Going Union

[Power24-7]

I am a 1st Class (Journeyman) Lineman in North Carolina. We are a non-union workforce, but there is alot of talk about going union lately. It's not that things are that bad here, it's the little changes that keep rolling down hill that are really frustrating us. Slowly decreasing health bennifits, overtime cuts, double time cuts, and an increasing number of supervisors and less senior lineman incharge of the jobs. This is not that same place I started at 8-9 years ago. We are having a meeting next week with the IBEW and I have looked over their website as well as postings at www.Elineman.com. We are definately ready for a change, I am not sure if Union is the answer. Looking for your experiences.
Thanks,
Power24/7

[edski104]

first,let me say hello to a fellow progress employee. i'm in florida,south coastal,and i feel your pain. i've been here only about 2 and 1/2 years but i can see the changes too. the biggest difference that you will see is that you will have everything in writing and the company CANNOT just up and make a new rule to cover something that comes up as it see's fit. i know that they like to try. like doing normal work after dark,sorry,can't do it. just it emergency times,such as replacing a cutout just to keep us busy during a prearrranged or such. in the contract,can't do it. stuff like that. but there is a lot of leeway as to what they can do. as for money,i guess you guys make a bit more than us to keep you from going union. we make $28.73 as a lineman and a whooping 35 cents an hour more for troubleman. insurance and everything else later. BUT,i've been in the IBEW for a great many years and hold an A ticket. wouldn't have it any other way. linemen are linemen,but the IBEW is the one place where we can all get together and work for the future and the betterment of EVERY lineman,be he union or non.good luck with your meeting and i hope to see you all vote YES on the union soon. edski104 :D

[stickstomper]

Go for it !! Best move we ever made at our company was when we joined the IBEW. It will level the playing field for both sides. Our motto here is the only reason you would not join the union is either you are too afraid or too stupid !
It is nice to know what you have and that the company can not take it away with a union contract in place. Good luck to you guys. Stick

[KingRat]

Go for it !! Best move we ever made at our company was when we joined the IBEW. It will level the playing field for both sides. Our motto here is the only reason you would not join the union is either you are too afraid or too stupid !
It is nice to know what you have and that the company can not take it away with a union contract in place. Good luck to you guys. Stick
if your working for someone you trust why would you need a contract? and if you dont trust them why would you work for them?

[Electriceel]

Well said.
Simple as that.






if your working for someone you trust why would you need a contract? and if you dont trust them why would you work for them?

[NMSA122-G]

if your working for someone you trust why would you need a contract? and if you dont trust them why would you work for them?

Do you really think you can trust any company you work for? Surprise! They are in business to make money,, not to keep you happy. They could give a **** about you. It's only gonna get worse in this industry as long as you have business executives watching out for thier bottom line.
I think the union can be a good thing, and it's your choice to join.. But thinking you can trust your employer?? Now that's stupid!

[Bell Wrench]

Any truth to Halpin putting in a bid to buy out JCR? You wouldn't know because your owner won't tell you. You have no say in what happens to your, I mean, your owners company. Next year King Rat will be singin' the union's great tune just like everyone else. Anyone ever notice the only people who bust on unions are people who don't belong to one,or in King Rats case, possibly, can't get into one.

[Trampbag]

if your working for someone you trust why would you need a contract? and if you dont trust them why would you work for them?


"Trust everyone, but brand your cattle."

[JD426H]

Power 24/7....PEC here too,and you sound like you're feeling the same frustration as we are. From what I hear,it's like that ALL over the Carolinas.If you think it's changed in 8 or 9 years....you shoulda been here 20-25 years ago! Definately a lot of interest in the union all over the Carolinas. The morale is the lowest now that it has been since the day I went to work here. As far as the supervisors go......aw hell,never mind! I'm sure you know. From what I'm hearing,the IBEW rep from Chattanooga is supposed to be back around soon.

