April 2024

Greetings everyone,

I hope you are all in good spirits. The following is an overview of the month of March.

I attended five (5) unit meetings. Those meetings were Medford, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Roseburg, and Toketee. There were similar issues happening with our Line Clearance Tree Trimmer groups in Klamath Falls, Roseburg, as well as Grants Pass. Grants Pass did not have as many problems as the others mentioned. I intended on making the Albany/Corvallis meeting but had meetings until 4PM that day that did not permit travel. Don attended Albany/Corvallis in my absence and I covered Grants Pass, which he normally attends.

One significant achievement this month was the continuing discussions of simplifying craft entry at PP&L. Through discussions involving our appointed members regarding Utility Specialists, Groundmen, Apprentices, and Pre-Apprentices, we made ground but have other meetings scheduled to continue to simplify this process.

Additionally, after overcoming scheduling challenges, we conducted a thorough debriefing session at the Crescent City/Smith River Complex. This session provided valuable insights and actionable strategies for future endeavors. We also discussed three (3) grievances that resulted from that incident and continue to have discussions with the grievant(s) about a resolution for each or dismissing them if necessary. 

Our bargaining efforts with PP&L continued, resulting in the formulation of a new tentative agreement. Information packets regarding this agreement have been distributed, and a vote is scheduled for April 8, 2024, in the morning.

I also dedicated time to attend trust meetings at the NWL Training Center in Battleground. Discussions focused on improving communication post-apprentice injuries and exploring enhancements to our tree trimming program, including the possibility of moving away from Saturday school and going to two, five-day weeks a year for training.

Furthermore, I as well as some of our staff expanded our knowledge through participation in a webinar on the Consumer Price Index, enriching our understanding of its utility and calculation methods.

In our ongoing efforts to strengthen committee structures, President Jeff Anderson is reviewing appointments to various committees at PP&L. Our aim is to reinstate the Health and Welfare Committee and FR Committee for comprehensive representation and schedule meetings again as these committees since they have been in hiatus.

An inter-union issue arose concerning collaboration with UWUA 197 members at the Coquille Substation. I took proactive steps to involve the company in resolving this matter and ensuring the interests of our members are safeguarded. I appreciate our member/steward that brought this to our attention. I am following up with the company to make sure this is resolved as it was noted that our substation wiremen have been doing the work in those subs since they removed that classification. I will follow up with the stewards and members involved once we can have more discussion with the company.

Also, as I wrote this report, I received an email with regard to “Green Service Trucks” not being plugged in at a District Lineman’s residence as it could potentially damage the batteries. Also, the concern of the District Lineman being expected to use his utility service to charge a company vehicle. I wholeheartedly agree with this as I look at my own bill. Once your usage goes up, you are charged a higher tier and that is more expensive. I am not sure if there is a comprehensive approach to this that would compensate someone correctly. Currently, the temporary solution is for the District Lineman to swap back to their old truck. More to come on this at a later time.

In conclusion, March has been a month of active engagement, productive discussions, and strategic planning. I remain committed to advancing the interests of IBEW 659 and ensuring the well-being of our members.

Warm Regards,

Nick Carpenter

IBEW 659 Business Manager

nick@ibew659.org

541-227-9736