Posted: January 10, 2008
The union negotiating committee for line clearance tree trimmers and vegetation control has proposed improvements in wages, benefits and working conditions in bargaining with the four biggest tree trimming contractors: Davey Tree Surgery, Asplundh Tree Expert, Utility Tree Service and Trees Inc.
The companies are unilaterally seeking major employee contributions
towards future monthly health and welfare premiums. The union is aware
that health and welfare costs continue to skyrocket. However, in viewing
medical costs in the perspective of employee “total compensation,” the union
believes that the companies are receiving a very good deal on labor costs
within IBEW 1245’s jurisdiction.
The union committee has met with these contractors as a
group on five separate occasions: Nov. 20 in San Francisco, and Nov. 30, Dec. 4, 5,
and 6 at Weakley Hall in Vacaville. A sixth meeting scheduled for Dec. 20
was cancelled by the contractors, who said they were working on responses to
the union’s economic proposals.
The next scheduled negotiating dates are Jan. 9 and 10 at Weakley Hall.
The union will keep members informed of the results of ongoing negotiations at the regular unit meetings of the union. The unit meeting schedule can be found on-line at www.ibew1245.com/unitmeetings.html.
In other news, a surprising number of union tree trimmers are not enrolled in the health insurance plan obtained through past bargaining. Members are urged to look at their pay stubs and make sure the deduction for insurance is being taken.