Conducted Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Participants-
- CWA Local 7011- Mike Salazar
- CWA Local 7026- Cecelia Valdez, Secretary Treasurer
- CWA Local 7076- Norman Norvelle
- CWW Local 7200- Andy Anderson, Vice President
- CWA Local 7201- Nance Ballman, Secretary
- CWA Local 7400- Bill McAleer
- CWA Local 7470- Brian Becker
- CWA Local 7500- Christy Zurich and Yvette Henrickson
- CWA Local 7603- Tony Barton
- CWA Local 7621- Ryan Packer
- CWA Local 7702- Carolyn Martinez, Secretary Treasurer
- CWA Local 7708- Mike Burns
- CWA Local 7777- Polly Peixoto, Vice President, Philip Brodie, Ben Rubin, and Theresa Milne
- CWA Local 7901- Scott Payment
- AFA-CWA Local 27066- Mary Cost, Secretary
- Rick Sorensen, CWA Representative
- Joe Petersen, CWA Representative
- David LeGrande, CWA Occupational Safety and Health Director
Introductions-
Fifteen CWA occupational safety and health (OSH) activists participated in the conference call. Of these, twelve were local union activists representing twelve local unions and three were CWA Staff (i.e., CWA Representatives Joe Petersen and Rick Sorensen, and CWA's Occupational Safety and Health Director, David LeGrande).
National/Regional Occupational Safety and Health Issues-
David LeGrande discussed the introduction of legislative bills intended to ban the manufacture and use of asbestos products in the U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has introduced and the full Senate has approved the "Ban Asbestos in America Act." The bill provides many necessary protections for workers. Unfortunately, it also contains an amendment that would provide an exception for products containing less than one per cent of asbestos. Led by the AFL-CIO, CWA will be working to have these provisions removed in the Senate-House Conference Committee.
Within the U.S. House of Representatives, Betty McCollum (D-MINN) has introduced the "Bruce Vento Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008." If enacted as introduced, this legislation would effectively ban the manufacture and use of asbestos products within the U.S. To date, the legislative bill is being considered within the appropriate House Committee and has not been introduced for a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives.
In addition, David mentioned the CWA's ongoing work with a number of environmental organizations and other labor unions re. the introduction and passage of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008 (H.R. 5577). This bill would amend and provide several worker and environmental protections to the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It is anticipated this measure will be voted on within the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security during mid-March and move to the House floor for a vote during March or April.
Electrical Hazards-
David LeGrande provided an update re. the Union's work with Verizon in ensuring the Company cooperatively develops and provides electrical hazards education and training to affected CWA technicians/Verizon employees including the appropriate and well-designed work equipment and tools. Thus far, the Company has developed and the Union has reviewed training materials targeting all represented technicians employed within outside plant and central office work environments. In addition, training has been rolled out within Districts 2 and 4 with training in District Nine to be initiated March 3-5, 2008. In the near future, education and training will take place in other sections of the U.S. where Verizon does business.
However, given electrical hazards are not unique to Verizon work locations, we also need to focus upon the provision of education and training and proper work equipment and tools/working conditions for represented workers employed at other telecommunications (as well as cable TV) employers including Qwest, AT&T, and independent telecommunications companies. The Safety and Health Department will continue to work towards achieving this ongoing concern.
Joe Petersen, CWA Representative, indicated he has discussed the electrical hazards issue with Qwest's safety and health director, but as of yet has not received any commitment to move forward. (However, based on a recent near-miss incident in Washington State, Qwest may be more favorably inclined to pursue education and training).
Rick Sorensen, CWA Representative, addressed the recent electrical hazards near-miss incident involving a Qwest technician employed in Washington. At present, the Washington Occupational Safety and Health Administration (WISHA) is conducting an investigation of the incident. Rick indicated he would forward information re. the incident and WISHA's investigation as soon as he receives it.
Bill Mcaleer, CWA Local 7400, reported the need to provide electrical hazards education and training to technicians employed by Qwest and other telecommunications companies located within District 7. With increased performance and productivity demands placed upon technicians, the likelihood of an increased number of near-miss incidents, injuries, and illnesses becomes a much greater possibility. He emphasized particular concern for Qwest technicians because they have not received electrical hazards training in many years.
Workers' Memorial Day, April 28, 2008- "Good Jobs- Safe Jobs For All-"
David LeGrande reminded participants to begin preparing for Workers' Memorial Day activities. As in previous years, he encouraged the District and locals work in a coalition with their state AFL-CIO and local labor councils as well as COSH, Jobs With Justice, environmental, and other allied organizations in planning and conducting identified functions. As in previous years, Workers' Memorial Day materials may be ordered directly from the AFL-CIO .
In addition, he mentioned a letter from CWA President Larry Cohen encouraging District and Local participation in Workers' Memorial Day activities would be e-mailed to all Local Presidents and CWA Staff later this week (See the CWA webpage for a copy of President Cohen's letter. Local activists are encouraged to use President Cohen's message to broaden and involve CWA participation in this extremely important celebration).
Joe Petersen encouraged District 7 occupational safety and health activists to notify and send information to him regarding their Workers' Memorial Day activities. In turn, he would include this information on the District 7 occupational safety and health web page as well as provide it to District 7 Officers and Staff. During his discussion, Joe highlighted the safety and health issues involving AFA-CWA members as well as the need to make this information available to increased numbers of CWA leaders, activists, and members.
District 7 Safety Page- Articles and Events-
Joe Petersen reminded participants to submit safety and health articles and information re. events taking place in their local area for publication on the District 7 Safety and Health Webpage.
Participant Reports/New Issues-
Andy Anderson, CWA Local 7200, reported on the development and introduction of workplace violence legislation within the Minnesota state government. Emanating from the incidents of violence to CWA local union members employed as Qwest technicians, the legislation would mandate needed workplace protections for the affected outside plant technicians. Nance Ballman, CWA Local 7201, indicated the legislative measure will be introduced to and should receive support from the local and state federations (AFL-CIO). Both Andy and Nance indicated they would provide updated information on the legislative initiative.
Mike Burns, CWA Local 7708, mentioned the need to apply pressure upon Qwest to re-initiate training on winter driving safety. It has been several years since this training has been provided to outside plant technicians.
Date of the Next CWA District 7 Occupational Safety ad Health Conference Call-
The next District 7 Occupational Safety and Health Conference Call will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 from 1:00- 3:00 p.m. (MDT).
