Martinez Tree Service IBEW members voted on a one-year extension with a 2% general wage increase. The vote was 100% yes with 100% voting.
Family Tree Service IBEW members also voted on a one-year extension with a 2% general wage increase. The extension passed with an 85% yes vote.
Asplundh Tree Expert: IBEW 1245 is continuing to bargain with Asplundh Tree Expert, its subsidiaries Utility Tree Service and Trees Inc., and Wright Tree Service. The subcommittees met on Nov. 18 to research the companies’ proposals and have done some fine work. The sides are far apart at this point but we expect to close the gap. We are expecting slow progressing negotiations. We will meet again on Dec. 6.
Grievance activity has picked up in the Bay Area. Crews were sent to work overtime in Lake County from Los Gatos prior to the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
Davey Tree Surgery: Our planning for the Labor Management Meetings for East Bay & North Bay has been delayed. We will be holding separate Labor Management Meetings for Mission Division, Central Coast, and Los Padres. During a recent extended investigation we received detailed information about the fatality in Pebble Beach on Sept. 28, 2011. Witnesses stated Mr. Amezcua had his full-body harness on, contrary to early reports.
City of Santa Clara IBEW members ratified their agreement on Nov. 8. The vote was an overwhelming 90% majority support. We are now preparing for Turlock Irrigation District/Davey Tree negotiations. Proposals are being sent by members to the union hall. Davey Tree Expert has informed us that they plan to put the Humboldt contract out to bid for 2012. They had rebid the contract for 2011 but claim they are still losing money. If they do not win the bid, IBEW members will have successor rights to jobs but will be subject to probation.
Utility Tree: We plan to have the final GRC for all open matters in December
Mountain Enterprises: The company offered a one-year extension for 2012. This offer is out for a vote. Ballots will be counted on Dec. 7.
Trees Inc.: We have several held-over grievances and vacation matters in which the company owes us a response. We are getting complaints about management in Jackson. We expect to be discussing these matters at the next GRC under Labor Management. At SMUD, crews have been sent to work on PG&E transmission.
SMUD cut back tree crews due to the budget. Trees Inc. currently has five crews working in Sacramento.
Trees Inc. has laid off their seasonal Vegetation Control employees for the winter; this is an annual event and most if not all will be rehired in the spring.
Windy Tree: We have a tentative date to meet with the company on Dec. 19 in Vacaville.
Wright Tree: Grievance activity has picked up at an alarming rate at SMUD. The next GRC is set for Dec. 19 in Sacramento.