Important Message for the Utility Workers of the IBEW
from International President Hill
President Hill has a very important message for the Utility Workers of
the IBEW. He has summarized the position of the IBEW in the video
entitled "State of the Union - Utilities". In effort to bring this message
to all of our Local Union Officers, Stewards and Members he has put
together an International Roll-out that will be broadcast via Web cast
over the Internet on THURSDAY, March 27, 2008 at 8:00pm EST. This
roll-out for the "State of the Union - Utilities" will have a profound
impact on the Utility Industry. Please take the opportunity to watch
and hear this important message from President Hill.
This Web cast can be viewed by logging onto the IBEW Website at
www.ibew.org and click on the special icon for the Web cast that will
take you directly to the Web cast.
Posted 03/14/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Just a Reminder for Prescription Drugs
The company has been sending e-mails about alternatives when
purchasing generic drugs. Their e-mails tell employees they can go to
another retailer to purchase cheaper generic drugs. The Four Dollars
generic prescription drugs can also be bought at any Tri-State
Kroger's pharmacy. Kroger's is a Union grocery store the other
retailer is not. These Four Dollar prescriptions are for up to a 30 day
supply. Here is Kroger's list of Four Dollar generic drugs link to the list.
Check the list to see if you or any family members have prescriptions
for generic drugs on this list or call a Kroger pharmacy. If so it will
save you money by having them filled at Kroger's instead of Medco.
Please remember that you don't need to show your prescription card
to the pharmacy when purchasing the Four Dollar generic drugs.
Posted 03/13/08 By Steve Feldhaus
New Executive Board Member Appointed
At the February 2008 Executive Board meeting the members of the
board appointed Brother Kyle McMahan to replace Brother Dave
Stenger as the representative for the Trouble Dept. I want to
personally thank Brother McMahan for accepting this position on our
Executive Board.
Posted 03/11/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Is Duke determined to give away the store?
Brothers and Sisters this headline was borrowed from our Sister
Rowena Bush in the Meter Dept. Sister Bush used this headline to
start her letter (link to the letter) to Jim Turner on his blog. Sister Bush
was very articulate in expressing her views concerning Duke
outsourcing more work in Service Delivery (Premise Trouble) section.
I want to personally thank Sister Bush for her eloquent attempt in
trying make the company realize the mistake they would be making in
contracting out this work. We have been meeting with the company
discussing this issue for some time. The process we have been using
is from the LMEC (Labor Management Executive Committee). The
LMEC was created before the Duke takeover of Cinergy. The
company agreed to keep using this process after the takeover by
Duke. During these meetings the company explained their intentions
of wanting to out source this type of work. The LMEC process allows
the affected Unions losing the work to look at what the company will
be charged for outsourcing this work to a contractor. After reviewing
the information the Union/s can submit a proposal that would meet or
beat the outside contractor to keep this work in house. This process
has been used on several occasions and we were successful in
keeping the work. Again this time IBEW and the USW did make an
offer to the company to keep this work in house. You can read the
company's counter (link to company's counter proposal) to our offer
below. IBEW and the USW did make an offer that would save the
company money in doing this type of work and there would be no
harm to existing members. If you read the company's counter
proposal to us and USW you will see if we except their proposal many
of our members will be harmed significantly. How many times lately
have you heard the upper management types say they are going to
hire new employees. These new employees they talking about must
be employees for the contractors. Please keep in mind that this
company does not want to have employees. THEY WANT TO BE A
VIRTUAL UTILITY. We must be a burden not a benefit to them. It
seems all they want are contractors who don't know how to do the
work and in some cases can't even speak English (could be illegals),
because they think it saves them money and they get their bonuses.
Posted 02/29/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Cash Balance Pensions
Pension Payouts Are Shrinking
I came across a very interesting article about cash balance pension
plans. Please read this article very carefully. If you thought that cash
balance pension plans were the greatest thing since slice bread you
might have a different opinion after reading this article.
Click here to read this article from Kiplinger Magazine
Posted 01/30/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to the Membership
I have just received a call from Karen Feld. Karen indicated the
company has decided to go back to LDCS for timekeeping purposes.
