DOMINION STOCKHOLDERS MEETING/PROXY
Each of you should have or should be receiving your proxy packets regarding the annual stockholders meeting and the voting of your shares. The meeting, as you’ll see, is in Pittsburgh PA. Highly recommend that everyone attend a stockholder’s meeting at least once and this is a golden opportunity for those of us in the area. In the past, the Union has been asked for advice on how to vote ones shares. Since we have an open web site it is not advisable to place any type of recommendations on it. However, if you want to e-mail me or any member of the Executive Board and ask us our personally opinion, I, for one, will be more than happy to share with you the direction I cast my votes.
Charlie
2012 REGIONAL TOURS KICK-OFF
The Union’s 2012 Regional Work location tours kicked off this week, March 5th with Region III in the Southern Area. The next tour is Clerical, Region VI with a walk through the main office on March 19th and an evening meeting to offer a better opportunity for discussions. If you haven’t attended a tour meeting for a while please attempt to attend one in your area. We have revamped the itinerary to allow for more question and answer time. But remember you can’t get answers if you don’t ask the questions. We make every effort to answer questions regarding internal union concerns during the meetings, but sometimes it’s necessary to discuss the issue(s) with the Executive Board. But in any case you will get a response. As for questions concerning company operations or company interpretation of contract language, those questions are submitted, in writing, to the company and they have 40 calendar days to respond to them in writing. Their responses are provided to your Regional Director who is responsible for seeing that the Stewards in their regions post the questions and responses. Keep in mind too that 2013 is a full Contract year and we’re working on issues now. Attending one of these meetings will provide you a good opportunity to learn how to submit a contract proposal to the Representative Council for consideration.
C-E-P Continues
At our 2010 Representative Council we adopted the concept of Communicate-Educate-Participate (C-E-P). Our first Education Conference was held on January 19, 2011. Since our 2011 conference, we have appointed some new Stewards. On March 1, 2012, we held another Education Conference to educate the new Stewards. Bryan Ash, Kris Wagner, and Craig Bradford were the instructors and Eric Simmons provided the technical support. Each Steward in attendance actively participated and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to gain knowledge.
Kris Wagner stated, "It is very rewarding to see new stewards who are so anxious to participate and gain knowledge"
Craig Bradford stated, "It energizes me to see the energy of the new stewards. We need to continue the process."
Bryan Ash thanked the new Stewards for attending and spoke about the importance of C-E-P.. Ash explained how they need to go back to their districts and hold meetings, educate the members, and encourage participation.
REBUILDING THE MEMBERS GROUP
Sisters and Brothers, I am in the process of rebuilding the members e-mail address list. If you want to have your personal e-mail address added to the group drop me an e-mail with your name and I’ll capture your address and place it in the group. You’ll receive a confirmation from me in a few days after I get it. I’ll use it for union oriented information, Local news and communications. I’m thinking of starting the Ps & Qs that I use to send out. We do not use company e-mail addresses due to monitoring. Keep in mind I DO NOT have a company e-mail address. Use: local999@prodigy.net Together, let’s open up the web!!
In Unity,
Charlie D. Rittenhouse
1 Million Signatures Submitted to Recall Walker Posted By Tula Connell On January 17, 2012 (2:52 pm) In Collective Bargaining, In the States
Working people hit one right out of Miller Park: Moments ago, they submitted 1 million signatures supporting a recall election of Gov. Scott Walker (R), exceeding the total number of signatures required by 460,000. Walker last year pushed to abolish the rights of public employees to collectively bargain for a middle-class life. Overall, Walker's policies are killing 18,000 jobs a year in Wisconsin, according to a recent report and more than 27,000 jobs have been lost since he signed the budget last year.
Interestingly, Walker received 1,128,159 votes in his 2010 election.
Working families also turned in 123 percent of the required signatures against Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, who was thought one of the more challenging leaders to recall.
There also are enough signatures to force recall elections for the state's lieutenant governor and two...
