Conducted Monday, June 16, 2008
Participants-
- Anekia Greiner, President, CWA Local 2003
- Ron Gaskins, President, CWA Local 2004
- Celeste Dziatkowicz, CWA Local 2006
- Nick Nipper, Treasurer, CWA Local 2007
- Mark Balsamo, Executive Vice President, CWA Local 2100
- Damon Dallas, CWA Local 2101
- Chuck Faust, President, CWA Local 2109
- Mark Wood, CWA Local 2201
- Tim Boggs, CWA Local 2204
- Matt Morris and Jesse Davis, CWA Local 2222
- John Hughes, Secretary-Treasurer, CWA Local 2300
- Bill Evitt, CWA Representative and
- David LeGrande, Director, Occupational Safety and Health
Agenda-
National/Regional Occupational Safety and Health Issues-
David LeGrande discussed the status of three pieces of federal legislation- the "Ban Asbestos in America Act" introduced by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the "Bruce Vento Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008" introduced by Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MINN) and chemical security legislation introduced with the U.S. House of Representatives. As previously noted, the asbestos legislation calling for a ban on the manufacture and use of asbestos products within the U.S. sponsored by Patty Murray (D-WA) has been passed (with an unfavorable amendment) in the U.S. Senate. However, companion legislation has not yet and is unlikely to be passed by the House of Representatives during this Congressional session.
Regarding chemical security legislation, H.R 5577, the "Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008" has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MISS). The Blue/Green Labor/Environmental Coalition, to which CWA is an active member (as well as the UAW and USWA), is working for the passage of this bill. However, it is unlikely this legislation will be passed during this Congressional session.
It is anticipated that these legislative bills will be passed during the next (U.S.) Presidential Administration.
Electrical Hazards-
David LeGrande discussed the continued training being conducted throughout the U.S. among Verizon employees. Following the fatalities of two represented technicians (Marvin Benson, CWA Local 2100, and Brent Cheney, CWA Local 4773), the Maryland and Indiana Departments of Labor, Verizon , and the Union's Safety and Health Department negotiated settlement agreements calling for the development and conducting of electrical awareness/hazards training for Verizon technicians within the two states. Subsequently, these agreements were expanded to cover all Verizon technicians throughout the U.S. (both CWA and IBEW-represented).
Thus far, the training program (jointly developed by CWA's Occupational Safety and Health Department and conducted by Verizon) has progressed very well. To date, training has been completed within Districts 4 and, except for West Virginia, District 2 and is scheduled to begin in District 9 (July, 2008). Within District 2, the training sessions have been conducted during Verizon's "Day of Safety."
The subject of dielectric cabling at power substations was discussed by Mark Balsamo, Ron Gaskins, and Chuck Faust. After several conversations with Verizon supervisors, the Company has agreed to ensure dielectric cabling is contained within all power substations where CWA-represented technicians perform their work. Also, the Company indicated it would attempt to move the telecommunications equipment out of the substations locating them at the perimeter of the substation work area. CWA will work to have the latter procedures adopted.
Workers' Memorial Day- April 28, 2008-
David LeGrande thanked all District 2 leaders and OSH activists for their participation in Workers' Memorial Day activities. Several activists on the call mentioned the activities in which they helped lead and/or participated in.
Also, David discussed the permanent memorial being established at the National Labor College. CWA and several other unions will be participating in these efforts. In the near future, additional information will be provided.
Transition Activities-
David LeGrande mentioned CWA's role in joining with the AFL-CIO Occupational Safety and Health Department and several other affiliated unions in planning for the transition of occupational and environmental safety and health functions within the next (U.S.) Presidential Administration. Thus far, their have been several meetings to identify and formulate the primary issues and activities. Upon completion of this work, further information will be provided.
Workplace Ergonomics-
David LeGrande opened up this discussion by identifying ergonomics as one of the most important safety and health issues for CWA (and the rest of the labor movement). As we move forward throughout the remainder of 2008, he asked participants to continue monitoring /begin to monitor the occurrence of member/represented worker job-related repetitive motion/musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses. Such information will become a significant component in the Department's continuing/renewed activities specific to identifying, resolving, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders (particularly during and after the transition to a new Presidential Administration).
Several participants mentioned represented employers within District 2 have all but eliminated workplace ergonomics from their work agenda maintaining that musculoskeletal injuries, illnesses, and disorders have declined to a level that does not necessitate significant safety and health action or attention.
Participant Reports/New Issues-
Motor Vehicle Training-
As requested by CWA, Verizon has developed motor vehicle training for technicians, but the training has not yet been initiated. Ron Gaskins, President and Bill Evitt indicated they would continue to discuss the roll-out dates with the Company.
Indoor Air Quality-
Mark Balsamo raised concerns with poor/inadequate indoor air quality within Verizon central offices and service representative work locations. Several participants joined in this discussion. Specific to Maryland, Mark indicated he would investigate the regulatory implications/potential action and report his findings during the next conference call.
Date of the Next CWA District 2 Occupational Safety and Health Conference Call-
The next District 2 Occupational Safety and Health Conference call will be held on Monday September 15, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
