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Posted 01/10/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to the Membership
I have received a letter from Brother Tom Patt our Union's Vice
President stating his intention of resigning his position with the Union.
Brother Patt's resignation was effective January 9, 2007. There is a
notice being mailed out today to hang on our bulletin boards notifying
our members that the office of the Vice President is now vacant.
Pursuant to our By-Laws this office will be filled at the February 27,
2007 Executive Board meeting. Any member of L.U. 1347 in good
standing and is interested in filling the remaining portion of Brother
Patt's term should send a letter to the Executive Board Chairman Dan
Amshoff informing him that you would accept the nomination for the
vacant office. You can send the letter or fax it (513-541-2703) to the
Union Office in c/o Dan Amshoff. I also encourage those members
interested in this Office to attend the meeting.
LOCAL 1347 IBEW HOLIDAY PARTY
Our annual holiday party will be on December 9th 2006.
The party will begin immediately after the close of the
regular monthly meeting. The meeting will begin at
12:00 PM. The party will last until 7:00PM or longer.
There will be food, drinks and door prizes. Please plan
to attend and visit with co-workers and retirees.
Posted 11/14/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Changes to the Traditional Pension Plan Formula
The company requested a meeting with Local Union 1347 for
discussions concerning our traditional pension plan. The meeting
centered around two formulas when calculating our traditional
pensions. The first calculator is 1.1% X Final Average Pay X Years of
Participation (max 35), the second calculator is 1.55% X Final Average
Pay X Years of Participation (greater than 35 years). The second
calculator was negotiated during the 2004 Benefits re-opener from 1.4%
to 1.55%. This was clearly agreed upon by both parties. The problem
now comes from the Internal Revenue Code 411. The code states that
this second calculator can not be greater than 33-1/3% of the first
calculator. When the company informed us of the problem in the
pension plan, I said it was easy to fix just raise the first calculator. After
meeting with company they had a proposal to fix the problem. They did
raise the first calculator to 1.12%, but they lower the second calculator
to 1.492%. These two new valves come within the 33-1/3% range
between the calculators. After reviewing the two new calculators and
using several examples for the traditional pension plan there will be no
reduction in anyone's traditional pension plan. In fact more will have
their pensions increased because of the first calculator being increased
from 1.1% to 1.12%. This will apply to our members who will retire with
35 years or less. The company has agreed to send me a letter stating
that nobody's pension will suffer a reduction because of this change. I
have talked to the International Office about this change and they said
that we can't have something in the agreement that is against the law.
They indicated that since no ones pension will be reduced and in fact
more than likely will be increased, there is no problem in agreeing to this
change. Below are some examples of the old calculations and the new
calculations. Also, there is the Internal Revenue Code 411. Please look
at page seven of this Code attachment. If you have any questions
concerning this issue please call the Union Office. The members who
have retired after January 1, 2005 will have their pensions adjusted.
Examples of the Old Calculations vs New Calculations
Internal Revenue Code 411
Posted 10/25/06 By Steve Feldhaus
New Executive Board Member Appointed
At last night's E-Board meeting Brother Kent Evans from Beckjord
Station was appointed to fill the vacant seat by the members present. I
personally want to thank Brother Evans for accepting this position on
our Executive Board.
Posted 10/10/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Local 962 IBEW Ratifies New Contract
The President of Local 962 in the Carolinas called late this afternoon
and said their membership has ratified a new contract proposal received
from Duke. The votes were counted today.
IBEW'S 37th Convention Highlights
Listed below are the daily newsletters for each day of the Convention.
Also you can view more Convention news at the International's web
site. This site can be accessed from the OtherLinks button on the left
side of this page.
Click here to view 09/11/06
Click here to view 09/12/06
Click here to view 09/13/06
Click here to view 09/14/06
Posted 09/19/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Important Notice to the Membership
Everyone knows how the company tried to bust our Union during the
last contract negotiations. We knew the company was going to
eliminate jobs in the power plants by reducing the amount of crews in
production. The company reduced the number of employees at the
Miami Fort Station by 9 employees more than needed, and they now
intend to replace these former employees, at least in part, with other
power plant employees who will be replaced with non-union
contractors. It is my opinion the company is doing this to get rid of
Union workers. I believe they intend to get rid of all of us eventually.
