The Pipeline Express by Gary Lerch, President Local 483 P.O. Box 941390 Simi Valley, CA. 93094-1390
These updates are arranged by date and NOT by importance. The last one in is the first one you see. Be sure to scroll down to see all the news. For the Soapbox CLICK HERE. For CURRENT News CLICK HERE
1/27/09
This week negotiations will continue Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday the 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st respectively.
Just a quick note: Yesterday I was asked for the password to my laptop. Today before leaving to Valencia Base for a safety meeting I handed my keys, gate pass, phone and P-card to my supervisor. He said he would not need them. I offered these things and told him I understood his precarious position.
It is unfortunate, but these front line managers are being asked to work against their own interest. I know it is difficult to appreciate their dilemma, but try to imagine having to work nights and weekends to protect the very contract that will weaken your own benefits. They have no union protecting them and they will surely pay a hefty price for refusing to be used like pawns in Sempra's greedy play. This is not an attempt to preserve the solvency of a company in economic turmoil. It is the blatant grab for more wealth to be accumulated by a small group of people who don't value a hard day's work, YOUR HARD DAY'S WORK! The sacrifice of wear and tear on your body, time away from your family and exposure to hazardous processes and materials is not enough. You must also allow your well deserved benefits to line their pockets with more at the expense of those who produce this very wealth. Remember The Gas Company is in the business of moving and selling gas. We make this possible. Sempra executives are in the business of concentrating wealth to fewer and fewer people and like Jim stated a couple of days ago you are merely a capitol tool in their endeavor.
1/25/09
Congratulations local 483 and UWUA for voting in the strike authorization! Local 132 alone passed it 1609 to 457! The Chemical workers also passed the authorization by a nearly 4 to 1 margin. I don't have the tallies from all of the locals, but total attendance was so strong that it was standing room only. Some people even needed to stand outside due to the total attendance. Thank you for your efforts and response on such short notice. I guess Sempra still thinks you don't understand what the last mailer meant and how you don't see their offer as full of "enhancements". Well I do and so does the rest of the JSC. Again thanks to all.
Gary Lerch
President Local 483 UWUA
1/24/09 The Mass Meeting is tomorrow!
Get there no later than noon. Bring your company I.D. and try to get there earlier to help out. Scroll down to the 1/16/09 posting for directions.
I want to say thanks for all of the outstanding Input. But I need some sleep Damn It! I am kidding. This is the most fun I have had since I bullied the smaller kids out of their milk money. Sorry, I am sounding like some employers.
1/21/09
I would like to thank all contributors that have posted comments over the last several months. In our proud tradition we here at Local 483 have been recognized as inflammatory. Can there be a higher compliment to members of a union? I have made it perfectly clear that censorship will not infringe on your obligation and right to speak out. I again would like to commend your out spoken and opinionated ways. This is the place to be heard and as always you do not disappoint (fellow union members). You should be forewarned that people who do not belong to our local also read your postings. If this disturbs you, then you have been notified. Somehow I gather from your input that this does not bother you. Also to those who find our postings offensive and/or inflammatory you are free to visit other websites that do not rile your sensibility.
Now back to business: Please be sure to get to the mass meeting no later than noon on Sunday. Earlier is better. It is important to bring a photo I.D. (Preferably your company Photo I.D. card). We will need several volunteers to help sign in our members and other tasks so please come at 10:30 AM to help out. These tasks will not take up much time and there will still be plenty of time to network and vote. It is important that you attend since the speakers will be there to explain our stance in detail and answer questions that you may have. This will not in any way become a political forum, we have important business to attend to and we are aware that your time is precious. If you need child care it will be available. To access child care please contact Helen at 1-562-696-0142, 1-626-261-0615 or unionhelen@yahoo.com. She will need to know how many children you are bringing and what ages they are. Food will be provided for your children but adults will only have access to beverages.
In answer to whether or not non-attendees will be able to vote, the answer is regrettably no. What this means is that if you want to cast a vote you will have to attend. Too many ballot security problems and other issues like time constraints make a mail referendum extremely difficult if not impossible. If you have to work that day you may want to consider talking with coworkers and try to trade shifts with someone who does not plan to attend. Remember; Silence changes nothing!
Gary Lerch
President UWUA Local 483
1/20/09
In response to some E-mails I have received about my posting on 1/16 please allow me clarify the following: The determination as to who will be allowed to vote was in reference to the strike vote. The national and the JSC will discuss whether or not union members who are required to work will be given an alternative method to vote for a strike authorization. I will post the outcome as soon as I have an answer. The next tentative agreement may be voted on by all union members by mail referendum. Your vote on both of these issues is extremely important. This is your chance to be heard and it will have major implications upon your futures as well as mine. I hope this clears things up.
Gary Lerch
President UWUA Local 483
1/19/09
This week negotiations with the company will continue. The scheduled dates are Wednesday 1-21, Thursday 1-22 and Friday 1-23. The location will change to a hotel located in Whittier.
It should be clear to all by now that we are in a continuous cycle of proposal and counter-proposal. Movement is incremental (read painfully slow) and the generosity and recognition by the company of our member's demonstrable skill and commitment is underwhelming. At this time the request by the National Utility Worker's Union that we not release every development and proposal does not appear to be benefiting the company and I have seen Sempra's first shots over our bow. While I can not release any details yet I can comment on the fact that the company's commitment to PROFEX 20-20 and the quote "long term viability of our benefits" has reared it's ugly head. In other words, this is not the time to be wildly optimistic with regards to Sempra and it's concern for the financial security and physical wellbeing of our families and of ourselves. Understand that profit and shareholder value has not been a major concern to the company. It has been their only concern. Our contribution to these company goals apparently does not amount to much in their opinion.
