Conners Creek Power Plant

Transcription

1 Vol. 20 No. 5 July/August 2008 President s Report DTE Energy Annual Shareholders Meeting See Page 2 Conners Creek Power Plant See...Page 3 Recording Secretary s Report See...Page 4 Treasurer s Perspective See...Page 5 Conners Creek Power Plant ISO Certification Celebration I attended the Conners Creek Power Plant ISO Certification Celebration on May 21, This is a historic event. Conner s Creek is a natural gas fueled plant that is located in Detroit right before you arrive at the Edison Boat Club on Lycaste. This is a small plant with only 30 employees working there. This plant was converted from a coal-fired to a natural gas fired facility on March 12, At Conners Creek they can produce 300 megawatts of power, it operates primarily in the summer to help meet the Labor Day Picnic See...Page 6 21st Annual Golf Classic See...Page 8 NOTICES OF NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS See... Pages Working Families Vote 2008 See...Page UWUA Scholarship Program See...Page 18 Labor Day Parade See...Page 20 All Michigan Families Deserve Health Coverage See...Page 22 Health News: New Pill Card See... Back Page Photos Taken By: Mark Houston, OPT Member peak demand for electricity during the air conditioning season. ISO is an internationally recognized standard that provides a facility with the basic framework for managing environmental impacts. Certification requires that employees must be aware of how their job can impact the environment. An environmental management system certified to the ISO standard is effective because it involves every aspect of a facility s activities that can affect the environment. The Conners Creek Power Plant has been in op- An environmental management system certified to the ISO standard is effective because it involves every aspect of a facility s activities that can affect the environment. eration since The original structure consisted of seven 350-foot high exhaust stacks known as the seven sisters, which was demolished in 1996 after being idled for more than a decade. Production Manager Nader Rajabian, Plant Manager Brian Rice, Director Sharon Pfeuffer, General Director Paul Fessler and myself congratulated all of the people who work at Conners Creek Don Wilson a wonderful accomplishment. FirstEnergy June Heath Recording Secretary See pg. 3 for more photos

2 U W U A L O C A L PRESIDENT S REPORT b y J I M H A R R I S O N jimharrison@local223uwua.org O DTE Energy Annual Shareholders Meeting On May 15th, 2008 I attended DTE s Annual Shareholders meeting where I addresed DTE CEO and Chairman of the Board Anthony Earley. In my statement to DTE s Board of Directors, I addressed the issue of the company reconsidering its decision to exclude In my statement to DTE s Board of Directors, I addressed the issue of the company reconsidering its decision... represented retirees from the cost-of-living pension adjustment taking effect for non-represented retirees on July 1, Furthermore, I pointed out that the pension fund should benefit all participants and excluding a certain class of retirees was without merit. President Harrison addressing DTE CEO and Chairman of the Board Anthony Earley at DTE s Annual Shareholders meeting held on May 15th, President (center) Harrison, Jim Beaubien, (right) President Local 17, IBEW and DTE CEO Tony Earley (left) discuss the pending Comprehensive Energy Package being considered in Lansing. Photos Taken By: Mark Houston, OPT Member 2 L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

3 Conners Creek Power Plant 100 Lycaste, Detroit, MI Facility Profile Conners Creek Power Plant is a natural gas-fueled plant located in Detroit. The plant is a cycling power plant and is operated seasonally to provide power during periods of high demand. Certification Activities With approximately 30 employees during the operating season, and approximately 24 during the winter months, staff at the facility developed an EMS and integrated it into the ISO system in place at the River Rouge Power Plant. Pollution Control Equipment The current configuration of the plant has evolved from the time the now demolished low pressure plant was put into service in the 1920s. Permission to convert Detroit Edison s Conners Creek Power Plant (CCPP) from a coal-fired to a natural gas-fired facility was granted on March 12, Conners Creek Power Plant Boilers 15, 16, 17 and 18 are Babcock and Wilcox (B&W) radiant boilers that have been retrofitted for firing natural gas. Emissions from Boilers 15 and 16 discharge to the No. 8 stack and emissions from Boilers 17 & 18 discharge to the No. 9 stack. The plant is equipped with low NOx burners, flue gas recirculation (FGR) fans and a continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) that analyze and record emissions of NOx, CO, and CO2 from the boilers. Each boiler is rated at 660,000 lb/hr main steam flow at 1380 psig and 950º F. The four boilers provide steam to two Westinghouse steam turbines rated at 150 MW each for a combined total generating capacity of 300 MW. The natural gas consumption rate of each boiler is approximately 832 million cubic ft/hr at 660,000 lb/hr steam flow. Each boiler is equipped with eight low-nox gas burners arranged in a two high by four wide configuration. The low NOx burners are designed to control the rate at which combustion air is introduced to the fuel and to reduce NOx formation by providing a fuel rich zone early in the flame to limit oxygen availability and peak flame temperatures. The FGR system on each of the boilers is designed to return up to 10% of the flue gas to the combustion zone via a duct and a fan. The FGR system further limits oxygen availability and suppresses peak flame temperatures to reduce NOx formation. Conners Creek Power Plant Certification Celebration Photos Taken By: Mark Houston, OPT Member Continued from Front Page Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, Michigan (313) Annunciator Utility Workers Union of America Local 223, AFL-CIO EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS: JIM HARRISON President RICH MATA Vice-President JUNE HEATH Recording Secretary GARY ZALEWSKI Treasurer DANNY BALL Meter Division BILL BETZING Power Generation Division AL GRAYEWSKI Offi ce, Professional & Technical Division RICH HARKINS Gas Division JOHN HOLMES Stores Division JACK JASKOWSKI Substation Division GEORGE LEWIS FM&S Division ARNOLD PETTY WSC Shops Division LEE SHARPE Fermi Division RICHARD STRAIN Motor Trans Division JIM WALLACE Underground Division CATHY DAWSON Trustee RUSTY PLUMMER Trustee BILL ST. CLAIR Trustee JIM HARRISON Editor AURORA - BERLASI Managing Editor Published by Utility Workers Union of America, Local 223, AFL-CIO Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, Michigan Postage Paid at Dearborn, Michigan. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Local 223, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, Michigan J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 3