The company is asking for a rate increase, and at the same time they are
paying big money to get employees to leave, while then paying
non-union contractors to perform the work of the employees they could
not allow to leave without replacing. I am asking our International
Union to bring this to the attention the Ohio PUCO and the Kentucky
PSC. I am also filing a grievance, and an unfair labor practice charge
with the NLRB.
The company is out to get rid of all us, and replace us with the cheapest
labor possible. It appears they intend to finance this Union busting with
money from the rate payers. It's time for the entire community to stand
up and fight this corporate greed.
Posted 09/16/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Local 962 Rejects Their Proposed Contract
I received a call from the President of Local 962 in Carolinas yesterday,
he said their Membership rejected the proposed contract they received
from Duke. The Membership rejected it by a 2-1 margin. Their current
contract runs through October 1, 2006.
Click here to view the Tentative Agreement
Posted 09/11/06 By Steve Feldhaus
IBEW 37th Convention Update
After the first day of business at the Convention, the Delegates have
re-elected Edwin D. Hill as International President. The Delegates also
re-elected Jon F. Walters as International Secretary-Treasurer.
International President Hill and International Secretary- Treasure
Walters will serve a five year term. Also today in the afternoon session
the Delegates from each Vice Presidential District were brought together
to elect a Vice President for their respective Districts. Local 1347 is in
the Fourth District, the Delegates from our district re-elected IVP Paul J.
Witte. We are also in the Third District for the International Executive
Council. The Delegates from this district re-elected Salvatore (Sam) J.
Chilia. Also during the two sessions we had various speakers address
the Delegates. The Mayor of Cleveland, AFL-CIO President John
Sweeney, Ohio State AFL-CIO President William Burga and U.S. Senator
Tom Harkin from Iowa. There are 2,065 Delegates in attendance from
the Eleven Vice Presidential Districts representing 734 Local Unions. I
will try to post updates from the Convention if I can keep getting an
Internet connection.
Posted 08/29/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to the Membership
The regular monthly Union Membership meeting has been changed
from the second Tuesday to the third Tuesday in September. The date
will be Tuesday September 19, 2006. The meeting was changed at the
August Membership meeting. The reason for the change is the IBEW
International Convention is being held during the second week in
September.
Posted 08/28/06 By Steve Feldhaus
The Proposed Bylaw Amendment Passes
The proposed Bylaw Amendment increasing the monthly dues was
presented and voted on at the August 8, 2006 Membership meeting.
The Members present and voting on this issue approve it. I have not
posted the results until this time because I had to send the voting
results and the proposed Amendment to the International Office for
their approval. I have just received a letter from International President
Hill informing me the Bylaw Amendment has been approved (see the
link below). This increase will take effect in October. Again, I would like
to thank the Membership for their support in this matter, we will
definitely need this for our negotiations in 2009.
Click here to view the Approval Letter
Posted 08/15/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Important News for Generation Stations
There has been discussions at Miami Fort Station concerning the
Production bids that were posted there recently. These discussions
were surrounding the fact that they were internal only to the Station
Personnel. This is absolutely against what was negotiated in the recent
contract negotiations. There are members from other Stations whose
jobs have been eliminated in Production. These members do have the
right to bid on any openings in the other Stations before anyone else.
Also, our Members in Support at Miami Fort Station were being told
they would be forced into Production to fill any positions in Production
that were not filled by the internal bidding procedure. This is not going
to happen (NO FORCING OF SUPPORT INTO PRODUCTION). I have
talked to Jay Alvaro from HR this morning and he has indicated there
will be no forcing. These bids at East Bend and Miami Fort have been
placed on hold at this time. I will be meeting with Jay Alvaro next week
to talk about what should happen with these bids.
Posted 08/07/06 By Steve Feldhaus
News Release from the Pension Rights Center
Below is a News Release concerning H.R. 4, the Pension Protection Act
of 2006. The Center states that this bill was a huge missed opportunity
for Congress to protect the retirement income security of millions of
American workers.
