ESC Local 20 and PG&E Exchange Bargaining Proposals:
The ESC Local 20 Core Bargaining Committee, plus Executive VP Tim Brock met with PG&E Management today to exchange initial proposals. Sr. VP of HR John Simon made opening remarks about the challenging situation facing PG&E. ESC Local 20 Executive Director Karen Sawislak opened the bargaining by discussing ESC Local 20′s priorities for safety, professional development and employment and retirement security. ESC Local 20 President John Mader walked the company through highlights of ESC’s nearly 160 proposals and explained the benefits that ESC’s changes would bring to both employees and the Company.
Summaries of both sides’ proposals are posted below:
ESC PGE 2011 Summary Bargaining Proposals 6-10-11 (Click on the actual document to open it)
Company Proposals(Click on the actual document to open it)
Company Benefits Proposals_ESC (Click on the actual document to open it)
The summary document is a complete list of all ESC proposals for general negotiations. We also are posting the full text of all proposals that were fully drafted as of today (note, only about half the proposals are fully drafted). Along with the summary document, these full text proposals were submitted to the Company for consideration as part of the initial package.
2011 ESC-PGE Proposals 061011 (Click on the actual document to open it)
BARGAINING UPDATES
Bargaining Update #35: April 19, 2012
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at 245 Market Street with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves. The Company was represented by Negotiators Steve Rayburn, Jeff Delaney, Alan Andrus, and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Land & Environmental Management, Service Planning, and Electric Engineering.
ESC was disappointed with the lack of significant movement by the Company, especially in regard to the Company’s proposed cash balance pension plan. The Union expressed that its goal remains a ratifiable agreement.
The main topic of the day was benefits. The Company presented revisions to its benefits proposals to change the structure of health insurance and pension for new hires. In addition Management presented information about the historic funding requirements of the pension plan.
The revised company medical proposal (summarized):
2013: go from the current four providers down to two – only Kaiser and Anthem/Blue Cross. 2014: Introduce the new medical coverage: a PG&E funded high deductible healthcare with maximum out of pocket of 2,400/yr (single) and 4,800 (family) and a Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HRA). The offer has been changed to include a total of PG&E provided automatic and incentive contributions in the HRA of $1,000 (single) and $2,000 (family) for 2015 and beyond, with an extra $250/$500 in 2014. The new offer changes from fully covered drugs and lab work for 9 specified chronic conditions to a list of fully covered (i.e. free) drugs and lab work, regardless of condition.
The revised company retirement proposal (summarized):
The only change was a commitment to not propose changes to the future cash balance pension or the current pension for current employees for 6 years “barring unforeseen regulatory, legislative, financial, or other changes”.
The offer included a requirement that the bargaining committee recommend a yes vote.
ESC asked detailed questions. The Union did not formally respond. However the Union strongly protested the tying of the company’s offer with a requirement of the yes vote by the Committee. ESC reiterated its pension counter-proposal for new employees. ESC noted the Company’s concern regarding funding of the Pension Plan, and pointed out that ESC’s counter offer would address the same issue while keeping the overall value of retirement benefits for new hires equivalent to current employees.
ESC withdrew its proposal for expanded selection panels for Senior Design Engineer positions in frustration with management’s inability to agree despite multiple revisions. Finally, there was some discussion around monthly staffing processes which ESC hopes will help move to a compromise on that complicated issue.
Both sides are still holding April 26 as a likely next bargaining date.
In Unity,
Your Bargaining Committee
Bargaining Update #34: April 3, 2012
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at ESC Offices with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Alan Andrus, and other managers from Land & Environmental Management, Service Planning, and Electric Engineering.
The bargaining session started with ESC raising its serious concerns about the Company’s most recent package offer from Feb 22: the lesser value Cash Balance pension proposal, the design of the STIP program, lack of parity for new groups, problematic aspects to monthly staffing, SNBR’s doing estimates, combination of Protection Engineers, and other items, including the fact that the Company conditioned key substantive issues on the recommendation of the bargaining committee.
ESC also raised the issue of IBEW having voted down the Company’s offer, which includes the same benefits as the Feb. 22 package, and what this means for ESC’s bargaining on benefits. The Company stated that it requires a package to be approved by ESC’s bargaining committee very soon and ratified by May 15 so as to have time for the Benefits department to implement the changeover to new medical benefits.
ESC asked for a clarification of the “Most Favored Nations” clause in the Feb. 22 package, which means that ESC would accept the new healthcare and pension benefits, but any improvements subsequently negotiated by IBEW would apply to ESC. ESC’s main question was what would happen if IBEW reached and ratified an agreement without the new pension or medical plan (or both) and preserving the old benefit design – would the “Most Favored Nations” clause then mean that ESC then be able to go back to the previous benefits? The answer was no. Management clarified that if ESC ratifies an agreement with Cash Balance and the new healthcare, any improvements to the design of those plans would be applied to ESC’s benefits, but Cash Balance and the new healthcare would be applied to ESC represented members in 2013 in any event.
ESC said that it would be difficult to recommend a package that contains benefits that are complex and unpopular, in a context where improvements were possible but unknown. ESC’s bargaining committee believes that members want to see what they are voting on, and the “most favored nations” clause would not provide adequate protection.
