At the time of writing this report, Negotiations at Chubb Edwards (Fire) are ongoing. The talks have been educational for all involved. This is the first time the UTC Chubb management has sat across from the former (GE) Edwards fire techs in negotiations and I am confident they have walked away with a better understanding of the people they employ. It has been an education for the new negotiating committee members who got a look into a side of the contract and Union/Management relations they had not seen before. As for myself, it has been educational getting to know this group better; the classifications; certifications and the important work that the Fire Techs do. I am hopeful for an agreement although there are many important items that have yet to be discussed. Since the purchase of GE Edwards by United Technologies (parent to Chubb Edwards), this group has had to endure a great deal of change in the workplace.
Tyco International (parent to ADT) is still targeting a September 2012 date for the official split of the company into three separate publicly traded companies. Branches in the US have started to split the crews into commercial and residential and rumors down south have branches looking at moving the offices and operations to separate locations.
The big news from the City of Vancouver is the change in management and the reporting structure. As we understand it, Murray Wightman is the Manager of the newly combined Streets, Traffic & Electrical Operations. The Electrical Superintendants will report to Ken Brown and Chris Dodd who report to Mr. Wightman. The Electrical Design group will fall under Rhys Williams’ Management in the newly formed Streets & Electrical Design department with Phil Wong as Superintendant. An official outline to the reporting structure is to be delivered to the Union soon. The Labour Management meetings we were having with the previous Management group will continue. The Program Manager and Deputy City Electrician at the Electrical Inspections, John McMahon, has retired. I know I speak for all members when we wish John well in his future endeavors and we thank him for his leadership and honesty. The departure of John leaves big shoes to fill at the City.
A meeting to elect the EOB Negotiating Committee and discuss proposals has been set for Saturday, February 4 at 11:00 am at the Port Coquitlam Union Hall. There has not been a meeting set for the Inspectors and Techs at the time of writing this article; that meeting should be announced shortly.
The City of New Westminster is coming to an end to its Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Union will serve notice to commence bargaining to the City. Those members of City of New Westminster should start preparing for a request for proposals; the meeting to create a negotiating committee will be forthcoming.