Click here to view the News Release
Posted 08/03/06 By Steve Feldhaus
IBEW Shareholder Proposal
I have been talking with the IBEW Utility Dept in Washington about our
situation here in Cincinnati with Duke Energy. The elimination of jobs
and the ongoing outsourcing of our jobs to out of town non-union
contractors. It is time to stand up and fight back with every means
possible. The Director of the Utility Dept suggested that we submit a
shareholder proposal for the next shareholders meeting concerning the
golden parachutes offered to the executives of Duke Energy. The
proposal has been submitted (see the proposal below). Officials from
Duke Energy has contacted Jim Voye in the IBEW Research Dept
asking to meet with him to discuss the proposal. A meeting has been
scheduled for August 9, 2006 in Washington. I will be attending this
meeting. More than ever we need to stand united for our jobs.
Click here to view the shareholder proposal
Posted 08/01/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Northern Kentucky Labor Council Four Man Scramble
Date: Saturday, September 23rd
Place: Devou Park Golf Course
Fee: $60.00 per person
Time: 6:45 am Registration
8:00 am Shotgun Start
Lunch will follow the scramble and be served at the golf course, prizes will be
awarded after lunch.
Please contact Gary Merten at 859-291-9419 or Tim Donoghue at
513-477-4331. Fees must be received in order to confirm reservations.
Posted 07/14/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Important Notice to the Membership
Pursuant to the IBEW Constitution and our bylaws, Local Union 1347
IBEW Dues and Bylaws Committee hereby is giving notice to the
membership concerning a proposed change to Article IX Section 6(a) of
the Local Union's Bylaws. The Committee submitted the proposed
change to the membership at the regular Union meeting on July 14,
2006.
The proposed change to Local Union 1347 IBEW Bylaws will be read
again and open for discussion at the regular monthly meeting on
August 8, 2006 The proposed change to the Bylaws will be voted on by
the membership immediately after the August meeting. Voting will be
only at the Union Hall. The voting polls will close (1) one hour or
11:00pm (whichever comes first) after the regular August Union meeting
adjourns.
I am also calling for a special membership meeting at the Union Hall for
the purpose of reading and discussing the proposed Bylaw change for
Shift Workers. This meeting will be August 8, 2006 at 9:00am. Voting
will follow this meeting and continue for (1) one hour after the meeting.
The Current Bylaw Language
Section 6. The monthly dues shall be:
(a) "A" and "BA" Members
All classifications .........Wage Level 25
The Proposed change to the Bylaws
Section 6. The monthly dues shall be:
(a) "A" and "BA" Members
All classifications ........Wage Level 25 plus $3.00
Posted 07/13/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Kentucky's Rate Increase Information
The link below is paperwork associated with Duke Energy Kentucky
rate increase request. This is a large document but there is some
interesting questions from the KY PSC concerning the rate increase. I
will keep adding to this site as the paperwork becomes available.
Click here to view AG-017206
Click here to view case no. 2006-00172
Posted 07/13/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to our Shiftworkers
Circadian has an article in their May and July newsletter that might be
helpful for our members who work rotating shifts. Please open the links
below.
Click here to view the May newsletter
Click here to view the July newsletter
Posted 07/12/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Some interesting reading from the AFL-CIO about the Bush
Tax cuts for the rich.
Click here to view the message
Posted 07/06/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to all Members at W.C. Beckjord Station
Brother Kevin Walriven has resigned his position as a member of the
Local Union 1347 Executive Board on June 30, 2006. This position will
be filled at the Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, August 22, 2006.
Any member in good standing from Beckjord Station interested in filling
the remaining portion of his term should send a letter to the Executive
Board Chairman Dan Amshoff. This letter should state that you would
accept the nomination to fill the vacancy. The letter should be sent or
faxed to the Union Office before 08/22/06.
Posted 06/09/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Please Mark Your Calendars
Local 1347 Summer Cookout will be held on
Friday July 14, 2006. The food will be served
immediately following the regular monthly
Union meeting.
Click here to view a poster
Posted 04/17/06 By Steve Feldhaus
YOUR CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT HEALTH
CARE
Congress wants to know how you would
MAKE HEALTH CARE WORK
for all Americans. Tell them what you think
when the national dialogue on health care
comes to Cincinnati on April 29th.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD, JOIN IN AND SPEAK OUT.
MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE CINCINNATI HEALTH CARE
COMMUNITY MEETING.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
8:30am to 2:00pm
Cinergy Center| 525 Elm Street
Downtown Cincinnati
Free breakfast and lunch. Free child care. Free parking
Space is limited
Contact Bill Schramm @ 513-421-1846
Register online at www.citizenshealthcare.gov/register or by
phone at 866-324-7949
Posted 04/12/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Contract Ratification Voting Results
The proposed contract has been approved.