Edski.....I know several linemen from Florida,and the pay difference thing seems to be pretty much a myth to kind of drive a wedge between the PEF and PEC linemen. Our take home pay is the same,even though we make a little more per hour.The difference is there is no state tax in FL,and there is here in the Carolinas.Compared check stubs with some FL dudes a few years ago and that's what it looked like to us. Thanks for your support :)

[loodvig]

People seem to drift in and away from JCR on a regular basis. I guess what I'm trying to say is that they have a turnover of help. I met a guy the other day who had just left JCR for Halpin/Hawkeye. He didn't say why he left and I didn't ask. Hawkeye has tons of work on the Grid property!

[KingRat]

Any truth to Halpin putting in a bid to buy out JCR? You wouldn't know because your owner won't tell you. You have no say in what happens to your, I mean, your owners company. Next year King Rat will be singin' the union's great tune just like everyone else. Anyone ever notice the only people who bust on unions are people who don't belong to one,or in King Rats case, possibly, can't get into one.
last year it was hawkeye,the year before that it was thiro,then ontarget and dont forget aspludh. we will be here next year, you might be in detroit. i dont know how that tune goes but dont get too cocky.anyone can get into the union as long as they have a pulse and you know it-loodvig can attest to that, our motto is if you cant cut it- you cant stay, period. should have asked if they quit or got fired-but it really doesnt matter because they are your liability now.the owners by the way are two of the reed boys who live to do linework and yes still work on crews. name one company in new england that has trained as many men as I.C.REED and J.C.R. WHO HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR OVER 80 YEARS COMBINED. HOW ABOUT IT BELLWRENCH :D

[KingRat]

"Trust everyone, but brand your cattle."
THATS GREAT

[Stanman, at ComEdy Il.]

You're a loser! Great to say what a great company you work for that kills people. On a regular basis. Let me guess, it was the workers fault, not the company they worked for. KingRat likes to see people killed, makes him feel like he's the big cheese.

Maybe you need to read the Safety forum, dimwit!

Just wishing no fatalities would take place because of ignorance.

[KingRat]

You're a loser! Great to say what a great company you work for that kills people. On a regular basis. Let me guess, it was the workers fault, not the company they worked for. KingRat likes to see people killed, makes him feel like he's the big cheese.

Maybe you need to read the Safety forum, dimwit!

Just wishing no fatalities would take place because of ignorance.
this company hasnt killed anybody? you better get back on your space ship :confused:

[edski104]

power, yea,the company will do that stuff to you. keep you guys apart, tell you guys different storys and such. but if they weren't worried about the union,why would they do such things? it's because they fear the loss of control they would have when a contract goes into effect. that just kills them. i wish the other parts of the company could get together,too,but even when you guys come down here on storm,we arn't supposed to talk to you.hows that for one company,etc. good luck still and if theres anything i can do.... :D

[JD426H]

Edski.....is it true that management and supervision is not even supposed to talk to employees about joining the union,let alone threaten and harass them? Few if any of the folks in the Carolinas were even born the last time we were union,let alone working at the co. We tried to get 51% in the late 90's and didn't make it. Does it have to be all or none,or can individual regions decide to go union? Man....we're like a bunch of sponges,we'll soak up all the info y'all can give us...lol. I asked someone in upper management last year if we weren't supposed to talk to linemen from FL.He asked me why?,and I told him that y'all had been told.....that WE had been told not to talk to the FL guys. He called BS on that and said to talk to any of our co-workers that we dang well pleased. I spent a good bit of time talking to linemen from FL last fall in Texas,and I ain't been fired yet...lol. I wore my "If provoked..." shirt to dinner more than once too:) Next time we have to live in tent city,we need to ALL get together just to shoot the ****. Talk about worrying management.....that would!

[Power24-7]

JD..... Does it have to be all or none?
The guys from the IBEW said that it would need to be all 4 regions for it to work.

[billfoster67]

The union is what you make it. If the bylaws are good. If pick the right BAs and E Board. If your stewards aren't job scared. If you as a union member are not afraid and make all the above accountable. It really works.

53, Kansas City, I went to their meeting. And that was a real good union. They were all Par Stars, but the way they conducted the meeting. The way the yards were run. The GFs in charge. All bargaining unit people. I was impressed with the way they did things. I dragged as soon as KCP+l went 5 eights after the storm restoration.

