In response to a petition for reinstatement of the COVID 19 premium, PG&E’s head of human resources wrote this:
“Thanks for your message, and I understand your concern. We are starting to see greater numbers of positive cases, both in the state and at our company. We are now in a new situation that will be with for the foreseeable future. We now have practices to help keep us safe in this new situation – such as physical distancing, wearing face coverings, driving solo, frequent hand washing, sanitizing facilities etc. With this in mind, we have stated that we will not be reinstating the 10% premium. The most important thing we can all do is rigorously follow the safety protocols, for the safety of our coworkers, ourselves and our customers.”
Local 1245 is disappointed but not surprised by this response. In short, HR is saying that because it is doing such a great job protecting members of management who are working at home, at remote locations such as Alaska, or in a few cases in PG&E offices, employees who work in the field should prostrate fall, overcome with gratitude at the steps taken by HR to protect management.
The management employees who Dinyar is so careful to protect face little to no added risk of COVID exposure and transmission, while our members, especially those who have to enter customer homes or businesses to do their job, face an elevated risk level.
The Company’s priorities are upside down. Our members doing their jobs outside their homes should be at the top of the pyramid, not at the bottom. We call on HR to reshuffle the cards and reward those who are doing the work and taking elevated risk as a result.
–Tom Dalzell, IBEW 1245 Business Manager