Voting has been completed and the ballots counted. The election committee
has certified the results. Local 1347 membership has ratified the proposed
contract from the company. Also, on behalf of the Union's negotiating
committee I want to thank all of our members for their support we received
during the negotiations.
Posted 04/05/06 By Steve Feldhaus
The company's "Best and Final" offer
The three attachments below are paperwork relating to the company's "best and
final" offer made to the Union's negotiating committee on March 29, 2006. The
yellow highlighted areas on the contract language pages section are the parts
that have been changed or added.
Click here to view the 2006 Contract Fact Sheet
Click here to view the 2006 Contract Language
Click here to view the 2006 Contract Letters
Posted 04/04/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Contract Explanation Meetings
There seems to be some confusion about the Union explanation meetings
scheduled for tomorrow night at 7:30pm and Thursday morning at 8:30am. As
listed below these meetings are still taking place, the Wednesday night meeting
will be at the Local 647 UAW Hall (directions listed below) and the Thursday
morning meeting will be at our Union Hall. The fax that was sent to the
headquarters this morning was for changing the regular monthly Union meeting
night from Tuesday April 11 to Wednesday April 12. This was done because of
the voting dates for next week.
This week's Schedule
The Contract Explanation Meeting will be April 5th at 7:30pm at the UAW
Hall
The Contract Explanation Meeting will be April 6th at 8:30am at our
Union Hall
Voting will be on Friday April 7 at Brecon BHE at 7:30am to 8:00pm.
Next week's Schedule
Voting will be on Monday April 10 at Hamlet Dist at 7:30am to 8:00pm
Voting will be on Tuesday April 11at Florence Dist at 7:30am to 8:00pm
Voting will be on Wednesday April 12 at the Union Hall at 7:30am to
8:00pm.
The regular monthly Union meeting will be on April 12th at our Hall at
7:00pm.
Posted 04/03/06 By Gary Klinglesmith IBEW International Representative
Captive Employee Meetings
The company has decided to meet with all employees to tell you how good their
"best and final" offer is. Apparently, the company does not think your
negotiating committee will tell you the truth. The company is also telling some
people that the "International" can take you out on strike if you vote against the
contract. The company admits they have done this, and they say it should not
have happened, but Jim Rogers refuses to retract these statements.
Tell the company you will attend the Union explanation meetings of the
company's "best and final" offer, and you do not want to attend their meeting. If
they give you a direct order to attend a captive audience meeting you must
comply. If this happens ask the company how much money they will save with
the new health care plans. Ask the company much money they will save with
elimination of up to 28 jobs. Ask the company if your job can be eliminated, and
you will be classified as a voluntary resignation.
These meetings are nothing more than to divide and conquer. You are adults,
and can make up your own minds about this "best and final" offer without the
company telling you what's best for your family. I wonder why the company feels
they must sell this "best and final" offer to you. Could it be that they know what
is best for you and your family!
Posted 04/03/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Regular Monthly Union Meeting Date Change
The regular monthly Union meeting date of Tuesday April 11, 2006, will be
changed to Wednesday April 12, 2006. The meeting will start at 7:00pm at our
Hall at 4100 Colerain Ave. Please make a note of this change. Open the
attachment below to post it on our bulletin boards.
Click here to view the Meeting change notice
Posted 03/31/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Contract Explanation Meetings
The meetings to explain the company's best and final offer to the Membership
will be Wednesday night April 5, 2006 at 7:30pm, and on Thursday morning April
6, 2006 at 8:30am for the shift workers. The Wednesday night meeting will be at
the Local 647 UAW Hall at 10020 Reading Road, Evendale, Ohio. The Thursday
morning meeting will be at our Union Hall at 4100 Colerain Ave. Please try to
arrange your schedule to attend one of these meetings. Times and places for
voting will be announced later.
Directions to Local 647 UAW Hall -- If you are coming north on I-75 take
Exit#14/oh-126 onto Glendale Milford Rd towards Evendale. Take this road until
you reach the Reading Road Intersection, turn right (south) on Reading Road
and go 0.5 to 0.6 mile the Hall will be on the left.