Article taken from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG - http://blog.aflcio.org URL to article: http://blog.aflcio.org/2012/01/17/1-million-signatures-submitted-to-recall-walker/
“It ain’t over till we let it be over! Stand up workers for our jobs! Middle America; a Union is your last best defense for a middle-class America. ”- Charlie Rittenhouse
The Union Plus Scholarship Difference:
Helping union members and their children attend college. For the past 19 years, Union Plus has distributed over 3.2 million scholarship dollars to working families.
NEW: Apply online for the 2012 Union Plus Scholarship. Deadline to apply: January 31, 2012
Also, check out the National Labor College online degrees and Union Plus NLC scholarships.
Visit the Union Plus College Planning Center to find the right college, learn about paying for it, and much more.
Natrium Extraction Plant to open UNION!
(NOTE: The original article posed on this site was found to have an error in it and was reported by a concerned member. We thank him for bringing it to our attention. Below you will find the corrected article.)
As a result of the natural gas production boom that is occurring in our area; Dominion Transmission has been rapidly expanding its infrastructure so that they can meet the needs of a rapidly expanding market. Currently, as part of this expansion, DTI is in the process of constructing a new extraction plant in Natrium West Virginia. The new Natrium Plant, will not replace the existing Hastings plant; but it will add too DTI's ability to fractionate and extract NGL liquids. The first phase of this project will be able to process 200 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, and will be able to fractionate 1.5 million gallons of natural gas liquids (NGL) per day. These liquids include propane, butane, and ISO-butane. The second phase of this project, will nearly double phase 1's capability.
After early discussion as to whether the new extraction plant would be operated by Local 69 employees, or by contractors; DTI and our Union agreed that it would be in the best interest of both parties that the new plant be operated by UNION employees. Once the plant is in full operation, there will be approximately 35 full-time Union positions. During these negotiations, the parties agreed that 5 extraction plant operators from Hastings would be able to bid to the new plant, this bidding restriction would be in place until December 31st 2012. Also, successful bidders to Plant jobs, hired between the date of this Agreement and the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement will not be permitted to bid out of the Plant payroll location until January 1, 2014. In exchange for the Union agreeing to these terms, the company agreed that there would be no job elimination as a result of employees biding to the new plant. Also, the company agreed to a change in casual bidding rights, see related article on casual bidding rights.
Merry Christmas
I want to wish everyone the very best during the holiday season and a very Merry Christmas. As we sit down at the table with those we love let's remember those more unfortunate; those without food, shelter or love ones to share the season with. Let's remember our solders so far from home protecting us or veterans who need work. As the many presents pass among us with cheer, let's take a few minutes to remember the true meaning of the season and ask that that meaning remain with us through the new year.
Charlie D. Rittenhouse
Union Sister Needs Our Help
Jennifer Peters (Office Services - GOB) husband Kenny underwent heart surgery in November at the Cleveland Clinic. Although surgery went well, the recovery period will be a very slow process. At this time they don’t look for him to come home until sometime in February. Jenni has been with him in Cleveland and will continue to do so. Jenni has exhausted all her vacation time will have no money coming in for seven weeks. To help with expenses we have set up an account at the Hope Federal Credit Union under Jenni’s name. If you would like to help with expenses it would be greatly appreciated. Please keep Jenni & Kenny in your thoughts and prayers as he continues on the road to recovery.
If you would like to make a contribution please call the Hope Federal Credit Union at 304-627-3065 or 304-627-3068.
Thank you and Happy Holidays!
We apologize for the delay in updating our Web Page. We had some serious technical difficulties that we just did resolve. Thank you for your patience.
Young Members Committee- Working Hard and Still Looking for More Participants
The Young Members Committee hit the ground running and has not looked back since. As you are aware they recently did a survey of the membership regarding specific issues around communications. At the Executive Board’s next meeting, in two weeks, they will make recommendations after evaluating the surveys. “We would like to get a couple, maybe three more members on the committee and if you’re interested and willing to work hard, you need to send me an e-mail”, said President Rittenhouse. “The work these dedicated members are doing essentially will help to draw the blueprint for our Local’s future.”, he added.
