The Foreign Utility Memorandum of Agreement was voted on by the T&D progression line and the results were in favor of accepting the changes. 390 ballots were mailed out, and 92 were returned. I assume that the majority of T&D felt that the previous or the proposed language was acceptable, and they left the decision up to those that felt strongly one way or the other. Thank you to Steve Daugherty and Mike Bezick for handling the ballot count.
Electrical Test Technicians, Insulation Test Technicians, and Electrical repair trainee jobs have been posted for bid or out for street hires. It’s good to see these departments getting some vacancies filled. Hopefully the momentum will continue.
The T&D training team has developed check-off sheets to track training and be sure each trainee can be proficient prior to testing. JTWA’s are also on the move to provide more construction work.
We are discussing voluntary permit holding by electricians during storms when mutual assistance crews are needed. We are looking at the Overtime Opportunities Agreement and the Troubleman MA in hopes of making improvements that will retain employees for their career. You don’t have to look hard to find members leaving for other opportunities. I feel some of this can be addressed before 2027 negotiations, however, I can’t promise anything prior to contract time.
While we are on the topic of negotiations, I’d like to draw attention to our members at Talen that are currently working on gaining a fair contract. They have shown a growing amount of unity within their workforce. Best of luck to them as they work through negotiations. It’s not too early for EU to start committing to unity for our upcoming contract. We need to continue to improve on supporting other work groups and grow stronger as a team.
The lineman rodeo team will be competing in the International Rodeo in Kansas. Good luck to the team and have a safe trip.
Thanks to Nick Krecker for his time representing Lehigh as a Chief Steward, and to Ryan Cora for stepping up to replace Nick.