Notice to the Membership
I have received a letter from Brother Tom Patt our Union's Vice
President stating his intention of resigning his position with the Union.
Brother Patt's resignation was effective January 9, 2007. There is a
notice being mailed out today to hang on our bulletin boards notifying
our members that the office of the Vice President is now vacant.
Pursuant to our By-Laws this office will be filled at the February 27,
2007 Executive Board meeting. Any member of L.U. 1347 in good
standing and is interested in filling the remaining portion of Brother
Patt's term should send a letter to the Executive Board Chairman Dan
Amshoff informing him that you would accept the nomination for the
vacant office. You can send the letter or fax it (513-541-2703) to the
Union Office in c/o Dan Amshoff. I also encourage those members
interested in this Office to attend the meeting.
LOCAL 1347 IBEW HOLIDAY PARTY
Our annual holiday party will be on December 9th 2006.
The party will begin immediately after the close of the
regular monthly meeting. The meeting will begin at
12:00 PM. The party will last until 7:00PM or longer.
There will be food, drinks and door prizes. Please plan
to attend and visit with co-workers and retirees.
Posted 11/14/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Changes to the Traditional Pension Plan Formula
The company requested a meeting with Local Union 1347 for
discussions concerning our traditional pension plan. The meeting
centered around two formulas when calculating our traditional
pensions. The first calculator is 1.1% X Final Average Pay X Years of
Participation (max 35), the second calculator is 1.55% X Final Average
Pay X Years of Participation (greater than 35 years). The second
calculator was negotiated during the 2004 Benefits re-opener from 1.4%
to 1.55%. This was clearly agreed upon by both parties. The problem
now comes from the Internal Revenue Code 411. The code states that
this second calculator can not be greater than 33-1/3% of the first
calculator. When the company informed us of the problem in the
pension plan, I said it was easy to fix just raise the first calculator. After
meeting with company they had a proposal to fix the problem. They did
raise the first calculator to 1.12%, but they lower the second calculator
to 1.492%. These two new valves come within the 33-1/3% range
between the calculators. After reviewing the two new calculators and
using several examples for the traditional pension plan there will be no
reduction in anyone's traditional pension plan. In fact more will have
their pensions increased because of the first calculator being increased
from 1.1% to 1.12%. This will apply to our members who will retire with
35 years or less. The company has agreed to send me a letter stating
that nobody's pension will suffer a reduction because of this change. I
have talked to the International Office about this change and they said
that we can't have something in the agreement that is against the law.
They indicated that since no ones pension will be reduced and in fact
more than likely will be increased, there is no problem in agreeing to this
change. Below are some examples of the old calculations and the new
calculations. Also, there is the Internal Revenue Code 411. Please look
at page seven of this Code attachment. If you have any questions
concerning this issue please call the Union Office. The members who
have retired after January 1, 2005 will have their pensions adjusted.
Examples of the Old Calculations vs New Calculations
Internal Revenue Code 411
Posted 10/25/06 By Steve Feldhaus
New Executive Board Member Appointed
At last night's E-Board meeting Brother Kent Evans from Beckjord
Station was appointed to fill the vacant seat by the members present. I
personally want to thank Brother Evans for accepting this position on
our Executive Board.
Posted 10/10/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Local 962 IBEW Ratifies New Contract
The President of Local 962 in the Carolinas called late this afternoon
and said their membership has ratified a new contract proposal received
from Duke. The votes were counted today.
IBEW'S 37th Convention Highlights
Listed below are the daily newsletters for each day of the Convention.
Also you can view more Convention news at the International's web
site. This site can be accessed from the OtherLinks button on the left
side of this page.
Click here to view 09/11/06
Click here to view 09/12/06
Click here to view 09/13/06
Click here to view 09/14/06
Posted 09/19/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Important Notice to the Membership
Everyone knows how the company tried to bust our Union during the
last contract negotiations. We knew the company was going to
eliminate jobs in the power plants by reducing the amount of crews in
production. The company reduced the number of employees at the
Miami Fort Station by 9 employees more than needed, and they now
intend to replace these former employees, at least in part, with other
power plant employees who will be replaced with non-union
contractors. It is my opinion the company is doing this to get rid of
Union workers. I believe they intend to get rid of all of us eventually.
