Clerical Clerical News Update
Move to Lincoln Center
No new news on the pending move to Lincoln Center for employees located at the Commercial Center and Chicago North and Oakbrook Call Centers. The Companys plans still call for the moves to take place in the 2nd quarter of 2012 and the 4th quarter of 2012, respectively.
Clerical Lateral and Demotion Pilot Program Extension
Discussions continue between Local 15 and ComEd/Exelon on extending the Clerical Lateral and Demotion Pilot. The original agreement, which was reached in January 2010, established a 2-year pilot program creating increased demotion and lateral opportunities for clerical employees.
Clerical Seniority List Corrections
The Union has been working with the Company over the last several weeks in order to resolve the numerous issues we have had with the clerical seniority list. On November 17th, 2011 a comprehensive audit of the entire clerical seniority list was performed by Local 15 Business Representatives Terry Cagney and Michael Freeman, Exelon Executive Administrative Coordinator Lisa Sprandel, and former ComEd HR Representative Mary Jane Leonaitis. The review was conducted in order to ensure the correct seniority dates are assigned to employees, and employees with similar seniority dates are placed in the proper sequence. This process included verifying previously requested corrections were reflected on the list as well as confirming sequence placement for employees hired on the same dates. A test run of the clerical seniority list is expected in early December, and if the corrections (which were captured on a master spreadsheet) hold, the next seniority list (which is scheduled to be run in early January 2012) should be the most accurate seniority list for clerical employees in years. When the new seniority list is published, remember to verify your information as soon as possible.
Any errors or inaccuracies on the seniority list should be reported to Local 15 immediately using the Seniority and Lateral Date Change Form located on Local 15s website by going to the Download Center and then click on the Seniority Lists Page.
Click here to go to the Download Center
Commercial Commercial Physical News
PDM Predictive Diagnostic Maintenance Group. Area Operators.
We continue to meet with the Company to resolve the issues with the PDM group. Some of the main problems are the distribution of overtime, shift schedules and seniority.
The concept of a PDM group is one that revolves around a group of employees that are dedicated to one task, in this case the inspection of N.E.R.C. Stations. Currently there is a pilot program in the Chicago region; we are getting mixed reports from the field on the initial success of this pilot.
A special thanks to all the Stewards and AOs for there help in these matters
We will continue to meet with the Company to resolve the issues. Next meeting is set for February 3rd.
Pole Hauling
The second wave of training for Material Handlers has commenced. We met with Supply management to discuss current state and the next steps.
Overall Pole hauling has been a success; the employees currently performing the duties are doing a great job and the Company is pleased with the results thus far.
The Company would like to train every Material Handler to haul poles. We have a belief that there should be a core group with trained backups to supplement the group. We have quarterly meetings set up to discuss issues should they arise.
Meter reading Laterals
The first ever lateral for Meter Readers will commence on Thursday February 3rd. We urge everyone to review the Lateral Guidelines and pay close attention to the process. If there are any questions reach out to your Steward for assistance.
COLD WEATHER
We sent an email inquiry to the company on January 20th, asking what the plans were for the predicted extremely cold weather on the 21st. From what we understand they used common sense in most cases; Meter Readers were kept in the building for the first two hours and then kept off walking routes. There were a few phone calls that still had to be made the morning of the 21st but all in all it went pretty well.
Heavy snowfall and bitter cold is predicted for Feb 1 3. Attached is a scanned copy of 1979 letter with the winter policy from Commonwealth Edison to the presidents of the local Unions that preceded Local 15.
SUBSTATION OPERATION (AREA OPERATORS)
Predictive Diagnostic Maintenance (PDM) Group. We continue to meet with the Company to resolve the issues with the PDM group. Commercial-Physical Representatives met with McGuire and T&S managers from all regions1/28/11. Different regions are using differing selection methods to staff PDM. Some of the main problems are the distribution of overtime, shift schedules and seniority.
The concept of a PDM group is one that revolves around a group of employees that are dedicated to one task, in this case the inspection of N.E.R.C. Stations. Currently there is a pilot program in the Chicago region; we are getting mixed reports from the field on the initial success of this pilot. The Company is subject fines from NERC (a voluntary organization) if inspections and maintenance are not completed on schedule.
We will continue to meet with the Company to resolve the issues. Next meeting is set for February 3rd. A special thanks to all the Stewards and AOs for their help in these matters.
STORES DEPARTMENT
The second wave of training for Material Handlers has commenced. John Maubach (Joliet) and Dan Peacock (Rockford) have trained their coworkers on semi-trailer driver pole delivery and shown leadership in bringing this key work back in-house. We met with Supply management to discuss current state and the next steps. Overall Pole hauling has been a success; the employees currently performing the duties are doing a great job and the Company is pleased with the results thus far.
The Company would like to train every Material Handler to haul poles. We have a belief that there should be a core group with trained backups to supplement the group. We have quarterly meetings set up to discuss issues should they arise.
