As reported previously, Outside Line construction work has slowed some. The amount of distribution construction work on PG&E property has stabilized, with the number of crews in the low 30s which is a far cry from 2013 when those numbers were around 150. Transmission pole replacement is on-going and behind schedule, which is a material issue and not a production issue. Substation work has remained steady with several GIS projects out to bid or already awarded. Civil work has stabilized as well, with approximately 35 IBEW civil crews performing work on PG&E property.
In Nevada the dock crew work that Par used to perform on NV Energy property is apparently being split up among several other contractors. Sturgeon, Christianson Electric, Titan Electrical and Wasatch are all performing some of this work for NV Energy. There are a couple of mine projects in Northern Nevada that Local 1245 has targeted through the years going on as well. The current expectation for work through the remainder of 2014 should be right around the current level.
We have also identified other work that our contractors are missing out on and have taken proactive steps in identifying the problems with gaining this work.
Joint Trench Agreement
Prior to 2012 there was a Northern California Underground Agreement to capture Customer Application Work. This agreement was way below prevailing wage and was misused for work that it was never intended for. It was cancelled in 2012 for several reasons and the Outside Line contractors have had to use the Outside Line construction agreement for all underground civil work. When the civil work is 100% electrical in nature IBEW 1245 contractors will get that work moving forward; however, if it is a joint trench (other utilities with electric) IBEW 1245 contractors have been losing out on that work.
In June, in an effort to try to capture large amounts of work our contractors aren’t performing, Local 1245 and the Western Line NECA agreed to a letter agreement to the Outside Line agreement that would make our contractors competitive at bidding this work by making the total package equal to the prevailing wage rates their competitors use to bid the work. This puts everyone on a level playing field for this work and could result in our contractors being awarded some of this and hopefully puts more of our members to work. The 100% gas distribution and gas transmission projects are still being performed union; however, not through local 1245
Click here to view the joint trench agreement.
Negotiations
Most of the Outside Line agreements have been re-negotiated over the last year, but we have a handful that need to be buttoned up by the end of the year and we will be looking to get them done over the next couple of months. We also have several that are due to expire next year that we are hoping to extend.
Organizing
In the month of June we organized the following contractors:
- P.J. Helicopters, Inc signed the CA Outside Line Agreement.
- Atkinson Power, Inc signed the CA Outside Line Agreement.
- The Original Mowbrays Tree Service, Inc, signed the Master Tree Agreement.
We are currently in talks with Atkinson Power and Loggers Unlimited.
Injured Workers Fund
The balance of the fund as of May 31, 2014 was $693,140.70. We are currently in the process of updating the Summary Plan Description to incorporate the few amendments to the plan over the past few years.
There were two disability claims reviewed in the month of June – both are pending further documentation from the member.
Members working under the California Outside Line Agreement can benefit from this fund if they are hurt on the job. Please make sure your current employer is deducting the required $0.05 cents per hour worked from your paycheck. Please let your business representative know if there is an issue.
The annual audit of the plan was recently completed. Below is the report.
SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT For IBEW LOCAL 1245 INJURED WORKERS FUND
This is a summary of the annual report of the IBEW Local 1245 Injured Workers Fund, EIN 35-2308172, Plan No 501, for the period beginning October 1, 2012 and ending September 30, 2013.
SELF-FUNDED BENEFIT INFORMATION
The Plan maintains its disability and death benefits under a self-funded program.
BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Plan, was $637,098 as of September 30, 2013, compared to $487,720 as of October 1, 2012. During the Plan year the Plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $149,378.
During the Plan year the Plan had total income of $166,253. This income included employee contributions of $146,253 and other income of $20,000.
Plan expenses were $16,875. These expenses included $12,375 in operating expenses and $4,500 in benefits paid directly to participants and beneficiaries.
Benefits and eligibility rules will change from time to time. Be sure to use the most recent plan booklet and to read any special notices about your coverage. Do not rely on outdated information. Consult your booklet or the plan office for details.
YOUR RIGHTS TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report:
1. An accountant’s report.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of IBEW Local 1245, 30 Orange Tree Circle, Vacaville, CA 95687-3105, (707) 452-2700.
You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the Plan, 30 Orange Tree Circle, Vacaville CA, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefit Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2014 TRAINING SCHEDULE & SPECIAL EVENTS
- First Aid & CPR is the 2nd Saturday of every month at our Riverside and Sacramento facility.
- July 12 – Fishing Derby — SOLD OUT
- July 26 and 27 — Ninth District Soft ball Tournament, Hayward
- October 4 — Soccer Tournament, Fairfield, CA
- October 11 —Golf Tournament — Vacaville, CA
- October 15-18 — 2014 International Lineman Rodeo, Bonner Springs, KS. Submit your application online: //www.ibew1245.com/2014/05/30/sign-up-for-the-31st-annual-international-linemans-rodeo-expo/