F.p.l.

[lineman641]

http://www.scu4ibew.org/negotiations.htm

[lineman641]

I posted this in early january before the corprate hacker. Well, this past week R.D CURTIS,SCU-4 president and president of local 627,resigned from his positions in the I.B.E.W. so he could take a position at FPL some where in the human resources dept .Our contract proposal for the next 3 years should be out soon. Sure leaves ya with a warm fuzzy feeling don’t it? Sure hope district -5 is watch’ in.
I guess the membership doesn’t care! At leased our brothers at SCU-3 have the spinal column to do what’s best for them. I know there are few FPL’ERS out there, any comments? Bend over brother’s here it come’s again .


Always Work safe, do it for your family, even when your getting screwed .

LINEMAN 641

[lightningrod]

We thought our local pres was being too friendly with the company management so we voted his ass out, now he has a $100,000+ job in thier management------ go figure.

[ibewlineman]

http://www.scu4ibew.org/negotiations.htm

oh man - so sorry - fpl back in the 70s was a good place to work -

[stoner]

The negotiating comm. has a substantial lever with which to negotiate but don't even recognize it. The biggest problem we currently have is a total lack of leadership, not only at the local level but also at SC-U4. The membership is looking for this, it's time those in command communicated to the membership to prepare themselves and to show solidarity. It's been give away for the last 15 years, it's time to draw the line.

[DB PayAttention]

Due to the amount of money involved in a 420 transfer members should PAY ATTENTION- ASK QUESTIONS-AND GET ANSWERS!

Up to 25 million annually over 5 years, total 125 million, with out reading the fine print who knows exactly the details or cost associated with this transfer.

This fund was set up with the government, for retiree benefits. there are restrictions on withdrawal amounts without authorization through collective bargaining. The company cannot legally transfer funds without our vote of approval. We currently have a two tiered retirement benefit plan involving post 1997 employees. I believe this is a most opportune time to regain the benefits for these members. The amount of money involved in this type of transaction will allow us to negotiate from a much stronger vantage point on all our issues.

When is the last time you read your "FPL Handbook for Bargaining Unit Employees." Revised 1998. Check details, understand your rights under Employee Retirement Security Acts (ERISA). Request this book and file a grievance if you do not receive. GO TO THE UNION MEETINGS AND GET INVOLVED!! This time, if we do not pay attention and vote as a brotherhood we will pay 125 million for getting screwed, we are often screwed, but this is the first time that we paid 125 million for it............

[lineman641]

Negotiation News

January 27th, 2005 Volume #1 Number #14


Pension Proposals

Over the past two days the Company and Union Committees have met in an effort to resolve differences in the pension proposals reported on in the last bulletin. As of today, we still remain in discussions over the IRS 420 Pension transfer into the Retiree Medical Plan and are having further discussions concerning wages. In addition to those discussions, the Nuclear Business Unit has returned to negotiations to discuss the proposal which was removed from the table earlier concerning maintenance staffing at the St. Lucie Plant, which will also be discussed today as well.

As a result of these continuing discussions, the Company and Union were unable to finalize a complete contract proposal package in time for the Delegates review and consideration during the upcoming System Council Meeting next week. This will result in a special called System Council Meeting in the future once the package is completed.

On a different note, this week it was announced that Brother Mel Horton, Fifth District International Vice President, has announced his retirement effective March 1, 2005. In his place International President, Edwin Hill has named International Representative and former System Council U-4 Business Manager, John Schantzen to the position effective the same date.

Please join with us in thanking Brother Horton for his many years of dedicated and distinguished service to the Brotherhood along with best wishes for a long, healthy and very happy retirement and our sincerest congratulations to Brother Schantzen

.

[lineman641]

Negotiation News

February 17th, 2005 Volume #1 Number #15


Reject Offer

Yesterday, February 16, 2005, the System Council Officers and Delegates met in a Special Called Meeting to discuss and make a recommendation to the Membership to accept or reject the Company’s offer which was given to the Union on Sunday at the Regular System Council Meeting held in Stuart Florida.

During the meeting, the Negotiating Committee presented and explained the proposal in detail to the Delegates and Officers of the Council and answered their questions. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council voted to recommend to the Membership to reject the Company’s current offer.

At this time, the Company has been informed of the decision and the Union Negotiating Committee is in the process of categorizing the issues brought forth in the meeting. The Company and Union are currently discussing dates for another meeting to talk about the issues and future plans. We will communicate further developments as they unfold

[lineman641]

oh man - so sorry - fpl back in the 70s was a good place to work -
yea,I heard it was.the biggest change seems to be a total lack of respect for the employees,both union and non union,office and field workers.the only thing that matters is that picture of George Washington but I guess thats almost everywhere.It's really ashame because it does'nt have to be that way.thanks for the reply.be safe

[lineman641]

Finally got a chance to talk to several of our system council delegates from different locals to see how contract proposal are went. Would like to say I am happy this was rejected by all, but this brings up some interesting questions. I asked if the negotiation committee endorsed the offer but they never said one way or another. The meeting was over before lunch time and there really was not much discussion on any of the issues on why it was rejected. I asked if there was anything else on the agenda but there was no agenda??? I asked about the lock-in proposals from each local, this was not discussed. Several other key issues that is mentioned in this and a few other threads, the 420 pension, the employee handbook, where not discussed. It seems that there is a total lack of communication between the neg-committee, the delegates, and the members. All these meetings and procedures should be following the I.B.E.W. constitution, local union by-laws, and Roberts rule of order, do you have a copy? The neg- committee works for the delegates, the delegates work for you! WE have the right to ask questions and get answers!
It was said in a previous post that it’s been give away for the last 15 years and that is very true. .It’s time to make your voices heard, this is about you and me and our families. This company is in good shape and we are one of the reasons it is. We should be fairly compensated for our efforts that make F.P.L. as good as they say!

We have no one to blame but our selves, attend meetings and make your voices heard and hopefully the neg-committee might find the time to attend local meetings for information and input.

There is no union without you! ( yea that sounds corny but it’s true!)

[stoner]

The update on negotiations put out by SC-U4 on Feb. 17th said the negotiating comm. "presented and explained the proposal in detail to the delegates and officers". From what I heard from folks who were there all the comm. did was read out of the proposal book and the meeting was actually close to being out of control. They don't want the membership or the delegates to have full knowledge of the proposals, this is one of the ways they keep full control. Close your eyes and follow, that's what they want.

Remember all the famous quotes, you'll just have to trust me, this is the best you're gonna get and on and on. If that's the best they can do we need a new negotiating comm.

[lineman641]

maybe a coinsedence but it seems that the members are forbidden to view the sc-u4 web site.things get more interesting every day!

[WINDTALKER]

Thursday I Was Able To View This Web Site ,today Saturday I Can't What's Going On ????

[Truck7596]

:eek: The lack of trained and educated negotiators is as apparent in this contract as the past few contracts. Any union that gives away benefits for future or retired employees for the supposed good of the few is nothing more than a bunch of rats that don't understand the true meaning of a union. It appears once again that they want things only for themselves and are willing to distort or not give information out to the membership who, if it wasn't for the "good old boys club", should have been voted out years ago and competent leadership replaced them. They never should have left the negotiating table before a reasonable offer was negotiated. As union members we should have a right to examine the offer and offer our imput to the system counsel before their vote. How else will they be accountable to the membership for their actions? It appears once again they are trying to get something for the few at the expense of the many. Guess we'll see if we're ever able to view the truth.

Work safe, live long, retire early, use up the pension.

[lineman641]

welcome truck!, Has anyone seen the proposal that was rejected by our delagates?How does the n-comm know what the members want? Go to local meetings,speak to your officers and delegates.think for your self,demand info,this is are life,for us and are family,and all that will come here after us.Just as the brothers and sisters before us fought for what we have today!

[lineman641]

been 1 week now still no contact to the members,no web site, no responsibility,no more trust ,no nothing! maybe the I.O might see this! http://www.ranknfile-ue.org/index.html

[lineman641]

maybe this? http://www.uniondemocracy.com/

[lineman641]

FPL Group Announces Increase in Dividend and Two-for-One Stock Split
February 18, 2005 4:53:00 PM ET


The board of directors of FPL Group, Inc. FPL today increased the quarterly common stock dividend from 68 cents to 71 cents per share. The dividend is payable March 15 to stockholders of record March 4. In addition, the board of directors approved a two-for-one stock split of the company's common stock. The authorized FPL Group common shares which are presently 400 million will be 800 million.

The record date for the stock split will also be March 4; the split will be effective and shares distributed on March 15, 2005.

The company said the stock split demonstrates continued confidence in the growth of FPL Group and is intended to increase the liquidity of the stock and create an expanded universe of potential shareholders.

After giving effect to the stock split, the subsequent quarterly dividend per share will be 35.5 cents per share. The stock split will increase the number of shares presently outstanding from approximately 195,662,000 to approximately 391,324,000.

FPL Group, with annual revenues of more than $10 billion is nationally known as a high-quality, efficient, and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. With a growing presence in 26 states, it is widely recognized as one of the country's premier power companies. Its principal subsidiary, Florida Power & Light Company, serves more than 4.2 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, an FPL Group energy-generating subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.FPLGroup.com, http://www.FPL.com and http://www.FPLEnergy.com.

[lineman641]

"Our mission is to build a Union which serves to elevate the economic, political, and social standing of all workers in the industries where our members work, the communities where they live and play, and in our nation as a whole."


this is "our mission" from district-5 ??

[lineman641]

still no communication from sc-u4,no web site,no nothing!seems local 759 web site is down too. I'm sure there's no connection there?I guess the n-comm is going with the mushroom factor.heard that our new sc-president is one to think for himself.....GUESS WE'LL FIND OUT??????? ........COVER YOUR EYES BROTHER,WE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE POINT OF NO RETURN!!!

WE WILL BE SHEEP NO MORE!! DO THE RIGHT THING OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!

[jimmy_H]

:eek: The lack of trained and educated negotiators is as apparent in this contract as the past few contracts. Any union that gives away benefits for future or retired employees for the supposed good of the few is nothing more than a bunch of rats that don't understand the true meaning of a union. It appears once again that they want things only for themselves and are willing to distort or not give information out to the membership who, if it wasn't for the "good old boys club", should have been voted out years ago and competent leadership replaced them. They never should have left the negotiating table before a reasonable offer was negotiated. As union members we should have a right to examine the offer and offer our imput to the system counsel before their vote. How else will they be accountable to the membership for their actions? It appears once again they are trying to get something for the few at the expense of the many. Guess we'll see if we're ever able to view the truth.

Work safe, live long, retire early, use up the pension.


Couldn't have said it better myself. You wouldn't even believe the moron that we have making the deal for us. It's a **** shame when you have to convince your BA that he SUPPOSED to be on your side!

[BPUman]

Here's an interesting thought on givebacks...

If your Union is asked to sign-off on benefit reductions, wage reductions, pension reductions, etc. for new employees hired after a certain date, remember this:

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND. IF YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE NEW HIRES NOW TO SAVE YOUR OWN SKINS, WHAT DO YOU THINK THOSE FOLKS ARE GOING TO DO TO YOU IN 20 OR 30 YEARS WHEN THEY ARE ASKED TO CUT RETIREE BENEFITS TO SAVE THEIR OWN SKINS??????? HOPE YOU LIKE CAT FOOD!!!!!!!! :mad:

[lineman641]

Here's an interesting thought on givebacks...

If your Union is asked to sign-off on benefit reductions, wage reductions, pension reductions, etc. for new employees hired after a certain date, remember this:

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND. IF YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE NEW HIRES NOW TO SAVE YOUR OWN SKINS, WHAT DO YOU THINK THOSE FOLKS ARE GOING TO DO TO YOU IN 20 OR 30 YEARS WHEN THEY ARE ASKED TO CUT RETIREE BENEFITS TO SAVE THEIR OWN SKINS??????? HOPE YOU LIKE CAT FOOD!!!!!!!! :mad:
RIGHT ON !!!

[Truck7596]

Negotiating is the art of communication and educating (with pertinent data) those who you are negotiating with or representing. It appears since the negotiators and system council cannot communicate and educate the people they represent, it is doubtful they can do any better job when they are negotiating. It is regretful that the tone of negotiations always seems to be hostile in the limited information they put out. If that is the case, why wouldn't we have used the opportunity of multiple hurricanes as a point of leverage to keep them at the table and bargain in good faith rather than where we sit now with little or no bargaining power, since past negotiations have given the contractors the right to do the majority of our work.

I would think a company with any care, compassion or concern for their customers or their employees could surely see the cost of living increases that have taken place in the past three or four years in FL. Home prices up 25-40% each of the last three years, property taxes up 25-40%, homeowners insurance up 30-50%, gasoline up 40% in two years, medical expenses constantly on the rise with a likelyhood of our insurance premium rising greater than what we'll receive for a percentage increase. If you put a 1% increase on $60,000 a year, it hardly compares to the thousands of dollars of increase in our cost of living. We dont' even have simple items that are offered by the government to improve people's lives and retirement, such as being able to fully fund your 401K. With contributions at $14,000 this year and $13,000 last year, 20% of your straight time pay will not allow you to reach those stated amounts. Or how about a flexible spending account for medical/childcare/eldercare that is taken out before taxes. The non-union people have this free benefit from the government but it's not offered to the union. The list can go on and on.

How hard would it be to negotiate with facts like this. I guess it would be difficult for a "crack" team like we have. You look at the many things they have given away for nothing in the past and chances for improvement they've ignored. If you look at the history of the past two times there were strikes at FPL, it doesn't appear there were any great gains made by the negotiators with that tactic. The silence is deafening. It seems the more they negotiate, the more we lose. How much do we have to continue to give up by the many for the selfish desires of the few. A union is people working together for the good of all. This can't be done without information, communication and education. I hope the system coucil can offer this, or the membership can truly come together before it's too late.

Work safe, watch out for your brothers and sisters.

[lineman641]

System Council U4 Negotiation
News

March 15, 2005 #17

, ' "
The System Committee has reached a tentative agreement with FPL on a
Contract proposal. We will be meeting with the System Council Delegates
on Friday, March 24 _, as there have been a number of changes to the
original proposal in. the wage and pension areas and some modification to the language. The purpose of this meeting is for the Delegates to review the changes. It is hopeful that we' will have the 'amended proposal to the Members following the meeting on Friday.

As discussed in the last bulletin, the System Council' s Web Page has been experiencing a problem and is not presently up and running on the Internet. We have been receiving a number of inquiries as to the reason the site is down. We are sad to report that one of our fellow Brothers, a FPL employee who worked at the Saint Lucie Nuclear Plant, Bill Johnson, has passed away. Bill was handling our web hosting service and it was in his name. In order to keep our domain the same, we are' now having legal documents signed to transfer our name. We offer our condolences to Brother Billy's family.

Members of the- Negotiating Committee will be visiting Local Union . meetings to give an explanation of the proposal. Please plan on attending in order to receive first hand information on what you' will be voting on.

System Council U4, lBEW

[lineman641]

My prayers to brother bill’s family.


The last post was #17,never saw #16. if we did maybe we all would have known.Looking forward to seeing the n-comm at our local meeting but I don’t think they will!

[lineman641]

GENERAL WAGE INCREASES FOR ALL EXHIRIT "A" SUPPLEMENTS

Exhibit "A" Wages

A general wage increase is offered over the term of the contract as follows:

Effective Date

Percentage Increase


April 30, 2005 3.0%
November 1, 2005 1.69%
May 1, 2006 1 685%
November 1, 2006 1.70%
May 1, 2007 1.70%
November 1,2007 3.0%
May 1, 2008 1.0%



After ratification, a pensionable and thriftable lump sum payment will be distributed as
Follows:

. Employees with hourly wage rates above $23.00* receive $800.00 * including clerical classifications with hourly wage rates below $23.00
. Employees with hourly wage rates below $23.00 receive $400.00

All hourly wage rates are based upon wage rates in effect as of 5/1/04........... With these dates this is a 4 year contract,how much will we lose since oct. 31 2004 to now in base pay and overtime? How much more do we lose with this 1% here and 1% there instead of 3% on nov. 1 each year?

