Brothers and Sisters,
I want to communicate with you on a few things happening in the Eastern Region.
Most locals have nominations and elections that are coming up for their local union. I encourage you to nominate and vote for someone who will represent your local in those positions to a higher standard. If running for a position in your local union, I ask that you read the constitution and fully understand the duties of the position that you are campaigning for. If elected, I encourage you to perform your duties that are assigned by the constitution and to take these positions seriously. Too often we have members elected who do not perform their duties as prescribed. I ask that the members of the locals hold elected officers and delegates accountable. Delegates should be giving the members complete reports at the union meetings, as to the business presented to them at the council delegate meetings. Trustees should be auditing the financial statements from the local monthly. Conductors should be swearing in new members. Wardens should be examining the dues status of those in attendance. I have attended the different local union meetings in our region, and I have seen shortcomings with these items. I believe that our members deserve to be represented to the best of our ability and if you hold one of these offices you should be performing your duties.
Our region’s work outlook continues to be strong. We are finishing one of the best spring power outage seasons that the Eastern Region has ever seen. We have lots of work outside of power generation to keep you working and contributing to your health & welfare as well as your pensions. Please ensure that you get on the out-of-work lists to let your business agents know that you are available. All jobs go through the out-of-work list first before reaching out to the members through social media outlets.
This summer is a great time to renew some recurrent training such as your rigging, forklift, and aerial platform. The UBC has brought back the rigging certification. This Certification is needed on Duke and TVA projects. It is also highly sought after by our contractors for most of the projects we are manning.
Lastly, I want to thank you for doing the quality job that you do. Our contractors have provided consistent feedback on the quality of the membership. Your safety, productivity, and professionalism are creating more opportunities for our members to work. Let’s not take our foot off the gas pedal.
In Solidarity,
Logan W. Brown