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Posted: August 28, 2012

Tree Trimmers discuss Master Agreement at special meetings

Ratification ballots mailed on Aug. 24

Line Clearance Tree Trimmers and family member attend the breakfast meeting in Fresno.
There was much to talk about and plenty to eat at the Fresno breakfast.
Senior Assistant Business Manager Ron Cochran explains the Master Agreement.
Line Clearance Tree Trimmers and family member attend the picnic meeting in Santa Rosa.
A beautiful day for a picnic in Santa Rosa.
Local 1245 staff members Eileen Purcell and Ralph Armstrong helped with logistics.

Ballots were mailed to just over a thousand IBEW Line Clearance Tree Trimmers on Aug. 24, setting the stage for ratification of a historic Master Agreement covering union members at Davey, Asplundh, Utility Tree, Wright Tree, and Trees Inc. Ballots will be counted at the union hall on Sept. 14.

Family members dig into breakfast.
Business Rep. Junior Ornelas explains the advantages of the Master Agreement.

IBEW Local 1245 continued to spread the word about the Master Agreement at special meetings on Aug. 25 in Fresno and Santa Rosa.

John Simms and Business Rep. Junior Ornelas hosted the Fresno meeting, which featured breakfast along with information about the Master Agreement.

“There were some good questions,” said Ornelas. “Members wanted to know how it would work, having all the different contracts together in a Master Agreement. This is new territory, being in a Master Agreement, so people are naturally curious about how it’s going to work.”

Members asked questions about the change from PTO to vacation, and also about the status of the VC-4 classification. All members in the VC-4 classification are being “grandfathered” into the new agreement at the current wage rate.

“Members understood that this agreement is a positive thing,” said Ornelas.

The Santa Rosa meeting featured an out-door barbecue at the Lower Jackrabbit Picnic Area, part of Sonoma County Regional Parks. On hand to talk about the agreement were Business Rep. Carl Lamers, Organizer Eileen Purcell, and Assistant Business Manager Ralph Armstrong.

Senior Assistant Business Manager Ron Cochran attended both meetings. Business Rep. Elizabeth McInnis providing logistical support for both.