Two late night calls came in for PPL/1600 crews to provide mutual aid to foreign utilities. On June 19th, we were called to support PECO. A short time after, on July 3rd, we were called to support Rhode Island Energy. Chief Stewards and a small group of others got the word out and had crews ready to go in less than a shift notice. This immediate response was recognized and commended by Directors and HR. I appreciate the Chiefs and their support group that always answer the calls.
Over the last year, PPL/1600 crews have responded to six mutual assistance calls. This has presented an opportunity to review our foreign utility agreements and look for improvements. A small group of four T&D members and I have reviewed the existing language and drafted some changes and are waiting for management’s acceptance. If accepted, it would go out to the proper work group for a vote. These changes were guided by our members’ suggestions and management’s interest in staying attractive to other utilities.
There was interest from T&D on removing the unpaid lunch period and adapting straight eight shifts. The company is not interested currently. MVA’s are earning RBP and extended RBP for repeat incidents. I know it takes time but use a spotter and find one if possible. The majority of the RBP is due to the lack of spotters. Discussions have been had over greater than 16-hour shifts due to callouts, holdovers, etc. We are still working on a common ground for this. I attended the Lehigh bargaining unit focus meeting with stewards, Field Managers, and the Senior Director. I believe the meeting was productive and helps to limit any disconnects from the field to upper management.
A team of about a dozen field workers in addition to management have been reviewing and determining how to provide the proper training to T&D trainees at each level. Work management joined the last meeting to assist in scheduling the needed work for our crew’s. Along with the field team, Andy Kanas has stepped up to represent Walbert. I appreciate everyone’s willingness to help.
RTC management has again decided to change the Troubleman shift fill process and skip the dayshift crews at the roster (depending on location and day of the week). It was also stated that Union leadership agreed to this change. This is not true, and exactly the opposite of our view with the current language. Any changes to the Troubleman MA or Overtime Opportunities Agreement need to be negotiated. They recognize we disagree with their direction and advised us to use the grievance procedure accordingly. There is interest in a Bargaining Unit Troubleman Trainer. This is not agreed upon currently, and in the preliminary stage.
Currently, we have five bargaining unit trainers at Walbert. At times, Walbert is unintentionally detached from things happening out in the field. If you hear about new field training or something that you feel the BU trainers should see, please reach out to them. Below are the current BU Trainers.
Andy Kanas – T&D
Tom Wengrenovich – T&D
Ashley Harris – T&D
Brad Hornbuckle – T&D
Herb Eisenman – M&E