The downside of a “wait and see” approach on benefits is that the Company stated that the .025% recommendation bonus and 0.5% ratification bonus might not be available to ESC if the Union chooses to wait, because this GWI package might not be available for the IBEW.
Essentially, the Union committee had to choose between recommending member ratification of a package with numerous flaws and uncertain benefits (and which was rejected 2 to 1 by IBEW members), or negotiating in a similar timeframe with the IBEW with similar GWI as the IBEW and potentially without the ratification bonuses in order to see what the full benefits deal will look like and to have an opportunity for further bargaining. After consultation with the Unit Board by telephone, ESC chose to wait.
ESC has scheduled two more bargaining sessions, for April 19 and 26.
Bargaining Update #34, March 2, 2012
ESC Local 20 and the Company have agreed to cancel the negotiation session scheduled for today, Friday March 2. Future sessions will be scheduled next week. The Bargaining Committee made this decision because more time is needed to assess the best path toward moving toward a table agreement. The rejection of the Company’s final offer by IBEW Physical and Benefits has added complications to the ESC negotiation process.
ESC will continue to seek movement from management in key areas including the STIP program, Benefits and working conditions for monthly and hourly employees. A CAN call is scheduled for Thursday.
More information about the status of bargaining will be forthcoming next week.
John Mader
ESC Local 20 President
Karen Sawislak
ESC Local 20 Executive Director
Bargaining Update #33: February 22, 2012
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at 245 Market Street with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves. The Company was represented by Negotiators Steve Rayburn, Jeff Delaney, Olivia Brown and Alan Andrus, and other managers from HR, Service Planning, and Electric Engineering.
This was planned to be the final bargaining session for ESC and PG&E to reach a comprehensive agreement.
After signing Tentative Agreements related to Agency Shop provisions, GIS development and probationary status for exempt employees, the discussion turned to major items. The Union and the Company exchanged package offers for the entire agreement. Many of the Company’s proposals in their package deal are contingent on the recommendation of the bargaining committee. Although some progress has been made, significant differences remain in the key areas of STIP and cash balance pension, and some issues related to working conditions.
After staying at the table until well into the evening, the parties agreed to reconvene next week for what is expected to be a final bargaining session on Thursday, March 1.
A CAN call is scheduled today at 3:30. Due to participation limits please attempt to call as groups where possible.
In Unity,
Your Bargaining Committee
Bargaining Update #32: February 9, 2012
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at the ESC Office with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney, Olivia Brown and Alan Andrus, and other managers from HR, Service Planning, Land Department and Electric Engineering.
Management presented its proposal for General Wage Increase: 2.75% in each year of the contract, with 2012 GWI retroactive to January 1.
Regarding pension, ESC presented a counter-proposal (posted below). ESC’s counter proposal is much more equivalent in value to the current Defined Benefit pension and also contains a guarantee against future conversion of existing employees into Cash Balance without their consent. ESC also presented a counter proposal on Health Insurance, pushing for some minor modifications to covered conditions and medications (also posted below).
On the other major point of contention – STIP, there was heated discussion. ESC’s entire bargaining committee presented a long list of complaints and problems with STIP. After a break, management did make improvements to their STIP proposal. Their new offer is that monthly ESC members currently without STIP – i.e. Distribution Engineers, Monthly Land Department, Project Managers and Analysts, and Electric Engineers – would receive a 1% GWI each year, and an additive 1.75% STIP target each year. So the STIP targets for these employees would be:
- 2012: 1.75%
- 2013: 3.5%
- 2014: 5.25%
ESC’s committee acknowledged this movement but said that this is far from sufficient to win the Union’s support.
Several minor items were closed out. ESC and Management agreed to establish a “Gas Transmission Staffing Committee” to discuss potential changes to classifications in Gas Transmission – nothing would be official without approval from ESC and Management. The parties also agreed to a “Grievance Procedure Improvement Committee” with the goal of speeding up and improving the handling of grievances.
ESC Counter Proposal: Cash Balance Pension CB-7
ESC Counter Proposal: Health Insurance CB-8
Bargaining Update #31: February 8, 2012
ESC Solidarity “CAN” DO!
ESC today presented management’s negotiating committee with 1,183 postcards signed by members all over the Company, from Eureka to Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Our committee again made the point that freezing salaries and implementing an anti-motivational bonus program is unacceptable. Our bargaining committee expresses thanks to all the members who participated, and especially to all the CAN leaders around the company who helped circulate and collect the postcards in a very short 3-week window. Postcards continue to come in. This is a real showing of unity and we know it will make a difference.
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at the ESC Office with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney, Olivia Brown and Alan Andrus, and other managers from Service Planning and Electric Engineering.
The main project of the day was to close up outstanding minor items. Two new Tentative Agreements were signed: an increase in Tuition Reimbursement so that the $6,000 level now covers all career related courses (certain types of courses used to only get $3,000); and to develop a joint labor-management Steward and Supervisor training. The Company withdrew 13 proposals, mostly proposed changes to the bidding system which ESC did not approve of. ESC withdrew 37 proposals (the union originally made 160 proposals) in areas including benefits, grievance procedure, payroll and others. This will enable both sides to focus on areas of higher priority.