This means that for at least the next 6 to 8 weeks while the IT people
make this transition employees will be still required to submit their
time sheets early on Fridays before the cutoff period. During this
transition period employees who submit there time sheets early on
Friday then work overtime on the weekend will be paid by a special
check or direct deposit on the Monday following receipt of their
regular paycheck. Example: If you are required to submit your time
sheet on Friday 02/08/08 for the two week period ending 02/10/08, you
will receive your regular paycheck without any unscheduled weekend
overtime on 02/14. Now if you work unscheduled overtime on 02/09 or
02/10 after submitting your time sheet on 02/08 the overtime work
during those two days will be paid to you on 02/18 instead of waiting
another two weeks for your money. This certainly is not the best thing
since sliced bread but it beats the H### out of what has been going on
with the current payroll system. Again, if you are having any problems
with your paychecks or Medical Insurance please e-mail or call me at
the office.
Posted 01/07/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Paycheck Problems!
What we knew was going to happen has come true to effect your
paychecks. I had voiced my concerns about these problems to
management prior to contracting out this function. What the hell do I
know when it comes to incompetent contractors. I have received
several calls concerning mistakes on our members paychecks.
Please check your paycheck for any mistakes in earnings, taxes or
deductions and e-mail me a description of the problems. It seems that
Duke is working for Hewitt. This shows Duke true colors when it
comes to caring about its' employees. The Dollar is more important!
Also I would highly suggest that anyone on direct deposit to change
immediately to receiving a regular paycheck. It seems that Hewitt has
changed the way they are doing direct deposit payroll checks. Please
e-mail or call me with any problems you have with payroll checks or
medical insurance.
Posted 11/13/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Local Union 1347 Christmas Party
The Local Union Christmas Party will be Saturday December 8th 2007.
The regular monthly meeting will be changed from Tuesday December
11th, 2007 to Saturday December 8th, 2007, the Christmas Party will
begin immediately after the Union meeting.
Click here to view the Christmas Party Flier
Posted 10/31/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Need Answers to your Medical and 401K Plan
Questions!
If you have any questions concerning these plans please call
Christopher Rolfe at 704-382-5566. Christopher Rolfe was
instrumental in closing the I People center here at Cinergy. These
were the people who would answer all your questions. Evidently he
felt these people were not needed. If that is the case then he must
have all the correct answers to your questions please call him.
Christopher Rolfe # 704-382-5566
Posted 10/31/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Four Payroll Deductions to Remain
After filing a grievance against the company for eliminating all payroll
deductions, I have received a letter from the Labor Relations. The
letter indicates they have reconsidered eliminating all of the current
payroll deductions. According to the letter there will be four payroll
deductions that will continue to be taken from your payroll check.
These deductions will be as follows:
AFLAC Cancer Insurance
Mutual Benefit Association Dues (MBA)
Safety Apparel/Shoes
Laundry/Uniforms
The AurGroup Credit Union payroll deduction will not be available in
2008. The company said they were able to eliminate 1 FTE that will
save them 80,000 dollars a year. I wonder who is getting that bonus
for causing a lot of inconvenience to many employees. This is another
way of the company trying to get the employees to direct deposit their
payroll checks.
Posted 10/25/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Buying Alternative for Generic
Prescription Drugs
The Kroger Company Pharmacies are now selling Generic
Prescription Drugs at Four (4) Dollars per prescription. This price of
Four (4) Dollars is cheaper than our current prescription co-pay with
our medical plans. Not all generic drugs are being sold at this price.
Please look at the link below for a list of generic drugs that Kroger's is
selling for Four (4) Dollars. On the list below the Generic Drugs are
listed on the left hand side and the Name Brand on the right side. This
price for Generic Drugs will definitely be cheaper (this includes the 3
month mail in prescriptions) than next years prescription co-pays for
Generic Drugs with the medical plans. If you or someone in your
family is taking a Generic Drug you should check this list below
Click here for the list of Kroger's Generic Drugs
Posted 10/22/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Please take a minute to read below if
you like to fish and hunt.
The IBEW has join forces with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation
Partnership (TRCP) to form the Union Sportsman's Alliance (USA), a
unique hunting and fishing club exclusively for AFL-CIO union
members, retirees, and their families. Please go to the links below for
more information about this club.
