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NEWSLETTER |
Past Newsletters
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Correspondence from a fellow unionist
We received several copies of the following letter, regarding the shortage of inexpensive electrical power.
The purpose of this letter is to alert you to an urgent situation at Atofina Chemicals, Inc., Portland, Oregon plant, which requires your immediate attention. I am requesting you to contact the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary William Richardson as well as local and federal legislators.
I work for a union contractor at this facility. I have had a steady, good-paying job at the Atofina Plant for many years.
Atofina’s Portland, Oregon facility faces an uncertain future and risk hardship for employees and our families as a result of the differences between how BPA is treating Atofina and its direct regional competitors.
Atofina is forced to go to market when power is very expensive. MORE THAN TWICE THE COST OF REGIONAL COMPETITORS. Other companies may face similar issues; however, Atofina is the ONLY company whose regional competitors are being given preferences.
I would like you to direct BPA to narrow the gap between Atofina’s allocated cost based power and the 100 percent of the cost-based power of their regional competitors. It is anti-competitive for BPA rules to discriminate between regional competitors. It is inconceivable when that discrimination threatens jobs. And it’s just plain wrong!
BPA has the responsibility and the ability to correct this injustice. It should be assisting Atofina in leveling the “playing field” by providing the same opportunities to the Portland plant, its oldest and most faithful customer, as it does to Atofina’s competitors.
Finally, Atofina Chemicals, Inc. has expressed an interest in working with the Bonneville Power Administration and the Department of Energy on long-term developmental power projects such as co-generation and fuel cell technology. This plant can provide a steam load and hydrogen that has some real advantages in these areas. However, we need your help to access low cost BPA power at the same rate as their competitors to keep the plant open while these opportunities can be developed.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical situation.
Sincerely,
Jim Doud
56602 Country Villa Lane
Warren, OR 97053
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Is there something you want but don’t see in the Local 247 newsletter? |
| We had 57 members sign in for the Dec. 12 meeting. We had work reports, training updates, trustee reports, organizer and representative reports. Regional Manager Tim DeGan was in attendance. We had good success on our toy drive and the “Helping Hands” fundraiser. Eldon Middleton has compiled a list of all who will receive a 247 Carhartt jacket for meeting attendance. We received a resolution from Local 1797, Renton, WA, regarding delegate numbers to the Regional Council. The members passed a motion to present the office staff with Christmas gift certificates.
Upon adjournment, we raffled 15 hams and a variety of items that our General Convention delegates brought back from Chicago. The meeting went smoothly and adjourned early, at 8:40 p.m. |
Meeting Notices General membership Mentors Network Retirees Executive Board |
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Local 247 member Mike Garrett, foreground, works downtown. The contractor is using a form system which will strip out without removing the shores — no reshoring! |
Dispatching has been consistent through the last couple months. We currently have 216 journeymen and 25 apprentices on the metro out-of-work list. That is approximately 5 percent of the metro membership. The Regional Council produces a work activity report weekly, which is available at the 247 office. Downtown work continues with Howard S. Wright on four projects.
1. Gregory – NW 11th & Flanders
2 Hilton Hotel – SW Fifth & Taylor
3. Street Car Lofts – NW 13th & Marshall
4. Creative Service – NW Fifth & Everett
Ceco is the concrete subcontractor. P&C has an all-union multi-use job. D.P.R. has an internet hotel seismic upgrade and several other metro projects. The brewery blocks are soon to gear up. We should have a good share of that work, although we haven’t heard who all the subcontractors will be. Call for additional information.
| Local 247 office staff Julie and Dawn pose with gifts donated by the Local and members to the Regional Council toy drive. |  |
Local 247 OKs extra issue of Labor Press
Your Executive Board recommended that the local provide the other issue of the Labor Press to any members who would like to receive it. The Labor Press comes out twice a month. Currently, we provide one issue per month, in which we insert this newsletter. If you would like the other issue, or if you would like us to remove you from the list for this issue, please call the office at 289-9632.
Another season of support for Helping Hands
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Helping Hands crew outside 247 building. President Bruce Dennis and Vice President Willie Gore were on hand to help deliver goodies and gifts. |
Helping Hands
December 26, 2000
Carpenters Local 247
2205 N. Lombard, Room 101
Portland, OR 97217
Dear Members:
Thank you for your generous donation. With your help we will be able to make Christmas special for four needy families. Eleven children will have food, clothes, art supplies and toys to open on Christmas because of your generosity.
It’s people and organizations like yours that really make our community a very special place to live. Your contributions were greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
Have a Happy New Year!!
Sincerely,
Ms. Edie Crow
Coordinator
(503) 286-2193
| Local 247 Helping Hands crew pose with gifts. |
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