by Frank Miramontes, Local 18 President and Joint Training Institute Administrator

The General Managers bulletin has gone out to all Department employees, notifying them of IBEW Local 18’s appointments to the Joint Training Institute (JTI).

As you may know, the JTI was approved by the Los Angeles City Council late last year. The JTI is committed to creating a work environment at the Department in which employees are trained in jobs that are critical to DWP’s core business of delivering reliable and economical water and power to its millions of customers.

In an environment of rapid change, innovation and competition, the Institute aims to promote programs that increase productivity, develop professional skills and provide continuing career-growth opportunities.

The Joint Training Institute is governed by four labor and four management trustees. Representing Local 18 are Brothers Russ Butow, Gene Canzano, Brian D’Arcy and Pierce Watson. Department management is represented by Gerry Gewe, Tom Hokinson, Enrique Martinez and current General Manager, David Wiggs.

Gathering Input and Setting Priorities

The JTI has already sent out a request to each business unit, asking for specific information with respect to training. Next, we will be going out to each work location in order to solicit input from the men and women on the job.

The key values we will be looking for are:

• Training is a key investment in human capital and potential.

• Open communication between labor and management, with clear goals and expectations that foster mutual trust and respect.

• Safety is a core value that must be promoted and integrated into all training programs.

• Employees must be given opportunities to improve their jobs and lives through involvement and participation in meaningful training initiatives.

• Employees’ training needs must be effectively met in a safe, healthy, respectful and responsible manner.

• Well-trained and competent employees provide real value to both the Department and the people of Los Angeles it serves.

As administrators of this joint program, DWP’s Susana Reyes and I will be working, with the guidance of our trustees, to make these values and goals a reality.