Click here for the IBEW's endorsement letter
Click here for the Union Sportsmem's Alliance Letter
Click here for the Union Sportsmen's Alliance pamphlet
Posted 09/13/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to the Membership
Some Payroll Deductions being Eliminated
The company has notified Local 1347 that it will no longer have certain
voluntary payroll deductions taken from employees checks beginning
in 2008. There are 15 items that have been deducted from our
members pay checks in the past that the company said it will no
longer process. To see the items that are being eliminated, go to the
link below this message. I have filed a grievance with Labor Relations
concerning this issue. The company is abolishing a long standing
past practice without negotiating with the Union.
Click here to view the payroll deductions being eliminated
Posted 09/06/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to the Membership
Personal Days
Pursuant to the 2006 - 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 4,
Section 2(a) all members must make arrangements or schedule their
Personal days before November 1, 2007. If you don't use or schedule
these days before 11/01/07 you can lose them per the contract. The
Personal days can be scheduled to be taken after 11/01/07. Also,
don't forget to use your Diversity Day before the end of the year.
Click here for the Bulletin Board Poster
Posted 08/30/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Three New L. U. Officers Appointed
The Executive Board Members at their 08/28/07 meeting appointed
three members to fill the vacant Executive Board positions in the
following areas: East Bend Station; Brian Thoerner, Miami Fort
Station; Jeff Brandt, Inventory Services; Tom Brauch.
Congratulations to the three newly appointed Officers.
Posted 08/21/07 By Steve Feldhaus
It is "OFFICIAL" they are illegal
Please read the correspondence (3 pages) below I have just received
from Representative Jean Schmidt. Our members in the regulated and
non-regulated areas of Duke Energy were correct in saying the
company was hiring contractors with illegal alien workers. It is a
shame that we now are trying to compete with illegal aliens. This
should be an embarrassment to the company. How much lower will
Duke Energy stoop in trying to save money. Aren't we proud to say
we work for Duke Energy, the company that knowingly hires
contractors with illegal alien workers. The same illegals who raped
and abducted two young girls. I want to thank Representative
Schmidt for her help in this matter. The other two Representatives
Chabot and Davis once again just gave lip service with this issue.
Click here to view the response from Congresswoman Schmidt
Posted 07/23/07 By Steve Feldhaus
What can I say maybe "I told you so"
Did anyone see the channel 9 news Saturday morning. I was
watching the news and a report about possible illegal immigrants in
Clermont County being charged with rape and abduction. It seems
these two men from Mexico were working for a subcontractor of Duke
Energy. The issue of illegal immigrants was brought to the company's
attention back in October of last year. They assured me that all of their
subcontractors of Hispanic descent were legal. Below is the article
from channel 9 news. I will once again write letters to Chabot, Schmidt
and Davis for their help with this issue.
Click here to read the story
Posted 06/12/07 By Clay Montgomery /Election Judge
Local 1347 2007 Election Results
President: Kenneth Gross
Vice President: Russell Cosby
Recording Secretary: Don Reilly
Treasurer: Walter Howard
Business Manager: Stephen Feldhaus
Executive Boards Members
Wm. H. Zimmer Station: Gary Bender
W.C. Beckjord Station: Kent Evans
Miami Fort Station: Vacant
East Bend Station: Vacant
Substation: Daniel Amshoff
Power Del. & Gen. Supply Chain: Vacant
Transportation Services: Larry Creech
Overhead Dist. Dept. No.1 Tom Messamer
Overhead Dist. Dept. No.2: David Campbell
Overhead Dist. Dept. No.3: James Bell
Electric Trouble Dept. David Stenger
Underground Dept. Ron Hill
Electric Meter Dept. Wayne Napier
Posted 06/11/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Spread the Word!!
The AFL-CIO Union Industries Show is this Weekend!!
