition 187: the so-called "save our state" NO Marguerite Archie-Hudson (D) initiative Diane Martinez (D) Martha M. Escutia (D) Proposition 188: the initiative sponsored by the NO Curtis R. Tucker, Jr. (D) tobacco industry to pre-empt existing regulations Willard H. Murray, Jr. (D) against smoking Debra Bowen (D) Betty Karnette (D) Juanita M. McDonald (D) Bob Epple (D) MAKE VOTE Martin Gallegos (D) Grace F. Napolitano (D) DEMOCRACY ON Margalo Ashley-Farrand (D) Open No Endorsement WORK! Nov. 8 Joe Baca (D)

October 1994 Utility Reporter 11 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Local 1245 Voter Guide * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Art Torres: Insurance Commissioner s chair of the refuse to pay claims when issues. He sparked an in- Senate Insur- they are sick or injured. vestigation of Cal- ance Commit- He stood up for riot dam- OSHA's lax enforcement tee, Art Torres aged small businesses of health and safety laws refused contri- when their insurers in California factories. He butionsA from the insur- wouldn't pay claims. He fought Republican efforts ance industry and the trial authored a tough new law to gut Cal-OSHA and he lawyers. He cleaned up to stop insurance compa- pushed for greater pro- the corruption left by nies from dropping dy- tection from toxics in the former chairman, Alan ing patients from cover- workplace. Robbins. age. Torres also led a suc- That tells you some- As co-chair of the Legis- cessful drive to raise the thing about the character lative Committee charged minimum wage. of Art Torres, the labor- with implementing health If elected Insurance endorsed candidate for care in California, Torres Commissioner, Torres has Insurance Commissioner. is fighting to ensure that pledged an "all out war" When it comes to insur- any national plan meets against high auto insurance issues, Torres knows the long-ignored health ance rates, insurance the territory as well as care needs of seniors, fraud, and insurance anybody in the state. women, and children. He redlining. He is currently Torres investigated de- pledges to make health working with District At- Art Torres lays in Proposition 103 care his top priority as In- torneys and law enforce- insurance rebates. He surance Commissioner. ment officials on a legis- authored legislation to Torres, who began his lative package to increase i Endorsed crack down on bogus in- career working alongside fraud prosecutions. By Your Union! surance companies who the late Cesar Chavez of Torres will be an Insur- bilk policy holders out of the United Farm Work- ance Commissioner who their premiums and then ers, is no stranger to labor makes a difference. Delaine Eastin: School Superintendent t took Delaine Eastin This program will pro- plishments include the six years and six bills— vide much-needed atten- 1992 School Facilities overcoming three tion to the many Califor- Bond Act (the largest vetoes--to establish a nia high school graduates school bond measure in state fund to improve who do not attend college. history), an Educational schoolI libraries. But she Eastin, herself the daugh- Technology bill that en- never gave up and the ter of a union machinist, sures that all new schools measure was finally believes union appren- are built or modernized signed into law last year. ticeship programs should with appropriate wiring It is that sort of persis- be an integral part of high to accommodate educa- tence that has won Eastin school career develop- tional technology, and a reputation not only for ment programs. legislation to promote dis- high principles but for "There should be a trict financial responsibil- fierce determination in clean, straight shot from ity. She has encouraged pursuing what she be- the classroom to the parental involvement in lieves in. workforce," Eastin says. education by authoring What she believes in is Her reform proposals legislation that requires educating California's include putting at least six large employers to allow young people. computers in every Cali- employees time off for Delaine Eastin One of Eastin's primary fornia classroom by the school-related obligations goals as Superintendent turn of the century and Eastin has built a repu- will be to establish "Part- giving local schools more tation as one of the most nership Academies," autonomy. She wants to dynamic and effective / Endorsed where labor unions work allow an unlimited num- members of the Assem- By Your Union! closely with public ber of charter schools, bly. She has the talent and schools to create pro- which are permitted to the drive to transform grams that give non-col- adopt their own innova- education in California. lege bound young people tions. Californians have a lot the skills for good union Assembly Member to gain by giving her the jobs. Eastin's legislative accom- chance to do it.