Hope Gas and Union Working on Safety
“A lot of times when supporting a contractual issue it’s necessary to look in the past at examples and practices. That’s not what the parties are doing when it comes to improving safety for our members and the public. We look at taking a proactive role.”, stated President Rittenhouse. The parties have been working hard over the last few months in trying to develop and implement a safety program that will belong to the employees. It hasn’t been an easy process, there have been and will be “bumps in the road”, but the focus needs to stay on safety. It’s hoped that, if approved by both parties, by early Spring we’ll be ready to roll out the concept and get the program started. Please keep in mind that for a program like this to be successful we all have to be working to participate so when it comes time to volunteer… step up!
Special thanks to Hope Gas and Deb Williams
A special thanks to Hope Gas and LR Representative Debbie Williams for their effort to support our Veterans. Debbie approached the Union and ask if we would be willing to support and allow union members to participate in a drawing for tickets to the “backyard brawl” –WVU vs. PITT, with the proceeds going to the Veterans Home in Fairmont. We of course immediately agreed. (By the way – WV defeated PITT…again) ”So many young men and women have made sacrifices to protect us and our way of life through their service in the Armed Forces. It’s time for us to step up to the plate as Americans and as citizens and protect, support and provide for those who served for us. God Bless our Troops and Veterans!”, president Rittenhouse added.
Courage is the 99 %
November 25, 2011 Courage is sitting still, unable to breathe or see when the campus cops fill your face with a chemical weapon. |
Enjoy your Labor Day holiday
Enjoy your Labor Day holiday? The reason we celebrate Labor Day is largely because of the contributions made by unions to the betterment of America's workers. The numerous beneficial influences of organized labor cannot be ignored. Most of the benefits workers now enjoy are directly attributable to unions. To cite but a few: the 40-hr. work week; paid holidays and vacations; sick leave; grievance procedures, collective bargaining and generally superior wages.
Unfortunately, succeeding generations have come to take those benefits for granted. Those benefits came about because of unions and soon became the norm for union workers and many non-union workers as well.
All American workers owe a debt of gratitude to Organized Labor for its achievements.
--Paul G. Jaehnert
Lets try this from August 1st to September 1st.
Well over 50 yrs. ago I knew a lady who would not buy Christmas gifts if they were made in China. Her daughter will recognize her in the following.
Did y'all see Diane Sawyer's special report? They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family's home that were not made in the USA.
There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink. Literally. During the special they showed truckloads of items - USA made - being brought in to replace everything and talked about how to find these items and the difference in price etc..
It was interesting that Diane said if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA made items this year, it would create something like
200,000 new jobs!
I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT WALMART and ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA '
FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA '
I WAS SHOCKED SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE SINCE IT'S FROM CALIF.
Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think. The Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets.
70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.
Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges? DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA!!
Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.
Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example. The point is do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.
THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans each refuse to buy just $20 of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!!
Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on Aug. 1st and continue it until Sept. 1st. That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their American exports. Then they might have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.
Remember, August 1st to Sept. 1st!!!!!! START NOW.
Send this to everybody you know. Let's show them that we are Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted.
If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET!
Pass it on, America...
Well instead of doing it for just 1 month why not try to do it all the time.
Charlie D. Rittenhouse
President Local 69, UWUA, AFL-CIO
INVESTIGATION OF “UNION EMPLOYEES” ON RISE
DURATION OF SUSPENSION DURING INVESTIGATION…INDEFINITE
Since the first of the year we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of our union sisters and brothers that are being subjected to company investigations. Equally alarming is the fact that when initially notified of an investigation, we are being placed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome… without being informed what we are being investigated for. The average investigation is FORU WEEKS, with some running seven or eight weeks or longer. Keep in mind that during this time frame the employee is receiving no wages. “I find this pretty discouraging. Investigations begin almost immediately on union members, but they take their time on nonunion. Our members are immediately suspended indefinitely, but be it a management person…business as usual. vice president B. Ash stated. “Can’t think of a single incident where a supervisor has been suspended pending an investigation as a result of a union person placing a complaint.”, he added. In closing he brought up another good point; “When it comes to the nonunion – no evidence to substantiate the allegation.” BE CAREFUL OUT THERE AND WE’RE NOT TALKING ABOUT SAFETY!!
