Company and union negotiators met on Sept. 27 to continue bargaining for a new Clerical Agreement at PG&E. It was the first bargaining session in nearly three weeks due to the company’s need to focus its attention on responding to the San Bruno gas explosion.
The meeting on Sept. 27, held at Local 1245’s Ronald T. Weakley Hall in Vacaville, opened with a presentation by the union on the results of a poll the union commissioned on ratepayer attitudes about PG&E. The scientific poll indicates that a large majority of ratepayers have a favorable view of their service from PG&E, and that these favorable views extend to customer service representatives as well as gas and electric personnel. The poll was conducted among 500 ratepayers throughout the PG&E service territory from Sept. 14 to Sept. 16.
The company and union reported that during the two-week break in bargaining, discussions had continued on possible alternatives to the company’s two-tier and contracting proposals that appeared promising. Because these issues are still being discussed, no specifics were made public. But union negotiators expressed optimism that progress could be made on these issues, and agreed that it was now possible to go ahead and tackle various other issues prioritized by both sides. Negotiations this week are scheduled to continue on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Negotiating sessions have also been scheduled for next week on October 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Worksite Action
Buttons, stickers and posters opposing the company’s two-tier and contracting proposals are now being circulated throughout the PG&E system by over 100 IBEW worksite volunteers. Show where you stand — wear a button, put up a poster, voice your opinion! Your support at work is what gives us strength at the bargaining table.
IBEW Local 1245 Bargaining Committee