4 U W U A L O C A L RECORDING SECRETARY S REPORT b y J U N E H E AT H juneheath@local223uwua.org a.org OOPS! June Heath s May article was re-run in last month s June issue. The article below is the article written for the June edition. Our membership has been declining over the years due to several factors: first, DTE has not hired to complement numbers; second, our workforce is getting older; third, we have members retiring and now we have been hit with members being terminated. We at Local 223 want all of our members to be able to retire from DTE and enjoy all of the fruits of our labor. In light of our members being terminated by the company, which is a travesty and an assault on our membership. We have lost members in Gas, OPT and Stores because of the investigations that have taken place in the last few months. When I LOCAL 223 was the Chair of Meter Division, and even now, I always ask the members to please do what you are supposed to do, be where you are supposed to be and if it is not yours, don t take it. It is hard to find a good job making good money and I would hate OFFICERS AND STAFF ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS: President Jim Harrison jimharrison@local 223uwua.org Vice-President Rich Mata richmata@local223uwua.org Recording Secretary June Heath juneheath@local223uwua.org Treasurer Gary Zalewski garyzalewski@local223uwua.org LOCAL 223 OFFICE STAFF: Office Manager Aurora Berlasi auroraberlasi@local223uwua.org Secretary Gloria Conciello gloriaconciello@local223uwua.org for our members to get caught up and lose their jobs. At one time, way back when, it was hard to get fired from the company, now it is much easier to get fired and hard to get your job back. Our membership has been declining over the years due to several factors: first, DTE has not hired to complement numbers; second, our workforce is getting older; third, we have members retiring and now we have been hit with members being terminated. We at Local 223 want all of our members to be able to retire from DTE and enjoy all of the fruits of our labor. Our Union has afforded the membership to enjoy good wages, good health care benefits, pensions, workplace safety standards, lunch breaks, Workers Compensation if we are injured on the job, and Union representation. We do not need to take for granted what we have earned, we need to build our membership and hopefully get our children into these good paying jobs. Some people complain about our Union but I tell you what, it is better to have a Union than not have one. We know that if we have a problem with management, we can always call on our Union. If you want a day off, you have earned it, if you call in sick, you have earned a right to take a CTO day. These are benefits I think we sometimes forget we have. I encourage every member to take pride in the work that they perform. There are plenty of people who would love to have our jobs, we do not want to be on the outside looking in. When the company started doing the investigations on our members, some of our members talked with Corporate Security or an investigator without Union representation. That is definitely not the thing to do. You may feel that you don t need a Union Rep, but believe me, you do. If the investigator was to write something incorrectly, who will be there to dispute it? Who will be there to be a witness for you? This is why we try to keep the membership informed on what to do and what to say when an investigation takes place. Management does not have to offer you Union representation, but it is your right to inform management that you demand to have a Union Rep present if you believe that the conversation you have with management may lead to you being disciplined. Your right to Union representation is spelled out and reinforced by the Weingarten Rights. Please exercise your rights by utilizing this if and when you need to. Please read Your Weingarten Rights, which are published on page 13 of this issue. Someone Passed Away The Union was saddened to learn of the passing of three of our members: Mark Nagel, Rosalind Caldwell-Jones and Donald Oliver. They will be truly missed. Our prayers go out to their families. 4 L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

5 U W U A L O C A L TREASURER S PERSPECTIVE by GARY ZALEWSKI garyzalewski@local223uwua.org Over the course of the last several years, people are always talking about budget cuts. In corporate America it has become a fact of life. Companies continue to tighten their belts as they compete for the manufacturing dollar worldwide. Companies continue to tighten their belts as they compete for the manufacturing dollar worldwide. Even profitable companies have jumped on the budget cut bandwagon. From a labor perspective budgets, their developments and cuts, have a wide ranging effect. Even profitable companies have jumped on the budget cut bandwagon. From a labor perspective, budgets, their developments and cuts, have a wide-ranging effect. The discussion of budgets around DTE usually is broken into two distinct and different ways money is utilized. There is the O + M budget (which stands for operation and maintenance). This budget is populated by dollars needed for day-to-day operation of the company. Equipment, already on site, needs to be maintained and repaired as needed. Office supplies and other services come out of this budget. This budget is the one scrutinized the most when the cuts come along, unfortunately this is where the labor dollar is populated. The cutting of the O + M budget has far reaching effects, but more on that later. The other often discussed budget is the capital. This budget is populated by money needed to improve or purchase new equipment for the company. When this budget is developed it starts out as a bargaining unit wish list. Generally it p u r c h a s e s new items for wholesale change out. When budget cuts on the capital side come along, leaders discuss which p r o d u c t s move forward and which can wait until next year. I ve spoken about the two different types of budgets, but think of the money being in two different buckets. Every time money is needed it is taken out of one bucket or the other depending on its criteria. Sooner or later, though, the money comes from one source. A dollar is a dollar no matter where it is generated from. As budget cuts come along every business unit is effected. Equipment, parts and processes which need to be replaced or changed are put on hold. This holding pattern causes a slow deterioration from within each business unit. It makes groups which are trying to become proactive in their processes and makes them reactive. The company as a whole becomes a more risk management entity. In talking with other labor leaders, we are not alone with this problem. Sometimes the maintenance dollar is not spent on what it was intended for. We can get by another year, without looking at or replacing equipment. This thought process needs to change, because the initial process may save some money, but when an emergency arises it will always cost more. The inability to do work causes a loss of pride throughout each business unit as well as the potential for hurting customer service. In thinking of money and how it is spent, labor looks to save money by offsetting the contractor spend. I tend to look at it as the in-house workforce being cheaper, faster and all around better than a contracted workforce. There are many reasons for this. For one thing, the price of in-house labor is cheaper than it is for a contracted worker. Most times substantially so. Another reason which needs to be considered is pride of ownership. When one of the in-house worker repairs or replaces equipment, or processes, they do so with the thought of a permanent fix. This may not be the thought process of the contractor. If there is a permanent repair, this makes the work load finite, but maybe a quick fix will need to be revisited at a later date. Even with the budget cuts, the reduction of contractors appears to be minimal. With the right sizing of the inhouse labor force, a large portion of this problem would be addressed. A jointly developed workforce plan would address a transfer of knowledge within the workforce as well. The evolution of being proactive rather than reactive starts here. Labor leaders stand ready to develop a workforce plan! Ziggy CELL PHONE FUNDRAISER Recording Secretary June Heath is having a Cell Phone Fundraiser for her church. If anyone has any old cell phones that they would like to donate, please bring them to the Local Union Commerce Drive North, Dearborn, Michigan or call June and she will make arrangements to pick them up. LOCAL 223 s Internet Website UWUA Local 223 s Internet website features all Divisions. It includes links to other utility worker union websites and the UWUA National Union. Members are invited to stop by the union s website and sign our Guest Book. J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 5

6 REFRESHMENTS GAMES PRIZES LOCAL 223 s LABOR DAY PICNIC MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, NOON-4PM FOOD SERVED 12:00 3:00 PM Only 3960 Greenfield Melvindale, MI At the Gas facility across the street from Allen Rd. Service Center. REFRESHMENTS GAMES PRIZES 6 L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

