Union asks for independent investigation of EWEB’s HR department

Presenter: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 659 asked for an independent third-party investigation of EWEB’s Human Resources department. During public comment Aug. 5, Tom Hutton:

Tom Hutton: My name is Tom Hutton. I represent the bargaining unit of IBEW Local 659.

[00:00:18] Tonight, many of our members are here in person and you’ll notice that we’re all wearing union buttons. These buttons represent our collective concern over the ongoing erosion of workplace rights, unchecked management behavior, and the failure of EWEB’s internal systems to protect its employees.

[00:00:35] This is not a new problem. There has been a long-standing mistrust of management across multiple divisions. The recent incidents have amplified that mistrust and made it clear that internal accountability has broken down.

[00:00:48] Just weeks ago, several of our members were brought into an investigation meeting. Stewards asked directly for the topic in advance and were denied that information. The meeting subject was only disclosed once employees were seated in the room.

[00:01:01] That violates both the spirit of, and the intent of, Oregon’s Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA).

[00:01:07] Representation rights are meaningless if employees aren’t given the opportunity to use them.

[00:01:12] Many of our members have followed the appropriate internal channels to raise concerns, whether through HR, direct supervisors, or established reporting systems, but time again those concerns are either ignored, dismissed, or worse, weaponized by management and used to justify retaliation.

[00:01:30] Instead of resolving the issue, the process itself becomes a tool of intimidation. This has created a pattern, not of hurt feelings, but of procedural failure and institutional breakdown.

[00:01:43] We are also gravely concerned that these patterns expose EWEB to legal liability, including potential claims of retaliation, discrimination, hostile work environment, and contract violations.

[00:01:54] As elected officials, this board carries a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that EWEB remains not only financially sound, but also ethically and legally compliant. Based on what we’ve seen, that standard is not currently being met.

[00:02:09] For that reason, I am formally requesting that this board authorize an independent third-party audit of HR’s handling of complaints and investigations, compliance with PECBA and CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement), disciplinary trends, retaliation claims, and supervisory conduct.

[00:02:24] We are not here to fight, we are here to work. But we will not allow a culture of silence, intimidation, or procedural gamesmanship to define our workplace. Thank you.

[00:02:35] Presenter: A union speaks out about tensions with EWEB management. For coverage of public comments and preparedness, boards and commissions, neighborhoods and nonprofits, keep listening to KEPW 97.3, Whole Community News for your local watershed.