12 Utility Reporter October 1994 Tom Umberg for Attny. General iAl hen the Util- tice system. My decision prise to you," Umberg ity Reporter to seek the office of Attor- continued, "that my Re- requested ney General is a reflection publican opponent, Dan information of my experience and in- Lungren, has used his from Tom terest in improving this position as Attorney Gen- Umberg's campaign of- sytem, as well as my deep eral to advocate for his fice, the candidate him- and abiding commitment private sector supporters, self responded with a per- to reducing violence on leading the State Depart- sonal letter to the union. our streets, in our homes, ment of Justice to turn its Umberg, an Assembly and at our schools. back on California's member who seeks the "Having worked with workers. Prior to serving office of attorney general, labor representatives over as Attorney General, has previously served as the last few years, I am Lungren consistently an Assistant US Attorney. familiar with the issues voted in the US Congress Assigned to the newly- and objectives of the to weaken prevailing created Federal Court in IBEW," Umberg wrote. wage laws, weaken health Orange County, he main- "As labor's strongest sup- and safety laws, cut fed- tained a 100% conviction porter from Orange eral funding for OSHA, rate prosecuting large- County in the State Legis- and oppose job creation Tom Umberg scale drug dealers, gang lature, I have consistently and job retention legisla- members, white collar worked hard during my tion." criminals, and civil rights tenure in the Assembly to Umberg has vowed to Endorsed cases. represent you and your focus on juvenile crime to In his letter to Local membership. I have not help keep first-time of- By Your Union! 1245, Umberg wrote: hesitated to tackle the fenders from becoming "As indicated by the tough issues and attempt revolving-door felons. enclosed personal biogra- to improve the lives of As Attorney General, phy, the focus of my pro- working men and women Tom Umberg will make a fessional life has been in California. valuable contribution to within our criminal jus- "I am sure it is no sur- the citizens of California. Phil Angelides for Treasurer hil Angelides "for those of us who have the standard of develop- warns that been successful in the ment in the Sacramento there are no business world and in our region, with the planting "political quick communities and who of more than 40,000 trees, fixes" for the care for our families to the dedication of more California economy. step into the public arena than 700 acres of "Our turnaround will to make a difference." parklands and open come through investing Angelides has set a goal space, the provison of a in the energy and talent of of creating 100,000 new range of housing from California entrepreneurs jobs in California and ex- low-income to custom and workers," says presses confidence in homes, the adoption of Angelides, Democratic California's long-term fu- strict architectural guide- candidate for Treasurer. ture. Despite the loss of lines, the building and "As the state's chief in- over 600,000 jobs since showcasing of energy-ef- vestment officer, I believe 1990, Angelides notes that ficient homes with PG&E in California and will in- there is new growth and and SMUD, the design of vest to get a good return dynamism in many sec- state-of-the-art natural on our money and to put tors of the California treatment of drainage people back to work." economy, such as enter- waters, and the creation Angelides cites his skills tainment, biotech, high of jobs within walking and experience in the pri- technology, foreign trade, distance of homes. Phil Angelides vate and public sectors as financial services and en- Angelides has demon- making him "uniquely vironmental technology. strated that California can suited to create jobs and Angelides has won na- grow while being respect- / Endorsed to restore faith in the abil- tional recognition for ful of the environment. It's ity of government to pro- planning and building an attitude that will serve By Your Union! duce good results." Laguna West. His com- us well when Angelides Angelides said it is time munities have changed is elected Treasurer.

October 1994 Utility Reporter 13 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Local 1245 Voter Guide * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Connell for State Controller ou don't have to sion fund assets. her business experience to be a political sci- Connell says she wants the task of reducing waste ence professor to target emerging indus- in government. She plans to see the differ- tries to create high-wage to conduct an immediate ence between jobs in California. She ad- statewide "performance Kathleeny Connell, who is vocates tax incentives for audit" to assist the Legis- endorsed by labor, and small companies that cre- lature and the Governor her Republican opponent. ate jobs in California. in efforts to cut the deficit Connell's opponent is a Future prosperity, she and confront the looming right-wing extremist who says, depends on rebuild- fiscal emergency. has proposed abolishing ing California's infra- Performance audits, public employee pensions structure. used with great success to balance the budget and "With limited bonding in other states, look for has called Social Security capacity and enormous ways that government a "morally bankrupt" tax. infrastructure needs for can "work smarter and Connell has a different transportation, schools, cheaper" by tightening view of what California sewers, communications management, eliminating needs. She wants to use and waste facilities, " says duplication, slimming the power of public pen- Connell, "California can down administrative sion funds to invest in no longer afford to sell overhead, and maximiz- Kathleen Connell California's future. bonds in a random fash- ing assets and revenues, "We must adopt a Cali- ion." Connell favors a co- says Connell. fornia-first policy to cre- ordinated plan for state Kathleen Connell has Endorsed ate jobs and prosperity," capital investment, with the experience and the says Connell, noting that a priority to bonds that drive to make a positive By Your Union! the Controller helps over- favor job creation. contribution to California. see $130 billion in pen- Connell hopes to apply She deserves our support.