7 Hello Everyone, This is a VERY sincere THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! An extra THANK YOU goes to Pete Burkit who, who helped in scheduling the walkers and spending most of the time at the Relay, walking the tough hours during the middle of the night and procuring the refreshments from the D e t r o i t E d i s o n Credit Union and then helped with the clean up. Also for bringing in the Church group to pass out free water to the walkers. Great Job, Patti! Thank you so much for coordinating the Fermi Walkers, which everyone showed up to walk their times, and was tirelessly the go between. Thank you, Rich McDevitt for the totally awesome job on our baton. Every year you help us out with this task and every year you outdo yourself!! A Special Thank You to John Hammer, who not only walked 2 hours, but helped with the cleanup. I so appreciate the fact that you took items to your house to store until pickup but then emptied your van and returned to the Fairgrounds to pick up the bales of hay so that there was 3 less bales for the Relay to pay to throw away. This was a great relief to me! Also, I would like to thank Monroe Power Plant for paying for our sponsorship and the Power Generation Division for renting our tent site. To everyone, thank you ever so much!! Without you our term Power Walkers would not have existed for 14 years and every one of you are great examples of Detroit Edison and Local 223!! There are still monies to be turned in up to Aug. 31, but as of the closing ceremony, the Monroe Relay for Life has raised over $348,000 to go for the research of cancer. At these troubled times this is an awesome amount, and it is people like you that make this such a successful Relay for Life. Also, over 365 people volunteered to be in the research program, which was 25 more people than the projected maximum of 340. Please pass this along and express my thank yous and hopefully we will see you next year. Celebrate - our loved ones who have survived cancer. Remember - those who fought so dearly but lost the battle of cancer. Fight back - supporting the Monroe Relay for Life knowing that our battle is not won until there is a cure for cancer! Bonnie Fitzgerald Member of Local 223 Monroe Power Plant U W U A L O C A L WOMEN S DIRECTOR by CATHY DAWSON cathydawson@local223uwua.org 2008 Ask a Working Woman Survey Working America and the AFL-CIO are conducting a nationwide on-line survey on what it s like to be a working woman. Please take a moment to complete the survey and share your thoughts, opinions and experiences so your voice will be heard. More than 22,000 women took part in the 2006 Ask a Working Woman survey with the majority saying they were worried about such fundamental economic issues as paying for health care, equal pay, not having retirement security, balancing work and family, job security and pay not keeping up with the cost of living. The results will be given to candidates running at all levels of public office to help shape the policy agendas of incoming lawmakers. J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 7

8 L O C A L U. W. U. A. DAY: FRIDAY DATE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 TIME: SHOTGUN START AT 9:00 A.M. Fox H illscountryc lub 8768 N. TERRITORIAL ROAD PLYMOUTH, MICHIGAN FEE MEMBERS $95 RETIREES $90 INCLUDES 18 HOLES OF GOLF WITH CART, LUNCH, REFRESHMENTS ON THE COURSE, AND DINNER SCRAMBLE FORMAT, PRIZES & SKINS GAME MAIL GOLFER S NAME(S) AND FEE(S) TO LOCAL 223 GOLF COMMITTEE COMMERCE DRIVE NORTH DEARBORN, MI Please make check or money order payable to: Local Golf Committee DEADLINE: MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2008 RESERVED ON FIRST PAID BASIS ONLY National & State Course of the Year 63 holes of GREAT GOLF TEAM CAPTAIN: WORK ADDRESS : TELEPHONE AND AREA CODE: ( ) TEAM MEMBERS: NAME NAME NAME MUST DESIGNATE CAPTAIN AND PLEASE PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION 8 L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

9 U W U A L O C A L TRUSTEE S REPORT The Trustees of Local 223, UWUA, AFL/CIO have met, as required by the Local Union Constitution and By-Laws, to conduct an audit for the first (6) months of The expenditures of the Local Union General Fund were examined by comparison of the vouchers and check register. We, the undersigned, find the books to be in good condition and that cash in the bank corresponds with the Treasurer s Reports; and all vouchers are accounted for. GENERAL FUND TREASURY BALANCE (DECU Checking Acct.) June 30, $535, DECU Savings Account (1)... $46, DECU Savings Account (7)... $72.58 DECU Savings Account (11) (CD)... $92, DECU Savings Account (12) (CD)... $0.00 DECU Savings Account (13) (CD)... $92, DECU Savings Account (14) (CD)... $98, Petty Cash... $ Edison EFTPS (Account #1)... $5.55 Edison EFTPS (Account #8 Active)... $13, Total Current Assets... $878, Fraternally submitted, Cathy Dawson, Trustee Russell Plummer, Trustee William St. Clair, Trustee NOTICES OF NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS Election 2008 The following 6 pages list the Notices of Nominations and Elections information for all 12 Divisions of Local 223. Please mark your Division s dates and times on your calendar. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD VOTE 2008!! J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 9

10 NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION Electrical System Substation Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the Electrical System Substation Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SEC- RETARY, TREASURER, BARGAINING & GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE four (4) to be elected. Nominations for all offices will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Thursday, October 16th, 2008 TIME: 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: Local 223 Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for Electrical System Substation officers will take place by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to the member s home in October and must be returned no later than date specified on ballot. NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION Fermi Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the Fermi Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SECRETARY, TREASURER, and BARGAINING & GRIEV- ANCE COMMITTEE two (2) will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 TIME: 4:15 p.m. LOCATION: VFW Hall, Newport, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for Fermi Division officers will be conducted by mail-ballot vote. Ballots will be mailed to the member s last known home address in November, L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

11 NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION FM&S Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the FM&S Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SEC- RETARY, TREASURER to be elected. Nominations for all offices will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Tuesday, October 7th, 2008 TIME: 4:30 p.m. LOCATION: Local 223 Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for FM&S Division officers will take place at the Local 223 Union Hall in the FM&S office on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION Gas Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the Gas Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SEC- RETARY, & TREASURER. Nominations for all offices will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Wednesday, October 8th, 2008 TIME: 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: UWUA Local 223 Union Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for Gas Division officers will take place by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to the member s home the week following the nomination meeting. J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 11

12 NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION Meter Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the Meter Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SECRETARY, TREASURER, and BARGAINING & GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE two (2) to be elected. Nominations for all offices will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Monday, October 13th, 2008 TIME: 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: Local 223 Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for Meter Division officers will take place by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to the member s home on or by October 22nd, 2008 and must be returned no later than Monday, November 10th, NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION Motor Transportation Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the Motor Trans Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SECRETARY, TREASURER, BARGAINING & GRIEV- ANCE COMMITTEE four (4), and SAFETY DIRECTOR to be elected. Nominations for all offices will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Sunday, October 5th, 2008 TIME: 12:00 p.m. LOCATION: Local 223 Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for Motor Trans Division officers will be conducted by mail-ballot vote. Ballots will be mailed to the member s last known home address on Wednesday, November 5th, L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

