Pipeline Project Keeps Local G555 Growing with 70 New Members
|
In 2009, Dominion East Ohio, represented by UWUA Local G555, announced it would be handling part of the $2.6 billion Pipeline Infrastructure Replacement Project to replace 4,100 miles, nearly 20% of the company’s system. “Due to the increased need for utility worker expertise to handle the physical and clerical demands of the work and the Ohio Minimum Service Standards, Dominion has agreed to add staffing to fill 70 jobs in various areas,” says Local G555 President Mike Coleman. “These negotiations for new positions have required persistence and tenacity as we weather the recent economic storm,” continues Coleman. “As Utility Workers, that’s what we do. The new faces and opportunities are refreshing during such a dismal employment era.” In an effort to promote new job opportunities in the bargaining unit, the local’s executive committee also negotiated an agreement with the employer regarding the functions of Field Meter Services (FMS) and Meter Reading. The new classification provides entry level opportunities into the FMS Department while preserving the integrity of the wages and benefits of Local G555’s collective bargaining agreement. Organizing Clericals After lengthy negotiations, Dominion agreed to create an Asset Data Maintenance Operator job classification. The new  position is responsible for timely and accurate creation and maintenance of DEO’s asset data. The positions will be filled from the pool of existing contractors who currently perform this work. The agreement returns jobs to the bargaining unit and may result in new clerical opportunities. In addition, the agreement successfully resolves a pending arbitration between the parties.Supporting Utility Worker Bill Local G555 and Dominion are also reaching out to Republicans for support for Utility Worker Protection legislation, Senate Bill #202. The bill would increase penalties against individuals that commit crimes against utility workers. |