The company is asking for a rate increase, and at the same time they are
paying big money to get employees to leave, while then paying
non-union contractors to perform the work of the employees they could
not allow to leave without replacing. I am asking our International
Union to bring this to the attention the Ohio PUCO and the Kentucky
PSC. I am also filing a grievance, and an unfair labor practice charge
with the NLRB.
The company is out to get rid of all us, and replace us with the cheapest
labor possible. It appears they intend to finance this Union busting with
money from the rate payers. It's time for the entire community to stand
up and fight this corporate greed.
Posted 09/16/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Local 962 Rejects Their Proposed Contract
I received a call from the President of Local 962 in Carolinas yesterday,
he said their Membership rejected the proposed contract they received
from Duke. The Membership rejected it by a 2-1 margin. Their current
contract runs through October 1, 2006.
Click here to view the Tentative Agreement
Posted 09/11/06 By Steve Feldhaus
IBEW 37th Convention Update
After the first day of business at the Convention, the Delegates have
re-elected Edwin D. Hill as International President. The Delegates also
re-elected Jon F. Walters as International Secretary-Treasurer.
International President Hill and International Secretary- Treasure
Walters will serve a five year term. Also today in the afternoon session
the Delegates from each Vice Presidential District were brought together
to elect a Vice President for their respective Districts. Local 1347 is in
the Fourth District, the Delegates from our district re-elected IVP Paul J.
Witte. We are also in the Third District for the International Executive
Council. The Delegates from this district re-elected Salvatore (Sam) J.
Chilia. Also during the two sessions we had various speakers address
the Delegates. The Mayor of Cleveland, AFL-CIO President John
Sweeney, Ohio State AFL-CIO President William Burga and U.S. Senator
Tom Harkin from Iowa. There are 2,065 Delegates in attendance from
the Eleven Vice Presidential Districts representing 734 Local Unions. I
will try to post updates from the Convention if I can keep getting an
Internet connection.
Posted 08/29/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to the Membership
The regular monthly Union Membership meeting has been changed
from the second Tuesday to the third Tuesday in September. The date
will be Tuesday September 19, 2006. The meeting was changed at the
August Membership meeting. The reason for the change is the IBEW
International Convention is being held during the second week in
September.
Posted 08/28/06 By Steve Feldhaus
The Proposed Bylaw Amendment Passes
The proposed Bylaw Amendment increasing the monthly dues was
presented and voted on at the August 8, 2006 Membership meeting.
The Members present and voting on this issue approve it. I have not
posted the results until this time because I had to send the voting
results and the proposed Amendment to the International Office for
their approval. I have just received a letter from International President
Hill informing me the Bylaw Amendment has been approved (see the
link below). This increase will take effect in October. Again, I would like
to thank the Membership for their support in this matter, we will
definitely need this for our negotiations in 2009.
Click here to view the Approval Letter
Posted 08/15/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Important News for Generation Stations
There has been discussions at Miami Fort Station concerning the
Production bids that were posted there recently. These discussions
were surrounding the fact that they were internal only to the Station
Personnel. This is absolutely against what was negotiated in the recent
contract negotiations. There are members from other Stations whose
jobs have been eliminated in Production. These members do have the
right to bid on any openings in the other Stations before anyone else.
Also, our Members in Support at Miami Fort Station were being told
they would be forced into Production to fill any positions in Production
that were not filled by the internal bidding procedure. This is not going
to happen (NO FORCING OF SUPPORT INTO PRODUCTION). I have
talked to Jay Alvaro from HR this morning and he has indicated there
will be no forcing. These bids at East Bend and Miami Fort have been
placed on hold at this time. I will be meeting with Jay Alvaro next week
to talk about what should happen with these bids.
Posted 08/07/06 By Steve Feldhaus
News Release from the Pension Rights Center
Below is a News Release concerning H.R. 4, the Pension Protection Act
of 2006. The Center states that this bill was a huge missed opportunity
for Congress to protect the retirement income security of millions of
American workers.
