Class consolidations for greater flexibility and the failure of management to fill needed positions are concerns in many units. In general, the growing use of mutual gains bargaining and the ongoing work of the Joint Labor/Management Committees has led to the resolution of grievances at a lower level and, often, to avoidance of the grievances altogether. Shop stewards have often been able to resolve issues as they arise.
Unit 2--A Switch and Leave policy developed by the Joint Labor-Management Committee has been approved and is being implemented. Managers, supervisors and trainers from SSO, ESM, Construction and the ECC will be trained in the policy.
Units 2 and 19 (Electric Station Operators, ESM/Elect. Mechanics)--Rank and file members have been involved in a number of subcommittees dealing with class consolidation. To provide greater flexibility in the work force and conform to industry standards, the DWP has sought to merge six class specs into two and 12 ddr’s into four. However, recent events have placed the issue on hold by DWP so they can reevaluate the need.
Unit 3 (Testers)— The Labor/Management Committee has been dealing with management’s failure to fill higher-level jobs. This is another instance in which management inaction places an undue strain on the work force without fair and adequate compensation.
Units 8 and 18 (Clerical/Supervisory & Administrative)—In July 1998, we won representation for DWP’s part-time employees, and now we have secured a 50% subsidy for their health and dental coverage. This is an important benefit for a group of employees who have all too often been neglected. The new benefit is available to all permanent part-time employees who have worked the equivalent of six months of full-time employment. At the urging of Local 18, the Department provided classes to its Secretaries (Pr. and Sr. Clerk Stenographers) to sharpen skills, encourage flexibility, and empower individuals to make decisions in the work place. These classes were so successful that the Department has further agreed to train all Pr. Clerk Utility, Secretary Legal and Senior level clerical employees.
The Joint Labor/Management Safety Subcommittee has been concentrating on ergonomic issues. We are working with the Department to provide ergonomic work stations, and “training the trainer” classes for interested members. The program will begin in the AOB and West L.A. Call Centers. This will be a big boost in the drive to make the workplace safer and healthier.
If you are interested in being trained as a “trainer,” please contact Shawn or Annemarie at (213) 387-8274 or ibew18@earthlink.net, or fax (213) 739-6937.
Unit 14 (Transportation)—We are still trying to staff up appropriately in the Heavy Duty Truck Operator and Equipment Operations. Since the SRP, we have hired 15 new equipment operators and approximately 14 Heavy Duty Truck Operators.
Units 15 and 20 (Pasadena)—The union has supported the implementation of a new work management system for the unit to become more competitive in the deregulated environment, but we are still fighting the trend to outsource our work.
Unit 17 (Customer Service Field Units)--Elizabeth McClodden, Darlene Goodrum, Noreen Beloud, Tony Marufo and (not pictured) Jimmy Bejerano are the CFR subcommittee on class issues. They have been meeting with management for over six months. Check your union bulletin board for their minutes. Please contact these members or Unit Business Rep Vega with your concerns and issues.
Units 19B and 60--These units will be meeting together on the fourth Tuesday of each month, at 4:30 pm, at the the Union Hall. Unit 19B now consists of the Mechanical Shops, Crafts at the Generating Stations and FMBG. Unit 60 consists of Waterworks Mechanics and Welders in Water.
Unit 22 (Electric Service Reps)—We have filed a grievance over the abolition of the lead position, which puts the burden of higher-level duties on members who are not being compensated for the extra responsibilities that are required of them.
Units 24 and 53 (Water Supply/Water Quality)—Terry Jarvis, Rick Garcia and Martin Villegas are part of the union’s committee that is working to extend 9/80 and 4/10 work schedules to areas not presently included. The committee held its first meeting May 14.
Unit 52 (Owens Valley)—Joint Labor/Management Committees are being established for the Owens Valley and should begin meeting soon.
Unit 53 (Water Quality and Distribution)—Water Management is continuing to certify M&C’s until we get approximately 80. Some of the newly hired M&C’s are being sent to various districts. They will be trained in the field as well as at the Ascot Training Center.
Unit 64 (Azusa)—At its May 22 picnic, Unit 64 members presented a check for $3555 to the City Library to support their summer reading program. This was a joint effort with the Azusa business community.
Unit 65 (County Sanitation District)—We are in negotiations with the LA County Sanitation district and have had a few meetings with good progress. Committee members are Jeffrey Lambert and Tracy Cooper. The District representatives appear to be making a sincere effort to work with us in resolving disputed issues.