By now all of you have heard that Duke Energy will be merging with Progress Energy. There seems to be no immediate impact to the bargaining unit and will probably take about a year to complete. Those of you who were employees when we were still Florida Power Corporation have been through this before and should know what to expect.
I have been asked a lot today about my opinion of the merger and would love to discuss this with you but will do so within the confines of a union meeting. For some strange reason when you publish information of that nature it seems to find a way to bite you in the rear!
The number one question asked about the merger today by the members was "How will it impact upcoming negotiations?" I'd love to have that answer but feel that we need to just buckle down and get ready. All of the officers know what we are facing and are actively preparing to get down to business.
The second most asked question today, "Is Duke Union?" The little bit I know right now is that there are some union employees in the Carolinas, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. Joe Adams, BM SCU8, will be in contact with the local union that represents those employees and has been discussing this situation with some of our peers. I am certain that they will have some insights into what we are getting into.
As we get more information about the merger I will pass it along.
Fraternally,
David B. Price
BM/Pres IBEW LU 1412
