CWA District 2 Occupational Safety and Health Conference Call

Conducted Monday, September 24, 2007 from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Participants-

• Robin Young, Secretary, CWA Local 2001
• Anekia Greiner, President, CWA Local 2003
• Ron Gaskins, President, CWA Local 2004
• John Paugh, Secretary-Treasurer, CWA Local 2010
• Casey Greene, Treasurer, CWA Local 2011
• Mark Balsamo, Executive Vice President, CWA Local 2100
• Gary Waters, CWA Local 2107
• Chuck Fouts, President, CWA Local 2109
• John Paugh, Secretary-Treasurer, CWA Local 2010
• Mark Wood, CWA Local 2201
• Cathy Hillman, Vice President, CWA Local 2202
• Alan Johnson, Vice President, and Tim Boggs, CWA Local 2204
• Travis Carpenter, Vice President, and Jesse Davis, CWA Local 2222
• Bobby Council, Executive Vice President, CWA Local 2275
• John Hughes, Secretary-Treasurer, CWA Local 2300
• Ron Collins, Administrative Director to Vice President Pete Catucci
• Bill Evitt, CWA Representative and
• David LeGrande, CWA Occupational Safety and Health Director

Agenda-

Introductions-

Twenty (20) occupational safety and health activists (OSH) participated in the conference call. Of these, 17 were local union activists representing 15 local unions. In addition,

Ron Collins, Administrative Director to Vice President Pete Catucci, Bill Evitt, CWA Representative, and David LeGrande, CWA's Occupational Safety and Health Director participated. 

National Regional Occupational Safety and Health Issues-

David LeGrande discussed two pieces of legislation that have been introduced within U.S. Congress. The first, the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act, H.R. 2693, introduced by Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D- CA.), et al., provides needed safety and health coverage for the many thousands of workers employed within the popcorn manufacturing industry.

The second, the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007, S. 742, introduced by Senator Patty Murray (D- Wa.) and the Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007, H.R. 3339, introduced by Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), involves establishing a ban on the use of asbestos in the U.S., as well as investing in asbestos research and treatment for individuals who have contracted asbestos-related disease, and initiating an asbestos public education campaign. Since the early part of the 20th Century, there has been clear and convincing scientific and medical evidence establishing the link between asbestos exposure and several life-threatening diseases. However, asbestos products continue to be used and American workers and their family members continue to be exposed and suffer health problems. However, when passed this legislation would essentially end the use of asbestos and asbestos products within the U.S. 

John Hughes, CWA Local 2300, asked about the status of two workers being assigned to perform confined space/manhole work. At present, two federal OSHA standards provide limited coverage for confined space/manhole workers. The OSHA Telecommunications Standard, 29 CFR 1910.268, provides coverage for two workers when there are telecommunications and electrical power lines present within the confined space/manhole. The OSHA General Industry Permit-Required Confined Spaces Standard, 29 CFR 1910.146, requires coverage by two workers when the employee performing work within the confined space/manhole would be using/exposed to hazardous materials. Both of these standards mandate the second worker be trained and able to administer basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Also, the General Industry standard requires the use of harness and emergency removal equipment. However, neither of these standards requires that the second person be a bargaining unit member.

Further, five states including California, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, and Pennsylvania, have enacted regulation/legislation requiring employers to provide two employees to perform confined space/manhole work.

Electrical Hazards-

Led by CWA District 2 and Local 2100, the Union has taken a very aggressive posture towards ensuring Verizon provides working conditions free of electrical hazards. Most notably, following the October, 2006 death of Marvin Benson, employed as a lineman by Verizon and a member of CWA Local 2100, in coordination with the Union's Occupational Safety and Health Department, Mark Balsamo, CWA Local 2100, filed charges with Maryland OSHA (MOSH) alleging Verizon did not provide safe and healthful working conditions. After conducting an investigation of the job site, MOSH issued three serious citations against Verizon.

