US WEST has recently implemented a new dispatch system for I&M technicians dubbed "Monster". The stated goal of Monster is is to improve customer service; i.e. meeting our commit times, to comply with the requirements of the Public Utility Commission. This would be a laudable goal were the system itself not so laughable. As outside techs, we can readily see the inherent problems with the Monster program, but in the wisdom of our upper management we of course were not consulted.
So how should we handle the situation on a day to day basis? Make sure you follow all of the procedures for dispatching, closing and checking your dotlog exactly. If you have problems with Monster or the amount of work, let you supervisor deal with the LRAC. If you check your dotlog regularly and you see work assigned to you that you may not be able to completed, return the work a.s.a.p.. This will ensure that you can leave work at the end of your shift without being scrutinized by management. Remember, just because work is pre-assigned to you, it is not owned by you.
When US WEST decides to implement a new system, usually without considering the impact on day to day operations, or problems it will cause for its' employees, we find a way to circumvent the new system so that we can be productive and get the work done. I believe this is a mistake on our part. It allows management to claim success and then we are stuck with a process that makes our jobs more difficult, encompasses more responsibility, and most importantly does not provide better service for the customer.
Again management owns this process, let them fix or junk the process as they see fit. If we follow written instructions precisely, we will be free of the blame which will surely be forthcoming. However if you become the target of management criticism or threats, contact your shop steward without delay. We will not tolerate harassment, or accept responsibility for this management boondoggle.
In unionism, Clay Bowlby
In April, Dick Godwin, Randy Grams, and I attended the District 7 Conference in Portland Oregon.
It started the first evening with a retirement dinner for District 7 Vice-President Sue Pisha. She was roasted and toasted by her colleagues, friends and family. it was a wonderful tribute to a person who has done a lot for our union. She will be missed. Her successor will be elected at the convention in July.
The next two days we attended workshops on ADA (Americans with Disabilities) FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), STD (Short Term Disability) and Past Practice. Dick and Randy attended a workshop on handling grievances while I attended one on how to build future union leaders. All of the workshops were very informative and we will be sharing more detailed information on them in future newsletters and at meetings.
The last day of the conference was mostly spent dealing with issues at US WEST. A strategy committee within the union ranks has been set up on how to deal with the problems we are facing with our employer. And believe me when I say we are facing many, many problems. You will be hearing much more about this as time goes on. We will be asking for your support and participation in activities we will be planning to show US WEST we are not doormats. We will not sit quietly by and watch the company pick us off one by one. We are union...we are proud...we will win!
In Unionism, Kathy Fox
Once again the team of Jackie Mattoni (co-chair), Captain Karin Skeim Roe, and Judy Castello will walk to raise money for cancer research at Stadium Bowl. Sponsorships gladly accepted. In fact a gift of $25 is matched through the US WEST Foundation. See one of these members to donate your gift!
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