IT WILL AMAZE, INFORM, ENTERTAIN AND DELIGHT
VISITORS OF ALL OF ALL AGES. AMERICA @ WORK
2007 IS THE BEST-EVER EXHIBIT OF UNION MADE
GOODS AND SERVICES, SHOWCASING THE SKILLS OF
MILLIONS OF AMERICAN UNION WORKERS.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Free Admission
Family Fun
Valuable Prizes
Dates: June 15, 16 & 17
Times: Friday & Saturday, 11am - 8pm
Sunday, 11am - 7pm
Where: Cincinnati Duke Energy Convention Center
Posted 03/16/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Pension Educational Seminar Scheduled
Local 1347 has scheduled a Pension Educational Seminar for
Saturday April 28, 2007 at our Union Hall. I have asked Peter
Anderson and Steve Hilmes from the Principal Financial Group to
come and give a presentation about our Pension Plans. This
presentation will be helpful to our members in understanding how our
Pensions are calculated and the comparisons between the Traditional
and Cash Balance Plans. Also I have asked Peter and Steve to give a
presentation on the new management pension plan that was just
offered to the legacy Cinergy management employees. This part of
the presentation is for informational purposes only, this is a
management plan The seminar will start at 10:00am and end at
2:00pm, lunch will be provided, RSVP's are requested by April 20,
2007. Spouses of any member attending are also welcome to attend
this seminar. Please call Angie at our office or e-mail
(ibew1347angie@fuse.net) to RSVP. If you can not make this seminar
and you are interested in attending one please call the office.
Posted 02/27/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Local 1347 has a new Vice President
Tonight the Executive Board has appointed Brother Russ Cosby from
the Meter Department to fill the vacant office of the Vice President.
Brother Cosby will serve in this office for the remainder of the current
term. I like to congratulate Brother Cosby on behalf of all the members
of Local 1347.
Posted 02/27/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Jobs coming back to the Union
I have been in talks with company for three months about bringing
back the jobs in the storeroom that were contracted out to a
warehousing vendor about four years ago. The company agreed and
is bringing that work back in house. They are planning to hire 8 to 10
people into the Materials Spec. C classification. These new hires will
be working at the Brecon Storeroom. The company said they will be
hiring these people sometime in May.
Posted 02/12/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Disturbing actions by some members
I have received several phone calls concerning a few of our members.
I have been told that in the power plants some of our members have
taken a temporary upgrade to supervisor so they can teach the non
union contractors how to do our work. We worked hard during the
past negotiations to keep from being replaced by non-union
contractors. This is completely unacceptable. Contractually I can not
stop someone from a temporary upgrade to a supervisor. I am
absolutely against any of our members training a non-contractor to do
our jobs so that it would be easy from them to replace us. The
company hired these incompetent non-union contractors, let the
company deal with the fact these people cannot do the work.
Posted 02/07/07 By Steve Feldhaus
The 2006 - 2009 Contract is now signed
It has taken some time but we now have a signed contract. The
corrections have been made and the language is correct. You can
view the new contract on the "CONTRACTNEWS 2006" page.
Posted 11/27/06 By Steve Feldhaus
More Information on Possible ILLegal Aliens
I have received a response from Representative Jean Schmidt from
the Ohio second district. Rep. Schmidt was one of three area
Congressional delegates that I contacted for help with this issue. The
other two just talk the talk and don't walk the walk. They were Steve
Chabot and Jeff Davis. Steve Chabot did not even respond to my
letter, Jeff Davis also offered no help. I hope our members remember
these two names in two years when they come asking for your help at
the voting booth. I have to say this in support of Rep. Schmidt, she
does talk the talk and walk the walk concerning her campaign
message when it comes to illegal aliens. Rep. Schmidt replied very
quickly to my request. PLEASE LOOK AT THE RESPONSE FROM
REP. SCHMIDT BELOW. If anyone in the power plants has any
information concerning possible illegal aliens working on the property
please call the Union Office.
Click here to view the response from Congresswoman Schmidt
Posted 10/23/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Possible ILLegal Aliens
It has come to my attention that there may be illegal aliens of Hispanic
descent working in the four Duke Energy power plants in our area.
These possible illegal aliens are employees working for Sunbelt
Insulation Company Inc., from Decatur, Alabama. If anyone has
information concerning this issue please contact the Union Office. I
have also sent letters to U.S. Congressmen Chabot and Davis and
U.S. Congresswoman Schmidt asking them to investigate this matter.