ESC feels that the sides are nearing agreement on several other minor topics, such as implementing the joint selection panel for more Senior Design Engineer openings; changes to benefits in the first 6 months of employment; and makeup of safety committees. However, the Union was disappointed by the Company’s lack of flexibility on changes to Hiring Hall pay and Moving Allowance.
ESC was also very disappointed by the Company’s position on the issue of staffing processes for Monthly positions. While it had looked like a genuine compromise was near in this area, with both sides prepared to give up some points in the interests of a mutually beneficial process, now Management is saying that everything must be their way. For example, Management insists upon creating a new process to bypass ESC employees in favor of college hires for Project Manager openings. ESC communicated our dismay over this unilateralism and expressed our resolve not to agree to takeaways from the existing contract.
Bargaining will continue on February 9. An additional and hopefully final bargaining session has been scheduled for February 22.
Bargaining Update #30: February 1, 2012
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at 245 Market Street on the topic of Benefits. The bargaining core committee of John Mader, Joel Foster, Karen Sawislak and Joshua Sperry was present in addition to the Benefits/Comp sub-committee: Carl Harland (Sr. Gas Estimator, Chico), Lee Carter (Gas ADE, Antioch), Harinder Singh (Sr. Consulting Nuclear Engineer, DCPP), Wayne Ash (Electric DE, Auburn), Tom Wray (Sr. Project Manager, Fresno) and Brian Tonegato (Sr. Project Manager, Cupertino). Management was represented by negotiators Jeff Delaney, Olivia Brown and Alan Andrus, and representatives from HR and Land and Environmental Management.
ESC and Management tentatively agreed to several benefits proposals, including the addition of Dental Implants to the dental coverage, some plan changes to the VSP vision benefit, and a new benefit for hearing aids. Also ESC accepted the Company’s proposed changes to Life Insurance, which will move from the current flat rate to rates based on age. Met Life had told PG&E that the flat rate model was no longer sustainable and could enter a “death spiral.” Although this will lead to some price increases for older employees, it will be much cheaper for younger employees and the hope is that this will induce many more young employees to buy the life insurance which will bring the cost down for everyone.
PG&E’s proposed changes to Health Insurance and the Cash Balance pension were the main topics of discussion. The Union committee asked many questions about the details of the new health care plan, which is very complicated. ESC is concerned that it could lead to an increase in out of pocket costs for a substantial number of members, especially those who have conditions that are not included among the nine specified chronic conditions. ESC stressed that the Company will need to provide clear examples of how this would impact a visit to the doctor’s office in the future, how employees would get billed for doctor visits, and how employees will get the information they need on what is covered and to what extent.
One important clarification on the pension was that the Company stated that the same rules for bridging of service would apply for the Cash Balance as for the current pension. For example, an employee who was laid off and rehired within the bridging period would receive pay credits for the period of layoff. This was not included in the Company’s original written proposal.
Overall the tone of discussion regarding the pension was still tense. The Company re-stated its concerns about funding the pension plan, but ESC objected to reducing the retirement benefits of future employees due to today’s political considerations. ESC understands the need to change to a different formula structure, but disagrees over reducing the value of the benefit for future employees.
Bargaining Update #29: January 18, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at the ESC Office. with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Service Planning, Land Department, and Electric Engineering.
Discussion today focused on clarifying remaining items prior to the expected conclusion of bargaining; however no significant progress was made, pointing towards difficulty in reaching a successful end point. ESC was especially disappointed by management backing away from a potential agreement over staffing processes for monthly positions, and management’s unwillingness to sign off on even minor items. Management continues to insist upon adding a “non-disparagement clause” to the severance agreement, which ESC pointed out is inconsistent with PG&E’s stated commitment to be open to criticism.
Our bargaining committee members heard Tony Earley and John Simon discussing the IBEW package this morning, in which it was said that “this is the best you are going to get.” The ESC committee today stressed that it is unfair for management to take this type of stand over issues that have not been fully discussed and bargained to completion with ESC Local 20.
Bargaining Update #28: January 6, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at 245 Market St. with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Service Planning, Land Department, Electric Engineering and HR.
There was continued discussion of SNBR’s performing Estimator work, but ESC continues to oppose this Company proposal. ESC again presented its proposals for an improved emergency callout procedure, and for greater use of EOT in storm response situations, but management did not agree to either of these. Management presented proposed changes to Meals reimbursements and policies. Rates of pay for monthly classifications in Hiring Hall were also discussed, although without a formal proposal, and agreement looks likely in this area at a future session. Management withdrew its proposal for dual commodity mapping.
ESC has requested an educational session for our Benefits committee with Management’s actuaries who prepared the Cash Balance Pension proposal, which should occur in mid-January. ESC hopes to clarify more about how this retirement benefit will work and how it is valued. More bargaining sessions are scheduled for January 18, Feb 1 and Feb 8-9, with the last two dates being the target for conclusion of negotiations.
Bargaining Update #27:
December 19, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at ESC Offices with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Land Department and HR.
