SAFETY - A HABIT TO LIVE BY
Western Area Power Administration
A7000
Joint Statement of Safety Commitment Dealing with COVID-19
All Operations Employees and Supervisors
COVID-19 cases are surging across a vast part of WAPA’s territory with community spread now
rapidly increasing in rural areas across the WAPA footprint. With the latest data showing
WAPA’s footprint overlapping with the highest rates of infection per capita, both Labor and
Management issue this joint statement to amplify our spirit of obligation to our safety
responsibilities while dealing with this pandemic. AFGE Locals 3824 and 3807 and Operations
leadership are committed to protecting the health and well-being of ourselves, our fellow
employees, and our families. Over the last eight months, WAPA’s dispatch, real-time marketing,
and field employees have taken on challenges well beyond the scope of normal work practices to
continue reliable grid operation and maintenance activities while responding to the COVID-19
crisis. Efforts displayed in response to protecting yourself and others are deeply appreciated.
AFGE Union and Management leadership continue to encourage our operations workers to
remain vigilant by staying current with, and following, the COVID-19 guidelines as they
continue to evolve, knowing that this is uncharted territory. This pandemic has been one of the
biggest tests of our flexibility, ingenuity, and resourcefulness and we have been extremely
successful in accomplishing our Mission. As essential workers, we understand the critical nature
of our job as it leads to the reliability of our nation’s power grid and the safety and security of the
citizens of our nation. This is a unique and challenging opportunity to lead by example, serving
as role models for our fellow workers, citizens, and families, while expanding the safety culture
that we practice in our workplaces, homes, and communities.
WAPA cannot eliminate the COVID-19 hazard, however we can manage the risk of exposure to
our employees. This strategy is strengthened by everyone playing a part in the process and
taking personal responsibility. As we head into the fall and winter seasons with predicted
infection rates continuing to trend unfavorably, it is more important now than ever to not let our
guards down. We can each contribute individually to the health of our nation by following
WAPA guidelines such as wearing masks, washing our hands, and socially distancing. WAPA
leadership understands your essential role in maintaining the reliability of our nations critical
infrastructure and commends you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to safety as
we navigate through these challenging and unprecedented times.
Acting SVP and Regional Manager RMR
AFGE Local 3824 President
DATE:
Digitally signed by Ronnie
Habacon
Date: 2020.12.07 16:13:21 -08'00'
Digitally signed by Jack D. Murray
Date: 2020.12.07 17:34:23 -07'00'
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