If I can remember correctly they are in the Republican Party, the Party
of President Bush. It was President Bush who said these illegal aliens
are only doing jobs that Americans don't want to do. It seems that
before this September there were Americans who belong to Unions
doing this work. Please keep in mind that it is a federal crime for
employers to hire illegal aliens. Remember to treat these contract
employees with respect do not get yourself in trouble, hopefully the
federal authorities will do their jobs.
from International President Hill
President Hill has a very important message for the Utility Workers of
the IBEW. He has summarized the position of the IBEW in the video
entitled "State of the Union - Utilities". In effort to bring this message
to all of our Local Union Officers, Stewards and Members he has put
together an International Roll-out that will be broadcast via Web cast
over the Internet on THURSDAY, March 27, 2008 at 8:00pm EST. This
roll-out for the "State of the Union - Utilities" will have a profound
impact on the Utility Industry. Please take the opportunity to watch
and hear this important message from President Hill.
This Web cast can be viewed by logging onto the IBEW Website at
www.ibew.org and click on the special icon for the Web cast that will
take you directly to the Web cast.
Posted 03/14/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Just a Reminder for Prescription Drugs
The company has been sending e-mails about alternatives when
purchasing generic drugs. Their e-mails tell employees they can go to
another retailer to purchase cheaper generic drugs. The Four Dollars
generic prescription drugs can also be bought at any Tri-State
Kroger's pharmacy. Kroger's is a Union grocery store the other
retailer is not. These Four Dollar prescriptions are for up to a 30 day
supply. Here is Kroger's list of Four Dollar generic drugs link to the list.
Check the list to see if you or any family members have prescriptions
for generic drugs on this list or call a Kroger pharmacy. If so it will
save you money by having them filled at Kroger's instead of Medco.
Please remember that you don't need to show your prescription card
to the pharmacy when purchasing the Four Dollar generic drugs.
Posted 03/13/08 By Steve Feldhaus
New Executive Board Member Appointed
At the February 2008 Executive Board meeting the members of the
board appointed Brother Kyle McMahan to replace Brother Dave
Stenger as the representative for the Trouble Dept. I want to
personally thank Brother McMahan for accepting this position on our
Executive Board.
Posted 03/11/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Is Duke determined to give away the store?
Brothers and Sisters this headline was borrowed from our Sister
Rowena Bush in the Meter Dept. Sister Bush used this headline to
start her letter (link to the letter) to Jim Turner on his blog. Sister Bush
was very articulate in expressing her views concerning Duke
outsourcing more work in Service Delivery (Premise Trouble) section.
I want to personally thank Sister Bush for her eloquent attempt in
trying make the company realize the mistake they would be making in
contracting out this work. We have been meeting with the company
discussing this issue for some time. The process we have been using
is from the LMEC (Labor Management Executive Committee). The
LMEC was created before the Duke takeover of Cinergy. The
company agreed to keep using this process after the takeover by
Duke. During these meetings the company explained their intentions
of wanting to out source this type of work. The LMEC process allows
the affected Unions losing the work to look at what the company will
be charged for outsourcing this work to a contractor. After reviewing
the information the Union/s can submit a proposal that would meet or
beat the outside contractor to keep this work in house. This process
has been used on several occasions and we were successful in
keeping the work. Again this time IBEW and the USW did make an
offer to the company to keep this work in house. You can read the
company's counter (link to company's counter proposal) to our offer
below. IBEW and the USW did make an offer that would save the
company money in doing this type of work and there would be no
harm to existing members. If you read the company's counter
proposal to us and USW you will see if we except their proposal many
of our members will be harmed significantly. How many times lately
have you heard the upper management types say they are going to
hire new employees. These new employees they talking about must
be employees for the contractors. Please keep in mind that this
company does not want to have employees. THEY WANT TO BE A
VIRTUAL UTILITY. We must be a burden not a benefit to them. It
seems all they want are contractors who don't know how to do the
work and in some cases can't even speak English (could be illegals),
because they think it saves them money and they get their bonuses.
Posted 02/29/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Cash Balance Pensions
Pension Payouts Are Shrinking
I came across a very interesting article about cash balance pension
plans. Please read this article very carefully. If you thought that cash
balance pension plans were the greatest thing since slice bread you
might have a different opinion after reading this article.
Click here to read this article from Kiplinger Magazine
Posted 01/30/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to the Membership
I have just received a call from Karen Feld. Karen indicated the
company has decided to go back to LDCS for timekeeping purposes.
