Safety / Focus Items
Coming into fall and winter, our safety concerns begin to shift. The changing of weather, loss of daylight, and the inevitable Northern California rains introduce hazards and concerns, not seen in many months. We must continue to stay vigilant and on alert, for changing conditions.
The tree industry is one of the fastest growing industries, with regards to training and tools. Year over year, the industry advances. Our membership has kept up with these changes and has met the challenges associated, head on. IBEW LU 1245 members continue to lead the charge in this changing landscape.
Mental health has become a more common discussion point in previous years but is still very much not an open topic. As a membership, we must be willing to check in on one another, regardless of background or classification. There are resources available to members who need to talk with someone.
- LINECO Member Assistance Program: 1-800-332-2191
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Staff Changes
After 26 years with IBEW LU 1245, Junior Ornelas officially announced his retirement. Junior has been an instrumental part of the success and growth of this group. His experience and candor will be missed tremendously.
Replacing Junior on staff will be Heriberto “Tito” Ayala. Tito comes to us from the California-Nevada JATC, serving as an instructor for the past few years. A member of LU 1245 for over 20 years, Tito brings a solid background, with training being a large part. We are very excited to have Tito aboard!
Line Clearance Tree Trimming (LCTT)
Work is full throttle across all properties. Hours have increased, in some areas, to 60+ hours per work. This has invited crews from outside of normal jurisdiction to help with the spiking workload. We must ensure that any new crew members are adhering to the safety guidelines set up here. Education of our fellow Brothers and Sisters is key!
With the increase in workload, comes an increase in issue potential. We have seen a sharp increase in grievance activity across all contracts and areas. Please remain aware of the timelines associated with any contract violation and reach out to your Business Representative or Steward if you need any clarification.
The PG&E Assessment Center in Oroville has been very busy over the previous months. While the frustration around implementation of the span of control is evident, the introduction of new training courses will ensure our members are ready for the changing times. Technology and procedures are changing rapidly in the Line Clearance space. The skilled workforce that exists must continue to evolve with the times.
If you have not already done so, please contact your company to set up an evaluation, if needed. Variances have been issued this year at different times, but the utility has assured they are done with variances. We must continue to push our contractors to be at the forefront of any training offered. If you are having issues with getting assessed, please contact your Representative.
Vegetation Management Inspectors (VMI)
We have seen an increase in workload for the VMI group. With that, an increase in audits of work being performed. Upon the triggering of an audit, the employer will have to investigate. We must continue to hold the highest quality of work as the standard of ourselves and each other.
We have been monitoring delinquencies to trust funds, as they come up. Please reach out to one of the Business Representatives if you believe your funds are delinquent or are funded incorrectly. Some of these delinquencies are simple fixes, such as incorrect name or ID numbers. Majority arise from the contractors delinquency.
Pole Test & Treat (PTT)
The PTT Information meeting is held every second Tuesday, at 7 pm via Teams. Please reach out to one of the Business Representatives for more information.
Our first date of bargaining is set for October 30, 2025. We received a fair number of proposals to consider. More information to come next report.
California-Nevada JATC
California Nevada JATC is still offering Fundamentals Training at their Woodland Campus. Pre-scheduled classes are offered for two weeks per month, but more classes can be added for yards or Contractors who can put together a group of 8 or more. Woodland campus will be closed the week of Thanksgiving and have limited availability during the weeks of Christmas and New Years.
CDL reimbursements are still available for registered enrollees, who obtain a CDL. The following classifications are open to register for this:
- Groundman with 6 months experience
- Trimmer Trainees (Start-12 months)
- Journeymen Tree Trimmer
- Foreperson (without CDL)
Go to: https://calnevjatctree.wordpress.com and click on the CDL Application link.