Transcript Slide 1

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
LOCAL UNION 126
VOLUME 48 , No. 2 “CURRENT LINES”
MARCH 2010
DO YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ?
Weingarten Rights
In 1975, in NLRB v. J. Weingarten, Inc, the U.S. Supreme Court
defined the rights of employees in the presence of union
representatives during investigatory interviews. Since that case
involved a clerk being investigated by the Weingarten Company,
these rights have become known as Weingarten rights. In 2000, the
NLRB extended those rights to non-union workplaces.
One of the most vital functions of a Union Representative is to
prevent management from intimidating employees.
Nowhere is this more important than in closed-door meetings when
supervisors or guards, often trained in interrogation techniques,
attempt to coerce employees into confessing to wrongdoing.
The Rules
Under the Supreme Court's Weingarten decision, when an
investigatory interview occurs, the following rules apply:
RULE 1:
The employee must make a clear request for Union representation
before or during the interview. The employee cannot be punished
for making this request.
RULE 2:
After the employee makes the request, the employer must choose
from among three options. The Employer must either:
Grant the request and delay questioning until the union
representative arrives and has a chance to consult privately with the
employee; or
Deny the request and end the interview immediately; or
Give the employee a choice of (1) having the interview without
representation or (2) ending the interview.
RULE 3:
If the employer denies the request for union representation, and
continues to ask questions, it commits an unfair labor practice
and the employee has a right to refuse to answer. The employer
may not discipline the employee for such a refusal.
Unions encourage workers to assert their Weingarten rights. The
presence of a steward can help in many ways. For example:
•The Union Representative can help a fearful or inarticulate
employee explain what happened.
•The Union Representative can raise extenuating factors.
•The Union Representative can advise an employee against
blindly denying everything, thereby giving the appearance of
dishonesty and guilt.
•The Union Representative can help prevent an employee from
making fatal admissions.
•The Union Representative can stop an employee from losing his
or her temper, and perhaps getting fired for insubordination.
•The Union Representative can serve as a witness to prevent
supervisors from giving a false account of the conversation.
•Note: the NLRB generally does not defer charges alleging a
violation of Weingarten rights.
Issues
•If a supervisor or the boss asks questions
that could lead to disciplinary action,
IBEW members have the right to ask for an
IBEW union officer.
•This protection extends an important part
of the USA's legal tradition to the
workplace: the right to representation.
•This is something all IBEW members
should know.
“An Informed Membership Keeps Our Union Strong”
PAGE 2
“CURRENT LINES”
CURRENT LINES
Published by
I.B.E.W. LOCAL UNION
No.126
3455 Germantown Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426-1534
THOMAS TACCONELLI
Editor
Phone: 610-489-1185
Fax: 610-489-6988
E-mail:
[email protected]
Website: www.ibewlu126.com
Officers:
President………………Richard Muttik
Vice President…………Charles Boyer
Recording Secretary…...Steve Lutz
Treasurer………………Richard Sturz
Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Thomas Tacconelli
Executive Board
Bernie Kephart
Thomas O’Connor
John Sharkey
Richard O. Conaway
Robert Bennick
Christopher J. Wentzel
Roger Dietrich
Robert J. Lagonegro, Jr.
Examining Board
Donald Lowman
Julius Woodlin
William Schweitzer, Jr.
MARCH
2010
Important Phone Numbers
OSHE
610-489-3990
610-489-3577 Fax
IN MEMORIAM
Henry E. Craig
MERCER Investments
1-877-864-6644
www.ibenefitcenter.com
Journeyman Lineman, member
from 1953 until his retirement in
1999
FRANK M. VACCARO &
ASSOC.
27 Roland Ave.
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
1-800-883-3682
Equipment Operator, member
from1961 until his retirement in
1991
NEAT
1513 Ben Franklin Highway
Douglassville, PA 19518
610-326-2860
610-326-2924 Fax
www.NEAT1968.org
NEBF – Pension Office
2400 Research Blvd., Suite 500
Rockville, MD 20850
301-556-4300
301-556-0100 Fax
www.nebf.com
IBEW Pension Office
900 Seventh St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
202-833-7000
www.ibew.org
LOCAL UNION 126, IBEW
Collegeville 610-489-1185
Collegeville Fax 610-489-6988
Email: [email protected]
Greensburg 724-837-6605
Greensburg Fax 724-837-4095
www.ibewlu126.com
Walter J. Parada
George Miller
Groundman, member from 1964
Until his retirement in 1996
William J. Greenfield
Journeyman Lineman, member from
1948 until his retirement in 1985
Ulysses S. Grant
Journeyman Lineman, member from
1966 until his retirement in 2002
RECENTLY
RETIRED
Francis Super
The Lineman's Code
• Do it right the first time
• No wasted moves
• Watch each others' back
• Sound off if you see something wrong
• Be there when someone needs you
• Admit what you don't know or can't do
• Be accountable for your mistakes
• Stand up for someone treated unfairly
• Don't quit until the job is finished
PAGE 3
“CURRENT LINES”
MARCH
2010
Have you ever worked with an apprentice and wondered how he/she made it to 5th, 6th or even 7th period? Did that
apprentice get moved from crew to crew due to unsafe acts, lack of work ethic or the unwillingness to climb? Don’t worry
about hurting their feelings, worry about the safety and reputation of our Local Union.
