Sisters and Brothers,

     Duke Energy management has made clear their desire to have a uniform and consistent distribution apprentice training program across all of its jurisdictions. While the Union doesn't necessarily oppose this idea, we have made it clear that we will not agree to any changes that don't benefit and enhance the program that we helped develop and subsequently negotiated into our contract. We will not make any changes simply for the sake of making changes and will never agree to any change that adds unnecessary danger to the inherent hazards already required of our apprentices to progress to linemen.

     In a show of solidarity, union representatives from across Duke Energy, including: 962 Carolina, 1347 Ohio, 1393 Indiana, and System Council U8, met with Company representatives from Management, Labor Relations, and Training, at the SE Orlando Operations Center, to discuss these changes and express our concerns and opposition to certain aspects we deemed non-starters, such as apprentice lone worker. 

     Progress was made, but we still have issues to sort through and questions to get answered. System Council U8 will be meeting locally with Labor Relations in the near future, and we hope to get this resolved and have an agreement in place with as little impact on our apprentices as possible.

     A special thank you to our brothers from our sister locals who stood with us and continue to stand united.

     Thank you, and please continue working safely.

Fraternally yours,

Phil