Tentative agreements were signed to update the qualifications for Environmental Scientist classification, and to add provisions to the Hiring Hall agreement (Exhibit C) for more coordination and oversight and for potential dispatch of Lead classifications when there are no qualified regular employees available for an upgrade.
The tuition reimbursement was also discussed, and more data was exchanged; the issue is still open. There was a long discussion of bidding and “A” rights. ESC’s proposal for “A” rights to bidding units is still under consideration and will be discussed at a future session.
Bargaining Update #26:
December 16, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at ESC Offices with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves joined by Field Engineer Heather Wilson. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from General Construction, Engineering and Mapping.
ESC was disappointed by GC management’s position against any increase to the Field Engineer rate of pay. Although the Union pointed to recent examples of good FE’s leaving the classification to go to other, higher paying opportunities, GC management said that movement out of GC was acceptable to them. ESC registered its disappointment over the lack of agreement here, and has not dropped the issue.
The other major topics of the day were public and employee safety. After reminding management of the findings of the CPUC Independent Review Panel published earlier this year, ESC explained in detail its proposals to require greater engineering review and resist financial pressures to build facilities without proper design. The Union noted how it’s proposals were in line with the improvements asked for in the Panel’s report. Management negotiators said that they could never agree to this type of requirement. ESC reiterated its concern for public safety and its position that building proper respect for design and for timely mapping of facilities into the collective bargaining agreement would be a good idea for PG&E and for public safety . No agreement was reached in this area.
In addition ESC revisited its proposal for safety inspection committees. Management responded that the union’s present safety language was sufficient to appoint members to safety committees. When pressed by the Union to explain what committees or efforts that the Union could appoint members to management posited “inspection committees?” The Union noted that it does not appoint representatives to “grass roots” safety committees, that there is no committee that the company engages the Union regarding the subject of safety. The Union also noted its concerns over management control of “grass roots” safety committees and concerns that management was potentially using them as controlled alternative labor organizations.
Bargaining Update #25
December 14, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at ESC Offices with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves joined by Sr. Project Manager Brian Tonegato. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Corporate Real Estate and WOF.
There was further discussion around the status of the Project Design Group, and many items have been agreed upon although there was no final agreement. The other main topics of bargaining were SNBR progression to IPE and SNBR work responsibilities. The Company revised its proposal for SNBR’s doing field notes to include SNBR’s potentially performing an even larger scope of Estimating work. When ESC strongly objected to SNBR’s doing estimates, the Company clarified that this was not their intent and said its revised proposal was misunderstood. ESC raised numerous practical questions about how SNBR’s doing estimator work could be implemented, which were not answered.
Finally, ESC and PG&E agreed to 14 contract cleanup items, to fix typos and incorporate better internal references to make the contract easier to use.
Bargaining Update #24:
December 7, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at 245 Market Street with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves joined by Sr. Project Manager Brian Tonegato. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Land/Environmental Dept., Project Services and HR.
The committee made significant progress towards a unified monthly staffing process. The committee also responded to management’s proposals for project managers and Project Controls Analysts, and is working towards a package of changes to the working conditions in those classifications. Finally, the committee reviewed proposed changes to the bidding system for hourly employees which are part of Management’s “Last, Best and Final Offer” to IBEW Local 1245.
Bargaining Update #23:
December 2, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at ESC offices. Talks today focused on monthly employees issues, with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves joined by Sr. Land Agent Brenda San Julian. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Land/Environmental Dept., WOF and HR.
Several tentative agreements were reached on items in Land and Environmental Management, including equity adjustments to the Principal Right of Way Agent and Senior and Senior Consulting Cultural Resources Specialist classifications. There was also a tentative agreement reached on a process to replace the Land Agent and Lead Land Tech examinations with an interview panel process, while grandfathering in the rights of employees who have already taken the test – there will be a final opportunity to take the test and earn these bidding rights in 2012. Also ESC and Management agreed to eliminate the Document Writer classification, transitioning the work to other Land Department positions while protecting the two incumbents. The other main topic was improvements to the grievance procedure, which was a productive discussion.
Bargaining Update #22:
November 30, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations turned to the topic of Benefits. The bargaining core committee of John Mader, Joel Foster, Karen Sawislak and Joshua Sperry was present in addition to the Benefits/Comp sub-committee: Carl Harland (Sr. Gas Estimator, Chico), Lee Carter (Gas ADE, Antioch), Harinder Singh (Sr. Consulting Nuclear Engineer, DCPP), Wayne Ash (Electric DE, Auburn), Tom Wray (Sr. Project Manager, Fresno) and Brian Tonegato (Sr. Project Manager, Cupertino). Management was represented by chief negotiator Jeff Delaney and representatives from HR and Land and Environmental Management.
Management presented the proposals regarding Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Retirement, and Health Insurance. On Life Insurance, Management proposes moving from a flat rate to age-based rates and expanding the offerings. Regarding Retirement, Management presented its revised proposal for a Cash Balance Pension Plan along with increased 401(k) matching for new hires. The Union committee asked many pointed questions about this proposal and ESC has submitted a formal information request. The Health Insurance proposal contains many significant changes which will be explained in more detail later. The next benefits session is set for December 6 when ESC will continue to clarify and understand the proposals.
