LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMER REPORT:

SOUTHERN AREA

Asplundh Tree Expert — We have a major problem in Cupertino regarding an alleged threat to a General Foreman. Based on our joint investigation no real threat was made. The General Foreman had a delayed reaction with what was allegedly stated. The company sided with the General Foreman anyway and issued a 9-day suspension. We disagreed with the conditions the company placed on our member.  The company has still not allowed this employee to return to work. We disagree with the company’s decision and are grieving the discipline and all lost wages. This matter will go to arbitration.

We are having issues with management not supporting our members in the field. Members need to make certain that when orders are given that both crew members are involved and are informed of the task at hand. Production has been a focus by the company. If we are having any problems in the field make sure you contact your General Forman – ASAP.

Davey Tree Surgery — Central Coast & Los Padres: The company informed us if individuals are interested in working FP’s (Facility Protect Work) in Santa Cruz, please let your General Foreman know in order to get on the sign-up list. The company will do their best to utilize qualified personnel to perform the work. Mission Division crews are scattered all over the place: Orinda, San Ramon, Livermore, Fremont. In Diablo Division, the Company made another attempt to vote the 10-hour shift last month. This time the company won the vote to change the hours. City of Santa Clara: We had an initial meeting on June 13. We expect another date to maximize our efforts in ratifying an agreement. TID: We received complaints regarding prevailing wage. The company explained how no change can take place during the term of the agreement between Davey Tree & TID.

Trees Inc — The next planned GRC had to be rescheduled for a date to be determined. We expect to have this meeting to take place in July.  In Fresno Division, all crews are still on 8-hour shifts. The forecast has picked up in Fresno and will more than likely cause a change of hours to 10’s. In Stockton Division, crews have all returned from Pine Grove. ACRT has finally gathered up more work for Stockton. At SMUD, we had an issue of potable water & Ice. The crews were recently moved to Grant Line and brought up the issue. The company assured us that water is being issued in the yard, and will work on setting up an account with a local Ice distributor. We are working on having an all-hands meeting for all members at SMUD South.

Utility Tree — In Yolo we had an issue with a Foreman breaking down with his bucket truck that has been recently repaired. In the future if we feel company trucks are not in condition to be on the road per DOT, we need to red tag these trucks.

Information for this report was supplied by Junior Ornelas and Carl Lamers.