This means that for at least the next 6 to 8 weeks while the IT people
make this transition employees will be still required to submit their
time sheets early on Fridays before the cutoff period. During this
transition period employees who submit there time sheets early on
Friday then work overtime on the weekend will be paid by a special
check or direct deposit on the Monday following receipt of their
regular paycheck. Example: If you are required to submit your time
sheet on Friday 02/08/08 for the two week period ending 02/10/08, you
will receive your regular paycheck without any unscheduled weekend
overtime on 02/14. Now if you work unscheduled overtime on 02/09 or
02/10 after submitting your time sheet on 02/08 the overtime work
during those two days will be paid to you on 02/18 instead of waiting
another two weeks for your money. This certainly is not the best thing
since sliced bread but it beats the H### out of what has been going on
with the current payroll system. Again, if you are having any problems
with your paychecks or Medical Insurance please e-mail or call me at
the office.
Posted 01/07/08 By Steve Feldhaus
Paycheck Problems!
What we knew was going to happen has come true to effect your
paychecks. I had voiced my concerns about these problems to
management prior to contracting out this function. What the hell do I
know when it comes to incompetent contractors. I have received
several calls concerning mistakes on our members paychecks.
Please check your paycheck for any mistakes in earnings, taxes or
deductions and e-mail me a description of the problems. It seems that
Duke is working for Hewitt. This shows Duke true colors when it
comes to caring about its' employees. The Dollar is more important!
Also I would highly suggest that anyone on direct deposit to change
immediately to receiving a regular paycheck. It seems that Hewitt has
changed the way they are doing direct deposit payroll checks. Please
e-mail or call me with any problems you have with payroll checks or
medical insurance.
Posted 11/13/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Local Union 1347 Christmas Party
The Local Union Christmas Party will be Saturday December 8th 2007.
The regular monthly meeting will be changed from Tuesday December
11th, 2007 to Saturday December 8th, 2007, the Christmas Party will
begin immediately after the Union meeting.
Click here to view the Christmas Party Flier
Posted 10/31/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Need Answers to your Medical and 401K Plan
Questions!
If you have any questions concerning these plans please call
Christopher Rolfe at 704-382-5566. Christopher Rolfe was
instrumental in closing the I People center here at Cinergy. These
were the people who would answer all your questions. Evidently he
felt these people were not needed. If that is the case then he must
have all the correct answers to your questions please call him.
Christopher Rolfe # 704-382-5566
Posted 10/31/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Four Payroll Deductions to Remain
After filing a grievance against the company for eliminating all payroll
deductions, I have received a letter from the Labor Relations. The
letter indicates they have reconsidered eliminating all of the current
payroll deductions. According to the letter there will be four payroll
deductions that will continue to be taken from your payroll check.
These deductions will be as follows:
AFLAC Cancer Insurance
Mutual Benefit Association Dues (MBA)
Safety Apparel/Shoes
Laundry/Uniforms
The AurGroup Credit Union payroll deduction will not be available in
2008. The company said they were able to eliminate 1 FTE that will
save them 80,000 dollars a year. I wonder who is getting that bonus
for causing a lot of inconvenience to many employees. This is another
way of the company trying to get the employees to direct deposit their
payroll checks.
Posted 10/25/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Buying Alternative for Generic
Prescription Drugs
The Kroger Company Pharmacies are now selling Generic
Prescription Drugs at Four (4) Dollars per prescription. This price of
Four (4) Dollars is cheaper than our current prescription co-pay with
our medical plans. Not all generic drugs are being sold at this price.
Please look at the link below for a list of generic drugs that Kroger's is
selling for Four (4) Dollars. On the list below the Generic Drugs are
listed on the left hand side and the Name Brand on the right side. This
price for Generic Drugs will definitely be cheaper (this includes the 3
month mail in prescriptions) than next years prescription co-pays for
Generic Drugs with the medical plans. If you or someone in your
family is taking a Generic Drug you should check this list below
Click here for the list of Kroger's Generic Drugs
Posted 10/22/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Please take a minute to read below if
you like to fish and hunt.
The IBEW has join forces with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation
Partnership (TRCP) to form the Union Sportsman's Alliance (USA), a
unique hunting and fishing club exclusively for AFL-CIO union
members, retirees, and their families. Please go to the links below for
more information about this club.