Bargaining Update #21:
November 21, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations were held at PG&E offices at 245 Market Street. Talks today focused on monthly employees issues, with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Land/Environmental Dept., WOF and Telecom Engineering.
Progress was made towards the incorporation of some uniform working conditions from the 14 Exhibits covering Monthly employees into the main body of the contract. However ESC still wants to harmonize and improve conditions related to additional hours and travel time. There was also a lengthy discussion of the issues involved in implementing the bid system for monthly jobs, both the company’s back-end processes and concerns around the use of seniority for selection. Finally, ESC discussed its top priorities on the contracting out of bargaining unit work, which is that contracting and Hiring Hall not be used when employees are awaiting rehire on a layoff list. No agreements were reached today.
Bargaining Update #20:
November 16, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations were moved from the ESC office to PG&E offices at 245 Market Street, due to a power outage! Talks today focused on Land Department and Project Services issues, with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves joined by Brenda San Julian (Sr. Land Agent, Santa Rosa). The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Mapping, Land/Environmental Dept., and Project Services.
ESC and the Company worked on updates to hourly classifications in the Land Department, a process for replacing the current tests for Lead Land Tech, Land Agent and Chief of Party with an interview panel system, and elimination of the Document Writer classification – with protection for the incumbents in that classification. Also addressed were ESC’s proposals for pay parity for Right of Way agents and Cultural Resources Specialists. Although no agreement was reached, ESC was very emphatic in this area. ESC withdrew its proposal to reduce the MS requirement for Sr Consulting Scientists in biology. ESC also discussed its proposal to extend exclusive ESC jurisdiction over GIS development, but the company is strongly opposed to this idea.
The Company and ESC also discussed the future of the Project Design Group. Although no agreement was reached, there was good exchange of ideas around creating a new Architect job and the treatment of current employees in the group.
Finally, the Company’s proposals for Project Services were clarified, but ESC remains skeptical about many of management’s suggested changes.
Bargaining Update #19:
November 14, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations focused on Divisions issues, with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves joined by Chris Walpole (SNBR, Sonora) and Bill Helzer (Gas ADE, Salinas). The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Work Order Fulfillment, Engineering, and Land Dept.
Tentative Agreements were reached on Service Planner seniority credit and the establishment of a Labor-Management Committee to review and recommend training materials and programs for SNBRs and IPEs. Progression and upgrade from SNBR to IPE was discussed in depth, but no agreements were reached. The Company provided a revised proposal to assign customer field notes and assessments to SNBRs and IPEs, which was sharply questioned.
There was also a discussion of the Union’s proposal to convert POT to EOT when other employees in a HQ are called out for EOT to deal with a storm or related event; so far the Company shows no interest in this proposal.
Bargaining Update #18:
November 8, 2011
Negotiations today focused on the Field Engineering group in GC. The Union was represented by Core Committee members John, Josh, Joel and Karen, and General Construction committee members Heather Wilson (FE, Petaluma), Mike Brenner (Sr. FET, Merced), Andrew Johnson (FE, San Rafael), Scott Powell (FE, Yuba City) and union rep Jennifer Adams. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other representatives from GC and Electric Operations.
First and very important, PG&E agreed to ESC’s proposal to revise and update training for FET’s, SFET’s and FE’s, which is long overdue. Agreement was also reached over the Union’s proposal to clarify responsibility for writing electric clearances: specifically, Qualified Electrical Workers are responsible for electric clearances when they are prepared and/or submitted by an FET, SFET or FE. This has long been a point of contention, and hopefully this clarification will limit the liability of Field Engineering ESC members while allowing them to continue playing an important role in processing clearances for electric work.
Finally, discussion of pay for Field Engineering continued, but with no agreement. The Company said its willingness to discuss ESC’s proposals for pay for GC classifications is limited to Field Engineers. Work will continue on this issue.
Bargaining Update #17:
November 3, 2011
ESC-PG&E negotiations have resumed with the General Bargaining Committee: John Mader, Karen Sawislak, Joshua Sperry, Joel Foster, Wayne Ash, Tim Brock, Harinder Singh, and Mike Reeves. The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other managers from Work Order Fulfillment, Engineering, System Protection and Land Dept.
The main topic was uniform working conditions for monthly employees. There is a good level of agreement to standardize the working conditions for the monthly employees currently covered by 14 separate LOA’s and bring the relevant language into the main body of the contract. The main sticking point is additional hours – currently roughly half of monthly employees get paid overtime after one hour, and half after two hours. ESC wants the one-hour rule for all monthly employees, but Management does not support moving employees from the two-hour rule to the one-hour rule. Additionally, there was a big-picture discussion of staffing processes for monthly classifications, touching issues of lateral movement, advancement, filling of vacancies, and temporary assignments. ESC and Management will continue to work on developing a “smart and simple” solution to these issues. Finally, tentative agreement was almost reached on Company Proposal 6 regarding probationary status of monthly employees – this would provide for holidays and other benefits to apply during the first 6 months at PG&E, although a new monthly employee could still be dismissed while on probation.