America’s Middle Class Crisis: The Sobering Facts
By Peter Gorenstein | Daily Ticker – Wed, May 4, 2011 10:19 AM EDT
Two recessions, a couple of market crashes, and stubbornly high unemployment are all wreaking havoc on America's middle class.
In the accompanying interview, The Daily Ticker's Aaron Task discusses the state of the middle class with Sherle Schwenninger, director of economic growth and American strategy programs at the New America Foundation. Schwenninger's recent report "The American Middle Class Under Stress" has some stunning facts that highlight the struggles the average American is having getting a decent-paying job and keeping up with rising cost of living.
Here are just some of the sobering facts:
-- There are 8.5 million people receiving unemployment insurance and over 40 million receiving food stamps.
-- At the current pace of job creation, the economy won't return to full employment until 2018.
-- Middle-income jobs are disappearing from the economy. The share of middle-income jobs in the United States has fallen from 52% in 1980 to 42% in 2010.
-- Middle-income jobs have been replaced by low-income jobs, which now make up 41% of total employment.
-- 17 million Americans with college degrees are doing jobs that require less than the skill levels associated with a bachelor's degree.
-- Over the past year, nominal wages grew only 1.7% while all consumer prices, including food and energy, increased by 2.7%.
-- Wages and salaries have fallen from 60% of personal income in 1980 to 51% in 2010. Government transfers have risen from 11.7% of personal income in 1980 to 18.4% in 2010, a post-war high.
The bottom line is simple says Schwenninger: The middle class is shrinking, which threatens the social composition and stability of the world's biggest economy. "I worry that we're becoming a barbell society - a lot of money wealth and power at the top, increasing hollowness at the center, which I think provides the stability and the heart and soul of the society... and then too many people in fear of falling down
UWUA Health & Welfare Trust Fund Update
Reduction of Administrative Fees Leads to More Funds
The Trustees, after a thorough analysis of the Funds expenses, voted to reduce the administrative fee charged each account to 1.75% (from the previous amount of 2.0%) of all funds deposited into the participants accounts. "The Trustees sole focus is to financially manage the Trust in such a way as to assure it can continue to provide the expected services to the participants. We also must strive to have as much of the contractually mandated contributions deposited into the participant’s accounts. This change will provide the participants more funds to use to offset their medical expenses."
UWUA Health & Welfare Chair
Mike Langford.
EDUCATION CONFERENCE A GREAT SUCCESS!!
After a commitment from President Rittenhouse at the 2010 Representative Council, the Local's first Representative Council Education Conference was held the week of January 19th. “We had a 98% turn out for the conference even with the bad weather. I’m so proud of our Stewards that saw the need to commit and participate in the conference.’ the president said. Plans for the conference began immediately after the 2010 council with the officers’ meeting and outlining their ideas and what areas needed to be addressed by workshops and panel discussions. Over the course of the next two months, the remainder of the Executive Bared was utilized in preparing for the conference. “Everybody worked hard in making this conference a success. Hours of preparation and research were done by the workshop chairs, Craig Bradford, Bryan Ash, Kris Wagner, Jack Rooney and Mike Zinck. Eric Simmons provided the technical support aided by Anita Lundell. Directors Willard Swiger, Jimmy Bradford and Mike Turner filled out the crews in making the conference come together. “The tools have been provided, the Stewards empowered, so members can expect more. To make it all come together though the members have to commit too.” vice president Ash added. At the end of the conference the council was polled and it was deemed an overwhelming success.
