IBEW Local 66

Journeyman Electrician Code Update Classes

Jan 092012

The 2012 Journeyman Electrician code update classes will be held at the Local 716 Union hall located at 1475 North Loop West, 77008 on the following dates.

January 14

January 28

February 25

March 24

April 21

May 12

June 16

If you want to maintain your electrician license you must attend a code update class, any fees for these update classes have not been determined at this time. All starting times will be at 8:00am and run till noon. You cannot enter the class late or leave early. You must provide proof of I.B.E.W. membership to attend these classes, either a reciept or a letter from Local 66 will do. The above are the only dates available at Local 716 this year.

Sincerely,

Rick Childers

PEC employee concerns

Business Manager, Centerpoint HL&P

Dec 212011

December 21, 2011

To all Pedernales Electric Cooperative employees:

During your efforts to exercise
your rights to gain representation in your workplace, PEC has taken it upon
themselves to employ a union avoidance firm.
This firm is highly paid and will do or say anything to assist PEC in
preventing you from gaining those rights.

One of the most recent mistruths
about IBEW representation is that no PEC Linemen can be grandfathered into the
IBEW as a Lineman at PEC without first testing.
That is false. The
IBEW Local 66 will guarantee that no PEC Lineman will have to test with the
IBEW to remain a Lineman at PEC.

This is the first of many
mistruths you will hear from these union avoidance people that PEC has
hired. The IBEW has taken great care to
make sure that all the facts are true.
Try to get all the facts and remember why you wanted representation in
the first place.

IBEW Local Union 66 would like to
wish all PEC employees a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and will
assist any way we can in your efforts to gain representation in your
workplace.

Sincerely,

Rick Childers

Business Representative/Assistant
Business Manager

International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers

Local 66

December 21, 2011

Dear PEC employees,

It has come to our attention that a Supervisor at PEC, Joab
D. Moritz, has claimed some prior knowledge of the IBEW from his time as an
IBEW Local Union 66 member.

After searching our records we’ve found that Mr. Moritz was
a member of Local Union 66 and did work for CenterPoint Energy but our records
also indicate that Mr. Moritz attended no meetings from the year 2000 to
2003. Therefore Mr. Moritz was unable to
vote in meetings on issues of importance to his fellow members or have
knowledge of Local 66 issues.

However, our records do not indicate the reason Mr. Moritz
left CenterPoint Energy. He may be the
only one that can answer that question.
Thank you,

Sincerely,

Rick Childers

Business Representative/Assistant Business Manager

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Local 66

Centerpoint HL&P

Nov 292011

Here is another letter from an employee at the Perdanales Electric Coop. Please read his plea to become Unionized and his struggle to do so. As with most non- union employees they are at the mercy of their employers and have no say in determining their future. We are blessed to have our Union.

Rick Childers

Larry Hayes
IBEW Lead Organizer

Sent: Saturday,
November 19, 2011 9:32 AM
To: Hayes, Larry
Subject: Jesus said, You shall
know the truth and the truth shall make you free !

Dear Larry,

On
December 16th, 2009, 72 P.E.C elgible retiree employees were invited to a
meeting in Oak Hill to discuss medical continuation and retirement questions.
The people in charge of that meeting then were CEO Mr. Juan Garza, Manager of
human resources Theresa Owens and supervisor Pamela. It was at that meeting that
employees asked questions like will we be asked to retire early and will the
medical continue till we choose to retire. The answers to those questions were
the following. Juan said (no) you will not be asked to retire early. If you want
to work here till your 70 we want you. We want your experience. We value your
experience. The other question was will the medical continue till we retire and
the answer was (yes) until you reach the age of 65 then the law requires you to
go on Medicare.
My how things have changed since that time. All those people
who told us those kind promises have been fired. And the board will not honor
any of those statements. Now they want you out by the 80 rule with the average
age of around 50 and if you don’t take their offer you retire with no medical.
If you take their offer you retire with medical as long as they want you to have
it because they have in writing that they reserve the right to take it away at
any given time. Also if you take their 80 rule offer you retire with only about
35 to 50 % of your pension. When a normal retirement would be around 40 years of
service around the age of 65 with 70 % of your pension which is the full
amount.
From now on P.E.C. will be whatever the board is with no guarantees
on anything.
Will you the employees continue to be just a number and a puppet
on the string for the board or will you have some rights with a union ?
The
choice is yours. Read the IBEW literature and see the truth. All their
literature is public and open. Nothing in secret. If you study it you will see
that it is the same thing Mr. Juan Garza offered which is Servant Leadership.
Would you rather have Servant Leadership or the current board dictatorship ? The
choice is yours. You and your family’s future will either be in the boards hands
or your fellow co-workers hands. With a union we elect our own people to
represent us. And if they don’t represent you well you vote new people in every
3 years.
The other day we had 2 pole fires going on at the same time it took
just about all our current work force. If the board continues to have their way
with their famous words attrition and dead wood you employees who are left after
all their cuts will be over worked and under paid and nothing to show for all
your hard work. The bad weather will one day come back and every employee will
be needed to get the power on in a safe manner.
The future of the Coop is in
the employees hands. Do your own research and see that I a fellow co-worker who
cares for the rest of his co-workers. I am a Christian and know Jesus Christ as
my Lord and Savior and know with all my heart that the coop has been heading in
the wrong direction ever since they fired Mr. Juan Garza. You the employee can
change the direction of the coop. with a union and put balance back in the Coop.
which will hold everybody accountable for their actions. Mr. Juan Garza had the
right idea Servant Leadership but the board didn’t like that idea and that is
why they fired Juan. Now we the employees have no other choice but to go
union.
There are so many benefits of being a union. I encourage you to come
to the IBEW meetings and see the numerous benefits you would have with a union.
Just one of the benefits would be enough for me to join. Would you like to have
no reason for them to fire you or 7 just causes to legally fire you ?
Larry
feel free to share with all !

