Local Happenings

 

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Ameren/UE's Rate Case Update

 

The following is a summary of what was achieved in the recent Ameren/UE rate case.  The Local 1439 membership should begin to see benefits from our efforts in the coming months ($3.3 million dollars).  My presumption is that we will finally see movement in the area of the Substation Electrical Mechanic Apprentice Program.  There should also be an expansion of the Technician positions and expansion in our Relay Technician Work Group. 

All of the above will be directly connected to new technology, Smart Grid and the inevitable need to train for the aging workforce.  It should also be noted that Ameren received a Federal Stimulus Grant of $3.7 million dollars for the development and training of present employees.  This grant is divided into three categories, one of which is again related  to the preparation for "Smart Grid" technology, the union was also involved in these efforts.

Both of these aforementioned efforts are to be considered a "Win Win" for both the union and the company.

The following is a summary that was provided by the company:

 CAPITAL:

Additional monies to the Company's training facility at the Dorsett Complex

New smart grid switch gear used for training

New training equipment

Mobile trailer to train linemen on new smart grid equipment

Additional equipment (non-training) for new employees

Total: $2.1 million

Amortized over 5 years is $420 thousand per year

 

 

O & M:

 

14 additional employees

1 Training Supervisor

13 employees, including distribution system technicians,

system relay testers & substation mechanics

Minor tools (non-capital)

Total:  $1.29 million

 

Ameren/UE agreed to assess the incremental value to customers of these

additional investments and to provide that assessment to the Commission Staff

and to the Office of Public Counsel by December 31, 2011.

 

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Click on the link below for a closeout sale on FR Reflective Shirts from Bulwark:

SMW8 SaleFlyer.pdf

 

 

Message from President Hill regarding upcoming Per Capita Tax Increase for 2011

Click on the links below to read the letter and outline:

 

webpage/Per Capita Tax Increase Financial Secretaries.pdf

webpage/Per Capita Tax Increase Letter - All PWC Members.pdf

 

 

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Click on the link below for copies of the International's Fact Sheets on

the Health Care Reform Act and related topics

 

file:///C:/Documents and Settings/KarenK/My Documents/Health Care Fact Sheets.pdf

 

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Click on the following hyperlinks to join in with other IBEW bike riders

for the 2010 Mountaineer Ride!

 

IBEW Mountaineer Ride Initial Correspondence.pdf

2010 Mountaineer Ride Flyer.pdf

 

 

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Here is a list of "Free" prescription drugs that you can get

at your local Schnucks Supermarket.  Check out their website

www.schnucks.com for more information.

 

Our Free Prescription Drug Program for Generic Oral Antibiotics includes up to a 21-day supply, as well as prescribed refills, of the following seven classes of antibiotics:

 

Drug Information

For Drug Descriptions and Item Sizes included in our program click on a drug title below for more information:

  •  Amoxicillin (Generic for AMOXIL)

Description Item Size
AMOXICILLIN 250MG  CAPSULES
AMOXICILLIN 125MG/5ML TSP 80ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 125MG/5ML TSP 100ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 125MG/5ML TSP 150ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 200MG/5ML TSP 50ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 200MG/5ML TSP 75ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 200MG/5ML TSP 100ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 200MG  CHEWABLE TABLETS
AMOXICILLIN 250MG/5ML TSP 80ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 250MG/5ML TSP 100ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 250MG/5ML TSP 150ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 250MG  CHEWABLE TABLETS
AMOXICILLIN 400MG CHEWABLE TABLETS
AMOXICILLIN 400MG/5ML TSP 50ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 400MG/5ML TSP 75ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 400MG/5ML TSP 100ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMOXICILLIN 50MG/5ML TSP 30ML PEDIATRIC DROPS
AMOXICILLIN 500MG CAPSULES
AMOXICILLIN 875MG  TABLETS
AMOXICILLIN 250MG TABLETS

  •  Ampicillin

Description Item Size
AMPICILLIN 125MG/5ML TSP 100ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMPICILLIN 125MG/5ML TSP 200ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMPICILLIN 250MG/5ML TSP 100ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMPICILLIN 250MG/5ML TSP 200ML ORAL SUSPENSION
AMPICILLIN 250MG  CAPSULES
AMPICILLIN 500MG CAPSULES