13 NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION OPT Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the OPT Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SEC- RETARY, TREASURER, BARGAINING & GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE four (4) to be elected, and AREA COMMIT- TEEPERSONS ten (10) to be elected. Nominations for all offices will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 TIME: 6:30 p.m. LOCATION: Local 223 Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for O.P.T. Division officers will take place by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to the member s home on or by November 3rd, 2008 and must be returned no later than November 24th, NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION Power Generation Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the Power Generation Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SECRETARY, TREASURER, and BARGAINING & GRIEV- ANCE COMMITTEE four (4) to be elected, and PLANT COMMITTEEPERSONS. Nominations for all offices will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Thursday, October 23rd, 2008 TIME: 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: Local 223 Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for Power Generation Division officers will be held by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to the member s last known home address in November, J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 13

14 NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION Stores Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the Stores Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SEC- RETARY, TREASURER, BARGAINING & GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE three (3) and SAFETY DIRECTOR to be elected. Nominations for all offices will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Monday, November 24th, 2008 TIME: 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Local 223 Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for Stores Division officers will take place at the Local 223 Union Hall on Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION Transmission Trades Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the Transmission Trades Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE-CHAIRPERSON, TREASURER, RECORDING SECRETARY, CHIEF STEWARD, and REGIONAL COM- MITTEE-STEWARDS (2 per region) will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 TIME: 5:30 p.m. LOCATION: Local 223 Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for Transmission Trades Division officers will be conducted by mail-ballot vote. Ballots will be mailed to the member s last known home address on October 31, L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

15 NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION Underground Lines Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the Underground Lines Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SEC- RETARY, and TREASURER to be elected. Nominations for all offices will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Wednesday, October 1st, 2008 TIME: 5:30 p.m. LOCATION: Local 223 Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for Underground Lines Division officers will take place by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to the member s home by October 20, NOTICE OF NOMINATION & ELECTION Warren Service Center Shops Division NOMINATIONS Members eligible to nominate or accept nomination must be from the WSC Shops Division. Nominations for the offices of CHAIRPERSON, VICE- CHAIRPERSON, CHIEF STEWARD, RECORDING SEC- RETARY, TREASURER, SHOP STEWARDS, and SAFETY COMMITTEE to be elected. Nominations for all offices will be accepted from the floor at the membership meeting, the date, time and location indicated below: DATE: Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 TIME: 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Local 223 Hall, Commerce Drive N., Dearborn, MI Acceptance of nominations must be made by one of the three (3) following ways and within five (5) days after the date of the nominations meeting, excluding all days on which there are no postal deliveries. 1) U.S. Certified Mail 2) U.S. Registered Mail 3) In writing the night of nominations and given to the Election Committee Chairperson or his/her designated representative. The nominee must do this in person. Write-in candidates will not be accepted. No member shall be eligible for election as a Division Officer if he or she has been a Communist or convicted of a felony within the past five (5) years. They must be a member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year. No member shall be a candidate for more than one (1) office of the Division. The term of office for all positions is thirty-six (36) months, unless removed for cause, or until successors have been elected and installed in office no later than January 1st. ELECTION The election for Warren Service Center Shops Division officers will take place at Local 223 s Union Hall on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at the General Membership Meeting, starting at 4:00 p.m. J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 15

16 Make March 31 Cesar Chavez National Holiday! Cesar Chavez was a tireless crusader for migrant farm workers. Founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) in the 1960s, Chavez spent his life focusing national attention on the exploitation of grape workers in California. His commitment to worker rights, economic justice, civil rights, environmental justice, and empowerment of the poor and disenfranchised is a monumental legacy worthy of a national tribute. Chavez was a labor hero who led the effort to improve the quality of life for farm workers by organizing a union to win dignity, respect and economic power to help them live the American Dream. His willingness to stand up to powerful corporate interests, and his dynamic leadership on behalf of farm workers, is why the UWUA joined with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor in 2005 to introduce a resolution at the AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention to Barack Obama Calls for National Holiday for Cesar E. Chavez April 1, 2008 Washington, DC Evelina Alarcon, Executive Director of Cesar E. Chavez National Holiday welcomed the backing for a Cesar Chavez national holiday from Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama who issued a statement on Cesar Chavez s birthday Monday, March 31, We at Cesar E. Chavez National Holiday appreciate the backing of a national holiday for Cesar Chavez from presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama. That support is crucial because it takes the signature of a President to establish the holiday along with the Congress s approval, stated Evelina Alarcon. It is also encouraging that Senator Hillary Clinton who is a great admirer of Cesar Chavez acknowledged him on his birthday. We hope that she too will soon state her support for a Cesar Chavez national holiday. Alarcon s remarks were part of a statement made at a press conference at our nation s Capitol on April 1st called by Chair of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA) in support of HR 76, a resolution he authored with 62 Co- Sponsors that encourages the establishment of a Cesar Chavez national holiday by the Congress. establish a national holiday for Chavez. The UWUA renewed its commitment to the Chavez holiday at the convention in Cincinnati last year. UWUA Secretary-Treasurer Gary Ruffner is spearheading the National Union s effort on behalf of a Cesar Chavez National Holiday. Ruffner said His commitment to worker rights, economic justice, civil rights, environmental justice, and empowerment of the poor and disenfranchised is a monumental legacy worthy of a national tribute. Chavez was a labor hero who led the effort to improve the quality of life for farm workers by organizing a union to win dignity, respect and economic power to help them live the American Dream. that given the importance of the man and his mission, a national holiday is an ideal way to honor his memory. This is about more than just creating another national holiday, Ruffner told The Utility Worker. This campaign is about honoring a true American hero a man who changed the lives, and future, for tens of thousands of hardworking men and women. It is about reflecting upon how one man one person can truly make a difference. It is about how we, as Americans, should pay tribute to leaders in the cause of expanding democracy and freedom for American workers. Ruffner said it was not that long ago that farm workers were being overworked and underpaid while spending long days picking fruits and vegetables. They did so in an environment dangerous to their health. There was no voice to call for basic human rights, basic labor protections, and civil rights. Cesar Chavez would become that voice. Ten states now recognize March 31 (Cesar Chavez s birthday) as a Cesar Chavez day. Those states are California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Rhode Island. The UWUA strongly believes that creating a national holiday will not only honor a man worthy of such public recognition, but also help ensure that his life s lesson continues to inspire others to work for the fair and just treatment of all people. Source: The Utility Worker Magazine, April/May/June L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

