CHUGACH ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC.
Anchorage, Alaska

BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY

April 19, 2000

ACTION REQUIRED                                                                               AGENDA ITEM NO.        

           Information Only
  X      Motion
           Resolution                                          Board vote to table -     NO: Kreig Davison Lipscomb                          
           Executive Session                                                            YES: Kennedy Jasper Minder Boucher
           Other                                                    [see also 7/19/00 votes on same subject]

TOPIC - Excessive restrictions on use of rubber gloving in Alaska's electric industry should be removed.

DISCUSSION (by Director Kreig)

Rubber gloving is a routine work practice in widespread and completely legal use in 47 other states and Canada as well as throughout the world.

Years ago IBEW Union Local 1547 placed bans on rubber gloving in most of its contracts with Alaska's large utilities. IBEW Local 1547's interest in banning rubber gloving has the effect of increasing the cost of electrical work because it probably doubles the time necessary to handle "hot" wires (normally paid at premium wage rates).

Washington and Oregon banned its use many years ago when the practice was very new, relatively unknown, and unperfected. But later, the Safety Director of the IBEW Union International Office was on the federal panel that rewrote all electric industry safety regulations. He endorsed the final federal regulations which provide for safe use of rubber gloving methods.

In Alaska, several IBEW attempts to get the legislature to pass a statutory ban were tried but were unsuccessful. However, in 1995 Labor Commissioner Tom Cashen did it by executive action when he implemented regulations outlawing the practice.

Alaska has become a national joke in the industry as it stands alone in this modern attempt to stop a proven and mature work practice. Senate Bill 253 has been introduced as corrective action to repeal Commissioner Cashen's ban.

RECOMMENDATION (by Director Kreig)

Motion 1: Move that the Board of Directors direct the General Manager to send a letter to the bill's sponsor indicating Chugach Electric Association's support for Senate Bill 243.