by Bruce Fuhr on 01 Dec 2013 http://thenelsondaily.com
Members of the IBEW say FortisBC should pass on savings due to the lockout back to customers. — The Nelson Daily file photo
The war of word continues to be exchanged between the two sides in the labour dispute at FortisBC.
The locked out International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 213 said in press release FortisBC has saved $7 Million from not paying wages and should not be granted an increase to raise rates by the BC Utilities Commission.
“Considering FortisBC has saved millions of dollars from not paying its locked out workers, these rate increases do not seem fair or right,” said Rod Russell, Assistant Business Manager of IBEW Local 213.
“FortisBC should not be profiting from locking out its workers, especially since its billing customers for services they are not receiving.”
The IBEW Local 213 said in an October 18 submission to the BC Utilities Commission FortisBC outlined its five year plan to raise rates by 3.3%, 3.6%, 3.6%, 3.6% and 3.6%; through compounding these increases will make FortisBC rates 19% higher than they are now.
However, speaking on behalf of FortisBC, Director of Communications Joyce Wagenaar said, although labour costs have decreased, there have been increases in other areas such as “such as management and exempt staff covering work usually done by IBEW employees and legal costs.”
“We’ve provided these updates to the BCUC as part of our annual rate setting process,” Wagenaar told The Nelson Daily.
“As part of this rate setting process, we provided a five-year plan to the BCUC that anticipates electricity rate increases of 17.7 per cent over five years. “
“These increases are required to make necessary investments in the electrical system and to address rising costs,” Wagenaar added.
“This plan does not factor in BC Hydro increases or the addition of any major projects, which are taken into account during the annual rate setting process.”
FortisBC managers have been performing the work of unionized workers since the company locked out IBEW Local 213 June 26.
More than 200 employees (all with FortisBC Electric) that includes electricians, linemen, millwrights, meter readers and office staff have been affected by the lockout that stretches from Princeton to Creston and up through the Okanagan Valley to Winfield.
FortisBC and IBEW Local 213 have been without a contract since January 31, 2013.
Russell said FortisBC is doing a less than perfect job servicing customers during the lockout.
Not only are customers getting less services from management staff, they are paying the same monthly costs as FortisBC estimates electricity consumption through the dispute instead of reading meters to obtain the correct charge.
“A lot of people are struggling to pay their electricity bills and that’s including FortisBC’s own locked out workers,” Russell explained.
“But not only has FortisBC locked them out in the cold and deprived them of a paycheque, it’s raising their bills too.
“We do not know how FortisBC intends to correct customer billing given they have their two tiered rate structure and have not been reading meters consistently.”
Waganeer disputes the union claims saying the company has been following the Essential Services Order won by the IBEW through application to the B.C. Labour Relations Board, which restricts company managers from reading customer meters,
“Since June 26, we have been estimating customers’ electricity use,” said Waganeer.
“Our estimates are based on historical usage at their address.”
Waganeersaid for new customers without any historical information, FortisBC uses a comparison based on the region where they live.
“Since September, our ability to read meters has increased but we are assessing and prioritizing based on the limited resources we have available to fulfill these duties,” Waganeer said.
“At any time, if customers feel that their bill does not reflect their use, or that energy use has changed, please call our contact center at 1-866-436-7847.”
Russell said the IBEW Local 213 has been contacted directly by customers asking if the union would lead a class action suit to recover these funds.
IBEW Local 213 is looking into a class action suit feeling FortisBC should ensure customers are not overbilled.
The lockout entered its sixth month last week.
No new talks are planned as the sides are spending more time at the B.C. Labour Board than at the negotiating table.
The last labour dispute at the power company was in 2001.
The job action in 2001 lasted almost four months.
Support IBEW 213 @Support_IBEW213
When people tell me things have changed, unions aren’t needed anymore I smile &say, “Why? Have corporations stopped being greedy?” #bcpoli
October 23, 2013
This is IBEW 213, Locked Out FortisBC Electric’s story
On June 26 2013, FortisBC (electric) made the decision to Lock-Out 225 of their Employees. The past four months has been painful for our Members, approximately 33% of their annual income is gone, but for them it’s not about the money. It’s about the future, and their families. FortisBC has asked for many concessions and continue to add more during bargaining/mediation, making a resolution difficult. Some concessions will take time away from Members’ families and make child care arrangements virtually impossible. FortisBC won’t allow Employees to add Family Day to their list of Statutory Holidays, yet claim they are a family oriented and community minded Company. When a single father told them he couldn’t work the shift change due to child care complications, he was told FortisBC wouldn’t be the place for him. He had to find employment elsewhere. They also want employees to subsidize the corporation by traveling in their own vehicle, on their own time to remote report points.
During the Lock-Out Fortis Employees have experienced unimaginable devastation. Some of them have lost immediate family members. While they grieve the loss of their family member, they stress about their fiances. FortisBC won’t allow the Members to take their Holiday Pay, this would help alleivate some of the extra costs of the Funerals. These are just some of the silent burdens locked out employees are facing.
While our Members silently suffer, Managers often shout various messages at them – like, “you’re all replaceable!” Most employers struggle to attract skilled labour.
The Members Locked Out in the Kootenay’s don’t think about themselves and their own situation, they’ve turned their attention to the community. With winter and storm season fast approaching they worry about the power outages and how people will keep warm and safe. They’re volunteering their time to chop, load, and pile firewood. Local communities are suffering from sub-standard electrical service and significant economic struggles as employees do not have the spending power to continue to support businesses in their communities.
This is FortisBC’s Story:
Last year the company’s gross revenues were $293 million, with net earnings (profit) of $49 million.
FortisBC CEO has seen his pay increase 154% since 2006, to $1.36 million last year. BC Hydro CEO earns $500,000, almost three times less than FortisBC’s CEO. So, why would FortisBC CEO Lock Out his Employees? They claim it’s due to safety issues, but we know that’s not true – safety is paramount to IBEW 213.
FortisBC is applying to raise its rates by an additional 3.3% even though they are already nearly 20% above BCHydro rates.
In a recent report to the BC Utilities Commission FortisBC included an industry survey the utility itself conducted and found FortisBC workers are paid less than average, in some cases, far less than average.
A large portion of the FortisBC work force, Power Line Technicians make 10.4% less than the industry average; Crew Leaders 6.9% less, CP&C Technicians 3.2%, and Electricians 2.9% less.
Please help end this lockout by sending a complaint to the CEO John Walker about FortisBC’s treatment of its workers, its never-ending rate increases, and its’ extremely overpaid management. Please email: John.Walker@fortisbc.com – subject line “FortisBC Lock-out of IBEW 213” Or you can cut and paste the below message to send. These Members desperately need your support.
Dear John Walker,
CEO FortisBC
I am shocked and appalled by your treatment of Fortis employees. While you make millions and the company earns exorbitant profits, you leave your members out in the cold to suffer emotionally and financially. The Employees want the opportunity to be an active member of their family and community, but the concessions you demand won’t allow that.
Please go back to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair deal for all involved. This will allow your customers the service and support they deserve and pay for. Your dedicated employees deserve better.
Sincerely,
Andrew Phillip Chernoff 