Hello Sisters and Brothers,
Happy Women’s History Month! We want to thank our Sisters and all women for their achievements and contributions that have shaped our families, workplaces, and communities.
Last year was a busy and productive one for our Union. We hit the ground running with contract negotiations for Talen Energy, Safe Harbor, and Rentokil. Beyond the bargaining table, we’ve stayed active in the field handling grievances and arbitrations. We’ve seen several termination cases through to resolution, while others are progressing to arbitration.
A special thanks goes out to our Business Representatives, Chief Stewards, and Stewards who have been working day in and day out to make sure our contracts are being honored.
We are currently working to finalize the Talen CBA with the print shop. We will provide an update on the distribution of your new CBA once it is approved for print.
We met for eleven days during February and March for negotiations for our Sisters and Brothers from Safe Harbor. We are scheduled to resume negotiations with the company on April 13th, 14th, and 15th. Simultaneously, we will begin preparing for the Ephrata Borough negotiations; this includes sending out a Membership survey in April to identify our Sisters’ and Brothers’ priorities for CBA improvements. By late summer, we will begin preparing for the PPL negotiations coming up in 2027.
I recently attended a PA Utility Local Legislative Initiatives Meeting with other Local Unions to discuss safety and staffing for electric utility companies.
Update on Arbitration Award 22-HBG-001 (Sick Note):
PPL appealed this award, and we were unable to reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution during our mediation session held on 3/5/26 with the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The appeal process will continue, and we are now awaiting a final ruling from the Court. We will provide updates as they become available.
We all need to remember that our greatest strength lies in our unwavering solidarity. When we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, we are an unbreakable force. By staying united, we rise above attempts to divide us and turn our collective voice into real action for better wages, safer working conditions, and the respect we deserve.
As Union Members, we understand that an injury to one is an injury to all. By supporting each other through negotiations and daily workplace challenges, we secure a stronger future for ourselves and our families. Together, we are not just employees; we are a powerful, organized movement making it clear that we deserve a fair share of the prosperity we create.
Take care,
Rusty