The Top Ten Reasons Union Members Volunteer in Election Campaigns

10. The food is delicious. 9. It's fun to tell others what they should do...for a change. 8. You meet new people. 7. The election parties are much more fun when your candidate wins. 6. It's cheap entertainment. 5. You learn new skills and tell strangers where to go.

4. You don't have to fret over the election pamphlet the I Want night before because you'll already know all the answers. You to Volunteer 3. There are prizes and gifts for people who volunteer. (Well, maybe.) 2. You meet and get to know the candidates.

1. Union members actually make a difference in who gets elected and what policies get made. We all benefit!

We thank the San Mateo Central Labor Council for permitting us to borrow this informative list.

14 Utility Reporter October 1994 RETIREE CORNER

When workers are united, anything is possible By Om Owen union do not stop upon re- it be food, shelter, health care ing these employees, that t is not in numbers but tirement. Active members or the other necessities of struggle still goes on. in unity that our great- and retired members must life. Protecting our access to Organizing our retiree est strength lies. maintain the unity of strength these things has been the clubs is a struggle that also The whole, when that protects the gains and historic function and goal of still goes on. We retirees will united, is able to do any- benefits won by our union our union. continue to be persistent in thing. The need for across the bargaining table. Persistence Pays our goal of organizing all of unity1 is basic to the contin- Local 1245 retirees believe our retirees. We, like our not- Dangerous ued success and growth of that the need for unity is so I believe that one of the yet-retired brothers and sis- our union, and it is just as basic that it remains the same most effective techniques in ters, also believe in a union necessary now as it was in for both active and retired organizing is persistence. shop. prescriptions our beginning. members. And we still be- The tree trimming employ- As I see it, your support of lieve that unity, which is our ers can attest to Local 1245's Please remember, a local our union does not stop upon truest need, is the key to pro- persistence in organizing tree union should never consider nior citizens are pre- retirement, just as the ben- tecting all the many other trimmers. Although we have itself an island unto itself. scribed at least one efits we receive from our things that we need-whether been successful in organiz- Keep the faith! Nearlyainappropriate quarter of and se- dangerous drug each year. In a study published in the Journal of the Ameri- Law provides no penalty for `Medigap' profiteers can Medical Association, edigap insurance later raised to 65%. That is, But the federal loss ratio gross domestic product. experts in geriatrics and companies-those out of every $100 collected as standards are a bark without If this is what happens pharmacology compiled a that insure medi- premiums, the companies a bite. There are no penalties where there are standards, list of 20 drugs that should cal costs not cov- should pay out at least $65. for not meeting them. surely profiteering on the virtually never be used by eredM by Medicare-are earn- (For group policies, the mini- Not surprisingly, these are health of the American pub- seniors because safer alter- ing unwarranted profits be- mum loss ratio is 75%.) companies that have spent lic is no less where standards natives are available, or cause the laws designed to In 1990, Congress required millions of dollars spreading are completely absent. because the drug is use- regulate them have no teeth. the federal General Account- propaganda against premium One solution would be to less and may have side ef- In the mid-1980s, in re- ing Office (GAO) to audit controls in health care reform adopt a single payer plan for fects. Yet nearly a quarter sponse to evidence of wide- compliance with these ratios. legislation. the American health care of all senior citizens re- spread profiteering by Last February the GAO In light of the collapse of system. Supporters of a single ceived prescriptions for at Medigap insurers, the fed- reported that more than 70 health care reform in Con- payer plan could not muster least one of these drugs. eral government issued na- companies were involved in gress this fall, it remains to enough strength in Congress The brand names of the tional minimum "loss ratio" profiteeering practices in be seen whether any correc- to pass such legislation this most commonly-pre- standards for Medigap poli- 1991 (the year studied), col- tive measures will be taken year. But Californians have a scribed of these potentially cies. The loss ratio is defined lecting about $320 million in with regard to this Medigap chance to enact a single payer dangerous drugs are: as the percentage of premi- premiums, with excess prof- insurance profiteering. Such plan on Nov. 8 when they • Persantine, a blood thin- ums returned to policyhold- its of about $40 million that profiteering adds to health vote on Proposition 186. ner. ers as benefits. they would not have made care costs in the US, which Until voters take action, • Darvon and Darvocet, The standard loss ratio on had they complied with the already account for about a they should expect profiteer- an addictive narcotic that policies sold to individuals minimum loss ratio stan- trillion dollars a year, about ing by insurance companies can cause respiratory fail- was initially set at 60%, and dards. one-seventh of the entire US to continue. ure, seizures and heart problems. • Elavil, Limbitrol, Retiree benefits Triavil, Etrafon and Endep (brand names for to be discussed amitriptyline), an antide- Local 1245 will host two pressant that can cause meetings to explain an up- drowsiness and confusion. coming change in medi- •Diabinese, a pill to lower cal benefits affecting blood sugar in diabetics some Local 1245 retirees that can cause dangerous and surviving depen- fluid retention. dents. •Valium and Librium, The meetings will be sedatives which keep many held at 3 p.m., Oct. 12, at seniors prone to confusion, 200 W. Jeffrey St. in falls and hip fractures. Bakersfield, Ca., and at • Indocin, a pain reliever 10 a.m. on Oct. 13 at the and anti-inflammatory union's Walnut Creek medication that can cause headquarters, 3063 Citrus confusion, headaches, and Circle. bleeding from the stomach. The change results Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, from an agreement be- an author of the study, said tween Kaiser and the US it was crucial that seniors Health Care Financing and their doctors review Administration, which their medicines, eliminate takes effect on Jan. 1, non-essential drugs, and 1995. use the safest alternative The meetings are free. when drugs are necessary.