Some Linemen who view themselves as being tough and macho are hesitant to utilize constructive criticism when filling
out monthly reports. When you fill out the report, be explicit; state what improvements are needed.
We cannot allow an individual who is lacking skill or confidence to be shuffled to another crew or contractor. Local
Union 126, IBEW will not accept mediocrity.
Any questions? Contact the Business Manager.
CDL Upgrades
& Crane
Operator Certifications
Northeastern Joint Apprenticeship &
Training is offering classes to upgrade your
Class B CDL to a Class A CDL. In
addition, NEAT is offering NCCCO crane
certification courses. Contact an Assistant
Director to place your name on the list.
Unemployment amongst our line construction members
remains high. We continued to have extraordinarily high
employment in the first few months of 2010. There have
been a few temporary job opportunities for storm response
both here and out of state. Contractors have been calling
for long term jobs. Many of our members have traveled to
other IBEW Local Unions for work.
Hopefully the information regarding upcoming work we
have received will come in the later part of the year.
Remember if you are laid off, you must reregister at least
every thirty days to retain your position on the out of work
list.
Union Members:
Have more training. Union workers are more likely to have access to
formal, on-the-job training, making employees more skilled and adding
to productivity.
Have safer workplaces. Union workers are often better trained on
health and safety rules and union workplaces are more likely to enforce
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
Are more likely to receive workers’ compensation. Union members
also get their benefits faster, and return to work more quickly. When
workers are injured, unions help workers through the often complicated
process of filing for workers’ compensation and protect workers from
employer retaliation.
Have health insurance. Nearly 80% of unionized workers receive
employer-provided health insurance, compared with 49% of non-union
workers. Union members are also more likely to have short-term
disability and life insurance coverage.
Storm Response
Remember, it is our duty to be responsive for
storm or emergency work. If a storm is coming,
pack your bags and be available!
PAGE 4
“CURRENT LINES”
MARCH
2010
LOCAL 126 MEMBERS
Asplundh, Delmarva
Jerry Boyko, and Robert Turner
Travis Porr and Allan Mann
BRUCE & MERRILEES
Left to Right: Hank Boldyzar, Sr, Tom O’Connor,
and Hank Boldyzar, Jr
Jermaine Robert
Asplundh, Peco
Left to Right: Edwin Sanchez, Omar Hernandez,
Travis Johnson, and Charles Rouse
Steve Bonner
PAGE 5
“CURRENT LINES”
MARCH
2010
AROUND THE JURISDICTION
Henkels & McCoy - Peco
Left to Right: Dave Peterson, Scott Bussard, Dustin
Peterson, Nick Weston Jr, Matt Parkinson, and, Steve Siar
Asplundh – Hellertown PPL
Left to Right: Larry Owen, Fred Herman, Joe Templeton
Dave Schatz, Kliff Callahan, Travis Porr, and Tony
Franczak
PAR Electric – Allegheny
Power
Left to Right: Blair Brumbaugh, Perry Keaton, and
Gerald Williams
Matrix – Cooper Sub
Peach Bottom Peco
Left to Right: Dan Stuart, Charlie Elliot, and John Owad
.
Miller Brothers - PPL
Left to Right: Todd Martin, Keith Rittle, Corey
Bloom, Larry Straw, and Bob Springart
Matrix – North Wales Sub Peco
Left to Right: Frank Morrisette, Eric Collins, Kevin
Boring, Ray Morrisette, Jack Price, and Troy
Humphries
PAGE 6
“CURRENT LINES”
MONTHLY MEETINGS
1st Tuesday, Local Union 7:00 PM L.U. #380, I.B.E.W.,
3900 Ridge Pike, Collegeville, PA
2nd Tuesday, 126-3 (C&U) 7:00 PM
Holiday Inn, 2750 Mosside Blvd.