  •  Ciprofloxacin (Generic for CIPRO)

Description Item Size
CIPROFLOXACIN 250MG TABLET
CIPROFLOXACIN 500MG TABLET
CIPROFLOXACIN 750MG TABLET

  •  Doxycycline

Description Item Size
DOXYCYCLINE HYC 100MG CAPSULES   
DOXYCYCLINE HYC 50MG CAPSULES   

  •  Erythromycin

Description Item Size
E.E.S 400MG TAB TABLET
ERYPED 200/5 SUSP 100ML ORAL SUSPENSION
ERYPED 200/5 SUSP 200ML ORAL SUSPENSION
ERYPED 400/5 SUSP 100ML ORAL SUSPENSION
ERYPED 400/5 SUSP 200ML ORAL SUSPENSION
ERYTHROMYCIN 250MG DR CAP CAPSULE
ERYTHROMYCIN BASE 500MG TABLET
ERYTHROMYCIN BASE 250MG TABLET
ERYTHROMYCIN ETH 200MG SUSP ORAL SUSPENSION
ERYTHROMYCIN ETH 400MG SUSP ORAL SUSPENSION
ERYTHROMYCIN ETH 400MG ORAL SUSPENSION
ERYTHROCIN 250 TAB TABLET
ERYTHROCIN 500 TAB TABLET
ERYTHROMYCIN 400MG TAB TABLET

  •  Penicillin

Description Item Size
PEN VK 250MG   TABLET
PEN VK 500MG TABLET
PEN VK 125MG/5ML TSP 100ML ORAL SUSPENSIION
PEN VK 125MG/5ML TSP 200ML ORAL SUSPENSION
PEN VK 250MG/5ML TSP 100ML ORAL SUSPENSIION
PEN VK 250MG/5ML TSP 200ML ORAL SUSPENSION

  •  Trimeth/Sulfa (Generic for SEPTRA or BACTRIM)

Description Item Size
SMZ/TMP DS 800MG/160MG TABLETS
SMZ/TMP 400MG/80MG TABLETS
SMZ/TMP 200MG/40MG ORAL SUSPENSION

 
As part of our Health & Wellness Initiative, we have a responsibility to help improve the health of our customers and the communities we serve. These antibiotics represent more than 50 of the most popular strengths and dosage forms* including tablets, capsules and oral liquids.

Schnucks Pharmacies are committed to saving you money and serving your needs while making healthcare and medicines more accessible to customers in approximately 100 locations.

We Make Trips To The Pharmacy Easy!

At Schnucks Pharmacies, you’ll find the same friendly faces without the long lines.  We are the Pharmacists You Know – providing personalized and professional care.

Fill your prescriptions on the way home or while you shop!

FAQ about our new program.

 

Q: Why is Schnucks offering this program?
A: The program will go a long way toward easing the burden on families and on the healthcare system in general.

Q: What antibiotics (forms) are included/covered?
A: This program includes oral tablets, capsules, and liquids; however, injectables are not covered. (See the above list for more details)

Q: How were these antibiotics chosen for the program?
A: These antibiotics were selected from a list of seven specific families of drugs most often prescribed to children and adults.

Q: How does this work? (refills? Days supply limits?)
A: Refills are covered as well.  Customers can receive up to a 21-day supply.

Q: Are there any age limits? 
A: We welcome prescriptions from children and adults of all ages.

Q: How long will this program continue?
A: We are committed to this program indefinitely.  We hope to expand the list to include an even greater number of medications so the list of free antibiotics may change from time to time.

Q: Can you refund me for the prescription I had previously filled?
A: This program will only apply to new prescriptions and refills. We cannot apply the discount to any previously filled prescription or refills. However all future Prescriptions for these generic antibiotics will be filled for FREE.
 
Q: I have a coupon, can I use it?
A: No other offers or discounts are necessary to receive the free antibiotics.

Q: Can you bill my insurance if I request it?
A: We are not allowed to process claims to third parties.