The Midwest is making a great comeback. OH, MI, and etc. The wages are getting higher. The retirements are getting better. The hospitalization is like all others sliding, but thats happening with every industry every where. 71 is doing great. The Cleveland rate is high.

71 meetings were always packed, I used to like the lingerie shows ...We used to get t shirts, jackets with the raffles. The collections for injured members were large.

Its based on the members how successful a union can be!!! Don't expect International to create things out of thin air... Its each job site...each member... each BA...the collective of everyone. And have rank and file make committees to work on current issues that needed to be addressed. And your E Board, make good choices... pick people with integrity. It really works!!!!

[Bell Wrench]

You ever hear of the Peter Principle King Rat? " Everyone is promoted to their level of incompetence" Just seen your guys working in the primary area in the rain last week on Russels Mills Road in Dartmouth, MA. The Reed boys may have been great linemen but good owners their not. That is, unless your leaders make you work in the rain without fear of losing their jobs....
Nice tools do not make smart linemen.

[loodvig]

"this company hasnt killed anybody? you better get back on your space ship"

No? What about Carl and Joe's brother? Ivan or Orin I forget the man's name.

[KingRat]

"this company hasnt killed anybody? you better get back on your space ship"

No? What about Carl and Joe's brother? Ivan or Orin I forget the man's name.
YOUR DIGGING DEEP ON THIS ONE LOODVIG, THAT WAS 30 YEARS AGO AND IT WAS ORRIN, LINEMAN AND CO-OWNER OF I.C.R., I HAPPEN TO WORK FOR J.C.R. CONSTRUCTION, I SUPPOSE NOW YOU WANT ME TO TELL YOU HOW IT HAPPENED? ANYTIME YOU WANT TO COMPARE STATS, BRING IT ON- I DONT OWN A SPACE SHIP, IM STILL GOING TO FIND OUT WHO WAS WORKING IN THE RAIN- NOTHING BUT THE FACTS

[loodvig]

I think Orrin Reed died from a pin hole in his glove. But, your right it was a long time ago.

[KingRat]

You ever hear of the Peter Principle King Rat? " Everyone is promoted to their level of incompetence" Just seen your guys working in the primary area in the rain last week on Russels Mills Road in Dartmouth, MA. The Reed boys may have been great linemen but good owners their not. That is, unless your leaders make you work in the rain without fear of losing their jobs....
Nice tools do not make smart linemen.
NEVER HEARD OF THAT, THOSE CREWS ON RUSSELS MILLS ROAD WERE RUNNING SECONDARY CRIB AND WERE NOT IN THE PRIMARY ZONE, I GUESS YOU DONT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE OR JUST NEED GLASSES. WE DONT DO PRIMARY WORK IN INCLEMENT WEATHER UNLESS STORM RELATED, ISNT THAT HOW THE CONTRACT READS. THE FOREMANS NAME IS KEITH, YOU SHOULD STOP ON ONE OF YOUR MANY TRIPS BY AND TELL HIM WHAT A POOR LEADER HE IS, IN FACT HE IS SO POOR THAT THEY TOLD HIM HIS CREWS ARE THE BEST THEY HAVE SEEN IN YEARS AND ARE GIVING HIM ANOTHER JOB TO DO AFTER THIS ONE IS FINISHED. NOBODY MAKES A LINEMAN DO SOMETHING HE DOESNT WANT TO DO-- CMON BELLWRENCH IS THAT THE BEST YOU CAN DO, YOU AND LOODVIG WORK TOGETHER OR JUST IN THE SAME CLUB :D

[Orgnizdlbr]

IN FACT HE IS SO POOR THAT THEY TOLD HIM HIS CREWS ARE THE BEST THEY HAVE SEEN IN YEARS AND ARE GIVING HIM ANOTHER JOB TO DO AFTER THIS ONE IS FINISHED.



Yup, same thing they tell everyone thats runnin a job...dont care where you are or who you are workin for, dont care if you're union or non-union....the'yll butter your ass and blow smoke up it, till you're done or do something that they dont like, then they drop ya like a used trojan... ....basic psychology 101 Mr. Rat!