[lineman641]

Retirement

Thrift
Employees can save up to 50% of base pay on a before-tax or after-tax basis. (Effective 30 days after ratification)


sounds good but,.....who can live with 50% of your base pay,the I.R.S ownly allows 10-12k for pre-tax anyway.Why put more in a 401k when you can do it on your own and access the money when you need it. can't do that in a 401k without penalty..

[lineman641]

Pension Proposal

On January 1, 2006 employees who attain thirty or more years of service in 2006 will receive a one time lump sum pension credit in the amount of $2,500.00
. . If an employee terminates prior to January 1, 2006 and they have attained thirty or more years of service on or prior to their termination date, the employee will receive the $2,500.00 pension credit.

On January 1,2007, employees who attain 20-29 years of service in 2007 will receive a one time lump sum pension credit in the amount of $1,250.00

On January 1, 2007employeeswith1essthan 20 years of service in 2007 will receive a one time lump sum pension credit in the amount of $625.00.
ooooooooo....this will make me stay working longer after i'm ready to retire

[lineman641]

Home & Auto
A group purchasing program through MetLife for Home and Auto Insurance will be offered, employees may make after tax contributions (paid for by the employee) through payroll deduction. (Effective 30 days after ratification)

............I wonder who has the relitive that work for met-life..benifit???

[lineman641]

My Health Manager

Employees willbe provided'access via -a personal'IDto 'My'Health'Manager!' (Effective 30 days after ratification). My Health Manager currently provides an informational Database where employees may research health related information, the ability to link to other external sites (CIGNA, UBH, FPL- WELL), and other tools such as a drug comparison tool plus any future tools added to the My Health Manager Portal.
.....Why is this in the proposal??? we can do this already!!!

[lineman641]

long story short.........if you have 40 days and use 10 the company will give you 8 back (and a R.O.D).if you use 20 days,you get 8 back.now your down to 28 days (and 2 R.O.D's).the next year something happens and you use all 28 days,the next year you get 8 days. f.m.l.a. or std still use sick time but no R.O.D.... 3-4 years down the road.... get the picture???

[lineman641]

This is the biggest piece of crap I have seen yet, It is unbelievable the n- comm. would endorse this? Please read these proposals yourself. Don’t take there word for it, discuss this with your co-workers, go to meetings. Now is your chance to do something about it. To the 2 or 3 locals whose president’s are on the n-comm ask why they believe this is a good proposal? I just hope the membership takes a good long look at what we will live with the next 3 or 4 years. I don’t believe for 1 second that “this is the best we could get”. The company is laughing all the way to the bank.

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

It blows me away that the "good old boy's" that are close to retirement don't want to rock the boat, WHERE DOES IT END???????FPL MADE BILLIONS IN PROFITS LAST YEAR, WE WORKED 3 HURRICANES PLUS STORMS,I THINK IT IS THE TIME FOR ALL TO BAND AND STAND TOGETHER FOR BENEFITS EARNED, INSTEAD OF LOSING WE SHOULD BE GAINING BACK FOR WHAT WE LOST IN THE PAST WITH PAST NEGOTIATORS THAT WERE IN THE IBEW MAGAZINE SHAKING HAND WITH THE IBEW PREZ..............GOING TO HOSE SOMEWHERE ELSE I GUESS.....A UNION IS FOR ALL NOT A FEW SELECT GOOD OLD BOYS....HELL IF IT CONTINUES I'LL DRAG OR GET OUT OF THE UNION ALL TOGETHER !!!

[DB PayAttention]

Hold Out. Do Not Quit the Union. There are people out there who still care and will fight for the membership. We must get our members to the local union meetings and support those who are willing to do the right thing as our union leaders. It is also time for new people to run for office. The system council and the negotiating team ran unaposed in the last election. How about your local union elections? Did anyone run against the current officials? It is very important for the members to read and understand these contract proposals. Ask questions. Vote as an educated member, not as a sheep who follows the direction of the system council. Hang tuff.

[Grunt Bucket]

Why is it that we only talk about what the company wants to talk about at negotiations?? Why not hit them with what we want or else walk out ? Have you noticed the airlines stike, are you old farts to scared to go out on stike or has the u-4 council and the negotiating committee found themselves a real nice soft feather bed and pillow by just going through the motions of what they are supposed to be doing.The nego comm. have no ideal what the union body wants or they wouldn't be bringing this crap to the body to vote on. Thats why I say there is a Judas amongs us or a couple to see what kind of turn out we have for the vote and who likes it and who doesn't. I know for a fact the company already has five packages to bring to us so why don't we as a union have that waiting for them with the body blessing not the nego commit. Some of these guys are the same ones that sold us down the river during restructuring do any of you remember those days, remember the Judas John schassen and now I hear he is back isn't that a surprise just when we need to get another contract boys I say we don't give them nothing and if they don't give us enough we walk out on strike it is going to happen

[lineman641]

the system council delegates met on thursday to discuss the second insult,i mean proposal ,anyone here anything?????

[lineman641]

Addendum to 2004 FPL & IBEW SCU-4 Contract Negotiations Proposal Package
Dated (February 2005)

Changes Are Listed Below:

General Wage Increases

Increase the first year For the 1st 6 months there is no increase

Lump sum payment 63% of B.U. members do not receive 100% of
Thriftable and their straight time retro-active pay and no O.T.
Pensionable retro-active pay

Redistribution of year 2 There is a 0.225% difference between the 1st
& 3 split wages proposal and this amended proposal after 3 years

4th year added to contract Adding the 4th year raises to the 1st proposal shows
there is a 7 cent difference after 4 years

Pension (420 T)

Removed from the contract Co. has already taken $21.5 million from this fund

Pension Proposal

Redistributes and increases B.U. members will receive an average of 0.0000009%
Pension payout from the pension fund

Employee Illness

Changes effective date Gives away sick time

STD changes effective date Takes an additional 5 years to receive 320 hours
Paid at 100%

[lineman641]

2007 Statement of Settlement
This Statement from the Company to the Union dated October 24, 2007, shall constitute the new collective bargaining agreement between the parties effective November 1, 2007 and shall continue in effect until October 31, 2010, and will implement the Company's new 30-40-50 plan.
1. Wages: On November 1, 2007, all classifications will receive a 30% pay cut.
2. Healthcare: On November 1, 2007, all employees will pay 40% of the cost of the health plan for themselves and 50% of the cost of their dependants. Prescription, Dental, and Vision will be paid 100% by employees.
3. Hours of Labor: The normal and basic hours of labor will be whatever hours are determined, by the Company, to be in the best interest of the Company. All hours worked off schedule will be paid at straight time rates until the employee has accumulated 60 hours for the week. After 60 hours the employee will receive a 1 hour bonus for each additional 4 hours worked. The bonus hours will be paid at 1-1/2 times the hourly rate. No double time will be paid. Employees will be responsible for their own meals.
4. To insure safety and security in the workplace, and to satisfy NERC guidelines, ALL employees will sign a release authorizing, without reservation, collection of information from Federal, State, and local agencies regarding school, employment, medical, legal, driving records, criminal records, credit reports, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living. You further authorize ongoing procurement of the above information anytime during your employment.
5. All safety practices will reference OSHA guidelines, no more, no less.
6. Grievances will be heard only on actions or conditions that may constitute a publicly recorded civil or criminal violation.
7. Contractors may be hired whenever the Company determines the workload is too high for Company employees to handle. Temporary or per-diem workers may be hired to replace Company employees on vacation or sick leave, and will assume that employees responsibility for off schedule work.
8. All other articles of the contract will be addressed when the Company considers it necessary. If there are any provisions of this Statement that the Union may feel the need to discuss, there will, unfortunately for the Union, be no discussion. Since the Company currently holds the power of life and death over the Union and the Union is currently powerless to get the time of day from the Company, the Union will categorically shut-up and be glad you have a job. Also, feel free to take us to court whenever you can afford it.
Preposterous?... Absurd?.......Impossible?..........Think about it.

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

When you stir it up you use a big stick....LOL

[lineman641]

When you stir it up you use a big stick....LOL
thanks knee's,I try. you should see the proposal in the next few days....you and grunt bucket,linetrash,windtalker and someothers have all made good points.our system council delegates have endorsed this proposal 55% for , 45% against. I wonder if that 55% are reading the same thing i am? I hope luck has nothing to do with this ,i just hope the members read this proposal and think for what's best for them , there family, the union itself and retires because one day we'll be there too! Communicate ,read the proposal,knowledge and information,go to meeting,ask questions,4 years is a long time. all give and no get is not the way it should be...........................we all deserve what's fair and this is not!!! ..............................................what do you think????????????????? I got that last post from local 1298 (sc-u3) web site,I sure hope it never comes to that but were goin down that road now,if we let them!!!!

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

Where is our piece of the pie? ONESHOT from the sounds of you I mighta hooked a pole with you before,GRUNTBUCKET you must have seen a few contracts in your time, I say we put it back in thier face, that pension proposal is real weak, Fire it up boy's....Company exec's...Here's some figures in 03 ,
OFFICERS
Pay Exercised
Lewis Hay, III, 48
Chairman, Pres, Chief Exec. Officer $ 6.35M N/A
Moray Dewhurst, 48
Chief Financial Officer, VP-Fin., Sr. VP, Fin. and CFO of FPL $ 1.59M N/A
Armando Olivera, 54
Pres of Florida Power & Light Company $ 1.94M N/A
James Robo, 41
Pres of FPL Energy $ 1.27M N/A
Edward Tancer, 43
Sr. VP, Gen. Counsel N/A N/A


Dollar amounts are as of 31-Dec-03

[lineman641]

FPL to Buy Gexa for $80.6 Million
March 28, 2005 2:42 PM ET



JUNO BEACH, Fla. (AP) - FPL Group Inc., the operator of Florida Power & Light, on Monday said it will acquire Texas electricity provider Gexa Corp. in an $80.6 million deal.

The acquisition calls for FPL Energy LLC to take over the Houston-based company, considered to be one of the fastest growing retail electricity providers in Texas. Gexa has more than 100,000 small commercial and residential customers throughout the state.

Each of Gexa's outstanding shares will be exchanged for FPL Group common stock worth $6.88 per share. Gexa shares closed Thursday at $6.88 on the Nasdaq and were recently up 8 cents to $39.57 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

The acquisition _ which will be accounted for as a purchase _ is expected to be accretive to FPL Group's 2005 earnings.

The deal _ expected to close in the third quarter _ still requires shareholder and regulatory approval. FPL said Gexa executives, including its chairman and chief executive, who collectively hold about 36 percent of the company's outstanding common stock have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transaction.

Gexa Chairman and Chief Executive Neil Leibman will continue as president of the business subsequent to the closing.

"This transaction will enhance our commercial capabilities, aid in hedging a portion of our generation in Texas and expand our reach across the energy value chain in the state," FPL Energy President Jim Robo said in a statement.

© 2005 AP

[lineman641]

Each of Gexa's outstanding shares will be exchanged for FPL Group common stock worth $6.88 per share. Gexa shares closed Thursday at $6.88 on the Nasdaq and were recently up 8 cents to $39.57 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.......................................... .................................................. .................................................. ... PUT ME IN COACH!!!!

[rick]

you FPLer's are making me nervous. Are you guys actually talking strike, cuz if you are, I'll cart my arse back to mass.I don't want to cross no lines

[Grunt Bucket]

I see it like this.VOTE NO The years I've been around, each contract we go through we loose something else. Somebody help me if I'm wrong but I've seen company bonuses go up each year AND MORE GIVEN TO MORE PEOPLE. VOTE NO I think I read a few years back if you serve on the board of directors for 2 or three years your vested for life.VOTE NO We have employees here that have between 30 and 40 years that are insulted with what fpl has contributed toward the pension plan VOTE NO (FOR THE RETIREE'S SAKE.) (Well isn't that special) I'm going to try and get everyone I talk to to stand firm.VOTE NO Now if you want to get personal It won't hurt my feelings a bit if I don't work here anymore other than brothers and sisters VOTE NO I work with that have become my family.I hope my brothers and sisters feel the same way and shoulder up with me.VOTE NO Guys its either do it now or later its coming why not throw it right back in their faces and quote (tell them to pack sand) (slap them back in the face) take it or leave it and vote no vote no vote no for contract proposal so the answer to your question YES there is something in the air. Its not a money thing anymore its a principle. New slogan (IF YOUR LOOKING FOR CAREER DON'T COME HERE) VOTE NO

[Linemanblood]

I see it like this.VOTE NO The years I've been around, each contract we go through we loose something else. Somebody help me if I'm wrong but I've seen company bonuses go up each year AND MORE GIVEN TO MORE PEOPLE. VOTE NO I think I read a few years back if you serve on the board of directors for 2 or three years your vested for life.VOTE NO We have employees here that have between 30 and 40 years that are insulted with what fpl has contributed toward the pension plan VOTE NO (FOR THE RETIREE'S SAKE.) (Well isn't that special) I'm going to try and get everyone I talk to to stand firm.VOTE NO Now if you want to get personal It won't hurt my feelings a bit if I don't work here anymore other than brothers and sisters VOTE NO I work with that have become my family.I hope my brothers and sisters feel the same way and shoulder up with me.VOTE NO Guys its either do it now or later its coming why not throw it right back in their faces and quote (tell them to pack sand) (slap them back in the face) take it or leave it and vote no vote no vote no for contract proposal so the answer to your question YES there is something in the air. Its not a money thing anymore its a principle. New slogan (IF YOUR LOOKING FOR CAREER DON'T COME HERE) VOTE NO

This most be the reason I have not heard back from FPL about a job. They must be waiting to see if a strike developes or whatever,
Gruntbucket you are starting to make me fill as if FPL might not be the place for me to land and work. I like to see you FPLer's input

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

VOTE NO....................HELL it's **** time we get something back, last few contracts have been take,take take,.............Jim Broadhead...ex-CEO just about broke the company ,They had a contract about Millions to the CEO if a Merger took place between FPL and Entergy , did'nt happen CEO still got money, lawsuit took place ,nothing happened but CEO riding off into sunset scratching the SET he rode in with after telling shareholders he was worth it!!! Nothing but skeleton crews left to explain to the customer why thier lights have been out for so long now ,No maintenance after years of deteriorating rusting hardware from salt-spray on the beach, I have personally seen more than 5 Primary Fires due solely from rusted hardware and equipment they won't re-place in this mode, just about the time you think they straighten out and get rid of him and get a new CEO ,they hire a few Lineman after the 100's they sent down the road after hard years of service, the new CEO gets a 79% increase in pay last year and they offer a piddlie contract with a $2500 drop in pension for over 30 years, $ 1250 for 20-29 years, 1-19 years get $625............GIVE ME A **** BREAK
AFTER 3 HURRICANES, PLUS STORM SEASON WHEN YOU GET FORCED 16 HOURS A DAY WITH NO CHOICE OR REGARD TO YOUR FAMILY OR LIFE THEY HAVE THE STONE's TO OFFER THIS......................FPL IS NO PLACE FOR NEW COMERS I SEE A STRIKE IN THE NEAR FUTURE !!!

[Tiestick]

Let me tell you brothers and sisters this SCU4 is starting to stink like a rotten fish we have got to get together NOW!!!

[madmax]

brother you are on the right track, but you will not receive the answers you are seeking from these company cronies they treat the members in a condesending manner when questions are asked of them.from the impression they gave me they do not appreciate you questioning this rotten proposal they are recommending.let me ask you do you think rick curtis just decided to take a management job suddenly??? i dont think so nothing like this happens without some careful planning. i guess we have to accept the fact that certain people will always play both sides and in the end sell out and seek their own self interest over the best interest of others, people like this do not truly know the meaning of union and solidarity.beware i guarantee he was not the only wolf in hiding amongst the sheep. baa baa baa!!!