Click here for the IBEW's endorsement letter
Click here for the Union Sportsmem's Alliance Letter
Click here for the Union Sportsmen's Alliance pamphlet
Posted 09/13/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to the Membership
Some Payroll Deductions being Eliminated
The company has notified Local 1347 that it will no longer have certain
voluntary payroll deductions taken from employees checks beginning
in 2008. There are 15 items that have been deducted from our
members pay checks in the past that the company said it will no
longer process. To see the items that are being eliminated, go to the
link below this message. I have filed a grievance with Labor Relations
concerning this issue. The company is abolishing a long standing
past practice without negotiating with the Union.
Click here to view the payroll deductions being eliminated
Posted 09/06/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Notice to the Membership
Personal Days
Pursuant to the 2006 - 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 4,
Section 2(a) all members must make arrangements or schedule their
Personal days before November 1, 2007. If you don't use or schedule
these days before 11/01/07 you can lose them per the contract. The
Personal days can be scheduled to be taken after 11/01/07. Also,
don't forget to use your Diversity Day before the end of the year.
Click here for the Bulletin Board Poster
Posted 08/30/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Three New L. U. Officers Appointed
The Executive Board Members at their 08/28/07 meeting appointed
three members to fill the vacant Executive Board positions in the
following areas: East Bend Station; Brian Thoerner, Miami Fort
Station; Jeff Brandt, Inventory Services; Tom Brauch.
Congratulations to the three newly appointed Officers.
Posted 08/21/07 By Steve Feldhaus
It is "OFFICIAL" they are illegal
Please read the correspondence (3 pages) below I have just received
from Representative Jean Schmidt. Our members in the regulated and
non-regulated areas of Duke Energy were correct in saying the
company was hiring contractors with illegal alien workers. It is a
shame that we now are trying to compete with illegal aliens. This
should be an embarrassment to the company. How much lower will
Duke Energy stoop in trying to save money. Aren't we proud to say
we work for Duke Energy, the company that knowingly hires
contractors with illegal alien workers. The same illegals who raped
and abducted two young girls. I want to thank Representative
Schmidt for her help in this matter. The other two Representatives
Chabot and Davis once again just gave lip service with this issue.
Click here to view the response from Congresswoman Schmidt
Posted 07/23/07 By Steve Feldhaus
What can I say maybe "I told you so"
Did anyone see the channel 9 news Saturday morning. I was
watching the news and a report about possible illegal immigrants in
Clermont County being charged with rape and abduction. It seems
these two men from Mexico were working for a subcontractor of Duke
Energy. The issue of illegal immigrants was brought to the company's
attention back in October of last year. They assured me that all of their
subcontractors of Hispanic descent were legal. Below is the article
from channel 9 news. I will once again write letters to Chabot, Schmidt
and Davis for their help with this issue.
Click here to read the story
Posted 06/12/07 By Clay Montgomery /Election Judge
Local 1347 2007 Election Results
President: Kenneth Gross
Vice President: Russell Cosby
Recording Secretary: Don Reilly
Treasurer: Walter Howard
Business Manager: Stephen Feldhaus
Executive Boards Members
Wm. H. Zimmer Station: Gary Bender
W.C. Beckjord Station: Kent Evans
Miami Fort Station: Vacant
East Bend Station: Vacant
Substation: Daniel Amshoff
Power Del. & Gen. Supply Chain: Vacant
Transportation Services: Larry Creech
Overhead Dist. Dept. No.1 Tom Messamer
Overhead Dist. Dept. No.2: David Campbell
Overhead Dist. Dept. No.3: James Bell
Electric Trouble Dept. David Stenger
Underground Dept. Ron Hill
Electric Meter Dept. Wayne Napier
Posted 06/11/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Spread the Word!!
The AFL-CIO Union Industries Show is this Weekend!!