17 SHOW YOUR SUPPORT visit What is the Employee Free Choice Act? The Employee Free Choice Act is critical legislation that would help protect the rights of America s workers to organize and form unions. The law would give more workers a way to form unions and negotiate for better wages, health care and working conditions. Why do we need it? A robust middle class. Economic growth and shared prosperity. The American Dream. None are possible without good union jobs that protect workers. Today s workplaces are tilted in favor of lavishly-paid CEOs, who get golden parachutes while hardworking families struggle to get by. Workers need a fair shake and a chance to get ahead but employers intimidate, harass, and even fire workers who try to form a union. The Employee Free Choice Act can restore the balance, giving more workers a chance to form unions and get better health care, job security, and benefits and an opportunity to pursue their dreams. What are we doing about it? We re teaming up with hundreds of groups and unions to launch a massive campaign to show the new President and Congress that there are one million people who want to give hardworking families a chance to get ahead by passing the Employee Free Choice Act. One million people demanding a fair deal for workers. It s a powerful grassroots call for change. WORKING FAMILY ISSUES America has an important decision to make. Our next president will shape the future for working families. Find out where the 2008 presidential candidates stand on the most important issues for working families. EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT America s working families are struggling to make ends meet and our middle class is disappearing. The best opportunity working people have to get ahead economically is by joining together in unions to bargain with our employers for better wages and benefits. But the current system for forming unions and bargaining is broken. Employers routinely intimidate, harass, coerce and even fire workers who try to form unions and bargain for economic well-being. The Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 800, S. 1041) would level the playing field for workers and employers and restore our freedom to choose a union. GOOD JOBS America s workforce is under pressure, facing stagnant wages, rapidly rising health care costs, disappearing retirement benefits and an overall lack of job security. It s taken 10 years for America s minimum-wage workers to get a raise, and families are still struggling to get by on what they earn. The next president must put a high priority on ensuring that the U.S. economy is creating good jobs at good wages. HEALTH CARE America has a health care crisis. Forty-seven million Americans have no health insurance, while millions more are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing costs and inadequate coverage. Our health care system needs serious, comprehensive reform that will provide guaranteed affordable health care for all. TRADE & MANUFACTURING U.S. trade deals in recent years have cost America s workers millions of jobs and lowered living and working standards for workers globally. The next president must fight for a trade policy that supports, rather than hurts, working families here and abroad. RETIREMENT SECURITY After a lifetime of work, retirees deserve a basic level of security. But employer-provided pensions are disappearing and Social Security is under threat. The next president must strengthen Social Security, rather than allow dangerous privatization schemes, and protect workers pensions and retirement savings. EDUCATION Every child deserves a world-class public education and access to affordable higher education. America s future our ability to compete globally and grow economically depends on what we re willing to provide to our children. Source: J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 17

18 2010 UWUA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The UWUA Scholarship Program was established by Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, for sons and daughters of active UWUA members. Since its inception in 1961, the program has provided 97 scholarships. The annual competition is conducted through the National Merit Scholarship Program by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), an independent, not-for-profi t organization. NMSC s purposes are (1) to identify and honor exceptionally able high school students and (2) to provide a system of services for corporations, foundations, and other organizations that wish to sponsor college undergraduate scholarships for outstanding students who interest them. All aspects of the selection of winners and the administration of their awards are handled by NMSC. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Only high school students who are sons and daughters of UWUA active members can compete for these scholarships. Such students also must meet all requirements for participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program that are published in the PSAT/ NMSQT Official Student Guide, which is updated annually and distributed to students through their high schools. To participate in the program, students must take the qualifying test, the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during the proper high school year. In general, students who spend the usual four years in grades 9 through 12 must take the PSAT/NMSQT when they are in their third year (grade 11/junior year). Students who plan to leave high school a year (or more) early to enroll in college full time should refer to the PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide (or contact NMSC) about when to take the test. A participant also must be a citizen of the United States or be a permanent U.S. resident (or have applied for permanent residency, the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. The PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide explains these and other requirements for the competition, gives detailed information about the test (including sample questions and a complete practice test), and describes the scholarship programs NMSC administers. HOW DOES A STUDENT EN- TER THE 2010 UWUA SCHOL- ARSHIP PROGRAM? To enter the competition for UWUA Scholarships to be awarded in the spring of 2010, children of members who will complete high school and enroll full time in college in 2010 must take the PSAT/ NMSQT in the fall of 2008, on the date their school chooses for the administration either Wednesday, October 15 or Saturday, October 18, (At the beginning of the school year, the student should obtain a copy of the 2008 PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide from the high school counselor and make arrangements with the school to take the PSAT/ NMSQT in October.) The student also must file an entry form directly with UWUA by December 31, 2008 (see form on next page). The entry form for the 2010 competition must be completed and mailed to: Utility Workers Union of America Scholarship Program, Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, th Street, NW, Washington, DC HOW ARE WINNERS SELECTED? All UWUA Scholarship winners in 2010 will be chosen from a group of candidates who (1) score high on the 2008 PSAT/NMSQT and (2) are notified by NMSC in the fall of 2009 that they may receive further consideration for a scholarship by meeting several academic and other requirements set by NMSC. Scores from the 2008 PSAT/NMSQT will be used by NMSC as an initial screen of applicants in the 2010 UWUA Scholarship Program. Entrants who advance in the competition will be contacted by NMSC on or before December 31, (Only those entrants who advance in the competition will be notified and receive materials from NMSC.) These students and their high school principals will complete applications that include biographical and academic information that must be filed with NMSC. Scholarship winners will be chosen on a competitive basis and without regard to family financial circumstances, gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. An NMSC committee of professionals trained in selection will choose the winners by evaluating several factors about each eligible candidate; these include academic record throughout high school, significant activities and contributions to the school and community, test scores, the school s recommendation of the candidate, and the student s essay about personal characteristics, activities, plans, and goals. In most cases, winners will be notified by NMSC in March of All winners are notified directly, prior to any public announcement that may be made about recipients. WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF THE AWARD? The stipend for each UWUA Scholarship winner is determined individually by NMSC and can range from $500 to a maximum of $2,000 per year for up to four years 18 L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T of college undergraduate study or until baccalaureate degree requirements are completed, whichever occurs first. The amount of the stipend takes into account both educational costs of the college to be attended and family financial circumstances. NMSC may increase or decrease the winner s annual stipend, within the minimum and maximum limits set for the scholarship, after considering other scholarship aid the winner receives, any change in college to be attended, and/or significant changes in family finances. Are There Requirements That SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS MUST MEET? Yes. The formal offer of a UWUA Scholarship that NMSC sends to each winner specifies terms for acceptance and continuation of the award. A winner must enter college in the fall term following selection and must enroll as a full-time undergraduate in a college or university in the United States that holds accredited status with a regional accrediting commission on higher education. (Scholarship stipends are not payable for attendance at service academies, virtual universities, and certain institutions that are limited in their purposes or training.) Also, the winner must attend college during the day, enroll in a course of study leading to one of the traditional baccalaureate degrees, and remain in good academic and disciplinary standing. WHO HANDLES SCHOLAR- SHIP PROCEDURES? All phases of the competition, including the selection of winners and payment of scholarship stipends are handled for Utility Workers Union of America, AFL- CIO by National Merit Scholarship Corporation. NOTE: A student who does not take the 2008 PSAT/NMSQT because of illness, an emergency or other extenuating circumstances (but meets all other participation requirements), may still be able to enter the 2010 competition. To request information about possible arrangements for alternate testing after the October 2008 PSAT/NMSQT administration, the student must write directly to NMSC as soon as possible but no later than March 1, The student should not delay; the earlier the student writes, the more options there are for scheduling test dates. The letter must be postmarked on or before March 1, 2009, for the request to be considered. Write to National Merit Scholarship Corporation, Attn: Educational Services, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200, Evanston, Illinois ; telephone 847/

