Immediate improvements, stronger bargaining position in the future
IBEW Local 1245 has reached a Master Agreement for Line Clearance Tree Trimming for the following companies: Asplundh Tree, Davey Tree Surgery, Trees Inc., Utility Tree, and Wright Tree. This historic agreement will help us be more effective in promoting union standards in the Line Clearance industry. Among other things, this tentative Master Agreement achieves the following:
- Guarantees wage increases for 5 years, 10% to 14% over the term. This is tied to the Consumer Price Index in Years 4 and 5.
- High quality Lineco/Blue Cross Medical Plan with no monthly contribution by employees; company pays five dollars per hour worked.
- Protects Family Medical Coverage when contract changes.
- IBEW 1245 Money Purchase Pension Plan, 3% per year.
- Annual Safety Bonus Award of 1% , paid in quarterly installments
The union will explain this tentative Master Agreement in more detail at unit meetings in July and August, and at special meetings on Aug. 11 in Vacaville, and on Aug 25 in Fresno and Santa Rosa. Members are encouraged to bring their families and enjoy a free meal at these meetings!
The Trees Peer-to-Peer safety group is now known as the “Keep The Clearance” Committee. Keep the Clearance refers to maintaining minimum approach distance and tree to conductor clearance. The committee has held 14 meetings so far and has recruited about 15 Tree safety stewards so far. All Line Clearance members who attended their unit meetings received a “Keep the Clearance” long sleeve tee-shirt. The announcement was mailed to entire tree membership.
We continue to have Line Clearance tree trimmers applying to the JATC. When appropriate we write letters recommending them.
We are still going through the transition period with Wright Tree in Humboldt County. Issues relating to portable toilets, drinking water and headquarters assignments have been solved.
We still have problems with overtime meals, rest periods and the fa탧ade of sending people home after storm work under the guise of safety.
As noted last month, fire season is here and members should remember they are required to have their firefighting equipment handy. There has already been discipline issued for failure to pack firefighting equipment out to the job site, or not having it close enough to the job site
The Davey Tree Surgery employee who suffered a head injury after falling from his horse last month remains hospitalized. He was moved from the Roseville Hospital to San Francisco where more intensive therapy is available. We reported last month that he was starting to move his arm and leg; he is now moving arms and legs on both sides and beginning to say a few words. Our best wishes for a full recovery go out to him.
Davey Tree Surgery has offered four-day, ten-hour schedules to most of their headquarters which have been voting to accept.
The Clay Shoot held in Dunnigan was a tremendous success. There was a great BBQ, good crowd, fabulous raffle prizes (17 firearms and much more) and a good time for all!