UNION SIGNS LETTER AGREEMENT TO AID FAMILY OF NOEL SMITH

Local 1245 signed Letter Agreement 09-50 with PG&E under the provisions of Section 111.15 of the Physical Agreement to allow employees to voluntarily sell vacation and transfer the proceeds to the family of Noel Smith, an apprentice Water System Repairperson who was headquartered in Burney.  This vacation sale is to help relieve the financial hardship to Noel’s family.

Noel, who worked in the Hydro Generation Department at PG&E, died on Dec. 19 in an accident that also claimed the life of his brother, Nathan. The two brothers were duck hunting on Dec. 19, along with another brother, Andrew, at the McArthur Swamp, part of the Pit 1 Hydro Project.  At approximately 5:00 p.m., their dog fell through the ice on the waterway access to Big Lake. The three brothers then attempted to rescue the dog, and also fell through the ice.

Andrew managed to get himself to shore. Noel and Nathan were retrieved from the water by rescue personnel and both were experiencing severe hypothermia. All three were immediately transported to the nearest local hospital in Fall River Mills, where Noel and Nathan passed away. Andrew survived the tragedy.

Noel is survived by his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Brook.  Letter Agreement 09-50 gives Local 1245 members an opportunity to help the family through the sale of vacation time.

Local 1245 extends its condolences to the friends, family and co-workers of union Brother Noel Smith.