Bargaining Update #15:
October 19, 2011
PG&E negotiations were held at 245 Market Street with the Working Conditions sub-committee. The Union was represented by Core Committee members John, Josh, Karen and Joel, and Working Conditions committee members Greg Langan (Sr. Consulting Protection Engineer, Sacramento), Martha Bowman (Sr. New Business Rep, Vacaville), Kathy Cleairmont (Sr. Electric Estimator, Richmond), Tim Brock (Electric ADE, Redding) and Wayne Ash (Electric Distribution Engineer, Auburn). The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other representatives from HR, Payroll and GC Gas.
The Union committee presented 18 proposals on a variety of topics, including overpayments, safety, seniority, training, vehicle use, cubicle size, overtime and other areas. The Union emphasized the need for more formalized training programs for SNBR’s and IPE’s and in Gas Transmission. Two other highlighted proposals were for better availability of Alternate Work Schedules where the business can accommodate them, and for paying POT at double-time when other employees are working EOT. The company presented three proposals, two regarding overtime. There was pointed disagreement over management’s third proposal, to eliminate alternating tie-breakers from joint selection panels.
Bargaining Update #14:
October 17, 2011
The Union met with Management at the ESC Office again on Divisions proposals. The bargaining core committee of John Mader, Joel Foster, Karen Sawislak and Joshua Sperry was present in addition to the Divisions sub-committee: Pete Miskovich (Principal Mapping Tech, Sacramento), Mike Reeves (Sr. Estimator, West Sac RMC), Chris Walpole (SNBR. Sonora), and Tom Wray (Sr. Project Manager, Fresno). The Management team included chief negotiator Jeff Delaney and representatives from Labor Relations and Project Services.
The committee reviewed seven detailed proposals from Management related to M&C Engineers, Project Managers and Project Controls Analysts. The Union raised question about the re-organization of Project Services, but Management did not have any extra information other than what has already been presented to employees. No agreements were reached.
Bargaining Update #13:
October 13, 2011
PG&E negotiations were held at the ESC Office with the Working Conditions sub-committee. The Union was represented by Core Committee members John, Josh, and Joel, and Working Conditions committee members Greg Langan (Sr. Consulting Protection Engineer, Sacramento), Martha Bowman (Sr. New Business Rep, Vacaville), Kathy Cleairmont (Sr. Electric Estimator, Richmond), Tim Brock (Electric ADE, Redding) and Wayne Ash (Electric Distribution Engineer, Auburn). The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other representatives from HR, Technical Services, and Land Department.
The committee addressed Union proposals regarding upgrades, notification of personnel changes, and special premiums. Management presented proposals around temporary assignments. No agreements were reached.
Bargaining Update #12:
October 11, 2011
The Union met with Management at the ESC Office again on Divisions proposals. The bargaining core committee of John Mader, Joel Foster, and Joshua Sperry was present in addition to the Divisions sub-committee: Tim Brock (ADE, Redding), Pete Miskovich (Principal Mapping Tech, Sacramento), Mike Reeves (Sr. Estimator, West Sac RMC), Chris Walpole (SNBR. Sonora), Bill Helzer (ADE, Salinas). The Management team included chief negotiator Jeff Delaney and representatives from Labor Relations and WOF/Service Planning.
The proposals today were around Service Planning issues involving qualifications and work duties for Estimators, ADE’s, SNBR’s and IPE’s. ESC made a counter-proposal that lead classifications such as ADE’s or Principal Mappers could only potentially be dispatched from the Hiring Hall if there are no qualified employees bypassed for an upgrade. Both sides expressed interest in work quality and efficiency, although we did not agree on what contract changes will lead to improvements in those areas.
Bargaining Update #11:
October 7, 2011
PG&E negotiations were held at 245 Market Street with the Working Conditions sub-committee for a second straight day. The Union was represented by Core Committee members John, Josh, and Karen, and General Construction committee members Heather Wilson (FE, Petaluma), Mike Brenner (Sr. FET, Merced), Aaron Patane (FE, Chico), Andrew Johnson (FE, San Rafael), Scott Powell (FE, Yuba City) and Marshall Riddle (Asst Materials Inspector, Fresno). The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other representatives from GC and Materials.
The committee covered all of ESC’s GC proposals, regarding GC job duties, responsibilities, OT policies and pay rates. The ESC committee emphasized the high workload and increased responsibilities for FET’s, Sr. FET’s and Field Engineers. The Company expressed a similar interest in the need for refreshing the training program for GC professionals, and said they will respond later regarding workload and pay. No agreements were reached.
Bargaining Update #10:
October 5, 2011
PG&E negotiations were held at 245 Market Street with the Working Conditions sub-committee for a second straight day. The Union was represented by Core Committee members John, Josh, and Karen, and Working Conditions committee members Greg Langan (Sr. Consulting Protection Engineer, Sacramento), Martha Bowman (Sr. New Business Rep, Vacaville), Kathy Cleairmont (Sr. Electric Estimator, Richmond), Tim Brock (Electric ADE, Redding) and Wayne Ash (Electric Distribution Engineer, Auburn). The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other representatives from HR, Labor Relations and Design Engineering and Land Department.