In turn, with support from CWA Local 2100, Ron Collins, Administrative Director to Vice President Catucci, and CWA Headquarters (i.e., the Safety and Health and Legal Departments), a decision was made to memorialize Marvin Benson's death by proposing and entering into a settlement agreement with MOSH and Verizon. As proposed by MOSH, the settlement agreement called upon the Company to develop and conduct education and training on electrical hazards for all outside plant technicians employed within the State of Maryland who work within proximity to electric power. The conditions of the settlement agreement must be completed during the period September 1, 2007- March 1, 2008.  

Shortly after Verizon agreed to accept the settlement agreement, CWA suggested/the Company decided to broaden the education and training coverage to all outside plant technicians employed within Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia (the Potomac Region). This effort, to be conducted during the September 1, 2007-

March 1, 2008 time-frame, will involve an initial three-hour instructor-led training presentation with follow-up education provided during annual safety and health rodeos and one-hour monthly tailgate meetings.

The pilot training program was conducted Thursday, September 20, 2007. With input from Verizon and CWA participants (i.e., Oliver Barner, CWA Local 2201, and David LeGrande), the training has been revised and will be initiated on or before October 8, 2007. Coverage will be provided to all Company outside plant technicians (except for central office technicians). Of significance, the Company announced the training and education would include participation by immediate (first level) supervisors.

Regarding the lack of coverage for central office technicians, work will be conducted within the CWA/Verizon occupational safety and health committee to ensure these workers are provided with the necessary information and working conditions.

Clearly the success of this effort is the result of the coordinated work by CWA leaders and OSH activists within CWA Headquarters, District 2 Headquarters and locals. In addition,  congratulations goes to the hard work of District 1 Headquarters, local leaders, and OSH activists for their successful efforts in pushing safety and health issues involving telecommunications electrical hazards to the forefront. Following the 2003 work-related electrocution of Jarrod Lyon, a member of CWA Local 1126 and employee of Verizon, CWA District 1, local leaders and OSH activists pledged to ensure that Verizon was providing the Union's outside plant technicians with safe and healthful working conditions.

During the above discussion on electrical hazards, a number of additional issues were raised. Chuck Fouts, CWA Local 2109, raised concerns regarding the lack of dielectric cable in sub-stations (even though Verizon practices indicate sub-stations must have dielectric cable) as well as the Company's inconsistent provision of insulated rubber gloves and insulated rubber blankets. Participants suggested workers should not perform work in sub-stations without the provision of rubber insulated gloves and rubber insulated blankets. When this occurs, workers should be advised to bring this issue to the attention of her/his supervisor requesting alternative work until being provided with this important and necessary personal protective equipment.

Jesse Davis, CWA Local 2222, mentioned since the 1999 member fatality in West Virginia, the state has required all sub-stations be equipped with dielectric cable. However, due to the lack of a similar push by Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health Department (VOSH), dielectric cable is not required within sub-stations located in Virginia. It was also mentioned the electric power company can use (and, in some cases is using) cross-connect boxes located outside of sub-stations as the point of interface. Given the inconsistencies in these methods and the importance of this issue, participants suggested this topic be passed on to the negotiated CWA/Verizon occupational safety and health committee for further discussion and resolution.

Mark Balsamo, CWA Local 2100, indicated Company line trucks must be equipped with two rubber insulated blankets. However, Mark Wood, CWA Local 2201, indicated often the certification date for the rubber insulated blankets has expired/is not current. In these cases, the involved technician(s) should contact the Verizon supervisor and request that she/he be provided with up-to-date certified rubber insulated blankets. Alan Johnson, CWA Local 2204, repeated the importance of this issue suggesting local union leaders, OSH activists, and more senior technicians will need to remind younger technicians of this requirement. 

Occupational Safety and Health Training at the CWA District 2 Week-Long Leadership School-

Upon the invitation of Charles Buttiglieri, Assistant to Vice President Catucci, and Elaine Harris, CWA Representative, David LeGrande mentioned he conducted occupational safety and health training at the District's leadership school for second-year stewards. Topics included workplace violence and methamphetamine labs. Joe Adams, CWA Local 2019, West Virginia Troopers Association, also focused upon illegal drug use and work-related ramifications for CWA members. Further, he suggested the willingness of Joe to conduct similar sessions for interested District 2 locals. Given such willingness and enthusiasm, David asked Ron Collins if he knew of similar interest among our members in CWA Local 2911, the Anne Arundel County Corrections Officers. Ron suggested contacting Jimmy Tarlau, CWA Representative, for this information. (David made such a request on October 2, 2007).