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

I see you have been thru a few contracts yourself, I feel they same as you, sellouts are common in today's union. What ever happened to what and why it was founded for by Henry Miller,( True Brotherhood )
http://ibew.com/history/brotherhood.htm
A union then was for all ...not a select few "good ole' boys", IBEW business agent Brian Thompson got loud at our local saying ..."Are you willing to take the ultimate sacrifice?" I feel as most us have due to past sorry negotiations, when the going got rough years ago and Brian was fixing to get rolled out of a job,guess where he went to? Somewhere to close to where he is at now.............Go figure , What does he know about sacrifice, he never got touched !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Flashed Over]

brother you are on the right track, but you will not receive the answers you are seeking from these company cronies they treat the members in a condesending manner when questions are asked of them.from the impression they gave me they do not appreciate you questioning this rotten proposal they are recommending.let me ask you do you think rick curtis just decided to take a management job suddenly??? i dont think so nothing like this happens without some careful planning. i guess we have to accept the fact that certain people will always play both sides and in the end sell out and seek their own self interest over the best interest of others, people like this do not truly know the meaning of union and solidarity.beware i guarantee he was not the only wolf in hiding amongst the sheep. baa baa baa!!!
Are you sure your right? Maybe the negotiating committee are getting the most juice out of the orange they can get, I think your selling them to short. You cant judge them because R Curtis jumped sides. The new pres is a square fair dude. The contract dosen't look that bad to me,beats walking the picket line which I have done. Flashed Over

[Grunt Bucket]

Because we shouldn't have to give up anything.I personally don't want anymore money as long as they garantee the medical doesn't go up.How about a pension or retirement base soley on your years of service,most co ops have this most city utilities have this why can't fpl???Why not a buy back on your sick time instead of this piece of crap sick policy in this proposal.If you don't see anything wrong with this proposal you must have your head in the sand or somewhere else ).( Now the last thing I have to say if we let them take the 40 days wording out of the contract for sick time it's the beginning of the end. You sure do let me know what kind of bbs you carry. I'm getting the feeling some of you so called union card carriers are spineless. If the shoe fits wear it..................

[Grunt Bucket]

1191 wake up plant people wakeup

[lineman641]

Are you sure your right? Maybe the negotiating committee are getting the most juice out of the orange they can get, I think your selling them to short. You cant judge them because R Curtis jumped sides. The new pres is a square fair dude. The contract dosen't look that bad to me,beats walking the picket line which I have done. Flashed Over
your right the new pres ,from what i remember, is a fair dude so long as he does'nt forget where he came from and does'nt go with the herd.........................but for the rest of your post what planet are you from???? or are you a member of the n-comm...........no location,no occupation?????.................no credit!!!!

[lineman641]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flashed Over
In a right to work state , this cotract isn't so bad. At least you can still work and receive raises for 4 years and benifits . Id rather keep working and keep trying for better contracts ,than be on the picket line wishing for a better contract. This sick time plan is not to bad and could benifit you if you really become sick for an extended period. Flashed Over


Flashed over, read you new profile, union 34 years …..I respect that….. but…have you read this proposal? What have your union brothers and sisters been fighting for these last 100 years, to give away every thing we have earned? To give away a comfortable retirement? we may never get “rich” in money, but I want 2 be able to enjoy it and not have to work 16’s ,sit by the phone and all that goes with it…..till I’m 65-70 ?........right to work state has nothing to do with this, is the company going to go down to the day labor pool so they can build feeders?.....as for raises the next 4 years , we lose thousands of dollars$$$$$$ by this 1% here and 1% there, what’s wrong with 3-4% every November? ….you will pay more in medical deductions than you get in a raise!!! The sick time plan is not to bad????? You must see something I don’t!!.... At this point we can keep trying for a better contract with out being on a picket line!!!!! ….........No one wants to go on strike unless it’s necessary, how do we know we can’t do better? has the n-comm asked for these things?...have they said this is the best we can get….NO…………my problem right now is not with the company, it’s with the system council , they give away and get nothing in return. The company is in good shape right now, we know that , why can’t we get a fair share of the pie?.................Flash, you have a right to your opinion , the union you have been a member of the last 34 years gave you that right, I just hope the rank and file members don’t think the same as you!............VOTE NO!!!!........
__________________
always work safe,do it for your family. lineman641

[Flashed Over]

I respect your opinion , and I think mine is as important as yours.

[Grunt Bucket]

But yours is the easy way out. not the right one

[Flashed Over]

I guess if you think your opinion is the only one thats right , then why dont you cancel the vote since yours is the only one that counts.

[Grunt Bucket]

Bwelieve you me if it was left up to me instead of the negotiating comm this proposal would not even have came up for a vote!!!!!!!!!

[madmax]

Fpl Profits Over 700 Million . How Much Are You Going To Contribute To The Next 4 Years Profits??? Lets See You Work Over 1000 Hours Of Ot Good Money !!! Hey What About That Beard Your Son Has Been Growing For The Last Four Years You Were To Tired To Notice , Did You Happen To Forget Your Wifes Name Yesterday When You Finally Realized You Still Have One.good Thing You Made All That Money Being Forced To Work , Now You Are Going To Need It To Pay The Lawyer , You Just Been Served!!!! Oh By The Way The Judge Tells You To Work Harder You Have To Pay To Maintain Your Ex Wife And Her New Boyfriend. What A Deal !!! Do Not Be Blinded Brothers There Are Much More Important Things In Life Than Working For These Machiavellis. I Remember Very Well In The Mid 90`s When Geisha Williams Came To Our Yard For Some Of Her Charm Session And Someone Questioned Her About The Shcedules We Were Working. They Just Happen To Mention How They Never Saw Their Family But She Responded With Grace And Answered This Worthless Bloke ("i Am Not Concerned With Your Personal Life").of Course Not The Only Thing They Care About Is More Profits For Them Which I Am Sure Will Afford Them A Very Rich Life. Listen If We Dont Fight For Our Famlies Who Do You Think Will The Yard Man . Give Me A Break Lets Stand United And All Our Families Will Benefit And Maybe You Can Tell Your Son To Shave And Your Daughter Will Want To Dance With You At Her Wedding.

[lineman641]

FPL Energy Announces New Wind Farm in Texas
April 05, 2005 09:01:00 AM ET


FPL Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. FPL, today announced it will build, own and operate a new wind farm in Texas, the Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center, to be located in Taylor County, Texas.

The 220.5-megawatt Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center will be comprised of 147 1.5-megawatt wind turbines spread over a 22,500 acre site approximately 15 miles southwest of Abilene. Initial site work on the project is underway with full-scale construction expected to begin in the next few weeks and be completed no later than December 2005.

The company said it expects to spend more than $15 million on the purchase of goods and services throughout the region during construction. In addition, the company said up to 130 construction jobs will be created during the peak construction period.

"The Horse Hollow project is another important milestone in the disciplined growth of our wind portfolio," said Jim Robo, president of FPL Energy. "This project will bring an important new source of clean, renewable power to the region and provide a significant economic impact to the area in the form of taxes, new jobs, lease payments to landowners and the purchase of local goods and services."

The Horse Hollow project is FPL Energy's second wind project in Taylor County. The company recently began commercial operation at the 114-megawatt Callahan Divide Wind Energy Center located approximately 12 miles southwest of Abilene. The company's previously announced 106.5-megawatt Weatherford Wind Energy Center in Oklahoma is under construction and expected to begin commercial operation during the second quarter 2005. Together these projects represent 441 megawatts of the company's goal of adding up to 750 megawatts of new wind to its portfolio in 2005. When the Weatherford and Horse Hollow projects are complete, FPL Energy will own and operate nearly 3,200 net megawatts of wind generation.

FPL Energy is a leading wholesale generator utilizing clean fuels such as natural gas, wind, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear to generate electricity. It is the nation's leader in wind energy, with 44 wind facilities in operation in 15 states. It is a subsidiary of FPL Group, one of the nation's largest providers of electricity-related services with annual revenues of more than $10 billion. FPL Group's principal subsidiary is Florida Power & Light Company, one of the nation's largest electric utilities, serving more than 4.2 million customer accounts in Florida. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.FPLEnergy.com, http://www.FPLGroup.com and http://www.FPL.com.

Note to Editors: High-resolution logos and executive head shots are available for download at http://www.fpl.com/news/contents/logos.shtml .

Contact Information: FPL Energy, LLC, Juno Beach Steve Stengel, 888-867-3050

© 2005 BusinessWire

[Grunt Bucket]

Every local vote NO NO NO

[lineman641]

Here is some information that some members of system council u-4 may or may not know. The up coming vote on April 14 (I think) is a vote on the second contract proposal; it is being done by request from the company. It is there right to do so. What they are doing is trying to find out how close they are to making half the membership happy. In resent memory they have not had to go past the second proposal. This is not a vote to strike. This is all about the company. What they are doing is the same thing as you or I do when we buy a house or car , you walk up to table with x amount of dollars but you don’t want to spend it all unless you have to , it’s called negotiations and they are using pro’s . We have continuously lost more and more because we haven’t been willing to see if we can do better and I think we can. I believe that the company is in great shape right now, stock split, they buy more and more generation plants and that’s good for all of us in the long run but what about now? I can just see the company and hired guns walking away from the table, just laughing at the millions of dollars they just made, patting each other on the back saying “boy this just gets easier every time”……There were several issues that each local had as lock in votes, did you see any improvement on those issues? Did you see any improvement anywhere?.....I have heard some of the “old timers” say they where hoping for some huge windfall so they could retire, but you’ll have to wait another year before you get that $2,500.I have heard some of the new guys say they don’t want to rock the boat, but they should be trying to tip the boat over! The company does not care about you or me or any of there employee’s. ………Please take the time to read the proposal package you were given. Is it any better than the last contract???. This is not about you or me, this is about us, and those from the past who got us what we have now. Let’s not give away everything for those who will be here in the future!

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

Why pay full price on a car, Some of the SCU4 got a little excited when they were questioned about things, It is thier JOB to get a decent contract and settle only for the best they can get !!! Not 1st thing the company tells them will pass.

[madmax]

if only people would use common sense like you are speaking of lineman 641 we would improve our situation in these contracts but it seems a lot of people have been conditioned to getting nothing and giving the company whatever they want.The time span in between contracts should be used to prepare and unify the membership on the core issues like healthcare and pension distribution.(in a time of peace prepare for war).ALSO WHEN THE TIME COMES TO BE VOCAL WE NEED PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT AFRAID TO ROCK THE BOAT , TIP IT OVER OR WHATEVER MAY BE NECESSARY. A GOOD EXAMPLE WOULD BE TO RIGHT LETTERS TO CONGRESSMEN AND LOCAL OFFICIALS WITH ATTACHED PICTURES OF THE SORRY STATE OF THIS DISTRBUTION SYSTEM, NOT TO MENTION EVIDENCE OF THE FRAUD THEY ARE PERPETRATING ON CONSUMERS WITH THIS STORM RECOVERY RATE HIKE. WE NEED THIS NOW NOT TOMMOROW THE ONLY TIME THAT IS TRULY YOURS IS THE PRESENT THE FUTURE NOBODY OWNS ,SO DONT THINK WE WILL DO BETTER NEXT TIME IF YOUR SILENCE GIVES THEM CONSENT TO DO AND RECEIVE WHATEVER THEY WANT WHILE WE GET NOTHING BUT PISSED OFF AND RESORT TO MORE MOANING AND WHINING TO NO AVAIL .I DONT FEEL SORRY AND I FOR ONE I`M READY ,WILLING AND ABLE TO FOLLOW THE COURSE THAT WILL IMPROVE OUR CONTRACT TODAY NOT NEXT TIME. VOTE NO!!!!!!

[Grunt Bucket]

Now that's the kind of posting I like to read!!

[madmax]

This Contract Is A Matter Of How Much This Membership Thinks It Is Worth?? Dont Make The Mistake Of Waiting For Them To Recognize Your Worth ,if They Could Have You Working For Minimum Wage They Would.they Will Even Resort To Giving Contracts To A Company They Know Is Going To Bring Machinist In From Poland To Do Your Work. They Do Not Care About You !!!!!!!!!!!! They Do Care Immensely About Themselves (top Management) To The Tune Of Millions Of Dollars. Every Time Their Is An Oppurtunity To Structure A Deal That Will Give Them A Big Payday It Is Not Lost For Sure.(i.e The Failed Entergy Merger And Now The Bonus For Top Management At Consumer Expense.i Keep Hearing What A Great Job Was Done During The Restoration Work ??? Heck They Must Of Done It All Themselves Because They Are The Only One S Being Rewarded. It Is The Same Propaganda Machine Well Oiled With No Conscience To Stand In The Way!!!!

[lineman641]

To the brothers and sisters of s.c. u-4 , there have been a lot of posts lately about the system council ,business manager and local presidents .while I agree with some of the comments , I believe there are several things we all need to think about… .There always seems to be a lot more members show up at meetings at contract time, what happened to the other 2 years? How many times have you been to a meeting since the last contract?.............. Most of our ELECTED officers have run unopposed since well..You tell me? …there has been a total lack of communication from them to us, and us to them; this is what needs to be changed!......at our last local election,(641) we just had 2 people running for office of president. It was the best thing that could have happened. It was a 10 vote(?) Difference , but it seemed to get the membership a lot more involved and that is a good thing!...............we are going nowhere unless we have someone willing to step up and run for office in these positions . if you know somebody who is willing talk to them! This is what it is going to take to change what we have now.! ………..we can all talk the talk, but when it comes down to it ,will we walk the walk,………..talk to the members ,I know there is some one ready to step up into these positions, what we need is new people in office ……….talk to the people you work with ,we must all get involved or everything is for nothing!.......................................... .................................................. .................................................. ..................................VOTE NO ON THIS CONTRACT PROPOSAL……..LETS ALL DO BETTER THAN THIS !

[operator]

This contract vote is a no-brainer. We, the union members, voted in good faith last year to continue working under the existing contract. This allowed the company (and our top executives… see http://www.ecomponline.com/ and search FPL) to continue making good money while we worked the next six months without a raise and fuel prices and inflation continued to rise. Now we’re offered raises at less than the rate of inflation, and they won’t be retroactive back to last November? Anyone ever heard of compounding? Imagine what a 3% raise dated 11/04 means to a member 15 years from now when compounded by all the future raises – for me, it would be 78 cents an hour last November, meaning a difference of $1.22 an hour 15 years from now… assuming I work 40 hour weeks (no overtime), just the lack of the retroactive raise costs me $32702.52 over the next 15 years. Want to trade that for $800?
We have worked – and negotiated – in good faith. Since FPL won’t reciprocate and agree to share the fruits of our labor, we need to send our negotiating team back to the table with a strong mandate from the membership. I’m working 60+ hours a week to feed my family while our top management is exercising millions in stock options (look here: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/it?s=FPL ). Vote NO now.

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

You got it right operator, BIGWIG's have no problem getting money, but the workforce who keep the meters spinning , wire up after the hurricanes get nothing , or should I say offered nothing,anyone who is thinking about a job here, look elsewhere, alot better here and there for someone looking to make a move , I heard thru the grapevine an exec. said,"they made enough during the hurricanes"............3 months of 16 hour's a day working not like them who should back up for thier paychecks,Lew Haye,Armondo,and likes should be ****ed ashame of themselves,WILDCAT SICKOUT................ :0

[lineman641]

Brothers and sisters of system council u-4, our voices have been heard. 78% of us voted NO on this last proposal, this is the first step. There have been over 5000 views of this thread and you can bet a lot of them were not union members! Now we take it to the next level which is the system council delegates. There were 25 of them that voted to endorse this last proposal, mostly from the word of the n- comm. ….remember these are some of your local presidents. Now is the time to question why that decision was made? Now is the time to approach your local delegates and ask them why? We must have representation that will reflect what the membership wants! ……there have been many good posts on this subject ,and we are all in this together .one thing that we all need to keep in mind is we need to stay within the i.b.e.w. constitution ,and local by- laws. If you don’t have them ask, it is your right! We must follow the process to make things better for all. There are many people trying to make things better for all of us………we must make things better internally before we go anywhere else…………one step at a time!

