First and foremost I want to alert everyone about an initiative petition signature drive currently underway. Initiative 841 has been represented as a job/economy saving potential bit of legislation to protect the State and businesses from financial ruin. B.S. – All it is is another back door attempt by management to “Kill” Washington State Chapter 296-62 WAC better known as the Ergonomics Code. After a tremendous effort by Organized Labor, Labor and Industries, and concerned Legislators Washington enacted an Ergonomics Code that is the only one of its kind in the USA and was used by OSHA as a template for the Federal ergo standard which was immediately killed by the present administration. Hence Washington’s Ergonomics WAC (Washington Administrative Code) is the one.
Businesses have managed to have its enactment delayed for two years, have tried to have it overturned (unsuccessfully thank God!) and are now going back door via the initiative process. So spread the word not to sign on to I-841 it is not in the workers best interest.
Be aware, my fellow Qwest drivers, that the State of Washington has renewed their subsidizing of the traffic camera project for state municipalities for another 2 years. Besides the many smaller towns/cities many big cities are contemplating this revenue making system. What needs to be stressed is that the camera tickets go to Qwest fleet – then are sent to one’s Supervisor – then are forwarded to you, the evil-doer. So, there is no “hiding it,” so to speak, from Qwest. As of this time there have been no actions other than the employee having to pay the citation. But, rumors have been floating around that some disciplinary action will be taken if one tends to accumulate these little jewels.
So as with the GPS – operate your vehicle in a safe manner (remember GPS registers speed of the vehicle) – be where you are to be – do what you are supposed to be doing – and do it safely, and everything will be top notch.
In March of 2003 there were 12 Qwest motor vehicle accidents in Washington State and that is a very good downward trend but no one need become complacent as that’s the best way to reverse the trend. Again hitting those ever elusive inanimate objects – rear enders (them and us caused 50-50) – and backing led the causes. There were also 16 personal injuries experienced by our fellow employees – statistic wise a down trend unless you happen to be one of the 16. Slips – trips and falls led the field of injuries.
I want to remind everyone that anytime your presence is requested for a one-on-one concerning safety violations or received citations that could be construed as disciplinary – request of your supervisor that a union rep be present. You have that right. If your request is denied – stay mute and report the incident immediately to a Union Steward. Management does not have the obligation to ask if you would like to have a rep. – you have to make your wishes known.
Last but certainly not least, if you, as a Qwest representative, occasionally need to enter a high security facility you already know that you need to be wearing your Qwest I.D.,and that you may have to attend that company’s heads-up safety and security presentation, may need to go through a metal detector, and possibly a tool/equipment search— but it has been reported that some corporation security groups are asking for Wash. State drivers licenses to hold until our employee leaves. The Local’s suggestion is to immediately call your Supervisor. A State drivers license is personal property, not Qwest’s; and we as employees represent Qwest. If some sort of further I.D. is required other than a Qwest I.D. then arrangements should be made to provide them to employees by Qwest. Call your Supervisor if this situation arises or you feel uncomfortable releasing your Qwest I.D., vehicle keys, or any personal I.D. requested for holding by a customer’s security group. If the [Solidarity] situation cannot be resolved, request a union rep.
Dennis Garrett
Local 7804 Vice President and Safety Officer
Regional MOSHC Representative.
253-640-1253
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