Q: Is this going to increase antibiotic resistance?
A: Schnucks is providing generic antibiotics that are prescribed by doctors and therefore antibiotic resistance is not at issue. What the program will do, however, is make prescribed medications more affordable and increase the chance of patients actually filling their prescriptions and taking the full recommended dosage.



*Good only with a valid prescription for up to a 21-day supply, as well as prescribed refills, of generic oral antibiotics. Includes tablets, capsules and oral liquids. Does not include injectible antibiotics. Prescription is free regardless of insurance provider.

 

 

Photos are now on the new

Photo Gallery Page

Check it out.

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Watch 30 minute clips

from our Flip Video:

 

 

Click below to watch several videos of Local 1439 teams and Apprentices at the

April 24, 2010 DuQuoin, IL

5th Annual World Championship Lineman's Rodeo

 

Videos/2010-04-26 13 44 32.wmv

Videos/2010-04-26 13 44 44.wmv

Videos/2010-04-26 13 45 55.wmv

Videos/DuQuoin 1.wmv

Videos/DuQuoin 10.wmv

Videos/DuQuoin 2.wmv

Videos/DuQuoin 3.wmv

Videos/DuQuoin 4.wmv

Videos/DuQuoin 5.wmv

Videos/DuQuoin 6.wmv

Videos/DuQuoin 7.wmv

Videos/DuQuoin 8.wmv

Videos/DuQuoin 9.wmv

 

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Click here to listen to Jim Lynch's presentation on BuckSqueeze and fall protection

from the October 6, 2009

St. Louis Meeting

 

Click here for a letter from President Ed Hill

regarding the next International Dues increase:

 

Click here for the first place essay written by Michael Brennan

Son of Local 1439 member John Brennan

 

Click here for the second place essay written by Joseph Schmid

Son of Local 1439 member Joseph Schmid

 

April 7, 2009 Regular Monthly Union Meeting

Here is the video of 11th Dist. Staff Rep. Jim Lynch

making a presentation on the I.B.E.W.'s "Code of Excellence"

Click Here

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Local 1439 adopts the mission statement of the IBEW on

IBEW Committee on Diversity and Full Inclusion

Our mission, as members of the IBEW, is to provide a safe, inclusive

diverse and respectful environment that unifies the membership and strengthens our union.

As an organization, we strive for excellence, by acknowledging and building

upon the uniqueness of each individual.

The IBEW encourages and offers equal opportunity for all; regardless of

age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or occupation.

We, as members of the IBEW, encourage you to be advocates for dignity, inclusion

and respect in your workplaces and your communities.

We are all, the strength of the IBEW.

 

What is Diversity?

Diversity includes but is not limited to:

Race, religion and spiritual beliefs, cultural orientation, color, physical appearance,

gender, sexual identity, ability, education, age, ancestry, place of origin marital status,

socio-economic circumstance, profession, language, health status, geographic location,

group history, upbringing and life experiences.

                                                                     

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Here is some benefit information regarding Ameren/UE employees

Get a copy of the latest Dental/Optical Reimbursement Form by logging onto their website at

myameren.com

Choose the "My Life" tab and print out the form

There is now a toll free number to fax in your request for reimbursement

Call Toll Free: 1-877-372-4730 (press option 2)

The fax number to submit request is 1-888-308-5270

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The true up figures should be added to your account by the end of October, 2009. 

Make sure your reimbursements come out of the previous year or you are losing money.

It is important to keep a close watch on your account.

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Dental/Optical Expense Reimbursement

beginning 7-1-09 is

$1500.00

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New I.R.S. Reimbursement for Causal Mileage has been decreased to $.50 per mile - effective Jan. 1, 2010

The Union's Mileage/Expense/Lost Wages forms have been updated to reflect this change!

 

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Ameren/UE

2007 Sick Leave Average

62.8 hrs.

 

2008 Sick Leave Average

58.8 hrs.

 

2009 Sick Leave Average

58.4

 

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Register for the "Do Not Call"

www.donotcall.gov

by either calling 1-888-382-1222

 

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Here's how you can check the local weather:

 

http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/current/KSTL.html