The committee covered 19 new proposals. In addition, ESC withdrew two proposals: U157 for Biweekly pay periods for monthly employees and U103 over Pre-Review Committee. The Company has indicated a desire to work with the Union on improvements to the grievance procedure. The Company withdrew its proposal C24 on the Nepotism policy.
The main topic was the Union’s proposal for Uniform working conditions for Monthly employees, including a lateral bidding system for monthly positions. In addition, ESC presented five proposals on outsourcing of work, and eight proposals on layoffs, displacements and rehire rights, and two proposals on hiring hall issues. The Company did not agree to any of the Union’s ideas for improving oversight and methodology on the contracting out of Bargaining Unit work. The Union stressed the current understaffing and inordinate use of outside contractors in many areas. There committee made it clear that there will be further discussions on the critical issues of staffing and contracting.
Bargaining Update #9:
October 3, 2011
PG&E negotiations were held at 245 Market Street with the Working Conditions sub-committee. The Union was represented by Core Committee members John, Josh, and Karen, and Working Conditions committee members Greg Langan (Sr. Consulting Protection Engineer, Sacramento), Martha Bowman (Sr. New Business Rep, Vacaville), Kathy Cleairmont (Sr. Electric Estimator, Richmond), Tim Brock (Electric ADE, Redding) and Wayne Ash (Electric Distribution Engineer, Auburn). The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and other representatives from HR, Labor Relations and Design Engineering.
The committee covered 20 proposals. There were numerous union proposals regarding Contracting of bargaining unit work, rehire rights and “A” rights for laid-off and displaced members, grievance processing and some hours and scheduling issues. The Company proposals were for updates to the Severance Agreement and for changes to the No Strike clause of the contract. The Union raised strong concerns over the Company’s proposed expansion of the No Strike clause, and impressed upon the Company that improvements must be made to the treatment of laid-off and displaced employees and with language on outsourcing of work.
Bargaining Update #8:
September 28, 2011
PG&E negotiations returned to the ESC office for the Land Department sub-committee. The Union was represented by Core Committee members John, Josh, and Karen, and Land committee members Greg Parker (Principal Land Planner, Fresno), Shari Holland (Land Agent, Concord), James Mangold (Sr Cultural Resources Specialist, Sacramento), Brenda San Julian (Sr. Land Agent, Santa Rosa), and Jim Dunlap (Land Agent, Santa Rosa). The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, and numerous managers from Land and Environmental Management.
An agreement was reached on the Company’s counter-proposal to Union Proposal regarding the minimum experience requirement for Sr. Consulting Environmental Scientist: this will be lowered from 20 to 15 years experience. The Company also made counter-offers to Union proposals for parity for Right-of-Way Agents and Cultural Resources Specialists; although they were not accepted, the ESC committee appreciated the Company’s first attempts to address the issues raised in these areas. Finally, changes to job descriptions and the use of joint selection panels for filling hourly Land classifications Lead Land Tech, Chief of Party and Land Agent were discussed and a final agreement is close in this area. Advancement from Land Tech to Senior Land Tech will not be changed. Further discussions are expected.
Bargaining Update #7
September 27, 2011
PG&E negotiations moved south to San Luis Obispo today for a meeting with the Nuclear sub-committee for issues at DCPP. The Union was represented by Core Committee members John, Josh, and Karen, and Nuclear sub-committee members Joe Anastasio (Senior Advising Engineer), Ken Anderson (Nuclear Planner), Harinder Singh (Senior Advising Engineer), and Susan Greenwood (ESC Staff Rep for DCPP). The Company was represented by Negotiators Jeff Delaney and Olivia Brown, Mike Wright (DCPP Engineering Manager) and Melanie Curry (DCPP Labor Relations).
The discussion revolved around “on call” status for ESC monthly and hourly employees at DCPP. Two other issues – third shift premium and long-term rotations into QV – were settled last week through new Letters of Agreement that will be posted shortly on the ESC PG&E website. No new agreements were reached today.
Bargaining Update #6
September 20, 2011
The Union met with Management on Divisions proposals. The bargaining core committee of John Mader, Joel Foster, Karen Sawislak and Joshua Sperry was present in addition to the Divisions sub-committee: Tim Brock (ADE, Redding), Pete Miskovich (Principal Mapping Tech, Sacramento), Mike Reeves (Sr. Estimator, West Sac RMC), Chris Walpole (SNBR. Sonora), Karla Harlan (Scheduler, Concord RMC), Bill Helzer (ADE, Salinas). The Management team included chief negotiator Jeff Delaney and representatives from HR, Service Planning, Engineering and Planning, Mapping, Gas Transmission, Distribution Engineering, and Fleet Services.
Proposals covered the areas of Mapping, Service Planning, Estimating, and Distribution Engineering. ESC emphasized its proposals for a unified callout procedure for estimators and other ESC classifications, and for technical review of all design decisions by the appropriately trained technical and professional classifications. Many proposals were clarified, but no agreements were made
Bargaining Update #5:
September 16, 2011
The Union met with Management on General Office proposals. The bargaining core committee of John Mader, Joel Foster, Karen Sawislak and Joshua Sperry was present in addition to the GO sub-committee: Irving Joe (Sr. Design Engineer, Oakland); Greg Langan (Sr. Consulting Protection Engineer, Sacramento); Joe Ray (Sr. Project Engineer, Power Generation, San Francisco); Ron Vance (Sr. Electrical Engineer, Oakland); Nam Trinh (Sr. Design Engineer, Oakland). Management was represented by chief negotiator Jeff Delaney and representatives from HR, Electric Engineering, Land Dept, Power Generation, and Corporate Real Estate.