Monroeville, PA
Monday before 2nd Tuesday 126-2 (C&U) 7:00 PM
Harbor Inn, Philipsburg, PA
Wednesday after 2nd Tuesday 126-4 (C&U) 7:00 PM
Municipal Bldg. 300 High Street, Ebensburg,
PA
3rd Thursday, 126-1 (C&U) 7:00 PM
Crowne Plaza, Paper Mill Road,
Reading, PA
3rd Tuesday, 126-13 (C&U) 7:00 PM
Holiday Inn Express, Rt. 13, Harrington, DE.
QUARTERLY MEETINGS
( January, April, July, October)
1st Thursday, 126-5 6:00 PM
LU 313, I.B.E.W., 814 W. Basin Rd. (Rt. 141),
New Castle, DE,
(Conectiv TT)
3rd Thursday, 126-6 (LC) 7:00 PM
L.U. #1307, I.B.E.W., 1 Mile South, Delmar, MD,
Old Route #13
(Conectiv TT)
(March, June, September, December)
1st Monday, 126-7 (M) 4:00 PM
Frankford Arsenal, Philadelphia, Pa
4th Monday, 126-8 (U-Maint.) 1:00 & 4:30 PM
Delta Fire Hall, Delta, PA
4th Monday, 126-9 (LC) 7:00 PM Hilton Garden Inn
815 E. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA
(Conowingo & PECO TT)
3rd Monday, 126-10 (LC) 7:00 PM
L.U. # 380, I.B.E.W., 3900 Ridge Pike,
Collegeville,
PA (PECO T.T.)
SEMI-ANNUAL MEETINGS
(May & October)
Thursday before 2nd Friday, 126-12, 6:00 PM
Local Union 229, 300 Hudson, York PA (Tele)
2nd Friday,126-11, 2:00 PM
VFW Post, Rt. 522, Mt. Union, PA (Tele)
MARCH
2010
Accidents Cause Disabling Back Injuries
Back injuries can be devastating. An injury to the spine can mean
spending the rest of your life in a wheelchair.
Traumatic back injuries can be caused by falls, motor vehicle crashes and
other accidents.
Remember these back injury prevention guidelines:
•Wear your seatbelt when riding in a motor vehicle.
•Do not drink and drive, or ride with a drinking driver.
•Don't speed. Observe traffic laws, and lower your speed to accommodate
road and weather conditions.
•Use fall protection equipment and all other precautions when working at
heights. Don't take chances.
•Never dive into water unless you are sure it is deep enough and there are
no hidden obstructions. Don't mix alcohol with diving or other sports such
as driving off-road vehicles.
•Some back injuries happen gradually, as the result of age, poor health
habits and improper lifting techniques. Other serious back injuries can
happen in an instant as a result of an accident. Work and play safely to
prevent disabling back injuries.
Teledata Negotiations
with NECA are complete
Teledata Negotiations with Northeastern Line Constructors Chapter,
NECA has concluded.
NECA and Local Union 126, IBEW have been in dispute over wages
and health care contributions for our Teledata workers. The dispute
arose from the Arbitrator’s award administered to Henkels and McCoy.
Local Union 126, IBEW requested NELCC, NECA to agree to the
same terms and conditions which Henkels and McCoy has been required
to give their employees working under the National Outside Teledata
Agreement. NECA did not agree with our request.
Both parties filed for the Council of Industrial Relations to make a
final and binding determination of wages and health care contributions.
Prior to attending C.I.R., both Local Union 126, IBEW and NECA were
required to attend an Interim Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to
find a mutually agreeable conclusion for the dispute at hand.
On February 12, 2010, NECA and Local Union 126 signed an
agreement which contains the same wage rates and health care
contributions as Henkels and McCoy.
PAGE 7
“CURRENT LINES”
MARCH
2010
Be In Control Behind The Wheel
At some point while driving, we have all cursed another driver, banged our fists on the steering wheel, shouted out the window, or worse.
There is no doubt that we all face frustration while driving. Well, that’s okay if you happen to be one of the chosen few who can always
maintain a calm head and make sane choices in the midst of chaos. Unfortunately, these people are few and far between.
Since we happen to be in control of 20,000 pound machines or more that reach speeds of 60 mph or 100 kmh and more, we should take a
look at what causes our frustration when we are behind the wheel and the things we can do to ensure our safety.
One of the most common reasons drivers get frustrated is when they are caught in grid lock. Sometimes we are met with unexpected traffic
while other times we just didn’t allow enough time to get to our destination. Such frustration can cause us to make unwise decisions that put
our safety at risk. Fortunately, there is a simple safety practice that will eliminate this safety threat: add an extra 15 minutes to your travel
time.
