IBEW Building New Partnerships to Meet Utility Industry Challenges

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/03/28/ibew-building-new-partnerships-to-meet-utility-industry-challenges/

by James Parks, Mar 28, 2008

The demand for energy is growing rapidly as the number of utility workers is declining and infrastructure is aging—even as concerns grow over global climate change. To more effectively meet these new challenges, the Electrical Workers (IBEW) is forging an unprecedented labor-management partnership in the utility industry.

In an innovative initiative, the IBEW, which represents 250,000 utility workers across the United States and Canada, is urging members to foster excellence in their skills and performance at work while also seeking a more cooperative relationship with management.

IBEW President Edwin Hill says:

We must turn the page on an adversarial past, and be willing to develop a partnership with management to work toward common goals. We will actively demonstrate to management that we’re willing to do our share.

The partnership was announced March 27 during a live webcast on the IBEW website.

The program is similar to one launched three years ago in the union’s construction division and eventually will include a “code of excellence” designed to more clearly outline what is expected of IBEW members, focusing on their skills, performance, safety and productivity.

At the same time, IBEW leaders are calling on management to listen to employees, invest in a maintenance schedule and provide safe and reliable service. IBEW utility workers have already gained the support of leading utility executives and are embracing the concept of improving ties between management and labor, viewing it as a better way to operate and the wave of the future.

FULL story at link.

[pkz]

1. I'm a proud wife

of an IBEW Lineman

Union rocks!

[Omaha Steve]

2. We have 3-4 IBEW members here

DissentIsPatriotic in in local 3. Welcome to the Labor Forum.

[pkz]

3. My guy has worked all over the country

Unions that have stood all these years for the Democratic candidate have to really think long and hard about this years' choice.

We are Obama people, mainly because of Hillary's anti-union (Wal-mart), pro-Nafta stance.

Sincerely hope that our local will go that way with their endorsement.
Anybody got word from the IO yet?