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Ameren/UE North

Contract expires 6-30-12

Contract Suggestions

will be accepted up to

October 31st

Ameren Contract Negotiations

By Michael D. Walter

The Local 1439 South collective bargaining agreement expires on September 30, 2011. This is the agreement with Ameren which covers our jurisdiction in Hayti, Missouri, Potosi, Missouri and their surrounding towns and counties in southern Missouri. This is the property which was purchased by Ameren, formerly Union Electric, from Arkansas Power and Light in 1992. At the time of the acquisition, there were approximately 50 members working in those areas. Today, we have 23 members working within the South jurisdiction.

This contract expiration date is very significant to the remaining 900 members who work under the Local 1439 North/Ameren agreement. This significance cannot be overemphasized. Anything that is on the menu at the bargaining table for 1439 South will certainly be on the menu at the 1439 North bargaining table, and more. Simply stated, ‘we are all united" and "the challenges presented to our Brothers under the Local 1439 South contract will be met by all of our members working under the Ameren contract."

The reality of bargaining under the National Labor Relations Act is that, after the expiration of the contract, providing there is not a new agreement or extension of the present agreement, the Union may go on strike or the company may elect to lock out the employees. Certainly this is the final step and not one which anyone favors. The objective is always to reach an agreement that is ultimately ratified by the membership.

Although we will be bargaining for 23 members, who will be voting to ratify or reject the agreement, the other 900 will be affected by the outcome. Furthermore, if the 23 members find themselves in a strike or lockout scenario, the 900 under the North contract will be in the mix as well. The idea that the company could possibly take full advantage of a small group is eliminated. Therefore, it would be wise for all of our members to prepare themselves financially for the worst and hope for the best. This is truly a reality check. Have you prepared yourself?

This is not to be interpreted to mean that our relationship with Ameren has gone sour. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our Local Union objective to develop and build a stronger relationship with all our employers is still intact. It began under former Business Manager Leo Beishir in 2007 and continues today. Our present partnership with Ameren is very sound at this time. We have partnered on many fronts and worked toward common goals. It takes many years to foster real trust and for the most part on the senior management level we are there. Unfortunately years of hard work can be destroyed in the blink of any eye or at the mercy of an irrational decision on either side.

If you have attended your regular monthly meeting or read a previous issue of the "1439 Times", you know what the five Local Unions in Missouri are attempting to achieve in some fashion a joint bargaining concept. These efforts, and serious considerations, are by no means over. In fact, on March 4, 2011, we will again meet with senior management, as we normally do on a quarterly basis. The March 4 meeting will be a true indicator as to the potential of a common expiration date for all locals some time in 2015. There should be no doubt that I, Business Manager of Local 1439, believe that it is in the best interest of the company and the Union to have labor peace for an extended period of time. It is only with mutual gain that we settle our corporate issues, such as wages, benefits and duration and bargaining over operational issues separately.

Regardless of the immediate future, the members of Local 1439 are a great card to have in your hand at the table. I ask that everyone continue to be the best and work under the guidance and principals of the IBEW Code of Excellence. It would be hard for any company to turn their back on the greatest workforce money can buy.

The only way to really understand and be fully knowledgeable of our progress and the circumstances is to attend your Local Union meetings.

Similar updates will be provided soon by Business Representative Doug Mueller for Alliant Energy and City of Potosi

Click here for a link to IUOE Local 148's website

for their contract negotiations update