[Grunt Bucket]

I'm sure our delegates are reading these postings and we will see which ones are with the union body

[crojj]

Know one is hearing anything,Call your local prez. and ask em,What the f*&k is going on,and notify each and everyone in your local to call.They maybe reading posts but there not talking to the membership.neg/comm time to get your heads out of your a*# and start working again.
You can start by throwing that P.O.S. you call a contract out,and instead of just reading the posts on this site,maybe you should jot down some notes,cause its obvious you cant remember what your membership asked for in the first place.
The gift giving to the company is over time for us to recieve our fare share.

[Grunt Bucket]

I know how my delegates voted but I want to see how the others voted. Please someone post this information

[Grunt Bucket]

Keep reading brothers

[lineman641]

I know how my delegates voted but I want to see how the others voted. Please someone post this information
i will get that info a.s.a.p. or maybe someone has it ,please post if you do ................or send it to me and i will....

[RADICAL]

Thanks For All Info Provided,help Is On The Way,a Union Only Works If It's Members Do !!

[Grunt Bucket]

We need to work on the 22% that voted for the proposal we need to open their eyes to the truth . If they are scared they need to unite with us I've said it before and I will say it again. (I'M READY TO LEAVE THIS PLACE AND I MAY NOT DO LINE WORK THE MONEY IS GOOD, THE PERKS S U C K, THE RETIREMENT SUCKS AND IF I HAVE TO LEAVE I WILL. I ALREADY TOLD MY WIFE AND KIDS IT DOESN'T LOOK TO PROMISING HERE AT FPL IF WE STRIKE LETS DO IT IF THEY LOCK THE GATES DO IT BUT I CAN SAY I FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT Now everybody knows my feelings and I hope some or most of my brothers feel the same way. ( P. S I'll go out burning)

[Grunt Bucket]

Can anyone hear me? is this thing on? test test

[crojj]

78% opposed 22% for, Its nice to know we only have 22% OF THE MEMBERSHIP that are IDIOTS, We need to find out who they are.Grunt Bucket we hear you.

[Pissed Lineman]

How can anyone vote for this POS that FPL has offered,They could not have read it.And the union had the Mini-Set to offer it to the membership,
I AM PISSED OFF

[lineman641]

How can anyone vote for this POS that FPL has offered,They could not have read it.And the union had the Mini-Set to offer it to the membership,
I AM PISSED OFF
I agree, but don't get pissed off ................GET EVEN!

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

I am with you brother but we must put our anger in a functional,educational way that the Company can comprehend, how does that sound? OK "BLAST EM" WITH BOTH BARRELS and when the smoke clears maybe SCU4 will wake up too.

[lineman641]

FPL stakes its case on post-hurricanes performance
By Kristi E. Swartz

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Thursday, April 21, 2005

TALLAHASSEE — Consumer advocates challenging Florida Power & Light Co.'s request to collect $533 million from its customers to help pay for last year's hurricane expenses don't dispute the utility's performance in restoring power quickly after three storms knocked it out.

But FPL's "superior efforts" are precisely what state regulators should consider when deciding whether the utility should recover those costs from customers, an FPL attorney told the Florida Public Service Commission on Wednesday.


Letting the company recover storm costs would "confirm the company's performance" and "send an appropriate message to the investment community" that shareholders are not expected to have to absorb the additional expenses, Wade Litchfield told the PSC.

Litchfield spoke during the first of three scheduled days of hearings to consider FPL's request.

The utility's 4.2 million residential and business customers would pay an average of $2.09 a month for three years.

Customers already are paying the fee. The PSC agreed in February to allow FPL to start collecting the money before this week's hearings in order to keep interest costs low and to begin paying off last year's bills before hurricane season begins June 1.

Consumer advocates argue that shareholders should bear some of the costs.

"FPL's theme in this case to date has been one of entitlement," Joe McGlothlin, an attorney for the Office of Public Counsel, told the PSC.

Much of Wednesday's highly technical discussion revolved around FPL's standing on Wall Street.

FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach-based FPL Group Inc. (NYSE: FPL, $40.83), a company that routinely gets a 12 percent to 13 percent annual return on investment for its shareholders.

James Rothschild, a financial consultant who testified as a witness for the public counsel's office, argued that FPL has a 10 percent return "safety net" that keeps the company from earning a lower return — so even if it had to shoulder more of the storm costs, it would do little harm to FPL Group's standing in the investment community.

Commissioner Terry Deason asked Rothschild whether Wall Street's perception of Florida utilities would change if the PSC forced FPL to absorb enough costs to lower its return to 10 percent.

"It's a comfortably high number," Rothschild said.

John McWhirter, an attorney for the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, said FPL and its shareholders will not be injured should the costs be spread out.

"They get enough money to have a fair return, recover storm costs and share that with customers that have to bear the burden," he said.

But FPL's chief accounting officer, Michael Davis, contended that interfering with FPL's ability to recover its extraordinary costs could have "significant financial consequences."

The PSC will vote on the proposal July 5. The hearings are scheduled to last through Friday but could end today.

[RADICAL]

I say we all go to some shareholders meetings and raise the roof like Red Rooster talked about and get some attention, tell nothing but the truth about broadhead and lew haye, both have robbed the company blind, Hell I don't know which is worse,I am a shareholder and broadhead's performance is nothing to brag about ,cut jobs save money, maintenance and customer go downhill but it won't show up for years later,(which by the way boy's are charged off to hurricanes once they blow rotten poles down)lew haye,79% increase in 03" in pay and perks,his fame to glory is stock performance, as most stocks that split they creep back up in price, a no brainer for any stable co/ or monopoly.

CUT JOBS, WORK STEADY 16'S STORM SEASON,.
.Raise the Roof..
Get what we deserve,
PAYBACK IS HERE

[Red Rooster]

Speakup at the Shareholder's Meeting..

(Cock-adoodle-dam-do)

[lineman641]

i like it!........

[Red Rooster]

Payback Time is Here
(cock-adoodle-dam-did)

[vagabond]

Payback Time is Here
Nice pics. I just wonder how the PSC would respond to some pictures of the rusted hardware on the beach. I had a flickering lights call on the beach today that was easy. The tail of the service neutral was waving in the breeze as the a/c had corroded to nothing. The wonder was what was keeping the DA on the pole as the eyebolt was down to about a quarter inch of steel. Our maintenance at FPL is third world, fix it when it falls. Is this what the PSC is giving us a rate increase for?

[lineman641]

information coming out of sc-u4 is non-existant right now ,but i'm still diggin'........one thing i do know is the delagates of local 820 all voted to endorse the 2nd proposal ,there were 21 others who did the same............ask questions, get answers ...........IT IS YOUR RIGHT................if not ,this is all for nothing!.......................................... ...............i'm proud to say all 4 delagates from local 641 voted no ,and they were speaking for the membership.............well,we have to start at your local leadership to represent the rank and file ,or this is all for nothing.........stand up now and be heard......or sit down and do nothing, your choice.......

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

Now is the time like Red Rooster said to get a decent contract, stay focused and fight the company and not each other,nice pic's Rooster.

[madmax]

The psc hearings are basically a formality the money is in the bank.The company reps will continue denying what you and me and every lineman, plant operator, maintenance tech knows.Everybody needs to get out their company employee handbook and read sections on pages 32-34. JUST a word of caution we know the truth but knowing in itself is not enough you must be able to prove all this and also get others to say the same thing (speak with one voice) and what you say will then be heard. any one person stepping forward alone will be a target but a large group of people speaking the truth together, that is what they fear.When the truth starts to roll it will have a snowball efect that can not be stopped.I have seen the same things you are talking about and so have many more.the question is do you want to be on the frontlines of the battle were it is going to get messy?? If you answer yes than i am with you if you answer no be aware the battle will eventually be at your feet and you will be in retreat. this has been this unions history (retreat). I say if you have the sword of truth use it. anyway i respect all my brothers . power to the people

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

We can be a force in numbers,we just need to get the 22% onboard,they could'nt have read the proposal.Everyone needs to read everything like they're in it alone just so they can understand it fully.We already got the majority onboard ,but I like more.

[madmax]

78% finally got mad enough to give it all they had. the rest (22%) of us need to start caring about their jobs and not taking the first pos proposal the company offers. we must continue and finish what has been started. :cool: :cool: The company is in the bussiness to make profits for shareholders. but hey you dont see the execs lowering their compensation packages to save the company money. wrong the more profitable the company is the more they make bonuses across the board. keep voting no until we get what we deserve!!!

[Terminator]

Scu4 Post A Website, Its Time For You To Inform The Membership About Your Intentions, Lead, Follow, Or Get The Hell Out Of The Way !

[swapping phases]

Hey scu4,neg comm,b.t., and for sure glenn forbes,quit looking at the clock,fpl is wearing you guys out and so will the membership.it's time to communicate!

[lineman641]

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/ticker/article.asp?Feed=BW&Date=20050426&ID=4396622&Symbol=US:FPL

[lineman641]

FPL 1Q Profit Slips, Lowers 2005 Outlook
April 26, 2005 11:20 AM ET



JUNO BEACH, Fla. (AP) - FPL Group Inc., which operates Florida Power & Light, on Tuesday reported lower net income for the first quarter and reduced its full-year earnings forecast due to the impact of weak weather conditions.

Quarterly income was $137 million, or 36 cents per share, compared to $138 million, or 39 cents per share, a year-ago. Excluding the company's hedging transactions, FPL would have reported earnings of $168 million, or 44 cents per share, compared to $138 million, or 39 cents per share, last year.

Operating revenue was $2.44 billion, compared to $2.33 billion a year earlier. On average, analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected earnings of 43 cents per share.

"FPL Group performed well in the first quarter despite the negative effects of weak weather conditions, which impacted both Florida Power & Light and FPL Energy," said Chairman and CEO Lew Hay in a statement.

The company cut 2005 earnings expectations by 5 cents to a range of $2.45 to $2.55 per share. Analysts currently forecast earnings of $2.57 for the year.

In February, the company began recovering the $536 million deficit existing in its storm reserve fund through a monthly surcharge. As previously disclosed, the estimated costs associated with the restoration efforts associated with Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne were $536 million more than the balance in FPL's storm reserve at the end of 2004.

FPL said the "reasonableness of full recovery" is being challenged by the Office of Public Counsel and other interested parties, and that recovery is contingent on the results of hearings that took place last week. The Florida Public Service Commission is scheduled to vote on the storm cost recovery issue when it meets in early July.

Last month, the company filed a request with the FPSC to increase electric rates by about $430 million a year beginning Jan. 1, 2006. The company said it expects a decision on its rate request by the FPSC by the end of the year.

Shares of FPL fell 36 cents to $41.43 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

© 2005 AP

[Red Rooster]

Quarterly income was $137 million, or 36 cents per share, compared to $138 million, or 39 cents per share, a year-ago. Excluding the company's hedging transactions, FPL would have reported earnings of $168 million, or 44 cents per share, compared to $138 million, or 39 cents per share, last year.

And that ain't no chicken feed.
(cock-adoodle-do)

[Grunt Bucket]

Has anyone heard from them or Brian Thompson didn't someone say they would try and post the s u 4 delegates what they vote at system council gathering. or did I miss it somewhere?

[stoner]

The information on how your delegates voted has to be requested and SCU4 must provide it. The delegates from 641 all voted not to endorse the contract, the delegates from 820 all voted to endorse the contract. Ask your delegates how they voted and then tell them how you feel about it. Or get the info from SCU4.

[Grunt Bucket]

Maybe some of the other delegates who are reading these postings can post their results or if someone knows how the other locals delegates voted they can share that information we would know who is with us and who is against us.

[Grunt Bucket]

Does anyone know how local 627, 1191, 1908 so on and so forth and the names of the delegates and how they voted???? I need this information for a informational letter I'm putting together for the international.

[Grunt Bucket]

Lets keep this at the top also

[Grunt Bucket]

At the top

[lineman641]

Does anyone know how local 627, 1191, 1908 so on and so forth and the names of the delegates and how they voted???? I need this information for a informational letter I'm putting together for the international.
Bucket , can’t call you grunt cause I know your not,….I’ve been trying to get the info of the vote ,but keep hitting a dead end …the b.m. will not answer….imagine that? …we must keep asking questions to our local leadership……I do know that local 1191 has an election coming up in June……..could be there time? They have a great web site ………check it out! http://www.ibewlu1191.org/

[Tiestick]

I hope they do something about Fred Flintstone they need a new Pres. in that local

[Grunt Bucket]

I wonder why they haven't posted anything about the current goings on with this proposal? What a great source to get information out How did they and their delegates vote at the scu-4 didn't they try to bull dog it through wasn't there something said that Fred Flinstone Ryan Mahcman told his delegates they better vote yes for the proposal,and who are his delegates


PRESIDENT: Rian McMahon
Post Office Box 540911, Greenacres, Fl 33454
Cell (561) 310-7664 Fax (561) 798-9363

FPL Mail (BYO/BB1)
SYSTEM COUNCIL DELEGATES

Substation/Underground: BRAD BALDWIN
Overhead: LOU FERRANTE
Power Plants: JOE BRENNAN

[Grunt Bucket]

Important names and numbers

[Smokester]

All and all guys I did'nt think it was too bad of a proposal,I hate that some lost there jobs before but I got to keep mine with my seniority and all, I am little old to hit the streets,I am only a couple of years away from hanging it up,I hope I am not forced into making a decision about crossing a picket.I have come too far to hit the street,I am almost home.

[Cross Phase]

All and all guys I did'nt think it was too bad of a proposal,I hate that some lost there jobs before but I got to keep mine with my seniority and all, I am little old to hit the streets,I am only a couple of years away from hanging it up,I hope I am not forced into making a decision about crossing a picket.I have come too far to hit the street,I am almost home.

I'm almost home too but this isn't the kind of proposal I want to leave behind.
The std doesn't look to bad until you look at what happens to your sick time if you have multiple illnesses-you loss 10 days each time before you can apply for std and than you have to be approved by Broadspire. Have another episode after 3 months and you loss another 10 days. Next year you get back 8-big deal.
The money doesn't even cover the cost of living. 800 for signing bonus-big deal. The 2500 for retirement is a joke when we lost 60 to 80,000 when we had a retirement buyout so the company could get there hands on the rest. If you are just trying to cover your butt maybe you should leave be for you sell out

[LINETRASH]

All and all guys I did'nt think it was too bad of a proposal,I hate that some lost there jobs before but I got to keep mine with my seniority and all, I am little old to hit the streets,I am only a couple of years away from hanging it up,I hope I am not forced into making a decision about crossing a picket.I have come too far to hit the street,I am almost home.
Gimme a break. You rock kickers make me want to puke. You liked the proposal? You suck. You are the reason this union is crashing and burning. ****ing unskilled labor, ****ing dead wood. I hope you and the plant pukes who voted yes to this horse**** ( I KNOW you voted yes)are happy with yourselves..

Cross the line, egg and **** will wash off your car(TOYOTA). You got to, you are scared of loosing your **** the dog job!!!!

Now I have it narrowed down to rock kickers and plant pukes.

Grow a set, will ya?

[Grunt Bucket]

Hey smokester maybe you should have a couple of violins playing behind you.
Maybe (Bette Midler singing ) You are the wind beneath my wings............
You Titty babie

[Grunt Bucket]

I wonder why they haven't posted anything about the current goings on with this proposal? What a great source to get information out How did they and their delegates vote at the scu-4 didn't they try to bull dog it through wasn't there something said that Fred Flinstone Ryan Mahcman told his delegates they better vote yes for the proposal,and who are his delegates


PRESIDENT: Rian McMahon
Post Office Box 540911, Greenacres, Fl 33454
Cell (561) 310-7664 Fax (561) 798-9363

FPL Mail (BYO/BB1)
SYSTEM COUNCIL DELEGATES

Substation/Underground: BRAD BALDWIN
Overhead: LOU FERRANTE
Power Plants: JOE BRENNAN

[Smokester]

Now come on with the name calling, I did my time with the company and worked my way up to where I have the seniority, I demand more respect than than that,I deserve that much . I probably have shown most of you guys here in the south end the ropes.You guys are bold to act this way,I don't understand the problem,the company has been good to me.Gruntbucket what is a tittybaby?

[lineman641]

smokester, can you put any more I's in your last 2 posts??? union is we or us ,you are why we are where were at today,,all me,me,me..........retire and go home or just go home! ,we don't need that attitude anymore!......seniority comes with time ,,,respect must be earned ...