IT WILL AMAZE, INFORM, ENTERTAIN AND DELIGHT
VISITORS OF ALL OF ALL AGES. AMERICA @ WORK
2007 IS THE BEST-EVER EXHIBIT OF UNION MADE
GOODS AND SERVICES, SHOWCASING THE SKILLS OF
MILLIONS OF AMERICAN UNION WORKERS.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Free Admission
Family Fun
Valuable Prizes
Dates: June 15, 16 & 17
Times: Friday & Saturday, 11am - 8pm
Sunday, 11am - 7pm
Where: Cincinnati Duke Energy Convention Center
Posted 03/16/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Pension Educational Seminar Scheduled
Local 1347 has scheduled a Pension Educational Seminar for
Saturday April 28, 2007 at our Union Hall. I have asked Peter
Anderson and Steve Hilmes from the Principal Financial Group to
come and give a presentation about our Pension Plans. This
presentation will be helpful to our members in understanding how our
Pensions are calculated and the comparisons between the Traditional
and Cash Balance Plans. Also I have asked Peter and Steve to give a
presentation on the new management pension plan that was just
offered to the legacy Cinergy management employees. This part of
the presentation is for informational purposes only, this is a
management plan The seminar will start at 10:00am and end at
2:00pm, lunch will be provided, RSVP's are requested by April 20,
2007. Spouses of any member attending are also welcome to attend
this seminar. Please call Angie at our office or e-mail
(ibew1347angie@fuse.net) to RSVP. If you can not make this seminar
and you are interested in attending one please call the office.
Posted 02/27/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Local 1347 has a new Vice President
Tonight the Executive Board has appointed Brother Russ Cosby from
the Meter Department to fill the vacant office of the Vice President.
Brother Cosby will serve in this office for the remainder of the current
term. I like to congratulate Brother Cosby on behalf of all the members
of Local 1347.
Posted 02/27/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Jobs coming back to the Union
I have been in talks with company for three months about bringing
back the jobs in the storeroom that were contracted out to a
warehousing vendor about four years ago. The company agreed and
is bringing that work back in house. They are planning to hire 8 to 10
people into the Materials Spec. C classification. These new hires will
be working at the Brecon Storeroom. The company said they will be
hiring these people sometime in May.
Posted 02/12/07 By Steve Feldhaus
Disturbing actions by some members
I have received several phone calls concerning a few of our members.
I have been told that in the power plants some of our members have
taken a temporary upgrade to supervisor so they can teach the non
union contractors how to do our work. We worked hard during the
past negotiations to keep from being replaced by non-union
contractors. This is completely unacceptable. Contractually I can not
stop someone from a temporary upgrade to a supervisor. I am
absolutely against any of our members training a non-contractor to do
our jobs so that it would be easy from them to replace us. The
company hired these incompetent non-union contractors, let the
company deal with the fact these people cannot do the work.
Posted 02/07/07 By Steve Feldhaus
The 2006 - 2009 Contract is now signed
It has taken some time but we now have a signed contract. The
corrections have been made and the language is correct. You can
view the new contract on the "CONTRACTNEWS 2006" page.
Posted 11/27/06 By Steve Feldhaus
More Information on Possible ILLegal Aliens
I have received a response from Representative Jean Schmidt from
the Ohio second district. Rep. Schmidt was one of three area
Congressional delegates that I contacted for help with this issue. The
other two just talk the talk and don't walk the walk. They were Steve
Chabot and Jeff Davis. Steve Chabot did not even respond to my
letter, Jeff Davis also offered no help. I hope our members remember
these two names in two years when they come asking for your help at
the voting booth. I have to say this in support of Rep. Schmidt, she
does talk the talk and walk the walk concerning her campaign
message when it comes to illegal aliens. Rep. Schmidt replied very
quickly to my request. PLEASE LOOK AT THE RESPONSE FROM
REP. SCHMIDT BELOW. If anyone in the power plants has any
information concerning possible illegal aliens working on the property
please call the Union Office.
Click here to view the response from Congresswoman Schmidt
Posted 10/23/06 By Steve Feldhaus
Possible ILLegal Aliens
It has come to my attention that there may be illegal aliens of Hispanic
descent working in the four Duke Energy power plants in our area.
These possible illegal aliens are employees working for Sunbelt
Insulation Company Inc., from Decatur, Alabama. If anyone has
information concerning this issue please contact the Union Office. I
have also sent letters to U.S. Congressmen Chabot and Davis and
U.S. Congresswoman Schmidt asking them to investigate this matter.
If I can remember correctly they are in the Republican Party, the Party
of President Bush. It was President Bush who said these illegal aliens
are only doing jobs that Americans don't want to do. It seems that
before this September there were Americans who belong to Unions
doing this work. Please keep in mind that it is a federal crime for
employers to hire illegal aliens. Remember to treat these contract
employees with respect do not get yourself in trouble, hopefully the
federal authorities will do their jobs.
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