God guide and bless all,

An open letter from an unrepresented employee

Uncategorized

Nov 292011

Below is a letter to one of our organizers from an employee with the Perdanales Electric Coop. This employee recognizes the importance of having a voice in his employment, something we often take for granted. If you happen to run into any of these employees please encourage them to continue the struggle to become unionized, we would love to have them as part of our Brotherhood. They need our help and protection and I intend to give them that which they request.

Regards;

Rick Childers

I am one of the employees that have been beaten down over the years. For
almost 10 years I have literally slaved for this cooperative. I have sacrificed
my body, my social life, family, and friends over the years for it but to them I
am merely a means to an end. A number that once removed increases a ratio that
helps board members gain political prowess – at our expense. Simply ridiculous
that you, a living person, are simply referred to as an operating expense and
that your family is simply acceptable collateral damage in the boards effort to
take one (if not the) best years in PEC history and at your expense make it a
better one next year (for them mind you.. not you.. at all). Maybe it will get
them re-elected. Who cares because we have seen them come and go. I say we
continue to see them go!
What is important is we, the bleeding lineman
of PEC, don’t become the pawns in this political cat fight because if we do we
will be sacrificed for the greater “good”. No one wants that for themselves.
No one wants that for others (besides the “divine” board and its puppet RB). To
top it all off what is going on with the people that lead the Coop onto the path
it is on today. It wasn’t all Benny. A lot of those people still control
positions of influence in the Coop and they are WIDELY known – but are they
worried about losing their jobs? No. They will get the opportunity to ruin it
all again and this time around it might be you that is sacrificed instead of the
friend you lost the last time the board and management screwed everything up.
You can be fired for ZERO reason. They claim to have RUINED the largest Coop in
the WORLD with horrid business choices that lead to high operational costs – and
they ARE NOT WORRIED – but WE, the linemen, ARE (all of which is true – minus
the fact that yes.. it was an AMAZING year for PEC). What kind of picture is
that? What kind of business runs itself in such a fashion? You want to trust
people that use logic like that? Your life is in the hands of a lifeguard that
cannot even swim. That is why we have to and need to stand up and unite much
more strongly then we have already. RIGHT NOW they are planning who can go and
stay and it might be me, and it might be you, do you want to find out? Right
now since they have to explain nothing you must just find out and be just as
surprised as anyone else. Because you are the easy choice and they are lazy.
Get out and fight for yourself. Get more involved with the Union. Get others
involved. For you. For me. For our families.
> Like most people I
wished, hoped, and prayed that I would never have to be a part of a Union. Not
because I think they are evil but because I think people should naturally do the
right thing. Do what’s best. But sadly we have reached a pass in which without
unity between employees and without support from an outside entity, like our
friends at IBEW, we are merely waiting in line for our number to be called. For
some of us it might be next month. For others it might be a few months before
retirement. In either case it is flat wrong because they are always changing
the rules. LET‘S STOP THE RULE CHANGING.
> Let’s get it in
writing.
> Let’s wrap this part of the Union thing up with the IBEW so
maybe we can save a few linemen’s jobs that are being thrown away paying off a
Union buster. Someone has to pay for these record profit years because we built
one of the best most reliable systems on EARTH? Why not you is what they are
saying? I will tell you why not you. Because we are going to stand up and get
this done. Together!
>
> I am about Jesus so I give it up to him
for the strength to stand up. I give it up to my fellow employees that showed
me strength in unity and allowed me to be a part of this. Amen everyone. Love
you all.
>
> Feel free to share,

Election Day Message

Centerpoint HL&P

Nov 072011

A message from our Lawyers

2011 International Lineman's Rodeo

Centerpoint HL&P

Oct 262011

Congratulations to all of our members who competed in the
2011 International Lineman’s Rodeo. The International Lineman’s Rodeo is the
premier event where Lineman from around the world compete each year to
determine who the best of the best is. This year we had several Apprentices and Teams
represent Centerpoint Energy as well as I.B.E.W. Local 66. A special congratulation
goes out to Mike Luksch Apprentice Lineman at Centerpoint Energy’s Baytown
Service Center. Mike placed first overall in the Investor Owned Utility
Division by finishing first in the Apprentice Written Test and first in the
Apprentice C.P.R. event. Not only did Mike finish as the top Apprentice in the
I.O.U Division he also finished as the Top Overall Apprentice in the world. Congratulations
Mike you are the best, keep up the good work, we are proud of you.