[stoner]

Smokester you are entitled to your own opinion and you have the right to vote however you want, and if you voted for this proposal that is your right. But don't ever call yourself a union man. You're already talking about crossing a picket because you're close to retirement, you're disgusting. You can't even wait to try to break us. If I can find out who you are I will file charges and I hope whatever local you belong to does the right thing. You are not UNION.

[LINETRASH]

Smokescreen, you are a wag. A suckass. "the company has been good to me"

I bet you aint even in the union.

I hope your posts are just b.s. and you are just trying to get over and have fun. If you are for real, you aint no brother of mine.

If you demand respect, grow a set. I know some HIGH seniority linemen that I dont respect. They are dumasses who have slipped through the cracks.

Like you.

[Smokester]

I have paid my dues over and over with this company and have senoirity on probably most of you that are blasting me,I went thru the Lineman apprenticeship many years back ,worked almost 2 years as a lineman so I know all about linework,don't preach to me about being substation,because I paid my dues also as lineman,the only time I went back to linework was during the rolls I had to roll a lineman to stay in my area until I could get back to substation,I could show most of you some a few things.I stand by what I say the company has been good to me,I have relieved a few times and I sure I'm going to catch trouble for saying so but was treated with respect from others.I expect the same from you guys too, one day you will understand when you get close to leaving,all and all the proposal was'nt that bad.Linetrash I have paid my dues, hopefully you understand,I have been thru hard times with the company and now have the seniority to prove it.

[Stanman, at ComEdy Il.]

OHHHHH BOYYYYYY!,Almost, 2 long years as a lineman? Know all about linework? Paid dues as a lineman?

You don't have a clue what it's like Smokescreen! Don't even try comparing yourself to a lineman. It is an insult to true lineman! You say almost 2 yrs, know all about linework??? You know nothing! 2 yrs is nothing.... Take your lack of knowledge, and try to convince someone as dumb as you .

Sorry fellas, just pisses me off when clueless people try to defend themselves!!!!

[Grunt Bucket]

You might give yourself away there smokester your giving away to much info

[Swollen Tongue]

Maybe I'm just a dumb ******* but it took me ten years before I felt comfortable taking lead on most any job that came my way. :confused:

[woody]

Hey all hope the best for ya, but why respond to the dip**** that still thinks he/she can still do what we do? Management training 101 should be remember who builds what everybody else said could'nt be done; and when GOD knocks it down...WHO'S GONNA PUT IT BACK UP? woody

[stoner]

Let's all do each other a favor and not respond or recognize smokester. He's a scab.

[lineman641]

Let's all do each other a favor and not respond or recognize smokester. He's a scab.
I was thinkin' a smokester was somethin' i stepped in at a r/o job i did last week??

[TROUBLETRUCK]

Why Are You Paying Dues To The Company The Company Need To Be Paying Way More Than They Are Paying Now. I Guess You Like To Work Here 16 Hours Every Other Day Or Be Forced To Stay Late And Known See Your Kids For Days And When A Kiss Assss Like You Get Sick The Company Let You Take Off All The Day You Need Because You Go In Side Put Your Head Way Up Managment Ass And Yes I Have A Lot Of Senoirity I Also Have Been Ask To Relieved And Said No And Do Not Say You Known How To Do Line Work Because You Were On Crew For 2 Years Grunted The Pole For A Real Lineman You Need To Go Inside Side With Punk Ass Friend And Keep Kiss Asss

[Grunt Bucket]

It's amazing that these type of people don't know we see right through them

[Smokester]

Boy you guys don't have to be so harsh,I did my time on a crew as a lineman and I feel was a pretty decent one while I was in that role,changed out ug tx, sometimes oh tx.in the alleyways where a bucket could'nt get to,and picked up wire here and there as you have along with other various lineman type tasks .During the rolls in 93 I relieved in management quite often when I was a lineman , this is the times when the company was good to me ,I was lucky to get back into my substation job where I'm more comfortable.You should'nt judge me like you do.I've paid my dues in the Substation and in the Distibution Dept. sometimes climbing my share of poles.I am curious do you think the union will strike? I am older now I sure hope not,I have alot of senoirity to lose,What was so bad about it?I hope I'm not pushed into a decision with my almost over career,all I need is 2 more years,surely you guys can understand my situation.

[swapping phases]

Well, we have heard from 6" shotgun, lineman 759, and now the smokester.Maybe you weenies can hold hands through this. You three need to get a grip(on each other).This isn't a tv series, this is real life.Who knows, you could be non-bargining(fpl).Quit stirring it up. I recommend to ignore these actors and don't give in to their BS.

[Cross Phase]

Could have told by early posts you were a switch hitter-suprised you didn't sell out before. Must have really kissed up to go inside in 93. Only supervision demands respect. I'm on my way out but don't intend to leave behind a piece of crap contract so I can make a few more years. Maybe we should get a hugh bounus when the company makes money. I haven't figured out what makes managemant THINK they are so much Better. They don't do crap to get a bonus. Most supervision only knows how to kiss up. Do us all a favor and shut up jerk

[Red Rooster]

What hole did this guy crawl out of? You stupid SOB .Where do you get off saying you're almost home.Grow a set instead of the bb's you got swinging in the breeze.We don't need boys like this on our side anyways.You're a admitted scab way before things get tuff,2 years as a lineman ,hell I won't even respond to that.You old hen!

Still a Gamecock
(cock-adoodle-do)

[Smokester]

I have more time in the company than all you whiners!

[linewizard]

Congratulations then you can take full credit for all of the benefits and working conditions that have been given away in your tenure due to your your infinite wisdom.........
But hey who cares about the brothers just starting you are almost there.
Again CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER........................................... ......

[lineman641]

FPL Energy Begins Commercial Operation of Weatherford Wind Energy Center; Announces Plans to Expand Project by 40.5 MW
May 03, 2005 09:02:00 AM ET


FPL Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of FPL Group FPL, today announced that it has begun commercial operation at its 106.5-megawatt (MW) Weatherford Wind Energy Center, located near Weatherford, Oklahoma, and plans to expand the project by 40.5 MW.

FPL Energy has entered into an agreement with Public Service Company of Oklahoma, a wholly owned operating subsidiary of American Electric Power AEP, to purchase the entire output from the expansion under a long-term contract.

Today's announcement brings the total capacity of the Weatherford Wind Energy Center to 147 megawatts. Construction on the expansion will begin in the near future and is expected to be completed by year end.

Mike O'Sullivan, senior vice president of development for FPL Energy, said: "We applaud the commitment of PSO to clean, renewable wind energy. We appreciate the support we have received from our customer, the city of Weatherford and the surrounding community on making this project and its expansion a reality."

In June 2004, FPL Energy announced an agreement with PSO for the purchase of 106.5 MW of electricity from the Weatherford Wind Energy Center. Combined with today's announcement, PSO will now purchase the entire output from the 147 MW facility.

The 40.5 MW expansion will be comprised of 27 1.5 MW wind turbines located on approximately 1,400 acres southeast of the original project site.

With today's announcement, FPL Energy has completed 220.5 MW of new wind projects in 2005 and has announced an additional 261 MW that are expected to reach commercial operation by the end of the year. With the addition of the 106.5 MW from the Weatherford project, FPL Energy is currently the largest owner and operator of wind turbines in the world with more than 2,978 net MW in operation.

FPL Energy is a leading wholesale generator utilizing clean fuels such as natural gas, wind, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear to generate electricity. It is the nation's leader in wind energy, with 45 wind facilities in operation in 15 states. It is a subsidiary of FPL Group, one of the nation's largest providers of electricity-related services with annual revenues of more than $10 billion. FPL Group's principal subsidiary is Florida Power & Light Company, one of the nation's largest electric utilities, serving more than 4.2 million customer accounts in Florida. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.FPLEnergy.com, http://www.FPLGroup.com and http://www.FPL.com.

[lineman641]

IBEW L.U. 1191

ELECTIONS



Nominations for all Officer, E-Board, System Council Delegate, and International Delegate positions will be heard during the May 24th, union meeting.

Anyone who wishes to be considered for any of these positions can apply in writing or be nominated by someone else during the union meeting. You can only apply or be nominated for one position. The only exceptions are System Council Delegate and International Delegate.

All written applications must be mailed to Danny McGowan at BYO/BB1 or 16563 89th Pl. North, Loxahatchee, Fl 33470. All applications must include your name and contact number ( i.e. phone, e-mail, or fax ). Specify the position you are applying for.

The following positions are available for nomination:

OFFICER E-BOARD SYSTEM COUNCIL

1. President 1. Dist OH 1. Power Generation

2. Vice President 2. Dist UG 2. Power Systems (2)

3. Recording Sec. 3. Power Gen.

4. Financial Sec. 4. Transmission INTERNATIONAL

5. Treasurer 5. Meters 1. One Delegate

6. At Large Delray

7. At Large Indiantown

[TWO BLOCKED]

Definitely need some new meat in the west palm area - at least in the president position and make sure all your sc delegates are going to represent the members and not their own agenda.

[oldfpler]

I just had to add to this thread I read it regulary to get a good laugh I left there 11 years ago after working there for 20 and I just laugh to see that the same crap is still going on. I was a union steward in ft. laud.759 and we were fighting for our jobs right before Andrew hit. Out of over 700 members we get maybe 50 to show up at a meeting. But then the next day at the yard you hear the *****ing. Thanks for the laughs Guys there are other places to work there is life after Florida Plunder and Loot. Keep smiling Oldfpler.

[oldfpler]

Iwork in a small town near Tacoma nice and peaceful.We have a 3 man crew.

[Hurricane Harry]

Hey FPLer, how ya been. Once they get tired of getting dumped on, they'll go work where the local has some teeth.

[Radar]

I was there for the roll in '93... Saw the first 57 hit the street from the plants.
" not a lay-off" .... welcome to FPL!
I was a splicer..just topped out, they did away with that...

Went back to the OH.... finished what I owed for time...Topped out... forced to Broward...got back near the house on a Special crew... Broadnose did away with that after nearly 2 years. We had guys living on cots in meeting rooms for God's sake... anything to stay on. Those roll's were hell on everyone

Rolled over to construction.... more rolls.... Over 10 years was going to get me on a URD team for $12 an hour..(I hear that URD scheme tanked and the "find it- fix it trouble department didnt work either) Right...the same work I did as a Cable splicer for $20+.......... morons!

Got to say...if you carried your weight and did the OJT FPL was a great place to learn... About 80 linemen left in '96 rather than roll again. All the APs got canned and had to find other internal jobs... It was heartless

From what I've heard over the years all of us who wanted to stay in the line trade did..on our own terms.

Dont lay down boys.... and you new guys who came on since the Broadhead era ...learn some history. A lot of people went through a lot of ****.

They will be pissed if you New Era folks give away the pension etc.

~Radar

[lineman641]

FPL Group Schedules Live Webcast of Company's 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
May 11, 2005 12:00:00 PM ET


FPL Group, Inc. FPL will provide a live webcast of its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which begins at 10:00 a.m. EDT Friday, May 20, 2005.

You can access the webcast on FPL Group's website, www.FPLGroup.com, by clicking the link provided on the homepage. The slides accompanying the webcast will be posted beginning at 10:00 a.m. EDT on the morning of the Annual Meeting and may be accessed by clicking on the link on the homepage.

FPL Group, with annual revenues of more than $10 billion, is nationally known as a high quality, efficient, and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. With a growing presence in 26 states, it is widely recognized as one of the country's premier power companies. Its principal subsidiary, Florida Power & Light Company, serves more than 4.2 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, an FPL Group wholesale electricity generating subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.FPLGroup.com, www.FPL.com and www.FPLEnergy.com.

[just say no]

radar you forgot the 483 lineman cut to groundman. 7 + dollar an hour cut.then when they got in a bind,which was often,they had the nerve to want to relieve you for a couple of hours.i enjoyed telling them i was only a groundman and refuse....then watching the 1 year quicky splicer/lineman sweat bullets trying to figure out how to do line work and beg me to tell him how to do it.i'd tell them " nothing personal but i'm just a groundman."

[Radar]

So it was 483 at the final count? Like I said there were 500+ so about 80- 100 of us left before we rolled into the Groundman or URD slots.
I walked out in April 96 and other than missing a good bunch of guys, never looked back.

How many of the 483 climbed back up to Journeymany status since '96....I know after that last retirement offer FPL has tried to constantly hire to keep staffing levels (not doing well hiring qualified lineman either ...at least in volume)

[Grunt Bucket]

I don't believe we will ever be where we need to be with personel but they want us to do more with less. while they get the big bonuses now isn't that just special!!!!!!

[just say no]

do more with less,if your stupid or scared...it's your own fault if you do it...of course we have plenty of ass kissers who would do most anything there supervisors tell them cause they do each other favors....get hurt with less and the first thing your sup will say is "why did'nt you get help".. bank on it....look out for you and your crew,cause management don't care...they care only about there bonus...

[Linerebel]

Here it is boy's.
359 3-yes 2-no
622 4-no
627 4-yes
641 3-no
759 4-yes
820 4-yes
1062 4-no
1066 3-yes
1191 2-yes 2-no
1263 3-yes 1-no
1908 1-yes 3-no
total 24-yes 19-no

Look's like quiet a few local delegates don't have a clue.

[Cross Phase]

Below is a letter from the System Council U-4 IBEW. Haven't sen it posted before



April 29,2005

The Union has been preparing to meet with the Company concerning the
rejection of the last contract. This past week was spent finalizing a list of
major issues that were commonly identified across the board in all Local
Unions during the proposal explanation meeting throughout the state.

These issues have been sent to each Local Union President so that they can
be shared with the Membership in order to collect feedback.The Presidents
will then foward the information back to the Committee no later than May 11,2005.

The Company's Chief Negotiator has informed us that he has discussed the
outcome of the vote and possible plans for the future with Executives;
however, before they make a final determination on what their plans would
be, they want to know what the issues are with the proposal.

At this time, we are attempting to set up a meeting next week with the
Company to begin laying out these issues. We are anxious to return to the
bargaining table in an effort to resolve the differences in a timely manner for
the membership.

We will communicate the results of our discussions one we meet with the
Company.

[SNIDELY WHIPLASH]

If they union met with the company next week as they stated in the bulletin that we all received,then where is the feedback that we have all been asking for? Obviously the leaders of our union are still not listining to us.

[faulted]

linerebel thanks for the post

[just say no]

remember this,our "leadership" can do or say what they want.but it's us,the membership, who decides what "we" will accept or reject...i think we've already proven that....and will again if it is not good for "US".

[Grunt Bucket]

Hey brothers make sure you look at this list and go back to your union halls and find out which of your delegates voted for that last proposal and confront them and tell them how you feel and get them out of office if you can. Locals : 627, 759,359,820,1066,1191,1263 you got your work cut out for you. Way to go :622,641,1062,
Here it is boy's.
359 3-yes 2-no
622 4-no
627 4-yes
641 3-no
759 4-yes
820 4-yes
1062 4-no
1066 3-yes
1191 2-yes 2-no
1263 3-yes 1-no
1908 1-yes 3-no
total 24-yes 19-no

Look's like quiet a few local delegates don't have a clue.

[lineman641]

Hey brothers make sure you look at this list and go back to your union halls and find out which of your delegates voted for that last proposal and confront them and tell them how you feel and get them out of office if you can. Locals : 627, 759,359,820,1066,1191,1263 you got your work cut out for you. Way to go :622,641,1062,
Here it is boy's.
359 3-yes 2-no
622 4-no
627 4-yes
641 3-no
759 4-yes
820 4-yes
1062 4-no
1066 3-yes
1191 2-yes 2-no
1263 3-yes 1-no
1908 1-yes 3-no
total 24-yes 19-no

Look's like quiet a few local delegates don't have a clue.
you know, when you look at it a little closer,the yes votes came from the locals with folkes on the n-comm??? plus 1 more sc-pres.........remeber the local pres is part of your delegates, add in a few of there cronies??......elections is the only answer!......it will make the differce ......i'm glad to see the split votes it gives us all hope!!...................work safe!