[KingRat]

Yup, same thing they tell everyone thats runnin a job...dont care where you are or who you are workin for, dont care if you're union or non-union....the'yll butter your ass and blow smoke up it, till you're done or do something that they dont like, then they drop ya like a used trojan... ....basic psychology 101 Mr. Rat!
yeah, you got that right- they give you a days notice if your lucky, some of these comments are out of line, like the one loodvig just made, yeah he had a hole in his glove- whats the point in bringing up old ****- i wouldn"t wish an accident on anyone or any company, union or non.

[edski104]

jd & power, no,the supervisers are not supposed to say or do anything to sway your thinking in one direction or another,but they always do.they shouldn't promise extra stuff that you'll get is you vote to keep the union out,but they do,and if the union doesn't make it,god forgive anyone who was talking it up. as for some areas being organized and others not,i don't really know. i mean down here we are, and you guys aren't,but we were hearing rumers that you would be to make the company more saleable to potential buyers. just rumers,tho. i'd say that you could be partially orgaized by different districts,as long as they were large enough.good luck.stay safe. :cool:

[igloo64]

LET THE RAT COCK ROACHES STAY WHERE THEY ARE. JOIN THE UNION AND YOU WONT BE STUCK IN ONE LITTLE RAT HOLE . THERE IS PLENTY OF UNION WORK OUT THERE AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GO WHERE YOU WANT TO AND WONT GET STUCK IN SOME RAT HOLE UTILITY. HEAT AND HUMIDITY BREEDS RATS AND LOW WAGES. SO STAY OUT OF THE SOUTH. DONT FORGET THEY LOST THE CIVIL WAR BECAUSE THEY WERE POOR THEN ALSO. :D :cool:

[KingRat]

LET THE RAT COCK ROACHES STAY WHERE THEY ARE. JOIN THE UNION AND YOU WONT BE STUCK IN ONE LITTLE RAT HOLE . THERE IS PLENTY OF UNION WORK OUT THERE AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GO WHERE YOU WANT TO AND WONT GET STUCK IN SOME RAT HOLE UTILITY. HEAT AND HUMIDITY BREEDS RATS AND LOW WAGES. SO STAY OUT OF THE SOUTH. DONT FORGET THEY LOST THE CIVIL WAR BECAUSE THEY WERE POOR THEN ALSO. :D :cool:
sounds like you have been livin in a hole the way you talk, good lineman can go anywhere to work- union or not, look over your shoulder my friend and see there are more non-union lineman than union. power 24-7, you guys have a big decision to make and it all boils down to cutting your own deal or letting someone else do the talking for you. how would you like having this guy negotiate for you.talk to as many people as you can, there are a lot of good ones on this site, well not a lot but you can tell who is sincere and who is just trying to sell. good luck

[igloo64]

I guess you guys are right. Theres a bunch of rat lineman workn at burger king and 7-11.

[matt 1245]

If You Go Rat You Mite As Well Go Down To Homedepot And Introduce Your Self, Because That's The Same Guy You'll Be Working With In A The Near Future

[JD426H]

Hey Power.....sorry,kinda been out of touch lately.Nobody has signed yet,and so far no more meetings with the dude from Chattanooga.There are 4 people working the 3-11 shift M-F. 2 servicemen,and 2 crew call guys. It started out as only 2 servicemen,but there was too much work for 2 people to handle. It's been named the 3 till daylight shift.....because that's pretty much what it's become. Work all night more times than not,and go home on payed rest during the day. We have been divided up into a service dept,a repair crew,a revenue crew,and a construction crew. The servicemen are the only ones that take 1st call,and are not allowed to swap call with any of the crew guys.It's the worst flustercluck I've seen since I have been with the co. ! Nobody is happy and morale is lower than whale ****. Accidents have soared since all this turmoil began,but our region management just can't seem to figure out why. There's a few people working on setting up another meeting.When I hear something worth telling,I'll let you know.In the meantime,work safe and focus on what you're doing RIGHT NOW instead of worrying about the bull****.That's what we're trying to do.