October 1994 Utility Reporter 15

CPUC PUBLIC HEARINGS

From PAGE ONE ber John Kent, testifying at the Sept. 12 public hearing in Martinez. Kent, the union's Napa unit chairman, cautioned the CPUC against "You don't go to the unemployment focusing on cost issues to the exclu- sion of quality issues. office to hire someone to take care of a "When I buy tools," said Kent. "I ruptured gas main or arcing wires in consider what it's going to cost and what I'm going to get. I need the tools the street." that're going to help me get the job done." Jim Findley, Local 1245 Local 1245 member Bryant Bolan, a PG&E troubleman in Concord, said PG&E "is already showing signs of not giving the service they've given for years." 'With this deregulation they seem to have panicked-they're laying off people...Pretty soon you won't see reliable power," Bolan predicted. Former Local 1245 Advisory Coun- cil member Jim Findley, testifying in Martinez, told the CPUC that gas and electric workers "are as vital to public safety as police and fire" employ- "The maintenance of the system ees. has been decreased to reduce costs." The threat of deregulation has caused utilities to cut these employ- Rich Cowart, Local 1245 ees-"the people needed most in the event of natural disasters or other emergencies involving gas or electric facilities," Findley said. "The handling of these types of emergencies requires trained pro- fessionals. You don't go to the unemployment office to hire someone to take care of a ruptured gas main or arcing wires in the street," he said. "Will utility companies, as they Aileen Koppenberg, a PG&E ser- come under competitive pressure to vice representative testifying in Eu- reka on Aug. 25, agreed that layoffs cut costs, focus on short-term will mean a deterioration in service. "I see less people available to an- considerations, and cut operations swer customer inquiries, to make and maintenance, to the detriment service calls, and perform emergency and routine maintenance calls," of reliability?" Koppenberg said. PG&E Tech Subforeman Mark Gil Friend Newman, testifying in San Jose on Business for Social Responsibility Sept. 20, said the pressure to reduce rates has produced "more careless and more ambitious managers" and has resulted in "less consideration for safety programs." "By cutting corners," Newman warned, "PG&E is sacrificing the long-term integrity of the system. We will live with the legacy of that."