[Grunt Bucket]

I sure hope my brothers and sisters are looking at this list!

[Grunt Bucket]

Me must keep this fresh for everyone to keep it on our minds

[lineman641]

June 02, 2005 3:30:00 PM ETFPL Announces Sale of $300 Million of First Mortgage Bonds


All Business Wire NewsFlorida Power & Light Company today announced the sale of $300 million principal amount of 30-year first mortgage bonds bearing interest at 4.95 percent per year and maturing on June 1, 2035.


Related newsWhy Buffett is buying utilities FPL Discontinues Request for Proposal for Liquefied Natural Gas Supply FPL is Prepared for the 2005 Hurricane Season; Applies Advanced Technology to Better Serve Customers; Visit www.FPL.com For Storm Preparation Information Market Report -- In Play (SCH, TD, LMT, CCBI, MSFT, FPL, SGR, LQI, NOK, SANYY, MENT, C, CKN, CIPH, W, TSAI, DDD) SGR Holdings and FPL Group Resources Sign MOU for Gas Storage Project
The first mortgage bonds will be offered to the public at 99.244 percent of par to yield 4.999 percent when held to maturity.

Net proceeds from the sale will be added to Florida Power & Light Company's general funds and are expected to be used to repay a portion of Florida Power & Light Company's short-term borrowings and for other corporate purposes.

The sale was underwritten by a group that includes Barclays Capital Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as lead managers. The co-managers are ABN AMRO Incorporated, Calyon Securities (USA) Inc., Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., Lazard Capital Markets LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., and SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc. A prospectus relating to these first mortgage bonds may be obtained from Barclays Capital Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Florida Power & Light Company is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. FPL, nationally known as a high quality, efficient and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. Florida Power & Light Company serves more than 4.2 million customer accounts in Florida.

Note to Editors: High-resolution logos and executive head shots are available for download at http://www.fpl.com/news/contents/logos.shtml.

Contact Information: Florida Power & Light Company, Miami Steve Stengel, 305-552-3888

© 2005 BusinessWire

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[onetime]

Too many locals. and Part of the problem is us .Think about it .there are too many local.We need to have one president,1 vice president ,and 1 ba .the only one it helps having all these locals is fp&l.Health insurance :we need to have are own health and welfare .make fpl pay us .let are side make interest on the money.fp&l has a sweet little deal going for them.it's time for a change.time for a change.**** IT IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lineman641]

“Dear Fellow employees

It’s not likely that any of us will ever forget the summer and fall of 2004 and the series of events that rocked our lives and altered our jobs during that time. In rapid succession, Hurricanes Charley, Francis and Jeanne tested our resolve, resources and our restoration skills as they were never tested before.

You responded – not once, not twice, but three times – in typical FPL fashion. Despite how you personally may have been affected by the storms, you helped put into place a proven and effective restoration plan and executed it to near perfection.

Considering the circumstances, your response was remarkable, bringing out the very human spirit and character of our company and reflecting the strength that has become a hallmark of our organization. It made me exceptionally proud to be with FPL and to be associated with each of you.

I am pleased to dedicate this book, with its graphic illustrations of challenges faced and obstacles overcome, to each of you who worked so hard during our power restoration efforts. It is also dedicated to your families and loved ones, whose patience and understanding was so instrumental to our success.

On behalf of our company and millions of grateful customers whose lives you helped brighten, thank you for your unselfish and unwavering support. Your extraordinary performance will never be forgotten.”

Lewis Hay, III
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
FPL Group............................................. .......................... this was in the book we all got with the dvd, rumor has it that mr. hay told the company contract negotiators that since we all did such a good job to give us whatever we want……yeah right!........i wonder if they asked the employee’s if they would want a book and dvd or divide the money spent for it ? may be that last sentence should be, “Your extraordinary performance will never be forgotten unless it cost money,then we just don’t remember ”........................................the difference between a good company and a great one is the way they treat there employees

[lineman641]

May 27, 2005 3:52:00 PM ET
FPL is Prepared for the 2005 Hurricane Season; Applies Advanced Technology to Better Serve Customers; Visit www.FPL.com For Storm Preparation Information

All Business Wire News
As the start of the 2005 Hurricane season approaches, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) announced today it is prepared and committed to restoring power to customers quickly and safely. The company is urging customers to make their personal storm preparations, as well.
"Ever since the storms last year, we have been hard at work getting ready for the 2005 hurricane season," said Armando Olivera, FPL president. "Getting power back to our customers after a storm is our top priority and our employees are ready to do whatever it takes - no matter how severe the conditions - to restore power to as many people as possible, as quickly and safely as we can and help get the communities we serve back on their feet."
Following an unprecedented hurricane season in 2004 that saw four hurricanes make landfall in Florida, three of which hit FPL's service territory, FPL has thoroughly reviewed its well-tested restoration plan, made the necessary investments and is applying the latest technology to better serve its customers in the event of a storm. They include:
-- Customer communications - FPL will provide more timely information to help customers plan better following a storm. Within 24 hours after a storm, FPL will provide a global estimated time of restoration (ETR) describing how long it will take for the entire restoration and within 48 hours regional/county ETR for affected areas. The company is also working on more localized ETR information 72 hours after the storm passes.
-- Storm alliances - Last year, FPL had 17,000 workers involved in restoration, thousands coming from 39 states and Canada. With the threat of more active hurricane seasons, FPL is expanding its mutual aid alliances with utilities beyond the Southeast, now solidifying alliances with utilities in the Southwest and Northeast.
-- Preparing together with emergency officials - FPL has met and is working hand-in-hand with emergency management officials to identify and be aligned with each community's critical infrastructure - the functions that need to be restored quickly to ensure the public's health and safety.
-- Storm telecommunications technology - FPL is enhancing its state-of-the-art satellite and wireless communications technology in the field and at staging sites so crews can get to the field and start restoring faster.
-- Storm logistics - Thousand of field crews who work 16-hour days restoring power for customers must be housed, provided meals, laundry service and transported daily from hotels to temporary staging sites. Their trucks must be fueled every night. Using the latest technology, FPL deployed 13 staging sites within 24 hours in 2004 and has revamped its plans to set up its staging sites faster.
Annual storm dry run scheduled for June 15
"We learned a lot from last year's extraordinary storm season and we have taken what we have learned and used that to improve our restoration plan to better serve our customers," said Geisha Williams, who aside from being vice president of distribution is also in charge of FPL's restoration plan. On June 15, thousands of FPL employees will train in an annual "storm dry run" that will test the company's hurricane plans and its ability to deal with a simulated hurricane of statewide proportions. FPL will test all facets of its plan, including enhancements made following the 2004 storm season.
"We are committed to providing reliable service to all of our customers, because we know how indispensable electricity is to our daily lives - not just for comfort in this tropical climate, but to run businesses, educate children and care for our loved ones. While we don't anticipate a repeat of last year's storm season, we always prepare and we are ready for whatever this year's storm season may bring," said Williams.
Storm's path, intensity and available resources are the key to restoration
The speed of restoration is based on the path of the storm, its intensity and the amount of resources available. FPL works with emergency operations officials to first restore power to the public health and safety critical infrastructure - such as hospitals, police, fire, communications, water, sanitary services and transportation. Almost simultaneously, FPL turns its attention to repairing electrical facilities that will return service to the largest number of customers in the shortest period of time, and then the next largest number and so on until crews converge in the hardest hit areas and every customer is restored.
"We encourage and invite our customers to prepare with us," said Williams. "Review your emergency plans for your family and your business. There is no better time than now, before a storm, to prepare by purchasing supplies, becoming knowledgeable about the hurricane season and informed about what you can expect following a natural disaster."
"We wish we did not have hurricanes to contend with, but that is the price we pay for living in Florida. We're working closely with our communities and we are building on what we learned from last year's storms. We are preparing hand-in-hand with local and state emergency officials and we want our customers to prepare as well so we can all get through the hurricane season safely - together," said Williams.
-- Local emergency operations officials urge residents to prepare to be self sufficient for at least 14 days. Keep a battery-operated radio with you and a two-week supply of fresh batteries. A battery-operated radio may be the only way you will receive emergency public information during a disaster.
-- Have your FPL account number and FPL's phone number (1-800-4-OUTAGE) readily available in case you need to call us. With your account number, you will be able to quickly receive information through our automated system.
-- If your preparation plan includes the operation of a portable generator in the event of an outage at your home, after the storm has passed be sure to set it up outside and connect appliances directly to it. Please do not wire your generator directly to your breaker or fuse box, because the power you generate may flow back into power lines and cause injuries.
What can customers do during and after a storm? Here are some tips:
-- When winds reach 35 mph or flooding is significant, stay out of harm's way. At FPL, we care about our employees, and we insist they too remain safe, so we suspend work in the field until conditions improve.
-- Consider every power line energized. Stay away from downed lines, flooding and debris. Don't walk in standing water and don't venture out in the dark because you might not see a power line that could still be energized and dangerous.
How does FPL know who's without power and when should I call?
-- Right after a storm, we'll know if large power lines have been damaged and you're without power. Stay tuned to local radio, TV and newspapers for specific reports on FPL's progress in assessing and repairing damage to the electrical system in your area.
-- If your neighborhood gets power back after a storm -- but you're still without power -- then please call us at 1-800-4-OUTAGE. Please have your account number available when you call and an automated system will record your outage information.
As a customer, what can I do after a storm and where can I turn for information?
-- Before you call to report an outage, check all circuit breakers or fuses to help determine if your service outage might be the result of a household problem.
-- If you have significant water damage in your home that might make it unsafe, call a licensed electrician for advice.
-- Visually inspect the area outside your home near the meter. If the meter or any of the piping and wires on the wall of your home or office is gone or look damaged, call an electrician.
-- If no problems are apparent, FPL will re-connect your service or assist in determining whether you have a household problem.
-- Visit http://www.FPL.com for pre- and post-storm customer tips, a Hurricane Q&A and - when events occur -- news of storm restoration and maps.

[lineman641]

FPL Hurricane ``Dry Run'' Exercises Employees and Assesses Company's Storm Plan

All Business Wire News
Florida Power & Light Company today conducted its annual mock hurricane exercise which provides employees with a "dry run" at what could possibly turn out to be a future storm making landfall in the company's service territory. Hurricane Bruce, the name given to this year's fictitious storm, was designed to evaluate and improve the company's already well-proven storm plan.
Every storm is different and through these annual dry runs we are able to train our employees with as real a scenario as we can make it," Geisha Williams, in charge of storm restorations and who is also FPL's vice president of distribution, said. "We want to learn how different storms will damage our infrastructure so we can be as prepared as possible to restore power quickly and safely - the communities we serve depend on us being ready, and the dry run is an excellent exercise that challenges our employees' ability to respond in the event of a storm."
"At FPL, employees have two jobs," Williams said, "their regular job and their storm job. The storm job may be very different than what they do on a day-to-day basis. For example, we may have accountants working as line patrollers, we may have lawyers helping secure motel rooms for crews, or we may have clerical personnel helping to fuel vehicles at staging sites...we call on almost everyone in the company to pitch in when it comes to getting the lights back on for our customers and returning our communities to some semblance of normalcy."
According to the exercise, Hurricane Bruce, a category 2 made landfall near the Miami-Dade - Broward County line one of the most densely populated areas in FPL's service territory. The mock hurricane traversed the state and exited on the west coast in the Naples area. The storm re-energized in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and looped north entering again in Louisiana and sweeping into the southern states slowing the arrival of field crews committed to the FPL restoration process.
"Our ability to respond to a hurricane is based on the path of the storm, its intensity and the resources at our disposal," Williams said. "We test these variables in our computer models to learn how long a restoration process will take. While Bruce is not a real storm, the restoration challenges it presents to our densely populated urban areas are quite real. Our ability to learn from these mock exercises provides us with valuable information that we can apply in the event of a real storm."
FPL's Storm Plan
FPL uses a proven storm model with predictive capabilities and on-staff meteorologist to track and predict a storm's path. If a storm is predicted to make landfall in FPL's territory, the company activates its emergency plan as follows:
-- 72 hours before storm landfall - FPL activates the command center and the storm organization gets alerted. The logistic team initiates its plans by increasing inventory levels, and alerting vendors and suppliers. At this point, staging sites are pre-identified, state and county emergency centers are contacted as well as the external utilities/contractors.
-- 48 hours before storm landfall - FPL's computer models predict system damage, an initial restoration plan is developed and resource requirements are forecasted. Commitment from personnel, materials and logistics is sought for support. Also, employees begin to prepare their families and homes and travel teams are identified.
-- 24 hours before storm landfall - A pre-check of equipment, facilities and systems is conducted. External personnel are pre-staged out of harm's way, mobile inventory and rapid trailers are readied and messages delivered by FPL's spokespeople are given to the media.
FPL's storm structure
FPL's storm structure is divided into several distinct areas.
-- Storm Command Center - From this location, FPL manages the restoration efforts throughout its 35 county service area, working through various FPL service centers and a number of staging sites. It's like the brain center where the restoration and logistics planning takes place, instructing staging sites and service centers on how to go about restoring power back to the communities.
-- Staging Sites - These working sites are in addition to FPL's service centers and house the thousands of restoration crews and support personnel who are executing the restoration plan. These sites are pre-selected before the storm season and arrangements are made beforehand for technology hookups.
-- Service centers - FPL uses its own facilities to house hundreds of workers. Due to the small size of the centers, many years ago, FPL started deploying staging sites, housing a bigger number of workers.
Storm's path, intensity and available resources are the key to restoration
The speed of restoration is based on the path of the storm, its intensity and the amount of resources available. FPL works with emergency operations officials to first restore power to the public health and safety critical infrastructure - such as hospitals, police, fire, communications, water, sanitary services and transportation. Almost simultaneously, FPL turns its attention to repairing electrical facilities that will return service to the largest number of customers in the shortest period of time, and then the next largest number and so on until crews converge in the hardest hit areas and every customer is restored.
"We encourage and invite our customers to prepare with us," said Williams. "Review your emergency plans for your family and your business. There is no better time than now, before a storm, to prepare by purchasing supplies, becoming knowledgeable about the hurricane season and informed about what you can expect following a natural disaster."
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[LIGHTSOUT]

A Little More Money In Preventive Maintenance Would Not Hurt Either Geisah.

[rick]

What kind of schedules does FPL run? I see guys come in @ 7, 8, or even 9 am. Do they run any body over night or just on call? Just curious.

[just say no]

fpl has people working all different hours; 7:30-4, 8-4:30; 9:30-6, noon-8, 2-10, 3-11, 4-12, 11pm-7am, 12-8am..mon-fri (thats few and far ) tue-sat,sun-thur,thats the most common day's ..and t-man are rotating...it's obvios they don't care about your familey life...as one of our v.p's told a group of employees..

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

It's time for some true representation,maybe it will happen now that brian is leaving.

[LIGHTSOUT]

The work schedules are the least of the problem. The real issue is the anemic staffing that is why people are getting forced to work overtime everyday during the storm season and not just weekdays but also weekends. The truth is we are now serving 1.6 million more customers than we did 10 years ago with half the staff. During those years they lowered rates but payed for the lower rates by cutting maintenance and staff. The end result is what we have today a poorly maintained system running on decades old budgets that are slashed more and more every year while the execs anticipate the hurricanes season will pay off in storm dollars. We all realized that the company only wants to put bandaids on the problems until they can pay for the real fix from the storm fund. What we have now is a system that has become one big open wound and they dont make a bandaid big enough to cover. The employees pay the price in poor working conditions and safety hazards and the public picks up the bill unknowingly while the execs who screwed things up to begin with get bonuses in the millions. welcome to fpl also stands for f!!!! people and loving it. or my favorite (future possible layoff)

[lineman641]

IBEW Local 1245 News

Posted: May 16, 2005



PG&E PLEDGES MORE JOBS



By Tom Dalzell

IBEW Local 1245 has secured from Pacific Gas & Electric a high-level commitment to address long-standing union concerns about workforce levels at the company.

