Southern California Edison Employees File for Union Election
A group of planners, designers, and field technicians at Southern California Edison (SCE) has officially initiated a unionization effort by filing a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This decision marks a significant step forward in a long-standing campaign for collective bargaining rights within the company.
Background of Unionization Efforts
The movement to unionize has been brewing for over five years, with employees asserting that their efforts were temporarily stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with renewed determination, they are seeking representation from the Engineers and Scientists of California Local 20 (ESC Local 20), affiliated with the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.
Workers’ Support and Intent to Unionize
According to ESC Local 20, a significant majority of the over 1,100 eligible employees have signed union authorization cards, although the exact number has not been disclosed. On Thursday, workers formally notified SCE of their intent to unionize via a letter.
“This has actually been years in the making. I’m excited we are one step closer to forming a union,” said Aaron Pearson, a planner with over two decades of experience at SCE. “We just want a real voice at work. We feel a union would give us the power to protect what’s working, fix what’s not working and keep communities safe.”
Company’s Response
In response to the petition, Brian Leventhal, a spokesperson for SCE, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing a respectful work environment and competitive benefits. He stated, “We respect the right of our employees to vote in an election and decide for themselves whether to join a union.” He encouraged all employees to educate themselves before making a decision.
Union Representation and Current Challenges
While construction linemen at SCE are already represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 47, ESC Local 20 is advocating for the new group of workers to gain their own representation. John Mader, president of ESC Local 20, called for a neutral approach from the company, allowing employees to vote free from interference.
“These workers provide an indispensable service to the people of California, and their right to come together collectively to improve their working conditions must be respected and protected,” Mader stated.
The Eaton Fire Incident
This unionization push occurs amid ongoing scrutiny of SCE regarding its alleged role in the devastating Eaton fire, which resulted in 18 fatalities and the destruction of over 9,000 structures. While the investigation continues, residents have filed multiple lawsuits against SCE, asserting that the utility company is responsible for igniting the fire. Edison International’s CEO, Pedro Pizarro, recently mentioned that the hypothesis of a transmission line reenergizing could be linked to the fire’s ignition.
Looking Ahead
As discussions surrounding employee rights and safety unfold, the workers maintain that their drive for unionization is not solely tied to the recent fire incidents. David Morasse, a planner with SCE for around 25 years, remarked, “Our job is to make sure we have a safe and reliable system. We are just excited to have a voice at the table in how we go forward.”
Should the election be conducted and the majority of the workers vote in favor, the group will officially affiliate with ESC Local 20 and embark on negotiations for their first contract with SCE.