"Call Someone Else" Local 1245 members weren't the only citizens concerned about the impact of the CPUC proposal-sometimes called deregulation-on service reliability. Harold Fink, a small business owner testifying at the Sept. 26 public hearing in Fresno, said telephone deregulation had increased his bill CPUC Commissioner CPUC President CPUC Commissioner but harmed the service he received. Jessie Knight Daniel Fessler Gregory Conlon Service will suffer if electricity is deregulated, Fink predicted. It will

16 Utility Reporter October 1994 CPUC PUBLIC HEARINGS

be "just like when you call the phone company and say, 'My line is out' and they say, 'Call somebody else.' " Service quality was also on the mind of Tom Ferrito, former mayor of Los Gatos. "I saw first-hand how PG&E responded to the needs of my community during the 1989 Loma Prieta Members of Local earthquake," Ferrito testified at the 1245 picket outside San Jose public hearing. He said he CPUC headquarters didn't believe that kind of response in San Francisco prior to the Sept. 7 would be possible if electric service public hearing. is deregulated. (Photo: Landis Competition is supposed to bring Marttila) lower prices but "often brings sub- standard services or products," Ferrito told CPUC Commissioner Gregory Conlon, who presided at the San Jose hearing. "Are you going to require so-called competitors to provide...back-up service?" Ferrito asked. Los Banos City Councilman Gerald O'Brien, testifying at the Fresno hearing, stated the concern over service this way: "When my light goes out," said O'Brien, "I want to make sure "As PG&E employees, we are skilled there's somebody to come out and fix it that night." workers...I take pride in my work. Service providers will be easy to find when everything is running Contractors come in and do a job and smoothly, predicted Hipolito Tavarez, then they're gone." testifying in Fresno. But maybe not so easy to find when things go wrong. Gerald Pittore, Local 1245 If the CPUC plan is implemented, he asked, "Where do you have any guarantees the lights will be on dur- See PAGE EIGHTEEN

"By cutting corners, PG&E is sacrificing the long-term integrity of the system. We will live with the legacy of that." Mark Newman, Local 1245

"PG&E is changing the way it does business--not to raise its standards but to lower itself to [competitors] with lower standards." Robin David, Local 1245

Greenpeace trumpted a "Power for the People" theme at a rally preceeding the Sept. 12 public hearing in Martinez.

October 1994 Utility Reporter 17

CPUC PUBLIC HEARINGS

From PAGE SEVENTEEN ing emergencies as well as during the good times?" "I have the responsibility and the Concern About Reliability duty of providing safe, reliable electric- A few people, mostly business representatives, spoke in favor of the ity to the public...I have lived up to my CPUC proposal at the public hear- obligation for over 30 years, through ings. For the most part they echoed the CPUC argument that lower elec- snow storms, landslides, floods, forest tric rates would help retain and expand California businesses. fires and earthquakes." "A decision to expand manufactur- Tom Hutchinson, Local 1245 ing is easy right now-we go out of state," said Mark Beck, representing a semi-conductor manufacturer. But other business representatives expressed deep concern about the possible effects that deregulation would have on reliability. "Many companies in Silicon Val- ley-especially manufacturers of electronic equipment-are very sensitive to the reliability and quality of electric power," said Gil Friend, an environmental management consultant "Who's going to be responsible for the and spokesman for Business for So- safety of the people?" cial Responsibility. Testifying in San Jose, Friend asked Clifton Jackson, Local 1245 the CPUC: "Will utility companies, as they come under competitive pressure to cut costs, focus on short-term considerations, and cut operations and maintenance, to the detriment of reliability? How concerned will non- utility power providers be about reliability? Who will be responsible for reliability in the new system?" Ronald McPherson, representing "I saw first-hand how PG&E re- the Santa Clara County Black Cham- ber of Commerce, praised the quality sponded to the needs of my community of service historically provided by during the 1989 Loma Prieta PG&E. "Many speak of lowering costs. earthquake...Are you going to require That must be coupled with quality so-called competitors to provide...back- service and quality programs," said McPherson. up service?" Gerald Cook, representing Sun Tom Ferrito, Microsystems Computer Corp. at the Los Gatos San Jose hearing, tempered his sup- Former mayor, port for the CPUC proposal by cau- tioning that reliability and quality of service is important. "I would certainly not encourage anything that would make the system any less safe," Cook testified. Ducking the Issue At the Fresno hearing, CPUC Presi- dent Daniel Fessler attempted to di- "With this deregulation [PG&E] vert attention from the issue of service reliability. seems to have panicked. They're laying In introductory remarks at the start off people...Pretty soon you won't see of the hearing, Fessler said no evidence existed that reliability is a prob- reliable power." lem. Bryant Bolan, Local 1245 "Reliability is not the issue," he declared. But Fessler was ducking the real issue: will reliability become a problem if the CPUC proposal is implemented? Utility workers-the people