During an April 13 meeting at union headquarters in Vacaville, PG&E Chief of Utility Operations Tom King pledged to address workforce attrition issues by announcing that PG&E has begun filling over 500 positions. Of these, approximately 300 would be new hires above and beyond those hired to replace departing workers, with the balance being filled internally.

PG&E’s commitment to boost staffing levels comes after repeated expressions of concern by the union that reduced staffing was endangering service quality.

“We are really pleased that PG&E has acknowledged that the problem is real and is making an effort to address it,” said Local 1245 Business Manager Perry Zimmerman.

Local 1245 members played a key role in making the case that change was needed. In March, at Zimmerman’s invitation, King met with several union members to hear their concerns about workforce shortages. At the April 13 meeting, Zimmerman reconvened the group to hear King’s response.

King told the members that their feedback in March “mirrors what we’ve heard from around the company” and had caused the company to conduct a more extensive assessment of appropriate staffing levels. King noted that PG&E was engaged in a process of major “transformation” and said, “It’s the employees who are going to get us there.”

Local 1245 members attending the meeting with King expressed relief that PG&E had pledged to take action and were cautiously optimistic about the outcome.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Lou Mennel, a Gas Service Representative in Sacramento and a member of the union’s Advisory Council. “They’ve made a commitment to hire back when people retire. There’s more of a hope now that when people retire they will fill in with new bodies.”

“The 300 extra jobs they’re talking about are needed. I think it’s a start,” said Auburn Lineman Terry Andreucci, also a member of the union’s Advisory Council.

Of the 500 vacancies the company pledges to fill, 75 will be Electric Division positions covered by Title 200 of the labor agreement. Approximately 100 will be in Electric General Construction, 54 in Division Gas, and 22 in Division Transmission.

Figures provided by the company also indicate an intention to hire 20 additional Troublemen and 21 additional Gas Service Reps.

Oldest Workforce

The utility workforce problem is real and it is serious, both at PG&E and around the nation. According to a recent report on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, half of the nation’s electrical line workers are scheduled to retire over the next five years, making it the oldest average workforce in any industry.

For years, union workers at PG&E have voiced concerns that PG&E is not hiring enough people to maintain traditionally high service levels, let alone replace the large number of older workers getting ready to retire.

Data presented by PG&E on April 13 indicated that the company has begun to focus on hiring in recent years. The company began to ramp up hiring in 2000 with 938 new hires, 1534 in 2001, 1198 in 2002, and 1353 in 2003.

Hiring dropped significantly in 2004 but is on the upswing in 2005, according to the company.

Company officials noted that PG&E has added over 2100 apprentice jobs since 2002 to prepare for journeymen retirements.

Questions Remain

While welcoming the company’s pledge to increase the workforce, the union members attending the April 13 meeting said many questions remain.

“The numbers look great, but I’d like to see a breakdown (of) who’s going to be out in the field,” said Al White, a Concord Troubleman.

Merced Lineman Dan Mayo said he was more interested in trends than specific numbers.

“I want to see the numbers trending up on a yard-by-yard, headquarters-by-headquarters basis,” said Mayo. “I’m not interested in seeing meaningless numbers. It needs to mean something to everybody, it needs to translate into jobs everywhere.”

Templeton System Operator Steve Ward wondered how PG&E will fill the promised jobs in light of its recent practice of shutting down job openings rather than letting Bay Area members fill them.

“There’s a fence around the Bay Area to prevent journeymen from leaving the Bay Area,” said Ward, which has led to workforce shortages in some locations outside of the Bay Area. The April 13 meeting, he observed, “didn’t get into specific issues that are painful.”

Andreucci said the company needs to start filling beginning level jobs, and he knows just where the company ought to start looking for candidates.

“They need to get people from the area so they buy homes in the area, have a commitment to the community, to the company”

Guarded Optimism

Andreucci said he came away from the April 13 meeting feeling “guarded optimism.”

“It all sounds good, I’d love to have it happen, but….” Andreucci took a long pause before finishing the thought. “But we’ve all seen it before.”

Mayo was similarly hopeful, and similarly guarded.

“It all depends on what they actually do. They can have a plan on paper, but until they actually follow through it’s meaningless,” Mayo said.

Local 1245 President Mike Davis, who also attended the April 13 meeting, was prepared to give PG&E the benefit of the doubt for now.

“It’s a start, if they live up to what they say they’re going to do,” said Davis. “We’ll have to monitor it.”

Zimmerman closed the meeting with an invitation to King to return to Local 1245 headquarters in September to update the union on the company’s progress in filling jobs.



Tom Dalzell is Senior Assistant Business Manager for IBEW Local 1245.

[LIGHTSOUT]

I have been to california and it is a great state cost of living is high but florida is close behind it is good to know there are other places ready to hire lineman if things continue to slide down hill here at fpl. work safe

[lineman641]

June 27, 2005 3:03:00 PM ETFPL's New Martin and Manatee Generating Units Begin Commercial Operation; Part of $1.6 Billion Investment This Year to Ensure Continued Reliable Service


All Business Wire NewsFlorida Power & Light Company is investing $1.6 billion this year to upgrade and expand its electric system and generating facilities to ensure continued reliable service to meet the growing power needs of present and future customers.
These investments include two new generating units at existing power plant sites in Martin and Manatee counties that will begin commercial operation on June 30. These two plants will generate an additional 1,900 megawatts of electricity, serving 400,000 additional homes and businesses. FPL's investments also include the installation of nearly 1,000 miles of new transmission and distribution lines, as well as other electrical equipment necessary to provide electricity to customers in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.

Major components of the investments in electric facilities this year include:

-- $155 million for transmission system lines, substations and related infrastructure

-- $520 million for distribution system lines, underground cables, substations and related infrastructure

-- $925 million for new generation projects and improvements to existing power plants

Upgrades and system expansion include the installation of:

-- 75 miles of high-voltage transmission lines

-- 900 miles of overhead distribution lines and underground cables

-- 17 new electric substations

-- 25,000 new transformers

"Ongoing infrastructure investments are essential to provide reliable service to meet the growing power needs of present and future customers," said FPL President Armando Olivera. "We know how indispensable electricity is to the daily lives of our customers - not just for comfort in this tropical climate, but to run businesses to support Florida's economic growth, educate children and improve the safety and quality of life. During the last five years, we have demonstrated our commitment to reliability by investing approximately $4 billion to enhance and expand our electric system."

From 2005 through 2009, he said FPL expects to invest nearly $3.6 billion in poles, wires and other electrical equipment to maintain its reliable service to customers. Another $3.7 billion will be spent to build new or upgrade existing power plants.

Serving a growing region

Florida is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, serving many of the fastest growing counties in the nation. Today, FPL serves 4.3 million customers, approximately 1.6 million more than 20 years ago.

"Putting the magnitude of this growth into perspective," Olivera continued, "only a dozen other U.S. electric utilities serve 1.6 million customers or more. Over two decades, FPL has essentially added the equivalent of another large electric utility, including increasing the capacity of our electric system by nearly 40 percent, while reducing our base rates to customers by 16 percent.

"We've managed to delay for many years any increase in base rates by achieving significant gains in productivity, improving performance and controlling expenses for the benefit of our customers. Given Florida's rapid growth and increasing demand for power - and the accompanying need for additional major investments in our electric system to support such growth - an increase in base rates is necessary to ensure the continued reliable service our customers have come to expect."

In 2004 alone, FPL added 107,000 new customer accounts -- more than any year since 1989 - and projections call for continued growth. Total housing starts in Florida in Jan. 2005 increased 38.4 percent compared to Jan. 2004.

The average use of electricity by FPL residential customers has increased by nearly 30 percent since 1985. Power use is rising because of the increased use of air conditioning in homes and businesses, and because customers are using more electronic equipment such as televisions, kitchen appliances, personal computers, printer/scanners and cell phone chargers.

"At the same time we are adding new generation to meet our customers' growing power needs, we will continue to promote economical conservation and energy management programs to help our customers keep their bills down," Olivera said.

Over the past two decades, more than 1.7 million customers have participated in these programs, reducing enough electric demand to defer the equivalent of 10 medium-sized power plants.

© 2005 BusinessWire

© 2005 MicrosoftMSN PrivacyLegalAdvertise

.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ........................................it really is sad that they don't see there own employee's the same as customers,even if most of us our both!!!

[Grunt Bucket]

And in this same time frame with all of this growth can you give us how many people fpl has hired to keep up with the growth how many they have lost through death, retirement, and ones that were just fed up and pissed off your are sure right its a real shame

[walkingtall]

Boy's it's time to "Cowboy Up",when you get ready to come out of the shute with 2000lbs. of beef under you ,you don't get a limpwristed grip,you suckup tight,dig in the spurs, and grip it like you was falling off a cliff,and nod and go..........."Cowboy Up Boys" (smokester not included on this 1)
Vote No on this POS

[lineman641]

PRINT THIS STORY | E-MAIL THIS STORY

Editorial: Power rate hike
FPL, regulators should look at the big picture

By The Naples Daily News
July 21, 2005

State utility regulators have given Florida Power & Light permission to collect an extra $442 million from its 4.3 million customers.

The money is to go for repairs of damage caused by last year's hurricanes.

While we understand this is part of the cost of doing and staying in business for FPL, and the money is going to come from customers eventually, it is worth asking whether Florida's Public Service Commission is looking at the big picture. Is the PSC confident that FPL is doing all it should in terms of maintenance — such as fundamental tree-trimming or power line maintenance — that could ward off some of this costly damage? With proper maintenance, which might come out of routine operating expenses and customers' regular monthly bills, add-ons might become obsolete. But with extra money seemingly so easy to get, with the state's permission, where is the incentive to do all that while encroaching on the bottom line?

In the public interest and in the realities of utility challenges in Florida, those questions are worth a look. Ditto for giving FPL $30 million, among the $442 million sum, to make up for income lost when the utility could not deliver power as usual last summer and fall. Put another way, that also is power that customers did not get.

[LIGHTSOUT]

The psc is obviously choosing to look the other way. I AM SURE THEY DONT WANT TO BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS THEM. The commisioners are obviously looking at the bigger picture down the road. The consumer is the double looser in this one.

[lineman641]

The way things are today in our political climate the “paid by the hour worker “is getting screwed. Our labor unions are doing the best we can with what we have to work with!.... I’m speaking here in general terms…….. The problem as I see it is we are our own worst enemy. We try to keep the union concept but there are more than some that will go with the “all for one and every man for himself “philosophy, this is our down fall……we have become accustom to working the equivalent of two jobs, our straight time job and our overtime job. This has been happening so long that we have adjusted our life style to match the income of 7-900 hrs. of overtime… What would happen to us if that O.T.. was cut in half or eliminated completely... ….we must as a whole, follow the contract. No more of the all for me attitude, it plays right into the company’s hand……….when we work more than 16 hours and your CDL. license says no more than 15 ,and you get into a wreck ,do you think the company will back you?.....if you don’t follow the safety rules as they see it ,do you think they will cut you any slack because you got the lights on any faster?.....the company is after 2 things, themselves and that picture of George Washington ..We are nothing but a pain in the ass that costs them money…but without us they would be in a world of hurt…….the results of the latest contract vote will come out on Aug. 3…. No matter which way that falls we must all consider the fact that without the “solidarity” and “unity” the I.B.E.W.. stands for, we will never have the leverage it takes to give our neg-committee a better chance at getting something for nothing, or at least keep what we already have………..I am guilty of doing some of the things that I just mentioned, and we all want what’s best for ourselves and our family…….we all see what’s happening to the labor unions in this country and if something doesn’t change soon ,we will all be at the mercy of “corporate America” , and that scares the hell out of me!.....we must all make a better effort to attend meetings and make our voices heard , this means all year round not just the 6 months of contract negotiations. There are many people out there trying to do what’s best for all of us, and we all can agree to disagree. but in the end we must stand with one voice and be willing to back that voice if the majority says so…….I’m no politician , but I can see the writing on the wall……something has to be done and we may as well start here in our own house.

[Chief]

The way things are today in our political climate the “paid by the hour worker “is getting screwed. Our labor unions are doing the best we can with what we have to work with!.... I’m speaking here in general terms…….. The problem as I see it is we are our own worst enemy. We try to keep the union concept but there are more than some that will go with the “all for one and every man for himself “philosophy, this is our down fall……we have become accustom to working the equivalent of two jobs, our straight time job and our overtime job. This has been happening so long that we have adjusted our life style to match the income of 7-900 hrs. of overtime… What would happen to us if that O.T.. was cut in half or eliminated completely... ….we must as a whole, follow the contract. No more of the all for me attitude, it plays right into the company’s hand……….when we work more than 16 hours and your CDL. license says no more than 15 ,and you get into a wreck ,do you think the company will back you?.....if you don’t follow the safety rules as they see it ,do you think they will cut you any slack because you got the lights on any faster?.....the company is after 2 things, themselves and that picture of George Washington ..We are nothing but a pain in the ass that costs them money…but without us they would be in a world of hurt…….the results of the latest contract vote will come out on Aug. 3…. No matter which way that falls we must all consider the fact that without the “solidarity” and “unity” the I.B.E.W.. stands for, we will never have the leverage it takes to give our neg-committee a better chance at getting something for nothing, or at least keep what we already have………..I am guilty of doing some of the things that I just mentioned, and we all want what’s best for ourselves and our family…….we all see what’s happening to the labor unions in this country and if something doesn’t change soon ,we will all be at the mercy of “corporate America” , and that scares the hell out of me!.....we must all make a better effort to attend meetings and make our voices heard , this means all year round not just the 6 months of contract negotiations. There are many people out there trying to do what’s best for all of us, and we all can agree to disagree. but in the end we must stand with one voice and be willing to back that voice if the majority says so…….I’m no politician , but I can see the writing on the wall……something has to be done and we may as well start here in our own house.

What you say is right on. The only way is together. At some point, reason and intellegence have to be the top priority. In order for there to be strength and solidarity, members must be prepared and willing. As long as they live check to check they will never be ready.

Can you imagine what kind of a strike fund there could be if the Union leadership had put the $$$s there rather than just ship it to the Democrats. A good strike fund and proper use of it could produce results!
.

[LIGHTSOUT]

Spending money on politicians has proven a waste and ineffective. the politicians hurt the union no matter what party affiliation. why should money influence the making of the right choice , it does so only because in this corrupt system the right choice is the one that will bring the most dollars toward reelection. We are better off putting our dollars to work at the local level organizing and establishing a from the ground up network. one reminder for those that might of forgotten Clinton pushed NAFTA THRU. WHAT EVER PARTY IS IN POWER MATTERS LITTLE WHEN THE CORPORATE MONEY PAY FOR THE ELECTION.

[lineman641]

CONTRACT PROPOSAL ACCEPTED BY MEMBERSHIP



Today, the Eleven Local Unions reported the results of the Contract Proposal vote held throughout the state over the past three weeks to the Recording Secretary of the System Council U-4, IBEW.

The official results of this vote by the Membership, is to accept the Contract Proposal that was recommended by your System Committee and Delegates of the System Council. The majority of the voting Membership accepting this proposal ratifies the Contract effective today, August 3, 2005.

The System Council office and your System Committee would like to thank the Membership for participating in the contract proposal voting process and appreciate your continued support.

With the ratification of this Contract, comes a tremendous amount of work to be done by both the Union and Company, to ensure that our Members receive the proposed benefits as designed.

We would encourage your continued participation in our organization’s process and together, we can strive to further the objects of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

We encourage all our members to continue to focus on SAFETY and infuse these values within your family and fellow workers.

System Council U-4, IBEW
3944 Florida Blvd.
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. 33410

[lineman barn]

And in this same time frame with all of this growth can you give us how many people fpl has hired to keep up with the growth how many they have lost through death, retirement, and ones that were just fed up and pissed off your are sure right its a real shame

Hey, I know a company in the same state, just north, with the same conditions. In fact, they just offered early retirement expecting 500 to take it and 1500 did! They let most of them leave in June, just before storm season! Who in the heck makes those kinds of decisions? The guys are about worked to death and we still have the peak of hurricane season.

Won't name the company cause they have gotten extremely trigger happy these days. You know who it is though!