Respectfully submitted by,

Rick Childers

Business Representative

I.B.E.W. Local 66

2011 International Lineman's Rodeo

Uncategorized

Oct 262011

Congratulations to all of our members who competed in the 2011 International Lineman’s Rodeo. The International Lineman’s Rodeo is the premier event where Lineman from around the world compete each year to determine who the best of the best is. This year we had several Apprentices and Teams represent Centerpoint Energy as well as I.B.E.W. Local 66. A special congratulation goes out to Mike Luksch Apprentice Lineman at Centerpoint Energy’s Baytown Service Center. Mike placed first overall in the Investor Owned Utility Division by finishing first in the Apprentice Written Test and first in the Apprentice C.P.R. event. Not only did Mike finish as the top Apprentice in the I.O.U Division he also finished as the Top Overall Apprentice in the world. Congratulations Mike you are the best of the best, keep up the good work, we are proud of you.
Respectfully submitted by,
Rick Childers
Business Representative
I.B.E.W. Local 66

NRG Contract Vote

Generation

Oct 182011

The NRG Contract Vote ballots have been counted. Over 90% of the membership voted, including absentee ballots that were not counted because they would not have made a difference in the outcome. The Company Firm and Final offer was rejected by the membership by a 2 to 1 margin. The Company has been notified of the results. We will now set a schedule to resume meeting with the Company. I thank everyone for exercising their right and casting a ballot.

Fraternally,

Charlie

Insurance Enrollment

Centerpoint HL&P

Sep 262011

Please be aware your annual insurance enrollment will begin soon. If you are a smoker please select the appropriate rate. If you chose to be dishonest and are caught, discipline up to and including termination may be involved. The Company H.R. Director has sent an email to Local 66 identifying the above mentioned issue, please take heed.

Rick Childers

NRG Negotiations Update

Generation

Sep 162011

NRG contract negotiations

The Company and Union have not reached an agreement on the contract that expires on Sept. 17, 2011. We have meet Thursday evenings and Fridays most weeks since we opened negotiations in early July. We were scheduled to meet Tuesday and 1/2 day Wednesday this week due to my unavailability Thursday and Friday because of the International Convention. We meet Tuesday, but due to a family medical issue for one of the Company committee, Wednesday was canceled.

The Union has a proposal on the table and are scheduled to meet upon my return from the convention. Most of you have seen the Union’s list of issues. All of those are still on the table, except Neutrality/Card Check which the Union has withdrawn.

The terms and conditions of our present Agreement are in effect and will continue to remain in effect unless/until either party gives proper notification to the other party of intent to terminate (lockout/strike).

We have tentative agreements on several proposals (Art. 1, sections 1 – 4, including putting a copy of the dues deduction form in the Agreement; Committee on Political Education, voluntary deduction for political education; Art. 7, Safety; and several others.

There are many issues within the following Articles that we have yet to reach Agreement on: Art. 1, section 5, Stewards; Art. 4, sections 1& 2, Contracting Work; Art. 6, Apprentice/Plant Operator Trainees; Art. 8, Holidays; Art. 10, High Work; Art. 11, Callouts; Art. 12, Hours of Work and Overtime; Art. 13, Time Lost because of Disability; Art. 14, Vacations; Art. 15, General; Art. 16, Grievance and Arbitration; Art. 17, Seniority.

The Company and Union are still pretty far apart on the ’10 Opener, General Wage Increases and continuning to discuss the Control Room Operator classification and Fuel Handling HEO classification. The Company has proposed a 3 year term for the Agreement. The Union is still open, but have informed the Company that our duration will be based on the General Wage Increases and other issues in our proposal.

We are still in discussions on all the other issues (Retirement, Retiree Medical account funding, 401k, AIP, Medical/Dental/Vision, Travel, Drug and Alcohol Policy, Employee Selection for Travel, Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) on Stolen/Broken Tools and Savings Plusloans andLetter of Agreement (LOA) on Off Cycle Checks in the bady of Agreement,ect.

I do want to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to our negotiations committee, who have put in countless hours of their own time into this effort. In fact the majority of the time spent in negotiations has been their own time. They have worked very hard and late to prepare proposals, counter proposals, research and such and have performed every task assigned to them in an expeditious and competent manner.

We will continue to work hard to achieve a fair contract in a timely manner and appreciate thebacking, support and involvement of the members.

Be careful and make sure to follow all Safety Rules.

Fraternally,

Charlie Nelson

Older Entries

Journeyman Electrician Code Update Classes

PEC employee concerns

An open letter from an unrepresented employee

Election Day Message

2011 International Lineman's Rodeo

2011 International Lineman's Rodeo

NRG Contract Vote

Insurance Enrollment

NRG Negotiations Update

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