The delegation from Local 1245 at the 2016 IBEW Nuclear Conference
On Nov. 28 and 29, 2016, IBEW 1245 members Niko Cimbur, William Garris, Jim Hayes, and Jeremy Winn, as well as staff members Bob Dean, Pat Duffy and Doug Girouard, attended the 2016 IBEW Nuclear Conference in Phoenix, Az. This annual event draws IBEW-represented nuclear plant workers and their Local Union leaders from throughout the US and Canada.
Approximately 110 attendees from 30 Locals attended the conference, which was hosted and run by IBEW International Representative Anna Jerry. A broad range of topics were covered including: an update on the state of the Nuclear Industry from Jim Hunter, Utility Director for IBEW International; perspectives on the potential NRC rulemaking on the ability to arbitrate Access issues from NRC Commissioner Jeff Baran and IBEW Attorney Robert Kurnick; NLRB updates; “Delivering the Nuclear Promise” updates; and other topics as well.
IBEW Local 1245 Senior Assistant Business Manager, Bob Dean discussed the retention agreement that Local 1245 secured for nuclear workers at Diablo Canyon
Of particular interest were discussions surrounding the continual threat and closures of nuclear power plants throughout the country; specifically, the saving of the Fitzpatrick plant in New York and the retention agreement in place for the closure of Diablo Canyon in 2024-2025. Senior Assistant Business Manager Bob Dean of Local 1245 and PG&E Vice President of Human Resources Mary King led a panel discussion on Diablo Canyon and the retention agreement.
“The conference gave our members and staff a chance to understand where the industry is headed and all the obstacles and challenges that are yet to come,” said Senior Assistant Business Manager Bob Dean. “It was an excellent opportunity to exchange information with other nuclear-specific IBEW local members from around the nation, and to bring this information back home to share with our members.”