19 J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 19

20 LABOR DAY 2008 PARADE Join Local 223 & Organized Labor as we march for Employee Free Choice Act, Health Care for All & Exercise Your Right to Vote! September 1, :00 AM Assemble at Noble Parking Lot 7:00 AM 9:00 AM Transportation to Parade Site Last van to Parade Site 9:00 AM Transportation back to Parking Lot at the end of the Parade Coffee, Donuts, T-Shirts, and Raffle Tickets will be provided at Noble Parking Lot 20 L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

21 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! On April 18, 2008, DTE Energy announced that it was in the process of conducting an investigation into the irregularities involving employee utility accounts. The Company stated that the investigation involved a small number of employees. The Company went on to say that these irregularities were discovered during a review of internal control processes and that corrective actions are being taken to ensure that this situation is not repeated. The Company also reminded employees of the assistance programs available to employees who are having difficulty with paying their bills. There were a small number of Local 223 members who were terminated as a result of this investigation. During the course of being involved in representing employees who were subject to interrogation by the Company, it became apparent that some number of employees spoke to corporate investigators without asking for Union representation. When employees fail to ask for Union representation at times like these, it makes it very difficult to help the employee after the fact to ensure that the employee is afforded due process. Below is a reminder to always ask for a Steward when being interviewed by the Company. When Management begins to ask you a question that could lead to you being disciplined, you don t have to face it alone. If you have a reasonable belief that the answers you give could be used by the boss to discipline you, the United States Supreme Court says you can refuse to answer any questions until the Union Steward is on the scene and has a chance to talk things over with you first. It is your right to have a Union Steward present during the questioning to advise you, ask Management for clarifications and provide additional information at the end of the session. If you are called at home and are asked the same kind of questions, you have a right to insist on waiting to answer them in the presence of a Steward. Once your Union representative is present, you are required to answer the questions truthfully. These protections are known as your Weingarten Rights named after the 1975 Supreme Court case in which the Court decided that these rights exist. The Weingarten ruling applies to Union members and are covered under the National Labor Relations Act. The boss is under no obligation to inform you that you have the right to have a Steward present. You have to know your right and ask to use it. Once you ve asked for a Steward to be present, any attempt by the boss to ask you questions before the Steward arrives is illegal. If the supervisor pressures you by saying things like, you re only making matters worse by asking for a steward, that s against the law, too. What to say if Management asks questions that you believe could lead to discipline: If this discussion could in any way lead to me being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that a Union representative, Officer, or Steward be present at this meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions. Just as important as knowing what your Weingarten rights are, it is important to know the limits. Your are not entitled to have a Steward present every time the boss wants to talk to you like about how to use a certain tool, or job assignments for the day. But if the discussion begins to change into questioning that could lead to discipline, you have the right to ask for your Steward before the conversation goes any further. If you are called into the boss s office for an investigation, you can t refuse to go until your Steward is present. All you can do is refuse to answer questions until your Steward arrives and you and the Steward have the chance to talk things over. If you are a Steward, Committeeperson, or Divisional Officer and are unsure as to what your role is in assisting a member under Weingarten, please contact your Divisional Chair, who can assist you in knowing and applying the member s Weingarten rights. Affordable health care. The right to form a union. Good U.S. jobs. An independent energy policy. Fair contracts..can t wait until November. Take Action Today on TAKE ACTION TODAY ON Together, UWUA members can make a difference. When we speak with one voice on important issues we face, we can influence elections, legislation and bargaining. All you have to do is use the tools available to members under the Take Action section of our website s home page. Here s what you can do: Register to vote: Register now to take part in the November elections. Simply fill out the online form, sign and mail. Take part in a current campaign: Our site is regularly updated with legislative, political and union campaigns that you can easily participate in via the web and s. Become an e-activist by signing on-line petitions or sending s to your representatives in Washington or a CEO on an urgent issue. Find out how your member of Congress voted: In addition to finding out who represents you on the state and national level, UWUA s Legislation and Election Center has Congressional voting records on key legislation. Enter your zip code on the Elected Officials page and you ll see how the President and your US Senators and Representative voted on laws important to UWUA members. Educate yourself on political candidates: Go to the Candidates page in the Legislation and Election Center to learn where state and federal candidates stand on the issues and find out which have earned UWUA endorsements. Get informed on the issues: The Issue page in the Legislation and Election Center contains summaries of important bills in the current and previous Congressional sessions that impact UWUA members. And be sure and sign up for UWUA alerts so that you can act quickly to weigh in on important legislation and to support UWUA brothers and sisters engaged in a contract and organizing struggles. J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 21

22 SUDOKU Sudoku Rules Fill in the missing numbers so every row, column and quadrant contains the number 1 through 9. Solution on Back Page Need Counseling for a Personal or Family Crisis? If so, then contact Local 223 s EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM at (313) REMEMBER - All calls to the EAP are held in strict confidence. All Michigan Family Members Deserve Health Care Coverage by Mark Gaffney, President of Michigan State AFL-CIO All Michigan family members deserve health care coverage, both as active employees and as retirees. That s what the members of Michigan s Unions think and continue to fight for. We believe that government, employers and individuals all have a role to play in a system that provides real health security, choice and highquality health care for all. As a Union member, I know that Unions have been fighting for health care for decades. In fact, we supported and fought for universal health care coverage after World War II as part of the Fair Deal agenda and lost out to Big Business. When the nation then adopted an employer-based health care system, it was Union members who fought in contract after contract to improve health care benefits and thus raised the standards for the nation. Today, the 2008 elections offer a unique window Americans are ready as never before to fix our health care system. We need a plan for health care reform that: Controls rising and irrational costs. Provides comprehensive, highquality health care to all. Gives every family the opportunity and the responsibility for preventive care. Preserves the right to choose and use your own doctor. Asks our government to play a strong role in restoring balance to the system curb ing greed and incompetence and ensuring more fairness and efficiency. Lowers employer costs and, in return, asks them to pay their fair share, along with government and individuals. Builds on what s best about American health care while drawing from what works in other countries. We believe that government, employers and individuals all have a role to play in a system that provides real health security, choice and high-quality health care for all. With American ingenuity and input from all Americans, we believe it possible, even necessary, to craft a uniquely American plan for health care reform. We realize that there is no real chance that meaningful health care reform will be enacted while this president is still in office. Rather than fight a losing battle, we are mobilizing a 1-millionmember mobilization team of activists and working with a broad group of allies to keep comprehensive health care reform at the top of the political agenda in 2008 and to ensure that the real work of fixing the health care system actually gets done after the elections. There are many proposals out there, and we are ready to work with anyone to build a plan that meets the goal of secure, high-quality health care for all Americans. In addition to talking to our members, this campaign will be talking to allies, including not only other progressive organizations but also, crucially, employers. Our employers that have been providing good health benefits have a real stake in reforming health care and must be part of the debate and the solution. 22 L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

