February 2021 — Distribution North, Transmission & FMC Report

Covid 19: it's a phrase that has encompassed most of 2020, and continues into 2021. Many of our members have been able to get the vaccination because of their endeavors outside of their duties with PSE&G, such as volunteer firemen, family members of medical workers, et al. I can't say enough about the efforts of our members across all lines of business—the distancing, the mask wearing, thinking about others if they were exposed or believe they were exposed to the virus. Many people talk about it; our brothers and sisters have lived it. There appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel, but we have to stay as vigilant as we have been for the last year. Frank Brennan is reporting the understanding we have to get the training needed back onto the timeline, to get the recently hired to a productive level and help in the much needed assist to the workforce. I won't repeat what he is reporting on. We were recently invited to sit in on a virtual meeting that was onboarding new hires. The Company covered a great deal of information. They shared how they should be calling certain departments within the Company when issues arise. What was missing from the Company's presentation was the new member's ability to approach a shop steward or a fellow brother or sister to see if the Union could help in the resolution to the issue. We ask that some of our senior folks, the leaders of the groups and our stewards, make it clear we want to be in the loop and that we can help in any resolution.I'm going to finish by thanking Jason Howlett, Chief Underground Division Mechanic, serving as the Chairman of the Line of Business Safety Council for the last ten years. In this role, he has served the Union and its membership well. As he moves along, I want to thank him personally, and collectively on behalf of the Union. Good luck in any future endeavors, Jason; job well done. As always, watch out for each other's backs out there.