As part of the ongoing effort to expand and improve lines of progression in both Gas and Electric while also ensuring safety and reliability, IBEW local 1245 and PG&E have signed four historic new Letter of Agreements which establish several new classifications in Gas T&D, GC Gas and Electric Distribution M&C.
Electric Service Crews
Background: LA R1-06-30 established service crews at 8% above like classification. But 212 rights, especially in neighboring yards, were not protected under that agreement. All of E/O, as well as other lines of business, realize increased double time opportunities as a result of this LOA.
LA 15-30 outlines the establishment of Service Crews in the Electric Distribution M&C Department. Below are some highlights of the agreement:
- Electric Service Crews may respond to 212 emergency call outs within their headquarters one time during their shift, thereafter the Company must call out the proper crew size from the annual local 212 list for emergency work.
- Electric Service Crews may respond to 212 emergency call outs outside of their headquarters only if the Company utilizes the local 212 call out procedures. In these cases the Company must utilize the proper crew size from the annual local 212 list for emergency work.
- Vacancies will be filled under the normal provisions of Title 205 on a voluntary basis. No incumbent employee will be required to be temporarily assigned to the Electric Service Crew. Only individuals hired after the date that the LOA was signed can be mandated to take one of these jobs.
- Holiday and weather-related POT (including fire, earthquake and other natural disaster overtime) becomes double time once the initial crews are staffed.
- Each classification established by the agreement shall receive a 10% wage increase and shall receive all applicable shift premiums (4.5% for shift premium for second shift – 9% for Sunday shift premium).
- Employees covered under the defined Pension Plan must attain 18 months cumulative time in any Electric Service Crew classification (3120 Hours) for the additional 10% wage increase to be included in their final pay pension calculation. Temporary upgrades shall be included as part of calculation of cumulative time.
Gas First Responder Crews
Background: LA 14-35 provided for continuing discussions with the joint oversight committee regarding gas operational issues. The Division joint oversight committee has been meeting over the past several months on gas operational matters and has reached agreement on new classifications known as the Gas First Responder Crew. This agreement also includes modified pre-arranged overtime procedures which will provided for double-time rate of pay under certain conditions.
LA-15-31 outlines the establishment of Gas First Responder Crew positions, and applies to the Division Gas T&D lines of progression. Below are the highlights of the agreement:
- The Gas First Responder Crew workday shall be 4/10 schedules of Wednesday – Saturday or Sunday – Thursday with start times at 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm. Employees will work a straight 10 hour day and eat their meal on Company time.
- The Gas First Responder Crew will consist of a three-person crew with a Gas Crew Leader or Gas Crew Leader – Arc and two other crew classifications determined by the company from the following list of classifications: Fitter – Arc, Senior Gas T&D Equipment Operation, Gas T&D Equipment or Fieldperson.
- Gas First Responder Crews may respond to 212 emergency call outs within their headquarters one time during their shift, thereafter the Company must call out the proper crew size from the local 212 list for emergency work.
- Gas First Responder Crews may respond to 212 emergency call outs outside of their headquarters only if the Company utilizes the local 212 call out procedures. In these cases the Company must utilize the proper crew size from the local 212 list for emergency work.
- Vacancies will be filled under the normal provisions of Title 205 on a voluntary basis. No incumbent employee will be required to be temporarily assigned to the Gas First Responder Crew. Vacancies will be filled using the existing Lines of Progression for the Purposes of Title 205 pursuant to LA 14-35.
- The agreement identifies nine locations in which the Company has determined the potential need for a Gas First Responder Crew. However, the Company will only fill these crews initially in San Francisco, Concord, Sacramento and San Jose.
- Each classification established by the agreement shall receive a 10% wage increase and shall receive all applicable shift premiums (4.5% for shift premium for second shift – 9% for Sunday shift premium).
- Employees covered under the defined Pension Plan must attain 18 months cumulative time in any Gas First Responder Crew classification (3120 Hours) for the additional 10% wage increase to be included in their final pay pension calculation. Temporary upgrades pursuant to Title 205.3 shall be included as part of calculation of cumulative time.
Working Leader Classifications
Background: LA-14-35 and LA-14-39 provided for future discussions regarding a Gas T&D Working Leader classification within the Division Gas T&D and GC Gas departments. The Company and Union have reached agreement on these new classifications. Below are the highlights of the agreement for the newly created Working Leaders in Division Gas T&D and General Construction Gas Departments.
LA 15-32 and LA 15-33 outline the establishment of the Working Leader Classification in the Division Gas T&D (15-32) and GC Gas (15-33) lines of progressions. Below are the highlights of the agreement:
- These new classifications will have the following 2015 wage rates and will initially be filled using similar language to the Gas M&C Coordinator letter of agreement.
- Working Leader – Division Gas is $55.73
- Working Leader – GC Gas $58.52
- These classifications will be required to perform the full scope of duties of a Crew Lead/Working Foreman and will act as an assistant to the supervisor in charge. The concept is not new to PG&E. Many years ago, local 1245 had a similar classification which pre-checked jobs, mentored and supervised other Crew Leads and ensured that crews where performing the work safely while following proper work methods and procedures.
- The agreement provides for the initial staffing of eight positions in Division Gas T&D and six positions in GC Gas. Locations to be determined.
For more details, please review the Letter of Agreements: 15-30, 15-31, 15-32 and 15-33.