[stickstomper]

We have been in the same boat as you guys. We were afraid and skeptical when we first started talking of union representation. That was 5 years ago and I can honestly tell you that hanging tough and voting in the IBEW was the best move we ever made PERIOD. We only won buy a few votes but that was good enough. Now we know exactly what we get just by opening the contract up. No more good ole boys kissing some ass to get better treatment than somebody else. The first negotiation was the toughest and probably not the best, but we have gained ground since and have a pretty darn decent contract. I have been on both sides of the fence and can tell you I would never work NON-union again. Make sure the rats that are telling you about what a union is have actually belonged to one before you take their advice.
If you really must work for less than you are worth, make it easy on yourself and just stay home and buy stocks at a HIGH price and sell them at a LOW price. That is a much easier way to loose money than working for a living at a loss. Stick

[Power24-7]

Check your Private Messages. Let me know if you got the info. ;)

[WRALineman]

PGN-Carolinas lineman here that is opposed to the union. I have been with PGN for 8 years, worked with a contractor for 5 years before that, I can tell you that alot guys don't know how good they have it here. I understand what some of the complaints are about the company, but some I don't. I talked with one guy that said he wanted a union just to have a contract so he wouldn't be let go during that time frame. I hear guy say, we don't make enough money. Our benefits are being cut out. I can tell you that, I have the best benefits I have ever had in my lifetime of work. I am a high school grad, making $80,000+ a year. And as far as a contract so I don't get fired, well if I am not performing like I should, I should be let go.
So to all the guys that don't have a valid reason for the union. Are fed up and not happy about the way the company is going, or just so unhappy that you complain about everything. QUIT! Trust me, I know 10 top 1st class lineman that would love to get on here right now.
The lights have been on for nearly 100 years, they will not go off because you leave.

[Bull Dog]

I can tell you sir the reason you have that pay and benefits is beacuse of the ibew. Wake up and smell the coffee! 80 grand aint nothing now a days and your getting screwed. It is also a matter of pride that you dont have to kneel every time the boss says to. You need to wake up my friend.

[Smokester]

PGN-Carolinas lineman here that is opposed to the union. I have been with PGN for 8 years, worked with a contractor for 5 years before that, I can tell you that alot guys don't know how good they have it here. I understand what some of the complaints are about the company, but some I don't. I talked with one guy that said he wanted a union just to have a contract so he wouldn't be let go during that time frame. I hear guy say, we don't make enough money. Our benefits are being cut out. I can tell you that, I have the best benefits I have ever had in my lifetime of work. I am a high school grad, making $80,000+ a year. And as far as a contract so I don't get fired, well if I am not performing like I should, I should be let go.
So to all the guys that don't have a valid reason for the union. Are fed up and not happy about the way the company is going, or just so unhappy that you complain about everything. QUIT! Trust me, I know 10 top 1st class lineman that would love to get on here right now.
The lights have been on for nearly 100 years, they will not go off because you leave.


You are in a dream world...a "Good Lineman"......don't know if you're there yet kid.....make mega bucks compared to 80K....LOL.........wake up and smell the $'s.....LOL .......what a pup.......LOL

[WRALineman]

I don't knock you guys that have a union, more power to you. But, the guys that came to the company I work for..before me, with me and came after I did..knew we were not union. We applied for a job, we accepted a job..we are lineman. Things change that are out of our control, however we work for a company, the company has managers/supervisors..when you are asked to do a job you do it. I still haven't heard a valid reason...and I still say, "If these guys are so unhappy, leave."
A lot of the guys I hear talking union, will complain if we get a union, will complain if we don't get a union. If you give them all the OT they want, they complain, take it away..they complain. Give them everything they want, and they still will complain. So where do you draw the line? The guys that don't want a union are fed up with the complaining...it kills teamwork and the workplace is miserable.
As far as waking up and smelling the coffee, I am awake, I am not a young pup...and the money doesn't matter. I love what I do, and I love a union free workplace.

[igloo64]

Good for you !