Gary Waters, CWA Local 2107, emphasized the importance of the methamphetamine issue and the need to provide our members with educational information. In addition, he mentioned the need to remind technicians to notify the Company of actual or potential methamphetamine labs they may encounter during the performance of their assigned work.

CWA District Occupational Safety and Health Retreats-

David LeGrande mentioned during 2008 the Safety and Health Department will be joining with CWA District personnel to conduct district safety and health retreats. If possible, given the busy 2008 bargaining agenda as well as the CWA Convention, June 21-23, 2008, it might be advantageous to conduct the District 2 retreat towards the earlier part of the year. Ron Collins and Bill Evitt said they would take a look at the timing issue and get back with David.

Participant Reports/New Issues-

Gary Waters, CWA Local 2107, commented upon a number of recent vehicular accidents which have occurred at a represented Verizon garage. These incidents are the result of poor housekeeping and organization primarily due to the introduction of FIOS cable and equipment into the garage area. Further, he indicated that Mark Balsamo, CWA Local 2100, and himself were planning to visit the garage and work with Verizon managers in straightening and cleaning up/organizing materials and equipment. This will include creating a circular vehicular traffic pattern and, in general, a more safe and healthful workplace. This labor-management effort is expected to carry over into other Company garages.   

Robin Young, CWA Local 2001, reported on indoor air quality issues at the Verizon facility in Charleston, West Virginia. Initially, this matter was brought to her attention after a wet ceiling tile fell on one of our members (To make matters worse, initially, the Company was not going to allow the member to go home to change into dry clothes and return to work). Upon investigation, Robin learned, in addition to the ceiling tiles, sections of the floor carpet and one wall were also very wet. In turn, she talked with David LeGrande regarding next steps. He suggested requesting the Company conduct sampling of the wet materials to determine the presence of bacteria/mold as well as perform a thorough investigation of the heating ventilation, and air conditioning system to identify the source of the leak/problem. Elaine Harris, CWA Representative, is assisting the local in having this problem resolved. Mark Balsamo, CWA Local 2100, suggested his matter be coordinated with Ron Collins for inclusion in his upcoming conference call with Verizon managers.

John Paugh, CWA Local 2010, mentioned a technician recently suffered a copperhead snake bite while performing work in a cross box. Fortunately, as a result of receiving timely and appropriate medical treatment, she did not experience any medical problems.  John noted this incident could have been prevented had Verizon maintained the area around the cross box equipment, i.e., ensured the grass and weeds around the cross box were cut. Alan Johnson, CWA Local 2204, voiced similar concerns. Mark Balsamo, CWA Local 2100, suggested duplicating the manner in which Maryland locals handle this issue, i.e., referring this work to the Company's building maintenance group. Also, he suggested the need to develop an incident paper trail for introduction to Company managers during scheduled meetings.

Travis Carpenter, CWA Local 2222, indicated Verizon trucks do not contain a vehicle inspection report as required by the Virgnia Department of Motor Vehicles. In addition, Company supervisors do not have this information. It was suggested he bring this attention to Verizon management, letting the Company know inclusion of such information is a state requirement and must be adhered to. (Upon further investigation, Travis learned Virginia excludes vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds from this requirement).

Ron Gaskins, CWA Local 2004, indicated within West Virginia Verizon does not repair Company trucks which are older than 10 years. Rather these vehicles are put on a "no-repair list." In addition, Verizon does not provide replacement trucks. Participants compared notes on this issue determining the provision of properly operating and equipped trucks is a basic issue of appropriate working conditions for outside plant technicians. Thus, it was recommended this matter be placed on the agenda for the next contractual CWA/Verizon occupational safety and health committee.

Date of the Next CWA District 2 Occupational Safety and Health Conference Call-

The next District 2 Safety and Health Conference Call will be held on Monday, December 17, 2007 from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.