18 Utility Reporter October 1994 CPUC PUBLIC HEARINGS

in the best position to know-believe that it will. "Reliable electric service is made possible by skilled workers who know how the system works and know how "Why haven't we learned from all of to maintain it," said Susan Stipp, a these deregulation fiascos and put back in customer service representative testifying in Eureka. Competition, she place those regulations that have said, "will erode service, compromise protected the public so ably in the past? safety, degrade labor standards and lower public service values in the Is the answer stupidity? Or is it greed and electric utility industry." power wielded by special interests?" Local 1245 member Robin David, testifying in Martinez, said the corro- Joe Fradin, Local 1245 sive effects of competition are already being felt. "PG&E is changing the way it does business-not to raise its standards but to lower itself to [competitors] with lower standards," David said. Local 1245 member Rich Cowart, a "What programs "Many speak of PG&E lineman also testifying in Martinez, told the CPUC: "The main- for safety and lowering costs. tenance of the system has been de- skill training are That must be creased to reduce costs." Local 1245 member Gerald Pittore, you requiring for coupled with qual- an electric crew foreman, warned that new companies ity service and competition would lead to increased use of out-of-state contractors who to protect the quality programs." would be less accountable to the pub- public interest lic. Testifying in Martinez, Pittore Ronald McPherson said: and safety?" Black Chamber "As PG&E employees, we are Bill Bra Local 1245 of Commerce skilled workers...I take pride in my work. Contractors come in and do a job and then they're gone." No One in Charge Feeding these concerns about service reliability is the growing suspi- cion that, in a deregulated environment, no one will be in charge. Under current law, utilities like PG&E hold a monopoly for a particu- "The residential ratepayers are not lar service territory. As the monopoly going to save a dime." provider, the utility is legally obli- gated to serve the public with reli- Anthony Araya, Local 1245 able, high quality power. The CPUC is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the utility's obligation to serve. But in a competitive market, where energy generators can strike up sepa- rate deals with individual consumers, the task of monitoring service becomes enormously complex. The CPUC insists that safety, quality and reliability of service will be unaffected by its proposal. But the CPUC pro- "I want to know how you're going posal offers nothing-not a single word-about how the safety, quality to provide training to people who will and reliability of service will be as- provide service in the future--because sured. Joe Fradin, a PG&E utility worker the experienced people are leaving." and union member, reminded the Barbara Saunders Local 1245 CPUC of the impact of deregulation on the trucking industry. That industry, Fradin noted, had been regulated many decades ago "to help insure safety on our highways." But deregulation changed that situ- See PAGE TWENTY

