It’s June and time for warmer weather. While enjoying your warm weather activities, please keep safety in mind.
It’s been quite some time since I’ve had an article posted and way overdue. I’m going to start with two (2) items this month.
Ephrata
Electric – We have been in continuous negotiations with the Borough regarding the Electric Department apprentice program. Back in September 2025, an issue arose that caused concern for both sides. The parties agreed to revise the current apprentice agreement and extend the time in the Helper position from 1200 to 1400 hours (30-35 weeks) to one (1) year. Prior to beginning these discussions, the issue needed to be resolved, which was done in October 2025. At that time, the Borough was advised that they could fill a Helper vacancy and Local 1600 will agree to the extended period in the Helper position to one (1) year. As of today, there is still no agreement for a revised apprentice program. We are close; however, the Borough continues to put language in their proposal removing access to the grievance procedure should and employee fail either during their probationary period or ability to advance to the next level. We cannot agree to eliminate access to the grievance procedure, which has been explained to the Borough repeatedly and followed up with an email on 6/2/26 also stating that until a revision is agreed to the current agreement for the apprentice program remains active. The Borough has refused to fill the vacant Helper position until a new agreement is reached. In the email LU1600 encouraged the Borough to fill a vacant Helper position, with an agreement to extend the period in the position to one (1) year and we would continue negotiations on the revised apprentice program. To date there has been no response.
Crossing Guard position – LU1600 was officially notified on 5/28/26, that the Crossing Guard position in the CBA is being eliminated and the work is being contracted out. We’ve discussed this with our legal representation and based on this discussion we have requested a meeting for ‘effects bargaining’ for the impacted employees. Although the Borough mentioned this elimination of the Crossing Guard position, LU1600 was unable to proceed at that time until official notification was received.
PPL
Customer Contact Center – LU1600 has been having bi-monthly meetings regarding the CCC, which was initiated based on the lack of communication to the CCC BU members. In the beginning, it appeared the meetings were productive. However, they have taken a turn. We have been at these meetings receiving updates on procedures, progress and overall Company understanding of how the general environment and communication is in the CCCs. Please know that LU1600 representatives continuously bring up the impact of the procedures, progress, environment, and communication on the BU members. Know that, yes, the information received is useful and positive for the most part. However, it’s not addressing the situations at the CCC. For example, recently some employees were in the office on a 2-week rotation due to quality and adherence. According to the Company this was a positive experience for the employees and the employees said they received the benefit from being in the office. I have heard differently from BU employees. I’ll start by stating I am a big supporter of office comradery. I stated many times I can learn a lot from my ‘neighbor.’ I also see the value in the ‘work from home’ environment. It provides flexibility to both the Company and the employee and as is always my push more BU employees (not there yet on the last item). I’m sending this out to ask you BU employees please share your experiences with me on the following:
Training
• Report to the Office
• Access to support (TA, Senior CSR, Supervisor)
• Side by Side
• Training
• And any other issues, concerns, and/or comments you may have.
Please send your responses to my email (jbiever1600@gmail.com) or cell 610-554-8376. I ask that you do not send anything from your Company email address. I will not mention any names. I will only bring up issues, concerns, and/or comments.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
