By Ron Cochran
Work remains slow, we expect a sharp increase in work between the first and second quarter of 2010. We do expect many new jobs in the AMI meter exchange business in the next few months. We have just signed a contract with UPA to replace 558, 000 electric meters on SMUD property in the next 18 months. PG&E’s meter exchange program will peak in 2010 also.
WAPA has posted a large T-line project in the Sacramento Valley. There will be a very large amount of Transmission Line and Substation work in 2010 in California and Nevada.
Business Manager Tom Dalzell recently signed a new PLA with PG&E to require all contracted electric construction to completed through Local 1245 signatory contractors. This will help all the members in a very large way. This will put all contractors bidding from the same wage base.
Northern California Underground Agreement:
This agreement expires October 31, 2009; we are in negotiations with NECA.
Underground Construction Agreement:
This agreement expires October 31, and we are already in talks with UGC.
MSTI
We are actively negotiating a first agreement with MSTI, a gas inspection company that has been working for PG&E
SWIP Project
We are actively pursuing a PLA with LS Power. They hope to kick off the project in the first quarter of 2010. More detailed information can be found at www.swipos.com/
NECA-Outside Line Agreement
We will be reopening the OSL negotiations as grievance settlement between Local 47 and Western Line NECA. These negotiations will need to start before November. The only section that will be re-negotiated is 6.10
Injured Workers Fund
The injured workers fund hold steady with no increases as the contributions are very low at this point, due to the work picture. There have been a few payouts in the month of September.
Apprentice News
We currently have less than 260 Outside Line Apprentices in the Cal-Nev JATC program. We held interviews in September and one climbing class.
Jurisdictional Issues
We continue to have jurisdictional disputes.