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24 AFL-CIO Highlights UWUA Commitment to Organizing Following the recent formation of a partnership between the UWUA and the AFL-CIO to organize new members, the federation singled out the Utility Workers for its commitment to securing the benefits a union contract brings to more American workers. Below is an article that appeared on the AFL-CIO s Blog. Utility Workers Changing to Organize UTILITY WORKERS CHANGING TO ORGANIZE by James Parks, April 2, 2008 The highest priority of the union movement is help more workers join unions and, in doing so, to open the doors for millions of Americans to enjoy the benefits of union membership. But helping workers form unions takes time and requires a strong commitment of union members and resources to succeed. Many AFL-CIO unions have made the commitment to change to organize. The Utility Workers (UWUA) union is the latest in a growing number of AFL-CIO unions to begin an internal change process with the help of our Organizing Department to organize more effectively, win bigger campaigns outside the broken National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) system and increase density in their core industry. The Utility Workers (UWUA) union is the latest in a growing number of AFL-CIO unions to begin an internal change process with the help of our Organizing Department to organize more effectively, win bigger campaigns outside the broken National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) system and increase density in their core industry. In a message on organizing in the union s newsletter, UWUA President Michael Langford explains why the union has formed a partnership with the AFL-CIO to increase the utility union s organizing capacity and success. It s no secret that organizing is hard work and not just big talk. Everybody has to be on board, and we have to mean what we say. And it s no secret that successful organizing unions dedicate a significant portion of their time, energy, personnel and resources to organizing. UWUA is going to be a successful organizing union. Langford says 30 percent of workers in the utility industry are union members, a lot better than the unionization rate of most industries, but it s not good enough to preserve and enhance the security and quality of our jobs. The great majority of utility workers, like all other workers, want to join unions, Langford says. In fact, some 57 million working people say they would join a union if they had a chance, according to a survey from Peter D. Hart Research Associates. But the lengthy NLRB election process makes it easy for employers to routinely harass, intimidate and coerce workers who try to exercise their freedom to form a union at work. Studies show 78 percent of private-sector employers require supervisors to deliver anti-union messages to workers they oversee. And although it s illegal, 25 percent of private-sector employers fire workers who try to form a union. Langford adds that deregulation, corporate spin-offs and outsourcing also have played a role in decreasing the ranks of union members Organize! It s no secret that organizing is hard work and not just big talk. Everybody has to be on board, and we have to mean what we say. in the utility industry. The AFL-CIO and its affiliates are working hard to change to organize and train a new generation of organizers and those efforts are paying off. In fact, workers are choosing to join unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO at the highest rate in two generations. The Organizing Department is working with more than a dozen affiliated unions to assist them in their change to organize programs, and our Center for Strategic Research is assisting in several major organizing campaigns. Over the past two years, six AFL-CIO unions voted to move more than $150 million in new money for organizing at their conventions. Combined, this is the largest investment in organizing in the history of the American union movement. AFSCME members voted to increase dues to create a $60 million war chest to expand workers power and reclaim workers rights under assault by President Bush and the NLRB. Delegates to the UAW Convention designated $60 million for strategic organizing and mobilizing campaigns for national health care, fair trade and other key working family priorities. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) members voted to establish a strategic industry fund that could raise as much as $25 million per year for campaigns in strategic sectors. AFT approved their largest dues increase ever for organizing, and Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Iron Workers all voted to put more resources toward organizing. And last year, we reported that Charles Lester, the first-ever organizing director for the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), vowed to put the model for organizing presented at the 2006 AFL-CIO Organizing Summit to work in his union. Now that model has paid off as dozens of rank-and-file members have become involved in organizing and hundreds of new drivers have joined the union. Langford says the UWUA s new strategic effort, like the commitments by other unions, is designed to help workers gain a better life. We will not reverse industry trends in weeks or months. Change is a long-term project. But the process of change takes place each and every day as we assemble all the pieces of a dynamic organizing program. 24 L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

