Information Express

Beginning this month, I will be using this blog as another avenue to get information out to the members in the field. During the 2005 negotiations I was able to communicate each week on the local's web page everything that was taking place and it appeared to work well. Now I would like to utilize this blog for the same type of communications. Please check back often to see what is happening. I will be discussing issues like arbitrations, grievances and other issues being handled by the Local or the System Council.

Since I mentioned arbitrations, let me get you up to date with the current arbitration case load. Today, Joe Adams (BM SCU8), David Dreggors (LU1412), Jason Wilson (VP LU 682) and myself were doing the final preparations for a case involving a discharged member from Local Union 682. The day ended in a settlement prior to the actual arbitration .

The Red Edge #4 case is still waiting for a new set of dates. Joe Adams (SCU8) and the company will be on a conference call tomorrow with the arbitrator to try and reach agreement on a new set of dates for this case. I know there is a lot of questions surrounding the decision to agree on an extension for this case but I can assure you that there were extenuating circumstances. I urge you to go to www.ibewscu8.org and read the current posting by Joe Adams about this issue.

COORS Code18 is another hot topic. The date for this arbitration is set for June 22, 2007. David Edenfield (LU1412) and myself will be handling this case. Preparations are well in the works and we are looking forward to the case being heard by an arbitrator. This is one more attack on our Troublemen and I am sure that there will be more in the future. The best thing we can do to combat the company's attacks is to show solidarity and continue to work together until we can get some relief through the arbitration process.

The Clubhouse dues deduction arbitration is being handled by David Dreggors (LU1412). The case is set for August 22, 2007. This case has amazed me from the very beginning. I have no idea why the company chose to fight for this "hill". It poses no problems for the company and does nothing but make life difficult for their employees. The practice of allowing employees (Bargaining Unit and Management) to use payroll deduct for clubhouse dues deductions has always been the norm and no different than the old appliance purchase plan that was negotiated away in 2005. So that brings me back to the original question I have had all along," Why would you do something that accomplishes nothing for your business but aggravate your employees?" I suppose this case will continue to be one of those that causes you to scratch your head and wonder "what in the hell is going on?"

Please continue to check up on the blog in the future. I will have additional postings soon and I look forward to seeing all of you at the next meeting.

David B Price
President/FS
IBEW LU 1412