November  30, 2022

Dear Member;

 
At this month’s upcoming unit meeting, the IBEW 2034 executive have recommended that the newly proposed LOU #24/2019-22 - RE: OPERATOR DRIVER PROGRESSION will be posed to the membership for acceptance.  Affected members are urged to indicate their support by attending a local unit meeting where they can vote on the LOU.  Below, is a copy of the proposed LOU and Preamble on the intent.


In solidarity,

Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034


Proposed LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING #24/2019-22 - RE: OPERATOR DRIVER PROGRESSION

Preamble:
The decision to review the OD progression at MH was based on the absence of a clearly defined career path for the Operator Driver classifications.  The proposal was developed to allow for improved opportunity for progression which includes formalized training and on the job experience aimed at developing safe, competent operator drivers early in their career.  This progression system will eliminate the equipment-based compensation system between the OD I and OD classifications, resulting in ODIs having a clear expectation of achieving the ODII classification within a defined timeframe of entering the program.  Further, this system will assist those employees to progress in the operator driver classifications who have been in an ODI position for multiple years based on situations such as, the inability to bid or operate ODII equipment in their location, lack of bids, equipment type, family commitments, etc.  As compensation will follow qualifications and all operator drivers will progress to the OD II level, dual rates in the ODII classification will not apply for those who secure an OD I/II base position.  Individuals holding non-OD I/II base positions such as Labourers or Utility workers will continue to be eligible for dual rates when performing higher level OD I/II duties.  

 
LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING #24/2019-22 Between MANITOBA HYDRO and THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS
 
RE: OPERATOR DRIVER PROGRESSION
 
This letter will confirm the understanding reached between Manitoba Hydro and Local Union 2034, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers with respect to Operator Driver Technical Training Program and associated progression in Operator Driver positions.
 

1. As of the signing of this letter, Operator Driver positions will be posted as either an Operator Driver I/II, Operator Driver III, or Operator Driver Lead.
2. Applicants promoted to Operator Driver I/II positions from lower classifications will have their rate of pay established in accordance with the provisions of E4.13 of the collective agreement. Subject to supervisory recommendation, applicants will have their classification established based on their qualifications and experience as follows:

3. As progression to the Operator Driver II level is automatic, the provisions of E3.2 pertaining to dual rates will not apply for employees performing Operator Driver II work who are progressing in an Operator I/II base position.
4. Employees holding Operator Driver base positions as of the signing date of this letter, will be required to complete the Operator Driver Technical Training levels as they become available. Such employees will have their current Operator Driver classification and progression protected within their current position so long as they register to actively pursue completion of the training program within 12 months of this letter being signed.
5. After signing this letter, the Corporation will conduct a review of employees who currently hold an Operator Driver I position. In cases where an Operator Driver I has completed the necessary requirements to be qualified as an Operator Driver II, the Corporation will rebuild the employee’s salary retroactive to the date they became qualified, so long as the date they became qualified does not precede the start of the current collective agreement (January 1, 2019). In cases where an employee met the requirements necessary to be deemed qualified as an Operator Driver II prior to the start of the current collective agreement, January 1, 2019, will be used as the date of reclassification.

Agreed this ____ day of _________________, 2022.

_________________________                               _______________________                                                                            
M. Levitt                                                                    M. Espenell
Manager                                                                    Business Manager
Labour Relations & HR Services Department           Local Union 2034, I.B.E.W.
 
 
INTENT:
 
To have all Operator Driver’s complete the required training. However, for those employees who are going to be retiring in the near future, through discussions with management, may be placed at a lower priority or exempt from completing the training in an effort to have other Operator Drivers complete the training quicker.
 
For a period of 24 months from the signing of this LOU, qualification on posted Operator Driver III and Operator Driver Lead position will identify qualifications that will include “must be willing to complete the O.D. training program”, after the 24-month period, only applicants who have the required training completed will be considered qualified.