payattention
07-10-2006, 12:44 AM
IBEW MEMBERS AT FP&L
Due to the complete lack of leadership and poor judgment by some members of System Council U-4, it is time for all to take a more active roll in directing the System committee on issues affecting this membership. I urge all members affiliated with SCU-4 to obtain a copy of the IBEW Constitution, your L.U. and System Council U-4 By-Laws. Article III, Section 12, of SC U-4 By-laws gives the delegates of each local the ability to instruct the System Council on affairs that affect our membership.
The 420 transfer of pension funds, voted on in our last contract, allowed up to 25 million dollars per year for five years. Seven of the 11 local unions in SC U-4 included proposals to the last contract to change post 1997 retirement benefits. In the event the company requests a second 420 transfer in the future it must be on the conditions that all participants in the plan receive:
1. Improved retirement benefits
2. Abolish the current two tier system by returning all post 1997 benefits
3. Include language that guarantees all benefits for the life of the employee
If we continue funding this plan, there is no reason these conditions cannot be met. Due to the poor legal advice and possible misconduct from our current attorneys, I strongly suggest new legal council as soon as possible. All contract language in our bargaining unit handbook such as, “FPL reserves the right to amend, modify or terminate retirement medical coverage at any time”, must be deleted. For further information on this matter click on this link:
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/retireehealthbenefits.pdf
This affects all bargaining unit employees regardless of seniority or classification. You remember the old saying “United we Stand, Divided We Beg”, well, what is it going to be? (Brother).
Due to the complete lack of leadership and poor judgment by some members of System Council U-4, it is time for all to take a more active roll in directing the System committee on issues affecting this membership. I urge all members affiliated with SCU-4 to obtain a copy of the IBEW Constitution, your L.U. and System Council U-4 By-Laws. Article III, Section 12, of SC U-4 By-laws gives the delegates of each local the ability to instruct the System Council on affairs that affect our membership.
The 420 transfer of pension funds, voted on in our last contract, allowed up to 25 million dollars per year for five years. Seven of the 11 local unions in SC U-4 included proposals to the last contract to change post 1997 retirement benefits. In the event the company requests a second 420 transfer in the future it must be on the conditions that all participants in the plan receive:
1. Improved retirement benefits
2. Abolish the current two tier system by returning all post 1997 benefits
3. Include language that guarantees all benefits for the life of the employee
If we continue funding this plan, there is no reason these conditions cannot be met. Due to the poor legal advice and possible misconduct from our current attorneys, I strongly suggest new legal council as soon as possible. All contract language in our bargaining unit handbook such as, “FPL reserves the right to amend, modify or terminate retirement medical coverage at any time”, must be deleted. For further information on this matter click on this link:
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/retireehealthbenefits.pdf
This affects all bargaining unit employees regardless of seniority or classification. You remember the old saying “United we Stand, Divided We Beg”, well, what is it going to be? (Brother).