2010 IBEW UTILITY CONFERENCE REPORT

JULY 12-16, 2010Attendee’s –Francis Hayes-Ted Robertson

The first day of the conference’s workshops focused on such things as the process which happens when collective agreements are completed at the local level and what should happen there after at the International level. There was much discussion around the issue of collective agreements being registered with the International. The process was explained out and note was made that International only receives about 65% of collective agreements.

The next workshop gave us an update on the new CSA standards around commercial motor vehicle safety. These new standards are most likely going to affect the utility industry which will change our responsibilities as company drivers. Many companies have already installed such devices as GPS and some are now using a drive cam better known as “inthinc” which will monitor your driving habits and a computer generated voice will correct you when bad habits exists, companies also see value in fuel savings which have already see results. It was also noted in this presentation that the technology exists that cell phones can be used as a live microphone which works whether the phone is on or off.

We had another guest speaker who spoke on the “training fund” which the international has created to supply help to train new people entering the work force. IBEW most recently has 4 training centers with the 5th being built. They are also implementing “boot camps”, a six week program which they feel an individual will or will not fit the job. The focus is still on the line trade which is still the largest number leaving the work force.

To finish up the first day there was a presentation on “sleep apnea” which medical research shows an increasing number of workers suffering from this disease. There are many concerns around this condition but mainly it is job safety. This symptom usually occurs between 50 to 55 years of age or those individuals who are extremely overweight. Survey show that 10% or more people suffer from this and if detected through a medical exam you could have problems getting your drivers license renewed.

Day two began with a Canadian workshop, a first I understand, to be directed toward the business on this side of the border. International Vice President Phil Fleming was on hand to give an update on the International Convention in Vancouver in 2011. Funding from local unions has been very good, with approximately 1 million collected to date. There was also a lot of open discussion on such topics as how we need to deal differently with the younger work force, different attitudes and priorities. (Next generation) There also was a lot of discussion around “code of excellence” and some testimony on how some locals have opened the door to more productive Labor-Management relationships due to this process.

(2)

Political action committees were also a topic, many locals still have not taken steps to do this because they are still unsure how much they should get involved with politics. Many opinions were tabled but I am not sure if everyone was comfortable at the end of the conversations. Health and safety committees was something many locals were using with much success, designated individuals play the role the same as management safety supervisors but are on the job as union personal. This time was of great value to me to meet and hear so many of our Canadian counterparts.

As the Canadian Caucus finished up we moved to a session on the “code of excellence” where it is not working so well. We were shown a video collected by local news media in different localities in the United States. These actions were collected under cover over a period of time and then made public. I will not comment a lot about this but rather wait and see if can obtain the video and actions taken. Some locals have now introduced “code of excellence stewards”, this has been very successful with about 75% of management willing to give it a try.

The day finished up with statics around our aging work force. Some of the comments were measured around all trades in general but the electrical industry was very near the top. Our facilitator claimed we have about a 5-10 year window when there would be a compete turnover in our trade industry. Statics also showed that by 2012 we will lose between 40-50% of our current work force. Very interesting session.

As day three began International President Ed Hill spoke on the recent recession and how many companies have disappeared along with many union jobs. He also spoke about the “code” and how important it is at present to keep our IBEW members holding the best jobs. He also emphasized how important it is to keep recruiting, membership numbers has drastically depleted, today’s numbers of IBEW only meet those held in 1960-61.The morning moved on with the introduction of delegates from Italy. They are trying to build a relationship with North American IBEW with the aspect of exchanging knowledge and ideas as they to make the shift from coal fired plants to Nuclear power.

After lunch we had a safety work shop which sort of reminded me of our own safety meets here at home. Retired fighter pilot, Jeff “odie” Espenship now facilitates safety-leadership work shops. I especially enjoyed this presentation, although flying planes has nothing to do with our jobs, he is able to put a twist on things to get his point across very well. Actually the our Safety Team is considering him as a guest speaker at the “Safety Meet-2011” The day finished up with some dramatic facts surrounding our power grid and power tx. Information gathered though out North America turns out that most of our power TX have exceeded their life cycle and will most likely fail within the next 10 years. Concerns are we do not have tx to replace existing units and if the timing was wrong we could lose portions of our grid in highly sensitive areas of large population if power tx failed.

(3)

I would like to thank all members of Local 37 for this wonderful opportunity. This was a first for me on such a convention with so many delegates. I enjoyed the net working aspect of the convention and meeting many of our Canadian counterparts, all very good people.

Thanks again, Ted Robertson

.