Here is the latest info on the Puerto Rico trip...
At this time this is what we know. Duke informed the System Council office that there would NOT be double time offered for all hours worked during this trip. We were told that FEMA is driving this decision as they have apparently told utilities that they will not pay anything above what we are contractually obligated to get. In other words if we don't already have language saying Double Time for all hours off system they will not pay it. The company also informed us that the planned work schedule will be 6 - 12 hour days with the 7th day off. They did say your off time will be yours to do with as you please and guys are free to travel on there own time, but meals will be paid if they hang around the hotel.
There is an offer on the table to put an MOU together to pay guys 8hrs of straight time for the 7th day that would be their off day but that sounds like a bit of an insult considering what was verbally promised. The System Committee is still talking about it and no decision has been made yet.
Each of you needs to make the decision for yourself about whether or not to go if asked, however considering this latest information I stand by my original statements in the letter I sent the company and can not recommend that our members participate at this time. Major storm restoration requires an effort far above a typical work day and you all deserve much better then what was paid out during Irma's restoration or what is being offered now for this effort in order to leave your families and the comfort of your own bed.