There is one glaring irony that strikes me throughout this process. The same frontline management and salaried employees that will staff our jobsite should we strike would also benefit from an equitable contract. Sempra will utilize these salaried employees to defend the companies offer and give the folks who cross our line to protect Sempra's interest the same watered down wages and benefits. It takes a strange kind of courage to stand up and protect those who are out to diminish your income and sacrifice your welfare.
Remember next Sunday is the mass meeting. It is in our best interest to attend. No matter what your choice is concerning a strike, if you want to be heard this is your opportunity. We are the ones who work as a democracy the company dictates its decisions and silences those who disagree, unless you have the union on your side. I hope to see all of you there.
Gary Lerch
President UWUA Local 483
1/16/09
To all Local 483 Members,
The mass meeting will be taking place on Sunday, January 25th at 12:00 noon. The location will be at the Pasadena Convention Center 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena 91101. Due to the fact that all of our members will be coming from many different locations and directions you will need to mapquest directions. If you have to use a Thomas Guide, you will find that the Convention Center is about 1 mile Southeast from the interchange of the 210 fwy and the 134 fwy. just south of Colorado on Green Street between S. Los Robles and S. Arroyo Pkwy. It is extremely important that you attend because the strike vote will be held at this time. By early next week a determination will be made as to whether non-attending members will be able to vote. If you have any questions you can contact me at garylerch@local483.org
See you there,
Gary Lerch
1/12/09
To all Local 483 Members,
I have been officially sworn in as President of Local 483. I intend to keep all of you up to date and informed of all union activity. We are currently involved with negotiations as you are all aware. Our local and the other locals that work for Sempra are currently being assisted by John Duffy the Vice President of The National Utility Worker's Union. At the request of Mr. Duffy the Locals and Sempra have been asked to not release information concerning the daily proposals and developments in the negotiations. This is to facilitate negotiations, not to hide or deceive members of our local. All parties agree that posting daily bulletins may have misled members as to what would appear on the final contract, and each change frustrated members and caused confusion on all sides. The next tentative agreement will be available for all members to review well before a vote is taken. Please bear this in mind as negotiations continue. I will keep you up to date with scheduled negotiation dates and if information is allowed to be released I will forward it to you via The Pipeline Express. This week negotiations are scheduled for Jan. 13th, 14th, and 15th Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
I want to encourage all members of Local 483 to get prepared for the mass meeting scheduled for Sunday Jan. 25th. It is crucial that every member that is not working at that time to attend. The National will be present and there is much to be discussed and decided. This is all of our futures and we must stand up and be heard.
My union phone will be activated this week as well as a P.O. Box being set up. Once these things are accomplished union communication/business will be back on track.
I look forward to meeting all that attend. To contact me please send your e-mails to garylerch@local483.org
Gary Lerch
12/2/08
OFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS
LOCAL 483
PRESIDENT:
Roy Bozarth 53
Gary Lerch 55
Robin Downs 45
TRUSTEE:
Joe Pena 29
Don Ogden 26
Bill Chrissakis 37
Joe Armstrong 50
First of all I want to thank all that ran for office. Congratulations to both Gary and Joe. As for me I have given my all for the last twenty years. I want to thank the entire E-Board for all there work. Its now up to both Dave and Mike to keep the ship afloat. Gary will need your help every step of the way. There is one more that I need to thank, Dennis you put your trust in me, you had faith in me. For that I can never say enough. You are a true friend. Maybe its now time to go fishing.
Roy
Pleaes read this message from Roy concerning rejected tentative agreement and next course of action. (posted 11-26-08)
Pleaes read this message from Roy concerning the contract deadline and extension. (posted 11-14-08)
Please see the following message Friday November 7th vote.
Please download and review the following excel file 2009 Medical Dental and Vision Rates
Saturday, October, 18, 2008 the Union and the Company reached a tentative agreement. Please read a copy of the tentative agreement .
Plese read the Ocober 15, 2008 Company Counter to Union Counter RegardingComprehensive Package Proposal October 15, 2008
Please read the October 7, 2008 Company Counter to Union Counter Regarding Comprehensive Package Proposal October 7, 2008
Please read the October 6, 2008 Company Counter to Union Counter Regarding Comprehensive Package Proposal October 6, 2008
Please read the October 2, 2008 Union Counter (10-2-08) to Company Comprehensive Package Proposal October 1, 2008.
Please read the October 1, 2008 Company Comprehensive Package Proposal.
Please read the September 3rd 2008 Important update 9/3 NEGOTIATION SUMMARY.
Please read the September 2nd 2008 Important update 9/2 NEGOTIATION SUMMARY .
Please read the August 28th 2008 Important update 8/28 JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE .
Please read the August 27th 2008 Important update 8/27 SUMMARY NEGOTIATIONS.
Please read the August 7th 2008 Joint Steering Committee (Revised Counter Proposal Updates).
Please read the August 6th 2008 Company Counter Proposal Summary (Company Counter to U96, U98 and U99 Section Appendix F Medical, Dental and Vision Plan).
Please read the August 5th 2008 Company Counter Proposal Summary.
Please read the August 2nd 2008 Joint Steering Communication Information Update.