October 1994 Utility Reporter 19 CPUC PUBLIC HEARINGS

From PAGE NINETEEN ation dramatically, said Fradin, testifying in San Jose. "Now it's simply who can get the goods there the fastest and the cheapest. The result: drivers with little or no sleep driving poorly-mainained unsafe rigs, putting all of us who use the highways in grave and constant danger," he said. Also testifying in San Jose, Local 1245 member Bill Brill asked CPUC Commissioner Conlon: "What programs for safety and skill training are you requiring for new companies to protect the public interest and safety?" Barbara Saunders, speaking shortly after Brill, also addressed the issue of skill training. "I'm the lady you see off the road with a shovel," said Saunders, a PG&E fieldman in Hollister, near the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. "I'm the lady who didn't come home for days and days during the Above: CPUC public hearing in Martinez drew a large crowd and dozens of speakers. Local earthquake...I want to know how 1245 members presenting testimony at public hearings around the state included (clockwise you're going to provide training to from lower left): Steve Amaral, Paul Flecklin, and Mike Castro, all at South Lake Tahoe; John people who will provide service in Nolan and Rich Bidnost at San Jose; and Russ Fairbanks and Mike Phillips at Martinez. the future, because the experienced (South Lake Tahoe photos by Keith Burkhardt. All others by Eric Wolfe). people are leaving." Following her testimony, Saunders told the Utility Reporter that A woman testifying in Martinez hearing that the CPUC had helped ments during the public hearing in downsizing, in her opinion, has re- provoked an appreciative round of make California a world leader in San Jose. duced staffing in her area to the point laughter when she told Commis- renewable energy. "Twenty two hours after the Loma where PG&E could not respond ef- sioner Jessie Knight: "I'm 80 years "There is a trillion dollar industry Prieta earthquake I was restoring fectively to another major earthquake old, so the year 2002 for rate relief is out there for repowering the world," power using my own vehicle, even in the area. not very attractive to me." said Cashman. The CPUC proposal, though my own home was six miles "Who's going to be responsible for Immediately following her testi- he warned, would "pull the rug out" from the epicenter and suffered over the safety of the people?" asked Local mony, others used harsher language from under this industry in Califor- $75,000 in damage. I felt I had a duty 1245 member Clifton Jackson, testi- to describe the underlying econom- nia and give competitors a chance to to serve the public in a time of disas- fying in Martinez. ics of the CPUC proposal. catch up. ter," said Hutchinson. "How on earth does anybody think "Preferential Treatment" Picketline "What the PUC is proposing is a you can deregulate and not turn the disaster," Hutchinson declared. People also used the public hear- rich loose on the poor?" asked Charlie In addition to Eureka, Martinez, Bruce Fisher, a member of the con- ings to voice their skepticism about Walker of the Bayview-Hunters Point San Jose, and Fresno, testimony criti- sumer group Toward Utility Rate the CPUC's claim that all consumers, Builders Exchange. "The commis- cal of the CPUC proposal was pre- Normalization (TURN), took advan- big and small, would benefit from sioners are employed to protect us, sented at public hearings last month tage of the Fresno hearing to remind competitive markets. like the 80-year old woman [who just in South Lake Tahoe and San Fran- CPUC President Fessler of the Under the CPUC proposal, large testified]... Instead of that you say cisco. CPUC's origins. industrial users would be free to ne- `Let her scramble for herself.' " Union members conducted an in- "It seems to me that protection of gotiate contracts with independent "The residential ratepayers are not formational picketline outside CPUC the consumer was one of the original generators as early as 1996. Residen- going to save a dime," Local 1245 headquarters prior to the San Fran- purposes for setting up the CPUC, tial customers would not be given member Anthony Araya, a PG&E cisco hearing. Over 100 people signed and I think the commission should this right until the year 2002. fieldman, predicted at the Martinez up to testify at that hearing, including not forget that," Fisher said. "The proposal gives corporations hearing. many members of Local 1245. preferential treatment," declared Speakers at several locations In San Jose, Local 1245 member Helen Lie of the Greenlining Coali- Setback for Renewables pointed out that the CPUC, in fash- Joe Fradin made a similar point to tion, testifying at the Fresno hearing Environmentalists and representa- ioning a proposal designed to benefit Commissioner Conlon: on behalf of low-income residential tives from the renewable energy in- large corporations, appeared to be "Why haven't we learned from all consumers. "Our communities are dustry expressed deep concern about abandoning its constitutional respon- of these deregulation fiascos and put not blind to what's going on." the potential impact of the CPUC sibility to protect the general public. back in place those regulations that Local 1245 member Jerry Meyers proposal. "You, the PUC, are charged with have protected the public so ably in observed that the CPUC timetable The biomass industry showed up the responsibility of governing the the past?" Fradin asked. "Is the an- gives large industrial users an oppor- in force at the Fresno public hearing utilities for the public, while I have swer stupidity? Or is it greed and tunity to lock up the cheapest sources to decry a recent decision by PG&E the responsibility and the duty of power wielded by special interests? of power. to buy out and then shut down two providing safe, reliable electricity to "You, commissioners, have a duty "Do you really think by the year biomass facilities. Biomass industry the public," said Local 1245 member to all ratepayers to help insure a sys- 2000, after the big users have picked representatives said scaling back this Tom Hutchinson. tem for safe and reliable electricity," off the cream of the crop, that [inde- industry would exacerbate landfill "I have lived up to my obligation for Fradin said. pendent producers] are going to re- problems and deprive the state of a over 30 years, through snow storms, The CPUC will continue to conduct spond to the little old lady in Pasa- clean and renewable fuel source. landslides, floods, forest fires and public hearings through November. dena?" Meyers asked during testi- Renewable energy advocate Ty earthquakes," said Hutchinson, pro- All the remaining hearings will be in mony in Martinez. Cashman remarked at the Martinez viding one of the more dramatic mo- southern California.

20 Utility Reporter October 1994