East Oregonian
July 30, 2003

Union representatives voice concerns over Depot safety
Category: Local News
Last Modified: 7:32:27 AM on 7/31/03
Archived: 7:32:27 AM on 7/31/03
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Publication: East Oregonian
Publication Date: 7/30/03
Page and Section: 7 A
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Union representatives voice concerns over Depot safety

HERMISTON -- Members of two unions representing more than 200 workers at Umatilla Chemical Depot expressed concern about safety at the chemical incineration facility during a press conference Tuesday.

The charges come as negotiations continue on a new contract between the workers and Washington Demilitarization, the company that operates the incinerator at the Depot. Negotiations have been under way since October.

Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 112 and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 701 said Tuesday they are concerned about an apparent lack of willingness by Washington Demilitarization to have workers serve on certification boards, as well as the lack of standardization in certification procedures.

"They're the people on the front line who keep the plant running and all the munitions disposal and all processes connected to it," said Darrell Clark, a union field representative. "There is a lack of consistency in the certification process; it needs to be based on objective standards and now it is based on subjective standards."

"We can handle this project, but we need to be a part of it," said Rod Osgood, union member.

Also at issue is the company's reluctance to pay an 8 percent premium due to workers engaged in hazardous activity once the actual incineration begins at the facility, said Jim O'Connor of the Operating Engineers.

Employees are also concerned over what they view to be an excessively high turnover rate of experienced employees. The average turnover rate at the facility is between 14 and 20 percent annually, O'Connor said.

Rick Kelley of Washington Demilitarization said he could not comment on contract negotiations. But he defended the company's safety record.

"We'll stand on our safety record," Kelley said. "We're within a month of achieving three million man hours without a lost-time injury."