25 UWUA LOCAL 223 s Anti-Discrimination Policy and Procedure Every member of Local 223 has a duty not to engage in any form of unlawful discrimination. One of the main constitutional objectives of our National Union is to unite all workers in our Union regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or national origin. Local 223 s By-Laws require every member to pledge to never discriminate against a fellow worker because of race, creed, color, sex, age or national origin. The Local 223/DTE Energy contract prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color sex, age or national origin. Law also prohibits discrimination based on disability. If any member or person represented by Local 223 believes she/he is a victim of prohibited discrimination at work (which could include verbal, physical, or written harassment), the Union is available to assist in the resolution of her/his complaint. The Union is here to represent employees. If you believe that you are experiencing discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (including harassment), you should communicate your complaint to your Local 223 Steward. The grievance procedure of the Local 223/DTE Energy contract is one method by which an employee can resolve a complaint regarding prohibited discrimination. Every employee also has the right to pursue any claim she/he may have against any individual of the Company with the appropriate governmental agency or through private litigation. If you feel that a Union Steward or a Local 223 official is part of your complaint or is ignoring your complaint, it is important that you notify one of Local 223 s Human Rights representatives: Craig Massey, Local 223 Union Hall, Pager (313) Cathy Dawson, G-73 Warren Service Center, Pager (313) Any violation of our Union s policy against discrimination is conduct unbecoming a Union member under Local 223 s By-Laws. Local 223 s Human Rights representatives are responsible for responding to member/employee complaints about Stewards or Union officials who engage in prohibited discrimination or who ignore a complaint about prohibited discrimination. Local 223 believes that it has excellent Stewards and Local officials. However, if you have a complaint that a Steward or a Local official has engaged in prohibited discrimination, or is ignoring a complaint about prohibited discrimination, Local 223 is ready and willing to investigate and remedy such complaint. Local 223 s Human Rights representatives have the authority to initiate appropriate action against Union officials who violate our policy against discrimination, including the ability to file internal Union charges, which can result in removal from office. We urge all members of Local 223 to work with the Union to eradicate discrimination in the workplace. RETIREE CLUB MEETINGS Deco Retirees Breakfast Club Held the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Ram s Horn restaurant, Fort Street, in Southgate (between Pennsylvania and Eureka). Breakfast served at 8:30 a.m. For information, call Harry Gibbs, (734) Deco Retirees OTHER Breakfast Club Meet the second Wednesday of the month at Bobby s Kitchen and the fourth Wednesday of the month at the International Cafe (next to Travel Inn), I-75 and North Dixie Highway, Monroe. Breakfast served at 8:30 a.m. All retirees are welcome! For information, call Dave Whitwam, (734) , Ken Domansky, (734) , or the M.A.C., (734) Club Elecsyrs Meetings the first Tuesday of the month at the Plymouth Elks Club. Social time is 11:30 a.m. and lunch is served at 12:00 noon. Speaker(s) cover topics of interest. For information, call David Beagan at (734) Underground Lines Retirees Meetings the third Wednesday of the month at the Old Country Inn restaurant at Gratiot at 15 Mile Rd., Clinton Twp. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Speakers after lunch on topics of interest. For information, call Frank Torre at (248) Conners Creek Retiree Group Meetings the first Tuesday of the month at Roses Family Restaurant in St. Clair Shores at Harper. Breakfast served at 8:00 a.m. - social time after. For more information, call Paul Pica at (810) Southwestern Edison Club 2008 Events AUG 23...Golf Outing OCT 11...Euchre Party NOV 7...Adult Fish Fry New Year s Eve tickets on sale at Fish Fry DEC Christmas Party DTE Energy Employees Only DEC New Year s Eve Party OTHER EVENTS SEPT 12..Retiree Breakfast OCT 3...Retirement Party OCT 17...Retiree Breakfast Club Phone: Annual dues of $10 required to participate in any of the above events. Retiree Breakfast fee $1.00 per event. For information on joining the Southwestern Edison Club, contact Richard Teifer at (734) Substation Division s Retirement Party To be held on October 9th, 2008 at the Robert Jones Knights of Columbus Hall in Lincoln Park. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Ticket price will remain $ Includes open bar, dinner and gifts for all retirees. For more information, call the Substation B.U. office at (313) Any retiree group that would like their meeting notices published in the Annunciator should contact Richard Mata at the Union Hall, (313) J U L Y / A U G U S T L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R 25

26 LOCAL 223 DIVISION MEETING SCHEDULE LOCAL 223 GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING DATE: LOCATION: TIME: MEETING MONTHS: FM&S DIVISION MEETING DATE: First TUESDAY of every other month, except June, July and August follow- LOCATION: TIME: GAS DIVISION ing General Council Meetings. Local 223 Union Hall 4:30 p.m. COMMITTEEPERSONS MEETING MEETING DATE: First WEDNESDAY of every month LOCATION: Local 223 Union Hall TIME: 6:00 p.m. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MEETING DATE: Second WEDNESDAY of every month LOCATION: Local 223 Union Hall TIME: 6:00 p.m. METER DIVISION MEETING DATE: Second MONDAY of every month, except June, July and August LOCATION: Local 223 Union Hall TIME: 5:30 p.m. MEETING MONTHS: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December. MOTOR TRANSPORTATION DIVISION MEETING DATE: LOCATION: TIME: * PLEASE NOTE NEW SCHEDULE Last WEDNESDAY of every other month, except June, July and August Local 223 Union Hall 5:30 p.m. January, March, May, September and November (refreshments served after meeting.) First MONDAY of every month Local 223 Union Hall 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for months: January, March, May, September, November 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for months: February, April, October, December June, July, August Recess for Summer NUCLEAR GENERATION DIVISION MEETING DATE: Second TUESDAY of each month LOCATION: VFW Hall TIME: 4:15 p.m. MEETING MONTHS: Meeting all months, unless cancelled by membership. O.P.T. DIVISION MEETING DATE: Third TUESDAY of every month except July and August (Note meeting date change.) LOCATION: Local 223 Union Hall TIME: 6:30 p.m. MEETING MONTHS: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, and December POWER GENERATION DIVISION MEETING DATE: LOCATION: TIME: STORES DIVISION Fourth THURSDAY of every month Local 223 Union Hall 7:30 p.m. MEETING DATE: Fourth MONDAY of every other month, except June, July and August LOCATION: Local 223 Union Hall TIME: 5:00 p.m. MEETING MONTHS: January, March, May, September and November. SUBSTATION DIVISION MEETING DATE: Third THURSDAY of every month, except June, July and August LOCATION: Local 223 Union Hall TIME: 7:00 p.m. MEETING MONTHS: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, and December. (Standard two-hour meeting limit.) TRANSMISSION TRADES MEETING DATE: LOCATION: TIME: Second TUESDAY of every month Local 223 Union Hall 5:30 p.m. UNDERGROUND LINES DIVISION MEETING DATE: First WEDNESDAY of every month, except June, July and August LOCATION: Local 223 Union Hall TIME: 5:30 p.m. MEETING MONTHS: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, and December. WARREN SERVICE CENTER SHOPS DIVISION MEETING DATE: Third WEDNESDAY of every other month, except June, July and August LOCATION: Local 223 Union Hall TIME: 4:00 p.m. MEETING MONTHS: January, March, May, September, and November. 26 L O C A L A N N U N C I A T O R J U L Y / A U G U S T

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28 Patient Safety and Quality New Pill Card Helps Patients Take Medications on Time Research has shown that using a pill card with pictures and simple phrases to show each medicine, its purpose, how much to take, and when to take it reduces misunderstandings. Free, online instructions for creating a pill card an illustrated medication schedule using only a personal or lap top computer and printer are now available from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. One in four Americans do not take prescription medicines as prescribed. Adherence to medication instructions is particularly important when people have chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart failure. Many people who fail to adhere to medication instructions do so because they do not understand how to take their medicines. Medication non-adherence costs an estimated $100 billion annually in hospital admissions, doctor visits, lab tests, and nursing home admissions. Research has shown that using a pill card with pictures and simple phrases to show each medicine, its purpose, how much to take, and when to take it reduces misunderstandings. A pill card can serve as a visual aid for confirming that patients understand how to take the medicines properly and as a reminder to take medicines. AHRQ s How to Create a Pill Card provides step-by-step instructions for making a pill card. A person needs a computer with word processing software, a printer, and information on all of their medicines. How to Create a Pill Card is intended for anyone who takes medicines regularly or who cares for someone who does. More information can be found at The Greatest Wealth is Health. ~Virgil SUDOKU SOLUTION From Puzzle on Page 10 UWUA, LOCAL 223, AFL-CIO Commerce Drive N. Dearborn, MI (313) Non-profi t Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No Detroit, MI Periodical Rate Pending