Click here to view the News Release
Posted 08/03/06 By Steve Feldhaus
IBEW Shareholder Proposal
I have been talking with the IBEW Utility Dept in Washington about our
situation here in Cincinnati with Duke Energy. The elimination of jobs
and the ongoing outsourcing of our jobs to out of town non-union
contractors. It is time to stand up and fight back with every means
possible. The Director of the Utility Dept suggested that we submit a
shareholder proposal for the next shareholders meeting concerning the
golden parachutes offered to the executives of Duke Energy. The
proposal has been submitted (see the proposal below). Officials from
Duke Energy has contacted Jim Voye in the IBEW Research Dept
asking to meet with him to discuss the proposal. A meeting has been
scheduled for August 9, 2006 in Washington. I will be attending this
meeting. More than ever we need to stand united for our jobs.
Click here to view the shareholder proposal
Posted 08/01/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Northern Kentucky Labor Council Four Man Scramble
Date: Saturday, September 23rd
Place: Devou Park Golf Course
Fee: $60.00 per person
Time: 6:45 am Registration
8:00 am Shotgun Start
Lunch will follow the scramble and be served at the golf course, prizes will be
awarded after lunch.
Please contact Gary Merten at 859-291-9419 or Tim Donoghue at
513-477-4331. Fees must be received in order to confirm reservations.
Posted 07/14/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Important Notice to the Membership
Pursuant to the IBEW Constitution and our bylaws, Local Union 1347
IBEW Dues and Bylaws Committee hereby is giving notice to the
membership concerning a proposed change to Article IX Section 6(a) of
the Local Union's Bylaws. The Committee submitted the proposed
change to the membership at the regular Union meeting on July 14,
2006.
The proposed change to Local Union 1347 IBEW Bylaws will be read
again and open for discussion at the regular monthly meeting on
August 8, 2006 The proposed change to the Bylaws will be voted on by
the membership immediately after the August meeting. Voting will be
only at the Union Hall. The voting polls will close (1) one hour or
11:00pm (whichever comes first) after the regular August Union meeting
adjourns.
I am also calling for a special membership meeting at the Union Hall for
the purpose of reading and discussing the proposed Bylaw change for
Shift Workers. This meeting will be August 8, 2006 at 9:00am. Voting
will follow this meeting and continue for (1) one hour after the meeting.
The Current Bylaw Language
Section 6. The monthly dues shall be:
(a) "A" and "BA" Members
All classifications .........Wage Level 25
The Proposed change to the Bylaws
Section 6. The monthly dues shall be:
(a) "A" and "BA" Members
All classifications ........Wage Level 25 plus $3.00
Posted 07/13/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Kentucky's Rate Increase Information
The link below is paperwork associated with Duke Energy Kentucky
rate increase request. This is a large document but there is some
interesting questions from the KY PSC concerning the rate increase. I
will keep adding to this site as the paperwork becomes available.
Click here to view AG-017206
Click here to view case no. 2006-00172
Posted 07/13/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to our Shiftworkers
Circadian has an article in their May and July newsletter that might be
helpful for our members who work rotating shifts. Please open the links
below.
Click here to view the May newsletter
Click here to view the July newsletter
Posted 07/12/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Some interesting reading from the AFL-CIO about the Bush
Tax cuts for the rich.
Click here to view the message
Posted 07/06/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to all Members at W.C. Beckjord Station
Brother Kevin Walriven has resigned his position as a member of the
Local Union 1347 Executive Board on June 30, 2006. This position will
be filled at the Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, August 22, 2006.
Any member in good standing from Beckjord Station interested in filling
the remaining portion of his term should send a letter to the Executive
Board Chairman Dan Amshoff. This letter should state that you would
accept the nomination to fill the vacancy. The letter should be sent or
faxed to the Union Office before 08/22/06.
Posted 06/09/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Please Mark Your Calendars
Local 1347 Summer Cookout will be held on
Friday July 14, 2006. The food will be served
immediately following the regular monthly
Union meeting.
Click here to view a poster
Posted 04/17/06 By Steve Feldhaus
YOUR CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT HEALTH
CARE
Congress wants to know how you would
MAKE HEALTH CARE WORK
for all Americans. Tell them what you think
when the national dialogue on health care
comes to Cincinnati on April 29th.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD, JOIN IN AND SPEAK OUT.
MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE CINCINNATI HEALTH CARE
COMMUNITY MEETING.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
8:30am to 2:00pm
Cinergy Center| 525 Elm Street
Downtown Cincinnati
Free breakfast and lunch. Free child care. Free parking
Space is limited
Contact Bill Schramm @ 513-421-1846
Register online at www.citizenshealthcare.gov/register or by
phone at 866-324-7949
Posted 04/12/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Contract Ratification Voting Results
The proposed contract has been approved.