Proposals covered the areas of Design Engineering, Substation Asset Strategy, Electric Standards, System Protection, and some Power Generation issues. ESC stressed its proposal that work done by outside contractors be checked by qualified PG&E employees. Another point of discussion was the placement of Entry Engineers into Associate level positions in engineering and project management classifications. ESC and Management agreed that further discussion is needed on most issues.
Bargaining Update #4:
September 14, 2011
The Union met with Management to begin negotiations. The bargaining core committee of John Mader, Joel Foster, and Joshua Sperry was present in addition to the Benefits/Comp sub-committee: Carl Harland (Sr. Gas Estimator, Chico), Lee Carter (Gas ADE, Antioch), Harinder Singh (Sr. Consulting Nuclear Engineer, DCPP), Wayne Ash (Electric DE, Auburn), Tom Wray (Sr. Project Manager, Fresno) and Brian Tonegato (Sr. Project Manager, Cupertino). Management was represented by chief negotiator Jeff Delaney and representatives from HR and Land and Environmental Management.
The committee addressed proposals relating to time off, leaves of absence and the Reward and Recognition Program. Table agreement was made on Proposal C5 to pay travel time at the appropriate rate of pay.
However, the Union strongly objected to management’s proposal regarding implementing the STIP bonus for monthly employees who don’t have it, and not paying General Wage Increases to those employees and classifications. Every member of the Union committee spoke strongly against this concept. Members who used to have STIP talked about how it undermined teamwork and morale, and how conditions have improved since they got rid of STIP. Under STIP, if your supervisor does not go to bat for you, you are disadvantaged. ESC also pointed out the negative impact of freezing salary ranges on employees’ pay and retirement. Other members talked about how before they joined ESC, new employees were making thousands more than long-term employees under the “management pay plan,” and that we will not go back to the past. Even hourly employees who are not directly targeted by STIP at this time stated that they don’t want to see pay freezes for their co-workers who are part of their team.
Bargaining Update #3:
September 12, 2011
ESC was represented by the Union’s core committee plus the Newest Groups committee, consisting of: Joe Anastasio (Sr Advising Nuclear Engineer, DCPP), Michael Bachiller (Transmission Planning Engineer, SF), Jonathan Tuck (Sr. Environmental Scientist, San Ramon), Joaquin Moreno (Telecom Engineer, Chico), Joe Ray (Sr. Civil Engineer, Power Generation, SF), and Debbie Amaral (Outage Coordinator, Santa Rosa). Management was represented by chief negotiator Jeff Delaney and representatives from Labor Relations, Compensation, ISTS Telecom, Power Generation and Land Department.
ESC presented the Union’s proposals for eliminating STIP for the groups that have it and increasing base salary ranges in order to provide parity with the other ESC represented departments that have all base-salary compensation. Management did not agree with ESC’s positions. Both sides stated that the issues of STIP, parity and pension are central issues to this round of bargaining. No agreement was reached.
Bargaining Update # 2:
September 8, 2011
The Working Conditions sub-committee and the Core Committee met today with the Company. Along with John, Joel, and Karen, ESC was represented by Wayne Ash, (Distribution Engineer, Auburn) Martha Bowman (SNBR, Vacaville), Grace Briones (Project Manager, San Francisco), Tim Brock (ADE, Redding), and Kathy Cleairmont (Sr. Estimator, Richmond). The Company was represented by chief negotiator Jeff Delaney, Rich Gigliotti (Land Department), John Wharton (Service Planning Manager), and Meg Witt (CJBT).
The Company presented a variety of proposals relating to the operation of the bid system that are also being negotiated with IBEW. The Company also presented a proposal to allow ESC employees to continue to do bargaining unit work while on upgrade and two proposals dealing with return from displacements and layoff.
The ESC team asked probing questions and requested further clarification from the Company, which will be provided in future sessions. The overall atmosphere was cordial and respectful.
Bargaining Update #1:
September 6, 2011
The Union met with Management to begin negotiations. The bargaining core committee of John Mader, Joel Foster, Karen Sawislak, and Joshua Sperry was present in addition to the Benefits/Comp sub-committee: Carl Harland (Sr Gas Estimator, Chico), Lee Carter (Gas ADE, Antioch), Harinder Singh (Sr Consulting Nuclear Engineer, DCPP), Wayne Ash (Electric DE, Auburn), Tom Wray (Sr. Project Manager, Fresno) and Brian Tonegato (Sr. Project Manager, Cupertino). Management was represented by chief negotiator Jeff Delaney and representatives from HR and Labor Relations.
The committee established ground rules for negotiations, and addressed proposals relating to time off and leaves, tuition reimbursement and moving allowance. The atmosphere was respectful on both sides.