Hello Sisters and Brothers,
This year has been a demanding year for our Members.
Our power plants have been running more often, which is a good thing, due to the increased demand for electricity.
Another busy year of storm restoration for our Members both home and abroad.
The volume of calls and billing issues for our Customer Contact Center Members.
Our Dispatch Members covering their shifts.
Line department losing Members to the Troubleman shifts.
No training and/or the ability to obtain the work for our Members so we can enhance/maintain our skills.
The above is just a few examples of the year we’ve experienced. One common theme we have experienced in the examples above is we are short staffed. The companies have been hiring in some departments and reviewing other departments to address the impact of our Members leaving due to retirements or leaving the company. We are hopeful that the companies continue filling positions to help with the work load and THE WORK LIFE BALANCE. Our meetings with the companies have been productive and we will continue working with the companies to address the concerns from our Members.
Over the next 4 years Staff and Members from the field will be busy negotiating contracts for our Members. Next year we’ll start negotiations with Talen. We discussed with Talen about starting negotiations early next year to get ahead of the deadline. We’ll keep you posted once we lock down a timeline.
I would like to thank Ken Witmer for his hard work and dedication for our Members in his Unit 3 Executive Board position. Ken recently accepted a Substation Leader position in Unit 7 and stepped down from his position due to moving to a new Unit. The Executive Board reviewed resumes at the Executive Board Meeting on November 4, 2024 and voted via secret ballot to fill the Unit 3 Executive Board vacancy with Justin Ferguson, Transportation Journeyman Mechanic/Steward from Cocalico Service Center. Congratulations to Justin on his new position!
Our Business Representative Ryan Harris has informed us that he will be stepping down from his Business Representative position. Ryan’s work ethic and professionalism will be greatly missed! Thank you, Ryan, for everything you have done for our Members! Mike Bezick, Journeyman Electrician Substation/Steward from Lehigh Service Center accepted the vacant Business Representative position. Mike is looking forward to the position and helping our Members! December will be the transition period for Mike and Ryan. Thank you, Mike, for stepping up and accepting the position!
The International Lineman’s Rodeo was held from October 16th to 19th at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, KS. Congratulations to all our Members! The following are our Members that participated in the Rodeo.
Dan Aniska Troubleman
Blaise Antonelli Helper
Kyle Barker Journeyman Lineworker Trainee
Lynn Bechdel Lineman Leader
Dave Bender Lineman Leader/Coach
Hunter Bowers Journeyman Lineworker Trainee
Ed Cipressi Journeyman Lineworker Trainee
Kyle Everitt Troubleman/Captain
Isaiah Finley Journeyman Lineworker Trainee
Mark Hilkert Journeyman Lineworker
Eric Jacobs Troubleman
Dante Manjone Helper
Troy Medash Troubleman
James Melnick Journeyman Lineworker Trainee
Colin Sharrow Journeyman Lineworker Trainee
Jamie Slotterback Journeyman Lineworker Trainee
Justin Talipan Journeyman Lineworker Trainee
Austin Wheeler Journeyman Lineworker Trainee
Thank you to everyone involved this year with the Rodeos!
Wishing you and your family a joyful and peaceful holiday season. Thank you for your dedication and hard work throughout the year!
Stay safe and take care,
Rusty