METER READING
The Company declared seven excess positions at Maywood, Aurora, University Park, Elgin and DeKalb Meter Reading. Those reporting centers selected open positions based on Meter Reader seniority. After the call, the Company received bridge tariff approval to finish AMI pilot in Maywood area. There will be five (out of ten) Meter Readers upgraded for AMI and service suspension until October 2011. The seven meter readers scheduled to leave Maywood will be canvassed for five who want to stay. Temporary Meter Readers will be hired either at Maywood or the locations those excess Maywoood Meter Readers were assigned.
The first ever lateral for Meter Readers will commence will be held the first and second weeks of February. The first call will be on Thursday February 3rd, second call on February 8th, and the third and final call on February 10th. We urge everyone to review the Lateral Guidelines and pay close attention to the process. Last week was the deadline to submit names.Meter readers are reminded that unforeseen locations may open as the lateral process goes through its three steps and to check the postings for available openings. If there are any questions, reach out to your Steward for assistance.
Fossil -
Powerton -
Will County -
Kincaid -
Joliet -
Crawford -
Fisk -
Waukegan - Powerton
- Will County
- Kincaid
- Joliet
FOSSIL STATIONS
FOSSIL NEWS
Local 15 and MWG are about to wrap up meetings regarding the method stations use to fill overtime. The meetings look like they are about to come to a successful conclusion, with the simplification of filling overtime being the result.
The Union committee is made up of Waukegan Chief Steward Dave Grooms, Will County Chief Steward Janet Gonzales, Powerton Chief Steward Tim OConnell and Business Reps Doug Bedinger and Doug Vedas. The company representatives are HR Director Mike Seeman, Waukegans Operation Lead Todd Mundorf, Fisk/Crawford Maintenance Lead Don Fawcett, and Will Countys Operation Lead Daryl Miller.
The parties are very close to an agreement that will result in simplifying the process of filling overtime and making it easier to administer and also making some of the other overtime practices more consistent.
This potential agreement is a result of the CBA extension and will not be voted on. It involved lots of discussion and understanding of the other parties concerns. Local 15 wants to thank the company for working with us to make this process better for everyone involved.
Safety
NO RECORDABLE RECORDS
Will County -- 1,444 Days (w/o lost time))
Fisk -- 1,080 Days (w/o lost time )
Powerton - 1,139 Days (w/o lost time)
Joliet - 68 Days (w/o lost time)
Waukegan - 485 Days (w/o lost time)
Crawford - 360 Days (w/o lost time)
Will County - 4 years w/o DART Case
Joliet - 1 year w/o DART Case
Fisk - 2 Years w/o DART Case
OSHA Cases
EMG Fleet
No OSHA recordable cases in December
Organizing IBEW Local 15
Charlotte White
Organizer
Email: White_ibewlocal15.org
Phone: 708-243-5629
Why IBEW?
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is comprised of proud union members with a wide diversity of skills and jobs. One of the most progressive unions in existence, the IBEW represents some 750,000 members in the United States and Canada.
Check out the benefits of an IBEW contract:
IBEW Contract
That's an agreement between us, the employees, and the company spelling out our wages, benefits and rights.
Need another reason to form or belong to a union?
Under the employment at will doctrine, the cornerstone of American employment law, in general terms, unless we belong to a protected group, our employer has the right to discipline or terminate, with impunity, us for any reason -- even a bad one -- or for no reason at all. That's why it is sometimes called the fire at will doctrine.
With a collective bargaining agreement, we have rights. Management must have "just cause" for any disciplinary action taken against a union employee. "Just cause" is spelled out in our union contract so that we know exactly what is expected of us.
Union Members Live Better!
As union members, we bargain collectively with our employers over wages, benefits, and rights.
We have the best chance of receiving better wages, benefits and fair treatment in the workplace by bargaining collectively as a union. Most of us have very limited bargaining power as one person, but as a group, we are strong. And, with a good negotiated contract, we have legal protections we would not have otherwise.
Compare union to nonunion:
Wages / Benefits / Job Stability / Work Environment.