Those who drive aggressively, too slowly, or poorly often frustrate drivers sharing the road. While aggressive driving has led to a number
of deaths due to road rage, there are a number of injuries and deaths which result from aggressive driving. In the US between 1990 and 1996,
there were more than 10,000 incidents of aggressive driving which resulted in injury or death. In Alberta, Canada the majority of the 92,000
annual traffic collisions are attributed to careless and overconfident driving behaviors.
Driving too fast, changing lanes too often, failing to use signal lights and tailgating are all examples of driving behaviors that frustrate
other drivers. When faced with these practices, don’t react aggressively. Back off, don’t make eye contact or gestures of any kind to the
offending driver.
Remember, patience is a virtue, but it is also a useful driving practice. When faced with building frustration, there are a few simple tactics
you can use to bring yourself back down to earth. Turn on your favorite radio station, talk to your passengers, tell a joke. When being
tailgated, pull over at the earliest safe opportunity and let the driver pass. Simple solutions can go a long way to diffusing your frustration
before it gets out of hand.
Knowing that you have aggressive tendencies when frustrated, or that you have a short fuse, will allow you to take preventative measures
before you get behind the wheel.
Dealing with your frustration is an essential part of safe driving practices. Take the time to stop and think before you act when you are
feeling frustrated. Later, examine your frustration. If you feel you couldn’t have changed the actions of another driver, think about ways you
can change your reaction to their driving habits. Remember, you are in the driver’s seat.
Training Schedule
All Classes are held on Saturdays
Howard H. Grabert Training Center
3455 Germantown Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426
610-489-3990
T & D 10 Hour 7:00 a.m.
March 20, 2010
Basic Life Support
CPR/FA Bucket/Pole Top Rescue 8:00 a.m.
April 10, 2010
Basic Life Support
CPR/FA Bucket/Pole Top Rescue 8:00 a.m.
Basic Life Support
CPR/FA Bucket/Pole Top Rescue 8:00 a.m.
June 5, 2010
Aug 14, 2010
Calvin R. Peterson Training School
522 Colver Road
Ebensburg, PA 15931
814-472-7886
Basic Life Support
CPR/FA Bucket/Pole Top Rescue 8:00 a.m.
March 20, 2010
Basic Life Support
CPR/FA Bucket/Pole Top Rescue 8:00 a.m.
May 8, 2010
T & D 10 Hour 7:00 a.m.
May 8, 2010
PAGE 8
“CURRENT LINES”
MARCH
2010
Be Safety-Conscious Off-The-Job Too!
How safety-conscious are you when you are off-the-job?
You can do a lot to increase your safety by paying more
attention to your attitude and habits. This applies whether
you are relaxing at home, driving your car or participating in
your favorite recreational activity. Use the following
checklist to do a personal safety inspection:
At home:
- Do you keep all traffic pathways, inside and outside, clear
of obstacles?
- Do you clean up spills immediately to avoid slips and falls?
- Does the stairway have a solid handrail? Do you always
use it when climbing or descending the stairs?
- Do you have a night light in hallways and bathrooms to
avoid tripping accidents after dark?
- Do you and your family regularly practice fire drills so that
everyone knows what to do and where to meet outside?
- Do you keep your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in
good operating condition?
- Does everyone in the family know how to use the fire
extinguishers?
In the garage or workshop:
- Are all toxic substances such as cleaning products, paints,
herbicides and car products kept locked up and out of the
reach of children?
- Are they all still in their original containers with
instructions for safe handling and first aid procedures for
accidental poisonings?
- Are all sharp, powered or other dangerous tools secured
and out of the reach of children?
- Do you always use the correct tool for the job, avoiding makeshift
replacements? Do you use a stepladder to reach awkward places instead
of standing on a kitchen chair?
In your car:
- Do you always make sure everyone is buckled up in their safety belts
and shoulder harnesses before driving away?
- Do you keep your car in good mechanical repair to avoid breakdowns or
accidents caused by faulty equipment?
- Do you walk around your vehicle before backing up?
- Do you observe all road warning signs and speed limits?
- Do you remain alert and aware as you are driving?
Out for fun:
- Do you wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as
eye goggles, helmets, life jackets, shin-pads or gloves for your favorite
sports?
- Do you use the proper equipment for each sport?
- Do you make sure your equipment is well-maintained and in good
condition?
- Do you avoid using drugs or alcohol especially when you are involved
in activities which require your concentration and alertness?
Remember to practice safe habits both on and off the job. Safety
awareness begins at home
Non-Profit Org.
CURRENT LINES
Published by
I.B.E.W. LOCAL UNION No.126
U.S. Postage
PAID
Collegeville, PA
3455 Germantown Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426-1534
PERMIT #11