Voting has been completed and the ballots counted. The election committee
has certified the results. Local 1347 membership has ratified the proposed
contract from the company. Also, on behalf of the Union's negotiating
committee I want to thank all of our members for their support we received
during the negotiations.
Posted 04/05/06 By Steve Feldhaus
The company's "Best and Final" offer
The three attachments below are paperwork relating to the company's "best and
final" offer made to the Union's negotiating committee on March 29, 2006. The
yellow highlighted areas on the contract language pages section are the parts
that have been changed or added.
Click here to view the 2006 Contract Fact Sheet
Click here to view the 2006 Contract Language
Click here to view the 2006 Contract Letters
Posted 04/04/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Contract Explanation Meetings
There seems to be some confusion about the Union explanation meetings
scheduled for tomorrow night at 7:30pm and Thursday morning at 8:30am. As
listed below these meetings are still taking place, the Wednesday night meeting
will be at the Local 647 UAW Hall (directions listed below) and the Thursday
morning meeting will be at our Union Hall. The fax that was sent to the
headquarters this morning was for changing the regular monthly Union meeting
night from Tuesday April 11 to Wednesday April 12. This was done because of
the voting dates for next week.
This week's Schedule
The Contract Explanation Meeting will be April 5th at 7:30pm at the UAW
Hall
The Contract Explanation Meeting will be April 6th at 8:30am at our
Union Hall
Voting will be on Friday April 7 at Brecon BHE at 7:30am to 8:00pm.
Next week's Schedule
Voting will be on Monday April 10 at Hamlet Dist at 7:30am to 8:00pm
Voting will be on Tuesday April 11at Florence Dist at 7:30am to 8:00pm
Voting will be on Wednesday April 12 at the Union Hall at 7:30am to
8:00pm.
The regular monthly Union meeting will be on April 12th at our Hall at
7:00pm.
Posted 04/03/06 By Gary Klinglesmith IBEW International Representative
Captive Employee Meetings
The company has decided to meet with all employees to tell you how good their
"best and final" offer is. Apparently, the company does not think your
negotiating committee will tell you the truth. The company is also telling some
people that the "International" can take you out on strike if you vote against the
contract. The company admits they have done this, and they say it should not
have happened, but Jim Rogers refuses to retract these statements.
Tell the company you will attend the Union explanation meetings of the
company's "best and final" offer, and you do not want to attend their meeting. If
they give you a direct order to attend a captive audience meeting you must
comply. If this happens ask the company how much money they will save with
the new health care plans. Ask the company much money they will save with
elimination of up to 28 jobs. Ask the company if your job can be eliminated, and
you will be classified as a voluntary resignation.
These meetings are nothing more than to divide and conquer. You are adults,
and can make up your own minds about this "best and final" offer without the
company telling you what's best for your family. I wonder why the company feels
they must sell this "best and final" offer to you. Could it be that they know what
is best for you and your family!
Posted 04/03/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Regular Monthly Union Meeting Date Change
The regular monthly Union meeting date of Tuesday April 11, 2006, will be
changed to Wednesday April 12, 2006. The meeting will start at 7:00pm at our
Hall at 4100 Colerain Ave. Please make a note of this change. Open the
attachment below to post it on our bulletin boards.
Click here to view the Meeting change notice
Posted 03/31/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Contract Explanation Meetings
The meetings to explain the company's best and final offer to the Membership
will be Wednesday night April 5, 2006 at 7:30pm, and on Thursday morning April
6, 2006 at 8:30am for the shift workers. The Wednesday night meeting will be at
the Local 647 UAW Hall at 10020 Reading Road, Evendale, Ohio. The Thursday
morning meeting will be at our Union Hall at 4100 Colerain Ave. Please try to
arrange your schedule to attend one of these meetings. Times and places for
voting will be announced later.
Directions to Local 647 UAW Hall -- If you are coming north on I-75 take
Exit#14/oh-126 onto Glendale Milford Rd towards Evendale. Take this road until
you reach the Reading Road Intersection, turn right (south) on Reading Road
and go 0.5 to 0.6 mile the Hall will be on the left.