Organizing Successes
Web Contact Nets Tenessee Organizing Victory PART 1: New York Organizing Strengthens Union, Contractors Longtime Nonunion Ace Electric Signs with Des Moines Local 347 Xcel Energy Meter Readers Organize in Southwest "Common Sense" Guides IBEW Win at Louisiana Utility IBEW Begins Navajo Bargaining for Utility Workers Baton Rouge Plant Workers Vote IBEW IBEW Picks Up Arizona Power Plant 
Frequently Asked Questions
What's in a contract? What are my legal rights? What gives us the legal right to bargain collectively? Election Process What do organized religions say about unions? Jobs and Skills represented by the IBEW Tell me more about the IBEW. What is its overall structure? Tell me more about a local union and how it works. MBA MBA
Mutual Benefit Association
2011 MBA Executive Board Members:
President: Tony Salazar
Vice President: Paul Luckey
2nd Vice President: Julie Ruffin
3rd Vice President: Dean Graham
Chairpersons elected by majority vote to the Executive Board:
Carol Klentz
Jeanne Cholewa
Chrissy Watkins
General Secretary:
Julie Moretti
Rosalinda Abrego-Christmon
Local 15 MBA Business Representative:
Charlotte White (708-243-5629)
Backup - Local 15 MBA Business Representative:
Dave Sergenti (815-378-7035)
MBA updated 03-2011.pdf
MBA BYLAWS REV 14.PDF
MBA Executive Board & Full MBA Board
2012 Meeting Schedule
Executive Board - Lincoln Centre 3 - Room 117
January 6, 2012
March 9, 2012
May 4, 2012
July 13, 2012
September 14, 2012
November 2, 2012
Full MBA Board - Lincoln Centre 3 - Room 127
January 27, 2012
March 30, 2012
May 18, 2012
July 27, 2012
September 28, 2012
November 30, 2012
Nuclear State of Nuclear Issues
Quarterly Meeting
The most recent meeting was held on Monday, April 11, at Cantera. At this meeting Local 15 Representatives brought up a few of their higher priority issues. The following topics were discussed: fully utilizing clerical employees for refuel outages, facilities maintenance employees promotions, working foreman discussions, overtime call-out response, and Local 15 staffing levels and contracting.
The goal of these meetings are for both sides to be able to share information face to face. The overall tone of the meeting was positive with both sides committing to continue to meet on the above subjects.
The Nuclear crisis in Japan was also a topic in this meeting. Local 15 was informed that there is a team that includes Exelon Managers who have traveled to Japan to assist in any way possible.
NUCLEAR CLERICAL NEWS
Contracting Out Local 15 Work at Braidwood Station
On January 19, 2011 Local 15 Representatives approached Braidwood Station Management with four Proposals as an alternative to contracting out the assembly of approximately 2000 Maintenance Work Packages to Shaw Contractors. The work packages are O & C work and is scheduled be completed by March 4, 2011. Despite Local 15s efforts, we were informed on January 19, 2011, the same day the Proposals were submitted, that Braidwood Station Management will utilize Shaw Contractors instead of Local 15 Maintenance Employees to do the work. Local 15 Representatives have been in contact with Labor in attempt to resolve this ongoing issue. A grievance has also been filed.
NUCLEAR PHYSICAL NEWS
Local 15 sent twelve delegates to the 2010 Nuclear Conference in Las Vegas from November 30th until December 3rd. During the conference many current nuclear issues were discussed such as: nuclear access, NRC work hour rule issues, and the ground breaking for two new nuclear units at the existing Vogtle site in Georgia. Local 15 gave a presentation regarding the Zion decommissioning project at the conference. Our experiences were shared with all of the other Locals in attendance in an effort to assist them if they are faced with a plant decommissioning.
The last quarterly Chief Stewards meeting for 2010 was held on December 9th in the Local 15 office. The main topics of discussion were nuclear access issues, work hour rules, and travel issues. The Administrative Guidelines for travel were discussed in detail and modifications were made to that document. The most significant change was that new employees after 1/1/2011 will be placed into a median position on the department travel list instead of the old method of being placed on the list at zero. These new Administrative Guidelines should be posted on Union boards at the sites.
Discussions took place in the last quarter of 2010 between Local 15 and Exelon regarding amendments to the current Nuclear Operating Agreement. Both parties discussed topics such as: fire brigade medical testing, EO bonus structure and exam questions, and a six crew twelve hour schedule option. These meetings did not result in a new agreement being reached, so per the language in the existing agreement it will be extended. Both parties agreed to commence negotiations earlier in 2011.
The NRC work hour rule continues to be a primary focus for Local 15 Business Representatives, Chief Stewards, and Stewards. On January 25, 2011 Local 15 Business Representatives (Dave Sergenti and Bill Phillips) traveled to Rockville, Maryland to represent our members interests at a public meeting at the NRC headquarters. The topic of the meeting revolved around the request for enforcement discretion from the nuclear industry for elimination of minimum days off and the use of up to quarterly work cycles instead of the current up to six week cycles. By attending this meeting Local 15 Representatives gained knowledge that will aid us in discussing issues with Exelon in the future, and made it clear to the NRC Staff and Industry Stakeholders we have a vested interest in this process.
Safety IBEW LOCAL 15 SAFETY
Safety Committee email: Safety_ibewlocal15.org
VISION STATEMENT:
The Local 15 Safety Committee is dedicated toward providing all union members a reliable and safe work atmosphere.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Local 15 Safety Council is committed to secure and preserve our safety. We will attempt to identify problems and address key safety issues which may subject or jeopardize the welfare of our members. Our council will attempt to bridge the gap to resolve safety issues that become impassive, stalled or abandoned.