[linewizard]

Hey, I know a company in the same state, just north, with the same conditions. In fact, they just offered early retirement expecting 500 to take it and 1500 did! They let most of them leave in June, just before storm season! Who in the heck makes those kinds of decisions? The guys are about worked to death and we still have the peak of hurricane season.

Won't name the company cause they have gotten extremely trigger happy these days. You know who it is though!

Progress Energy Florida
And yes they are trigger happy

[lineman641]

Negotiation News



August 3rd, 2005 Volume #1 Number #28


Contract Proposal Results

By Percentage of Those That Voted
51.82 % For - 48.18% Against

The result of this Contract Proposal vote was extremely close. In saying that, our process was formed on the basis of the majority and the majority has voted to accept.

The System Council office and your Negotiating Committee understand that there are a number of Quality of Life issues that are affecting the Membership on a daily basis. Though they are not all directly related to the contractual provisions, these issues need to be addressed. It is our intent to pursue these issues within all of the Business Units.

As stated in our last bulletin, we encourage your continued participation in your organization’s process and together, we can strive to further the objects of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

The Local Union is the basic unit of the IBEW. A Local Union is the people in it, and the people are the Union.


System Council U-4, IBEW
.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .........................................do you still think your vote won't make a differance???????

[lineman641]

this thread will not go away,I'm not going to quit . ..I hope you will not quit either..........................................so what's going on!!!

[lineman641]

Let it die it's over
not gonna happen!!!!!!

[rick]

Hey 641, Is it true that there is a bunch of guys turning in their union cards and not paying dues anymore? If so, how if at all, will that effect any hiring procedures? I ask, cuz I want to work there, but I don't want to go to Miami for long, if at all.

[lineman641]

Hey 641, Is it true that there is a bunch of guys turning in their union cards and not paying dues anymore? If so, how if at all, will that effect any hiring procedures? I ask, cuz I want to work there, but I don't want to go to Miami for long, if at all.
Rick, to answer your second question, no I don’t think it would have any effect on hiring at all and you can count on being in the dade – broward area for at least a year or two………..the first question, I haven’t heard of anyone doing that ,I would hope that the membership might get more involved instead of quitting. But so far it’s back to business as usual since the contract was settled…local 1191(west palm) is having a “do over” election there tomorrow ..i guess we’ll see what happens?.........one thing for sure rick,the sooner you hire on the sooner you’ll have a chance to get back home ..

[lineman641]

A second wave of Florida Power & Light Company restoration workers arrived in Lumberton, Texas this week to aid Gulf Coast utilities in restoring electric service to customers hard hit by Hurricane Rita.
FPL's total workforce, including contractors, now numbers 766. The latest wave of workers including 67 FPL employees and 80 contractor personnel will be providing assistance to Entergy, CenterPoint Energy and CLECO utilities in Texas and Louisiana.
"In the event of great natural disasters such as hurricanes, utility companies call on each other for support in restoring service to customers as quickly and safely and possible," Geisha J. Williams, FPL's vice president of distribution, said. "Similar to how other utilities have supported our restoration efforts following hurricanes that have made landfall in our service territory, we are now doing our part to restore service to Gulf Coast communities devastated by Hurricane Rita."
The additional crews arrived safely in Lumberton earlier this week and after receiving a safety briefing from Entergy went to work reconnecting service to two main electrical distribution lines which by the end of the day had restored power to a number of Lumberton residents, City Hall and the Police Department. Lumberton, Texas is about 15 miles from Beaumont which is about 90 miles from Houston.
"Entergy Texas sincerely appreciates the help that FPL is providing to our crews as we work to correct the massive damage that Hurricane Rita left in her wake," said Joe Domino, president and CEO of Entergy Texas. "I assure you that customers whose lights are coming on are extremely happy to see those FPL trucks and workers in their neighborhoods."
Since arriving in Texas, FPL crews have been working 16-hour shifts, sometimes in high temperatures, to rebuild and restore service to an area devastated by Hurricane Rita 14 days ago. FPL's first wave of workers was responsible for bringing the first lights back on in Lumberton and Beaumont, Texas. So far, FPL crews have restored three electrical substations containing 11 main lines in residential areas and a water plant.

© 2005 BusinessWire

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

Tent City for FPL workers,heard it's not going good,4 porta potties and 4 showers for 200 men,30 minute wait on your time for showers,but then you get your 8 hour rest per union,cough, union, cough, glad I did'nt go.

[lineman641]

hey trash ,knee's and the rest of you fpl'res ..hope all is well with you and your family..hours been long ,and the company has not changed,we need to take care of our own first..as armondo says ,thank you for your sacrifice....now get back to work!!.....and don't forget to do pole inspection.....what a joke!!!

[LINETRASH]

I just went off those ****ing 16's.

It was voluntary for a couple of more days.

I volunteered to work 8 and the gate!

When the ***** hit, I worked 40 straight hours, not enough sense to go home.

Hope everybody did ok.

[lineman641]

There has been a lot of F.p.l. discussions on this board lately, tent city, pole maintenance, reporters and as trash says “we’ll be on storm work and mandatory overtime forever. Well ya know, pretty much all that has been said is right!...So who do we blame?? The company, the union, the government, our selves??? The answer to that is yes! The company has no respect for their employees, our families or their customers. They will back stab each other in a heart beat so they get there bonus money. We work 18 months a year, some voluntary, some mandatory. I think we’ll see a lot more mandatory than voluntary in the near future because “we don’t have anybody else”.. The company has absolutely no respect for our union because we have let that happen over the years. I know that most the members on this board are not the problem but we as a whole just voted in a new contract, I sure as hell don’t like it but its there! I personally don’t give a **** if the company does no maintenance, doesn’t buy tools or material, but I will work accordingly by following their safety book. That is the best thing we have. The company sure as hell has no respect for the contract. The system council is not the one to blame completely, we pay dues and then expect some one else to do all the work. We must all get involved and do are part if we are going to change the way things are done and the way we are treated. When you go to the next meeting, look around, you’ll see what I’m talking about.. Of the 3000 members of SC-U4, 800 are eligible for retirement, you can bet that most are looking real hard at that, and we’ll still be here with even less people to do the work. There is no one to take there place. I got into line work when I was 18 years old, I love the trade and I am proud to be a lineman, the money is good, but is it worth not being around your kids as they grow up? There are many guys that I know that are looking into and finding a different way of life… .F.P.L. Thinks they can get anyone to do line work. I guess there going to find out…They don’t care, why should we?.............THERE IS LIFE AFTER FPL..

[youngbuck]

We need solidarity . Fpl can be a great place to work it is up to us.


union

better pay
better life
better pension
that is what I want for my family


and most of all for the future

[gulf power sucks!!]

As much as i hear from the fpl guys, over in gulf, we are haven't the same problems. sucks sucks sucks

[Uma]

We all pretty much have the same problems.Our issues here at Progress Energy Fla are the same as yours.Not enough people to many hours and a company that cares only for the shareholders and thier returns $$$$$ :mad: We have only each other to look to for support.So we all had better wake up to that fact.It is true United We Stand Divided We Fall.What is good for FPL is good for PEFla or as some of us like to still say FPC.One good thing for us though is the Carolinas are showing signs of intrest in organizing.And I think I know some folks who will be glad to help them.So maybe we will have a few more thousand brothers and sisters in our future :)

[lineman63]

the union at fpl does what ever management wants at least in south florida i have herd the rest of the state is not this way

[lineman641]

February 23, 2006
IBEW Files Application to Intervene in Constellation/FPL Merger Process
IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill today issued the following statement:
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers filed with the Maryland Public Service Commission its application to intervene in the proposed merger between Constellation Energy Group and FPL Group today. We continue to assess all the ramifications of this proposal as we determine our position on the merger.
Certainly with a utility merger of this size, there is much at stake for ratepayers, employees and shareholders. We are watching developments closely and urge our elected officials and state and federal regulators to do the same.
Together these two companies would form the nation’s largest competitive energy supplier and its second-largest electric utility. Service to consumers, jobs and critical infrastructure are among the many important aspects of this merger which must be fully and properly considered.
This is also an important, precedent-setting first case for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s new merger approval authority, a responsibility it inherited as a result of the 2006 repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act.
Our priority will be to ensure that the best interests of consumers and all workers at both companies – including our 3,300 members at FPL’s regulated utility, Florida Power and Light, and 750 members at Constellation’s Nine Mile Point nuclear power plant in upstate New York – are fully protected.
IBEW represents approximately 750,000 members in numerous industries, including 220,000 at investor-owned, federal and municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives.
###

[OLE' SORE KNEES]

the union at fpl does what ever management wants at least in south florida i have herd the rest of the state is not this way
I think it 's that way pretty much across the state thanks to SCU4.

[lineman641]

It’s been almost six months since the last contract was in effect and all is back to normal. I guess the company is treating everybody good so there are no complaints and everybody’s happy. Well for those who have not been in touch lately let me fill you in. there is a general grievance in right now about our sick time, seems the company does not want to give you 320 hours unless you had that already. .. There new storm restoration plan gives almost anyone and everyone a chance to close a switch. C.Y.A…..back at the yards, some are back to the issues of overtime, lack of tools or equipment and the computers on the trucks. The one thing I do know is that there are many retirements, and they will keep happening for several years. Job posting is having more and more N.Q.A posts and jobs they discontinue. Must be from overstaffing. ……http://www.ibew.org/mergerwatch....... Has anyone been keeping up with the merger? There are several interesting things to read on this site. One is the scare tactics bg&e has used to keep the union out… The company wants to keep on getting bigger but will keep on treat’ in us like we have no life except f.p.l… The “ season” is just around the corner, afternoon thunder storms and more hurricanes. The boys up north get the snow and ice, out west its fires and earthquakes and in the middle are the tornados. I guess its back to our turn. I realize this is part of our business but the 16 hour days seem to get longer every year. Come home tired and go back tired, you’re kids are sleepin when you get home and when you leave. by October they have grown up a little more .maybe the season will be over by December this year ? There can be only one reason we do this year after year, in conditions where most people won’t leave their home and supervision won’t leave the office. We really enjoy line work, even after all the bull****. I wonder why most companies still give those physiological tests, they have to know by now a lineman cant be right in the head! …………To the members who have recently retired, good luck and enjoy. To those getting ready to, keep workin safe!.....As for the rest of us…..well, I guess there is always the lottery.

[Red Rooster]

I have a battle to do if alone, now is the time to get our house in order.
It is time for dead union member's to come alive,Lineman are going to be even more scarce next contract,let's do it and quit whining !

(cock-adoodle DAM-DO)
RED ROOSTER............"still scratching for better corn"

[Floridian]

Hey red rooster get this the neg. committee is negoaiting a clause for quality of life. You can go home at your normal quitting time and the company will call you back anytime up to 4 hours and you will have to come back.

[lineman641]

I have a battle to do if alone, now is the time to get our house in order.
It is time for dead union member's to come alive,Lineman are going to be even more scarce next contract,let's do it and quit whining !

(cock-adoodle DAM-DO)
RED ROOSTER............"still scratching for better corn"
tell it like it is rooster.glad your back!!!!..you are not alone!!!

[lineman641]

Hey red rooster get this the neg. committee is negoaiting a clause for quality of life. You can go home at your normal quitting time and the company will call you back anytime up to 4 hours and you will have to come back.
the company can call you anytime....they did that years ago, send you home after 8 and call you back in an hour so they can keep you for 16 more .......... sometimes the best answer is no answer at all.......get it!.......or take yourself off the ot list...read the contract....

[lineman641]

any word on what happened at the sc-u4 meeting last week? should be some new blood on the neg comm. some good news would be nice

[lineman641]

seems like somethings up here...........the merger fell through,and stocks go crazy.this is a good thing......but i see the company come in and take alot of extra trucks,trailers and equipment and send them to the auction?? what are we suppose to use??...... i hear automotive is closeing 3 shops and 30 employees . i hear they are discontinueing some t-man spots so they have more for service work?? the custermors come first right?.....over budget they say. what a joke, they'll be over budget by march next year just from the make up from this year....."harden" the system they say??..........this is still the best source of information we seem to have...........lots of retirements but they seem to be screwing all the kids that want to hire on as ap's......what's the word????

[KingRat]

seems like somethings up here...........the merger fell through,and stocks go crazy.this is a good thing......but i see the company come in and take alot of extra trucks,trailers and equipment and send them to the auction?? what are we suppose to use??...... i hear automotive is closeing 3 shops and 30 employees . i hear they are discontinueing some t-man spots so they have more for service work?? the custermors come first right?.....over budget they say. what a joke, they'll be over budget by march next year just from the make up from this year....."harden" the system they say??..........this is still the best source of information we seem to have...........lots of retirements but they seem to be screwing all the kids that want to hire on as ap's......what's the word????
sounds like a good time to go to the auction and buy yourself a line truck- maybe even get two, go into biz yourself and stop hiding behind some white card,call your own shots and maybe even start your own club, what do you think?

[Trampbag]

Yup, borrow some money from relatives so the bank will give you a loan to buy couple of old trucks and go into business against others who buy a couple of old trucks. Cut each others throat and don’t make enough to do proper maintenance on your equipment. In several years after working and worrying yourself half to death you won’t have the equipment any more because it was worked to death, probably even before you got it, but what the hell. In for a penny, in for a pound.

So then you pick up the pieces and borrow more money so you can start all over again till you’re too old and broken down to do it the third time. No pension, no health, no body cares. And do you know who will win???


F.P & L.

Not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. (That means businessman.)

[KingRat]

c-mon tramp, didnt expect that answer from you, thought you had more moxie. your right tho- thats the way it could go. a lot of work out there, you know its all in the timing.

[Trampbag]

Entrepreneurs have a gift of knowing how to start a business and make it a “going concern”. Not everyone makes a good businessman. Personally I don’t have either the knowledge or the training in business practices to make and keep a “going concern”.

I have worked for many small line contractors, 2 or three crews max, and have found many, over half for sure, have the same problem. They fail to have a good maintenance program for their equipment, especially if they have started from a knee jerk reaction with low funds and cast off equipment. Most last less than 10 years. It gets even harder when a lot of like minded linemen get into “business” competing against each other because the huge utility changes direction and decides to seek the lowest price from their private contractors by increasing competition.

The lower price means the contractor does less maintenance on his equipment ensuring future major equipment failure. If that equipment isn’t working the business income stops.




Just because someone is a good lineman doesn’t make him a good line contractor. Just an observation.

[KingRat]

Good point-

[lineman641]

sounds like a good time to go to the auction and buy yourself a line truck- maybe even get two, go into biz yourself and stop hiding behind some white card,call your own shots and maybe even start your own club, what do you think?
Trampbag has a good post, the only thing he left out was that one million dollar$$$$ insurance policy you need for incorporation. I have spent halve my life getting out of debit, why get deeper.... Your reply to trampbag shows you do have some sense and understanding. I guess you are a lineman but you have no profile and I did not go back and read any of your other posts……. That “white card” you refer to is a JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN CERTIFICATE. I do have one. It means that I have been trained by the best program in the world. I have never nor will I ever hide behind it. It took a lot of hard work to get that and I’m proud of it. Just because I do have that card doesn’t make me or anyone else a great lineman, but personally I can say that I can work next to any lineman in the world and get the job done, safely and on time…….I already call my own shots, as a crew we decide what’s going to be done …..As far as starting my own club, I’m already in a club. It’s called the INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS. I think you might have heard of it…..we are not perfect, but I prefer to be part of this team than no team at all….there are a lot of good lineman out there, both union and non ,but I will stay where I am. That is my choice. For me it’s the right one.

[KingRat]

yeah, I probably was a little harsh-dont take it personal. I enjoy tramps posts- he is one of the few that make any sense other than the old lineman-and by the way its 5 million not 1.

[lineman641]

:cool:
yeah, I probably was a little harsh-dont take it personal. I enjoy tramps posts- he is one of the few that make any sense other than the old lineman-and by the way its 5 million not 1.
you did ask what I think...........take it personal..naa,no worries there......I enjoy their posts too.Its easy to see the ones who been there,done that,and got the t-shirt.I bet they both have a drawer full of them........stay safe