The NSP Maritime Link tentative agreement (with a supplemental offer from the owner on January 14, 2014), was ratified by IBEW Local 1928 construction members today. This is the first time that Local 1928 has conducted a vote electronically, where eligible voters, notifed by mail, were able to cast ballots using a secure web service or by phone. This process allowed the over 100 eligible voters, who live and work in different areas of the country, to vote from home or from the road. The contract was supported by 72.5% of voters. 

In the Electricity Reform Act, introduced and passed in the fall 2013 sitting of the provincial legislature, the new Liberal government announced a "comprehensive review" of the province's electricity system. The second part of the act commits Minister of Energy Andrew Younger to complete a public consultation on the future policy plans and regulations for electricity in Nova Scotia.
     The review, which is to be completed in 2014, has two phases: 1) a technical study and review and 2) a public consultation. The final result will be a report to be released in spring of 2015, which will "form the basis for the government's future plans for Nova Scotia's electricity sector." That plan will be released, says the draft scope of work for the Review Department of Energy, in the fall of 2015.
     The Department of Energy intends to enable broad participation from the public and key stakeholders during this review. So far, there is no detailed plan for engagement, but anyone can comment  on the draft scope of work for the Electricty Review until February 7. Click here to go to the Department of Energy's website for the draft scope of work and RFPs for the Future of Electricity Review. As the representative for one of Nova Scotia's key electricity stakeholders—Nova Scotia Power's unionized workers—Local 1928 intends to participate in the review process.

For construction ("A") members of IBEW Local 1928 in good standing, the Local is conducting an electronic vote on the NSP Maritime Link tentative contract negotiated in summer 2013, which was supplemented by a financial offer from the owner on January 9, 2014. The vote will take place between Tuesday January 28th at 9am until Friday January 31st at 12pm. A contract information package was sent out to voter's home addresses last week. If are an "A" member in good standing you will receive a one-page letter by mail with a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to vote. You can place your vote either by phone or on the web. If you have questions about the voting procedure or the contract, contact the union hall.

Links to information about the contract are below (all PDF documents):
* Link to NSP Maritime Link tentative agreement
* Link to Highlights of January 9, 2014 supplemental offer from the employer
* Link to Summary of Maritime Link tentative agreement, July 23, 2013
* Link to Agreement Appendix: Extended Work Schedules  (if project requires schedule that is not a regular 40-hour week) 
* Link to Letter from Brother Bill Daniels, International Vice President First District

Members of Local 1928 gave a generous gift of nearly $2,000 (by passing the hat at meetings in October and November) to a former employee of the Local who was widowed suddenly in 2013, leaving her with four young children to raise on her own. We would like to say a warm thank you to the members from Nova Scotia who opened their hearts and wallets to a friend and former colleague. Ms. Campbell accepted this gift in mid-December and there is no question that it will help her family during the holiday season. Thank you again.