While rank-and-file members of one union at the V.I. Water and Power Authority are skeptical of the proposal to sell 80 percent of the public utility to Southern Energy, the leader of another isnt so critical.
Despite Southern Energys assurance that it wont "colonize" the power system, the WAPA Employees Association leadership recently took out a newspaper ad saying that a majority of its 400 members, made up of non-managerial production, maintenance and clerical workers, have voted to oppose the proposed sale.
Among other issues, union officials see the deal as a potential threat to WAPA employees jobs and retirement packages.
"A decision to sell would bring a one-time cash windfall for the government, but not enough to solve the governments financial problems," the ad stated. "And when that money is gone, what are we left with? Our biggest income-generating asset is gone and the government still will be unable to pay its own electric bill."
But Ralph Mandrew of the V.I. Workers Union, which represents 62 WAPA supervisors, said that while hes not openly advocating the deal, hes not opposing it either. One of the main reasons is that he has a "15-page letter from Southern Energy guaranteeing the continued employment of my people."
"It seems to me that they (Southern Energy) are coming out with a proposal that will be hard to refuse," Mandrew said.
Even though negotiations between the V.I. government and Southern for the sale of WAPA, for $80 million or thereabouts, are ongoing and details unavailable, Southern is conducting an active public relations campaign. Radio advertisements feature seemingly satisfied employees from the companys power operations in Trinidad and the Bahamas. The company has also sponsored events and programs in the community.
All the effort, said Southern Energy spokesman Chuck Griffin, is to introduce the company to not only the islands residents but the utilitys workers.
"I think the ads, to some degree, are to make the employees comfortable," Griffin said. "Its going to take some time to develop trust. Ultimately we think well be able to reach that level."
Griffin said that if Southern Energy does purchase a portion of WAPA, a main focus will be on making the utility more efficient. He added, though, that efficiency isnt synonymous with layoffs. Conceding that there may be management changes, Griffin said reworking negotiated union contracts isnt part of the streamlining formula.
"Were looking to make efficiencies in the process. Theres a way to go about that without impacting people," Griffin said. "We know WAPA has some very good people in place. Its still going to be local people."
"Were not in any way going to try to colonize the power system. Beyond that, it goes to that trust issue."
Mandrew, meanwhile, said he has no sympathy for WAPAs upper management. He said that in his last three contract negotiations off-island arbitrators had to be called in.
"Im not going to cry in my beer over the people at the top," he said.
UNIONS HAVE DIFFERING VIEWS ON PROPOSED WAPA SALE
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