Representatives from Alabama utility companies are denying and clarifying recent reports that their crew members were turned away from storm recovery in New Jersey because they are non-union.
Reports have mentioned Huntsville Utilities, Decatur Utilities and Joe Wheeler EMC as companies that were shut out of efforts in Superstorm Sandy's wake. George Kitchens, general manager of Joe Wheeler EMC, tells ABC 33/40 the claim is completely false, and eight of his crew members who were sent to Maryland are on their way back to Alabama. Kitchens also says all of his crew members are union. A spokesperson from Huntsville Utilities has also denied claims, saying their crews are not in New Jersey and have experienced no problems.
As for Decatur Utilities, a press release confirms that six
Decatur Utilities workers were not in New Jersey but members of the International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers stopped them in Virginia and asked them to sign papers in order to assist.
The release reads in part, "It was and remains our understanding that agreeing to those requirements was a condition
of being allowed to work in those areas. As we waited for clarification, we
became aware that Seaside Heights had received the assistance they needed from
other sources. To be clear, at no time were our crews 'turned away' from the
utility in Seaside Heights."
To read the full press release from Decatur Utilities:
http://www.decaturutilities.com/images/stories/DU/PDFS/Press_Release_%20Hurricane_Sandy.pdf
Keisa Sharpe, a spokesperson from Alabama Power, says the company has
received calls from media outlets about crew members being turned away
too. Sharpe tells ABC 33/40 all of their workers are union and have not
experienced any union or non-union issues.
Media reports about reported union issues:
http://www.waff.com/story/19981857/some-nonunion-ala-crews-turned-away-from-sandy-recovery
http://www.foxbusiness.com/government/2012/11/02/union-red-tape-in-nj-causes-alabama-recovery-crew-to-head-home/#ixzz2B57cm5PY
Calls to Decatur Utilities have not yet been returned.
ABC 33/40 will continue to update this story as it develops.
